Get ready to enter The Dark Universe at Universal

We’ve already drooled over the plans for Universal Orlando’s new theme park for 2025 (see this blog earlier this year, but we now have a WHOLE new area to be excited about.

Get ready to enter – The Dark Universe.

When Universal gave us the major details for their stunning Epic Universe park in January, there were still several significant elements missing. Of the five immersive worlds we could expect, the Dark Universe section remained extremely sketchy, and it was hard to tell what the attractions would be, apart from what they described simply as “a thrilling dive into the world of Universal’s classic monster movies.”

But now we know. Now we have the full picture of just how complex – and Dark – this part of the park will be. And it promises to be absolutely breathtaking. Not only will it include a spinning family coaster, a hugely elaborate monster make-up experience and three highly original dining choices – including a vampire-themed steakhouse – but the prime attraction will be a stunning dark ride through a monster-filled realm.

Welcome to Darkmoor

Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe aims to blend the iconic stories of classic legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein, who has continued her predecessor’s misguided experiments.

It all starts as guests enter through the village of Darkmoor – the ravaged settlement at the heart of Dark Universe – where they will meet the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind environment that promises, in Universal’s own words, to offer “family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries of intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.”

As visitors set foot inside Darkmoor, that ominous energy will pulsate throughout the entire village and connect at the top of Frankenstein Manor, which will serve as the towering focal point of Dark Universe. Nestled within the blackened stone walls of the town, guests will embark on unique adventures and experiences, including the chance to enter the Manor itself and brave Universal’s most chilling ride ever.

Here’s the full run-down of what we can expect from this formidable new “land” when Epic Universe opens next year (date still to be confirmed, but we expect it to be in the spring):

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, this state-of-the-art dark ride will take 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 badly wrong when her attempts to command the deadly Dracula fail and unleash a horde of enraged monsters. Guests are then thrust into an intense ride through the darkness as they try to evade the grasp of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula and others.

Curse of the Werewolf

Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, visitors will find Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by The Wolf Man. This ominous location hides the encampment of The Guild of Mystics, where the Guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, Maleva, warns all who dare to pass this way that they bear the “mark of the werewolf.” That’s the cue for riders to board a wagon-style coaster and venture into the forest – racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.

Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

This will be a chance for guests of all ages to become fashionably monstrous as they don elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos. Here, monster makers have converted Dr Pretorius’ infamous old lab into a parlour to continue the spirit of his demented experiments, and the skilled local artisans will use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.

Meet the Monsters

When it comes to character meet-and-greets, there will always be someone…or something…looming in the shadows of Dark Universe, including Dr Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, most notably 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.

Food, Beverage & Merch

When it comes to dining, and an essential drink or two, the tastes of Dark Universe should be equally compelling and creative. There will be some delicious themed fare, as well as a range of all-new merchandise and apparel. The fab Food and Beverage line-up will include Das Stakehaus, Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant. This establishment will be 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, visitors will be able to enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.

Another iconic highlight should be the *Burning Blade Tavern, *where, despite the blades of the spooky windmill still smouldering and flaming periodically, Darkmoor’s monster hunters have transformed this old mill into their favourite hangout. While enjoying a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and speciality 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.”

Then there will be De Lacey’s Cottage, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests should discover a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more. For essential shopping, there will be Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, which will feature a chance to pick up commemorative merchandise and mementos from the land’s principal retail location.

There is even a chance to prepare for the electrifying chills and thrills in store by purchasing a variety of novel merchandise themed to the new land, including apparel, accessories and more this summer. For anyone in Orlando over the next few weeks and months, the collection is available for a limited time and can be purchased at the Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal’s CityWalk.

What do YOU think of this new Universal land? Give us your thoughts on our Facebook, X and Instagram pages.