Universal Orlando Schedules Popeye Water Ride Closure for January 2027

Overview

• Universal’s official operating calendar, updated Saturday, lists Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges closed from January 4 through February 2, 2027 for a temporary closure.
• The calendar entry labels the downtime as a ‘Temporary Closure’ but does not say what repairs or work will be done and explicitly warns dates may change.
• The posted window removes one of Toon Lagoon’s primary water attractions for 30 days, which will affect families who rely on the ride for cooling off during park days.
• Guests are advised to plan as though the ride will be unavailable and to check other water options such as Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls and Jurassic Park River Adventure, though those rides are not guaranteed to operate.
• The notice fits a recurring winter-refurbishment pattern for Bilge-Rat Barges—past scheduled closures in 2024 and 2025 were longer—so this update most closely signals routine maintenance rather than a permanent change.