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Universal’s ‘Reign of Kong’ Logged 87 January Closures, Intensifying Reliability Concerns

Reporters tie the spike in downtime to a tech‑dependent ride system with a delicate animatronic finale.

Overview

  • Data from AllEars show Skull Island: Reign of Kong closed 87 times in January 2026 at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
  • Inside the Magic reports a sustained pattern of shutdowns that is disrupting carefully planned park itineraries for many guests.
  • The screen‑driven, tightly synchronized system means small software, sensor, or ride‑vehicle faults can prompt full safety stops.
  • The finale’s large Kong animatronic is a key draw yet can contribute to significant downtime when it experiences issues.
  • Closures push crowds to nearby areas and raise waits, a strain heightened by Jurassic Park River Adventure staying closed until November 19, 2026; Universal has not announced a refurbishment, though outlets suggest a larger fix may be needed if problems continue.