“Water!!!" They shouted. Here I was enjoying some refreshments inside Universal Orlando after IPW 2015 (U.S. Travel Association’s International Pow Wow) and three tattered camp survivors crashed our water break right by the entrance of one of their soundstages. “Stick together,” they urged. These survivors seemed to have gone through an ordeal, but I couldn’t figure out what had them so frighten. They kept repeating that we’ll all be safer if we remain as a group, as they led us inside the soundstage.







When the doors opened, we were transported to a jungle. For a second, I thought that we’d be experiencing a taste of what’s to come at Halloween Horror Nights 25, but it wasn’t the case. There was a dark narrow path through some foliage that we needed to traverse. I had to duck down to avoid looming branches down a confined trail boarded by thick forest walls. One of the survivors lit the way to the camp using his flashlight. As we walked deeper into the forest, I could feel the dirt on the ground. I heard strange animal noises, as if we were surrounded. And the smell… There was a scent in the air as if something had been burning in the distance. I finally made it through the jungle to the campsite, but it seemed as if the site had been ransacked. There were broken pallets, crates that were stamped Zimbabwe, Zaire, and Congo, bamboo sticks with human skulls attached, a tent that was destroyed, and a jeep that looked like it went crashing through a tree. Something big had happened here and whatever it was; it couldn’t have gone far. There was a pot still cooking on the lit campfire.







The survivors entered the campsite and told us to stick together while they try to get the jeep working again. Although, it was no use. The lights flickered and as we heard something approaching the power cut off. In total darkness, I felt the vibrations of its loud thunderous stomps as it got closer and closer into the campsite. Then the foot pounding ended, and all I could hear was the sound of a large animal breathing in the dark with 100 other survivors that remained close together for safety. Finally, King Kong revealed himself on a large screen as he roared in the pitch dark campsite.



If this is the kind of storytelling Universal Orlando has in store for us as we walk into Skull Island next year, you can count me in. I am a strong believer that atmosphere, story and setting make great attractions grand! They are able to engulf every one of your five senses and transport you to amazing worlds. If this King Kong: Reign of Kong preview is any indication of the things to come, hold on to your seats because this world is going to rock the senses.



There was more to the preview than Kong. The team at Universal Orlando showed us concepts of the newly announced Volcano Bay water theme park, and also let us know that Wet ‘n Wild Orlando will continue to be operational through 2016 for sure. Why not? I love Wet n’ Wild. It’s not unheard of to have two water parks.







We were also shown new renderings of Loews Sapphire Falls Resort opening Summer 2016. This resort will have express pass options like the other luxury resorts at Universal Orlando.







Also, the fate of the NASCAR Grill area was announced. It will become NBC Sports Grill and Brew. What I’ve heard about the restaurant so far is that it will have NBC anchor news plex as the welcome area and the kitchen will be in the middle of the restaurant, so that everyone can watch the chef action while your meal is being prepared. Due to open this Fall!



Orlando, FL – 06/1/15



By: Alex Mateo