Universal Orlando has a few red flags if you’re visiting in 2026!

Quincy at Universal

There are some big changes happening and closures upcoming that could affect your travels negatively. Before you head out for your trip, we’re here to WARN you!

Parking Is No Longer Free After Midnight for HHN

If you’re heading to Halloween Horror Nights this year, you might have planned to arrive after midnight to get free parking. Traditionally, that has been the case. However, for 2026, the parking rules have been changed to note that parking fees still apply until 2 AM on all Halloween Horror Nights dates.

Universal Orlando

On days when there’s not a Halloween Horror Nights event, self-parking is complimentary at CityWalk (including Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure) after 6 PM. So, it’s a good idea to look up event dates, even if you’re not planning to attend.

See All the Halloween Horror Nights Dates Here!
Several Temporary Attraction Closures

If you’re visiting throughout the rest of 2026, several attractions will have closures for refurbishment and maintenance. For starters, Jurassic Park River Adventure is unavailable through November 19th, 2026.

Construction on Jurassic Park River Adventure

The Horror Make-Up Show is getting some major changes at Universal Studios Florida, so it’ll be closed through winter 2026. Some shorter attraction closures include Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp (closed until July 3rd) and Pteranodon Flyers (closed until July 2nd).

See the Calendar of Closures at Universal Orlando Here!
Some Big Dining Changes

Another thing to note is that there will be some big dining changes at Universal Orlando in 2026. Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is a popular spot at Universal Studios Florida, but it will be closed through winter 2026.

Finnegan’s Bar & Grill

Thunder Falls Terrace at Islands of Adventure will be closing this summer to become the park’s new full-service signature restaurant. It will reopen as this new dining venture in 2027.

Learn More About the Thunder Falls Terrace Changes Here! 
The Lost Continent Closing in Phases

The main reason that Thunder Falls Terrace will be transforming is because The Lost Continent land in the park will be closing permanently. This includes the closure of the beloved Mythos Restaurant in 2027.

Mythos Restaurant

The rest of the land will close in phases over the coming months. It will be replaced with a new themed area that has not yet been specified. We’ll be interested to see what comes next!

See What Some of the Construction Looks Like Here!
Celestial Park Could Get Really Busy

Universal Epic Universe has been testing a new method of entry for its portals, whereby guests are required to scan their tickets and do photo validation at the entrances to Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe. The Epic Universe website notes that this system could be used in the future when virtual lines are in place.

Isle of Berk Portal

Currently, there are no virtual lines in use in Epic Universe, but it’s possible that they could be added in the future to manage capacity in various areas. Unfortunately, that would mean that Celestial Park could get a bit more crowded. There has also been speculation that Epic Universe could use photo validation as a way to open up the shopping and dining aspects of Celestial Park to people without park tickets. Either way, the land would be busy. Of course, we’ll have to wait and see what changes are made in the future.

Learn More About the Photo Validation Here
Many Epic Universe Rides Have Weather Issues

Finally, we’ve got to chat about the weather at Epic Universe! In this park, there are SEVERAL rides that close when there’s inclement weather or lightning in the area, and that can severely affect your day if a storm rolls through.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

The list includes Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Dragon Racer’s Rally, Fyre Drill, Yoshi’s Adventure, Mine-Cart Madness, Curse of the Werewolf, and Stardust Racers. That’s quite a few! When those rides close, the other attractions get very long wait times. It’s probably a good idea to do these rides early in the day if there’s a threat of bad weather.

Emma and Quincy on Curse of the Werewolf!

If you’re going to Universal Orlando in 2026, you can still have a great time…you just need to be prepared!

Well, It’s Official — I’m DONE Planning My Universal Orlando Trip After Reading This

Are you going to Universal Orlando in 2026? Let us know in the comments!

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