Guests planning a 2027 visit to Universal Orlando Resort may want to adjust their itineraries after the resort announced temporary refurbishments for two popular attractions: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Islands of Adventure and Fyre Drill at Universal Epic Universe. The closures are part of Universal’s routine maintenance program to keep attractions operating safely and reliably.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Located inside Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey remains one of Universal Orlando’s signature attractions. The ride combines robotic ride technology, physical sets, projection effects, and practical effects to take guests on a fast-paced adventure alongside Harry Potter and his friends.
Universal has scheduled the attraction for a temporary refurbishment beginning January 11, 2027, with the ride expected to reopen on January 30, 2027. As with most scheduled refurbishments, Universal has not announced a specific reason for the closure.
Fyre Drill
At Universal Epic Universe, Fyre Drill in the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk land will also undergo a temporary refurbishment. The family-friendly water attraction lets guests board Viking-style boats and compete by blasting water cannons at targets—and each other—as they sail through Berk.
The attraction is scheduled to close from January 25 through February 4, 2027, before reopening on February 5, 2027. Since Epic Universe opened, it has become one of the park’s most popular ways to cool off during Florida’s warmer months.
Why These Closures Matter
Routine refurbishments are common across Universal Orlando’s attractions, particularly during the quieter winter travel season when attendance is typically lower. These planned maintenance periods allow crews to inspect ride systems, refresh show elements, perform preventative maintenance, and ensure attractions continue operating at their highest standard.
For guests visiting during these dates, Universal Orlando will continue to offer dozens of other attractions across its parks, including Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, and many more.
While temporary closures can affect vacation plans, they are a normal part of theme park operations and help ensure that attractions remain reliable and immersive for future guests.