The world of classic monsters will be brought to life at Dark Universe, one of the themed lands at Universal’s Epic Universe. Let’s take a look at what guests can expect when visiting this area of the Universal theme park.
Dark Universe is the highly anticipated land that will be at Universal’s Epic Universe. It will feature rides, attractions, entertainment and dining featuring classic monsters.
It takes guests back to the classic horror monster story-telling of Frankenstein and the Werewolf. I am excited to see how this land immerses guests into this world and will share my commentary later in this post.
Dark Universe will be one of five lands at Epic Universe. They include Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo Land, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: The Ministry of Magic.
This post is all about the monsters so lets get into all the details on Dark Universe.
Dark Universe will welcome guests to Darkmoor Village where guests will explore catacombs, deserted cemeteries, and mingle with residents of this land of myth and monsters.
Rides at Dark Universe
There will be two featured attractions at Dark Universe:
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment: Indoor dark ride experience that brings guests close to all the classic Universal monsters. This will be a some-what scary attraction with never before seen technology. Guests will have to be 48″ to ride. One highlight of this ride will be The Phantom of the Opera piano that features 14 flames that shoot 3ft in the air synchronized to music.
- Curse of the Werewolf: family-friendly indoor/outdoor spinning coaster. This 2 minute coaster will reach speeds of 37 mph and have guests racing through a forest of werewolves. Minimum height requirement will be 40″.
Dining at Dark Universe
- Das Stakehaus: Quick service dining run by vampires. Steak will be on the menu.
- The Burning Blade Tavern: Quick service dining that offers burgers, pretzels, and bratwursts is housed inside a burning windmill. The windmill will errupt into flames several times an hour.
Shows, Shopping, and Characters
- Darkmoor Monster Make Up Experience: Guests can get “made-up” like their favorite monster, Dracula, Werewolf, Mummies, and more.
- Meet Monsters in Darkmoor Village: Photo opportunity with Frankenstein’s Monster and his bride Ygor. Monsters will also be roaming around different areas of the land to interact with guests.
- There will most likely be more shops and merch for this land as well.
My Thoughts on Dark Universe
Initial reaction is that Dark Universe is going to be another amazing addition to Epic Universe. The rides look super fun and the theme is top notch.
Universal clearly took their time and created a world to honor the Universal monsters.
This is probably the land that I am most unsure of because I am not a big horror and scare person. With that being said, I am really excited to experience it all because it looks amazing.
I like that the Universal team created spaces for those less into the big scares but also kept it creepy and leaned into the scares for those that really want to face their fears.
This area will be a must visit at night for the horror fans but tame enough for families to visit during the day.
I also think the Monster Make-up Experience will be a hit for fans of all ages.
As I watch the reveals for the Epic Universe lands I keep feeling that this is going to be a game-changer for the theme park industry. Everything I have seen is stunning and I can’t wait to experience it in 2025!
Want to hear more from me? Subscribe to my Five for the Road Substack where I share the latest posts from the blog, plus destination and theme park news I am excited about. It is like a coffee chat delivered to your inbox. 🙂
Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.