Universal Orlando Resort has announced the closure of its beloved Jurassic World and Harry Potter attractions, marking the end of an era for fans. This news comes as the resort prepares for the grand opening of its new Epic Universe in 2025. Despite the upcoming changes, Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure continue to operate as usual, offering a range of attractions and experiences for visitors.
Universal Orlando Resort has long been a major player in the theme park industry, often overshadowed by its neighbor, Walt Disney World Resort. Together with other attractions like SeaWorld Orlando, these parks have turned Florida into a prime destination for tourists. While Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park remains the most visited theme park globally, Universal has been making significant strides in recent years, distancing itself from Disney and pushing forward with ambitious development plans.
In 2023, Universal Destinations & Experiences announced two new ventures: Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, and the Universal Horror Unleashed experience in Las Vegas, Nevada. These additions mark Universal’s expansion beyond the traditional East and West Coast locations, reminiscent of Disney’s major expansion efforts in the 1990s under former CEO Michael Eisner.
Back in Florida, the most anticipated addition to the theme park landscape is Universal’s Epic Universe. This expansive 750-acre park will feature new themed lands, attractions, and even an in-park hotel, set to open in 2025. As fans eagerly await the arrival of Epic Universe, they can still enjoy familiar attractions like Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem at the existing parks.
Universal Orlando Resort has also announced the end dates for its summer entertainment events, including Hogwarts Always, CineSational: “A Symphonic Spectacular,” and Universal Mega Movie Parade. Hogwarts Always, a nighttime show at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, will run from June 14, 2024, to August 25, 2024. This show replaces The Nighttime Lights At Hogwarts Castle and promises a magical journey through a school year at Hogwarts.
CineSational: “A Symphonic Spectacular” will also debut on June 14 and run through August 25. This light and water show at Universal Studios Florida will feature stirring film scores and dancing fountains, allowing guests to relive their favorite movie moments from franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic World, and Jaws.
The Universal Mega Movie Parade will kick off on July 3 and run until November 14, when it will be replaced by Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. This daytime parade will bring movie characters to life, offering guests a chance to experience memorable movie moments with characters like the T. rex from Jurassic Park, E.T., and the Trolls.
As Universal prepares for the launch of Epic Universe, the entertainment offerings are expected to be even more impressive. The new park will feature five themed areas: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: The Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. With so much space, Universal has the opportunity to introduce fresh entertainment experiences alongside new attractions.
Universal’s expansion plans don’t stop there. The company has acquired hundreds of additional acres in the Epic Universe area, signaling its intention to create a destination that rivals Walt Disney World. Across the Atlantic, Universal is also exploring the possibility of a Universal Great Britain resort in Bedfordshire, further expanding its global footprint.
The Comcast Corporation, which owns Universal Destinations & Experiences, purchased a 476-acre parcel of land last year and held a period of public engagement between April and May 2024. This move indicates that Universal is committed to expanding its presence and offering new experiences to guests worldwide.
For fans of Harry Potter, the closure of the Harry Potter attractions at Universal Orlando Resort is bittersweet. Since its opening in 2010, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been a dream come true for fans, offering immersive experiences, souvenirs, and rides. The area has been a major draw for visitors, making them feel like they are truly in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade.
Despite the upcoming changes, there are still plenty of Harry Potter experiences to enjoy at Universal Orlando Resort. From Ollivanders Wand Shop to the Escape from Gringotts ride, fans can immerse themselves in the magical world of Harry Potter. The Hogwarts Express offers a unique way to travel between Universal Florida and Islands of Adventure, while Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey provides an exciting motion simulation experience.
Other highlights include Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventures, Butterbeer, and various live performances like the Triwizard Spirit Rally and Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees. Visitors can also explore shops in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, purchase souvenirs, and even visit the dark and mysterious Knockturn Alley.
While the closure of the Jurassic World and Harry Potter attractions marks the end of an era, it also paves the way for new and exciting experiences at Universal Orlando Resort. As the resort prepares for the launch of Epic Universe, fans can look forward to a new chapter in Universal’s history, filled with innovative attractions and unforgettable moments.
