‘Tis the season for cooler temps and a flurry of attraction updates at Universal Orlando Resort. While the holidays bring festive cheer, this time of year also marks the annual downtime for some attractions, especially water rides. After all, who wants to splash around when it’s sweater weather? (Though, let’s be honest, Florida’s “cold” is relative.) Here’s what you need to know about upcoming closures and refurbishments at all three Universal Orlando theme parks.

Related: 2024 Universal Holiday Tour: A VIP Experience Review

Universal Studios Florida

• MEN IN BLACK Alien Attack: November 8 – December 15, 2024
  Grab your neuralyzer and say goodbye to those alien-fighting adventures—for now. Agents, take comfort knowing the MIB team will have this intergalactic escapade back in tip-top shape by mid-December. This is the typical time of year in which MEN IN BLACK goes down for maintenance, so no surprises here!
• Hogwarts Express: January 28 – February 1, 2025
  Don’t fret if Platform 9 ¾ seems a little less magical during these dates. The Hogwarts Express is simply taking a brief detour for some TLC. (We hear even magical trains need a “choo-choo-tune-up” now and then!)
  • It’s worth noting that while the Hogwarts Express is closed, the connecting walkway between Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure is typically not available to guests. This means that if you have a Park-to-Park ticket and plan to park hop, you’ll need to exit one park and enter the other through the main entrances rather than using an internal shortcut.

Islands of Adventure

• The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle: Currently paused.
  While this is on the list, this is really more of a technical closure since this show is simply paused while the holiday light show is running.
• Pteranodon Flyers: Closed until further notice.
  Flyers grounded for now! While it’s sad to see these prehistoric gliders on pause, maybe this is a good time to practice your dino-soaring skills on land. This attraction has been closed in months after closing unexpectedly due to a technical issue back in April 2024, and there is currently no end in site.
  • While we do not have confirmation on the cause from Universal, the general consensus online is a part broke that requires some pretty technical engineering to replace, which is resulting in the extended down time.
• Me-Ship, The Olive: October 21, 2024 – December 4, 2024
  This ship’s in dry dock for repairs, but Popeye’s prized vessel will soon be ship-shape and ready for family fun.
• Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls: November 7, 2024 – December 19, 2024
  Dudley’s log flume adventures will return soon enough—although given the temps in Orlando right now this attraction is likely not being missed by guests. Until then, we’ll wait with bated breath and plenty of bad puns.
• Jurassic Park River Adventure: January 6, 2025 – January 23, 2025
  The dinos are taking a quick vacation, but they promise to return, roaring and ready for action later in January.
• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: January 24, 2025 – March 15, 2025
  This wet and wild ride is taking a hiatus, probably because Popeye and Bluto are tired of being soaked. Come spring, you’ll be ready to brave the rapids again!
• Hogwarts Express: January 28 – February 1, 2025
  The magic train ride between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade will be back before you can say “accio repairs.” However, note that during this closure, the internal walkway between the two parks is typically not open to guests. Park-to-Park ticket holders should plan to utilize the main entrances instead.

Related: Universal Orlando Has Transformed into a Holiday Wonderland for 2024

Volcano Bay

Water parks and chilly days don’t always mix, and Universal’s Volcano Bay has embraced the seasonal slowdown. Here’s the scoop:

• Honu ika Moana: December 2 – 12, 2024
  This family raft ride is splashing into maintenance mode, ensuring smooth sailing for future adventurers.
• Select Weekday Closures: Starting late October 2024 through February 2025, Volcano Bay will be closed on certain weekdays due to lower demand during the winter months:
  • December: 4, 5, 9, 10, 18, 19, 23, 24, & 31
  • January: 8, 9, 13, 14, 22, 23, 27, & 28
  • February: 5, 6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 24, & 25

Remember, these dates are subject to change, so keep your eyes peeled for updates.

Final Thoughts

While it’s always a bummer to see your favorite attractions on hiatus, these closures ensure everything stays in tip-top shape for future visits. Whether it’s alien antics, wizarding wonders, or dino-filled adventures, Universal Orlando promises plenty of fun when these attractions reopen.

So, grab a Butterbeer, snap a selfie with a holiday tree, and enjoy all the magic Universal has to offer this season—even if you have to “ride out” a few closures. Don’t worry; the thrills will return faster than you can say, “Expelliarmus!”