The worst-kept theme park secret appears to be confirmed after a Comcast executive mentioned a King Kong ride for Universal Studios Florida.
During an earnings call Tuesday, Comcast Vice-Chairman and CFO Michael Angelakis said the following:
"At NBCUniversal, capital expenditures increased $61 million, or 5.3% to $1.2 billion during 2014 primarily reflecting increased investments in Theme Parks. In 2015, NBC Universal's capital investment plan remained relatively stable at 2014's level with over half directed to our Theme Park segment as we continue to invest in attractions, including Harry Potter and the Fast & Furious attractions in Hollywood and a King Kong attraction in Orlando."
For people who follow theme park news, this is no surprise. Construction work continues next to the Jurassic Park ride at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Speculation has long centered on a new King Kong ride similar to King Kong 360 3-D at Universal Studios Hollywood.
However Universal Orlando has refused to confirm that Kong is returning to the theme parks after KONGfrontation was closed in 2002.
Whether this means that Kong will open as an attraction this year we don't know. A new movie for King Kong is in pre-production right now and is scheduled to be released in 2017.