Exclusive: Universal Orlando secretly planning King Kong attraction to coincide with 2016 movie release
by Tom Anstey | 08 Aug 2014
King Kong last appeared at the park in 2002 with 'Kongfrontation' / Universal Studios
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.
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
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
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