Credit: Universal OrlandoImagine being deep inside a theme park attraction when everything suddenly stops. The lights come on, the atmosphere vanishes, and you’re told to exit—not through the usual path, but along a route most guests never see. That’s precisely what happened recently at Universal Orlando Resort, and it left people both surprised and oddly entertained.
While Universal’s parks are packed with cutting-edge thrills and immersive storytelling, they aren’t immune to the occasional glitch. And when those glitches strike, they tend to happen dramatically.
Islands of Adventure Isn’t Perfect—Even With Its Hits
Universal’s Islands of Adventure is home to some of the most ambitious rides in the country. From magical castles to prehistoric jungles, the park is known for its tech-heavy attractions that blend screen-based action with real-world effects. But the more complex the ride, the more chances something goes wrong.
Take Hogwarts: Forbidden Journey, for instance. The groundbreaking ride uses robotic arms, projection screens, and physical sets to whisk guests through Harry Potter’s world—but it’s also notorious for shutting down throughout the day. It’s not unusual to see it temporarily closed or delayed due to a reset or sensor issue.
Even rides like Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Jurassic Park River Adventure have their moments. Whether it’s a ride vehicle that won’t launch or effects that stall mid-show, Islands of Adventure has a few reliability hiccups that pop up more than fans would like.
Studios Park Struggles Too—Especially With Aging Systems
Hop across to Universal Studios Florida, and you’ll find similar issues. Men in Black: Alien Attack may not be the flashiest ride anymore, but it still sees regular downtime. The spinning vehicles and rotating loading platform require precision timing, and any delay can throw off the entire operation.
Then there’s Revenge of the Mummy, which tends to go down when sensors or launch sequences misfire. Add the occasional hiccup on Transformers: The Ride 3D, and it becomes clear that even Universal’s most iconic attractions aren’t always running smoothly.
Epic Universe: A New Park With Old Problems
Universal’s newest park, Epic Universe, opened with a bang—but the opening weeks were filled with breakdowns. Though some of those early issues have been ironed out, guests still report surprise closures, temporary downtimes, and full resets across several rides, even two months into daily operations.
With such a tech-heavy layout—from How to Train Your Dragon’s roller coaster to the dark rides in the Dark Universe and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD areas—it’s no surprise that operations have struggled to find their rhythm. Animatronics, projection effects, and trackless ride systems all require perfect syncing. Guests who’ve been multiple times say they love the park’s potential, praising the detail and creativity. However, they remain frustrated by unexpected waits, downtime announcements, and missed experiences that turn up again and again.
Kong’s Domain: A Look at the Ride Experience
That brings us to the massive gorilla himself.
Skull Island: Reign of Kong has been thrilling guests at Universal’s Islands of Adventure since it opened in 2016. Tucked between Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon, the ride transports guests deep into a mysterious jungle aboard massive 13-foot-tall expedition trucks. The experience blends physical sets, 3D screens, animatronics, and motion simulation to create an intense, cinematic journey.
When it first debuted, the ride featured two different track options—one that went outside along the temple’s facade and another that remained entirely indoors. While the outdoor portion still physically exists, Universal eventually stopped using it during daily operations. The change was likely due to weather concerns and operational efficiency. All guests now experience the indoor path, which still leads to a jaw-dropping encounter with a massive, lifelike King Kong animatronic.
TikTok Captures Kong Chaos
One of the latest examples of a breakdown came from this attraction. A TikTok video gave fans a rare look at what happens when the ride doesn’t go as planned.
Guests were seated inside one of the massive safari-style ride vehicles—each towering at about 13 feet tall—when the attraction suddenly halted. That meant riders were left sitting high above the ground in near-darkness, unsure if the experience would resume or if they’d need to be evacuated.
Eventually, Team Members brought in rolling safety ladders to help guests climb down from the tall buses. The evacuation route took them past the final show scene, where the massive animatronic Kong usually delivers the ride’s grand finale. But with the show lighting off and work lights on full blast, the encounter lost its magic and felt more like a backstage tour.
According to the TikTok user, Team Members eventually asked him to stop filming, but not before he caught a few eerie moments on camera. While the ride didn’t go as planned, the guest walked away with a consolation prize—an Express Pass to use later in the day.
@harvwhtl They made me stop filming 🥲 Got a free fast pass for the ride break down though 🤷♂️ #universalstudios #kongskullisland #orlando #disneyadult #traveltips ♬ oh my god bruh oh hell na man
Expect the Unexpected
Universal Orlando Resort is still one of the most exciting vacation destinations—but these recent breakdowns remind us that even the best rides can go sideways. Whether you’re deep in a jungle with Kong or fighting aliens with the Men in Black, there’s always a chance things won’t go as planned. Those moments sometimes make for the best stories—especially if you’re lucky enough to catch them on camera.