Universal Orlando Resort has confirmed that the King Kong animatronic at Skull Island: Reign of Kong sustained damage during routine maintenance. The attraction remains closed at Universal Islands of Adventure while crews work on repairs.
The confirmation provides new details about the ongoing closure. Universal had not previously explained why the attraction remained unavailable since August 26.
The company did not disclose what caused the damage or describe its extent. Universal also has not announced a reopening date.
The news adds clarity to the current status of Universal Orlando’s King Kong attraction. However, several details about the incident remain undisclosed.
What Universal Confirmed
Universal’s statement provides the clearest information available about the closure.
A Universal Orlando spokesperson told Attractions Magazine, “During routine maintenance, the King Kong animatronic sustained damage and is undergoing repairs. We look forward to welcoming guests back once the work is complete.”
Skull Island: Reign of Kong remains closed at Islands of Adventure. The attraction has now been unexpectedly closed for the past few weeks, with no reopening date announced. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/AEiTzHJG8f
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) September 11, 2026
The company has not identified the specific component that sustained damage. It also has not said how extensive the repairs will be or how long they will take.
The attraction has remained closed since August 26. Its current closure did not appear on Universal Orlando’s previously published refurbishment schedule.
Rumors of Fire
Rumors about a possible fire circulated while the attraction remained closed. Some reports and social media posts claimed that the Kong animatronic caught fire during maintenance.
The company has only confirmed that the animatronic sustained damage during routine maintenance. Universal has not publicly identified a fire as the cause of the damage.
Image from Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Isles of Adventure – YouTube, Universal Orlando Resort
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Universal also has not said whether the damage affects the figure’s mechanical systems, exterior components, electronics, or other equipment. Until Universal provides additional information, those details remain unknown.
Why the Kong Figure Matters to the Attraction
Skull Island: Reign of Kong opened at Universal Islands of Adventure on July 13, 2016. The attraction takes guests through Skull Island aboard expedition vehicles.
The ride combines physical environments, large-scale media and a three-story animatronic King Kong figure. The Kong figure appears during the attraction’s final sequence.
Sing to Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Isles of Adventure – YouTube, Universal Orlando Resort
The current problem involves one of the attraction’s major physical components. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could be quite the problem for the attraction.
No Reopening Date Announced
The latest update gives an explanation to the weeks-long closure. However, details beyond damage to the Kong animatronic remains limited.
Universal has not given guests a target date for the attraction’s return. The company has said that repairs are underway and that guests will return after the work is complete.
For visitors planning a trip to Islands of Adventure, that means the attraction’s operating status remains uncertain. Guests should check Universal Orlando’s current attraction information before visiting if Skull Island: Reign of Kong is part of their plans.
Are you disappointed the King Kong animatronic is down at Universal Orlando? Sound off and let us know your thoughts about the unexpected ride closure.
