The Dark Universe film franchise is entombed for the time being, but next year you’ll be able to step into the classic monster-filled world that almost was at Universal Studios’ new Orlando theme park, Epic Universe. Dark Universe is one of five themed lands that will make up the park, along with Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How To Train Your Dragon—Isle Of Berk, and The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter—Ministry Of Magic. Universal has been gradually rolling out the details of each land to get the public hyped for the park’s opening in 2025, and today it was Dark Universe’s turn in the spotlight. We got a first look at the rides, restaurants, shops, and entertainment guests can expect to find in the land inspired by classic horror films and characters like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and more.
After trying and failing to create a new cinematic universe featuring those iconic characters, Universal is bringing them together, plus a few new ones, for the first time in a theme-park setting (apart from the popular annual Halloween Horror Nights event). Within the borders of the Dark Universe, you enter the ravaged town of Darkmoor (let’s hope that name isn’t representative of the creativity that went into designing it) where you can visit Frankenstein Manor, be chased by werewolves, or be made up to look like a monster yourself. (Also, you’ll apparently be able to “meet” The Invisible Man, but how would you know?) The land will also have lots of eerie special effects running through it, like pulses of electricity, a flaming windmill, and clouds of fog.
According to Universal, Dark Universe “offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity.” It sounds like a contradiction, but if the atmosphere proves to be too intense for the kiddos, parents can always drop them off at Super Nintendo World and take in the thrills and chills all on their own.
Here are all the details Universal has revealed about Dark Universe so far:
Attractions and entertainment
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment — Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, this state-of-the-art dark ride 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—but her plans go awry when her attempt to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters. 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.
- 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.
- Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience — Guests of all ages can become fashionably monstrous as they don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Here, monster makers have converted Dr. Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.
- Meet the Monsters — There’s always someone, or something, looming in the shadows of Dark Universe—including Monsters who are eager to meet and greet everyone from kids to adults, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie 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.
Dining and shops
- Das Stakehaus — Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant, this establishment is a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. Surrounded by artwork and artifacts detailing the history of the village’s creatures of the night, guests can enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
- The Burning Blade Tavern — 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.”
- 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.
- Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos from retail locations like Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.
If you want to see more and you happen to be in the Orlando area, you can visit the newly opened Universal Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal CityWalk to view a model of the new park and, of course, buy merch inspired by all five lands.