Well, your first question is easy, Kong was replaced by the Mummy, which is going to be a dark rollercoaster ride, with show scenes as most dark rides, plus some new technology Universal won't even give out until it opens.
As for your second question, Islands is like nothing else on earth, I really can't describe except to say it is most well themed park anywhere IMO. There are a lot of different things to do, and despite what a few people think, it ISN'T just rollercoasters, it's a lot more, but it is geared toward more thrilling rides than tame ones.