Attraction refurbishments, openings & closings

This page contains the most comprehensive list of the Universal Orlando attractions scheduled for refurbishment, opening, or closing that you’ll find anywhere online. We have even included notes about attractions that have recently undergone significant operational changes.

Please note that we do our best to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, if you think something doesn’t quite look right to you, or if you have a tip, please use the form at the bottom of the page to contact us.

As you most likely know by now, Universal Orlando (and all other theme parks) may close any attraction at any time without notice. Park operating hours are also subject to change without notice. If you are concerned about whether a particular attraction will be available on your travel dates, we encourage you to reach out directly to Universal Guest Services. They can be reached online by clicking here, or by phone at 407-224-4233.

Last update

May 14, 2012

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Every day I am asked, “When is Despicable Me opening?” Please be advised that as of the date displayed above in red, Universal has not announced an official opening date for Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. HOWEVER, there has been a ton of progress to the attraction in May (the queue video has been running, the gift shop is open, all the construction walls are gone), so it seems quite likely that Universal’s newest attraction should be opening in June. As soon as we have an official date, we will update this page.

Visit our Despicable Me Minion Mayhem page to learn more and view an incredible amount of photos and HD video.

Fear Factor Live – This show has been running seasonally for the last couple of years. However, as of the beginning of 2012, it has been reported that the show will run continuously throughout the year. This makes sense, given the fact that JAWS and Amity, its next door neighbor, is now completely shut down. Visit our Fear Factor Live page to learn more.

Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit – This attraction is not officially under refurbishment or closed. However, I have included it on this list because the ride has a very solid reputation of breaking down multiple times during any given week. If you want to ride this coaster, I suggest you get in line when you pass it by, even if the line is somewhat long. If you decide to skip it and come back later, there is a possibility that it will be closed. Consider this a friendly heads-up. Visit our Rip Ride Rockit page to learn more.

JAWS & the Amity area – This iconic attraction and its home on Amity Island were closed permanently on January 3, 2012. There has been no official statement as to what will replace JAWS, nor is there a timetable for replacement or even for an official announcement.  Scroll further down the page to see what the area looks like now.

Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories – This brand new, state-of-the-art nighttime lagoon show celebrates the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. The show officially debuted May 8 and will now run nightly through the summer, then on select nights for the rest of the year (see below). Visit our Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular more.

Cinematic Spectacular schedule update: Universal has stated that the lagoon show will not run on 5/11, 5/18, 6/2, 9/6 – 9/8, 11/10 – 11/11 and 11/15. Did you notice that HHN nights aren’t blocked out?

Universal’s Superstar Parade – Universal’s first-ever daily parade features our favorite Universal Orlando characters, larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art technology, and hundreds of energetic street performers taking to the streets of Universal Studios Florida. The parade officially debuted on May 8. Visit our Universal’s Superstar Parade page to learn more.

New in-park dining experiences – Universal is offering new dining experiences available at Universal Studios Florida starting June 15 that tie in with the Cinematic Spectacular and Superstar Parade. For all the information you need, including menus, locations, and how to book the experiences online, click here.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - This attraction was closed from February 8 through March 7 as it received an HD upgrade. It is now open again and better than ever! Visit our Spider-Man page to learn more.

Want some more good news about Spider-Man? Along with the Wizarding World attractions, it will be included in Early Park Admission from March 19 through June 30 (instead of Caro-seuss-el). Visit our Early Park Admission page to learn everything you need to know!

Dragon Challenge – This attraction is not closed or under refurbishment. But I have included it on this list because, toward the end of last year, the ride operation changed significantly. The coasters no longer “duel”, after two guests were injured by what was believed to be debris flying from one coaster to the other. The two coasters now “chase” each other. Visit our Dragon Challenge page to learn more.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – The signature attraction inside the Wizarding World is still operating, but Universal has made several significant changes to the queue system. In addition, as of the 2011 holiday season, they have begun periodically closing access to the tour-only line through Hogwarts Castle. Please visit our Ultimate unofficial guide to Forbidden Journey or our Best way to experience Forbidden Journey page for more information.

Pteranodon Flyers – This ride was closed for seasonal maintenance May 6 through May 9, but is now open again. Visit our Pteranodon Flyers page to learn more.

Blue Man Group – Universal Orlando’s Blue Man Group show is taking their unique and captivating mash-up of high energy music, comedy, audience participation and collective exhilaration to another level. Featuring a new show environment, new music, new technology and new experiences, the show will allow audiences to join the Blue Men as they discover, engage and explore the world’s obsession with cutting-edge technology.

The new show launched February 9 and the “official” re-opening was held February 24.

CityWalk Promenade – There are two sections of the sloped grassy area near the CityWalk lagoon under construction. Universal has not announced their official plans for the area, but rumors point to a series of promenades featuring new, “exotic” outdoor dining experiences. To view our construction photo gallery and interactive map, visit our Universal CityWalk Promenade page.

Hollywood Drive-In Golf – Universal CityWalk’s newest attraction, this set of two mini-golf courses — one with a haunted theme and the other with a sci-fi theme — is now open. Visit our Hollywood Drive-In Golf page to learn more.

An “Extraordinary Year to be Here” sweepstakes

In case you haven’t heard, Universal is holding a sweepstakes to give away five vacations to their resort. The sweepstakes runs from March 27 through June 3. To learn more and get your family entered, click here.

To view Universal’s latest ePASSPORT email newsletter for Preferred/Premium Passholders, click here.

Universal online survey & the Online Advisory Board

Have you already been to Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, and do you want to let Universal know how your trip was? We’ve got all the information on how to do that, as well as information about how to join Universal’s Online Advisory Board to give them feedback about new attractions. Click here

What is replacing JAWS and Amity???

This is the $100,000 question. The biggest rumor out there is that Amity will become the “London” side of Harry Potter World at Universal Orlando. Because everything we think we know now is just speculation, I am not going to spend time here going through all the rumors and possible evidence. (If you’d like to speculate, join the discussion in the OI Forum.) Instead, I would like to present to you video and photos of what has become of the area.

Here is my newest video, shot on May 9. It is the new walkthough of the Amity area. I use the term “new” because the walkway between San Francisco and World Expo was moved inland about 20 feet. In addition, they replaced the old construction walls with new, better looking walls. Here’s the video (skip to 1:25 if you want a quick peak behind the walls):

Now the photo gallery. First, here’s a shot of the new construction walls and new entrance to the walkway (the old walkway entrance was right where the Universal poster now is, in the middle of the image):

Project 722 / Amity construction - May 9, 2012.

The complete photo gallery is below. Remember, you can click any image to view it full-screen. When the full-screen image is open, click to the right to advance through the gallery. If several thumbnails are missing, try reloading this page in your browser.

Please note that the photos display from oldest at the beginning to newest at the end.

 

Contact us

Does something not look right on our list of attraction closings, or do you have a tip for us about an upcoming ride refurbishment? Let us know by using the form below to contact us.

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