Almost a century ago, Universal Pictures invented the Hollywood horror film genre with its classic monsters, Dracula, Frankenstein, the Werewolf, the Mummy and many more. And they all remain icons of horror cinema and Halloween to this day. Now, Universal Studios theme parks are finally giving these iconic classic monsters their own immersive theme land as part of the new Dark Universe, coming to Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort. We're excited to share details and concept art for the rides and themed areas of this spooky portion of the park, set to open in 2025. Below you can see the “bat view” of the land in all its glory from Transylvania
The Dark Universe Land of the Universal Epic Universe celebrates universal monsters
Dark Universe is one of five immersive worlds featured in Universal Epic Universe. This new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures through various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets. Dark Universe combines the iconic stories of Dracula, The Werewolf, Frankenstein and The Bride with a new generation of monsters. New monsters arriving in the Dark Universe include Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, Henry Frankenstein's great-granddaughter, who has continued her misguided experiments. As guests venture through the devastated village of Darkmoor, they will encounter the characters and subjects of these experiments. All within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment. Concept art for the Darkmoor spirit village as well as the Dark Universe attractions from the Universal Epic Universe can be seen below:
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
One of the attractions we know is coming to Dark Universe celebrates the universal monster, Frankenstein. It's called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests into the catacombs of Frankenstein's Mansion. There, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a futile display of his genius, he invites guests into his lab to witness a demonstration of his ability to control monsters. However, his plans go awry when his attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fail. Dracula unleashes a horde of enraged monsters. The guests are then thrust into an intense journey through the darkness. There, they try to evade the grip of the werewolf, the mummy, the creature from the black lagoon, the brides of Dracula and others.
Curse of the Werewolf
Deep in the forest that lies on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will find Curse of the Werewolf. This Universal Epic Universe Dark Universe ride is a family roller coaster inspired by The werewolf. Guests will enter the camp of The Guild of Mystics. Here, Maleva, the seer and leader of the all-knowing guild, will greet them. She warns them that they have the mark of the werewolf. The guests then board a wagon and venture into the woods, running to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.
The Darkmoor makeup experience from The Dark Universe
Guests of all ages can become fashionable monsters while getting elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Here, the monster makers have converted the former laboratory of Dr. Pretorius in a hall to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and skilled artisans use their talents to transform the outward appearances of guests so they can display their fandom for universal monsters as they traverse. the land of the Dark Universe.
Meet the universal monsters in the Dark Universe of Epic Universe
There's always someone… or something… lurking in the shadows of the Dark Universe, including universal monsters eager to meet and greet everyone from children to adults. Among them are Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's monster and the seductive bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants wandering around the spooky town, such as Frankenstein's servant Ygor. In addition, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter and talented musician will treat guests to songs in this land of the Universal Epic Universe, not to mention the classic stories of universal monsters.
Dine and more in Universal Epic Universe's Dark Universe
The Dark Universe will also feature Das Stakehaus, a vampire-themed diner, the Burning Blade Tavern, inspired by the flaming windmill of The Bride of Frankenstein, and Dr. Lacey's Cottage, where Frankenstein's monster found a friend, and is now home to all kinds of goodies. You can check out concept art images of these in the gallery above.
There are already a link for Dark Universe merchandise for monster fans who can't wait to experience it for themselves. Dark Universe and the rest of Universal's Epic Universe will open at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025.
