Universal Monster fans have waited patiently for a theme park land dedicated to Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolfman, and the rest of the horror heroes since the original Universal Studios attraction in California opened to the public.
Thankfully, with the advent of Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025, Monster fans will finally get that area dedicated to the original Universal stars when the portal to Dark Universe opens.
Dark Universe will officially welcome guests to Darkmoor, a village based on the original look and feel of all of the black and white classics, complete with Frankenstein’s Manor, a gypsy caravan, olde taverns, and even a burning windmill.
Darkmoor will house two rides called Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf.
The Frankenstein Experiment is described as a “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.”
Curse of the Werewolf is 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.”
In addition to the two rides, visitors will also be able to become monsters themselves at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience (converted from Bride of Frankenstein’s Dr. Pretorius’ former lab, who also has a gift shop named after the character portrayed by Ernest Thesiger) and meet the Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein for a haunting photo op. Roaming characters that guests can encounter in Darkmoor also include Victoria Frankenstein’s servant, Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a travelling bard.
Darkmoor’s two quick service restaurant’s, Das Stakehaus and The Burning Blade Tavern, will allow guests to choose between a dining hall run by vampire “familiars” and a still smoldering and periodically flaming Windmill-framed tavern. Each location is heavily themed with a variety of eccentric denizens acting as your servers and similar menus consisting of burgers, wings, bratwurst, pretzels, kabobs, and specialty beverages (which may or may not contain blood).
Borrowing a literal page for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, De Lacey’s Cottage will serve a variety of snacks and cool treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and more to satisfy your hunger and curiosity.
Check out the video below for even more glimpses into Epic Universe’s Dark Universe and stay tuned to Conskipper for even more updates soon.