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King Kong ride officially announced for Universal Orlando, Skull Island: Reign of Kong set to open in 2016

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Posted on by Ricky Brigante 21 Comments
Kong unleashes a mighty roar, baring his teeth amid lush jungle trees, just like the heart-pounding moments guests experience on Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal Orlando.

King Kong is coming back in a big way.

Today Universal Orlando officially announced Skull Island: Reign of Kong will open in 2016 at Islands of Adventure. Already well under construction adjacent to the existing Jurassic Park area, this new ride will take guests through Skull Island and feature life-sized, face-to-face encounters with King Kong himself.

The experience begins as guests are transported deep into a wild and mysterious world, where their mission is to discover creatures of unknown origin – but where they are soon fighting for their own survival. Their journey will take them through an ancient temple inhabited by hostile natives, a perilous jungle ruled by prehistoric creatures, a foreboding underworld of caves concealing unspeakable terrors – and face-to-face with the colossal Kong himself.

Stormy ocean vista with “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” spelled out as rugged island formations beneath turbulent skies, capturing the intense adventure and cinematic excitement of Universal Orlando’s iconic King Kong attraction.

Guests aboard an expedition truck head toward the iconic, fiery skull-shaped gateway of Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal Orlando, set amid a dark and dramatic ruined landscape.

Skull-shaped cave entrance inspired by Skull Island at Universal Orlando’s King Kong attraction, featuring dramatic burning torches and lush jungle plants bordering the iconic entryway.

“King Kong is a Hollywood movie legend and a huge part of both our history and our future,” said Mike West, Executive Producer, Universal Creative. “He gives us the opportunity to tap into everything that makes our film history so special and everything that makes our theme park attractions so spectacular. We can’t wait to bring him to life in such an epic way.”

In the video announcement above, West adds that the ride will feature “revolutionary” vehicles, taking guests on a journey throughout Skull Island, across huge sets.

Guests aboard the iconic green expedition truck journey through the shadowy, rock-lined caverns of Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal Orlando, passing a blazing fire as they experience this thrilling adventure attraction.

This will not be the same attraction as Universal Studios Hollywood’s King Kong 360 3D, adding many more real life visuals beyond the wrap-around screens that are part of that park’s backlot tram tour. But there will be screen-based visuals as well, including dinosaurs and other creepy creatures, along with Kong himself.

Dinosaurs explore a vibrant, sun-drenched jungle filled with thick foliage and massive, gnarled tree roots—bringing to life the wild scenery of Skull Island from Universal Orlando’s epic King Kong attraction.

Kong unleashes a thunderous roar in the heart of the Skull Island jungle, baring his massive fangs just like during the epic encounters on Universal Orlando’s Reign of Kong attraction.

It’s been more than a decade since Kong had a home in the Florida park, as the former Kongfrontation ride closed in 2002, later replaced by Revenge of the Mummy, which is still open today.

This morning’s official announcement comes more than two months after a Comcast executive let news of the ride slip during an earnings call.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong will open in summer 2016. More information can be found at www.universalorlando.com/ReignofKong.

King Kong’s intense stare dominates the image, announcing: "His reign begins. Skull Island: Reign of Kong—the epic new adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. Opening Summer 2016.

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