Skull Island Reign of Kong at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

When it comes to films, King Kong is about as classic as you can get. First debuting in 1933, with black-and-white, stop motion charm, King Kong captured people’s imaginations in a very real way, and the idea of Kong continues to hold audiences captive today.¹

So, it seems only right that Universal Studios Orlando, a theme park dedicated to celebrating the best of the big screen, would have an attraction dedicated to everybody’s favorite, oversized primate.

This tribute takes place in the form of the ferociously fun Skull Island Reign of Kong dark ride, however, this isn’t Kong’s first Universal appearance.

“Kongfrontation” was a fan-favorite attraction from opening day in 1990. Like the fellow retired ride, Jaws, Kongfrontation placed visitors in the middle of a mythical monster attack! Although it was an exhilarating adventure, complete with an impressively terrifying animatronic Kong, the ride often had costly mechanical problems, eventually leading to its closure in 2002.¹

Always striving to keep up with Hollywood trends, Universal found it necessary to revisit Kong after Peter Jackson’s 2005 Academy Award-winning remake, King Kong. The result was an immersive tour de force that promises to thrill Universal‘s guests for the foreseeable future.

Now, I know the prospect of being chased by a giant monster is pretty scary, and that’s why I’m not sending you in blind. Here’s everything you need to know about Skull Island, King Kong, and how to outrun a rampaging gorilla.

Skull Island Reign of Kong – Creepy Queue

Skull Island is located in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, right by Jurassic Park and Toon Lagoon. Just look for the vaguely gorilla-shaped rock structure littered with weather-worn skulls. When you feel an overwhelming sense of dread, you’ll know you’re in the right place. Rustic torches will light your way along the jungle path and toward the temple looming in the distance.

As you wait to join the latest Skull Island expedition, you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit cave, surrounded by skulls whose eyes burn bright with orange flame and the ghosts of the past. An animatronic islander, the leader of some tribe, or a witch-doctor perhaps, watches over your processional. He’s gesturing wildly and rambling. Somehow, you get the feeling he’s not welcoming you to his island.

Ominous chanting reverberates throughout the cavern, resonating in your bones. Everything is telling you to turn back. Few have dared to come ashore, much less explore the depths of Skull Island.

But you’ve been waiting in line for like, half an hour, so of course, you aren’t turning back!

Finally, your transport arrives. It’s a Jeep-like bus, and it looks a little worse for wear as its olive drab paint job is fading away in favor of rust…and are those claw marks raked along the side?? Well, at any rate, the vehicle is bulky, which will provide much-needed protection during your jungle excursion.

It’s fun to note that these expedition vehicles are the first trackless vehicles in Universal‘s history.² They move in a way that feels totally natural, and without a track, you can always take evasive maneuvers. You know, if it were necessary. Hypothetically speaking.

There are five different drivers (all animatronic), and each one has its own spin on the Kong story.³ If you can muster the courage, it’s worth riding Skull Island Reign of Kong a few times just to enjoy each unique take as different drivers escort you around the island.

Now that the queue has set the tone (totally creepy), you’re ready to load up and move out.

Get Ready to Scream

Skull Island Reign of Kong incorporates grand scenery, animatronics, and 3D screens to capture the effect of an actual jungle expedition. Your driver will mention something about the Kong legends – but that’s all they are, right?

It’s the kind of foreshadowing that sets you on edge.

Not to mention the temple doors swinging open by themselves.

The temple welcoming committee consists of animatronic bats and an enormous skeleton that makes you wonder about the veracity of giant gorillas. Via the 3D screens, you meet up with your fellow explorers for the appointed rendezvous, only to be interrupted by a swarm of bats. But not just any bats; these are bats of mythological proportions (as if a gorilla wasn’t enough to worry about!), and they’re swooping in to steal your colleagues!

Your ride vehicle barrels onward to keep up with your now-flying expedition leader, Kate McCaffrey. As you drive through the jungle, you’ll encounter other monstrous creatures like insects of unusual size and slugs with sharp teeth.

Your fiercest opponent is probably the Vastatosaurus Rex, who apparently escaped from Jurassic Park next door! If a V. Rex trying to stick its head in your vehicle doesn’t make you shiver, I don’t know what will.

Just when you think you’re a goner, Kong appears, beating his chest and roaring as loudly as any dinosaur. But is he here to save you, or to steal you from the dinos for his own snack??

I won’t spoil the end, but I will tell you that the Kong animatronic is insanely impressive. Utterly massive and extremely detailed, you’ll be in awe, if not shaking in fear.

All in all, Skull Island Reign of Kong is certainly worth experiencing if you enjoy the King Kong franchise or if you just enjoy a thrill. While the ride itself is a fairly slow-moving dark ride, the story, and effects bring plenty of intensity to the table.

You only need to be 36 inches tall to ride Skull Island, but if you’re thinking of bringing the kiddos, I would recommend previewing the ride first.⁴ Most adults will probably find the fear factor quite tolerable, but it could easily be too much for the kiddos. (In addition to creepy creatures, there are also scenes of mildly-gory violence.)

Just remember, there’s only one rule on Skull Island. Kong is king.

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Have you ridden Skull Island: Reign of Kong? What did you think – was it truly terrifying or did you nap through the whole thing? And, most importantly, let’s take a poll: is Kong actually dangerous or is he really a gentle giant? Let us know in the comments below!

Cover Image

Photo: Luke ‘Duke’ Newcombe via Flickr

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