Today, Universal Creative showcased one of Epic Universe’s most-anticipated lands in Dark Universe. This new land will be the home of the Universal Classic Monsters. The land will take Universal back to its pioneering horror roots and give a space for a truly timeless intellectual property. The land will feature various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets.
Dark Universe will blend 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 through Dark Universe’s portal and they will enter the village of Darkmoor. A first-of-its-kind theme park environment that pushes the boundaries of intensity.
Once you’re in Darkmoor the big landmark of the land will be Frankenstein Manor, which will also host Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever.
Universal Orlando’s most chilling and terrifying attraction yet will be Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.The state of the art dark ride will take guests inside Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments.
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.
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.
Dark Universe will also feature more than just thrills. Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience will be a place where 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.
The land will also have a variety of meet and greets from Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. Darkmoor will also feature roaming characters such as 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.
Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant is Das Stakehaus. 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 is a place where 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.”
Another food stand option will be De Lacey’s Cottage near Frankenstein Manor. Guuests will be able to find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.
The gift shop for Dark Universe will be Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities and it will feature commemorative merchandise and mementos.
Are you excited for Dark Universe at Epic Universe?
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Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
