Universal Orlando Sparks Buzz by Silently Reviving Missing Ride Experience Gone for 2 Years

For over two years, one of Universal Orlando Islands of Adventure’s most imposing attractions stood silently under the hot Florida sun—its massive temple doors sealed shut, its legendary outdoor pathway deserted, and fans left wondering: What happened to Skull Island: Reign of Kong?

Entrance to the temple at Skull Island: reign of kong. It features two torches and large stone doors inside of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. — Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

A Legendary Universal Orlando Ride—With a Vanishing Act

The absence wasn’t just noticed—it became an obsession. From Reddit threads to TikTok theories, fans began speculating: Was it a technical issue? A permanent change? Or something more serious? Now, in the final months of 2024, new developments suggest that the island’s slumber may finally be over. But is it really a triumphant return—or a subtle warning about the challenges Universal faces behind the scenes?

When Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened in 2016, it was hailed as one of Universal’s most ambitious attractions. Towering animatronics, immersive screens, and a trackless vehicle system helped bring the jungle and its monstrous protector to life. One of the most cinematic moments of the ride? Its start: the vehicle bursts through massive temple gates into the open air, setting the tone for an epic journey.

But by early 2023, something changed. The outdoor portion of the ride was suddenly skipped on every run, regardless of Florida’s notoriously unpredictable weather. No official statement was made. The vehicles quietly rerouted indoors—every single time.

Fans noticed. And they didn’t forget.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. — Credit: Universal

The Scrims Go Up, and So Does Speculation

Then, in Fall 2024, something stirred. Scrims appeared outside the attraction, draped across key structural areas, signaling construction—or maybe restoration.

Whispers turned to roars when parkgoers began capturing video proof: ride vehicles once again traveling outside, through the long-forgotten temple gates. Social media lit up as years of speculation finally had a visual confirmation. The outdoor sequence was back.

But the question remained: What exactly broke, and why did it take two years to fix?

Skull Island: Reign of Kong — Credit: Universal

The Real Monster: Technical and Legal Hurdles

Behind the excitement, a more complicated picture emerges.

Reports suggest that the issue stemmed from the iconic temple doors that open to allow the vehicle outside. These massive set pieces are more than just decoration—they’re part of a precise show sequence that has to work flawlessly for the ride to function safely. If the doors malfunctioned, the entire experience could be jeopardized.

There they go! Glad to see the front portion working again! It really is a beautiful facade. – @DuelingParkNews on X

There they go! 🦍

Glad to see the front portion working again! It really is a beautiful facade. @UniversalORL https://t.co/cRqJn2LAt6 pic.twitter.com/kCBK4jy0qZ

— Dueling Park News (@DuelingParkNews) April 11, 2025

And this wasn’t the ride’s first issue.

In 2021, a woman suffered a traumatic injury when her index finger was severely cut during the ride, ultimately leading to partial amputation. Even more tragically, in 2016, a Guatemalan tourist died shortly after exiting the ride. His family later sued Universal, alleging a lack of multilingual safety signage and delayed medical care. These incidents highlighted serious concerns around safety protocols and guest communication.

Could these past tragedies have made Universal extra cautious in reintroducing an element that’s harder to evacuate or monitor?

Guests stand outside the entrance for Skull Island: Reign of Kong, which is made of rocks. — Credit: Universal Orlando Resort

Changes Beyond the Jungle

Earlier in 2024, fans noticed another major shift: Skull Island moved from a 3D experience to a 2D format. While Universal didn’t issue a formal announcement, insiders speculate the move was to improve guest comfort, reduce operational complexity, and possibly offset ride maintenance demands.

These changes suggest Universal may be quietly reevaluating how it balances spectacle with sustainability—especially ahead of larger projects like Epic Universe.

A dramatic stone temple facade with glowing yellow lights against a dusky sky marks the gates to Skull Island. A vintage-style vehicle approaches the entrance, surrounded by lush greenery and rocky terrain, creating a mysterious and adventurous atmosphere in this Universal Creative masterpiece. — Credit: Universal

What This Means for the Future of Universal Orlando Attractions

As Skull Island: Reign of Kong roars back to life in its full form, fans can finally enjoy the attraction as it was originally designed. But its two-year absence raises broader questions: How transparent should theme parks be about attraction downtimes? And how long is too long to wait for a fix when guest experience is on the line?

The deeper story here isn’t just about a ride getting back on track—it’s about what goes into keeping the magic alive when the machinery behind the scenes starts to crack. With Universal gearing up for its biggest expansion in years, the tale of Skull Island may just be a cautionary prologue.

And for now, fans can celebrate—but they’ll be watching closely. Because if Skull Island has taught us anything, it’s that even legends need maintenance.