Universal Studios Unveils First Images of King Kong Ride

Eighty-three years ago, in 1933, a small horror movie about a large beast came into the world and stole our hearts. A poor, abnormally large ape named Kong falls in love with a teeny, tiny human woman, and the main story of the film is his quest to possess her. King Kong was remade twice, in 1976 and again in 2005, the latter directed by The Lord of the Rings' Peter Jackson and starring Naomi Watts. 

The beloved franchise is getting a reboot, not with another film but rather an all-new attraction at Universal Studios Orlando.

In 1990, the Kongfrontation ride was created, but it was closed in 2002. Now, 14 years later, the theme park is building a new attraction — Skull Island: Reign of Kong. 

The description on Universal Studios' website reads, "As you journey deep into a mysterious island, your 1930s expedition is swarmed by enormous prehistoric predators. Your only hope is the most colossal ape ever to walk the earth. As the gargantuan beasts fight for dominance, you will just fight to survive. Skull Island: Reign of Kong — a multi-sensory, multi-dimensional new ride for your life."

It's scheduled to begin operation this summer. Universal Studios released the first image this morning.  
Skull Island is based on an original storyline rather than one of the films. It will be the longest ride in the park — which means it may be well worth that 230-minute wait.

"The adventure begins as you set out to explore an island rife with prehistoric creatures of unknown origin — and the legend of a beast still undiscovered," a news release says. Riders will board a safari-like expedition vehicle in this pseudo-tour of Skull Island. 

"Mysterious sounds pierce the air, and you hear chanting. And then — you confront an enormous temple wall, complete with carvings and images that seem to pay homage to something you cannot quite comprehend. The temple's massive wooden doors slowly open." 

You'll have to experience Skull Island for yourself to find out what lies inside the temple's walls. 

More details about the ride and the official opening date will be revealed in the weeks to come. Visit universalorlando.com/reignofkong. Universal Studios Orlando will also open a new hotel — the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort — this summer as well as a water theme park, Volcano Bay, in 2017.