We are just about 1 year away from the opening of Epic Universe, the all new Universal Orlando theme park that will feature five immersive themed lands, on site hotels, and epic dining and shopping experiences. Universal has already unveiled details for three of the lands: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and today has brought us the details on Dark Universe.
Related: First Look at the Epic Universe Preview Center
Try to Escape Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Latest Experiment
One of the marquee attractions, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, takes you deep below the Frankenstein estate. Here, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the ghastly work of her ancestors.
A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters, including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The towering manor where these horrors unfold stands as a testament to the perils within.
Within Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, you’ll witness a spectacular sight: The Phantom of the Opera’s organ, featuring 14 individual flame points that shoot vertical flames over 3 feet in the air, dancing in synchronicity with the haunting organ music. This fiery display adds an unforgettable element to the experience.
Now It’s Your Turn to Face the Curse
Maleva, leader of The Guild of Mystics, welcomes you to a secluded wagon camp, where you’re warned of the creatures prowling the deep woods. Curse of the Werewolf is a thrilling ride that takes you through the forest at 37 mph.
Surrounded by glowing eyes and gnashing teeth, you’ll spin and weave as you try to escape a pack of werewolves. This two-minute ride tears through a dark, foreboding shed, where mysterious figures claw ever so near.
Release Your Inner Creature for the World to See
At the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, Dr. Pretorius’ old lab has been transformed into a parlor where skilled artisans bring out your inner monster. Whether you want to be a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or something even more fashionably monstrous, this experience allows you to embrace your love for Universal Monsters.
Meet Some of the Monsters of Dark Universe
In Darkmoor Village, you’ll encounter inhabitants such as Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride, Ygor, The Invisible Man, a courageous monster hunter, and even a musician who might regale you with songs about the village. Feel free to say hello and take photos with them, but beware—you never know who or what might be lurking in the shadows. Over 6,500 different lighting elements bring to life the rich stories of Darkmoor’s history. Many fixtures were custom-designed to tell the tales of vampires and scientists, casting an eerie glow over the village.
Enjoy a Monstrously Good Meal
Das Stakehaus is an old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs. Here, you can enjoy a meal surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts. The restaurant is run by vampires’ “familiars,” or servants, adding a unique twist to your dining experience. Just don’t venture down to the catacombs below, or you might find yourself on the vampires’ menu.
Related: Universal’s Epic Universe is Expected to Open Before Summer 2025
For those with a taste for a hearty meal, The Burning Blade Tavern is the place to be. This old mill, transformed into a monster hunters’ hangout, offers a menu of burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels, and specialty beverages. The windmill at the top of the tavern erupts into flames several times an hour, providing a spectacular view day and night.
A visit Dark Universe at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe will allow you to explore a world of horror and adventure. Whether you’re braving the rides, meeting legendary monsters, or enjoying a monstrously good meal, Dark Universe promises an experience you won’t soon forget. To fully immerse yourself in this new land, be sure to head on over to the Universal Orlando website to click through an interactive walkthrough!
