Universal Studios would not be the premiere cinematic experience theme park without the Universal Monsters. Influencing filmmakers from Spielberg to Peele, they are the blueprint of thrills and it’s about damn time that the almost century-old fandom will finally get its due with Epic Universe’s Dark Universe, the theme park home of gods and monsters. This new area joins the previously announced lands at Universal Studios Orlando’s newest theme park, including Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon’s Isle of Berk.
That’s right, monster fans: our time is coming with a whole horror film-inspired land! No longer are the Universal Monsters solely regulated to Halloween Horror Nights, random character meets, and disappearing attractions and shows like Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue; the monsters are here to stay and play at Epic Universe. Within the Darkmoor, the Dark Universe’s rustic village topped by Frankenstein’s manor, all the monster’s timelines converge into a story that you’ll be able to be a part of and encounter Dracula, Frankenstein, the Bride, the Wolf Man, and more supernatural beings. There’s two major attractions: Curse of the Werewolf, a gateway family coaster, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, an epic crossover thrill adventure ride that takes you into the Frankenstein home for an epic monster face-off in.
Read on to discover more about Dark Universe’s story, rides, and other spooky offerings that will fill out the land, including monster makeup transformations, monster interactions, and creature cuisine.
Enter the Dark Universe
The Universal Monsters’ Dark Universe lives—this time as one of five immersive worlds that theme park aficionados will get to experience. Whether you’re a monster fan or just an intrigued park goer, this land is set to push the limits of horror with its own inviting atmosphere where anyone can face their fears at whatever level they’re comfortable with.
Welcome to Darkmoor
The thrills will hide behind the rides; things will be relatively safe when you visit the village of Darkmoor, which will serve as a gateway to a new world of gods and monsters. Here guests will encounter “monstrous adventures” through attractions, shops, restaurants, and character interactions.
Monster friends good?
Among the monsters you’ll meet are yes, the classic Universal Monsters as they wander through the land, including Frankenstein’s creature, the Bride, Dracula, the Invisible Man, and the Wolf Man. (We’re holding out hope for the Creature from the Black Lagoon!) Meet-and-greets will also feature characters created for the land who will guide the story of Darkmoor along, including its own mad scientist Victoria Frankenstein (the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein) and her assistants, plus monster hunters, vampires, human familiars, and more.
Is somebody gonna match my monster freak?
If you really want to get in deep with the monsters, you can volunteer to become one of Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments and get a monster makeover of your own. Hey—some of have waited our whole lives to unleash our inner monsters, so count me in... and hand me some fangs along with extra-strength vampire sunscreen.
Curse of the Werewolf
What’s not to love about how the basis of this land is to be “gateway horror” for Universal Monsters? That includes this coaster: it’s not a kiddie ride, but rather one of those spinning attractions that levels up ride bravery. Here is Universal’s story behind 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.”
Howl at the full moon
Similar to other magical creature attractions at Universal Studios Orlando, expect state-of-the-art animatronics of the Wolf Man himself throughout the ride for some horror jump scares.
Monsters vs. Monsters
“In our world all the Universal Monsters stories have happened,” Peter Carsillo Universal Creative, Sr. Creative director explained. “And Darkmoor is the result of that. It’s the consequence. Every inch of Dark Universe tells a story. You can believe that monsters are real and its all happening, right here.” It all leads up to the epic encounter of the land’s main attraction.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
The main event (and scariest attraction, for horror toe-dippers at least) “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.” Because that’s always a good idea, right? We love her already, but she should have learned from her ancestor’s hubris.
Dracula gets big mad
The plot thickens: “Her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters.” We know Drac is messy so this doesn’t surprise us in the least.
Frankenstein family matters
“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.” From the looks of it the Frankenstein clan sticks together here as we ride through a monster mash mansion of mayhem, with sets to fly through, state-of-the-art animatronics, and visual screen storytelling.
Can it be 2025 already?
The burning windmill, the Wolf Man coaster, the Frankenstein family drama— we want to be in it now.
Yes, that burning windmill
It’s a bar, called the Burning Blade Tavern! Here’s the official description: “Despite the blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically, 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.’”
Das Stakehaus
Where the creature cuisine might be you! So mind the salt and being eyed by the servers who happen to be vampire familiars scoping out their masters’ next meal. It might not be the defunct Monsters Cafe from Universal Studios Florida, but it will feature “artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village’s creatures of the night” and have a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and more.
Bat’s eye view of Dark Universe
Other fun nods to the Universal Monsters universe will include shops and snack stands, including:
- De Lacey’s Cottage – “Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters, and more.”
- Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities - “Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos.”
We have to wait a whole year for the monsters to be unleashed at Epic Universe, so be sure to check out their show-stopping moment—featuring the Gill-man emerging from the Universal Studios Florida lagoon—in Cinesational,now running select nights this summer.
The Dark Universe will open at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe in 2025.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel and Star Wars releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about House of the Dragon and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
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