Though Universal\u2019s collection of theme parks has recently gotten its fair share of buzz for thrilling roller coasters and immersive worlds, especially in the new Epic Universe, one longtime ride holds a special place in the hearts of fans.<\/p>\n
Located in the Jurassic Park<\/a> section of Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, Pteranodon Flyers has a unique setup that typically requires an adult and child to ride together, with adults usually not being able to go on the ride without accompanying a child, making it a bucket list attraction for many fans. But last month, eagle-eyed fans noticed that the ride was closed and blocked off by construction barriers, reports Inside the Magic<\/a>.<\/p>\n Related: Universal Orlando Park Is Going Cashless \u2013 What Guests Should Know<\/a><\/p>\n On March 2, Inside Universal<\/a> reported that a quiet update on Universal\u2019s website now shows the ride\u2019s closure through May 14, 2026. As WDWNT<\/a> reports, Pteranodon Flyers opened in 1999 as part of the park\u2019s first round of attractions, pointing out that it is normal for rides to temporarily close for upkeep at the theme park. But with Pteranodon Flyers being \u201ccurrently closed for undisclosed reasons until May 2026,\u201d the outlet noted that the planned reopening may shift between now and then.<\/p>\n Inside the Magic<\/a> further speculates that while the target reopening date is a hopeful one, aiming for the start of the busy summer season, \u201cit could also mean significant work is happening behind those walls,\u201d listing out possible reasons for the closure, from mechanical refurbishment to system upgrades, or \u201cthe one longtime fans hesitate to say out loud \u2014 future reimagining or removal.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: All the Rides at Universal Epic Universe, Including the Secret Attraction, Ranked<\/a><\/p>\n As for the ride\u2019s appeal, a few months ago, a Reddit user took to the social media platform<\/a> to ask if it\u2019s worth the hype, prompting a wave of responses. \u201cIt\u2019s lowkey life changing. If you have never been on it have you even lived?\u201d asked one commenter, as another described it as \u201cshort, it\u2019s cute, it offers a good view of the park.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a cute experience, but other than the unique views it provides, really isn\u2019t anything particularly exciting,\u201d said another Redditor. But more waxed nostalgic about riding it as children, or going on it with their own children and seeing their joy on it. \u201cI\u2019ve ridden it with my 3 year old multiple times and to me its just a blast watching him enjoy it,\u201d wrote one commenter.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s scary<\/a> as an adult seeing your child sitting in front of you and coasting down those turns going this way and that. I\u2019m pretty sure I yelled \u2018oh Jesus\u2019 at one point the first time we rode it. Fun ride though, kids enjoy it,\u201d said another.<\/p>\n Next: I Ate My Way Through Universal Epic Universe, Here\u2019s What You Can\u2019t Miss When You Go<\/a><\/p>\n This story was originally published by Parade<\/a> on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel<\/a> section. 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