Jurassic Park River Adventure stays closed until mid-December

Universal pushed back the reopening of Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure. The water ride is now closed through Dec. 16, almost a month longer than planned.

If you were counting on getting soaked on Jurassic Park River Adventure over Thanksgiving, you’ll have to wait a little longer.

Universal Orlando has extended the ride’s refurbishment at Islands of Adventure. Its official closure calendar now lists the ride as closed from Jan. 5 through Dec. 16, 2026.

The old plan had it back in late November. So the new date adds almost a month to a closure that was already close to a year long.

When does Jurassic Park River Adventure reopen?

If nothing else changes, the ride should be back on Dec. 17, the day after the closure ends. Inside Universal first reported the new date on Oct. 9.

Universal didn’t give a reason for the extra time. Refurbishment dates can change, so it’s smart to check the calendar again before your trip.

The good news is that the new date still lands before the busy Christmas week at the parks. The less-good news is that a water ride in late December can feel a little chilly in Orlando.

Why has Jurassic Park River Adventure been closed so long?

Universal hasn’t said much. It has only described the closure as planned maintenance.

Fans and photographers have been watching the work from outside, though. Back in June, Orlando ParkStop reported that crews were working on some of the dinosaurs, including:

• A new frame inside the neck of the Ultrasaur in the first scene, which has had a droopy, broken-looking neck for years

• New moving parts for the baby stegosaurus’s head

• Pump repairs, new exterior walls and fresh weatherproofing

Orlando ParkStop also reported that the ride is staying Jurassic Park. It isn’t getting the Jurassic World makeover that the Universal Studios Hollywood version got.

What happened to the ride during Hurricane Ian?

It took a beating. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian ripped a hole in the side of the ride’s show building, WDW News Today reported.

Crews spent months on repairs, and the ride didn’t reopen until Feb. 4, 2023.

Water rides at Universal often close for a few weeks in winter for maintenance. This closure, which started Jan. 5, 2026, has been much bigger than that.

How old is Jurassic Park River Adventure?

It opened with Islands of Adventure in 1999. It’s a version of the Jurassic Park ride that first opened at Universal Studios Hollywood three years earlier.

The big finish is a plunge of about 85 feet, right after a close call with a T. rex. That drop is the part most people remember, and it’s the part that gets you the wettest.

The ride sits in the Jurassic Park area of Islands of Adventure, next to Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Pteranodon Flyers and Camp Jurassic.

What other Universal Orlando rides are closing soon?

Universal’s closure calendar lists a few more you’ll want to know about:

• Animal Actors On Location! at Universal Studios Florida is listed as permanently closed as of Nov. 3, 2026.

• Hogwarts Express is closed on Nov. 4, 2026.

• Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges closes from Jan. 4 to Feb. 2, 2027.

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey closes from Feb. 8 to 19, 2027.

The Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida is also still closed. Universal says it returns this winter with a new version featuring Blumhouse.

Is anything else closed in Jurassic Park at Islands of Adventure?

Yes. The Thunder Falls Terrace restaurant closed in July for a major renovation, Inside Universal reported. Universal plans to turn it into a new signature restaurant.

So that corner of the island is pretty quiet right now. VelociCoaster is still running, though, if you need your dinosaur fix before December.

Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.

Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.

Hat Tips:

• Universal Orlando Resort, Oct. 10, 2026: official closure calendar dates

• Inside Universal, Oct. 9, 2026: the new reopening date

• Orlando ParkStop, June 29, 2026: refurbishment work seen from outside

• WDW News Today, Jan. 4, 2026: closure start, ride history and Hurricane Ian repairs

• Inside Universal, July 2026: Thunder Falls Terrace renovation

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