Details Released About Universal Epic Universe’s Dark Universe
By Rikki
It’s time to learn about the next land that’s part of Universal Epic Universe – Dark Universe! This land is going to be a celebration of all the timeless Universal Monsters, brought to life with a present day feel.
Universal is the pioneer of the horror genre from WAY back in the day and Dark Universe, is slated to be the most mysterious world in Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park that’s slated to open in 2025. This captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures thanks to various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike.
Dark Universe is slated to blend the iconic stories of legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more. There will even be 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. As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe – they’ll 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.
Stepping into Darkmoor
The journey to Dark Universe begins the moment Guests step inside its electrifying portal. This portal is what harnesses the dark energy of Darkmoor. As Guests step foot inside, that energy will pulsate throughout the entire village. It will connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor which is going to be the towering focal point of Dark Universe. In this land, Guests will be able to embark on unique adventures where they can do things like get made up to look like their favorite monsters, spin through the woods aboard a thrilling family coaster, enjoy unique dining establishments, enter Frankenstein Manor to brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and more.
Dark Universe Attractions
Here’s what Guests will be able to experience when they step inside Dark Universe:
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: This state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. 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. This then unleashes 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.
• Curse of the Werewolf: Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, Guests will find Curse of the Werewolf. This will be a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” 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. The goal is to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.
• Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience: Guests of all ages can become fashionably monstrous as they don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Here, monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor. Their goal is to continue the spirit of his demented experiments. Skilled artisans will be able to use their talents to transform Guests’ outer appearances. This is all done so they can showcase their fandom of Universal Monsters.
• Meet the Monsters: Monsters here are eager to meet and greet everyone. This includes Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the 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.
Dining
• Das Stakehaus: This establishment is a dining hall run by vampire “familiars”. They are sizing up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. This restaurant includes artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village’s creatures of the night. Guests dining here can enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
• The Burning Blade Tavern: Despite the blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout. Guests will be able to enjoy a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages. They will also hear stories of the infamous “Hounds”. These are boastful hunters from beyond Darkmoor. Oh and did we mention you’d be surrounded by a display of the monster heads they consider their “trophies.”
• De Lacey’s Cottage: Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand. This is where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.
More Dark Universe Fun
• Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos from retail locations like Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.
To prepare for Dark Universe, Guests can now purchase a variety of new merchandise themed to the new land. You can find it at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk.
Want to learn more about the lands of Epic Universe? We’ve got info about Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and Super Nintendo World.
What do you think of Dark Universe? You can share with me in the comments or on social! Find me on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.
Book Your Next Trip!
Want to book a vacation to experience Universal Epic Universe when it officially opens in 2025? Contact my friend Jocelyn Martins at The Magic For Less Travel who specializes in the art of personalized vacation planning. She provides a guest-driven, concierge level planning service. Best of all, Jocelyn’s service is provided free of charge. Click here to get your free, no-obligation quote today!
