So this is everything that we kwow about SKULL ISLAND: REIGN OF KONG:
• The “revolutionary” ride vehicles: The vehicles are jeeps, similar to the trams of the Studio Tour in California or the Kilimanjaro Safari Expedition at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They have ceilings which indicates that the majority of the action is going to happen beside us not in front of us. The choice of this type of vehicle indicates that the ride is not going to include coaster parts too (a la Escape from Gringotts). The capacity of the vehicle is huge with 72 seats available per jeep. That’s similar to the capacity of The Great Movie Ride (68) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Mike Meyers says that “the ride vehicle is one of the biggest Universal Orlando has built” and it certainly is. In conclusion, this vehicles are like nothing Universal has done before so don’t expect any Spiderman/Transformers or Gringotts type of ride.
• 3D or real sets: Some insiders said that the ride will be composed of 70% sets and 30% screens which differs with the recent rides opened by Universal that can be described as the total opposite (70% screens, 30% sets). The real sets will probably include a massive King Kong AA as rumors suggests. For the other part, the screens will probably be represented by the 360 experience copied from the California Tram Tour. "We will have incredible 3D imagery but it’ll be so much more than that. We’re going to have vast sets, great characters, a complete immersive environment for the guests," said West. Robert Niles from Theme Park Inside writes that “the blueprints we've seen call for a show scene with a massive set of screens on either side of the ride track, as found on the Kong encounter on Hollywood's Studio Tour. However, the next scene includes plans for a massive Kong animatronic, as we saw years ago in the old Kong ride and Kong encounter at Universal Studios Florida and Universal Studios Hollywood, respectively. Kong appears on the right side of the ride track as ride vehicles curve around Kong to their right, allowing a long moment with the Big Ape”. [HASHTAG]#Excitement[/HASHTAG]
• Duration of the ride: “It will be one of the longest rides we’ve ever done” says Mike West. Universal rides usually last between 4 and 5 minutes, being Dudley Do Right’s Ripsaw Falls the longest ride with 6 minutes. King Kong will probably be on par with that ride. Again, don’t expect any Gringotts or Spiderman type of ride! This is going to be totally different!
• Live drivers: This is one of the most interesting rumors around the attraction. Mike West confirmed today that “crew members will be driving the vehicle but they won't be the wise-cracking guides found on the '90s rides at the theme park. It's not a Jaws kind of attraction"
• The façade: The artwork shows that it will include a King Kong face rock formation just above the riders’ entrance. Mike West said that the temple entrance will have “beautiful wooden doors and flames shooting on each side”. That sounds AWESOME.
• The opening: Summer 2016
• Outdoor scenes: One of the biggest rumor was that this groundbreaking new attraction was going to include outdoor scenes (the combination between indoor and outdoor has never been done by Universal). Now is confirmed that Skull Island: Reign of Kong will include outdoor sequences. Mike West revealed that “When you get on the expedition trucks, the first part is outdoors approaching the 72-foot-tall great wall. These marvelous huge wooden doors swing open and you enter to find great chasms and caves."
• The queue: Expect an ultra-immersive queue. Mike West describes the attraction as “a combination experience of walking through the queue and then the ride”. The queue WILL be important. Mike West said that "You'll come upon dense jungles," as you enter Skull Island and make your way through temple ruins, and along the way you'll encounter hostile natives. Cryptic messages along the way will warn of unimaginable giant creatures. So by the time you get to board the expedition vehicle your anticipation is peaking."
• Height restriction: “It’s really a very dramatic physical environment that you’re immersed in,” West said. “It’s an intense, thrilling ride. But not so thrilling that it will traumatize young children. It was conceived for the whole family. Kids will be in awe.” Minimum height will be 34 inches, which will allow many 2- and 3-year-olds to ride. This is another very important difference with the other recent simulator rides that Universal has opened. Both Spiderman and Transformers have a 40 inches height restriction. 34 inches is the minimum height restriction at any ride at Universal Orlando Resort (even The Cat in the Hat has a bigger height restriction!).