We’ve all heard the incredible story, the revolutionary ride vehicle and the unimaginable creatures that await you in the multidimensional attraction, Skull Island: Reign of Kong at Universal Orlando Resort. And now, Universal Orlando Resort is going to let us in on a little secret…
Actually, a three-story tall secret. That’s right – this summer, we will astound you with the most visceral encounter with King Kong ever.
As you near the finale of your heart-pounding expedition, you’ll be so close to the legendary beast that you can feel his breath sweep across your skin and his thunderous roar reverberate through every bone in your body. You’re in his territory now.
But is he our friend or our foe? You’ll have to come ride Skull Island: Reign of Kong for yourself to find out.
Are you planning to visit Universal Orlando Resort this summer or fall so you can come face to face with the mighty legend himself in Skull Island: Reign of Kong? We can help!
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, Universal Studios Agency of the Year 2010, 2011, & 2012. She would love to help you plan your next Universal Orlando vacation at no cost to you. Contact Siera today at siera@destinationsinflorida.com or at 734-771-1290 for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
Discover the Inspiration Behind The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
Inspiration Behind The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
Recently, Universal Orlando Resort announced the next original concept in a line of unique venues coming to Universal CityWalk, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium will be a delectable dining experience that combines chocolate and savory dishes with a fun atmosphere. Today, you can learn more about the inspiration behind The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is the next evolution of dining at CityWalk, following a groundbreaking two years of unprecedented growth that includes other original concepts from the Universal team like NBC Sports Grill & Brew, Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food, Vivo Italian Kitchen, and Red Oven Pizza Bakery.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium elevate everyone’s favorite confection to the next level by combining the incredible storytelling from Universal Orlando’s Creative and Entertainment teams with the high quality service and delectable dishes of Universal Orlando’s Food & Beverage team.
As Universal Orlando looked for inspiration, the Steampunk era really stood out with its rebellious spirit of creation and industrial influences. After delving deeper into the genre and its design elements, they found the structural shapes and rich color palettes to evoke exactly the type of experience that they wanted to create for their guests. It was the perfect fit.
Even from afar, you’ll see the Steampunk influence with working gears and smokestacks. Once you step inside, hosts dressed in alternative fashions will greet you. The sights and sounds of brass gadgetry and manufacturing will immediately surround you.
And of course, you’ll be able to indulge in all of the delectable creations – from the decadent milkshakes to the eclectic savory dishes, there’s plenty to choose from. You’ll have to discover your favorite later this year.
Stay tuned for more exciting news about The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, including more scrumptious details on the amazing menu items inspired by cuisine from across the globe.
Would you like to visit Universal Orlando Resort? Contact Siera today at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
Experience The Exorcist at Halloween Horror Nights 26
Haunting. Shocking. Indelible.
These are words that describe my feelings when I first saw The Exorcist.
The film is a benchmark in so many ways. It was the first horror film to be nominated for Best Picture. It helped lead the charge in a sequence of “demonic child” storylines. And it has often been replicated in many horror films today, irrefutably placing it among the kings of influential horror pop culture.
And now that influence has found its way to Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights in an all-new haunted maze. As with any horror property we collaborate with, our job is to create an attraction that adapts that property into a fully realized experience. That adaptation is a creative challenge in every case.
But translating The Exorcist presented us with many unique tests and questions. One big question was, “How do you adapt a film where most of the story takes place in a single bedroom?”
The answer we landed on was first to break down and assess all the visuals and moments from the film. Piece together every moment within that bedroom and examine why it was intense, scary or even vile. What textures can we reconstruct differently, sometimes in an incredibly abstract way?
The famous “pea soup” scene for instance. What if we were surrounded in the materials of the retch-covered bed? What if those layers of mattress padding literallyenveloped us? And let’s be honest, traversing through a vomit-covered bed is pretty horrifying and disgusting by itself. Now add a possessed girl into the mix!
Just like this amazing film, the maze needs to overcome you—even possess you (wink)—with its visuals, characters and environments. It needs to force you on its horrific quest for this young girl’s very soul and spit you out the other side. That is our goal and we are beside ourselves with excitement at the opportunity to do so this year.
Getting pumped for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights? We are too! Halloween Horror Nights vacation packages are now available and selling out quickly!
Unimaginable Creatures Coming to Skull Island: Reign of Kong
Massive winged beasts that hunt from the skies. Serpentine predators that burrow through the earth and attack from below. Giant insects that infest the jungles. These are just a few of the deadly creatures you’ll encounter on Skull Island: Reign of Kong.
When you embark this summer at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, you won’t be alone. Here you’ll come face to face with unimaginable creatures that prowl this mysterious and foreboding world.
Arachno-claw
These carnivorous arachnids move throughout the swampy underworld of the island’s dark caverns, foraging for dead or injured creatures. The six-legged scavenger uses its crab-like claws to crush its prey before feasting on the remains.
Carnictis
The giant, slug-like Carnictis lacks eyes or facial features. But its gaping, oozing mouth—ringed with sharp, jagged teeth—is a distinguishing feature that allows this slow but relentless creature to feed on dead and wounded beings that have succumbed to the wretched, murky chasms of the island.
Decarnocimex
One of the largest and most aggressive cave-dwelling inhabitants on the island, the Decarnocimex will attack anything smaller or weaker that dares to cross its path. These vicious insects tear apart their prey with their razor-sharp mandibles and two-bladed forearms.
Terapusmordax
These are the largest flying predators on the island, with wingspans up to 10 feet. They live in colonies within the island’s interior caverns and are easily provoked. Spearing victims with lethal talons, they use large carnivorous fangs to penetrate anything—or anyone—caught in their jaws of death.
Vastatosaurus rex
The V. Rex is the largest, most intimidating dinosaur that roams the island’s dense jungles. Despite its large, bulky head and tough leathery skin, it’s an agile predator, changing direction at high speeds and ripping into its prey with razor-sharp teeth.
Are you ready to face them all?
And, you can tune into Syfy on March 30 at 9/8c to see a whole new side to these terrifying creatures on the hit special effects makeup show, Face Off.
Are you going to Universal Orlando Resort this summer to brave Skull Island: Reign of Kong? Contact Siera at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
Universal Orlando Resort’s Rock the Universe is an all-in-one destination for a weekend of music and thrills. On September 9 and 10, 2016, some of Christian music’s biggest names like Lecrae and Skillet will perform on the Music Plaza Stage in Universal Studios Florida. The action won’t stop between sets as you’ll be able to enjoy rides like Revenge of the Mummy and Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket throughout the event.
Here’s the full concert line-up for this year’s Rock the Universe:
Friday, September 9
Skillet
Matt Maher
Jeremy Camp
Rend Collective
KB
Lauren Daigle
Finding Favour
DJ Promote
Saturday, September 10
Lecrae
Colton Dixon
TobyMac
Family Force 5
Andy Mineo
NF
I Am They
DJ Promote
If you’re looking for autographs and opportunities to interact with your favorite artists, the Coca-Cola Fan Zone will provide you with additional live music and the new Electronic Dance Music with DJ Promote. Also, Saturday night’s candle lighting ceremony is set to unite crowds with a shared meaningful experience. Guests can expect to connect with others and be inspired by great music all weekend long.
Tickets for this event will go on-sale soon. Stay tuned to the blog for updates on Rock the Universe 2016 at Universal Orlando Resort.
Would you like to attend Rock the Universe or plan a Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Contact Siera at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or your free, no obligation quote.
The Incredible Hulk Coaster Relaunches Summer 2016
A new story.
A new ride vehicle.
A new queue experience.
A new entrance.
The only things you’ll recognize when The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal’s Islands of Adventure re-opens in late summer are the world-famous twists and turns of the ride track.
This fan favorite is undergoing thrilling, new enhancements that will make it feel more immersive and high-tech – but will still have the same “Incredible” personality that makes it one of America’s most popular coasters. For the first time ever, we’re sharing details about the revamped coaster.
Massive New Marquee
From the moment you walk up to the beloved coaster, you’ll see the huge changes that were made to the attraction. As you enter the ride, you’ll pass underneath a towering figure of The Hulk, using his colossal strength to hold up pieces of the coaster’s track. And fun fact, these track pieces were salvaged from the original ride.
New, Original Storyline
General Thaddeus Ross is calling for volunteers for a new experiment. Your only warning is that you’ll be subjected to high levels of gamma radiation through a process called Hulk-a-fication – a potentially life-altering process first introduced by Dr. Bruce Banner.
The end result is said to give subjects magnificent strength and a forceful amount of energy. Will you emerge as the military’s next super soldier…or something else entirely?
Completely Redesigned Queue
Your part of the story begins the moment you enter the building – which has been redesigned as a state-of-the-art military research compound, commanded by General Ross.
Inside, General Ross is conducting an array of questionable, bio-radiological experiments. You’ll pass by laboratories containing high-tech equipment his team uses to execute his mysterious tests.
Next, you’ll arrive at the Gamma core – an intense energy source that sends pulsing waves of radiation upward to fuel General Ross’s experiment. Not to worry – a thick pane of glass will protect you from direct exposure to the radioactive core. ?
As you move along, you’ll witness the transformation of your predecessors as they undergo the perilous Hulk-a-fication process.
Finally, you’ll be rushed to a loading platform, sparking with electric bursts as the Gamma accelerator powers up to blast you with superhuman strength. Prepare for the ride of your life…
Totally New Ride Vehicle
From there, you’ll step into an entirely new ride vehicle. The changes start with its sleek, modern new look. Once on board, you’ll discover a brand new, in-seat audio system that booms an original ride score created by Patrick Stump, front man for the internationally-renowned rock band Fall Out Boy.
The next thing you know, you’re rocketing through a new launch tunnel, packed with amazing special effects, as you’re propelled out over Marvel Super Hero Island with super-human force.
It’s the ride you love, but not like you’ve ever known it before. Stay tuned here for all the details. And I’ll see you in late summer on The Incredible Hulk Coaster!
Are you ready to start planning your Universal Orlando vacation? Contact Siera at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or your free, no obligation quote today!
You won’t want to miss Universal Orlando’s Epic Savings Event this week! You can enjoy a four night Universal Orlando Resort vacation package for as little as $99 per adult, per night, including taxes!
Universal Partner Hotels:
Starting from $99 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE scheduled transportation to Universal Orlando
Discounts on merchandise, food & non-alcoholic beverages at select theme park & Universal CityWalk® locations
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort:
Starting from $145 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel
Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
Starting from $219 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks – a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel
Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
And more!
Hard Rock Hotel
Starting from $239 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks – a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Priority seating at select restaurants throughout both theme parks and Universal CityWalk®
And more!
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Starting from $249 per adult, per night, tax inclusive
FREE Universal Express℠ Unlimited ride access to skip the regular lines in both theme parks – a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk® make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
Priority seating at select restaurants throughout both theme parks and Universal CityWalk®
And more!
Plus, only when you book your Universal Orlando vacation package with us, can you receive the following extra benefits:
Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ($19.99 value)
Universal Perks- tips and tricks to help you get excited about and prepare for your vacation ($299 value)
To take advantage of Universal Orlando’s epic savings events, you must book your vacation by April 6, 2016 for travel now through June 10, 2016. Contact Siera today for more information or your free no obligation quote at 734-771-1290 or siera@destinationsinflorida.com!
Please note that all prices, package inclusions & options are subject to availability and to change without notice and additional restrictions may apply, per Universal Orlando Resort.
Book your next Universal vacation and get a free dining credit at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort!
You can be one of the first to experience Universal Orlando® Resort’s new island jewel – Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – and receive a FREE $150 dining credit* (per room) by booking any vacation package with a 4-night stay or longer by May 31, 2016.
Plus, hotel guests enjoy exclusive benefits including:
Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the general public (valid theme park admission required)
Resort-wide charging privileges with room key
Complimentary transportation to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk®
This offer won’t last long so book your Universal Orlando Resort vacation and get a free dining credit at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort today!
* Offer valid for select travel dates July 14- December 15, 2016 with blockout dates November 23- November 26, 2016.
This is a great time to start thinking about Halloween Horror Nights 26 which runs mid-September through October! The nation’s premier Halloween event quickly sells out each year so start planning your visit now.
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida. She would love to help you plan your Universal Orlando adventure at no cost to you! Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for more information or for your free, no obligation quote. Plus, you will receive our Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter ($19.99 value) when you book your Universal Orlando Resort vacation with us!
