Two more announcements from our friends at Universal Orlando Resort this week – one involving chocolate, and one involving a whole new attraction that we told you about earlier this month. Here is all the official news straight from Universal:
Your mission is to explore a treacherous island teeming with creatures of unknown origin. You will face ominous terrain, impenetrable jungles – and surprises beyond your imagination. A traditional off-road vehicle will not do. Your expedition will require something more…colossal.
This summer, Universal Orlando Resort will bring the thrilling next generation of the King Kong legend to life in Skull Island: Reign of Kong. Everything about the new attraction will be massive. And Universal Orlando needed an entirely new – and revolutionary – way to transport guests into the middle of the adventure.
Guests will board a specially designed expedition vehicle that will do what no other Universal ride vehicle can do and take them where no other vehicle can go.
The 40-foot-long, 17-ton expedition vehicle will use a sophisticated positioning system to independently navigate a rough, jungle road through unpredictable terrain. The front and back axles that support the vehicle’s 45-inch wheels can be steered individually, allowing the vehicle to take sharp turns and pull off complicated maneuvers. It will be one of the most immersive and realistic ride experiences on Earth – all within one of the most immersive and realistic theme park experiences ever created.
As guests board their expedition vehicle, they will meet one of the five guides who will be their driver – each with a distinct personality.
· Becky Callahan: The loose-cannon cowgirl who isn’t fazed by the dangers awaiting her on Skull Island.
· Will Denham: The fresh-faced, adventure-seeking younger cousin of famed movie director Carl Denham.
· Jinks Costanza: A hardened New York City ex-con who is wary of the island’s mysteries.
· Kalana: A mystical descendent of the natives who first settled on the island.
· Charles “Doc” Jordan: A PhD student in paleontology who took time off from his studies to explore the world.
Additional details about “Skull Island: Reign of Kong” are yet to be revealed. To stay up-to-date on all the latest news, visit www.universalorlando.com/
The Toothsome Chocolate Factory & Savory Feast Emporium at Universal CityWalk may be the most spectacularly delicious example yet of what happens when the Universal Creative team that designs theme park attractions comes together with the culinary team that creates blockbuster food and beverage experiences.
Set to open later this year, The Toothsome Chocolate Factory will be a full-service restaurant that brings together a specially created and expansive menu plus an incredible array of gourmet-level chocolates and desserts – all in a highly themed, unique environment that can only be found at Universal CityWalk.
The restaurant will be located near the entrance to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, and visible around the entire CityWalk lagoon. Welcome to the 19th century inspired, Steampunk-era chocolate factory, complete with towering smokestacks, tanks and antique piping. Inside, a mix of brass, dark wood and gadgetry – along with staff who will look and act the part – will complete the Steampunk feel.
This unique experience will be punctuated by the food that will completely enrapture you. The menu features a wide variety of unexpected, yet familiar dishes – from all-day-brunch crepes and quiches to unique takes on classic steak, seafood and pasta entrees, gourmet burgers, sandwiches, scrumptious salads and so much more. The number of options will leave you speechless. And the desserts and specialty items will be beyond the imagination.
The artisan milkshake collection will include shakes with names such as Chocolate x5 – mixed with chocolate spirals, chocolate chunks, chocolate ice cream and more – along with Bacon Brittle, Espresso Buzzzz, Red Velvetand Key Lime Pie.
The sundaes include S’mores – with chocolate ice cream, chocolate sauce, marshmallow cream, graham crackers and more – Salted Caramel Flan, Chocolate Brownie Bark – and more.
Guests will also be able to watch chocolate creations being prepared – and purchase them from the restaurant’s retail shop to take home and enjoy.
The new restaurant will be the latest in a progression of incredibly popular dining concepts that have opened at Universal CityWalk over the past couple years – nine new concepts in two years, to be exact.
