October is one of Universal Orlando Resort's busiest and most beloved months, thanks to Halloween Horror Nights running throughout the season at Universal Studios Florida. But guests arriving this October will find five familiar experiences unavailable — a mix of temporary refurbishments and permanent closures that could catch returning visitors off guard.
On the temporary side, the Horror Make-Up Show has been dark since May 12, 2026, undergoing a major refurbishment with a winter 2026 return expected — a particularly ironic absence given the show's horror theme and the timing with Halloween Horror Nights. Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure has been closed since January 5 and is currently scheduled to reopen November 20, which means October guests lose what would normally be a welcome cool-down on a hot Florida day. Finnegan's Bar & Grill, the Irish-American pub near Revenge of the Mummy, also closed in January for refurbishment and isn't expected back until winter 2026.
Two closures are permanent. Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit — a towering coaster that had been a fixture near the park entrance for about 16 years — came down in August 2025 to make way for the upcoming Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster, slated for 2027. More recently, Fast & Furious: Supercharged welcomed its final riders on August 16, 2026, after eight years of operation. Its successor, Hollywood Drift, won't be ready in time for October guests, leaving a gap between the two attractions.
The good news is that Halloween Horror Nights 2026 continues to anchor the month, bringing haunted houses, scare zones, specialty food, and late-night entertainment to Universal Studios Florida. October remains a strong time to visit — guests will just want to plan around these missing pieces before they arrive.
Planning Your Trip
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This roundup was first reported by Disney Fanatic.
