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Universal Orlando has confirmed that the massive King Kong animatronic inside Skull Island: Reign of Kong was damaged during routine maintenance, explaining the attraction’s ongoing closure at Universal Islands of Adventure.
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The attraction has been unexpectedly closed for several weeks while rumors circulated online that the animatronic may have been damaged by fire. Universal has now confirmed the damage itself, but the company has not said that a fire occurred. In a statement shared with Attractions Magazine, a Universal Orlando spokesperson said the King Kong animatronic “sustained damage” during routine maintenance and is currently undergoing repairs.
Universal has not shared the extent of the damage or provided a timeline for when Skull Island: Reign of Kong could reopen. The attraction’s enormous Kong figure is one of its signature moments, greeting guests near the end of the ride after a series of screen-based encounters throughout Skull Island. When the figure was introduced, Universal described Kong as roughly three stories tall and about 18 feet wide across the shoulders.
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Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened at Islands of Adventure in July 2016 and combines large trackless expedition vehicles, physical sets, screens, and animatronics. For now, Kong is staying off duty while repairs continue, and we will be watching for any reopening updates from Universal.
If you are planning a Universal Orlando vacation while Kong is getting patched up, our partners at Get Away Today can help with tickets, hotels, and the rest of your trip.
