“It’s alive! It’s alive!” Next year, Universal will bring timeless monsters into the present with the debut of the Dark Universe, one of five immersive worlds to debut in the all-new Universal Epic Universe opening in 2025. The most magical world of Universal Orlando's newest theme parks, this enchanting new land will engulf guests on a monstrous adventure with a variety of attractions, shops, restaurants and character meet and greets that will thrill everyone from families to fans of classic monsters.
Created by the award-winning team at Universal Creative in partnership with Universal Pictures, Dark Universe combines the iconic stories of supernatural legends such as Dracula, the Werewolf, Frankenstein's Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein, and more with a new generation of monsters and characters including: Mix. Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – The great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein, who continued to conduct experiments gone wrong. As guests explore Darkmoor, a devastated village within the Dark Universe, they will encounter the characters and subjects of the experiment in a first-of-its-kind theme park environment that pushes the limits of intensity while providing family-friendly fun. This is something only Universal can achieve.
Welcome to Darkmoor
The journey into the Dark Universe begins the moment guests enter the thrilling portal. As guests step inside, that same energy spreads throughout the town, all the way to the top of the Frankenstein Mansion, the towering focal point of the Dark Universe. Nestled within the town's blackened stone walls, guests can dress up to look like their favorite monster, ride a thrilling family coaster through the woods, enjoy unique restaurants, enter Frankenstein Manor and brave the unique adventures of Universal Co., Ltd. The adventure begins. The most thrilling rides in Orlando and more.
Here's more information about the thrilling yet unsettling attractions and entertainment experiences that await visitors to the Dark Universe.
• Monster Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment – Universal Orlando's scariest attraction, this state-of-the-art dark ride transports guests deep into Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts his twisted experiments. In a vain display of her own genius, she invites her guests to her laboratory to demonstrate her ability to control her monsters. But her plan goes awry when her attempt to control the most dangerous monster, Dracula, fails and other monsters emerge. Guests are then plunged into an intense race through the darkness as they try to escape the clutches of werewolves, mummies, creatures from the Black Lagoon, Dracula's Bride and more.
• Werewolf's Curse – Deep in the woods on the edge of Darkmoor, guests will discover Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” Guests will take a carriage ride into the forest and race to escape the werewolves before they turn into them.
• Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience – The Darkmoor Monster Make-up Experience allows guests of all ages to become awesome monsters with elaborate face paint and temporary tattoos. Here, monster creators have converted Dr. Pretorius' infamous old laboratory into a parlor where skilled craftsmen can use their talents to transform guests' appearances to showcase their fandom of Universal Monsters.
• Meet the Monster – There is always someone in the shadows of the Dark Universe… Guests will also encounter other unusual residents roaming the spooky town, including Victoria Frankenstein's servant Ygor, eccentric monster hunter The Invisible Man, and a talented musician who entertains guests with songs and tales of classic Universal Monster tales. You will meet.
Guests can also sample delicious food and shop for all-new merchandise and clothing at themed restaurants and retailers during their visit to the Dark Universe.
• steak house – Darkmoor's most sinister restaurant, this establishment is surrounded by art and artifacts detailing the history of the town's night creatures, and guests can enjoy a menu of kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and more.
• Burning Blade Tavern – Despite the windmill's blades still smoldering and periodically burning, the monster hunters of Darkmoore have transformed this old burning mill into their favorite haunt. While enjoying a menu of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels and specialty drinks, guests will hear stories about the infamous “Hounds,” proud hunters from beyond Darkmoor.
• De Lacey Cottage – Near Frankenstein Manor is De Lacey's Cottage food stand, where the original Frankenstein's monster once received sustenance and friendship. Here you can enjoy a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon buns, ice cream, twisted taters, etc.
• Guests can take home a piece of the Dark Universe's immortal world with commemorative merchandise and memorabilia from retailers such as Pretorius' Scientific Oddities.
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