King Kong animatronic damage unexpectedly closes Universal Orlando attraction

‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’ is temporarily closed at Universal Islands of Adventure after its massive King Kong animatronic sustained damage.

The closure was not part of Universal Orlando Resort’s previously announced refurbishment schedule. Universal’s theme park hours page currently lists several planned closures, but “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” is not among them.

Despite rumors about its future, King Kong will return to Universal Orlando. ‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’ is temporarily closed after its massive Kong animatronic sustained damage during routine maintenance, Universal Orlando Resort confirmed to Attractions Magazine.

“During routine maintenance, the King Kong animatronic sustained damage and is undergoing repairs,” a Universal Orlando spokesperson told Attractions Magazine. “We look forward to welcoming guests back once the work is complete.”

Universal has not announced how the damage occurred, its extent or an expected reopening date.

Located in the park’s Skull Island area, ‘Reign of Kong’ takes guests aboard large expedition vehicles for an encounter with creatures inspired by the 2005 film “King Kong.” The experience culminates with a close encounter with an enormous Kong animatronic.

A history of changes to ‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’

‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’ opened at Universal Islands of Adventure on July 13, 2016, returning King Kong to Universal Orlando nearly 14 years after the original “Kongfrontation” closed at Universal Studios Florida. The trackless dark ride combines physical sets, large-scale media and a massive Kong animatronic for its final encounter.

The attraction underwent a scheduled refurbishment from Aug. 20-Sept. 3, 2025. That maintenance period was publicly reported in advance and included a defined reopening date.

Other notable changes have occurred without a traditional full refurbishment. Beginning in 2023, the ride operated without its outdoor temple-gate sequence, sending vehicles through an indoor bypass route.

The outdoor portion returned in April 2025. In February 2024, Universal also stopped distributing 3D glasses and began presenting the attraction’s screen-based scenes in 2D.

The current closure does not appear on Universal Orlando’s posted refurbishment schedule and has no announced reopening date. Universal has attributed it to damage sustained by the King Kong animatronic during routine maintenance and confirmed that the attraction will welcome guests back after repairs are completed.