The audio sucks. I know it. You know it. But luckily, it gets better. Please don't let it turn you away, as every episode starting with Back to the Future should be better than this weird low-pitched whisper. Thank you all for watching regardless!
I see u have made a few of these . I was lucky enough to in 1997 been in Universal Studios and was on the Kong Ride. I was also on the Jaws ride which was ok not as good. Was back 4 years ago and went on the new 3s ride which was not as impressive. Was more impressed with Transformers.
My dad actually worked for Universal at the time that Kongfrentation was being renovated into Revenge of the Mummy. He noted that on it's opening day that the building still smelled like bananas.
Thank GOD I was able to ride this before it was taken down. I got to ride it in 93 and 96. Absolutely one of my favorite rides of all time. At the time there was no other ride like it but I remember the line being soooo long both times but while waiting in line for back to the future my sister and I leaned against the yellow railings on the ramps on the higher part outside of the building. Well there was no "wet paint " signs so an attendant immediately came to us and my parents and whisked us away. I was scared that we had done something wrong and were in trouble because I was only 10 at the time. She took us to guest services, took our painted shirts to be washed back to new, gave us brand new universal studios hoodies and then gave us all access VIP passes for the 4 of us. Now this was before any fast passes or anything like that. When we went to E.T. next we showed the passes and the attendees took us through the back stage areas of the rides where we were able to see the inner workings of the rides and all the stuff you weren't supposed to see until we got to the exit part of the ride where they boarded us onto the front row of every single ride with absolutely no waits and were able to see all the coolest stuff you could imagine in these back stage places on the rides. They also gave us all the free food and drinks we could want with souvenirs galore. It made for the best theme park experience we have ever had. God bless you universal studios and bravo on taking care of your guests above and beyond the call of duty.
I was honestly too scared to ride on my first visit, and on my second visit I had no one to ride with. By the time I visited the third time, it was gone 😿
Same! It was so cool looking down from the tram and seeing "New York City" in chaos including small details like fire hydrants spilling out water and lamps lit inside apartment buildings.
Emergency stop, stuck in pitch black with a giant killer Kong all while suspended in the air!! God I 'm getting a panic attack just thinking of it...I love it!
Recently in the new one, I was in the ride and it stopped at the King kong giant face. Then the light turned off and we were in the dark with that giant head... it was really creepy. Hopefuly the ride started working again right after that.
This ride was so well done. I used to love looking into all the windows of the shops along the way. Attention to detail was so damn nice. And I miss this kind of ambitious ride rather than the routine use of lazy projector screens these days. Zzzzzzz.
I think it depends on the “screens”, because don’t forget Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and The Amazing Adventures are some of the best attractions on the planet (probably the two best dark rides). But sometimes there’s just WAY TOO MUCH screens and the new Kong ride is probably the best example…
This ride was thee most immersive attraction I have ever been on, from the very opening of the queue you bombarded with this certain level of trepidation of what was to come. The news footage, the uneasiness of the crowd around you was so delightfully terrifying in all the right ways..then the ride. I know it may seem cheap now a days. but the scale and scope of having this larger the life ape seemingly striking your tram was beyond awe inspiring and chilling. If universal's plan was to make you feel part of the movies this ride gets a A+ and will always be something I will remember with wonderment.
I totally agree. You actually felt like you were in a subway station. I even scribbled my name on one of the posts. This ride WAS Universal Studios to me. Universal needs to go back to this type of immersive attractions instead of flashy screens.
I'm from the tri-state area, and had ridden the Roosevelt Island tram; it lent another level to the reality of the ride. They even managed to make it SMELL like NY. This ride scared the heck out of me, TBH.
Not sure how it would seem cheap nowadays? If anything it would look even more impressive nowadays with people being used to screens and simulators. Unfortunately, there aren't many attractions like this anymore where you're totally immersed in a world which has actually been built. This and Jaws are 2 classic rides, the likes of which we probably won't see again due to financial reasons. That's the sad world we live in.
During Halloween Horror Nights 10 and 11 at Universal Studios Florida they actually had a haunted house in the kong ride. You could actually walk into the ride and see Kong wreck havoc above you all with actors trying to scare you as you walked through the seedy new york streets. Surprisingly the haunted house at HHN 10 was a cross promotion with Nightmare Creatures II. And at HHN 11 which was 2001, they had to tone down the violence because of the event that happened a month prior and they had like a foam party area in there.
Glad I'm not the only one who fucking hates "rides" that are glorified 3D films with the equivalent of a rumbling controller and a single smoke machine used as effects.
honestly i like simulators there a fine experience to see places that otherwise would be impossible to go to and i actually prefers the new kong ride for having a more likely scenario of what king kong is and not demonizing him missing the point of the movies (but one thing we can agree on is that universal has long over due for something practical to balance things out)
Squid Kid I completely agree if I wanted to see a 3D show I would go to my local theatre not spend a bucket load of cash to go to a theme park like universal or Disney
sunny see your point but to be fair the parks have 4d effects ad moving seats that actually immerse you in the film and not expensive hard to find distractions at the cinemas and this is also why rides like escape from gringotts and spider man are Superior to stuff like shreck 4d or philharmagic
Massive ape with fire everywhere while flying around in an unstable trolley scared the shit outta me as a kid (especially when the helicopter crashed.) Kinda sad to know it's not there anymore, but I'll never forget how much I cried in the gift shop haha!
As someone who rode this and Jaws in Orlando in 1999, it was awesome. I actually miss animatronic rides like these, they are a lot better than those 360 screen rides we get now. I know the screen rides are cheaper and easier to switch around, but nothing beats animatronics.
The first time I ever rode Kongfrontation, it did indeed break down and stop after the first encounter with Kong. We sat there with everything in the show building turned off just for a few minutes, then our tram began to continue forward with the show around us turned off. So my first time seeing the second more full sized Kong was of him completely motionless. It was disappointing and our guide told us to remain seated and we would be allowed to go around again to experience the attraction again. It was definitely a bit anticlimactic the second time around.
That happened to me with the Harry Potter ride kinda like this that is in Universal Florida around 2011ish. Let's just say fortunately it broke down when I was outside the spider part. XD
sara Ibre The first land, Hogsmeade, opened in 2010 at the Islands of Adventure park, which contains a scene with the spiders inside Hogwarts castle. The second land, Diagon Alley, opened in 2014 in Orlando Studios Florida park which has the ride in Gringotts bank.
This was my absolute all time favorite attraction at Universal; it was amazing. I was crushed to find out it was gone when we took our daughter there in 2010.
This one of my favorite rides at Universal. The attention to detail was amazing. You felt like you were in New York. The graffiti and the TVs with the breaking news were excellent. I loved looking into the shops and apartments. The details. The ride was scary but fun for a pre-teen/teenager like myself.
I'm getting a headache just thinking about how much electricity that attraction needed. I feel like it could've justified a private power plant. It looks amazing though! Pity I never got to experience it...
Fun fact, my dad actually worked on the Kongfrontation ride. (he also worked on the Jaws ride, and brought home some props one day). He has a fun story about it. Apparently, when it was first built, the Kong robot had fingers that could move independently. However, one day, it was altered, and the fingers could only move together (like Kong was wearing a giant mitten). He told me that someone had used the Kong robot to flip off the guests on the ride, so the higher-ups had it changed immediately so that wouldn't happen again. True story (well, if my dad is to be believed, at least).
Speaking as someone who came in about mid-season two... man, going through your older videos is sooooo strange. Great content as always, but the presentation is just different enough to feel odd.
I went to Universal Orlando the first year it opened. Kong was constantly down and I didn't get to ride it until the following year. It was an amazing ride and one that I miss supremely.
Removing Kongfrontation at that time may have been for the best. A public with 9/11 fresh on their minds may not want to ride something that features NYC under attack.
It IS NYC....The Roosevelt Tram is a REAL thing in NYC. It crosses the East River from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. I agree though that saying people couldn't handle it due to 9/11 might have been a stretch, but I imagine for New Yorkers visiting Universal it would've been potential traumatic.
@@paulm2163 cool...I want to ride the real tram. I need to go to New York! Also, this ride was awesome! I rode it as a kid, and I was scared more in the line than I was on the actual ride. I hadn't watched King Kong, so I wasn't really keen on the source material. My parents loved it too!
I got to ride it in 2002, smack dab right in between 9/11 and the ride being shut down. I don’t recall any thoughts of 9/11 from myself or anyone else in the line...
I only remember bits and pieces from this ride since i was only a kid but I would beg my parents to go on it again and again because it felt like you were really there. The amazing amount of detail and effects really made you feel it was worth an hour plus wait. im happy this happened because paved the way for so many more unforgettable rides
Agreed, but I will have that witch woman's speech stuck in my head til the end of time since the operation was delayed while I was in that room. The live jumpscare actor was a nice touch though, scared the crap out of me. I'm surprised more thrill rides don't do that
I’ve just come back from vacation to Florida, and I honestly really enjoyed the new Kong ride. I never had a chance to ride the original Kongfrontation in Universal, but I do think that the original looked more unique. I saw the live actor scare once... kinda... I saw his arm shoot out of a wall briefly, and never saw him against because Skull Island was always a “walk-on” for us (we waited no more than 15 minutes to ride it).
Evan Blenkinsopp depends where you sit, I was on the far right side and smack in the middle so I got the best possible view of the beast himself, so in my experience the ride was great. I mean Kong looked, spit and roared right at me, but with longer wait and a worse seating I can understand why you’d not like the ride as much. I’m definitely going again though whenever I go back, I’m a sucker for animatronics.
Man I miss Jaws and Kongfrontation. Reminds me of my childhood. My highschool is walking distance from Universal. I do like the Mummy Returns though. There is just something so charming about the classics.
Please pal do Maelstrom the ride in Norway pavilion at EPCOT!! The new frozen terrible, what a shame the demolished the classic. It was one of my dad's favorite rides ever, just a part of my childhood. Your channel rocks by the way, thanks for sharing.
Fallon strikes again. I too saw it in the early 90's and sadly in the era of film the photo I had taken with my beloved heroes was over exposed, then around '98 I finally went back and it had been replaced by Twister. I was devastated.
I haven't been to universal Orlando since 2007, I saw the original park attractions in 1993 when I was 5, and some stuff changed by 1997 & 1999 when I went again and now sits all gone except ET 😢
I was at least able to do Kong and Jaws, then in my late 90's return hop on The Mummy which was fantastic. I'll never forgive them for Ghostbusters though, especially because the New York Public Library facade, complete with lions, was still up to taunt me.
I was extremely little when Kongfrontation was a thing, but I know I’ve been on it because I slightly remember the destroyed city and the big Kong figure. While I wish I could remember it more, I am glad that gave the opportunity for us to have my favorite the Mummy AND have King Kong in Florida, even if it does have more screen time than animatronics.
I'm loving all these new channels popping up like company man and now Kevin. It's kewl to see these detailed looks on subjects usually not covered and I see it catching on good thing you guys caught the wave first
I never rode kongfrontation, but I did ride Skull Island. I know some may not like the use of screen but liked it and thought it was really well done. The queue had people in the walls who would scare people. It was enjoyable.
Lord. I remember getting flyers for the rides at Universal when I was little and going to Disney to make my grandmother read to me about the “scary rides” over and over. She read it dramatically for me every time. This and Jaws were ones she read constantly. ❤️
Kongfrontation was hands down one of my favorites rides at Universal! I was always fascinated by the New York City tableaux, from the wrecked cars, to the fire hydrants, to the empty apartments with working tv's, set to perpetual static. I recall feeling the heat from the flames when you approached Kong, and being awed by the reveal of the giant animatronic beast. Great memories there. Thanks for sharing this.
That single second clip of Kong with the spotlights hitting him at 3:05 hit me with such a wave of nostalgia. I remember that specific clip from every Universal Studios Florida promo they'd show on Nickelodeon back in the early-to-mid 90's.
Spieling (that's what they call being the operator/actor on the ride) at Kongfrontation (Florida) was my first theme park job. This video is accurate about the sound in the headsets. We were expected to not only provide entertainment to the guests but also be responsible for their safety and listen to the entire show staff on the radio. At the same time, we were expected to wear the provided earplugs to protect against the dangerous noise levels inside the attraction. Haha. One time, I rounded the corner into show scene 2 - the bridge scene - and when the steam curtain dissapated I was supposed to yell something like "Oh no, there's Kong!" but there seemed to be a problem. Specifically, his head was hanging under his armpit. I slammed the "show stop" button super fast, because the movement of the animatronic seemed like it was about to snap the rest of his head off. Needless to say, we didn't reopen that day. It was an awesome job. I think it's important to point out that while Jaws was removed to make room for Harry Potter, both rides were expensive because they required a spieler on each ride vehicle. Performance strain - both physical and vocal - meant that you couldn't run these folks all day long, so there was a regular rotation and required additional staff. You also had to hire people capable of acting and running a ride, as well as assign staff to regularly critique and train them. The attractions that have replaced the old spieling rides at theme parks are a lot cheaper to run from a labor perspective. For me, there's not as fun. I really enjoyed the rides that connected a person operating the vehicle, like Kong, Jaws, Jungle Cruise. A good spieler makes the ride better.
I think being an actor for these rides sounds really fun. not only are you getting on these rides for free, but you are being paid to do it, and you're the star of the show! sounds like a win to me
As a person almost done graduating with a computer engineering degree with an emphasis on robotics this ride looks so freaking cool. Working on animatronics like this is my dream job. Great video by the way!
another great Defunctland upload, loved it. I don't remember if I got on this one during my first and so far only visit to Universal in 2001, but this and the Jaws video brings back a lot of memories.
I only went to Universal once in my life but it was in the early 90s. I was 8 years old and I never got to ride the Kongfrontation ride and yet its one of my most vivid memories of the trip. I enjoyed all of the other rides but for some reason after standing in line for Kong for who knows how long with my parents and grandmother I had a massive panic attack right before going in. We're talking a total meltdown. I was super into rides and wasn't prone to this type of meltdown so it stands out in my memory really clearly....still have no idea what triggered it but I stood outside with my grandmother while my family did Kongfrontation. Just felt like sharing, these videos are bringing back a ton of great memories. Thanks.
I didn't realize this ride was so loved. I said this already on your other vid, but as a small child, this ride really bored me. I think being a small child during this era of Universal was not the best. Most rides were for adults and teenagers, due to the seating and viewing meant for taller people. I didn't even see Kong when he "grabbed our tram" and my mom, pretending to be scared, was like "Oh my, he has us!" "Who?" "King Kong, silly!" "oh..." I did LOVE the end where you stand in his hand and make a scary face so it looks like he grabbed you, and I'm SO glad you showed that in your video :D We still have that photo.
Man when i was really young and was visiting universal with my familyi was just too scared to go on this ride. the banners for this ride freaked me out so much. Something about getting thrown around in a tram by a giant ape really high in the air just was too freaky for me. I never realized how innovating this ride was at the time. I totally would have gone on this ride these days.
living in the center of the country makes going to Universal or Disney a rarity, but I really like seeing footage of rides like this. but the history and designs of the rides make these so much better than just ride footage videos
I remember the Hollywood ape with great memories, I didn't know it was burned down I thought they removed it... Thanks Defunctland for shedding some light. 10/10
I had no idea this was gone! Kongfrontation was my favorite thing about the time my family went to Universal Studios. It was the only ride with a "drop" that I ever actually enjoyed. Which was kind of a Thing for me because I do not handle roller coasters well at all. We probably still have the souvenir photo you can pose for after the ride somewhere in my parents' house.
I never went to Universal when Kongfrontation was open, but Revenge of the Mummy is one of the best rides in the park! Last time I was there, I rode it three times in a row after finally getting over my fear of trying it.
Kong was Universal’s best ride. I went on it dozens of times between the early ‘90s and 2001. I didn’t know it closed. Also, Kongfrontation takes place in 1990, and not 1976 like the one in Hollywood. I’ve been on this ride many times, and at no point does it say or suggests that it takes place in 1976. Letting people naturally assume it takes place in modern day (being 1990). Having been from Long Island where I frequently visited NYC around that time period (1990), I easily saw how New York City in King Kong totally passes as the New York City of 1990. Look at season 1 of Law and Order for reference. The city and subways still had a lot of graffiti in 1990. Time square was an unsafe dump too. The cars looked modern to me, and there is no way you could distinguish 1990 NYC from 1976 NYC from what Kongfrontation presented you. There would have to be a direct reference to it being 1976 during the ride or the line. And all those pennies had various years on them. In other words, unless completely obvious (like if they reconstructed 1933 NYC), a ride takes place in its opening year, unless directly specified otherwise. That is just the status quo with rides. At least in my mind.
That was the ONLY ride that ever consistently scared me. No matter how old I got that damn ape still scared the fire out of me. Had a nephew barely in elementary school out man me at high school age lol. Good times! Love Defunctland, you’re awesome man even back then.
I remember riding this in Florida when I was 10. Our guide was a terrible overactor. But that campiness is part of the reason I remember the ride so well. You described it perfectly, down to the very last detail. The guide for Jaws was much better because he didn't try to act. He was like, "you know it's a ride, I know it's a ride, let's just enjoy some cool explosion effects together."
This is why jurassic river adventure is one of the best rides at universal now, because it doesn't have screens and its all animatronics. It's sooo much better
I have a photo of me and my grandmother on this ride when I was a very young kid, it’s one of my favorite photos ❤️ I remember I was TERRIFIED during the ride inside the tram, I specifically remember looking down and seeing we were hanging and how big King was and I started crying lol I was only like 5 years old at the time, but now I look back on it as such a fond memory with my grandparents. They couldn’t get me on Jaws ride but I was just brave enough to go on this one! 👌🏻
I loved going on this ride as a kid. I remember my older brother being too scared to do the photo op at the end, so I had to do it by myself. I was so small, I was on my tiptoes trying to peak over the fingers to smile at the camera. It's my favorite picture.
It's very strange coming back to this format after seeing the newer videos. Also I've gotta say I love the audacity of making animatronics that large. Way more exciting to me than something like a rollercoaster.
The fact this ride doesn't exist anymore is upsetting. This honestly seems like a timeless ride that anyone & everyone can enjoy; I sure as hell wish I could have ridden it.
Omfg I was terrified of this damn ride when I would come here as a kid. But the fake buildings and seeing inside the homes were awesome. I remember the snow on the tv's and empty couches. Well done!
This was hands down my favorite ride when I was a kid. I went on this ride more times than I can count. Just bring back Kongfrontation and get rid of the 3D movie tour.
Words can not describe the horror and pure magic of riding this as a young child back in the day. Happy I could experience it, I can still recall the images from back when I was five.
I remember the graffiti, I went on this ride when I was three and I recall my three year old self thinking how disgusting it was people had written graffiti everywhere 😂
Recently discovered your channel and enjoy seeing the history of these now defunct rides that I wanted to ride so badly as an early 90s kid. I love the videos so far! Would like to see ET the ride.
Great video man! To this day one of the most immersive and scary rides ever. And I agree with you, Screen Island Rein of Screens was a letdown. If I wanted to be surrounded by screens I could walk into any best buy.
When we went to Universal in Florida back in the 90s, I got to ride Kongfrontation. It didn't go to plan. The ride broke down when our tram was just starting out, and they brought us around the whole non-functional ride back to the beginning so we could start over. Kong was partially deflated, and we got to see where everything was before riding the working version. LOL Jaws and ET were completely broken down during our day there, so we missed those entirely during our trip. Kongfrontation is still a fond memory even with the problems though. Back to the Future worked great at least, and the special effects presentation show and the Psycho house are also fantastic memories.
been thru some of these classic defunct vids and i honestly don't get annoyed by the audio. oddly -- coming from the future -- your voice is so deep lol
The audio sucks. I know it. You know it. But luckily, it gets better. Please don't let it turn you away, as every episode starting with Back to the Future should be better than this weird low-pitched whisper. Thank you all for watching regardless!
I see u have made a few of these . I was lucky enough to in 1997 been in Universal Studios and was on the Kong Ride. I was also on the Jaws ride which was ok not as good. Was back 4 years ago and went on the new 3s ride which was not as impressive. Was more impressed with Transformers.
Defunctland Please do Snow Whites Scary adventures. That ride was cool, and was replaced with.....a Disney princess meet up spot.
EI8HT 8IT Well Bright Sun Films already covered The Peoplemover. But not the Tower of Terror
the problem is that that ISNT his natural deep voice. it's clearly him editing his voice to sound more low pitched than it actually is.
Defunctland I know I’m over a year late. But damn your videos are awesome 👏🏽
And very entertaining 😎
You sir, are, my nigga ✌🏽👍🏾
Every ride at Universal: "oh no you're gonna die!" then "Congrats! Your survived!"
*sprays water on you*
Honestly they don’t even need a good story to be fun though, Universal rides are kind of like the “Doom” of theme park rides in my opinion
Don't forget all the screens.
isnt that the point of rides? Like people like riding around fast and going in twirls because it feels unsafe
Hopefully when Epic Universe opens, Klassic Kong will be among the Universal Monsters land
My dad actually worked for Universal at the time that Kongfrentation was being renovated into Revenge of the Mummy. He noted that on it's opening day that the building still smelled like bananas.
Actually factually
I missed that smell. It was throughout the waiting area, too. I remember seeing the "Children of the Damned" movie poster while waiting in line
Wait what
Thank GOD I was able to ride this before it was taken down. I got to ride it in 93 and 96. Absolutely one of my favorite rides of all time. At the time there was no other ride like it but I remember the line being soooo long both times but while waiting in line for back to the future my sister and I leaned against the yellow railings on the ramps on the higher part outside of the building. Well there was no "wet paint " signs so an attendant immediately came to us and my parents and whisked us away. I was scared that we had done something wrong and were in trouble because I was only 10 at the time. She took us to guest services, took our painted shirts to be washed back to new, gave us brand new universal studios hoodies and then gave us all access VIP passes for the 4 of us. Now this was before any fast passes or anything like that. When we went to E.T. next we showed the passes and the attendees took us through the back stage areas of the rides where we were able to see the inner workings of the rides and all the stuff you weren't supposed to see until we got to the exit part of the ride where they boarded us onto the front row of every single ride with absolutely no waits and were able to see all the coolest stuff you could imagine in these back stage places on the rides. They also gave us all the free food and drinks we could want with souvenirs galore. It made for the best theme park experience we have ever had. God bless you universal studios and bravo on taking care of your guests above and beyond the call of duty.
That sounded really fun
Damn, will bring my own paint next time. Whatta score!!!
I was honestly too scared to ride on my first visit, and on my second visit I had no one to ride with. By the time I visited the third time, it was gone 😿
Same! It was so cool looking down from the tram and seeing "New York City" in chaos including small details like fire hydrants spilling out water and lamps lit inside apartment buildings.
@@bonniehowell9206Yeah, that was so incredible! Plus it was based on the 1976 remake of King Kong
Not to mention the Kong animatronic at Hollywood was Steven Spielberg's inspiration for the Jurassic Park dinosaur animatronics
Yea, the new ride even has him fighting them, so that makes sense.
@@PasqualleTheRat those were just screens tho
Wow didn’t know that
@@JustInDisneyWhat’s so neat about the ride is that they have two Kong animatronics and they both have hot banana scented breath 🍌
Emergency stop, stuck in pitch black with a giant killer Kong all while suspended in the air!! God I 'm getting a panic attack just thinking of it...I love it!
Recently in the new one, I was in the ride and it stopped at the King kong giant face. Then the light turned off and we were in the dark with that giant head... it was really creepy. Hopefuly the ride started working again right after that.
@@Diorm I always had the feeling that an issue like that would happen, Im surprised it doesnt happen more often
I remember going when I was about 5 or so. One of my best childhood memories. JAWS as well. Good times.
Bruh imagine if it started moving on its own, I’d finna jump out of the thing and run like the flash
You know something's up when even Kong is stuck.
What I would give to ride a ride like this today! This is so immersive
Go to the past.
I missed out on it as I didn’t go to universal until 2002 when it closed.🤬
This ride was so well done. I used to love looking into all the windows of the shops along the way. Attention to detail was so damn nice. And I miss this kind of ambitious ride rather than the routine use of lazy projector screens these days. Zzzzzzz.
definitly projections are boring and not really worth the ride at least for me
I remember all the change at the bottom of the ride because people would throw change at Kong.
Nothing like universal and Disney in the 90’s
I think it depends on the “screens”, because don’t forget Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and The Amazing Adventures are some of the best attractions on the planet (probably the two best dark rides). But sometimes there’s just WAY TOO MUCH screens and the new Kong ride is probably the best example…
This ride was thee most immersive attraction I have ever been on, from the very opening of the queue you bombarded with this certain level of trepidation of what was to come. The news footage, the uneasiness of the crowd around you was so delightfully terrifying in all the right ways..then the ride. I know it may seem cheap now a days. but the scale and scope of having this larger the life ape seemingly striking your tram was beyond awe inspiring and chilling. If universal's plan was to make you feel part of the movies this ride gets a A+ and will always be something I will remember with wonderment.
War Bot it definitely was super scary
I totally agree. You actually felt like you were in a subway station. I even scribbled my name on one of the posts. This ride WAS Universal Studios to me. Universal needs to go back to this type of immersive attractions instead of flashy screens.
I'm from the tri-state area, and had ridden the Roosevelt Island tram; it lent another level to the reality of the ride. They even managed to make it SMELL like NY. This ride scared the heck out of me, TBH.
Not sure how it would seem cheap nowadays? If anything it would look even more impressive nowadays with people being used to screens and simulators. Unfortunately, there aren't many attractions like this anymore where you're totally immersed in a world which has actually been built. This and Jaws are 2 classic rides, the likes of which we probably won't see again due to financial reasons. That's the sad world we live in.
@@keithwellerlounge74 this is 3 years late, but have you seen the new jurassic world beijing ride? I think old universal is back
Disneyland: I had the most disastrous opening of a major theme park ever
Universal Studios Florida: hold my beer.
Disney’s america: hey, can I have my whis-
Bartender:no, you corporate jerks.
🤣😂
"Come on! My children need wine!"
disneydork100
Jurassic Park: You guys opened?
"It was just a delay. That's all it was, all major theme parks have delays. When they opened Disneyland in 1956...NOTHING worked!"
During Halloween Horror Nights 10 and 11 at Universal Studios Florida they actually had a haunted house in the kong ride. You could actually walk into the ride and see Kong wreck havoc above you all with actors trying to scare you as you walked through the seedy new york streets. Surprisingly the haunted house at HHN 10 was a cross promotion with Nightmare Creatures II. And at HHN 11 which was 2001, they had to tone down the violence because of the event that happened a month prior and they had like a foam party area in there.
I'm happy your stuff is getting more and more views. You do a great job!
HHN 2, as well.
What happened in 2001 ? Someone died ?
9/11, they had to tone down the violence because of it, they even had to scrap the icon: Eddie. (You can look it up).
Charlie Queer Hello McFly. 9/11 happened
Glad I'm not the only one who fucking hates "rides" that are glorified 3D films with the equivalent of a rumbling controller and a single smoke machine used as effects.
honestly i like simulators there a fine experience to see places that otherwise would be impossible to go to and i actually prefers the new kong ride for having a more likely scenario of what king kong is and not demonizing him missing the point of the movies (but one thing we can agree on is that universal has long over due for something practical to balance things out)
^_^ THANKS FOR THE REQUEST!
no rant from me... I agree with you... though I do miss Kong's "banana breath" lol🦍🍌
Squid Kid I completely agree if I wanted to see a 3D show I would go to my local theatre not spend a bucket load of cash to go to a theme park like universal or Disney
sunny see your point but to be fair the parks have 4d effects ad moving seats that actually immerse you in the film and not expensive hard to find distractions at the cinemas and this is also why rides like escape from gringotts and spider man are Superior to stuff like shreck 4d or philharmagic
Massive ape with fire everywhere while flying around in an unstable trolley scared the shit outta me as a kid (especially when the helicopter crashed.) Kinda sad to know it's not there anymore, but I'll never forget how much I cried in the gift shop haha!
Mayra Berrios I’m glad to see that I wasn’t the only little kid crying after getting off Kong
@@danielle4703 Then you had to get in hand to take the photo. I was beyond scared on that ride.
Omg Mayra. You are soo right. I was just glad to be able to experience this as part of my childhood before it was gone. It was so realistic to me.
As someone who rode this and Jaws in Orlando in 1999, it was awesome.
I actually miss animatronic rides like these, they are a lot better than those 360 screen rides we get now. I know the screen rides are cheaper and easier to switch around, but nothing beats animatronics.
The first time I ever rode Kongfrontation, it did indeed break down and stop after the first encounter with Kong. We sat there with everything in the show building turned off just for a few minutes, then our tram began to continue forward with the show around us turned off. So my first time seeing the second more full sized Kong was of him completely motionless. It was disappointing and our guide told us to remain seated and we would be allowed to go around again to experience the attraction again. It was definitely a bit anticlimactic the second time around.
The same thing happened to me too. Except they shut the ride down after we got back and I received a pass to ride later. This was 1991.
That happened to me with the Harry Potter ride kinda like this that is in Universal Florida around 2011ish. Let's just say fortunately it broke down when I was outside the spider part. XD
SuperOrangeCat Harry Potter opened in 2014, so thats highly unlikely
sara Ibre
The first land, Hogsmeade, opened in 2010 at the Islands of Adventure park, which contains a scene with the spiders inside Hogwarts castle. The second land, Diagon Alley, opened in 2014 in Orlando Studios Florida park which has the ride in Gringotts bank.
These defunct Universal attractions are so rich in history - excellent series (and narration) so far!
This was my absolute all time favorite attraction at Universal; it was amazing. I was crushed to find out it was gone when we took our daughter there in 2010.
Me too
Same!!
This one of my favorite rides at Universal. The attention to detail was amazing. You felt like you were in New York. The graffiti and the TVs with the breaking news were excellent. I loved looking into the shops and apartments. The details. The ride was scary but fun for a pre-teen/teenager like myself.
I'm getting a headache just thinking about how much electricity that attraction needed. I feel like it could've justified a private power plant. It looks amazing though! Pity I never got to experience it...
Fun fact, my dad actually worked on the Kongfrontation ride. (he also worked on the Jaws ride, and brought home some props one day).
He has a fun story about it. Apparently, when it was first built, the Kong robot had fingers that could move independently. However, one day, it was altered, and the fingers could only move together (like Kong was wearing a giant mitten). He told me that someone had used the Kong robot to flip off the guests on the ride, so the higher-ups had it changed immediately so that wouldn't happen again.
True story (well, if my dad is to be believed, at least).
I'm so glad I got to ride Kongfrontation when it was working properly! It was incredible!
So excited for a new episode, much appreciated on this night off work. Cheers!
Speaking as someone who came in about mid-season two... man, going through your older videos is sooooo strange. Great content as always, but the presentation is just different enough to feel odd.
Old comment I know but I think it’s mostly his deep voice that he tried out for a bit
The makers of the 3D Kong ride: how many screens should we have in the ride?
Universal: *Y E S*
This was the first thing I ever did at Universal Studios back in 1999! Such memories.
I was a young kid at the time, but I'm so glad I got the chance to see the giant Kong!
Me too
I went to Universal Orlando the first year it opened. Kong was constantly down and I didn't get to ride it until the following year. It was an amazing ride and one that I miss supremely.
I'm so grateful I got to experience so many of the classic Universal Studios Florida rides. Shame Jaws was closed, but still.
Just discovered this series and I love it, been binge watching all day!
Removing Kongfrontation at that time may have been for the best. A public with 9/11 fresh on their minds may not want to ride something that features NYC under attack.
It IS NYC....The Roosevelt Tram is a REAL thing in NYC. It crosses the East River from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. I agree though that saying people couldn't handle it due to 9/11 might have been a stretch, but I imagine for New Yorkers visiting Universal it would've been potential traumatic.
I never thought of that! Good point!
Whatever dude
@@paulm2163 cool...I want to ride the real tram. I need to go to New York! Also, this ride was awesome! I rode it as a kid, and I was scared more in the line than I was on the actual ride. I hadn't watched King Kong, so I wasn't really keen on the source material. My parents loved it too!
I got to ride it in 2002, smack dab right in between 9/11 and the ride being shut down. I don’t recall any thoughts of 9/11 from myself or anyone else in the line...
One of my earliest childhood memories is going on this ride at 5 years old and being absolutely terrified and bawling my eyes out. Good times!
I only remember bits and pieces from this ride since i was only a kid but I would beg my parents to go on it again and again because it felt like you were really there. The amazing amount of detail and effects really made you feel it was worth an hour plus wait. im happy this happened because paved the way for so many more unforgettable rides
Honestly the line for Skull Iland was way better than the ride.
Agreed, but I will have that witch woman's speech stuck in my head til the end of time since the operation was delayed while I was in that room. The live jumpscare actor was a nice touch though, scared the crap out of me. I'm surprised more thrill rides don't do that
I’ve just come back from vacation to Florida, and I honestly really enjoyed the new Kong ride. I never had a chance to ride the original Kongfrontation in Universal, but I do think that the original looked more unique. I saw the live actor scare once... kinda... I saw his arm shoot out of a wall briefly, and never saw him against because Skull Island was always a “walk-on” for us (we waited no more than 15 minutes to ride it).
Evan Blenkinsopp depends where you sit, I was on the far right side and smack in the middle so I got the best possible view of the beast himself, so in my experience the ride was great. I mean Kong looked, spit and roared right at me, but with longer wait and a worse seating I can understand why you’d not like the ride as much. I’m definitely going again though whenever I go back, I’m a sucker for animatronics.
Same thing with that Fast and the Furious ride.
All those lovely cars, but you get a measly "party bus."
Man I miss Jaws and Kongfrontation. Reminds me of my childhood. My highschool is walking distance from Universal. I do like the Mummy Returns though. There is just something so charming about the classics.
Please pal do Maelstrom the ride in Norway pavilion at EPCOT!! The new frozen terrible, what a shame the demolished the classic. It was one of my dad's favorite rides ever, just a part of my childhood. Your channel rocks by the way, thanks for sharing.
Throwing my hat into the ring for the Ghostbusters special effects show from Universal Studios Florida.
Got removed for Twister then that got removed for Jimmy Fallon lol
Saw ghostbusters show once in 1993 and that was it 😔
Fallon strikes again. I too saw it in the early 90's and sadly in the era of film the photo I had taken with my beloved heroes was over exposed, then around '98 I finally went back and it had been replaced by Twister. I was devastated.
I haven't been to universal Orlando since 2007, I saw the original park attractions in 1993 when I was 5, and some stuff changed by 1997 & 1999 when I went again and now sits all gone except ET 😢
I was at least able to do Kong and Jaws, then in my late 90's return hop on The Mummy which was fantastic. I'll never forgive them for Ghostbusters though, especially because the New York Public Library facade, complete with lions, was still up to taunt me.
I was extremely little when Kongfrontation was a thing, but I know I’ve been on it because I slightly remember the destroyed city and the big Kong figure. While I wish I could remember it more, I am glad that gave the opportunity for us to have my favorite the Mummy AND have King Kong in Florida, even if it does have more screen time than animatronics.
I'm loving all these new channels popping up like company man and now Kevin. It's kewl to see these detailed looks on subjects usually not covered and I see it catching on good thing you guys caught the wave first
It was brilliant. We took this one multiple times as well. There was so much to see and the experience was so much fun. The set was exquisite.
that photo of kong at the beginning just made it looked like he was just vibing talking to someone online what a wholesome photo
Boy I don't miss the visual 'humor', and the intentionally deep voice. This series is so much better now
I never rode kongfrontation, but I did ride Skull Island. I know some may not like the use of screen but liked it and thought it was really well done. The queue had people in the walls who would scare people. It was enjoyable.
Kongfrontation remains one of my all_time favorite Universal Studios attraction!
LOVED this ride!! And once again with the commentary 😂 “You know full well that it didn’t.”
Lord. I remember getting flyers for the rides at Universal when I was little and going to Disney to make my grandmother read to me about the “scary rides” over and over. She read it dramatically for me every time. This and Jaws were ones she read constantly. ❤️
Kongfrontation was hands down one of my favorites rides at Universal! I was always fascinated by the New York City tableaux, from the wrecked cars, to the fire hydrants, to the empty apartments with working tv's, set to perpetual static. I recall feeling the heat from the flames when you approached Kong, and being awed by the reveal of the giant animatronic beast. Great memories there. Thanks for sharing this.
Just as an FYI, I like your normal voice a lot better than the artificially deepened one.
That single second clip of Kong with the spotlights hitting him at 3:05 hit me with such a wave of nostalgia. I remember that specific clip from every Universal Studios Florida promo they'd show on Nickelodeon back in the early-to-mid 90's.
Spieling (that's what they call being the operator/actor on the ride) at Kongfrontation (Florida) was my first theme park job. This video is accurate about the sound in the headsets. We were expected to not only provide entertainment to the guests but also be responsible for their safety and listen to the entire show staff on the radio. At the same time, we were expected to wear the provided earplugs to protect against the dangerous noise levels inside the attraction. Haha.
One time, I rounded the corner into show scene 2 - the bridge scene - and when the steam curtain dissapated I was supposed to yell something like "Oh no, there's Kong!" but there seemed to be a problem. Specifically, his head was hanging under his armpit. I slammed the "show stop" button super fast, because the movement of the animatronic seemed like it was about to snap the rest of his head off. Needless to say, we didn't reopen that day.
It was an awesome job. I think it's important to point out that while Jaws was removed to make room for Harry Potter, both rides were expensive because they required a spieler on each ride vehicle. Performance strain - both physical and vocal - meant that you couldn't run these folks all day long, so there was a regular rotation and required additional staff. You also had to hire people capable of acting and running a ride, as well as assign staff to regularly critique and train them. The attractions that have replaced the old spieling rides at theme parks are a lot cheaper to run from a labor perspective. For me, there's not as fun. I really enjoyed the rides that connected a person operating the vehicle, like Kong, Jaws, Jungle Cruise. A good spieler makes the ride better.
Okay I'm really curious now. Where did the massive, very impressive Kong animatronics end up eventually?
It was moved to California where it was one of many historic pieces lost in a fire in 2008.
Dude you are one of the best TH-camrs, EVER.
I think being an actor for these rides sounds really fun. not only are you getting on these rides for free, but you are being paid to do it, and you're the star of the show! sounds like a win to me
Thank you for this! Loved this ride as a kid and brought back great memories! Thank you for the hard work and editing!
As a person almost done graduating with a computer engineering degree with an emphasis on robotics this ride looks so freaking cool. Working on animatronics like this is my dream job.
Great video by the way!
another great Defunctland upload, loved it. I don't remember if I got on this one during my first and so far only visit to Universal in 2001, but this and the Jaws video brings back a lot of memories.
8:34 That's a cool picture. Jaws, King Kong, and Stay Puft all in one image.
Universal got rid of all the good ones. Terminator, Jaws, ET, Back to the Future.
Earthquake was fun too
I only went to Universal once in my life but it was in the early 90s. I was 8 years old and I never got to ride the Kongfrontation ride and yet its one of my most vivid memories of the trip. I enjoyed all of the other rides but for some reason after standing in line for Kong for who knows how long with my parents and grandmother I had a massive panic attack right before going in. We're talking a total meltdown. I was super into rides and wasn't prone to this type of meltdown so it stands out in my memory really clearly....still have no idea what triggered it but I stood outside with my grandmother while my family did Kongfrontation. Just felt like sharing, these videos are bringing back a ton of great memories. Thanks.
I didn't realize this ride was so loved. I said this already on your other vid, but as a small child, this ride really bored me. I think being a small child during this era of Universal was not the best. Most rides were for adults and teenagers, due to the seating and viewing meant for taller people. I didn't even see Kong when he "grabbed our tram" and my mom, pretending to be scared, was like "Oh my, he has us!" "Who?" "King Kong, silly!" "oh..." I did LOVE the end where you stand in his hand and make a scary face so it looks like he grabbed you, and I'm SO glad you showed that in your video :D We still have that photo.
Man when i was really young and was visiting universal with my familyi was just too scared to go on this ride. the banners for this ride freaked me out so much. Something about getting thrown around in a tram by a giant ape really high in the air just was too freaky for me. I never realized how innovating this ride was at the time. I totally would have gone on this ride these days.
Lmao @ 5:27 "Guests can smell his banana breath" THANK YOU FOR YOUR HUMOR, I love it lol!
You should do a Nickelodeon Studios episode
Kisses From Kristen Yeah!
hmmm fine ill bite how about the original journey into imagination
among other things
Kisses From Kristen he did
the memeboy this comment is old.
Jimmy Hank my spaghet is cold so would you let me eat it
living in the center of the country makes going to Universal or Disney a rarity, but I really like seeing footage of rides like this. but the history and designs of the rides make these so much better than just ride footage videos
I remember the Hollywood ape with great memories, I didn't know it was burned down I thought they removed it... Thanks Defunctland for shedding some light. 10/10
A mistake to get rid of it.
I had no idea this was gone! Kongfrontation was my favorite thing about the time my family went to Universal Studios. It was the only ride with a "drop" that I ever actually enjoyed. Which was kind of a Thing for me because I do not handle roller coasters well at all. We probably still have the souvenir photo you can pose for after the ride somewhere in my parents' house.
I never went to Universal when Kongfrontation was open, but Revenge of the Mummy is one of the best rides in the park! Last time I was there, I rode it three times in a row after finally getting over my fear of trying it.
“3D 360-degree projected screens, props, screens, animatronics, and more screens” Lol
Kong was Universal’s best ride. I went on it dozens of times between the early ‘90s and 2001. I didn’t know it closed. Also, Kongfrontation takes place in 1990, and not 1976 like the one in Hollywood. I’ve been on this ride many times, and at no point does it say or suggests that it takes place in 1976. Letting people naturally assume it takes place in modern day (being 1990). Having been from Long Island where I frequently visited NYC around that time period (1990), I easily saw how New York City in King Kong totally passes as the New York City of 1990. Look at season 1 of Law and Order for reference. The city and subways still had a lot of graffiti in 1990. Time square was an unsafe dump too. The cars looked modern to me, and there is no way you could distinguish 1990 NYC from 1976 NYC from what Kongfrontation presented you. There would have to be a direct reference to it being 1976 during the ride or the line. And all those pennies had various years on them. In other words, unless completely obvious (like if they reconstructed 1933 NYC), a ride takes place in its opening year, unless directly specified otherwise. That is just the status quo with rides. At least in my mind.
Have you ever been on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey? That ride is f**king amazing!
That was the ONLY ride that ever consistently scared me. No matter how old I got that damn ape still scared the fire out of me. Had a nephew barely in elementary school out man me at high school age lol. Good times! Love Defunctland, you’re awesome man even back then.
Yes, the Kongfrontation set was amazing!!!
I only went to Universal Studios FL once and loved this ride. It broke down that morning but after lunch it worked fine. Well worth the wait.
Great video, you should do Back to the Future the ride, Horizons, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and World of Motion.
Dude, I just picked a random video of yours and it was still really interesting! Nice work, you've got some unique content here.
I road that kong so many times (I worked there with Joey fatone) ! Great ride
I remember riding this in Florida when I was 10. Our guide was a terrible overactor. But that campiness is part of the reason I remember the ride so well. You described it perfectly, down to the very last detail.
The guide for Jaws was much better because he didn't try to act. He was like, "you know it's a ride, I know it's a ride, let's just enjoy some cool explosion effects together."
Speaking of Disney's Backlot tour, you should do a defunctland on that! I used to love that so much
This is why jurassic river adventure is one of the best rides at universal now, because it doesn't have screens and its all animatronics. It's sooo much better
I have a photo of me and my grandmother on this ride when I was a very young kid, it’s one of my favorite photos ❤️ I remember I was TERRIFIED during the ride inside the tram, I specifically remember looking down and seeing we were hanging and how big King was and I started crying lol I was only like 5 years old at the time, but now I look back on it as such a fond memory with my grandparents. They couldn’t get me on Jaws ride but I was just brave enough to go on this one! 👌🏻
I loved going on this ride as a kid. I remember my older brother being too scared to do the photo op at the end, so I had to do it by myself. I was so small, I was on my tiptoes trying to peak over the fingers to smile at the camera. It's my favorite picture.
It's very strange coming back to this format after seeing the newer videos.
Also I've gotta say I love the audacity of making animatronics that large. Way more exciting to me than something like a rollercoaster.
The fact this ride doesn't exist anymore is upsetting. This honestly seems like a timeless ride that anyone & everyone can enjoy; I sure as hell wish I could have ridden it.
I went to universal the year it closed so I completely missed out
Omfg I was terrified of this damn ride when I would come here as a kid. But the fake buildings and seeing inside the homes were awesome. I remember the snow on the tv's and empty couches. Well done!
This Kong ride was the best.
I agree 👍
In island of adventure there is a truck ride called skull island reign of kong
At least it’s replacement is a masterpiece of an attraction. Revenge of the Mummy has to be one of the best, if not the best indoor roller coaster!
I agree.
Great vid Defunctland, enjoying this playlist.
This was hands down my favorite ride when I was a kid. I went on this ride more times than I can count. Just bring back Kongfrontation and get rid of the 3D movie tour.
I rode Kongfrontation in Orlando when I was 7, now 26. Loved it then. Happy to hear it was a beloved attraction.
Words can not describe the horror and pure magic of riding this as a young child back in the day. Happy I could experience it, I can still recall the images from back when I was five.
Just discovered this channel. It’s amazing.
I visited Universal this past April for the first time in over 20 yrs.
I think BOTH Kong rides are spectacular, in their own ways.
I remember the graffiti, I went on this ride when I was three and I recall my three year old self thinking how disgusting it was people had written graffiti everywhere 😂
Recently discovered your channel and enjoy seeing the history of these now defunct rides that I wanted to ride so badly as an early 90s kid. I love the videos so far! Would like to see ET the ride.
I went on this when I was about 12 and loved. Brings a lot of great memories back! J.
Love the humour of texts on the screen. And some of the images are damn funny as well.
Great video man! To this day one of the most immersive and scary rides ever. And I agree with you, Screen Island Rein of Screens was a letdown. If I wanted to be surrounded by screens I could walk into any best buy.
When we went to Universal in Florida back in the 90s, I got to ride Kongfrontation. It didn't go to plan. The ride broke down when our tram was just starting out, and they brought us around the whole non-functional ride back to the beginning so we could start over. Kong was partially deflated, and we got to see where everything was before riding the working version. LOL Jaws and ET were completely broken down during our day there, so we missed those entirely during our trip. Kongfrontation is still a fond memory even with the problems though. Back to the Future worked great at least, and the special effects presentation show and the Psycho house are also fantastic memories.
When I went to universal in 2019, I rode the mummy 4 times. I love it so much.
been thru some of these classic defunct vids and i honestly don't get annoyed by the audio. oddly -- coming from the future -- your voice is so deep lol
I was always glad that in Florida we got the full ride instead of just a quick pass through on a tram tour like in California.