104- Kong Is The Bomb Dot Com

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Joe, Ann, Mike, Nick, and Sean talk about their last trip to Orlando. They discuss Soarin' Around the World, Frozen, Kong, and more!

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Lane.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong Has Started Soft Openings

Not much to say. Skull Island: Reign of Kong started technical rehearsals (soft openings) June 9th little after 6pm.

Seth Kubersky from TouringPlans posted a great Periscope video of the wait, the queue, and the opening parts of the ride!

Inside the interior queue of Skull Island Reign of Kong pic.twitter.com/hE1bxV24BG

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) June 9, 2016

Warning signs & more skills inside Kong queue #kongwatch ~@skubersky pic.twitter.com/lz7RFdMD5L

— TouringPlans (@TouringPlans) June 9, 2016

Photos of Skull Island witch animatronic ~@skubersky pic.twitter.com/Ik4gakN4yn

— TouringPlans (@TouringPlans) June 9, 2016

We're getting ready to ride!!!! #KongWatch pic.twitter.com/OzIWKKkI1o

— Orlando United (@Orlando_United) June 9, 2016

Inside the temple of Kong. So many skulls! #kongwatch ~@skubersky #UniversalMoments pic.twitter.com/rfIwAeUNcm

— TouringPlans (@TouringPlans) June 9, 2016

The Kong vehicle pulling up to the load platform. #ChanceOfReign pic.twitter.com/maZWvZG0vp

— ThrillGeek (@thrillgeek) June 9, 2016

#kongwatch #ChanceOfReign pic.twitter.com/v6dLh264Bv

— Joshua Cornelson (@21josh94) June 9, 2016

Fantastic witch animatronic in Skull Island queue #kongwatch #universalmoments ~@skubersky pic.twitter.com/nZ0DZjUj7R

— TouringPlans (@TouringPlans) June 9, 2016

Skull Island: Reign of Kong April 13th Updates

Today new testing occurred at Reign of Kong. The below photo shows Team Members and/or Universal Creative riding the attraction, our first view of people riding the attraction in full.

Photo from taylerapple from Orlando United

Then, we have a new video of vehicle testing. But unlike other vehicle testing, there is something in the drivers' seat.

We've heard before that an animatronic could be driving the vehicles, could this be our first view?

5.11- Better Late Than Never

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Joe has some Hoof Hearted, Mike hates Guardians of the Galaxy, Lane talks about Dollywood, and Nick talks Marvel. Also SeaWorld, USH tickets, WDW parties, Hulk, and Kong.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Lane.

5.10- Southern Delegates

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Lane, Mike, and Nick talk about USH's permanent The Walking Dead House, Kong rumors and news, and Toothsome Chocolate Factor at CityWalk. Then LitemAndHyde joins the guys from Orlando for quick live update. Plus some listeners questions are answered!

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Lane.

Reign of Kong Ride Vehicle and Experience Updates

Photo courtesy Universal Orlando Resort, from Orlando Sentinel.

Tonight Orlando Sentinel reports a major update to Reign of Kong will be coming later on March 15th. The ride vehicles are officially confirmed to be trackless, a first for Universal, and seat 72 guests. The above photo is one of the five drivers that will join you on your adventure in Skull Island. Per the story...

 West also says that "behind the wheel" will be one of five different drivers, each with a different story, which will make for varied experiences on the attraction. Drivers include Becky (a cowgirl), Will Denham (adventurous cousin of a movie director), Jinks Costanza (ex-con from New York City), Kalana (descendant of the island's natives) and Doc (paleontology student). 

 For more information and details go check out the Orlando Sentinel article.

"While You Were At Work" Kong and Volcano Bay Updates

Reign of Kong

Photo Courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort

Full steam ahead at Universal Orlando with two major projects at the resort.

This morning the Universal Orlando Blog posted an update to Skull Island: Reign of Kong with the amazing photo above and an official ride description. Universal also uploaded two videos, one a behind the scenes look at the creation of the attraction.

A new 'Myth Explorers' mini series has been created online using real life SyFy star Erin Ryder on her quest to find Skull Island and King Kong. The series is hosted on the UOR YouTube page and all links go to the UOR website, so this is very much a viral marketing campaign for the attraction. The production values are high and I'm intrigued to see where this goes. The first episode is available below.

Reign of Kong is expected to open this summer, rumored more specifically July 2016.

Volcano Bay

Vertical construction has started on the volcano at Volcano Bay. 

Steadily adding framework to the mountain at Volcano Bay water park. pic.twitter.com/69WkU0O73B

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 25, 2016

Finally a Notice of Commencement has been filed for slide construction and for the first time we have confirmation that ProSlide is supplying all slides for the water park.

Reign of Kong Updates

Skull Island: Reign of Kong is finalizing construction and inching towards opening this summer. Here are some updates from the project.

The Reign of Kong area is going to look even more beautiful at night! We can't wait! pic.twitter.com/kUarXDn3qT

— Orlando Park News (@OrlParkNews) February 22, 2016

Night time lighting testing has begun and it looks amazing.

#KingKong photo update at #IslandsOfAdventures Skull Island #reignofkong #UniversalStudiosFlorida #Orlando pic.twitter.com/ZUN42DBRgQ

— MickeyXtreme (@MickeyXtreme) February 23, 2016

MickeyXtreme on Twitter has provided several photos taken from the air of the Kong construction. You can see the outdoor path layout, landscaping, and interior queue set up.

APE GATES ARE BEING TESTED!! #Kongstriction pic.twitter.com/hTI0MsG7Sx

— Josh Solomon (@josh_m_solomon) February 23, 2016

The exterior doors for the attraction are now regularly testing. These doors are the main show doors, but there are a smaller set behind them to block out the sun and soundproof the attraction.

Looks like an upcoming episode of @FaceOffSyfy will tie into Skull Island: Reign of Kong (h/t to emurphy707) pic.twitter.com/EH0UcgLaFN

— Orlando United (@Orlando_United) February 23, 2016

Finally, Orlando United poster emurphy707 posted that the season finally of Face-Off is called Skull Island; Reign of Kong. Face-Off has previously broadcast episodes on special effects make-up for Halloween Horror Nights and it's likely this year they are working with Universal on such effects for Kong.

We have been hearing for over a year of actors portraying Skull Island 'natives' in the queue and/or post show; this special along with a casting call from early February show Universal is moving ahead with this plan. Expect something more along the line of the Face-Off scare zone from prior Halloween Horror Nights minus the "jump scares" that startle people.

Reign of Kong is shaping up to be a complex experience, one we haven't seen since The Great Movie Ride combined a guided tour, AAs, film segments, and live actors in 1989. We believe Kong might be ready for a May soft opening date to handle the Memorial Day crowds. Universal has traditionally held events opening events to open several new additions at once and since Sapphire Falls has officially been announced to open in July 2016, we expect Kong's official opening to happen at that time too.

5.5- Pirates of Dagobah

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Joe, Mike, Nick, and Sean start the new year off right by talking Shanghai Disneyland, Star Wars land, the validity of wine as an alcohol choice, Reign of Kong, Hulk, Volcano Bay, more UOR construction, snow, and take your questions.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

4.6- Nintendo and Kong

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We have a full house today with Joe, Mike, Nick, Sean, and Drew from OrlandoUnited.com. Skull Island: Rise of Kong. Nintendo at Universal (I still can't believe that's happening).

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

Skull Island: Reign of Kong

The King has returned. 

Starting with rumors of a Kong replacement for Disaster to now a whole new island at Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resor today announced Kong. 

Set to open summer 2016, the attraction will combine massive rock work, lush jungle sets, rumored audio-animatronics, and a face to face encounter with the beast himself. 

We will update this post more as the story develops.

4.3- Give Us Plastic APs

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Joe, Mike, Nick, and Sean are joined by Taylor from OrlandoInformer.com to discuss Six Flags, Polynesian, Trader Sam's, SeaWorld PR blunders, ad hominem attacks, Springfield west, King Kong AAs, HHN25, your questions, and more!

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

2/7/2015 Kongstruction: Project 340 Picture Update

Happy Saturday, everyone! I'm happy to say I'm here with a picture update sent to us by some friends touring Islands of Adventure and Universal on vacation. The pictures depict the continued progress on Project 340/King Kong attraction that is coming to Universal's Islands of Adventure. It's impressive to see how far along the facade is already, as the crews prepare to start the facade's rockwork.

All pictures were taken from Pteradon Fliers, as you can see from the vehicle in the pictures.

 The interesting thing in the picture below is the random structure near the center right. It went up a few weeks ago, though I'm not sure what it's for. Might be part of the exit.

As always, stay tuned to @Parkscope for more updates.

3.17 - No Pandas on Stage

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Happy New Year! Joe, Nick, and Sean talk about the Frozen meet & greet area in Epcot, Avatar movie delays, thoughts on IPs in parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios expansion rumors, Cowfish reaching out to guests because of a blogger, Kong, Sean likes old music, the new water park, Mardi Gras, and Baloo as the best spotting bro at a gym.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

3.16 - Ten Days or Whatever of Kwanzaa

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Joe, Nick, and Sean draw Cards Against Humanity cards then dive into SeaWorld, Cedar Point, the Polynesian, Avatar is doing something or another, Be Our Guest for breakfasts, Kong updates, and water park permits. Then Nick dives into his recent trip talking about Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, HOT Butterbeer, and Cowfish. Happy Festivus y'all!

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

3.9- Post Trip Blues News

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Joe and Nick cover the news and events form the past few weeks. Backlot Tour, loss of Epcot entertainment, Kongstruction, NASCAR Grille, Iger, and some teasers for future podcasts.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

UOR Permit Update: Project 664 and Kong

Big news from the world of permits today, as a few new additions were put up on the Orange Country Comptroller site. Today we have NoCs for work on the King Kong show building as well as for a new mystery project, "Project 664". Our sources had indicated to us weeks ago that project 664 was to be UOR's fifth hotel. The NoC backs that up, as there are mutiple call outs to "Site D" in it, which is the plot of land between Royal Pacific and Cabana Bay. The NoC is also attributed to the Universal City Hotel venture, another giveaway. As always, stay tuned to Parkscope for more updates.

UOR Permit Update: Kong Foundation/Structure

We've been busy around here with the permits, haven't we? Well, as you can see below, Universal has filed for the foundation and structural steel for Project 340. Project 340, as we all know, is widely believed to be a new King Kong attraction for Islands of Adventure. As always, stay tuned to Parkscope for more updates.

2.12 - Sean's Tokyo Trip

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Joe, Mike, and Nick are re-joined by international jet-setting playboy Sean! Seven Dwarfs, Hitler, Kong, Despicable Me, Halloween Horry Nights, Tokyo Disneyland, and MORE! LONG LIVE TONY SOLARONI.

Email us at parkscopeblog at gmail dot com or follow us at Parkscope, ParkscopeJoe, CaptMichael87, ParkscopeNick, and/or Parkscope_Sean.

Breaking News: Islands of Adventure King Kong Show Building

Well, everyone, this is a big one. A new upload on the Orlando Water Management site has revealed the size and location of the Project 340 (King Kong) show building. The two documents below show the size of the entire project area and the show building itself. All in all, the project will cover about 4.5 acres.

As always, follow @Parkscope, @Parkscope_Sean, @CaptMichael87, @parkscopejoe, and @ParkscopeNick on twitter for more. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes!!