Exclusive: Universal Orlando secretly planning King Kong attraction to coincide with 2016 movie release
AM2 understands rumoured plans for a King Kong attraction at Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure are indeed true, with an attraction likely to coincide with the release of a November 2016 version of the movie.
While details remain scarce, construction has been going on at Islands of Adventure, with the giant ape-based attraction likely to be themed around King Kong’s home of Skull Island.
Film Production company Legendary Entertainment revealed in late July that it would be bringing the larger-than-life ape back to the big screen, while in 2014 Universal struck a deal with Legendary to co-finance, market and distribute films between 2014 and 2019, specifically mentioning the opportunity to expand its IPs into Universal theme parks.
Universal often begins construction on projects before announcing them officially and at present, an area of land between the park’s Toon Town and Jurassic Park River Adventure has been cleared, though nothing of significance is in place other than bulldozers.
AM2 understands that while the ride type has not been revealed, it would include immersive storytelling with high resolution projections and 3D simulation.
The new attraction would mark Kong’s return to Islands of Adventure, with the "Kongfrontation" attraction running from the opening of Universal Studios Florida in 1990 until 2002, when it was replaced with Revenge of the Mummy.
When AM2 contacted Universal Orlando, a park representative neither denied or confirmed the attraction, but suggested to keep an eye out for any future announcements about upcoming Universal attractions.
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
BrunelloCucinelli has madehisfortune from cashmere and has used hiswealthto restoreandrevive theItalian hamlet he callshome. Wefindout more