Universal just took Epic Universe to the DARK side. 

Dark Universe portal photo op

Over the last several months, Universal has released details about each of the lands of the upcoming new theme park: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, and How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Now, things are getting dark, as in Dark Universe.

Theme

Universal has released all the details for Epic Universe’s next land: Dark Universe. The highly anticipated portal is based around the Universal Monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man. The land marks the first time those iconic interpretations will have a fully dedicated land and series of rides in a Universal theme park.

©Universal

Once visitors walk through the Dark Universe portal, they’re whisked off to a place full of dark energy. They’ll step into the village of Darkmoor and stare up at the focal point of the land, Frankenstein Manor. The theme here is all about monsters.

©Universal

But let’s talk about some of the dark experiences this land will offer visitors.

Attractions

Visitors will get to step foot into Frankenstein Manor for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, which is described as “Universal’s most terrifying attraction yet. This is a state-of-the-art dark ride that goes into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor and into Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab, where she’s demonstrating how to control monsters. Her experiment goes horribly wrong, though, and you’re taken on an “intense” ride where you will face the likes of The Wolf Man, The Mummy, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more monsters.

©Universal

You’ll find Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man,” deep in the woods that surround Darkmoor. You’ll enter The Guild of the Mystics where the guild’s seer and leader, Maleva, warns you that you bear the mark of the werewolf. You must board a wagon and enter the forest racing werewolves before you become one yourself.

©Universal

Well, that sounds utterly terrifying, doesn’t it?

Other Experiences

Forget Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. At the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, you can get a monster makeover with elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos set in Dr. Pretorius’ old lab. You can become the Universal monster of your dreams…or your nightmares. This experience is available for all ages.

©Universal

Of course, you can’t have a monsters-themed park without having some monsters to meet. So you’ll be able to meet and get photos with everyone from Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein. Plus you’ll see other monsters roaming Darkmoor, like Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a musician who “regales guests with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories.”

Restaurants

Let’s talk about the part that REALLY has us excited: the FOOD! There will be several food options in Dark Universe, including Das Stakehaus, an “ominous” restaurant run by a group of vampire familiars who are basically prepping diners to become part of the vampires’ feast. The menu will include things like kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and more.

©Universal

You’ll also find sustenance in The Burning Blade Tavern, which is a windmill which is still actually burning (yep, the blades of the windmill are on fire). The monster hunts of Darkmoor have transformed this mill into a restaurant with a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels, and specialty beverages. While here, you’ll learn about the “Hounds,” hunters who have no problem bragging about the monster trophies on the walls, aka the heads of monsters they’ve conquered

©Universal

You’ll find De Lacey’s Cottage near Frankenstein Manor. It’s a food stand where you’ll find a variety of snacks and treats like cinnamon bread, twisted taters, and ice cream.

Shops

You’ll find one store where you can stock up on monstrous souvenirs. It’s Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities.

With all of Dark Universe revealed, we’re only waiting on details of one more Epic Universe land: Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic. Stay tuned to DFB for further Epic Universe reveals. 

First Look! Check Out Universal Orlando’s NEW Epic Universe Preview Center

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