If you’re already deep in the planning weeds for a 2027 Universal Orlando trip, add two more dates to your “avoid these days” list.
Universal just added two more ride closures to next year’s refurbishment calendar!
First up is Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges over at Islands of Adventure, closing January 4th through February 2nd. If you’ve ever ridden this one, you already know it’s basically guaranteed to soak you head to toe, so a winter refurbishment closure isn’t exactly shocking — water rides tend to go down for maintenance during the cooler months, and this is just Universal sticking to that pretty predictable pattern.
Also joining the list, and also at Islands of Adventure: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the ride tucked inside Hogwarts Castle itself. This one gets a noticeably shorter closure window, running February 8th through February 19th. Still, if Hogsmeade is the centerpiece of your trip (understandable, it usually is for me too), you’ll want to double-check those dates before booking anything in that window.
These two join a previously announced closure that’s already on the books: Fyre Drill at Epic Universe, another water ride getting its annual winter refurbishment, closed from January 25th through February 4th. So depending on exactly when you’re visiting in that January-to-February stretch, you could be looking at overlapping closures across two different parks.
Universal’s 2027 season is shaping up to be a genuinely busy one overall! between Epic Universe still drawing crowds since its 2025 opening and the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster set to debut at Universal Studios Florida, there’s plenty pulling people toward Orlando next year. Which makes checking the refurbishment calendar before you book even more worth the two minutes it takes.
My honest advice, as someone who has absolutely shown up to a “must-ride” attraction only to find a wall of construction fencing where it used to be: check Universal’s official refurbishment calendar before locking in your trip dates, since new closures can get added at any time even after you’ve booked.
Do any of these closures overlap with a Universal Orlando trip you’ve got planned? Let me know if you’re adjusting your dates!
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