ORLANDO, Fla. – They’ve starred in stage shows, once donned the walls of a cafe, and unleashed fear at Halloween Horror Nights of the past, but starting next year, Classic Universal Monsters will have a permanent place to roam.
Universal Orlando Resort revealed new details on one of the five worlds under construction at Epic Universe. The immersive and innovative theme park will transport guests through mystical portals, one of which being Dark Universe.
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Based on Universal’s collection of early horror films, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of monsters 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 Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments.
Below is a breakdown of highlights:
Welcome to Darkmoor
The entrance to Dark Universe alone gives off a jolt of excitement with the electricity-charged spire atop the portal, a likely mimic of how science experiments are brought to life. Twisted trees give off a spooky first impression and above the entrance, which reads “It’s alive! It’s alive!” One of the most famous lines in horror movie history. And that electric dark energy will be seen powering throughout Darkmoor, connecting to the top of Frankenstein Manor – the towering focal point of Dark Universe.
Nestled within the blackened stone walls of the town, guests will embark on unique adventures where they can 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.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
What’s being called Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, will feature the monsters as the main attraction.
This state-of-the-art dark ride 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, fail, 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.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
It’s Halloween year-round at Dark Universe as guests of all ages can become fashionably monstrous as they don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.
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
After leaving the monstrous makeup chair, it’s essential to take a photo with the legends who inspire the artist’s work.
Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein will be eager to meet and greet every one of all ages. 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.
Das Stakehaus
Guests can sink their teeth in delicious fare and dine in an eerie ambiance at Dark Universe.
At Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant, Das Stakehaus 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
Inspired by the famous inferno scene in the “Frankenstein” film, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite hangout.
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.”
Dark Universe’s first look follows the epic introductions of Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park. Universal has yet to reveal official details on The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — The Ministry of Magic and the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
For a limited time, guests can purchase a variety of new merchandise themed to Dark Universe as well as the other Epic Universe realms — including apparel, accessories, and more at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk.
Universal’s fourth theme park sits on 750 acres of land not far from the Orange County Convention Center and is slated to open in 2025.
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