Universal Orlando’s King Kong Ride is Closed After Its Massive Animatronic Was Damaged
Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal’s Islands of Adventure is temporarily closed after its massive King Kong animatronic was damaged.
Universal confirmed the damage in a statement provided to FOX 35 Orlando. The park said it happened during routine maintenance and that the animatronic is now undergoing repairs.
Universal hasn’t shared exactly what was damaged or how long the repairs could take. The park said it looks forward to welcoming guests back once the work is complete, but it has not yet announced a reopening date.
The ride has actually been closed for several weeks. BlogMickey reports that Skull Island: Reign of Kong has not operated since Aug. 26. There have also been rumors that the animatronic was damaged in a fire, but Universal has not confirmed that happened.
The King Kong Animatronic Is Huge
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UPDATE: Universal Orlando has confirmed to BlogMickey that the King Kong animatronic sustained damage during routine maintenance. A reopening timeframe has not been identified
https://t.co/img0G4qssJ— BlogMickey.com (@Blog_Mickey) September 14, 2026
The King Kong animatronic is hard to miss. According to Universal’s own guide to Skull Island: Reign of Kong, Kong stands about three stories tall. Universal also said when the figure was first revealed that he measures 18 feet across the shoulders and has a head larger than a car.
Guests come face-to-face with him near the end of the ride after traveling through Skull Island in a large expedition vehicle. The attraction also includes 4-D effects and several other creatures, including the Vastatosaurus Rex.
The Ride Has Been Around for 10 Years
Skull Island: Reign of Kong officially opened on July 13, 2016. At the time, Universal said the ride’s 40-foot-long expedition vehicles weighed 17 tons and operated on a completely trackless system.
The attraction follows the 8th Wonder Expedition Company as riders travel through ruins, caves and jungle in search of prehistoric creatures. The trip eventually leads to a battle involving Kong and a Vastatosaurus Rex before riders get an up-close look at the giant animatronic.
Universal Hasn’t Said When It Will Reopen
For now, guests planning a trip to Islands of Adventure shouldn’t count on riding Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Universal has only said that repairs are underway and hasn’t announced how long they could take.
The attraction’s official page is still available on Universal’s website, and guests can also check the Universal Orlando app for the latest ride status.
