Universal Studios Florida Closing Multiple Family-friendly Attractions

Sad news for fans of some classic family-friendly attractions at Universal Studios Florida in Orlando. Universal Orlando Resort announced that 5 popular attractions will be closing in January 2023 to make way for new family entertainment.

Families with young kids will certainly feel this the most as many of the names on the list were geared toward little ones.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s changing and what’s staying.

Universal Studios Florida Updates

Universal Orlando Resort tweeted that there would be at least 5 attractions closing on January 16, 2023.

January 15, 2023, will be the last day to experience the attractions on the chopping block.

Universal Studios Florida will be making way for new additions that will take place in this area of the park, although those additions have not been announced yet as Universal likes to keep a bit of secrecy around these types of things.

What’s Closing

The theme park announced that at least 5 attractions will be closing, including:

• Curious George Goes to Town
• DreamWorks Destination
• Fievel’s Playland
• Shrek and Donkey’s Meet & Greet
• Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster

As a parent of young kids, I am a little sad that these attractions are coming to an end. My kids have spent many hours running around Fievel’s Playground, cooling off in the mini-water park at Curious George Goes to Town, and of course, riding their first roller coaster at Woody Woodpecker’s Nuthouse Coaster.

On the other hand, I am fully aware that most kids do not connect with or even know who these characters are … and the attractions are taking up some prime real estate.

I am also pretty confident that Universal knows what it’s doing and will likely improve this section of the park significantly.

What’s Staying

There is some good news, some fan-favorites in that area of Universal Studios Florida will survive the cut.

The following attractions are currently safe …

• Animal Actors on Location!
• E.T. Adventure
• KidZone Pizza Company
• SpongeBob StorePants store (including meet and greets)

… but you never know for how long, so enjoy them while you can!

Hot Tip: Booking a trip to Universal Orlando Resort? Don’t miss our review of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

Universal Orlando Resort for Kids

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure get a lot of hype thanks to their thrill rides, including Revenge of the Mummy, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts in Diagon Alley, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster, but these parks are also a blast for smaller kids, too.

While Walt Disney World may be a default theme park option for families with small children, Universal Orlando Resort is a must-visit for many, including mine.

If you are planning a trip to Orlando with kids, Universal Orlando Resort still offers some great options including:

• Caro-Seuss-el
• The Cat in the Hat
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Flight of the Hippogriff
• Hogwarts Express
• One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
• Pteranodon Flyers

Plus, there are play areas throughout the parks, including Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line is it is always sad to see some of your favorite rides removed. For many families, these rides represent fond memories.

However, fans have until January 15, 2023, to visit these attractions 1 more time before Universal makes room for bigger and better options.