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Universal Orlando Resort has shared an update on the closure of its classic Jurassic Park attraction.
The Jurassic Park franchise has been a fixture at Universal’s Islands of Adventure since the park opened in 1999. Its original headline attraction, Jurassic Park River Adventure, takes guests through a dinosaur enclosure before a terrifying encounter with a T. rex animatronic and an 85-foot plunge into the water below.
Credit: Universal
In 2021, Universal expanded the land with Jurassic World VelociCoaster, a far more intense experience featuring two high-speed launches, a 155-foot top hat, and a dramatic barrel roll over the lagoon. The coaster reaches 70 mph, making it one of the resort’s most aggressive thrill rides.
Elsewhere, Pteranodon Flyers offers a gentler experience, suspending guests above Camp Jurassic in two-person vehicles. However, adults cannot (much to our shared sadness) ride alone unless they meet the attraction’s height restrictions, making it one of Universal’s more unusual offerings. The land also features the Jurassic Park Discovery Center and Raptor Encounter.
Earlier this year, Universal shuttered one of its Jurassic Park attractions – and it’s now shared an update on its status.
Universal Orlando Resort Shares Closure Update
Universal shuttered Jurassic Park River Adventure on January 5, 2026.
The original plan was for the ride to reopen on November 19, 2026. However, Universal has now pushed its reopening date back by nearly an entire month to December 16, 2026.
Jurassic Park River Adventure’s refurbishment was pushed from November 19, 2026 to December 16th, 2026.
Jurassic Park River Adventure’s refurbishment was pushed from November 19, 2026 to December 16th, 2026. pic.twitter.com/ztYq2YLF6x
— AllCentralFlorida (@AllCentralFla) October 9, 2026
The attraction reopens at an odd time, during a period when Orlando is often too cold to comfortably enjoy water attractions. December temperatures typically reach the low 70s during the day, but can drop into the low 50s overnight, making an 85-foot plunge considerably less appealing than in the summer months.
Jurassic Park River Adventure isn’t the only attraction facing downtime at Universal Orlando. Over at Epic Universe, Fyre Drill will close from January 25 through February 4, 2027. Meanwhile, Islands of Adventure’s Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges will shut from January 4 through February 2, taking another water ride out of action.
Several other attractions are also scheduled for closure. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey will be unavailable from February 8 through February 19, 2027, while the Hogwarts Express is listed for a one-day closure on November 4, 2026.
Credit: Universal
Universal Studios Florida is also set to permanently close Animal Actors On Location! on November 3. The long-running live show features trained animals, including dogs, cats, and birds, performing tricks and demonstrating their skills alongside human trainers. Its closure will remove another family-friendly entertainment offering from the park’s lineup.
The show has been part of the park since its 1990 debut, making it one of Universal’s few surviving opening-day attractions. Its final performances are scheduled for November 2, ending a 36-year run. Universal says the venue will make way for a new experience, although details remain under wraps.
Have you missed Jurassic Park River Adventure?
