Universal Epic Universe has revealed even more, this time with some scary new info on Dark Universe. This land is focused on immersion, storytelling, live entertainment, high-tech rides and of course… horror! Universal states, “Guests of all ages will explore the shadowy Village of Darkmoor, home to Universal Monster Legends like Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster and more.”
Dark Universe will be the most out-there offering in the park, something new to the theme park world – a dedication to horror and villain characters. Featuring the long list of Universal’s Classic Monsters, this land will bring guests face-to-face with the The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Brides of Dracula, Frankenstein and more. This land will have rides, entertainment, themed dining, and merchandise areas. Plus, monster fans of all ages can be transformed into their favorite horror creatures.
Dark Universe will be scary
This land is designed around some of the most iconic horror icons in film history. Family friendly, yes in some ways. Scary? Yes, absolutely. While Universal Epic Universe is a family-friendly park, not every aspect is designed for the youngest in the family. Take a look at Stardust Racers, the high-speed dueling coaster.
In the same sense, while all are welcome, not all should be running to this land’s main attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. This ride is built to be a PG-13 level of horror. Guests will experience loud noises, scary creatures and sudden movements. The perfect ride for horror fans and thrill seekers!
The land itself will be a bit unsettling. To make that clear, the Universal Epic Universe portal into Dark Universe will drop you off into a graveyard. It becomes obvious very quickly, this isn’t a happy fairytale. This is an old, monster-infested town, the Village of Darkmoor.
The Village of Darkmoor
Seen above in the Bioreconstruct aerial construction image is how Dark Universe currently looks. With approximentally one year until opening, this land is already filled with foliage and theming. Ride testing has also been seen on rare occasions. Universal Creative is working non-stop to have this park ready for opening date. (But as of writing this, we don’t yet know when opening day will be).
From a graveyard, into the village, past the shops and eateries into the lair of The Wolf Man and Frankenstein Manor. Universal claims this land alone will have over 6,500 different lighting elements to bring this world to life. Day and night, the undead are going to appear quite lively in this place.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment ride
The scariest ride ever created? Universal is aiming for that title as this totally immersive attraction will take guests into a horrifying story of monster versus monster. This state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. This ride will be similar in ride design to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Islands of Adventure. Guests will board tombstone vehicles, in groups of four, as they head into a thrilling adventure.
Universal states, “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.”
This attraction will have a height requirement of 48 inches. And, Universal has announced that fire will shoot out of the Phantom of the Opera’s organ. This, combined with “monsters breathing down your neck,” means that this ride is ready for full fledged immersion.
Curse of the Werewolf
A family thrill coaster will also be in the land. But, as seen in the image above, it isn’t free of fear. This spinning roller coaster will last over two minutes long and travel at speeds up to 37 miles per hour. This “The Wolf Man” roller coaster will take guests to the infamous werewolf. It will also send guests soaring over and around a forested area on the edge of the Darkmoor Village.
Universal states, “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 will have a height requirement of 40 inches. This will be the most family-friendly ride in the land, but not the only option for kids wanting to have fun in this Universal Epic Universe area.
Meeting and becoming Monsters
The monsters don’t just live in their rides. They are everywhere! And, guests can join the monster crew and become a creature of the night themselves.
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. Skilled artisans use their talents to transform guests’ outer appearances so they can showcase their fandom for the Universal Monsters.
Meet the Monsters: The Monsters 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.
Dying… no, dining at Dark Universe
After a full park day, you may be as ravenous as The Wolf Man. Food is offered in three areas, all of which are themed to the Darkmoor Village. From a quick snack to a bloody-good meal, this land provides.
Das Stakehaus: 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: 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. Guests will be surrounded by a display of the monster heads these hounds consider their “trophies.”
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. And yes, Halloween Horror Nights fans, you read that right – Twisted Taters.
Dark Universe Classic Monsters theming
Major theme park fans don’t have to go on every ride. Some just love a minute to sit and enjoy the view, the “vibes.” And this land is committing to that, do-or-die. A windmill that really catches on fire, monster hunters roaming the lands and tombstones lining the entryway. Dark Universe, much like all the announced lands for Universal Epic Universe, is built as a true “theme” park.
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, and she has continued his misguided experiments.
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. Those who dare enter Frankenstein Manor will brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever.
Dark Universe is coming to Universal Epic Universe – hype is building
Excitement for Universal Epic Universe continues to build with each new announcement. EYNTK.info spoke with WESH 2 News about what guests can expect in Dark Universe. If you want to stay up-to-date, join the Universal Epic Universe Facebook Group.
