Planning Your May Trip to Universal Orlando
May is often considered one of the best times to visit Central Florida. The weather is warm but hasn’t yet hit the peak humidity of summer, and the crowds usually find a nice balance before the school-break rush. However, if you’re headed to Universal Orlando Resort this May, you’ll need to adjust your strategy for a few key attractions. Maintenance is a regular part of keeping the magic alive, and several high-profile rides are scheduled for downtime.
The Islands of Adventure Refurbishment List
Most of the movement this month is happening over at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. While the park is famous for its heavy hitters like Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, a few of its water-based and family-oriented spots are taking a break.
- Jurassic Park River Adventure: This fan-favorite is currently in the middle of a massive, year-long refurbishment. It closed back in January and isn’t expected to return until late November 2026. If you were hoping to escape a T-Rex and take the plunge, you’ll have to wait until next year.
- Pteranodon Flyers: There’s some good news here! This gentle flight over Jurassic Park is scheduled to remain closed through the first half of the month, with a planned reopening around May 14, 2026. If you’re visiting in late May, you should be in the clear.
- Me Ship, The Olive: For those traveling with little ones, keep in mind that this interactive play area in Toon Lagoon is set to close toward the end of the month, specifically from May 26 through June 9, 2026.
Epic Universe Maintenance Updates
Even the newest park on the block, Universal Epic Universe, isn’t immune to the need for routine upkeep. As the park settles into its operational rhythm, two attractions in the Isle of Berk and Donkey Kong Country areas have brief windows of downtime this month.
- Mine-Cart Madness: The groundbreaking coaster in the Donkey Kong Country section of the park is listed for a very brief closure on May 3, 2026. It’s a short pause, likely for a technical refresh, so plan your visit to this land accordingly.
- Viking Training Camp: Over in the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, this interactive play area is scheduled to be closed from May 4 through May 22, 2026.
Why These Closures Matter for Your Strategy
When major water rides like the River Adventure are down, it often pushes crowds toward other high-capacity attractions like the VelociCoaster or Skull Island: Reign of Kong. If you’re visiting while these rides are unavailable, consider utilizing Universal Express to manage your wait times more effectively. Since many of the May closures impact play areas and family rides, families with younger children should look toward Seuss Landing or the DreamWorks Land in the Studios park to fill those gaps in the itinerary.
Always remember to keep a close eye on the official Universal Orlando app during your visit. While these dates are the current schedule, Imagineering-level technical adjustments or weather can sometimes cause these dates to shift by a day or two. Being flexible is the secret to a stress-free day in the parks.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.