Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for another round of major changes, and guests planning vacations over the next several months may find some of their favorite attractions unavailable.The resort has continued expanding its entertainment offerings, especially following the opening of Universal Epic Universe in May 2025. However, while new experiences are arriving, several longtime attractions are temporarily shutting down for refurbishments, and others are closing permanently.Credit: UniversalSome of these closures will only last a few days. Others will stretch into 2027, potentially affecting families planning holiday vacations, winter getaways, or early spring trips.Even The Wizarding World of Harry Potter isn’t escaping the changes, with two popular attractions appearing on Universal Orlando’s closure schedule.And that’s only the beginning.From Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida to Epic Universe and Volcano Bay, here’s a look at the major Universal Orlando closures guests should know about before their next visit.Hogwarts Express Closing at Universal Orlando in NovemberOne of Universal Orlando’s most important attractions is scheduled to close on November 4, 2026.The Hogwarts Express, which connects Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, will temporarily stop transporting guests between the two theme parks.Unlike a traditional ride closure, this one could affect how visitors plan their entire day.The Hogwarts Express allows guests with appropriate park-to-park admission to travel between Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure without walking between the parks’ main entrances.Credit: Andrew Boardwine, Inside the MagicIt’s also a major part of the Harry Potter experience, with different scenes depending on which direction guests travel.When the attraction closes, visitors hoping to explore both Wizarding World locations will need to walk between the parks instead.That could be especially frustrating for families who planned to use the train as transportation throughout the day.The closure is currently listed for November 4, although the provided schedule doesn’t establish an extended refurbishment period.Jurassic Park River Adventure Remains Closed Until DecemberAnother major attraction missing from Universal Orlando’s lineup is Jurassic Park River Adventure.The popular Islands of Adventure water ride closed on January 5, 2026, and is currently scheduled to reopen on December 16, 2026.That means guests visiting throughout most of 2026 will have missed the opportunity to experience one of the park’s most recognizable attractions.Jurassic Park River Adventure takes visitors through a dinosaur-filled environment before sending them down a dramatic final drop.Credit: UniversalThe attraction has remained a favorite among longtime Universal visitors, particularly those who enjoy the combination of elaborate theming and water ride thrills.Its extended closure has been one of the more significant refurbishments at Islands of Adventure this year.Fortunately, the December reopening date means the attraction could return in time for the busiest stretch of the Christmas holiday season.However, guests should keep in mind that refurbishment schedules can change, especially when projects involve lengthy maintenance work.Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Closing in February 2027The Hogwarts Express isn’t the only Harry Potter attraction scheduled for downtime.Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Islands of Adventure will close on February 8, 2027, with the refurbishment expected to continue through February 19.The attraction, located inside Hogwarts Castle, is one of the most recognizable experiences in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.Guests travel through detailed castle corridors before boarding an adventure featuring familiar characters, magical creatures, and scenes inspired by the Harry Potter franchise.For many visitors, exploring Hogwarts Castle is just as exciting as the ride itself.Unfortunately, guests visiting during the scheduled February closure won’t be able to experience the attraction.Other Hogsmeade experiences, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Flight of the Hippogriff, are not listed as part of this particular refurbishment.Still, families who consider Forbidden Journey a must-do attraction may want to plan their vacations around the scheduled downtime.Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges Closing in JanuaryAnother Islands of Adventure attraction will shut down shortly after the holiday season ends.Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges is scheduled to close on January 4, 2027, and remain unavailable through February 2.The popular raft ride is known for getting guests absolutely soaked as they travel through winding waterways, waterfalls, and unexpected splashes.Credit: UniversalUnlike some water attractions where visitors might escape relatively dry, Bilge-Rat Barges rarely gives riders that opportunity.The scheduled refurbishment comes during one of Central Florida’s cooler periods, when demand for water attractions can be lower.While the closure may disappoint visitors who enjoy the ride, its expected return in early February means the downtime shouldn’t extend into the busier spring travel season.Guests visiting Islands of Adventure in January should plan to experience other attractions while the water ride undergoes maintenance.Epic Universe’s Fyre Drill Closing in Early 2027Universal Epic Universe may be the resort’s newest theme park, but that doesn’t mean its attractions can avoid scheduled maintenance.Fyre Drill, located in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, is scheduled to close on January 25, 2027, and remain unavailable through February 4.The interactive boat attraction allows guests to participate in a Viking-style firefighting competition, using water cannons to spray targets and other riders.Credit: UniversalIt’s one of the more family-friendly experiences in Isle of Berk, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy something different from the land’s larger thrill rides.Although Epic Universe opened in May 2025, routine refurbishments are still necessary to keep its attractions operating properly.Fortunately, Fyre Drill’s scheduled closure is relatively short compared to several other projects happening across Universal Orlando.Guests visiting during those dates can still explore the rest of Isle of Berk, including Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Dragon Racer’s Rally.Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show Remains ClosedOver at Universal Studios Florida, another longtime attraction has been unavailable for several months.Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show closed on May 12, 2026, as part of a major reimagining project.The show is expected to return during winter 2026, although Universal hasn’t provided an exact reopening date.Credit: UniversalFor years, the Horror Make-Up Show entertained audiences with demonstrations of Hollywood special effects, comedy, and behind-the-scenes techniques used to create frightening movie moments.The attraction became a popular choice for guests looking to escape the Florida heat while enjoying something different from the park’s traditional rides.Its extended closure means visitors have temporarily lost one of Universal Studios Florida’s familiar indoor entertainment options.While the attraction is expected to return, guests will need to wait for more information about its updated experience.Finnegan’s Bar & Grill Also Closed at Universal Studios FloridaThe closures aren’t limited to rides and shows.Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, located in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida, has also been unavailable since January 12, 2026.The popular restaurant is expected to reopen during winter 2026, although an exact return date hasn’t been announced.Finnegan’s has long been a familiar dining destination for Universal visitors, offering an Irish-inspired atmosphere and traditional pub-style meals.Its closure has temporarily removed another sit-down dining option from Universal Studios Florida.Guests who normally make Finnegan’s part of their vacation plans will need to choose another restaurant until it reopens.While restaurant refurbishments may not attract as much attention as major ride closures, they can still affect how families organize their park days, particularly during busy travel periods.Volcano Bay Shutting Down for Several MonthsOne of Universal Orlando’s biggest upcoming closures involves an entire theme park.Universal Volcano Bay is scheduled to close on October 26, 2026, for an extended seasonal maintenance period.The water park is currently expected to reopen on or before April 1, 2027.Unlike the temporary shutdown of an individual attraction, this closure will make all of Volcano Bay unavailable for several months.That includes popular experiences such as Krakatau Aqua Coaster, Ko’okiri Body Plunge, and the park’s various pools and water attractions.Credit: Universal Orlando ResortFor guests planning winter vacations, this is particularly important because Volcano Bay won’t be an option during its scheduled shutdown.The closure also affects visitors planning early spring trips, especially those arriving before the water park’s anticipated reopening.While Universal’s three other theme parks will continue operating, families who normally include Volcano Bay in their vacation plans should adjust their itineraries accordingly.Animal Actors on Location Permanently Closing in NovemberWhile most of Universal Orlando’s upcoming closures are temporary, one longtime attraction is preparing to disappear for good.Animal Actors on Location at Universal Studios Florida will hold its final performances on November 2, 2026.The attraction will permanently close on November 3.The show has entertained Universal visitors for decades, featuring trained animals demonstrating tricks, performing routines, and showing audiences how animal performers work in movies and television.Credit: UniversalDogs, cats, birds, and other animals have been part of the experience over the years.For many longtime visitors, Animal Actors represents a piece of Universal Studios Florida’s original identity as a theme park centered around the entertainment industry.Its permanent closure marks another significant change to the park’s entertainment lineup.Unlike the other attractions undergoing maintenance, Animal Actors isn’t expected to return in its current form.Guests hoping to experience the show one final time will need to visit before its scheduled closing date.More Universal Orlando Attractions Are Already GoneThe upcoming closures are part of a larger transformation taking place throughout Universal Orlando Resort.Universal Studios Florida has already permanently closed Fast & Furious: Supercharged, while the resort continues developing its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster.Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the MagicMeanwhile, Islands of Adventure is experiencing major changes involving The Lost Continent.The themed area has gradually lost several longtime offerings, including Poseidon’s Fury, which permanently closed in 2023.Credit: UniversalAdditional changes are continuing as Universal prepares the area for future development.These projects show that Universal isn’t simply maintaining its existing attractions. The company is also making significant changes to its theme parks as it prepares for the future.For returning guests, that means some familiar experiences may be missing during their next vacation, while entirely new attractions could eventually take their places.What Guests Should Know Before Their Next Universal Orlando VacationWith closures affecting all four Universal Orlando parks, visitors should pay close attention to their travel dates.Guests visiting in late October or November will face some of the most immediate changes, including Volcano Bay’s seasonal shutdown, the permanent closure of Animal Actors, and the one-day Hogwarts Express closure.Those traveling in December should watch for Jurassic Park River Adventure’s anticipated return, while visitors arriving in January or February will need to account for several additional ride refurbishments.The good news is that Universal Orlando still has plenty of attractions available across its theme parks.However, the closures could make a difference for families planning their vacations around specific rides or experiences.It’s also important to remember that refurbishment dates can change. Universal may adjust reopening schedules or announce additional maintenance periods as work progresses.Before heading to the parks, guests should check Universal Orlando’s official operating calendar to confirm which attractions will be available.With several major closures already scheduled through early 2027, a little extra planning could help visitors avoid arriving at Universal Orlando only to discover that one of their favorite experiences is unavailable.The post Universal Orlando Confirms 9 Major Closures, Multiple Attractions Shutting Down Through 2027 appeared first on Inside the Magic.