Top 5 Must-See Attractions in Dark Universe at Epic Universe

Universal today released spooky new details about Dark Universe, one of five themed worlds at the under-construction Universal Epic Universe theme park, which is scheduled to open in 2025. Inside the land, guests will venture into Darkmoor, a “shadowy village” home to Universal’s scary characters and franchises such as Dracula, the Wolf Main, Frankenstein’s Monster and others.

Dark Universe Portal. © Universal Studios

Guests will enter Dark Universe through an “electrifying” portal (as seen above), which “harnesses the dark energy of Darkmoor. The Frankenstein Manor will serve as the centerpiece of Dark Universe. Universal’s description of Dark Universe:

Nestled within the blackened stone walls of the town, guests will embark on unique adventures where they can get made up to look like their favorite monsters, spin through the woods aboard a thrilling family coaster, enjoy unique dining establishments, enter Frankenstein Manor to brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and more.

Here are the top five attractions in Dark Universe we’re most looking forward to:

#5 – Das Stakehaus

Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant, this establishment is a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” who size up unsuspecting patrons to be part of the vampires’ feast. It’s centered around the story of Dracula.

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. “You’re gonna get fed and you might get scoped out by vampires.” And they promise to have steaks on stakes.

#4 – The Burning Blade Tavern

Despite the blades of the windmill still smoldering and flaming periodically (every 20 minutes, like the dragon in Diagon Alley), 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.” Two types of fuel are used in different ratios, allowing for easy visibility of the flames to guests during both day and night.

#3 – Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

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.

#2 – Curse of the Werewolf

Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will find 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.

Recently, roller coasters are getting shorter in track length so engineers like the geniuses at Universal Creative are coming up with creative ways to extend the ride duration. Curse of the Werewolf will have a forwards-backwards-forwards launches mid-ride over the same track to cleverly extend the ride time.

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#1 – Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet, this state-of-the-art dark ride takes guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a vain display of her genius, 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.

From Universal: “Monsters Unchained has the most technologically advanced animated figures that have ever been built…we needed to invent new technology…there’s a sense of touch. You’ll literally be able to feel character’s breathing.” Woah, now those are some big proclamations!

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— Gprodigy (@G_Prodigy) June 20, 2024

Monsters Unchained appears to be the next-generation version of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey – a KUKA RoboCoaster G2. Four seats are attached to the end of a robotic arm that runs along a two-dimensional track throughout a show building. The rumored major differences will be no projection domes and a round turntable load area rather than a linear one. The ride vehicles in the new renderings appear to match this patent file by Universal.

Dark Universe AR at the preview center Is now live. pic.twitter.com/uKrpMRt4Sv

— Gprodigy (@G_Prodigy) June 20, 2024

To say we’re excited for this attraction would be an understatement! It may not be just the best ride in Dark Universe, but could possibly be the best attraction in all of Universal Epic Universe.

Dark Universe Attractions Not Ranked

Guests can also sink their teeth into delicious fare and shop all-new merchandise and apparel during their visit to Dark Universe at highly-themed dining and retail locations, including:

De Lacey’s Cottage – Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein’s Monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here, guests can find a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more.

Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities – commemorative merchandise and mementos

Meet the Monsters – There’s always someone…or something…looming in the shadows of Dark Universe – including Monsters who are eager to meet and greet everyone from kids to adults, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. Guests will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including 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. “Roaming the land we have some monsters that kind of move around and then some other characters that help connect you to these stories.”