Dark Universe is one of 5 portals to different worlds at Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s newest park opening 22 May 2025.
The land is based around Universal’s classic monsters. This is the first time the monsters and characters get a dedicated permanent home in a theme park. It brings Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man and many other classic monsters to life for a modern audience.
The announcement delighted fans of Halloween Horror Nights, Universal’s seasonal Halloween event that has grown to a large scale and a real cult following.
Over the years, classic monsters have appeared in various houses, most recently in HHN 2024 in Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines, showcasing female monsters. So the excitement for Dark Universe has been high, as well as the permanent Horror Unleashed attraction coming to Area15 in Las Vegas.
Year-round horror was one of blooloop’s top trends for 2025.
Darkmoor: the village within Dark Universe at Epic Universe
The village of Darkmoor has been plagued for centuries by legendary monsters and mad scientists. The villagers keep disappearing!
There are many nods to the past stories of the classic monsters and hidden easter eggs. For example, the well in the centre of the land reads, ‘Never forget that you exist by our will alone’ in Latin. It was built by the vampires who live in the catacombs below, which you can hear if you listen closely.
There are rows of gravestones and dramatic smoke effects throughout. The land is detailed, but I imagine it would look even better after dark. According to Universal, over 6500 lighting elements bring Darkmoor to life, many custom-designed.
See also: 5 top takeaways from Universal Epic Universe
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
The e-ticket attraction for Dark Universe at Epic Universe is Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This is a technologically advanced dark ride. Guests are invited to witness Dr Victoria Frankenstein’s (Henry Frankenstein’s great-great granddaughter) new experiment to capture and rehabilitate Dartmoor’s monsters.
Guests enter Frankenstein Manor and wind through the halls and reception rooms to the laboratory; all the while, blue wires of energy are pulsing through. Dr Frankenstein is gathering energy from all over Darkmoor for the experiment. This can also be seen pulsating on the outside of the Manor in an effect several times an hour.
Visitors are invited to meet Igor, Dr Frankenstein’s assistant, who is a mixture of funny and creepy. He shows the robotic arm ride vehicle and the possible types of movement: “It’s fun, yes?”
In the second pre-show, guests meet Dr Victoria Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s Monster. Both are incredibly detailed animatronics, and being so close to the audience, they were very convincing. Dr Frankenstein starts to demonstrate the experiment to control the monsters when Dracula overcomes them and escapes.
Monster chase
Dracula then chases guests throughout the manor and catacombs, whilst Dr Frankenstein and Igor try to save them.
There are 14 larger-than-life animatronic figures in the attraction – the most technically advanced Universal has ever created. Creatures throughout the ride include Wolf Man, The Mummy, Phantom of the Opera, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Brides of Dracula.
This ride system is a RoboCoaster arm, the same technology as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, but much more evolved. The movement is intense and fast. Without the dome screens, it is much more palatable for guests with motion sickness.
The ride was long, with lots of technical effects and surprises along the way. Classic monster fans will be impressed with the extensive gift shop at the exit.
Curse of the Werewolf
The second attraction in Dark Universe at Epic is the Curse of the Werewolf.
The family spinning coaster is located by the Camp of the Guild of Mystics. Their leader, Maleva, tells guests they have the mark of the werewolf. They will then try to lose the werewolf as it chases them through the forest, including through the Darkmoor armoury, for a close encounter with the furry pursuer.
This coaster goes backwards and forwards and free spins according to the car’s weight, so each ride is different. There is a lot of enjoyment in seeing other people’s reactions to the ride, too.
See also: All 11 rides at Universal Epic Universe
Interact with monsters in Dark Universe at Epic Universe
Roaming Darkmoor, visitors can find musicians and monster hunters, as well as the monsters themselves: Frankenstein and his Bride, Ygor, and The Invisible Man.
Guests can go to the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience to get made up like their favourite monster for a unique retail experience.
Eat and shop like a monster
There are three restaurants at Dark Universe. Das Stakehaus is a quick service restaurant set in an old inn, built on top of the ruins of ancient catacombs. Here, the restaurant is run by vampires, or servants, and paintings on the wall depict Dartmoor’s history but from the vampire’s world view.
Meanwhile, the Burning Blade Tavern is an old mill and the hangout for many of Dartmoor Village’s monster hunters. Guests can interact and gossip with them and grab some pub grub like burgers and wings.
The windmill sails catch fire several times every hour, using different coloured gas for night and day for different brightness.
The third dining location is De Lacey’s Cottage, which sits near Frankenstein’s Manor. In the lore, it’s where Frankenstein originally made friends and ate and drank. The location serves snacks and treats.
For gifts, guests can explore Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities. Dr Pretorius is a deceased mad scientist whose devoted followers continue his collection of eccentric oddities.
Dark Universe will satisfy die-hard fans of classic monsters but be familiar to modern audiences and offer a completely different portal and experience to the other portals across Epic Universe.
See also: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe
