Everything we know about Dark Universe at Universal Orlando
We are looking forward to the opening the new Dark Universe “land” a ode to Universal Classic Monsters at Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe, in May 2025!
Dark Universe is one of the 4 portals surrounding Celestial Park which leads to immersive, themed lands inside the new Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando Florida. You can read more about Epic Universe here.
Today we are taking a closer look at what the Dark Universe themed land will include! This land is inspired by the Classic Monsters that have become monsterous legends like Frankenstein, mummies, werewolves and more.
This land will be a family-friendly loveletter to classic Monsters, it is not an extension of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. The vibe is more spooky, not scary. Perfect for your tiny monsters! You will have the opportunity to encounter many familiar characters and some new friends from the classic monster genre throughout the land.
The premise: you will explore Dark Universe and discover an village that is inhabited by Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments. Here you will experience family friendly fun for all ages with a roller coaster ride, character meets, dining, a monster makeover experience, shopping, live entertainment throughout the land and more!
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (coaster attraction)
Thrill ride lovers are in for a TREAT with the brand new ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment as Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors!
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a thrill ride with incredible animatronics and electrifying special effects for riders over 48″ tall. Most Universal Orlando attractions with a height requirement have a ride swap option, and its likely this one will too, but nothing official is posted.
This ride WILL have Epic Express Pass lane access, which is different than the Express Passes for the other two theme parks.
Learn more: Epic Universe Express Passes
When Dracula starts a revolt inside the Frankenstein family estate, you will encounter The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon as you explore Frankenstein Manor. Fans of Phantom of the Opera might recognize the flame-shooting organ featured in the ride! This attraction does have motion simulation warnings, but the ride features statutory features and incredible state of the art animatronic characters!
Curse of the Werewolf (family friendly attraction)
This family-focused ride will have you experiencing the spooky spinning fun of Curse of the Werewolf. This attraction does have a minimum height of 40″ and will race through its storyline at 37 mph and will be over 2 minutes long. While nothing has been announced to date, typically rides at Universal with a height requirement do have a rider switch option available.
This ride WILL have Epic Express Pass lane access, which is different than the Express Passes for the other two theme parks.
Learn more: Epic Universe Express Passes
This ride will spin you through a journey from Darkmoor Village through the Dark Forest where you will pursued by the werewolves who make their home in the forest, you might even get to see your werewolf friends up close as you dart and spin through the shadows!
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience (monster makeover)
Bibbidi Bobbidi…BOO!! Special effect makeup has always been a huge component of classic monster movies, as it was the only way before CGI to turn a actor into Frankenstein. At Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience you can be a part of that legacy!
Skilled makeup artists will transform children and adults into werewolves, mummies, vampires and more to unleash their favorite Universal monster beasts!
We can add this experience to your Universal Epic Universe trip vacation package or it can be booked on its own. When booking your Epic Universe trip your MAT Travel Advisor will help you make these reservations!
Burning Blade Tavern (lounge)
Located inside a creepy old mill inside Darkmoor Village, monsters have found a great spot to get burgers, brats, wings pretzels and adulty beverages in the Burning Blade Tavern.
The windmill perched atop the Burning Blade Tavern is expected to burst into flames several times an hour with different fuels for day and night so no matter what time of day it is, you will be able to see where the “hottest” quick service dining in Darkmoor is.
Official menus have not been released to date.
Das Steakhaus (dining)
Theme park guests and monsters alike will have a tendency to get cranky if they are hungry, but thankfully there will be plenty of ways to fill those monsterous appetites at Das Steakhaus in Dark Universe.
The vibe is a tasty but mysterious in this old in and dining hall rumored to be built over ancient catacombs run by vampire “servants” known as familiars. This dining option will offer quick service dining, and will not require reservations.
What is there to eat at Das Steakhouse?
The full menu has not been released, but Bird on a Stake (chicken skewers), Darkmoor Black Wings, Vegan stuffed Cabbage and a “blood orange” chicken Sandwich will offer plenty of tasty options to keep the growling monster in your belly at bay.
Make sure you check out the painting adorning the walls, you may find stories being told from a different point of view, where Vampires are the heroes!
Monsterous Encounters
So far the exact location is a mystery, but be ready for monsterous encounters with characters throughout Darkmoor, but you will have the opportunity to get up close with:
- Frankenstein and his bride
- Ygor
- The Invisible Man
- and more
We are a Universal U-Preferred Travel Agency
We can’t wait for you to experience all that Dark Universe at Epic Universe and the Universal Orlando Resort has to offer you and your family!
It would be our pleasure to help you get the absolute best value for your vacation dollars on your Universal Orlando Epic Universe vacation, simply CLICK HERE to get started or reach out to one of our Universal Orlando Resort experts at Mom Approved Travel, a Universal U-Preferred Travel Agency.
