Have you ever wanted to step into the classic Universal monster movies? You will soon get your chance at Dark Universe, the horror-themed land coming to Universal’s Epic Universe. Let’s Discuss what you need to know in Part One: Countdown to Epic Universe: Details About Dark Universe.

Epic Universe, the brand new Universal theme park that will be at a separate location than the existing Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure opens on May 22, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. There will be five brand new lands with loads of new attractions, shows shops, and dining options.

A quick note for you film buffs: Dark Universe was also the name of the planned series of monster films developed by universal pictures in the 2010s. I’ll keep this short: this was supposed to be a Marvel-Cinematic Universe-style reboot of the classic universal monsters that started and stopped after The Mummy starring Tom Cruise underperformed both critically and commercially in 2017. With the announcement of Epic Universe, Universal recycled the name for its new land. Onto the land itself.

About Dark Universe

Dark Universe will be home to the legendary Universal Monsters—think Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the monster, also known as Frankenstein—with a new spin. The land is technically called the village of Darkmoor,  where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great granddaughter of Dr. Frankenstein, has taken over the famous manor and is experimenting and trying to capture monsters who inhabit the land. That’s what leads us to the first and most thrilling ride, Monsters Unchained: the Frankenstein Experiment.

Monsters Unchained: the Frankenstein Experiment

On Monsters Unchained, guest will be taken inside Frankenstein Manor on a ride where the monsters revolt. Led by Dracula—of course—the monsters rage in  an attempt to escape and we will be caught in it as they chase us around the manor. There will be 14 animated figures—claimed to be the most advanced animated figures ever made by Universal—those confirmed include Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Wolf Man, the Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, The Brides of Dracula, and the Phantom of the Opera. 

The ride system looks similar to the existing Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction and looks to be a romp where among other things, we will get see the Phantom of the Opera’s organ shoot flames over 3 feet high as music plays! The height requirement is 48 inches and will include motion simulation. For now, the ride is included with the Universal Express Pass. Billed as one of the scariest rides they have created, this one looks to be intense, with technology making you feel as if you are right there within inches of the monsters. To say I am excited would be an understatement.

Curse of the Werewolf

The other ride is Curse of the Werewolf, inspired by The Wolf Man, a more family-friendly spinning roller coaster that will take you through a dark forest where werewolves are ready to attack. At the entrance, Maleva, the leader of the Guild of Mystics, will warn of all of the creatures waiting in the woods and inform you that you now have the curse of the werewolf The ride will be over 2 minutes long, go up to 37 miles per hour, has a 40 inch height requirement, and for now is included in Universal Express Pass. 

Dining Options

Das Stakehous a fast causal restaturant themed to vampire culture, with artifiacts and artworks that is staffed by familiars—servants doing the bidding of vampires hoping to one day become immortal  themselves. Look out for paintings that show the world from vampires world’ of view, as heroes in history, which sounds quirky and fun. 

The Burning Blade Tavern is themed to an old mill in Darkmoor Village transformed by monster hunters into a hangout. Expect wings, burgers, bratwurst, pretzels and beverages. Most exciting is a large windmill above the tavern that will erupt into flames two times an hour, so be on the lookout for that. 

De Lacey’s Cottage, will be another a quick service option offering treats in the place where Frankenstein’s Monster received sustenance and friendship. 

Shops

Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities will be a curious shop, featuring all things Dark Universe, oddities, and souvenirs, and looks to be the main gift shop. 

Two other shops are The Guild of Mystics wagons, which will have werewolf inspired merchandise, and The Manor Storehouse which looks to be located in and possibly the exit of Monsters Unleashed. 

Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

The Darkmoor Monster Makeup experience will allow you to be made up to look like a monster, which is an interesting proposition considering you will likely end up in other lands at the theme park. You can book in advance online and the price as of now says $169 per person, and it is available for guests aged 5 and up. You can get face paint, makeup, and even temporary tattoos. 

Character Meets

You will also be able to meet various monsters, including Frankenstein’s Monster and The Bride, The Invisible Man—color me intrigued—and NEW characters like a monster hunter and a musician, plus more so be on the lookout. 

My Thoughts

Dark Universe makes sense for three primary reasons: 

• First, These are legendary characters from iconic Hollywood films that remain popular all these years later. This land will achieve two aims: appealing to fans of old Hollywood and horror like myself who want to step foot into these worlds, and also reeling in new fans who can discover the classical films through the theme park experience. 
• Second, horror films and novels are ever popular, even at the theater—side note that I wrote a horror novel and intend to get published, so be on the lookout for that. Hollywood Horror Nights, the seasonal after hours Halloween event at Universal Studios grows in popularity each year— Dark Universe will offer year round horror themed fun, and likely will host (hopefully) terrifying Halloween events in the fall.
• And finally, these are characters and attractions based on uniquely Universal properties, drawing in guests to Epic Universe for one-of-a kind experiences. This is something that Universal can tout as only available at this theme park, making Epic Universe a must-do when in Orlando. 

Excited yet? I am! tell me your thoughts about Dark Universe. Are you a fan of how they included classic monsters in a new land? Are you going on opening day? What ride are you most excited for? And stay tuned: in Part Two of my series I will be talking all about the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Ministry of Magic land coming to Epic Universe. 

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See ya real soon!