Epic Universe will invite you to visit monsters in the new land Dark Universe
Universal have slowly been detailing the lands of their new theme park, Epic Universe, which is set to open sometime in 2025 in Orlando, Florida, USA. They have already done Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and now it is time for the frightfully fun Dark Universe, a land dedicated to classic monsters.
Dark Universe is a land dedicated to monsters, specifically the Universal Monsters that dominated the movie theatres almost 100 years ago. In this land guests will come face to face with Frankenstein’s Monster, The Wolf Man, Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments.
The land is a recreation of Darkmoor, a village that is ravaged by the monsters that live around it and of course, Frankenstein Manor. Nestled within the blackened stone walls of the town, guests will embark on unique adventures where they can get made up to look like their favorite monsters, spin through the woods aboard a thrilling family coaster, enjoy unique dining establishments, enter Frankenstein Manor to brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and more.
As with all the lands in Epic Universe, guests will enter through a portal, which contains a series of very scientific looking equipment atop it, with electricity coursing through it.
Below is the overview of the land, complete with the two rides on either side, the village of Darkmoor in the middle and the entry portal at the bottom of the image. You can also see a CGI fly through of the land at the bottom of the story.
Below are the offerings revealed so far for the new land:
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Universal Orlando's latest and most chilling attraction, this advanced dark ride plunges visitors into the depths of Frankenstein Manor. Here, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein performs her sinister experiments. Flaunting her intellect, she summons guests to her lab to demonstrate her mastery over monsters. However, chaos ensues when her control over the most formidable monster, Dracula, collapses, releasing a swarm of furious monsters. Guests are then launched into a harrowing journey through the shadows, dodging the clutches of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula, and more.
Curse of the Werewolf
Nestled on the fringes of Darkmoor, the Curse of the Werewolf awaits—a family-friendly spinning coaster inspired by "The Wolf Man." Visitors will stumble upon The Guild of Mystics' camp, where Maleva, the omniscient seer and chieftain, foretells their cursed fate. Embarking on a wagon, they'll plunge into the woods, in a frantic dash to outrun the werewolves lest they transform into the beasts themselves.
The Burning Blade Tavern
Despite the blades of the windmill still smouldering and flaming periodically, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favourite 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
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.
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 parlour 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.
With the main section and three of the four lands now detailed, the last major land that we will learn about in the future is Wizarding World: Ministry of Magic.
