King Kong animatronic missing from Universal Orlando attraction

‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’ reopened 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” was not among them.

Despite rumors about its future, King Kong has returned to Universal Orlando. ‘Skull Island: Reign of Kong’ was 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 did not announce how the damage occurred, its extent or an expected reopening date.

Now on Sept. 18, 2026 the attraction has reopened but without its star King Kong animatronic.

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 usually 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 attraction is reopened after its unexpected closure. Universal has attributed it to damage sustained by the King Kong animatronic during routine maintenance, no word on when the animatronic will return to continue its reign.

Attractions podcast host Seth Kubersky posted this video of the ride without its monarch.