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Skull Island: Reign of Kong

Skip to: Overview | Location | Restrictions | Fear factor | Fun fact | Guest reviews 

Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure
Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure

What is Skull Island: Reign of Kong?

King Kong is back at Universal Orlando after a 14-year absence! Guests board large expedition vehicles and are led by one of five unique drivers in an experience that merges both physical and digital effects. The ride’s facade and queue are impressive as well as immersive, and the grand finale is an unbelievably close encounter with the King himself.

Where is Skull Island: Reign of Kong located?

In Skull Island, which is in Islands of Adventure.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong – height restrictions and other factors

Height requirement is 36 inches; has Express Pass access and a single-rider line.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong – what you wish you knew before you experienced it

The queue of this attraction may actually be creepier than the ride experience itself; loud ritualistic chanting and an abundance of skeletons make for a dark, unnerving atmosphere. In contrast, the ride portion is more exciting than it is frightening.

How scary is Skull Island: Reign of Kong?

Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure
Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure

We rate this attraction four out of five giant bananas on our fear factor scale. While this attraction’s height restriction makes it suitable for almost anyone, the intense visuals and environment as you journey through Skull Island may scare younger children. And, to be honest, the giant King Kong you come face-to-face with at the end is enough to put fear in even the bravest adult.

What was Skull Island: Reign of Kong’s opening date?

July 13, 2016

Skull Island: Reign of Kong – OI fun facts

This is the second Kong attraction to open at Universal Orlando. The first, Kongfrontation, was an opening-day Universal Studios Florida ride that closed in 2002.

And this iteration of Kong is actually an import of Universal Studios Hollywood’s King Kong: 360 3D, one of several experiences built into that park’s iconic Tram Tour. Islands of Adventure’s version has been expanded, though, and given a whole new backstory and standalone building.

For a few years after opening,  Skull Islanders would hide in dark corners of the queue, waiting to give guests quick, Halloween Horror Nights-esque scares. In 2019, this feature was removed.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong – photo gallery

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Skull Island: Reign of Kong – real guest reviews

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Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Average rating:  
 36 reviews
 by Katherine
Egh- only worth it if the wait is short
Date Of Last Visit: May 31, 2018

We got lucky and got to the park right at opening and there was essentially zero wait for Kong. It was fine, it’s a good ride and has some fear factor. The effects are impressive but I’d never wait in line for it. If I’d waited more than 30 minutes I would have been pissed.
If you’ve tried the Fast and the furious at Univeral Studios, it’s very similar. There are so many incredible simulator rides out there right now, in my opinion - this one is just okay.

 by FC
Good lineup rooms, Ride sucked
Date Of Last Visit: 2 Mar 2018

First time at Universal, haven't heard any hype about this ride, so I had no expectations (besides hoping to enjoy myself.) The lineup atmosphere was good, with the props, the boogie men scaring children, and with the gibbering old crone in the skull room.
You know right away once you get handed 3D glasses and see there are no restraints that you are in for a snore-fest. In between huge projector screens, a bus gets shaken back and forth, squirted with water, accelerated a bit, then slowly driven past an animatronic growling Kong head.
A GOOD ride would have full restraints, Kong lifting the bus off the ground, tilting it vertical, carrying it up a cliff wall, smashing the roof a couple times, then throwing it away; this was no good. Too much reliance on 3D for the ride; 3D effects should add to an experience, not be a substitute for an experience.

 by Presley
Huge Disappointment
Date Of Last Visit: 01/24/2018

This ride was so disappointing and I asked 10 people after the ride to see if I was the only one and they all said the same thing, it was a huge disappointment. The wait was an hour and half but what do you expect for a new ride so me and my family waited and when you get on the ride the guys voice is way to loud and some people had too cover their ears because it was so loud then you watch a cheesy video about a girl being taken away and then in the end she is “fine” out of no where. The “big scene” I don’t want to spoil anything was very boring and got no one involved or on the edge of their seat. I was never thrilled and the story was bad. Would not ride waste of time. I miss good old roller coasters. In the end 1/10

 by Sam Sultan
Universal annual passholder for 20 years. Worst ride ever.
Date Of Last Visit: 11/24/16

I had to come and write a review for this ride. The queue is awesome, don't get me wrong.. It's what gives my review 1 star. However, the ride itself is severely underwhelming. Kongfrontation (the original ride) was miles ahead of this ride. What was bad? Well, first of all, enough of the 3D rides. But this one is a giant bus with no seatbelts or lapbars (gives an idea on how tame it is).. The vehicle will shake slightly but there's nothing but 3 screens and a very underwhelming Kong. The animatronic is great but it's nothing like the original.. That was a Kong HANGING.. This one is just sitting there with his head visible. Overall, I wouldn't wait more than 5 minutes for this ride. Very sad to see this is what Universal hyped up because I was quite excited for it. Seriously, ENOUGH OF THE 3D rides!

 by John
Pretty good
Date Of Last Visit: 12/9/16

Unlike some people, I enjoyed this ride. Some complained about the use of screens but I think its good considering A) Tight space its in and B) Use of practical effects isn't possible for this ride.
The screen use is pretty good (quality is better than I have ever seen) and the AA at the end is amazing.

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OI Universal Center » Skull Island