June 21, 2024
Next year, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre – will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike.
DARK UNIVERSE BAT'S EYE VIEW
DARK UNIVERSE PORTAL
DARKMOOR VILLAGE ENTRANCE
MONSTERS UNCHAINED: THE FRANKENSTEIN EXPERIMENT
Dark Universe’s marquee attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet – is a state-of-the-art dark ride that takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. 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.
CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF
Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will find Curse of the Werewolf, 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 – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.
MEET THE MONSTERS
While exploring Dark Universe, everyone from kids to adults can enjoy meet and greets with various Monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. 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.
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 within Dark Universe. Here, 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.
DAS STAKEHAUS
Das Stakehaus – Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant – is a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. Surrounded by artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village’s creatures of the night, guests can enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
THE BURNING BLADE TAVERN
One of the unique dining establishments in Dark Universe is The Burning Blade Tavern. While enjoying a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages, guests will 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.”
Universal Epic Universe will be made up of 5 different worlds… Upon entering the park, you’ll be transported into Celestial Park - a lush, green world where thrills, entertainment, dining and shopping lead all who enter on an exhilarating journey of discovery. Throughout Celestial Park, you’ll discover 4 portals awaiting to transport you into the other fully themed and immersive worlds - Super Nintendo World™, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Ministry of Magic™, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, and Dark Universe.
Set to open later in 2025, Universal Epic Universe will be Universal Orlando’s 4th theme park - Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. The new park is currently under construction across 750 acres of land just a few miles Southeast of Universal Orlando Resort between Sand Lake Rd., Universal Blvd., and Destination Pkwy. The park will feature its own parking and of course there will be transportation between Epic Universe and Universal's other parks and attractions.
As the anticipation continues to build, Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe promises to be a game-changer in the world of theme parks. We look forward to keeping you posted with new and exciting updates as we get them.