For as long as I can remember, I’ve been enthralled by the iconic creatures of Universal’s classic monster franchise: Frankenstein’s monster, Count Dracula, the Mummy, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Invisible Man. These legendary characters, along with their respective actors such as Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains, and Elsa Lanchester, have all been ingrained in my psyche since childhood. I’ve been dreaming of a place where I could unleash my inner monster, let my freak flag fly, and revel in their ghoulish glory. That place is finally here: Dark Universe, a revolutionary new portal within Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.
This reimagined universe is not just a nod to the past; it’s a bold evolution of the classic monsters for a modern audience. The masters of theme park magic have taken these beloved characters under their wing, infusing them with a thrilling new sense of excitement, mystery, and wonder. I knew I was home as I watched the introduction to this foreboding realm. The immersive atmosphere is intoxicating, with every detail meticulously crafted to transport visitors into a world of legendary monsters.
Throughout this article, I’ll take you on a journey through the Dark Universe, revealing the monstrous details of mysterious attractions and ghoulish delights that await. From the experiments of Victoria Frankenstein to a twisted landscape where monsters roam, the Dark Universe is a grim world of myth and mystery. Every aspect of this portal is designed to satisfy even the most discerning monster enthusiasts. So, come join me as we delve into the forbidden world of gods and monsters, where the creatures of our wildest nightmares come to life. Let’s raise our stakes and enter… DAS STAKEHAUS!
IT’S ALIVE!
It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Next year, Universal – the pioneer of the horror genre will bring its timeless monsters to the present day with the debut of Dark Universe – one of the five immersive worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The most mysterious world of Universal Orlando’s newest theme park, this captivating new land will envelop guests in monstrous adventures across various attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to classic Monster fans alike. Created by the award-winning Universal Creative team in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe blends the iconic stories of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and more with a new generation of monsters and characters, including Dr Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments. As guests venture through Darkmoor – the ravaged village within Dark Universe –they’ll encounter the characters and subjects of those experiments within a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that offers family-friendly fun while also pushing the boundaries on intensity in a way that only Universal could achieve.
ENTER THE DARK UNIVERSE
The formidable journey begins the moment guests enter its electrifying portal via Celestial Park. As you step through the foreboding portal, a jolt of electricity crackles through the air, like the spark of life itself. The air is heavy with anticipation as you enter a realm where the veil between the world of the living and the realm of the dead is at its thinnest. The decaying cemetery before you is shrouded in a thick, eerie fog that clings to your skin like a chill. Tombstones lie upended, their inscriptions worn away by time and neglect, while twisted roots writhe like skeletal fingers across the ground. The wind whispers secrets in your ear, and the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end as you realise that nothing stays buried for long in this forsaken place. As you venture deeper, the energy coursing through the portal intensifies, building towards a crescendo that will culminate at the imposing Frankenstein Manor, a monolith of darkness that looms large over the village like a spectre of death itself. Will you dare to enter this haunted realm, where science and darkness collide in a maelstrom of terror and wonder?
WELCOME TO DARKMOOR
Welcome, brave souls, to Darkmoor, a village shrouded in an eternal twilight where the very fabric of reality seems to unravel like a tattered cloak. As you step into the crumbling blackened stone walls of this foreboding town, the air thickens with an unsettling energy, heavy with the scent of decay and desperation. The once-quaint streets now lie in ruin, scarred by the unholy experiments of the notorious Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, whose twisted creations lurk in every shadow. The creaking of old wooden signs and the distant howling of wolves echo through the night as if the very darkness itself is alive and watching. In this forsaken place, where monsters roam free and the villagers cower in fear, you’ll find yourself drawn into a world of unholy terror and wonder. Enter Frankenstein Manor, where the horrors within will chill your very bones. Stumble upon hidden shops and restaurants, where the eerie atmosphere is only matched by the unsettling cuisine. And venture forth into the woods, where you’ll be able to meet these monsters that lurk around every bend. Guests will embark on thrilling adventures where they can get made up to look like their favourite monsters. This is Darkmoor, a village where survival is a constant struggle, and only the bravest (or most foolhardy) will emerge unscathed. So, brave Universal Orlando’s most chilling ride ever, and dare you enter where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur like a madman’s canvas?”
“We created a village and a world beyond it where not only can these stories come together, but new stories can come in as well,” explains Pete Carsillo, senior creative director for Dark Universe. “Now you’re in the same place where all those stories come together, but it’s the current day.”
THRILLING AND UNSETTLING ATTRACTIONS
MONSTERS UNCHAINED: THE FRANKENSTEIN EXPERIMENT
Welcome, dear thrill-seekers, to the darkest recesses of the Dark Universe, where the boundaries of sanity are tested and the terror is palpable. Step into the foreboding Frankenstein Manor, where the scent of decay and electricity hangs heavy in the air. This is 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 maelstrom of monstrous horrors, and you are about to become their prey. As you venture deeper into the darkness, the shadows seem to writhe and twist around you, like living tendrils of malevolence. The crackle of electricity and the hum of machinery will send shivers down your spine as you navigate the dimly lit corridors, pursued by the likes of Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The very air seems to vibrate with malevolent energy as you evade their grasping hands, and monstrous wails echo through the darkness. But wait, what’s this? The Phantom of the Opera’s haunting melody wafts through the shadows, accompanied by 14 individual flames that dance in eerie harmony, casting an otherworldly glow over the macabre scene. And then, the question echoes through your mind: who is the true monster here—the creator or her creations? Will you escape the clutches of these unholy abominations, or will you succumb to their primal fury? Only one thing is certain: in the Dark Universe, terror awaits around every twisted corner…
Speaking about Victoria Frankenstein, Greg Hall, creative director of Dark Universe had to say, “We see a maniacal side of her even though she’s our hero. The monsters are released and it’s up to her, Frankenstein and Ygor to help save the day while we’re stuck in the middle of this chaos” speaking about the attraction experience he also said that “What I want guests to say is, ‘That was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done in my life — and you have to try it. It’s hard to scare people these days. We want to make sure they have fun, and they see something they’ll never forget”.
CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF
Step into the shadows of darkness, where the moon casts an eerie glow and the whispers of the forest seem to echo through the trees. The Guild of Mystics beckons you to a colourful encampment shrouded in mystery and foreboding, where the all-knowing seer and leader, Maleva, awaits. She warns you that you bear the mark of the werewolf, a curse that threatens to consume you at any moment. As you board the wagon, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs signal your descent into the heart of terror. The air is thick with tension as you hurtle through the dark forest, the sound of gnashing teeth and glowing eyes closing in around you. The wind rushes past your face as you spin and weave through the trees, desperate to escape the snarling pack of werewolves that stalks you. Will you outrun the curse or succumb to its primal fury? For 2 minutes and 37 miles per hour, The family coaster, Curse of the Werewolf will leave you breathless and begging for more. Enter if you dare, but be warned: once you’re bitten by the thrill of this family coaster, there’s no turning back.”
While Maleva does make an appearance in the 1941 film “The Wolf Man,” her Dark Universe version is updated to reflect the fictional culture of the Guild of Mystics, which is rich with beauty, violence and, of course, werewolves.
Speaking about this attraction, Pete Carsillo, senior creative director for Dark Universe had to say.. “It feels really updated, but you could literally trace this Maleva back to another Maleva back to the movie. So now you experience Maleva and her Mystics, but it’s with a lot of richness and a lot of color — stuff you couldn’t get in the old black and white.
MAKE-UP & MEET AND GREETS
DARKMOOR MONSTER MAKEUP EXPERIENCE
Step into the eerie confines of Dr. Pretorius’ notorious laboratory, where the boundaries between human and monster blur. Within these crumbling walls, a team of masterful artisans await to unleash your inner Monster. As you surrender to their skilled hands, they’ll transform your visage into a terrifyingly alluring masterpiece, complete with elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos. Immerse yourself in the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where the lines between reality and nightmare dissolve. Become one with the darkness as you don the skin of a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or some other fiendishly fantastical creature. The whispers of the dead echo through the lab, as the air thickens with anticipation. Will you dare to unleash your inner monster and join the ranks of the forever damned? Allow the masterful makeup artists to breathe life into your deepest desires, and unleash your inner beast upon the world. Let the transformation begin… if you dare. Some of have waited our whole lives to unleash our inner monsters, so count me in.
“If you want to be a monster, you can actually be made up like a monster,” says Pete. “Or if you want to be a little more meta, you can come in and get your whole family covered up in temporary tattoos. In Dark Universe, you can walk around with [temporary] tattoos on when you’re five!”
MEET THE MONSTERS
Step into the shadows of the Dark Universe, where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur, and the inhabitants of the village will make your heart skip a beat. As you wander through the twisted streets and crumbling architecture, you’ll encounter the infamous Universal Monsters, their eerie silhouettes lurking in every corner. Say hello to Frankenstein’s Monster, his bride, Dracula, the Invisible Man, and the Wolf Man as they roam free, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. But beware, for these are not just mere caricatures – they are the living, breathing embodiment of terror. And then there are the characters created just for this twisted world, like Victoria Frankenstein the eccentric great-great-granddaughter and her monstrous assistants, who will weave a spell of wonder and dread around you. Meet Ygor, the sinister servant with a twisted grin, or the Invisible Man, whose presence is only felt through his unsettling whispers. The air is alive with the scent of decay and death, and the sounds of screams and howls echo through the darkness. Will you dare to take a photo with the Bride of Frankenstein, her porcelain skin glowing in the moonlight? Or will you flee from the grasping hands of The Hounds, monster hunters who patrol the streets in search of their next victim? You’ll even stumble upon a talented musician who will regale you with songs and tales of the classic Universal Monsters stories. Come, join us in Darkmoor Village, where fear is palpable and the unknown lurks around every corner. But be warned: once you enter our domain, there’s no turning back.
“There’s so much for guests to do and see and discover. I really hope that the strokes that we’ve taken here feed the monster kids that are out there — the people who really love the legacy. And I hope that it starts a fire of passion for these characters in new audiences!”-Chris Frisella, executive producer of Dark Universe
UNSETTLING CUISINE
As you step into the foreboding realm of Dark Universe, you’ll find yourself entranced by the eerie allure of two restaurants that will transport you to a world of dark fantasy. The choice is yours: indulge in the sinister ambiance of Das Stakehaus, a vampire-run dining hall where the “familiars” of the night serve up a menu of succulent kebabs, burgers, and sandwiches amidst an atmosphere of ancient mystique and foreboding. Or, succumb to the allure of The Burning Blade Tavern, a smoldering windmill-framed tavern where the scent of sizzling meats and periodic flames waft through the air, beckoning you to sink your teeth into a meal that will leave you howling for more.
DAS STAKEHAUS
Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant. As you dine, be wary of the vampire “familiars” who serve you, their piercing gazes seeming to size you up as potential meal. But fear not, for their sinister intentions are matched only by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen. Savor each bite, as the shadows cast by the flickering torches dance across the walls, conjuring tales of ancient battles fought and won. And when you’ve finished your meal, browse the shelves for macabre merchandise and apparel that will make you the envy of all who dare to venture into this haunted realm. In Das Stakehaus, the walls are adorned with artwork that reimagines the world through the eyes of the creatures of the night, casting vampires as heroes in their own twisted tales. Will you find yourself entangled in their dark fantasy, or will you emerge unscathed, with only a taste for blood or adventure? The choice is yours, but be warned: once you enter this realm, there’s no turning back…
THE BURNING BLADE TAVERN
As you step into the foreboding gates of The Burning Blade Tavern, the air thickens with an otherworldly energy, The windmill’s blazing inferno crackles and spews forth a mesmerizing dance of flames, casting an eerie glow over the rustic, weathered walls. It’s as if the spirits of the past have converged upon this forsaken spot, their whispers weaving a spell of temptation around every succulent bite. And what a feast awaits! Savor the savory aroma of sizzling burgers, the spicy tang of wings, the snap of bratwursts and pretzels, and quench your thirst with a specialty brew that will leave you howling for more. But be warned: the tales that unfold within these hallowed halls are not for the faint of heart. The “Hounds” – Darkmoor’s most feared monster hunters – regale patrons with boasts of their gruesome conquests, while their trophies stare down from the walls like malevolent sentinels. Will you dare to indulge in a meal amidst these hunters, or will you flee into the darkness, forever changed by the secrets whispered within these ancient stones? Many years ago, an angry mob of villagers torched the old mill during the infamous Frankenstein incident back in1931. Now, the mill has become their favorite hangout. The mill that stands atop this restaurant erupts into flames every 20 minutes.
Other fun nods to the Universal Monsters universe will include shops and snack stands, 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 – “Guests can take home a piece of the immortal world of Dark Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos
A SHADOWY WORLD OF LEGENDARY MONSTERS
“And so, dear friends, as the curtains close on our journey through the shadows of Darkmoor that is until 2025, I leave you with a haunting whisper: come, join me in the darkness. Let us venture forth into the heart of this eerie realm of Gods and Monsters, where the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur. The wind whispers secrets of the damned in your ear as we venture into Frankenstein Manor for a thrilling ride on Monsters Unchained , the moon casts an otherworldly glow throughout Curse of the Werewolf , and the scent of decay wafts through the air. Welcome to Dark Universe, where the monsters you thought you knew come to life in a world of unspeakable terror. The rustling of dry leaves signals the approach of Dracula’s minions, while Frankenstein’s monster lumbers forth from the shadows, its eyes aglow with an unholy light. The ghosts of film noir flicker like lanterns in the darkness, guiding you deeper into the abyss. And amidst this macabre landscape, tantalizing aromas waft from the shadows: rich coffee, sweet pastries, and savory meats sizzle on ancient grills. Come, indulge, at Das Stakehaus where mortal flavours meet monstrous delights. Quench your thirst with a glass of ‘Dracula’s crimson concoction that will leave you shivering in delight. And as you dine amidst the darkness. These classic monsters will finally have a home in one unique and incredible immersive world in Dark Universe, the line between reality and horror is but a whisper away. The legacy of the Universal Monsters is hard to overstate, after all the IP is over 100 years old and it’s safe to say the creative team behind this world has taken on this project with great respect and admiration.
“It’s really about the care that has been taken, as we’ve crafted these stories and this land, to really respect the history of these films,” says Chris. “But we’re not being charged with creating a museum. We are being charged with creating a living, breathing world and experience.” Dark Universe is world where all of the classic Universal Monsters stories really happened — and soon, guests will be able to venture into the shadows and experience what that world looks like today.
Until we meet again, may your nightmares be filled with sweet terror…
To prepare for the electrifying chills and thrills that await in Dark Universe, guests can now purchase a variety of new merchandise themed to the new land – including apparel, accessories and more. The collection is available for a limited-time and can be purchased at the Universal Epic Universe Preview Center in Universal CityWalk and on https://shop.universalorlando.com/shop/. Stay tuned – more details about Universal Epic Universe will be revealed in the months ahead. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/theme-parks/epic-universe.