With less than 90 days left before Universal Orlando officially unveils Epic Universe, we’re taking a deep dive into the final—and most frightening—themed land in the upcoming park. Here’s our preview of Dark Universe direct from our new Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2025.
The legendary fiends from Universal’s vintage black-and-white fright flicks finally get their due with the first-ever theme-park land inspired by the classic monsters first made famous by Karloff, Chaney, Lugosi, and Lanchester. Step into the rustic European village of Darkmoor, a land where monsters still roam and danger could be lurking around every corner. In this dark universe, those iconic films were actually documentaries; now it’s your turn to face off with a new generation of nightmares in your very own creature feature.
Between riding two hair-raising attractions and meeting the monsters in person, guests can enjoy a frightfully good dinner at Das Stakehaus or grab a drink from The Burning Blade Tavern, inspired by the windmill from Frankenstein, which bursts into flames every 20 minutes. And to complete the eerie atmosphere, an original musical score by Beetlejuice and The Nightmare Before Christmas composer Danny Elfman echoes throughout the land.
Dark Universe is split into multiple areas, with the village street beckoning you in first. Pass by decaying stone walls and long-neglected crumbling towers as you make your way deeper into the foggy town square. Here you can find unique wares for sale at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities shop, or pop into the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience for a macabre makeover.
Deeper into Darkmoor, you’ll approach Frankenstein Manor, which stands looming over the village in the distance. This is the home of the land’s main attraction, and one of Epic Universe’s crowning jewels, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, an exciting indoor ride.
The final area to explore, hidden behind the village, contains a traveling caravan of colorful fortune teller tents and wagons, which have set up shop deep in the forest. This is home to the land’s outdoor spinning roller coaster, Curse of the Werewolf.
Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf is a Mack spinning roller coaster starring Maleva, the fortune teller who has set up camp at the edge of the village. After becoming afflicted with the curse yourself, your coaster train car spins out of control on this outdoor swing–launched family coaster, where no matter what time it is, it’s always a full moon.
While this coaster features a fairly short track layout, the middle of the ride does include a swing launch where we pass through the same spot, back and forth, multiple times, extending the ride time. With a top speed of only 37 mph, the thrill level for the ride’s layout itself may not be too intense, but some may find the free-spinning nature of the attraction nauseating. Also, despite being a family-friendly roller coaster, be warned that children may find the Wolf Man animatronics hiding in the barn scene a bit frightening.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment leads guests into a Gothic manor at the back of the village. Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of the original mad scientist, invites us to witness her newest experiment, in which she attempts to control the world’s most dangerous monsters. Her new technology has already worked on a new incarnation of her ancestor’s greatest experiment, Frankenstein’s Monster himself, who is now as friendly as her loyal assistant, Ygor.
Brave guests are strapped onto KUKA robotic arms within Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory, where Victoria’s attempt to tame the formidable Count Dracula doesn’t go quite as planned, unleashing all the Universal classic monsters, including iconic boogeymen from The Mummy, The Phantom of the Opera, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more. Before you know it, you’re on a wild ride through the dark catacombs beneath Frankenstein Manor, attempting to escape from the revitalized villains.
This attraction utilizes state-of-the-art uber-aggressive animatronics and intricate set pieces enhanced by large high-tech screens, all woven together to create a sense of a pure chaotic madness, especially when combined with the unwieldy motion profile of robot arm-mounted ride vehicles. While Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey alternates between screen moments and physical sets, this ride attempts to blur the line between the two, so you’re never quite sure what’s real and what’s not.
Universal bills this as the scariest ride they’ve ever built, but the frights come more from the spooky sights and sensations (such as breath on the back of your neck or beating bat wings) rather than extreme physical movements. Those susceptible to motion sickness from Forbidden Journey’s simulator domes should find Monsters Unchained much less nauseating. Lockers are required for loose articles, but they are located deep within the queue, so you can carry your belongings with you while you wait. You will want to store all your belongings, including phones, so they do not slip out of your pockets during this turbulent ride.
Interactive Experiences in Dark Universe
You can encounter some of your favorite Universal Monsters in the flesh, including the Bride of Frankenstein and her boo, at the Meet the Monsters meet and greet; then bump into the Invisible Man or a strolling musician on the street.
Get a realistic temporary tattoo or ghoulish face paint at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience inside Dr. Pretorius’ old laboratory.
Shopping and Dining in Dark Universe
In Dark Universe, you’ll find the largest retail option on the left side of the village street after entering; named Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, it includes the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience inside. The Manor Storehouse is the main ride’s exit shop.
At Burning Blade Tavern, you can dine and drink inside the still-smoldering windmill where Frankenstein once met his fate at this small, tucked-away watering hole. Menu items include burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels, and beer. Look for the “Hounds,” a team of storytelling monster hunters who haunt the tavern, and the gruesome trophies they’ve collected.
Das Stakehaus invites you to sink your teeth into Darkmoor Village’s largest restaurant, where vampires’ familiars prepare guests for a bloody banquet beneath artifacts and artwork documenting the classic monsters’ deeds. Devour steaks or kebabs—aka protein on a stake—or try the vegan stuffed cabbage.
De Lacey’s Cottage, the cozy hut where a blind hermit once comforted Frankenstein’s Monster, has been converted into a snack stand. As Mel Brooks fans, we were hopeful that hot soup and espresso would be on the menu, but no cigar; instead, you’ll find ice cream, cinnamon bread, and fried potatoes on a stick.
What are you most excited to experience inside Dark Universe? Let us know in the comments below!
For all there is to see and do at Universal Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando.
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