*Updated June 24, 2024*
Epic Universe, Universal’s high-tech new theme park, is scheduled to open in 2025 as part of the Universal Orlando Resort complex. The park is one of the most anticipated projects being worked on in the theme park world right now. For years, the company stayed tight-lipped about what was coming to the new park. However, they’ve recently begun divulging new and exciting details about Epic Universe and its lands that have us even more excited!
Universal has confirmed some HUGE details about the new park, like its inclusion of a Super Nintendo World land similar to that featured in Japan and California, details about new rides that’ll be featured in the park, tasty information about new restaurants coming to the park, and MORE. But those who are fans of horror films and Universal’s classic monsters might be particularly interested in one land that has been officially confirmed for the park — Dark Universe. Let’s share EVERYTHING we know about this land!
Background Info
The so-called “Universal Monsters” have been a staple of Universal for nearly a century, and the studio’s interpretations of literary monsters including Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, the Mummy, the Wolfman, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, among others, have become the default versions of the characters for many. Despite this, they’ve often seemed to be at the periphery of Universal’s theme parks.
Sure, there have been lightly-themed restaurants, merchandise, and make-up shows, but (outside of the rides based on the 1999 Brendon Frasier Mummy films) the classic version of the characters have never appeared in a specific E-Ticket attraction or land of their own…until now.
Everything We Know About the Rides Coming to Universal Epic Universe
Overview
In terms of a general overview, Universal notes that Dark Universe will take us into a “world of myth and mystery” covering things like “the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.”
In a video describing Epic Universe, Universal representatives noted how the company has a great history with horror and wanted to see if they could “breathe new life into the classic Universal monster family.”
Universal has shared that the land “blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments.”
The land is set in Darkmoor — a “ravaged village.” Throughout the land, you’ll be able to “encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.”
Fun fact — Danny Elfman is composing the music for the Dark Universe section of Epic Universe!
Entrance
The entrances to each of the themed lands at Epic Universe are marked by portals that help transport you to the other worlds.
In this case, the concept art shared by Universal depicts a very spooky portal leading to Dark Universe, complete with ominous trees and a tower covered in lightning or unique lighting effects.
You’ll enter through this “electrifying portal, which harnesses the dark energy of Darkmoor.” Once you step inside, Universal says that the “same energy will pulsate throughout the entire village and connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor.”
Attractions
According to a Universal representative, the land will be a place where Universal’s classic monsters are reimagined in an “ominous and chilling experience.” One representative even said, “Everything you’ve ever wanted to experience with monsters is in this world.”
There will be 2 main attractions and 2 other experiences within the land.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
The main attraction will be Monsters Unchained and Universal calls it their “most terrifying attraction yet.”
According to Universal, it will be a “state-of-the-art dark ride” that’ll take “guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments.”
Universal shares, “In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters.”
“Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.”
You’ll want to look for some cool details in this ride too. According to Universal, The Phantom of the Opera’s organ will be in the attraction which will feature “14 individual flame points that shoot vertical flames over 3 feet in the air and dance in synchronicity with the organ music.”
Note that this ride will have a minimum height requirement of 48 inches.
Curse of the Werewolf
The second main attraction is Curse of the Werewolf — a spinning family coaster that is inspired by “The Wolf Man.”
According to Universal, “Guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics where they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf.”
“Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.”
According to Universal, the ride “tears through the dark forest at 37 mph, for over 2 minutes of sheer thrill, racing through a dark foreboding shed with mysterious figures clawing ever so near.” The minimum height requirement will be 40 inches.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
Looking for more spooky fun? Guests of all ages will be able to get a “monstrous” makeover at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.
Universal shares that “monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.”
Meet the Monsters
There will be various monster meet-and-greet experiences throughout Dark Universe too. You might even meet spooky characters like Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein.
According to Universal, “Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories.”
Restaurants
Monsters like to eat too, it turns out! And that’s a good thing because it’ll provide plenty of dining experiences for Dark Universe guests!
Das Stakehaus
According to Universal, this will be the most “ominous” restaurant in Darkmoor. It is actually an “old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs.” Das Stakehaus is a “dining hall run by vampire ‘familiars’ who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast.”
It will feature artwork and artifacts that detail the history of vampires. Take a close look at those paintings. According to Universal, “Das Stakehaus’ many paintings depict the world of vampires from their point of view, painting them as heroes in their stories, while displaying some of Darkmoor’s history, and referencing its architecture.”
The menu is set to include kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and more. According to the Universal website, it will be a quick service restaurant.
The Burning Blade Tavern
The next spot is Burning Blade Tavern, which will have a windmill that smolders and flames periodically. Universal shares, “The windmill at the top of The Burning Blade Tavern erupts into flames several times an hour. Two types of fuel are used in different ratios, allowing for easy visibility to guests during both day and night.”
According to the story, “Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout.”
The menu will feature burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels, and specialty beverages. According to the Universal website, this will be a quick service restaurant.
But what you’ll really want to come here for are the stories! During your time here, you may just be able to hear “stories of the infamous ‘Hounds’ – boastful hunters from beyond Darkmoor – all while surrounded by an impressive display of the monster heads they consider their ‘trophies.'”
De Lacey’s Cottage
Finally, you’ll find this snack spot over by Frankenstein’s Manor. This food stand (which is supposedly “where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship”) will serve up snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters, and more.
Shopping!
Want to bring home a “piece of the immortal world?” Stop by Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, which will offer commemorative merchandise and mementos.
We’ve also seen Universal previously file a trademark for the name “Oddities & Monstrosities” for “Retail store services featuring apparel, gifts, and general consumer merchandise” as well as “Online retail store services featuring apparel, gifts, and general consumer merchandise.” Though it has not been confirmed, this could be an indication of a store that may appear in this land.
And that’s what we know about Dark Universe so far, but there’s likely much more to come as the 2025 opening of Epic Universe gets closer.
What do you think of these plans for Universal’s Dark Universe land at Epic Universe? Does it sound like the project these characters have deserved for decades, or do the plans sound like they leave something to be desired? Let us know in the comments below.
For more Epic Universe news, click here for our full page of information!
And stay tuned for all the latest updates!
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Universal monsters? Sounds amazing! Our family will be there!