Dark Universe at Universal's Epic Universe

UPDATED October 21, 2024

A brand NEW theme park is opening in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025: Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe!

Universal Parks – Epic Universe ©Universal

In January 2024, Universal Orlando revealed details about the five themed lands that will make up Epic Universe: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and the land we’re discussing here: Dark Universe.

Are you ready to enter Dark Universe?

©Universal

Once visitors step through the Dark Universe portal, they’ll step into to a place full of dark energy: the village of Darkmoor.

Here, visitors will “encounter everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.” And fans of Universal’s popular Halloween Horror Nights event may want to pay close attention…

Mark Woodbury, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Destinations & Experiences, discussed that “we have this great history with HORROR.” Molly Murphy, President Universal Creative, shared that Dark Universe will be “a world where Universal’s classic monsters are reimagined in an OMINOUS and CHILLING experience.”

That’s right… if you already love Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights held in the fall, you’ll be THRILLED to know that soon there will be monsters at Universal Orlando all year round!

Dark Universe Attractions

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

Dark Universe’s signature attraction is going to be the massive E-Ticket level attraction Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

Located in the facade of Frankenstein Manor, this ride’s official synopsis from Universal reads, “Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate. A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.”

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

According to Universal, the attraction will be a “state of the art dark ride” that will “defy what you think of a theme park attraction. ” The attraction’s ride system has long been rumored to be a Kuka Arm vehicle similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which seems to be verified by vehicles that look quite similar to those featured on the Potter attraction in the newly released concept art pictured above. They also claim that the ride will have the most technologically advanced animated figures ever built.

Curse of the Werewolf

The land’s second attraction will be a spinning family coaster themed to The Wolf Man.

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

According to the official synopsis of Curse of the Werewolf, guests will enter the Guild of Mystics and be “greeted by Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf.”

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

“Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest, racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.”

Dark Universe Dining

What’s a monster got to eat around here? Well, these are the upcoming dining options at Dark Universe…

Das Stakehaus

Das Stakehaus is a quick-service restaurant within Dark Universe themed around an “old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs.” The name is not only a play on the Eastern European setting of vampire lore, but a literal play on words — “stake” instead of “steak” as it relates to vampires is a funny double entendre!

©Universal

The restaurant will feature vampire artwork and artifacts and meals will be served by “familiars”, also known as vampire servants! The immersive theming is meant to give you the perspective of vampires themselves, as the paintings and architecture depict vampires as “heroes in their stories while displaying some of Darkmoor’s history, and referencing its architecture.” The menu will feature burgers, kebabs, sandwiches, and more.

The Burning Blade Tavern

The Burning Blade Tavern is an additional quick-service restaurant that pays homage to the iconic windmill from Universal’s 1931 classic Frankenstein! The Burning Blade Tavern will allow diners to eat in an “old mill which Darkmoor Village’s monster hunters have transformed into their hangout.”

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

Instead of the monsters being portrayed as heroes like Das Stakehaus, this restaurant focuses on hunters who protect regular folk from these legendary beasts. Surrounded by trophy heads of conquered monsters, diners will be able to enjoy a menu of burgers, pretzels, wings, bratwurst, and specialty beverages while they listen to tales of victory from the hunters. Additionally, Universal teased that this tavern will erupt into flames several times an hour. To accomplish this, Universal will use two types of fuel to create different types of visibility during the day and evening.

De Lacey’s Cottage

At De Lacey’s Cottage, guest can find sweets and snacks including ice cream, cinnamon bread, twisted taters, and more.

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

Located near Frankenstein Manor, this snack stand pays homage to where Frankenstein’s Monster received friendship and sustenance.

Dark Universe Meet-and-Greets

YES, my friends… MEETING MONSTERS will be part of your visit to Dark Universe!

Monstrous meet & greets — Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

The land will present several meet and greets in the land, giving guests the opportunity to interact with characters including — but not limited to — Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the “alluring” Bride of Frankenstein, Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, and The Invisible Man, “an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales related to classic monster stories.”

MORE Monstrous FUN in Dark Universe

Monster Makeup Experience

Do you happen to have a little monster of your own? Or perhaps you’d like to channel your own inner monster?

Dark Universe Concept Art ©Universal

Dark Universe will also feature the new Monster Makeup Experience, where “monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests into a likeness of their favorite Universal Monsters.”

Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities

Stock up on souvenirs to calm (or RELEASE) your inner monster at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities!

Epic Universe Preview Center

In June 2024,Universal unveiled a model of Epic Universe which is now on display at the Epic Universe Preview Center, which opened in June 2024 at Universal CityWalk.