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Universal Orlando Snapshot: Current Ride Closures, Park Promotions, & Special Events

At Orlando Informer, we work diligently to keep information up to date. This page was last updated on December 20, 2024.

On this page, you’ll find our up-to-date one-stop shop for everything that is currently happening at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, Volcano Bay, and all of Universal Orlando Resort! (Yeah, this is a good page to bookmark.)

By the way, we’re very happy to let you know that this is just one page out of over 300 we have in our next-generation encyclopedia of obsessively-updated Universal Orlando vacation-planning info.

Want even more updates? Sign up for our free newsletter, join our community in our Facebook group, or join us on any of these social networks:

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The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure
The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Islands of Adventure

Live tweeting and Facebook live streaming from Universal Orlando

We visit Universal multiple times every month to bring our fans live in-park photo and video updates direct from Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, and CityWalk! To see all of our photo updates as they happen, we invite you to follow us on Twitter.

We also do Facebook live streaming from in-park, as well, both on our page and in our community.  To be a part of these broadcasts, like our Facebook page here and join our private community here.

Current Ride Closures

Universal Studios Florida

  • Hogwarts Express: January 28 – January 31, 2025

Islands of Adventure

  • The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle
  • Pteranodon Flyers
  • Jurassic Park River Adventure: January 6, 2025 – January 23, 2025
  • Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: February 1, 2025 – March 15, 2025
  • Hogwarts Express: January 28 – January 31, 2025

Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on select weekdays beginning in late October 2024 and continuing through February 2025. These dates are subject to change.

  • December: 23, 24, & 31
  • January: 8, 9, 13, 14, 22, 23, 27, & 28
  • February: 5, 6, 10, 11, 18, 19, 24, & 25

Current promotions and resort-wide changes

Universal Epic Universe Concept Art Map
Universal Epic Universe Concept Art Map

Epic Universe
Universal’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, is opening on May 22, 2025! To learn even more, you can read our opening date announcement or do a deep dive into Epic Universe in our complete guide.

Early Park Admission
This perk is currently available at Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay. Select dates for Early Park Admission are available at Universal Studios Florida. Prior to your visit, please check that you are eligible for Early Park Admission.

The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Universal Studios Florida from December 22 – 31, 2024:

The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Islands of Adventure from November 1 – December 31, 2024:

The following attractions are available for Early Park Admission at Volcano Bay from December 13 – 30, 2024 (up to 30 minutes before park opening):

Upcoming annual events and special celebrations

The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Universal's Islands of Adventure
The Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Wicked at Universal Orlando Resort – Good news! Universal Orlando Resort is celebrating the highly anticipated Wicked release on November 22. Guests can follow the yellow brick road to an immersive experience at Universal Studios Florida, explore merchandise collections inspired by the film, and indulge in themed treats at eateries across Universal Orlando Resort. Learn more about the celebration here!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort 2024 – Universal Orlando Resort is decking the halls from November 22 through December 31! Celebrate the season with exclusive entertainment, festive dining, and more. Discover all the details here!

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort 2025 – The good times roll at Universal Orlando Resort from February 1 through March 30, 2025! Celebrate with festive food, live music, a dazzling parade, and so much more. Discover all the details in our dedicated guide here.

Universal Studios Florida

DreamWorks Land – Starting June 14, 2024, immerse yourself in a land based on beloved DreamWorks Animation films. The land will feature play areas and attractions themed after fan-favorite franchises like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Trolls. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet with beloved characters like Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse. Check out our first look here.

Illumination’s Villain-con Minion Blast – The biggest gathering of baddies has arrived at Universal Studios Florida! Find out about the mischief and mayhem here.

Illumination’s Minion Land – Mischief and mayhem have begun to arrive at Universal Studios Florida with the recent opening of Bake My Day, Pop-A-Nana, Freeze Ray Pops, Illumination Theater, and the flagship quick service spot – Illumination’s Minion Cafe. You can read all about this new eatery over on the OI Blog.

The list above is only a summary of the current ride refurbishments, openings, and closings at Universal Studios Florida. For a complete list of the park’s attractions, scroll to the bottom of this page or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Islands of Adventure

Poseidon’s Fury Permanent Closure – The temple of Poseidon was sealed on May 9, 2023. Learn more here about the attraction that has made its home within The Lost Continent for almost 24 years.

Jurassic World VelociCoaster – the apex predator of roller coasters has arrived! Get the complete rundown here.

Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure – find out everything there is to know about the newest Harry Potter ride over on our guide page.

The list above is only a summary of the current ride refurbishments, openings, and closings at Islands of Adventure. For a complete list of the park’s attractions, scroll to the bottom of this page or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.

Volcano Bay

Krakatoa Katy’s – Originally only a gift shop at the front of Volcano Bay has now been transformed to be part gift shop and part bar. It is a great alternative spot to get a drink if the normal bar lines are too long.

A look inside of Jurassic World: ESCAPE in Universal's Great Movie Escape
A look inside of Jurassic World: ESCAPE in Universal’s Great Movie Escape

CityWalk

Green and Red Coconut Club – Holiday cheer isn’t just for the theme parks! Universal CityWalk’s Red Coconut Club has transformed into the cozy Mistletoe Pines Ski Lodge, featuring live entertainment and festive holiday libations. Don’t miss out on this limited-time experience—find all the details on our blog!

Universal Studios Store Expansion – Coming in 2025, the Universal Studios Store will expand to include a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD section and a Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, complete with a dedicated Butterbeer counter, all in preparation for Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe.

Universal’s Great Movie Escape – First-of-its-kind escape adventures kicked off at Universal CityWalk on December 9, 2022. Travel through time within the Back to the Future universe in Back to the Future: OUTATIME, or flee from the grasp of an apex predator in Jurassic World: ESCAPE. Read our spoiler-free review here.

Looking for CityWalk events? They are included in our events section near the top of the page — skip up there.

For more information about Universal CityWalk, scroll to the bottom of this page or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.

Artist rendering of the neighboring Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna Resorts

Universal Orlando’s hotels

Upcoming Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando – Velvet sessions are making a rockin’ return to Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort, featuring Carl Dixon (formerly of The Guess Who) on December 20. These concerts are held in an intimate setting, allowing guests to hear performances by some of their favorite artists while enjoying cocktails and small plates.

Universal Stella Nova Resort – Inspired by the infinite and ever-growing mysterious universe, Universal Stella Nova Resort offers a tranquil galactic getaway in the heart of Central Florida. Opening January 21, 2025, this Prime Value hotel will feature a stellar collection of 750 rooms, recreational amenities, dining experiences, and more.

Universal Terra Luna Resort – Adding to Universal Orlando Resort’s constellation of hotel accommodations, Universal Terra Luna Resort will open on March 25, 2025. This Prime Value hotel draws inspiration from the universe’s diverse planetary elements, similar to the possibilities that can be explored within the realms of Universal Orlando Resort’s three (soon to be four) theme parks.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel – The latest addition to Universal’s Signature Collection is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, opening on May 22, 2025 and inspired by Helios, the Greek god of the sun. This hotel is beautifully decorated with celestial patterns, constellations, and Mediterranean design elements. Guests at this hotel enjoy stunning views of Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, and benefit from exclusive theme park entrance privileges.

Epic Universe

Epic Universe, Universal’s newest theme park, was announced in August 2019 and is scheduled to open on May 22, 2025. Find out everything there is to know about the park’s past and future over in the Universal Center.

Looking for hotel events? They are included in our events section near the top of the page — skip up there.

The list above is only a summary of the current projects relating to the Loews hotels at Universal Orlando. For complete details about these properties, check out the links below or visit the OI Universal Center table of contents.

Do you have a question about the information on this page or would you like to provide feedback? Please let us know by posting in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook.

See everything else you’ve been missing

Overview and Introduction:

Tickets and Planning

Insider Tips on Your Vacation

These guide pages will give you the inside scoop on how to get the most out of your vacation to Universal Orlando Resort. From internet access to mobile food ordering, all your questions can be answered here. Perusing these pages now will save you countless hours later, allowing you to spend more time on what’s important – your trip!

Insider’s Guide to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

With Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade Village, Universal Orlando changed the game for what it meant to be immersed in a theme park. These guide pages will cover our best insider tips on getting the most out of your visit to the Wizarding World.

Annual Events at Universal Orlando

There’s more to do than just rollercoasters! The following guide pages provide information on annual events at Universal Orlando Resort. Check here periodically for updates and news.

Universal Orlando Touring Plans

We combined our years of expertise and insider experience to build the best touring plans for you so you don’t have to! Whether you’re staying one day, or all week, we’ve got you covered!

Universal Studios Florida – Complete Guide and History

Universal Studios boasts The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley, Men in Black, Springfield, U.S.A, and more. Use these guide pages to help plan your ultimate vacation.

Universal Islands of Adventure – complete guide and history

Islands of Adventure features lands such as Seuss Landing, Jurassic Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade Village. That means you can ride The Cat in the Hat, come face to face with dinosaurs, and attend Hagrid’s magical creatures lesson. These pages contain great insider tips and tricks to make sure you have a great vacation.

Universal’s Volcano Bay – complete guide and history

The water theme park at Universal Studios, Volcano Bay takes your vacation to a whole new level of relaxation and excitement – all in the same day! Go with the flow in a raft, or climb to the top of Krakatau volcano just to slide back down again! But whatever you do – use our guide pages to plan your day at Volcano Bay and maximize your trip.

Park-wide tips

Universal Epic Universe – complete guide and history (opening May 22, 2025)

Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando Resorts’ biggest park, housing four major intellectual properties: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and Universal Monsters.

Universal CityWalk Orlando

These guide pages will walk you through everything you need to know about Universal City Walk and all you can find there! With formal dining options, to-go pizza, and even a tattoos parlor, you’ll find what you need (and more) at City Walk.

Universal Orlando’s hotels (general information)

Universal Orlando Resort boasts 11 hotels, and each has something the others don’t! Use these guide pages to read about each one and decide which is best for you and your family on your unforgettable vacation.

The Prop Graveyard: TOURING THE EXTINCT ATTRACTIONS

Unfortunately, even good things must come to an end. Universal Orlando Resort opened more than 20 years ago, and in their journey to keep things fresh and updated, sacrifices had to be made along the way! Use these guide pages to read up on the attractions of days gone by.

When we say that Orlando Informer is the world’s leading resource for Universal Orlando vacation planning, we’re not just blowin’ smoke. Start your journey through our knowledge by following any link below.