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When the portal to Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025, the most frightening beasts to ever grace the silver scream will come to life in ways fans have never witnessed before. Welcome to Darkmoor, a grim world of myth and mystery. At the end of the decrepit village's crumbling streets lies Frankenstein Manor, and within its blackened stone walls, a horde of monsters just waiting to wreak havoc and a brilliant scientist who needs your help to control them. This is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, an experience that redefines what you know as a theme park attraction. Enter, if you dare, and prepare to come face-to-fang with destiny.
Overview of 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 swarm 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!) The groundbreaking ride features 14 of the most ambitious and life-like animated figures ever designed — each one depicting one of the legendary Universal Monsters.
Walking tall at nine feet and weighing over 800 pounds, Frankenstein's Monster is first found in the queue of the attraction, where he actually talks in Dr. Victoria's lab during the preshow.
A little later on, you'll meet Dracula. The most dangerous of monsters, the iconic vampire appears at various moments throughout the attraction.
Among Dracula's horde of monsters is the fearsome Wolf Man. As you try to escape the catacombs of the Manor, you'll come within inches of his razor-sharp teeth and jagged claws.
Not to be frogotten, the amphibious Creature emerges from the inky depths of the Black Lagoon, ready to terrorize visitors alongside his fellow monsters.
Prepare to also cross paths with the beautiful Brides of Dracula, the ancient Mummy and the obsessed Phantom of the Opera (who plays an organ featuring 14 individual flame points that shoot vertical flames over three feet in the air and dance in synchronicity with the organ music) and more in a new and exciting way that is sure to make your spine tingle and your skin crawl.
Fear Factor of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
We know that with frogs of any age, this is going to be one of your biggest questions when deciding whether or not to let your tadpoles ride ... or even whether to ride yourself! Now that we've had the pleasure of entering Frankenstein Manor and hopping on this bad boy, we can confidently say that Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment won't be for everyone.
Monsters Unchained is a motion simulator and a certified thrill ride that is sure to strike fear into the heart of any mortal who dares to go on it. With a ride vehicle similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, this attraction flings you every which way in order to invoke maximum terror. (Ygor gives you a pretty good demonstration of the Catacombs Navigation Unit in the first pre-show, so if it looks too intense for you at that point, feel free to back out.) The vehicle doesn't completely flip you upside down, but you do spend a fair amount of time on your back. (Think the Whomping Willow scene in the aforementioned ride.)
As for the visuals, this is the closest Universal has ever brought you to its unbelievably life-like animatronics — we're talking inches. Monster after monster after monster comes at you from every single angle. You never know who you're going to run into next. From the Gill-Man down below to the Mummy up above to the Wolf Man stalking you like prey, your journey through the catacombs can get fairly intense. This attraction is basically if a Universal Monsters Halloween Horror Nights house was a ride. If you think you can handle that, this ride is completely worth it — an absolute masterpiece from start to finish by Universal Creative.
We completely suggest letting smaller lab rags hang out in the Family Room — which is just prior to the boarding area — while their guardians help out Victoria. We also feel like it's important to note, though, that the queue itself can be quite intense. In one room, there's a cargo box that periodically sounds like there's someone inside banging on it. In the next room, there's a monster corpse on full display with its skeleton being scanned. In another, there's found footage projected on the wall of Victoria's assistants capturing various monsters. (Let's just say things don't always end well for the assistants.) Set foot in the manor at your own discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
When will Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment open at Universal Epic Universe?
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment will open with the eagerly awaited fourth gate on May 22, 2025.
What is the height requirement for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment?
Riders must be 48 inches to ride.
Are there test seats?
Test seats are available at the ride entrance. This ride employs safety restraints, which may restrict certain guests from riding due to body shape and size. Large-framed guests may not be accommodated on the ride.
Can I ride if I use an ECV or wheelchair?
Guests must be able to transfer to the attraction's seating either independently or with the assistance of a member of the party. Team members may not assist.
Are there any accommodations available?
Closed captioning and assistive listening are available for this attraction. Please see an Attraction Attendant for assistance.
Is Child Swap available?
Child Swap is available for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.
Is there a Single Rider line?
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment has a Single Rider line, which means parties will be split up. However, the Single Rider option is subject to availability and may open or close at any time.
Is Universal Express Pass accepted?
Universal Express Pass is accepted at Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The Universal Epic Universe Express Pass entitles one guest one-time express access at participating rides and attractions within Epic Universe. Check out our helpful infographic with the full list of attractions offered on the Universal Express Pass.
Do I need to stow my belongings in a locker?
Yes, you do. Standard-sized lockers (11.8 inches by 11 inches by 13 inches) for small, loose articles are free while you ride. The lockers are available in the queue of the attraction (after the two pre-shows) and are opened using facial recognition, so you don't need to keep your park ticket with you when you ride.
Is there an attraction photo?
Yes, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment does have an attraction photo. You can purchase a My Universal Photos package to collect mementos of your frogciting day at Universal Epic Universe or just purchase your ride photo individually at the attraction.
Do I need to watch the Universal Monsters movies to understand the ride?
While I am personally completing my own Universal Monsters movie marathon, the ride stands completely on its own — especially since it introduces a brand-new character in the form of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a century removed from her famous great-great-grandfather, Henry. Henry, however, is heavily referenced in the queue — from his wedding photo with Elizabeth hanging over the manor's fireplace to the corpse of his original monster (notably portrayed by Boris Karloff) on full display(!!!).
There's also plenty of other Universal Monsters Easter eggs throughout the ride's queue, such as analyses of vampiric, Gill-Man, werewolf and Erik Destler's blood on a chalkboard and a photo of Christine Daaé from "The Phantom of the Opera." While these are all fun to spot if you know the characters, you don't need to know their stories to understand the ride. That being said, we'd recommend getting acquainted with cinema's original spooks anyway for the sheer fun of it. As we've learned from Universal Orlando's Horror Make-Up Show, Universal did indeed pioneer the monster movie genre!
Will Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment have a Virtual Queue?
It's unknown at this time whether Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment — or any ride at Epic Universe — will employ a virtual queue upon opening. We'll be sure to update as soon as we have the answer! As of now, during the Preview Period, the ride is operating with a normal Standby line.
Are you frogcited about Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Catch All the Latest Epic Universe News
Related: Face Your Fears in Dark Universe at Epic Universe
Keep hopping!
