"It's alive! It's alive!" Welcome to a land where mist and mystery fill the air and monsters lurk in the shadows. Universal Orlando Resort has finally revealed what ominous experiences await us in Dark Universe. Ripped from the silver screen and zapped to life, the terrifying creatures of Universal Monsters will make their home in Universal Epic Universe, the resort's fourth gate opening in 2025. From spine-chilling coasters to dining options that are sure to silence a howling stomach, here's everything that awaits you on the other side of Dr. Frankenstein's electrifying portal.
What Is Dark Universe?
Upon stepping through the foreboding portal, guests will find themselves in a foggy, decaying cemetery on the edges of the village of Darkmoor. Full of upended tombstones and twisted roots, this resting place is anything but final ... as things don't stay buried here for long. Once you've made your way through the graveyard, you'll enter the village proper.
Here in Darkmoor, the stories are real. Dr. Henry Frankenstein played god and created a monster. Larry Talbot was bitten by a beast. Dr. Jack Griffin did the impossible and became invisible. The embers of the past burn bright in this ravaged land that monsters, monster makers, monster hunters and villagers just trying to survive all call home.
A first-of-its-kind theme park environment, Dark Universe will toe the line between "being family-friendly and PG-13" as it pushes "the boundaries on intensity in a way only Universal could achieve."
Universal Dark Universe Rides
The dark energy powering the portal will pulsate through the entire village and connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor, the towering focal point of Dark Universe. It's within these blackened stone walls that your close encounter with the iconic Universal Monsters begins. Things only get more frightening from there ...
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Almost a century after the original monster terrorized the Bavarian Alps, Henry's great-great-granddaughter, Victoria, has opened the doors to her family's estate. Victoria has one goal in mind — bring greatness back to the Frankenstein name by continuing the misguided work of her ancestors. Taking great pride in her twisted experiments, she's invited you inside for a demonstration.
You see, Victoria has captured all of Darkmoor's most menacing monsters and she is determined to be able to control them. Things begin to go very awry, however, when the most dangerous creature of them all, Dracula, unleashes a horde of enraged monsters. Chaos erupts as you're pursued deeper and deeper into the catacombs and Victoria, her own resurrected monster and Ygor (her devoted assistant) attempt to save the day.
Utilizing "the most technologically advanced animated figures that have ever been built," Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is "one of the scariest rides" that Universal has ever created. (You'll literally be able to feel the characters breathing!) Prepare to cross paths with the beautiful Brides of Dracula, the slimy Creature from the Black Lagoon, the cursed Wolf Man, the ancient Mummy and the obsessed Phantom of the Opera in a new and exciting way that will defy what you know as a theme park attraction.
Curse of the Werewolf
Deep in the woods on the edge of Darkmoor, you wandered across the secluded, colorful encampment of The Guild of Mystics. The guild's all-knowing seer and leader, the Maleva, unfortunately comes bearing bad news. It seems you've been cursed with the mark of the werewolf — which means you're the beast's next victim.
The next thing you know, you're put in a wagon and sent out into the woods where a pack of hungry werewolves await. You'll tear through the dark forest at 37 miles per hour, spinning wildly as you attempt to evade gnashing teeth and razor-sharp claws. Surrounded by glowing eyes and blood-curdling snarls, you'll come face-to-fang with a fearsome predator in the old Darkmoor armory before arriving back at camp forever changed. (Awoooo!)
Entertainment Experiences in Universal Dark Universe
Get ready for your close-up! Only in Darkmoor can you encounter the infamous Universal Monsters ... and even transform into one yourself!
Meet the Monsters
You never know who you'll see strolling the crumbling streets of Darkmoor. We urge you, though, to be on the lookout for the legendary Frankenstein's Monster and his drop-dead gorgeous Bride, two of the village's most recognizable residents. You may also find Ygor carrying out Victoria's eerie errands.
Try, if you can, to see The Invisible Man or strike up a conversation with a courageous monster hunter. Lastly, keep your ears open as a roaming musician wanders the village, regaling visitors with sinister songs and haunting tunes of old.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
Disciples of Dr. Septimus Pretorius have converted his old lab into a parlor where terrifying transformations still take place to this day. Sit back, relax and let the monster makers work their magic as they use their talents to experiment on you and unleash your inner love of Universal Monsters. Become a werewolf, vampire, mummy or something even more fashionably monstrous through the use of elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos.
Back in February, Universal Orlando tested out this concept during Universal Mardi Gras with the Monster Makeover experience in Universal Studios Florida. We were lucky enough to be transformed by the industry-leading and award-winning makeup and special effects artists who will soon be setting up shop in Darkmoor. Check out our mesmerizing metamorphosis below:
Restaurants in Universal Dark Universe
In Darkmoor, you're either predator or prey. Take shelter in one of the village's highly-themed eateries, sink your teeth into some delicious fare and avoid becoming a carnivorous creature's next meal.
Das Stakehaus
Deep under Darkmoor in the ancient catacombs resides a swam of bloodthirsty vampires. In the land above, the bloodsuckers' loyal familiars run a dining hall where unsuspecting patrons come to put some meat on their bones.
Indulge in a hearty menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more in an old inn shrouded in mystery where classic artwork and relics that hint at the dark opulence of the world below don the walls and where the food on your plate isn't the only thing that's mouthwatering.
The Burning Blade Tavern
Back in the days of Victoria's great-great-grandfather, a mob of angry villagers torched an old windmill. Of course, in a town where the echoes of history continue to howl, some flames are never truly extinguished.
Now a favorite hangout for The Hounds — Darkmoor's resident monster hunters — this tavern serves up a delicious menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty beverages and is adored with an impressive display of "trophies" (a.k.a. beheaded monsters). Listen closely to the creature capturers' tales of triumph ... and the sound of spontaneous combustion. Every 20 minutes, the mill atop this watering hole erupts into a fiery spinning inferno.
De Lacey's Cottage
The amiable homestead where the original Frankenstein's Monster once received sustenance and friendship still resides near Frankenstein Manor. Today, it serves succulent sweets and savory treats, including cinnamon bread, ice cream and even twisted taters (a Halloween Horror Nights favorite).
Shopping in Dark Universe
Once you wander the streets of Darkmoor, the village will never truly leave your heart. It's nice to have a physical memento, though. You'll be able to score commemorative merchandise in spades at Pretorius' Scientific Oddities and other retail locations scattered throughout Dark Universe.
When Is Dark Universe Opening?
Universal Dark Universe will open with Universal Epic Universe in 2025 — exact date TBD. Epic Universe will feature five toadally immersive worlds. Besides Dark Universe, you'll find Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and the Wizarding World of Potter - Ministry of Magic. Universal Orlando Resort is also opening three brand-new hotels in 2025: Universal Helios Grand Hotel (located inside Epic Universe!) and sister properties Universal Stella Nova and Universal Terra Luna resorts. Stay tuned for more details on Epic Universe's opening date!
Monster lovers ... welcome home. Are you looking forward to venturing into the shadows of Darkmoor? What are you most excited to experience in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Universal Reveals New Update About Universal Epic Universe Worlds — Next Up, Dark Universe
Related: Everything We Know So Far About Universal Epic Universe
Keep hopping!
