We’re getting ever closer to the launch of Epic Universe, the brand new theme park from Universal Orlando. And as of today, we finally have details about the scariest – and in my opinion most exciting – new land Dark Universe.
Focusing on classic movie monsters like Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein and more – including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of Henry Frankensten – the new land is full of thrills, chills, and is gonna suck up all of your bills. By which I mean, I am going to spend all of my dollar bills in this new land.
Just a quick table-setting thing before we get into specifics. Universal is famous for Halloween Horror Nights, their yearly celebration of everything scary that this year is kicking off at the end of August, and running through the fall. While Dark Universe should bring the same intense level of theming – and perhaps even go beyond – that Universal is known for, Dark Universe, and Darkmoor, the decrepit village at its heart, is still family-friendly, though per a press release provided to TripSided, the park adds that it will push “the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.” Bring it on, I say.
Okay, enough precursors. What can you expect from Dark Universe? Like the rest of Epic Universe, you enter through a portal off the main hub, which courses with electricity coming straight from Frankenstein Manor, the tower at the center of this area of the park.
Which is cool, but this doesn’t work without rides, experiences, and of course Universal’s way-above theme park grade food.
The first ride is called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It’s a dark ride that sends guests to Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s laboratory. In classic Universal ride fashion, she thinks she can control monsters; she can’t, and things go awry. Guests then go on the run (not literally, it’s a ride) as they’re attacked by Dracula, the Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula’s Brides and more.
The second ride in the area is called Curse of the Werewolf, which is a “spinning family coaster” themed around the classic movie The Wolf Man. After entering the Guild of Mystics’ camp, you’ll meet their leader, Maleva. You’ll then be chased (again, not literally) by werewolves.
Moving on from rides, one fun opportunity is the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where you can get made up to look like a classic monster – or snag some temporary tattoos. This will include actual makeup artists, and the room is made up to look like an old lab. While I do have questions about monster makeup’s ability to last in the hot Florida sun, I’ll trust the Universal maniacs have figured something out.
And of course, you can meet the monsters throughout the land, including the classic Frankenstein’s monster, his Bride, Victoria’s servant Ygor, The Invisible Man (who could be there and you would have no idea), as well as an eccentric monster hunter, and a musician who sings songs and tells stories about the Universal Monsters.
There are also three places to eat: Das Stakehaus, The Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage. The first is a full-on dining hall style restaurant run by vampire familiars. The menu will feature sandwiches, burgers, kebabs, and YOU! Just kidding. Burning Blade Tavern is a watering hole for monster hunters, and is vaguely German themed with bratwurst, pretzels, burgers, wings, and special beverages (always a must at Universal parks). In addition, “Hounds,” aka actors pretending to be monster hunters, will tell stories of all the creatures they killed. And the Cottage is a quick service food stand that’s supposed to resemble the place Frankenstein’s Monster once found peace. It’ll feature ice cream, “twisted taters,” cinnamon bread and more.
Last but not least, there’s of course plenty of merchandise. The main location is Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, but some of the merch is already available at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center at Universal CityWalk. So if you’re as hyped as I am, now is the time to get in on the darkness, early.