King Kong swings back to Universal Studios in 3-D

The theme park's sister resort in Orlando, Fla., has already experienced a surge in visitors since the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Islands of Adventure theme park this month. Disney's California Adventure in Anaheim, Calif., is also drawing big crowds this summer with the debut of the high-tech "World of Color" lagoon show.

"The hype surrounding Kong is certainly going to give people a reason to visit and see it for themselves," said Duncan Dickson, who teaches theme park management at the University of Central Florida. "The allure of seeing something totally new and remarkable in 3-D, and the fact that Peter Jackson is involved, is going to make people naturally curious."