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CNN Live Today

Universal Studio's Kongfrontation on Final Ride

Aired September 09, 2002 - 13:48   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: A popular ride at the Universal Studio theme park in Orlando, Florida, is no more. The King Kong coaster has been closed and all four stories and six tons of the steel gorilla will be put away.
Reporter Shannon Fitzpatrick with affiliate WESH takes a last ride on Kongfrontation.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

SHANNON FITZPATRICK, WESH REPORTER (voice-over): He has been the king at Universal Studios since the theme park opened 12 years ago. But the classic giant's roar is being hushed to make room for a newer, hipper, high-tech attraction, all part of the race to keep up with competitive times in the theme park world.

RICH COSTALES, UNIVERSAL STUDIOS: Our guests are always asking us for new entertainment and attractions. We always have got things on the drawing board. And we try to service their needs and desires.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Before we send him on his way...-

FITZPATRICK: More than 8,000 annual pass holders showed up for a special send-off party to say goodbye to the star of Kongfrontation with a banana toast and one final ride.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I feel sad because I grew up with King Kong. It's like part of our childhood gone.

FITZPATRICK: Others say it is time for Kong to swing into the history books.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: There are so many new movies out now there's a lot of cool stuff they could really do.

FITZPATRICK (on camera): While King Kong is calling it quits after 12 years, park officials are keeping his replacement a secret.

(voice-over): The only thing we do know is that new attraction will probably have something to do with a movie.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You are in a movie park, and I wouldn't be surprised, but I really can't tell you.

FITZPATRICK: We asked the crowd for a few suggestions.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Like "The Mummy Returns." UNIDENTIFIED MALE: "Scorpion King." Yes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I've heard rumors of a "Scorpion King" roller coaster.

FITZPATRICK: Whoever or whatever is going to fill Kong's shoes will have 71,000 square feet of soundstage to do it.

In Orlando, Shannon FitzPatrick, NewsChannel 2.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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