Ghouls, goblins and all manor of monsters, the time to unleash your inner darkness has arrived. Just past the decay of the Darkmoor cemetery and tucked away within the crumbling streets of the village lies the former lab of Dr. Septimus Pretorius. Most infamously known for creating The Monster's drop-dead gorgeous mate, Dr. Pretorius met an untimely end just moments after seeing his life's work come to fruition. Henry wasn't his only pupil, however. Other disciplines of the dear ol' doc have continued his work of playing god and converted the laboratory into a parlor where menacing metamorphoses now take place. This, my f(r)iends, is the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience in Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe. Enter if you dare ...
FAQs
- Do I need a reservation for the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience? Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are allowed.
- How long does the Monster Makeup take? The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience lasts approximately 20 minutes, but plan for it to take up to 30 minutes.
- How long does the makeup last? Monster makeup should last throughout the day but may be affected by eating, drinking or exposure to water. Wipes are provided to help take makeup off.
- What is the age limit for the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience? Guests must be at least five years old to participate in the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Guests under the age of 18 must always be accompanied by a guest 18 years or older who may be asked to assist with minor children.
- What should I know before undergoing the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience? Guests will not be able to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages while in makeup. Additionally, if you're attending Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights later that night, you can only get a half-face look done.
Booking the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
No need for a full moon. Sit back, relax and let the industry-leading and award-winning makeup and special effects artists transform you into a creature out of your worst nightmares.
There is currently one experience available for purchase: the Experiment Ticket ($45), which includes a choice of temporary tattoo or full face makeup! The experience lasts approximately 20 minutes, but plan for up to 30 minutes. This includes your check-in and briefing process, as well as the time for your experience.
Walk-ins are allowed, but reservations are encouraged. You can book your experience through the Universal Orlando Resort website. You must arrive at the venue on the scheduled date and time listed on your ticket, which is non-refundable and non-transferable. Late arrivals may result in forfeiture, and rebooking will be at the discretion of Universal Orlando. If you're running late, contact the venue (689-325-6181) or visit the venue for available options. You'll be accommodated based on availability and other factors, such as arrival time, party size and time of day, however, a spot isn't guaranteed. No-shows will also be forfeited.
Good news, passholders! You receive a 10% discount on the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Purchase your discounted ticket at the venue (once open) or Universal Orlando Front Gate/Guest Services locations. You must present a valid Annual/Seasonal Pass and valid photo identification at the time of purchase and/or redemption.
Aspiring monsters must be 5 years or older to participate. Any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guest age 18 or older, who may be asked to assist with their little monster. Separate theme park admission to Universal Epic Universe is required.
Right now, you can Buy 3 Days and Get 2 Days FREE at Universal Orlando Resort (including Epic Universe!)! Valid for visits through Dec. 16, 2026, excluding blockout dates.
The Monster Makeup Process at Dark Universe
When you arrive at Dr. Pretorious' laboratory, you'll be asked to pick a dreadful design from the sacred book of monsters. Full face makeup options include looks inspired by Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein, vampires and vampire bats, the Wolf Man and Gill-man and even Celestial Park — among many others! (Note that if you're headed to Halloween Horror Nights later in the night, you'll only be let into the park with a half-face makeup look, so be sure to disclose any plans to enter the fog to your makeup artist.)
Temporary tattoos are also now available for monsters five years of age and older! You can don dastardly designs featuring Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster or his Bride, the Wolf Man or the full moon, a crow, a skull, lightning, fir trees, stitches, stars and more.
Temporary tattoos may be applied to visible spots on the arms, legs and shoulder areas at the artist's discretion. Monsters must adhere to Universal Orlando's clothing and costume policy — which includes shirts and shoes being worn throughout the experience.
The tattoo application process may include a minor pulling/pinching sensation as the stencil is removed from the skull. The artist may also need to reposition your arm or leg as needed to apply the temporary tattoo.
Significantly less painful than a vampire bite, your makeup transformation (if you choose it) will feel soft and cool as face paint and cosmetic products are applied with sponges, sponge applicators and soft bristle paint brushes. During the petrifying process, your monster maker will guide you through the experience. They may at times request that you gently turn your head or close your eyes or mouth for a few moments. They may also touch the top of your head to give you guidance in these movements.
Pretorius' followers use face paint products that are made with cosmetic grade ingredients. They do contain FD&C Red Dye, FD&C Yellow Dye, Fragrances, Polyacrylic Emulsion, Polymers and Non-hazardous Preservatives. Although it's highly unlikely, these elements may cause skin irritation. Monsters with sensitive skin should consult their physician prior to undergoing their transformation. If skin irritation does occur with the products used, they can be easily washed off the skin with mild soap and water or cosmetic wipes.
Let the makeup artist know if you have any sensory conditions, allergies to latex, alcohol, talc, cotton, polyacrylic emulsion, polymers, red/yellow dyes or fragrances or if you wear contacts as certain pigments may stain contact lenses. Also let them know if you have any visible skin irritations, rashes or open wounds where products are being applied.
The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience Aftermath
It's aliiiiiive!
Once your chilling transformation is complete, the doctor's disciples will announce your arrival into Darkmoor as a certified monster for all the village to see. We truly felt at home wandering around Dark Universe in our marvelously monstrous looks. Ygor, in particular, was very excited to see us! Don't miss this opportunity to get some epic pics in front of Frankenstein Manor or hanging around the cemetery with fellow corpses.
Be it fangs, fur, stitches or gills, your new fearsome features should last throughout the day — even in the hot Orlando sun. However, they may be affected by eating, drinking or exposure to water. (Which means you may want to get your ride on Fyre Drill over and done with in the morning!) For those reasons, we noticed the makeup around our mouths starts to fade first. The good news is you can always go back to the laboratory and get touch-ups done for free!
From park entry points to lockers, your face unlocks a whole lot of magic at Epic Universe, so you may need to revalidate your pic in the Universal Orlando photo validation system after your transformation. The team members at the venue will provide you with information on the easiest way to accomplish this based on what you want to do next in the park.
As for monsters over 21, you will not be able to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages at any of the Universal theme parks or Universal CityWalk while in your makeup. (This feels like a good time to note The Burning Blade Tavern has a killer concoction in the Monocane Mocktail!)
The makeup artists will give you wipes to help with your transformation back into a human at the end of the day. Our makeup easily came off with them, as well as some wet paper towels.
We can't wait to go back and transform into some other cursed creature! Are you planning to do the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience at Universal Epic Universe? Do you have any questions about it? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Face Your Fears in Dark Universe at Epic Universe
Keep hopping!
