What rides are closed at universal studios orlando

In a Tuesday announcement on social media, Universal Orlando Resort announced that several long-time attractions at the park would close to make way for a project that is “bringing exciting new family entertainment to Universal Studios Florida that will immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters.”

Update from Universal Orlando Resort: pic.twitter.com/ecVeEHfvbd

— Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) November 2, 2022

To make way for these new additions, Universal Orlando announced the impending closure of Fievel’s Playland, Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, DreamWorks Destination, and Shrek & Donkey’s Meet & Greet. The final day of operation for all of these attractions will be January 15, 2023.

What rides are closed at universal studios orlando
What rides are closed at universal studios orlando

Nearby attractions including the E.T. Adventure and Animal Actors on Location!, along with SpongeBob StorePants and the KidZone Pizza Company will remain open. Based on the map above, the green areas are “safe,” and the red area contains the attractions that are closing.

Fievel’s Playland originally opened in 1992, two years after Universal Studios Florida originally opened. The children’s play area, themed to the 1986 film An American Tail, features a number of oversized play elements, including a giant “spider web” and a water slide. Curious George Goes to Town is a water play area that debuted in 1998, and features one of Universal’s most hidden gems, “The Ball Factory.”

Universal added Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster, an “off-the-shelf” family coaster from Vekoma, to the area in March of 1999. Dreamworks Destination is technically the “newest” attraction in the area, opening in 2021, but its roots date back to A Day in the Park with Barney, which opened in KidZone in 1995. Shrek & Donkey joined the Dreamworks Destination, relocating in 2022 following the closure of Shrek 4D in January.

What rides are closed at universal studios orlando
What rides are closed at universal studios orlando

“What’s coming next to KidZone” has been a constant rumor in theme park circles for years at this point. At one point, pre-Epic Universe, there was a thought that a version of Super Nintendo World would be going into the space. What we don’t know is what exactly is coming to the space, be it a new attraction or re-theme of the current attractions in the area.

Universal’s vast portfolio of animated properties means that the immersion of guests into the adventures of “beloved animated characters” could head in any number of directions.

As with the case with most things Universal Orlando rumors, we suggest reading Alicia Stella’s work over at Orlando Park Stop. In her recent article, she notes the rumors and speculation for a number of possibilities, including a clone of the recently opened Secret Life of Pets dark ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. There are also mentions of former rumors of Pokemon taking over the space, as well as Illumination and DreamWorks properties including Trolls. 

What rides are closed at universal studios orlando
What rides are closed at universal studios orlando

We’re just speculating at this point, but it could be an opportunity for Universal Orlando to re-create the Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness at Universal Studios Beijing. The land features four attractions – Kung Fu Panda: Journey of the Dragon Warrior, Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, Carousel of Kung Fu Heroes, and Lanterns of Legendary Legends. Looking at the map, the former Barney/DreamWorks Destination theater takes up a significant amount of space that could potentially house a new dark ride, and the current Fievel’s Playland and Curious George areas could be re-themed to Po’s Kung Fu training camp, and a re-theme of Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster to something more Kung Fu Panda-themed. Just wishful thinking and amateur blue skying on our end!

The good news, is the plan is for this new project to supposedly open in 2024, so we’ll know sooner rather than later!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter takes a festive turn as Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, and London are decked out in holiday decor and brilliant lighting.  Special treats and beverages will be available for sale along with holiday music by Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees at Universal Studios Florida. At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, The Frog Choir sings seasonal melodies.  

  • The Grinchmas Who-liday Character Appearances by the Grinch and Whos from Whoville at Universal’s Islands of Adventure -

  • Universal’s Holiday Experience featuring Macy’s Balloons at Universal Studios Florida. Know what is better than the Macy’s parade? Getting to enjoy all of the parade floats and balloons at your own pace in their new and delightful walk-through experience. You can even get a socially distanced photo with Santa!

  • Universal’s Holiday Character Celebration at Universal Studios Florida - Sing and dance along with the “Despicable Me” Minions and other characters from the films as well as with “Shrek” and “Madagascar” characters as they arrive on festive and fun parade floats and perform special holiday show moments. You can even take socially distanced photos with the characters and floats.

  • Brand New Holiday Tribute Store in the New York area of Universal Studios Florida. This beautiful store has four immersive rooms including one inspired by Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

  • Holiday Tree Hunt (Scavenger hunt, extra cost) - purchase the Holiday Tree Hunt and set out on a quest for 16 holiday-themed trees scattered throughout the theme parks and CityWalk. You will receive a brochure that outlines the locations so you know where to go to go for stamps that mark each spot. Once you’ve gotten all 16-stamps, you will receive an exclusive Holiday Tree Hunt-branded ornament.

  • Mannheim Steamroller

  • Rock the Universe - 2022 Dates Not Yet Available - Separately ticketed event - Florida’s biggest Christian Music Festival offered for two evenings at Universal Studios Florida. Click here for more information.

    Don't Miss Out On Great Experiences At Universal Orlando!

    You can probably  see how helpful and valuable it would be to have someone who really knows and loves Universal Orlando help with your trip.   Did you know that our travel agents that specialize in Universal add a lot of value to your experience without costing you any extra?   When you book through us, you receive advice and information to help make your trip a wonderful and memorable time as well as a handy guidebook or online subscription (your choice) at no cost to you that will help you stay ahead of crowds and out of long lines.   We book both Universal and non-Universal hotels and we love helping our clients have a great trip.   Contact us today with your questions or to get a free, no-obligation quote.  

    Velvet Sessions at Hard Rock Hotel:

    Jake’s Beer Dinners - Temporarily Closed - Offered in the Clipper Room at Jake’s American Bar at Lowe’s Royal Pacific Resort. You can experience a delicious five-course meal paired with featured ales and lagers, with a different beer vendor being featured at each event. Separate ticket required, must be 21 or older. Next event date to be announced . Click here for tickets.

    Jake’s Beer Festival (separately ticketed event) - Dates To Be Announced. Presented twice each year under the outdoor Wantilan Pavilion at Lowe’s Royal Pacific Resort. The event features 50 or so craft and specialty beers, tasty food options and live entertainment. Must be at least 21 years old. Cost: $ per adult +tax, includes entry, beer, food, entertainment and complimentary self-parking. VIP tickets are $ per adult and provides access to the air-conditioned Clipper Room inside Jake’s American Bar where you’ll enjoy additional beers, more generous pours and you’ll receive a collectible pint glass. 

    Mardi Gras: 2023 Dates to Be Announced- enjoy great music, great food and a colorful nightly parade at Universal Studios Florida.   Festivities are included with admission.

    What ride is closing at Universal Orlando?

    Parts of KidZone (Universal Studios Florida) The attractions that will close include Fievel's Playland, the Woody Woodpecker family coaster, Curious George wet and dry play areas, DreamWorks Destination and Meet Shrek & Donkey.

    What rides are closed at Universal Orlando 2022?

    Universal Studios Ride Closures.
    Hollywood rip Ride Rockit - Closed November 11 - 17, 2022..
    Revenge of the Mummy temporarily closed..
    Curious George Goes to Town is closing permanently on January 16, 2023..
    DreamWorks Destination is closing permanently on January 16, 2023..

    Why are so many rides closed at Universal Studios Orlando?

    In a Tuesday announcement on social media, Universal Orlando Resort announced that several long-time attractions at the park would close to make way for a project that is “bringing exciting new family entertainment to Universal Studios Florida that will immerse guests in the adventures of beloved animated characters.”

    Why is the Jaws ride closed?

    In 2012, the attraction was removed from the Florida theme park to make room for the second phase of expansion for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The former entrance to Jaws at Universal Studios Florida, which was a popular photo spot in the park.