# Universal Orlando attraction refurbishment updates

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/universal-orlando-resort-attraction-refurbishments
> Updated: 2026-10-17T16:00:39.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 4.

Universal Orlando Resort is undergoing significant changes to its attraction lineup throughout 2026. The Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure, which has been closed for refurbishment since January 5, 2026, has faced multiple scheduling shifts. While originally expected to reopen in mid-November, the resort’s official operating calendar has since pushed the reopening date to December 16, 2026, and most recently to December 17, 2026.

Recent reports indicate the attraction is showing signs of progress, with footage reportedly showing the ride undergoing testing. Visual evidence from the Ultrasaur Lagoon area suggests the project is a maintenance-focused refurbishment intended to preserve the original 1993 theme rather than a retheme to ‘Jurassic World’. The official website continues to list the experience under its original name, highlighting the familiar river expedition and Tyrannosaurus rex encounter.

Other major attractions at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are also expected to return between late fall and winter 2026. These updates occur alongside the permanent closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and Fast & Furious – Supercharged, which are being replaced by new experiences such as Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, slated for 2027. These shifts coincide with the resort’s preparations for the opening of Epic Universe, during which guests are navigating premium admission pricing alongside the shifting attraction lineups.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Jurassic Park River Adventure shows signs of life during refurbishment

Universal Orlando Resort's Jurassic Park River Adventure is undergoing testing during its refurbishment, with a scheduled reopening set for December 17, 2026, likely retaining its original theme.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jurassic-park-river-adventure-shows-signs-of-life-during-refurbishment

### 2026-10-09: Universal Orlando delays reopening of Jurassic Park River Adventure

Universal Orlando has delayed the reopening of the Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure from November 19 to December 16, 2026, following an extensive refurbishment.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universal-orlando-delays-reopening-of-jurassic-park-river-adventure

### 2026-09-18: Universal Orlando announces reopening dates for major attractions

Universal Orlando has announced that Jurassic Park River Adventure will reopen on November 20, 2026, alongside other expected winter returns following various refurbishments and permanent ride closures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universal-orlando-announces-reopening-dates-for-major-attractions

### 2026-09-14: Universal Orlando refurbishes Jurassic Park River Adventure

Universal Orlando is refurbishing the Jurassic Park River Adventure ride at Islands of Adventure. Aerial photos show dinosaur animatronics being disassembled as the ride prepares to reopen in November 2026.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universal-orlando-refurbishes-jurassic-park-river-adventure

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Cite as: Universal Orlando attraction refurbishment updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/universal-orlando-resort-attraction-refurbishments