Benefits News: Universal Orlando's Skull Island: Reign of Kong Experience Reaches Even Higher Level Of Hyper-Realism With Revolutionary Ride Vehicle

ORLANDO, Fla., March 15, 2016 -- 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, a Veterans Advantage partner 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 universalorlando.com.

First-ever b-roll of revolutionary vehicle available here: https://universalorlandoresort.sharefile.com/d-s0f5eb29489e46638

About Universal Orlando Resort
For 25 years, Universal Orlando Resort has been creating epic vacations for the entire family – incredible experiences that place guests in the heart of powerful stories and adventures. Guests can soar above Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, grab a Krusty burger in Springfield, join the ranks of the Minions and so much more.

Universal Orlando's two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure, are home to some of the world's most exciting and innovative attractions. Its on-site resort hotels, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort are destinations unto themselves. Its entertainment complex, Universal CityWalk, offers dining and entertainment for every member of the family. And just minutes away is Wet 'n Wild, a family water park.

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled 18 new guest experiences in the past five years – powerful attractions, incredible dining opportunities and a dramatically themed hotel. And more is on the way. Coming in 2016 is Universal Orlando's fifth on-site hotel, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort; and Skull Island: Reign of Kong, a groundbreaking attraction in Islands of Adventure. And in 2017 will come Universal's Volcano Bay, an entirely new water theme park experience.

Universal Orlando Resort is part of NBCUniversal, a Comcast company. Follow Universal Orlando Resort on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.