The classic Universal monster family includes well-known creatures like Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, the Mummy, and the Wolf Man. All of these monsters have become pop culture icons and are a big part of Universal's history and connection to classic horror. Well, these iconic figures are getting their own Universal Monsters land at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park!
The addition of a Universal Monsters land is a way to “breathe new life into the classic Universal monster family” with the creation of this new land called Dark Universe. Dark Universe is a part of the new Epic Universal theme park coming to Universal Orlando.
Keep reading for ALL the details on this new Universal Monsters land, Dark Universe, coming soon to Universal Orlando. Universal has released all the information on this new land including details on the new attractions, dining, and entertainment to experience at the first ever theme park land focused around VILLAINS!
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Dark Universe-NEW Monster Land at Epic Universe
Prior details about Dark Universe were pretty limited with most of what we knew focusing on just the characters that might influence the land but nothing more about the attractions or other offerings. We now have the full scope of details and I don't think I've ever been more excited for a theme park expansion!
Dark Universe is one of the five lands coming to Epic Universe at Universal Orlando which will open sometime in 2025. Dark Universe will join other highly anticipated lands like Super Nintendo World, a new Harry Potter area, and How to Train Your Dragon.
Dark Universe will be a land focused on the Universal Classic Monsters where guests will encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a “shadowy landscape” where monsters roam. Dark Universe will blend the stories of characters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more! Universal has also announced that the land will include a new generation of monsters and characters including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. Dr Victoria Frankenstein is the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments.
The village within Dark Universe will be called Darkmoor where guests will encounter characters and subjects of those experiments in “within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.”
This is such a different and breath of fresh air for a theme park land as this entire land is themed to VILLAINS. We have never seen such an emphasis on villains in a theme park land before. In fact, Disney fans have been begging Walt Disney World for years to create their own Villains Land which was briefly teased as a potential idea for a Magic Kingdom expansion.
👉Read here why we think this new expansion to Universal Orlando is a good thing for Disney fans!
Universal has a long history with the horror genre and this is an area they excel at which is evident from the success of their Halloween Horror Nights. Rumors have followed Universal for years about the opening of a classic monsters attraction and we have finally got our wish!
In the initial Universal Orlando announcement, creators mentioned that “everything you wanted to ever experience with monsters is in this world.” That's a pretty promising statement to make. Let's get into all the details Universal has shared for this exciting land opening at Epic Universe!
Darkmoor- New Monster Village in Dark Universe
The journey to Dark Universe will begin when guests enter the portal which will “harness the dark energy” of Darkmoor. The focal point of Darkmoor will be Frankenstein Manor which you can see pictured in the concept art above.
This new land will include two brand new attractions, a monster makeover experience, and an opportunity to meet the classic Universal monsters.
Universal also released the bird eye view concept art for Dark Universe which you can see above. Frankenstein's Manor is impressive as a focal point!
Monsters Unchained- New DARK RIDE for Dark Universe
Easily the most anticipated attraction is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment where guests will ride deep in the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor to see where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. Guests are invited by Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to “witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters” but her plan will go awry when she attempts to control Dracula which will unleash a horde of enraged monsters. Guests will be thrust into an intense dark ride as they try to escape the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.
This attraction is rumored to be utilizing similar technology to the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction. This is easily the biggest e-ticket attraction for the land and likely one of the most popular rides we might see at Epic Universe. If you look at the concept art above, you get a glimpse of the ride vehicle which looks very similar to the one used for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!
Curse of the Werewolf- Family Friendly Coaster
Curse of the Werewolf is a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man” ensuring this land as an attraction for all ages. 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 will then board a wagon and venture into the forest as they race to escape the werewolves!
With the emphasis of a family friendly roller coaster in the land, Universal is clearly balancing the thrills of monsters while also ensuring the area is appealing for all ages.
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Dark Universe Provides Unique Makeup Experiences
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience will allow guests of all ages to don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos featuring all their favorite classic monsters.
The story goes that monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments. This is where skilled artists can transform their appearances to showcase their favorite Universal Monsters.
Read more about the Universal Monster makeup experience including full pricing!
Unique Monster Character Experiences
Guests will also be able to meet the monsters themselves! Character meet and greets in this land will include Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein.
Characters will also roam the 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.
Dark Universe Offers Themed Dining Options
There are will also be two themed restaurants and a food stand all working to create that immersive feel in the land of Dark Universe.
Das Stakehaus is a themed dining hall run by “vampire familiars” who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. The dining hall is surrounded by artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village's creatures. Food offerings here include a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
The Burning Blade Tavern is an “old fiery mill” that has been transformed into Darkmoor's monster hunters favorite hangout, despite the “blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically.” Based on that description, I really cannot wait to see how this restaurant takes shape in the land! Guests can hear stories of the infamous “Hounds” which are boastful hunters from beyond Darkmoor while they are surrounded by an impressive display of the monster heads they consider their “trophies.” The menu here includes a variety of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages.
De Lacey’s Cottage is the food stand located near Frankenstein Manor where the original Frankenstein's Monster once received “sustenance and friendship.” Guests can find a variety of snacks like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.
Monster Themed Shopping
And of course, there will be a retail location to purchase all your commemorative merchandise! Guests can find mementos and themed merchandise at retail locations like Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.
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The new Universal Monsters land is called Dark Universe and is part of the new Universal Orlando theme park called Epic Universe.
Universal monsters are often part of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and you can also see Universal monsters roaming around the parks. But now there are also getting their own land at Epic Universe.
The last original Universal monster was the Creature from the Black Lagoon. After that, Universal attempted to revive the monster franchise with The Mummy film in 1999.
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