Skull Island: Reign of Kong from construction to opening

[Daveeeeed]

Just give up Mike. Universal SUCKS!!! Disney are the only people who build great attractions period.

The defensive are out in force across all the threads. Universal MUST be doing something right.

Universal is incredible I love them as much as Disney if not more in some respects those rides besides Mission: Space though combine sets and screens, but Ellen, nemo, and grand fiesta tour aren't good attractions so the comparison is pretty bad, which Kong doesn't look very good either so...

 

[rufio]

Have you been on Gran Fiesta Tour, Nemo, or Mission: SPACE? All heavily screen based and Kong looks better than all of them. Let's not forget the tearing out of the more physical ending descent of Spaceship Earth in favor of screens in every ride car. The ride is great until it gets to that sequence which is more boring than any of the "bad films in 4D theaters" at Universal. Then we get to Universe of Energy with its vastly outdated 20 year old film portion. The Dinosaur scene is the rides saving grace but is still pretty short. Imagination had all the Imagination ripped from it and guess what? SCREENS!!! If you see this as a problem it goes both ways. At least what Universal builds is exciting and it looks like Disney is following suit starting with Shanghai's Pirates and followed by Avatar and Star Wars. If I end up not liking F&F based on what I've read it won't be because of "screenz."

I'm seriously done dealing with this. Bicker amongst yourselves.

Why do you keep comparing rides that use some screens as a component in addition to tons of physical sets with simulation rides? They are not the same thing at all.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Universal is incredible I love them as much as Disney if not more in some respects those rides besides Mission: Space though combine sets and screens, but Ellen, nemo, and grand fiesta tour aren't good attractions so the comparison is pretty bad, which Kong doesn't look very good either so...

Comparing Kong to Ellen's is so far beyond ridiculous you have truly crossed into ludicrous and possibly even nonsensical.

 

[rufio]

Just give up Mike. Universal SUCKS!!! Disney are the only people who build great attractions period.

The defensive are out in force across all the threads. Universal MUST be doing something right.

There are things I don't like about Disney too, but this happens to be a thread about a ride at Universal.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Have you been on Gran Fiesta Tour, Nemo, or Mission: SPACE? All heavily screen based and Kong looks better than all of them. Let's not forget the tearing out of the more physical ending descent of Spaceship Earth in favor of screens in every ride car. The ride is great until it gets to that sequence which is more boring than any of the "bad films in 4D theaters" at Universal. Then we get to Universe of Energy with its vastly outdated 20 year old film portion. The Dinosaur scene is the rides saving grace but is still pretty short. Imagination had all the Imagination ripped from it and guess what? SCREENS!!! If you see this as a problem it goes both ways. At least what Universal builds is exciting and it looks like Disney is following suit starting with Shanghai's Pirates and followed by Avatar and Star Wars. If I end up not liking F&F based on what I've read it won't be because of "screenz."

I'm seriously done dealing with this. Bicker amongst yourselves.

I love universal, they did incredible on forbidden journey COMBINING SCREENS AND SETS, Disney did that on nemo, and grand fiesta tour, and even Ellen, but those three rides are VERY BAD as we all know. Epcot only has 2 good rides. It's not even worthy of comparison. What you did are compare some of the worst attractions at Dosney parks in the world, so of course Kong is better than those but that is putting it at a really low standered if you can't compare it to something higher. Why are you comparing it to that we should be comparing it to rides like Shanghai Pirates, Tron Lghtcycles Powerrun, and Radiator Springs Racers. Epcot has the worst selection of rides at any Disney park in the world.

MY POINT IS STILL TRUE, for a brand new ride, its story, and its lack of sets combination with screens disappoints for Kong, stop acting like it isn't true. I don't even know why you guys are dismissing it when it, it needs sets. It is not a matter of Disney vs. Universal, it is not a matter of screens, it is a matter of depth. You have sets and screens it is going to feel much more real. On top of that DO YOU REALLY THINK THE STORY IS GOOD???? Do you not think it is generic?

 

[Daveeeeed]

Comparing Kong to Ellen's is so far beyond ridiculous you have truly crossed into ludicrous and possibly even nonsensical.

@Mike S did it first... I was responding to his comment.............

 

[Mike S]

I love universal, they did incredible on forbidden journey COMBINING SCREENS AND SETS, Disney did that on nemo, and grand fiesta tour, and even Ellen, but those three rides are VERY BAD as we all know. Epcot only has 2 good rides. It's not even worthy of comparison. What you did are compare some of the worst attractions at Dosney parks in the world, so of course Kong is better than those but that is putting it at a really low standered if you can't compare it to something higher. Why are you comparing it to that we should be comparing it to rides like Shanghai Pirates, Tron Lghtcycles Powerrun, and Radiator Springs Racers. Epcot has the worst selection of rides at any Disney park in the world.

MY POINT IS STILL TRUE, for a brand new ride, its story, and its lack of sets combination with screens disappoints for Kong, stop acting like it isn't true. I don't even know why you guys are dismissing it when it, it needs sets. It is not a matter of Disney vs. Universal, it is not a matter of screens, it is a matter of depth. You have sets and screens it is going to feel much more real. On top of that DO YOU REALLY THINK THE STORY IS GOOD???? Do you not think it is generic?

I was comparing Universal's "screenz" rides to Disney's in Orlando. Kong looks great to me and from what I'm hearing from people who have actually ridden it sounds like I'll enjoy it very much.

 

[Daveeeeed]

Seriously I don't get how you guys don't understand the value in using sets and screens, clearly you both have not been on Ratatouille in Walt Disney Studios Paris, it feels like you are literally a rat, and it was the coolest thing! I even wonder if you guys remember ridding Forbidden Journey. Don't you guys think it benefited by using sets?
Kong is not a bad ride as a whole, but the story is generic, and it lacks sets with screens etc. sure the exterior is beautiful, and the queue is too. But Universal doesn't need another e-ticket type completely screen based ride as everything starts to feel the same. I can watch a movie in an IMAX theater if I wanted to, still not the same, but to really make it standout combining sets and screens is the way to go. They should implement some form of screens, but combine it with sets. But no matter how much I say it you guys seem to think I'm crazy, and while some are defending me like @DisneyExpert some of you guys have said some real rude stuff like @JoeCamel & @Disneyhead'71

This is seriously getting ridiculous. If are just going to continue treating me like some idiot by discarding every valid statement I make then I'll let you guys have he last word. I'm out!

 

[imperius]

@Disneyhead'71
@Mike S
And to others as well...
Seriously I don't get how you guys don't understand the value in using sets and screens, clearly you both have not been on Ratatouille in Walt Disney Studios Paris, it feels like you are literally a rat, and it was the coolest thing! I even wonder if you guys remember ridding Forbidden Journey. Don't you guys think it benefited by using sets?
Kong is not a bad ride as a whole, but the story is generic, and it lacks sets with screens etc. sure the exterior is beautiful, and the queue is too. But Universal doesn't need another e-ticket type completely screen based ride. They should implement some form of screens, but combine it with sets. But no matter how much I say it you guys seem to think I'm crazy, and while some are defending me like @DisneyExpert some of you guys have said some real rude stuff like @JoeCamel
This is seriously getting ridiculous. If are just going to continue treating me like some idiot by discarding every valid statement I make then I'll let you guys have he last word. I'm out!

No one here is against sets and screens, but the people have have ridden the ride seem to enjoy it. That's the issue I have here. People are complaining about it based on a POV video and not actually riding the ride. If you want to complain after, I'm fine with it. Kong is a whole story from the outside, the queue, and then to the ride itself. It looks great to me and can't wait to ride it.

Universal does great with blending screens and sets as seen in SM, FJ, Transformers, and Gringotts. People love those rides and it's what they do. People are just sick and tired of the screens debate really. Universal does screen attractions well, yes they have a lot of them, but it doesn't seem to be an issue with the GP. Their attendance numbers actually increased. They will be adding two more, and I'm not super excited for those, but then the word is Nintendo is going to be physical sets and little to no screens. So Universal will be doing it and can do it as seen in previous and current rides.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I love universal, they did incredible on forbidden journey COMBINING SCREENS AND SETS, Disney did that on nemo, and grand fiesta tour, and even Ellen, but those three rides are VERY BAD as we all know. Epcot only has 2 good rides. It's not even worthy of comparison. What you did are compare some of the worst attractions at Dosney parks in the world, so of course Kong is better than those but that is putting it at a really low standered if you can't compare it to something higher. Why are you comparing it to that we should be comparing it to rides like Shanghai Pirates, Tron Lghtcycles Powerrun, and Radiator Springs Racers. Epcot has the worst selection of rides at any Disney park in the world.

MY POINT IS STILL TRUE, for a brand new ride, its story, and its lack of sets combination with screens disappoints for Kong, stop acting like it isn't true. I don't even know why you guys are dismissing it when it, it needs sets. It is not a matter of Disney vs. Universal, it is not a matter of screens, it is a matter of depth. You have sets and screens it is going to feel much more real. On top of that DO YOU REALLY THINK THE STORY IS GOOD???? Do you not think it is generic?

No, I don't think it's generic. It's big, loud, and unapologetically "UNIVERSAL". I think it is an amazing attraction. And no, it doesn't need any more sets than it has. There are a few rough edges inside the ride that could use a bit more rock work, like the exit from the 360 tunnel into the Kong AA scene. And a bit more theming on the opposite side from the screen in the bug pit scene. But there is no doubt it, in most people's minds is a full on home run.

We're not against sets and screens, we love them. FJ is my favorite ride anywhere. Right now, Kong is my second favorite ride at UOR. But what we're saying is first, Kong IS a blend of sets and screens. And second, you can build an amazing attraction that is screen reliant if done well. And Kong is done VERY well.

Do I want more rides with practical sets? Yes. But that doesn't mean Kong isn't a great attraction.

 

[JT3000]

What's the plan for the Kong/JP area? They likely to do much else around there?

Doesn't seem like it, unfortunately. There's no real separation between the two. I would have liked to have seen the JP gate go back up at the very least, but there's barely any room for it. They haven't even turned off the JP music in front of Kong yet.

What on earth does this have to do with the discussion?

It's called an analogy.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Doesn't seem like it, unfortunately. There's no real separation between the two. I would have liked to have seen the JP gate go back up at the very least, but there's barely any room for it. They haven't even turned off the JP music in front of Kong yet.


It's called an analogy.

Actually, they changed the music a couple of days ago. But on Mon. and Tues. the mix was interesting.

I wish they would put the Jurassic Park arch back up and place "park map" signs around the land that make it like Kong is an attraction at "Jurassic Park".

 

[flynnibus]

You guys who bash screens must really hate Epcot then.

Watching a film as a movie... vs substituting a screen for a physical object is very different

And EPCOT did get a lot of flak for the heavy reliance on movie attractions since China, Canada, and France basically all being just a movie.

 

[flynnibus]

Do I want more rides with practical sets? Yes. But that doesn't mean Kong isn't a great attraction.

I'm having a hard time getting past the 'we borrow the tram tunnel' ride concept from USH... and that it seems like Earthquake.. but 3d screens instead.

What's the point of the final scene with the Kong AA too? I'm not understanding what that's supposed to be..

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I'm having a hard time getting past the 'we borrow the tram tunnel' ride concept from USH... and that it seems like Earthquake.. but 3d screens instead.

What's the point of the final scene with the Kong AA too? I'm not understanding what that's supposed to be..

Barrowing and expanding the elements from Hollywood's tram ride is in UOR's DNA. The original Kongfrontation, Earthquake, Jaws, The Psycho House, and the Hollywood and New York sets are all from Hollywood's tram tour.

And yeah, the story falls apart at the 360 tunnel, what happened to Kate and why is Kong sad and inspecting the people on the truck?

 

[flynnibus]

Barrowing and expanding the elements from Hollywood's tram ride is in UOR's DNA. The original Kongfrontation, Earthquake, Jaws, The Psycho House, and the Hollywood and New York sets are all from Hollywood's tram tour.

Yeah, but that was all USO which was supposed to an east coast Universal Studios.. at least there it made more sense. Kong at USH was refreshing part of an existing attraction... none of that really applies to adding it into IOA. I'm glad they are adding.. but this attraction feels like a 'meh' to me. 'We did it!!! Yeah, but why?'

 

[Mike S]

Watching a film as a movie... vs substituting a screen for a physical object is very different

And EPCOT did get a lot of flak for the heavy reliance on movie attractions since China, Canada, and France basically all being just a movie.

Not just the WS movies. I explained it in another post on the last page but I might as well add Test Track 2.0 to that list. It's all blacklit flats and very "meh" projection effects now.

 

[DisUniversal]

Got to go on Skull Island this afternoon. The YouTube videos really don't do it justice...much better when you actually experience the ride. The screens work very well and give the experience a depth that wouldn't be possible with "sets". The queue animatronic is very well done, as is Kong at the end. I don't see where addition physical set pieces or props would really add that much to this attraction and while it may not be the best thing Universal has done in the past 5 years, it's better than anything they've done at WDW in the past 15...perhaps even 20 years.

 

[flynnibus]

Not just the WS movies. I explained it in another post on the last page but I might as well add Test Track 2.0 to that list. It's all blacklit flats and very "meh" projection effects now.

don't agree at all.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

Yeah, but that was all USO which was supposed to an east coast Universal Studios.. at least there it made more sense. Kong at USH was refreshing part of an existing attraction... none of that really applies to adding it into IOA. I'm glad they are adding.. but this attraction feels like a 'meh' to me. 'We did it!!! Yeah, but why?'

IDK, maybe because it's a pretty BA attraction that a lot of people will love.

And you want to know the biggest thing that separates this from a "Disney" attraction? It's not the scareactors in the queue. It's not the giant state of the art AA that actually moves. It's that this attraction doesn't end in a gift shop.

You ask why Universal would do this. Because they wanted too. King Kong was the impetus for a Universal theme park. With the Disney Co. it all started with a mouse. At Universal, the entire idea of a Universal theme park started with the King Kong robot they built in 1986 for the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour. Spielberg, took one look at it and said, "That's better than anything Disney has built". And a seed was planted. 4 years later Universal Studios Florida opened with Kongfrontation as it's mega headliner attraction. Unfortunately, the ride system and AA didn't age well and was costing a fortune to operate, and it's reliability was suffering, so they had little choice to remove it.

But now, "The King has returned" and order has been restored to the realm.