The non-stop construction continues for the new multi-sensory ride, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, opening soon at Islands of Adventure. Today I got my first glimpse of vehicle testing and got a chance to see what else is being worked on at the site. The food stand, named "The Mess Tent", is nearly ready to start serving guests. It already has all the equipment and warmers it needs to offer snacks like soft pretzels, churros, and cold drinks. And now they're decorating it with nets, ropes, and other decor to better match the area. New exterior lighting has appeared, mainly pointing at the temple gates and surrounding area. Much of the lighting has a blue tint to create the perfect nighttime mood after dark. I also saw folks painting and set-dressing the area near the entrance, adding accents to bamboo spears and painting. Check out the video and snapshots below and stay tuned for more updates!
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Kongstruction Update: Kong Merchandise and New Fire Effects – With Video
Some new Skull Island: Reign of Kong merchandise has shown up in the middle of the main gift shop in Islands of Adventure and we take a look at all of it today. While I was there I got some more footage of the ongoing Kongstruction as well. Today they had the torches by the entrance arch all lit up and all the street lamps in the area were on for testing. Workers were installing new spot lighting atop the temple gates while a crew of team members toured the area without hardhats. See all the action in the video. Plus, check out the merchandise photos along with some key snapshots of the construction area below. And stay tuned for more theme park updates coming soon!
Kongstruction Update: Fire, Lights, Doors and Trees – With Video
It's time for a big update of the construction progress for Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Lots of plants, trees, and bushes have been brought in by the landscaping team. This not only creates an incredible atmosphere, but is also helping to separate the area from neighboring Toon Lagoon. While I was there they were (briefly) testing fire effects as well as testing the blackout doors in the big temple entrance. These are inner doors behind the big gates used to block out the light after the ride vehicle enters the building. Inside the doors you can see a huge animal skull and bones. Lots of work is also being focused on preparing the queue and ride entrance for guests. New lanterns have been added throughout the path and I even saw a ride warning sign up now! Things are getting really close for their Summer opening. Check out the video and photos below and stay tuned for more updates!
Kongstruction Update: Outdoor Ride Path Work Continues While Skulls and Torches Appear – With Video
I headed out to Universal's Islands of Adventure on a dark and gloomy December morning to get some new images and video of the construction progress for Skull Island: Reign of Kong. So much has been accomplished since my last update, but I imagine some of the more incredible work has been going on inside the building, beyond those massive gates. According to eye-witnesses, apparently those giant gates have been tested recently and are ready to go. When I came by they were locked open and covered in tarps, but lots of other work was being done: the outdoor ride path and set pieces are coming along nicely, the outdoor and indoor portions of the queue are taking shape, and little flourishes like skulls, spears, and torches have started to appear! Take a look at the images below and watch the video for more. Be sure to share the video and check back soon for more park updates.
Kongstruction Update: Mountain Range Gets Painted Murals and Outdoor Queue Takes Shape
It's been a few weeks since my last visit to Islands of Adventure and a lot has changed over at the Skull Island construction area. The first thing that caught my eye was a beautifully painted mural on the mountain range backdrop behind the facade. They've already finished the left-side and are continuing on the right, but it is looking incredible. It really sells the perspective, and even features some 2-dimensional brickwork extending the building upwards. Also new, are the two posts above the giant temple gate. These look like the posts used in the earlier King Kong films to tie down the sacrificial human when offering them up to the mighty Kong. The queue building on the right side of the construction zone is coming along nicely, with a rough fort-like roof style and some new covered walkways extending out from the Kong face arch. Check out all the images below for details in this Kong-sized photo update!
Kongstruction Update: Kong’s Face in the Rockwork and Ride Path Appears – With Video
Since my last update the scaffolding has come down around the entry arch showing off a beautifully sculpted Kong face. It hasn't been painted yet, but definitely bares a striking resemblance to the big guy as seen in the concept art. In front of the giant temple gate we're getting our first glimpses of the shape of the outdoor portion of the ride path. A short rock wall wrapping around the path has sprung up, as well as structural I beams being placed below the track path in preparation for concrete being poured. The ride is being rumored as being "trackless," so what we're seeing now is the pathway being constructed where the vehicle will travel outside before entering the show building. See the new video as well as some images below and stay tuned for more updates!