King Kong’s Universal comeback

Universal Studios is unveiling a number of new initiatives in both its California and Florida theme parks.

Following last year’s fire in the Hollywood theme park, most of the studio’s iconic film sets will re-open this summer and will be featured on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour - upgraded with Hi-Def digital servers and flat screen monitors.

Next summer, 2010, will see the re-emergence of King Kong, on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour in summer, as a ground-breaking 4-D multi-sensory attraction combining thrilling visceral effects with the world’s largest Surround Digital projection system.  

In the new attraction will take guests to Skull Island for an encounter with a swarm of monstrous bats, the terrifying presence of Kong himself and a fight between Kong and a 235ft dinosaur which will make the jolt, roll and shudder.

Other developments include the unveiling of the new show, Creature from the Black Lagoon – a Ragin’ Rockin’ Musical Show - on July 1.

In Universal Orlando, the big news is the imminent opening of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coaster - is the tallest, largest and fastest X-CAR style roller coaster in the world - which as well as having some first-ever manoeuvres at speeds of up to 65 mph will also allows riders to select their own soundtrack from five genres of music: rap/hip hop, country, classic rock/metal, pop/disco and club/electronica.

Each rider’s song pick will also be featured on a ride video they can purchase that uses a network of sophisticated cameras to mix music, moves and special effects.

And coming next year is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

www.universalstudioshollywood.com

www.universalorlando.com