More Details + First Photos of Kong in Islands of Adventure's Reign of Kong Attraction

We're starting to get close to the opening of Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Islands of Adventure, part of the Universal Orlando Resort, though we're still not sure exactly when we can journey to see the mighty Kong.

To help us while we wait, Universal has released some new details about the infamous King Kong figure that we will cross paths with in the new attraction.  According to the park, riders will be "so close they'll feel his breath sweep across their skin and his thunderous roar reverberate through every bone in their body."  Sign me up!

© Universal Orlando

Fans of the Universal Orlando resort are anxiously awaiting the return of Kong since he left Universal Studios Florida years ago.  The new attraction will offer the most "visceral" encounter with Kong yet, and to help us grasp the size of the beast the above graphic was released.  The Kong figure in the ride will stand nearly three stories tall, and stretch 18 feet wide at the shoulders.  Big boy!  Technically known as a Megaprimatus (ancient species of giant ape),  Kong's head is larger than an automobile and features scars from encounters with the other creatures of Skull Island.  I don't expect to see him smile so much, but the park points out that he will have human-like expressions of emotion.

© Universal Orlando

© Universal Orlando

And there he is!  Yes, the shots are pretty dark and mysterious, but this is our first official look at the big guy - crooked teeth and scars and all.  I can't wait to see how he interacts with the ride vehicles as they pass by him!

While we wait for an official opening date and perhaps even more ride details, the park also released the below video, giving the latest on the new attraction: