Universal Confirms Extended Closures in Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic Park
The near-year refurbishment of the River Adventure and the shutdown of Thunder Falls Terrace could signal a phased move toward Jurassic World because Universal has added Jurassic World assets and offered few public details.
Overview
- Universal Orlando confirmed Friday that Jurassic Park River Adventure will close for an extended refurbishment slated to last nearly a year and that Thunder Falls Terrace will be shut down.
- Parks reporting and guest observations say the River Adventure has suffered years of broken effects and aging animatronics, which Universal cites as justification for a lengthy overhaul focused on repairs and upgrades.
- Thunder Falls Terrace’s closure has spawned unconfirmed rumors that it could reopen as a Jurassic World–style restaurant called Hammond’s but Universal has not announced any specific replacement.
- Observers point to direct precedent at Universal Studios Hollywood, the strong popularity of VelociCoaster in the same land, and recent studio investment in Jurassic World films as commercial reasons Universal might expand Jurassic World theming.
- Universal has not announced a full retheme for Islands of Adventure; fans and media should watch for official permits, construction notices, or park statements to confirm whether the closures are repair-only or the start of a phased conversion.