Jurassic Park River Adventure Closing for Nearly a Year at Universal Orlando

Big news for dino fans: Jurassic Park River Adventure at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is about to take a long nap. Universal Orlando has confirmed the classic water ride will close on January 5, 2026, and won’t reopen until November 19, 2026 — marking nearly 11 months of downtime.

Related: Rock the Universe Returning to Universal Orlando January 2026

A Classic Gets a Long Break

Jurassic Park River Adventure has been a staple of Islands of Adventure since the park first opened in 1999. Guests board large rafts and float peacefully through lush, prehistoric landscapes before things go… very wrong. From menacing raptors to that iconic T. rex finale drop, it’s one of the park’s most thrilling and nostalgic experiences.

The upcoming extended closure has sparked plenty of speculation. Universal hasn’t released details, so the refurbishment could simply be for extensive maintenance — or perhaps something more ambitious. With attractions like Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Raptor Encounter, and Camp Jurassic already modernizing the land, fans are wondering if River Adventure could see some updates to bring it closer in line with the “Jurassic World” branding seen in Hollywood.

What Guests Can Do Instead

While River Adventure is off the map, dinosaur lovers won’t be left stranded. Universal’s Islands of Adventure still offers:

• Jurassic World VelociCoaster — a high-speed, inversion-packed roller coaster that’s become an instant fan favorite.
• Raptor Encounter — meet Blue and other raptors for an up-close photo op.
• Camp Jurassic & Pteranodon Flyers — kid-friendly adventures among prehistoric caves, nets, and soaring swings.
• Jurassic Park Discovery Center — hands-on exhibits and even a chance to see baby raptors hatch.

Related: HamiKuma Roars Into Universal Orlando and Hollywood for Halloween Horror Nights

When to Plan Your Visit

If Jurassic Park River Adventure is a must-do for you, be sure to ride before January 5, 2026. After that, you’ll have to wait until mid-November for another splashdown with the T. rex.

The Bottom Line

It’s rare for a Universal Orlando attraction to close this long without major updates, so expectations are running high. Whether it’s just a much-needed tune-up or a big refresh, we’ll be keeping our dino-sized ears to the ground for more news.

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