Universal Orlando Reveals NEW Details About Dark Universe – Coming to Universal Epic Universe
On Thursday, Universal Orlando Resort revealed all the new rides, restaurants, shops, and more coming to Dark Universe — the classic Universal Monsters-themed land.Let’s sink our teeth into all the official details for Dark Universe!About Dark Universe
“It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Next year, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre– will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025.
The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike.
Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like:Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, 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. 
Guests will enter Dark Universe from Celestial Park via a foreboding portal. On top of the portal, a coil will crackle with electricity, representing the eternal struggle of science against death.
As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe –they’ll encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.
Welcome to DARKMOOR
The journey to Dark Universe begins the moment guests enter its electrifying portal, which harnesses the dark energy of Darkmoor. As guests step foot inside, that same energy will pulsate throughout the entire village and connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor – the towering focal point of Dark Universe. 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.Dark Universe Rides
Dark Universe will have two rides:
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein ExperimentCurse of the Werewolf
Universal Orlando stated Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment will be their most terrifying attraction yet, while Curse of the Werewolf will be a spinning family rollercoaster.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
This state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests into her laboratory to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when her attempts to control the most dangerous of monsters, Dracula, fails, unleashing a horde of enraged monsters.
Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasps of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.
Peep the ride vehicle spotted in the foreground of the concept art below, depicting Dracula’s escape on the ride.
The ride system is essentially identical to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and this ride uses the Kuka robotic arm. The minimum height requirement for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is 48″
Curse of the Werewolf
The second ride for Dark Universe is officially confirmed to be named Curse of the Werewolf.
Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will find Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” Guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics where they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. 
Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.Curse of the Werewolf spinning roller coaster will have a height requirement of only 40″ 
Note-- The Maleva character has been reimagined for the ride!
Dark Universe Entertainment
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 parlor 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.
Roaming musician of Darkmoor concept art.
Cemetery on the edge of the Darkmoor village concept art.
Dark Universe Dining & Shopping
Guests can also sink their teeth into delicious fare and shop all-new merchandise and apparel during their visit to Dark Universe at highly-themed dining and retail locations, including:Das Stakehaus
Das Stakehaus is located in the village near the entrance portal. This will be a quick service restaurant themed to vampires. 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.
The Burning Blade Tavern
The Burning Blade Tavern is located to the left of Frankenstein’s castle under the massive windmill.Despite the blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old fiery mill into their favorite 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.”Per the official Universal Orlando blog, the windmill sitting atop the Burning Blade Tavern will burst into flames every 20 minutes, and will only have 64 seats.
De Lacey’s Cottage
Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos from retail locations like Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.
Four world have been fully unveiled so far, with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-- Ministry of Magic still to be announced.Stay tuned – as more details about Universal Epic Universe will be revealed in the months ahead!
