Kongstruction Update: Fire, Lights, Doors and Trees

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!


Construction Photos:

WE HAVE FIRE!

WE HAVE FIRE!

While I was there they were only testing the fire effects for a couple minutes

While I was there they were only testing the fire effects for a couple minutes

LED lights added inside rockwork for red lighting effects at night

LED lights added inside rockwork for red lighting effects at night

Menacing faces

Menacing faces

View from above. Outdoor ride track seen wrapping around centerpiece of rocks

View from above. Outdoor ride track seen wrapping around centerpiece of rocks

Giant temple door seen here open

Giant temple door seen here open

Huge skull and bones seen inside ride vehicle

Huge skull and bones seen inside the show building

Blackout doors seen here closing. Looks like the outside Tower of Terror doors when it closes and opens

Blackout doors seen here closing. Looks like the outside Tower of Terror doors when it closes and opens

Queue entrance being readied to receive guests

Queue entrance being readied to receive guests

Kong arch has received fresh coats of paint to make it look old and new rockwork sign added

Kong arch has received fresh coats of paint to make it look old and new rockwork sign added

New sign embedded in rockwork at entrance, along with torches, skulls and spears

New sign embedded in rockwork at entrance, along with torches, skulls and spears

Creepy faces on columns in outdoor queue area

Creepy faces on columns in outdoor queue area

Skulls along roof of covered outdoor queue area behind entrance

Skulls along roof of covered outdoor queue area behind entrance

Ride warning signs up

Ride warning signs up

Lanterns installed along queue and walkway paths

Lanterns installed along queue and walkway paths

Menacing Kong

Menacing Kong

Further up the path

Further up the path

Outdoor food tent, done in the style of basecamp tent for expedition

Outdoor food tent, done in the style of basecamp tent for expedition

Food stand named "The Mess Tent", like a mess hall

Food stand named “The Mess Tent”, like a mess hall

Painted mountain range looks incredible above the area

Painted mountain range looks incredible above the area

Opening in the building where ride vehicles exit the load platform for outdoor scene

Opening in the building where ride vehicles exit the load platform for outdoor scene

View from Jurassic Park side, gift shop stand and ride exit on the right

View from Jurassic Park side, gift shop stand and ride exit on the right

Gift shop stand near ride exit

Gift shop stand near ride exit

Lots of trees and plants planted near Toon Lagoon, blocking view from the other land

Lots of trees and plants planted near Toon Lagoon, blocking view from the other land

Oh no... Are those... fans!?! All the way, over here!

Oh no… Are those… fans!?! All the way, over here!

Looks like this road near Toon Lagoon will in fact be used as extended queue in cases of huge crowds

Looks like the employee access road near Toon Lagoon will be used as extended queue in cases of huge crowds

That’s all for this Kongstruction update. Check out our recent update from Hello Kitty at Universal Studios Florida, with video!

See all the Kong updates here and subscribe to the feed for more continual updates!

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Note: All images taken from within guest areas.

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