As the week leading up to the official opening of Epic Universe continues, jam packed with media events and sneak peeks at some of the most astounding rides, foods, shows, and more at Universal’s newest theme park, Theme Park Shark is covering each of the brand-new lands at Orlando’s hottest new theme park. As we venture into these incredible lands that transport us into some of our favorite worlds, Theme Park Shark is continuing the festivities at the Dark Universe land at Epic Universe. Covering all of the rides, shows, attractions, and details of this land, our very own Dustin Sparage is bringing fans the Epic Experience this week from inside Epic Universe.
Theme Park Shark previously covered the Helios Grand Hotel, The Isle of Berk, and Super Nintendo World as our journey into the worlds of Epic Universe began. Now, we’re taking a look at the darker side of Epic Universe, and venturing into Darkmoor.
It’s ALIIIIVE!
Dark Universe is one of the five new lands at Epic Universe; this one, paying homage to the monsters, freaks, and creatures that truly put Universal’s name on the map. With Universal inventing the monster movie in the early 1900s with films like Frankenstein, Dracula, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Phantom of the Opera, it’s no surprise that Universal is dedicating an entire land to the dark and creepy. Fans of the park’s Halloween Event have seen an increased prevalence of these Monsters in recent years, as Universal prepped us to enter into the world of Dark Universe to meet all of these horrific monstrosities face-to-face – and now, it’s here!
Attractions in Dark Universe
Featuring two major attractions, roaming entertainment, a dedicated character meet-and-greet, and a monster-makeover experience, Dark Universe allows guests to step into the streets of Darkmoor, a village blighted by madmen and monsters that exists under the towering shadow of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s experiments are conducted.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
The headliner attraction at Dark Universe, this attraction is a tracked dark ride that utilizes the Kuka Arm technology, which was originally developed for assembly line work in industrial factories, but was then adapted into a versatile ride system that allows a wide range of mobility in thrill settings. This ride is most similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey over at Islands of Adventure, as it utilizes the same ride system.
“In Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate. A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.“
This ride does accept Universal Express Pass, but so far no Single-Rider line has been specified. This is one of the most technologically advanced rides in the new park, with free-roaming animatronics and multiple on-ride animatronics with lifelike movements and high-quality sculpting, with fourteen unique and terrifying animatronics throughout the ride.
This ride is a thrill ride, and is reported to be the most frightening ride that Universal Studios has ever introduced to their parks worldwide, so discretion is advised when bringing young kids on this ride. The minimum height requirement is 48″, so exceptionally young children will not be able to ride.
“This is a love letter to all attraction goers – people who love theme parks, people who love monsters. […} we made sure we fought for every element, and from the reaction, everyone’s appreciating it,” said Gregory Hall, Assistant Director of Creative Design at Universal Creative in an exclusive interview with Theme Park Shark. “We wanted to bring a new era of monsters […] but also be true to the Universal Legacy. That’s always been the challenge with this. […] We took it real serious, and we added a little bit of DNA from the black and white films.”
Gregory Hall goes on to discuss what it was like working with Danny Elfman, who Universal Creative had the honor to work with on the score of Dark Universe, as well as the storytelling in the ride and the creative elements that drive characters like Victoria Frankenstein and Ygor.
Universal has also clued guests in on a fun fact about this ride and its impressive effects: The Phantom of the Opera’s organ within Monster’s Unchained: The Frankenstein experiment features 14 individual flame points that shoot vertical flames over 3 feet in the air and dance in synchronicity with the organ music, making for a truly breathtaking and terrifying show.
Curse of the Werewolf
This spinning coaster, manufactured by Mack Rides, is a unique addition to the attraction lineup at Universal Orlando Resort as the property’s first spinning coaster in its illustrious history. While Universal Orlando Resort has featured spinning motion on attractions like The Cat in the Hat ride or The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, this attraction is a completely different caliber of attraction, combining the classic elements of a steel coaster with the spinning motion that creates an intense centripetal experience that may not be suited for those who get easily motion sick.
“Maleva, leader of The Guild of Mystics, welcomes you to a secluded wagon camp. Here you’re warned of the creatures who prowl the deep woods. Before long you’re riding Curse of the Werewolf – surrounded by glowing eyes and gnashing teeth, you’ll spin and weave through the forest as you attempt to escape a pack of werewolves.”
Guests looking to ride Curse of the Werewolf will need to be at least 40” in height, as this is a thrill ride that features quick movements, drops, and spinning. This ride does accept Universal Express Pass, though no indication of a Single-Rider line was made.
Though this is a family coaster with children between three and five years old being permitted on the attraction due to its height restriction, discretion is advised for attractions within Dark Universe due to their frightening nature.
Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience
Briefly introduced at Universal Studios Florida as a soft-launch of the concept, the Monster Makeup Experience is a unique makeover experience that has now found its permanent home within Darkmoor, where guests can get professional makeup artists – many of whom have worked on scareactor makeup at Halloween Horror Nights – to transform them into the grim and gruesome creatures that stalk the streets of Darkmoor.
“At Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, Dr. Pretorius’ old lab has been converted into a parlor to continue the spirit of his demented experiments. Here, skilled artisans use their talents to experiment on customers and release their inner love of Universal Monsters – be they werewolves, vampires, or something even more fashionably monstrous.”
This attraction requires guests to book ahead, and tickets for this experience are non-refundable and non-transferable, though annual passholders do receive a ten percent discount on tickets, which can be booked on Universal’s official page for this experience, or through the Universal Orlando Resort app.
Two types of service are available at this experience: The Transformation Ticket nets guests a full-face transformation complete with matching accessories for guests to roam the streets of Darkmoor looking like one of the beasts of the village.
For guests not looking to be decked out in monster gear but still wanting the makeup experience, there’s The Experiment Ticket, which includes makeup only.
Currently, the Transformation Ticket is retailing for 169.00 per person, with the Experiment Ticket priced at a much more reasonable 45.00 per person. If you are going to the parks to enjoy all the libation that this new experience has to offer, however, be warned that getting your makeup done at this venue will prevent you from purchasing any alcoholic drinks on Universal Orlando Resort property.
Dark Universe Meet and Greets
Now, guests can face their fears by coming face-to-face with the monsters and madmen of Darkmoor, from Frankenstein and his bride to the weird little ratman everyone loves, Ygor.
“Visit Darkmoor Village and meet its inhabitants, including Frankenstein’s Monster and his Bride; Ygor; The Invisible Man; a courageous monster hunter; or a musician who may regale you with songs about the village. Feel free to say hello and take photos with them. But beware. You never know who – or what – may be lurking in the shadows.”
Of course, it’s important to remember that the cast of characters may not always be at the same times – or even every day! – at Dark Universe. For the most updated information about which characters will appear at what times during your Epic Universe trip, it’s best to consult the official Universal Orlando Resort app. And if you happen to miss your favorite characters, don’t worry! There’s always next time!
Retail and Dining in Dark Universe
Theme Park Shark has previously debuted the menus for major restaurants, quick-service food counters, and snack carts throughout Epic Universe with out Shark Bites guide to Epic Universe. Check out full menus with details, info, and pictures for all the restaurants of Epic Universe in our official Shark Bites directory.
As for retail, guests can find their favorite monsters and maniacs on all kinds of apparel, accessories, home goods, and theme park merch at Dark Universe. Check out Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, where guests will be able to find all sorts of macabre fascinations on display and for sale in the mad doctor’s wondrous emporium.
Also available for that theme park retail therapy is the Guild of Mystics, where guests can find apparel, trinkets, collectibles, and gifts of all sorts right outside the exit of the Curse of the Werewolf attraction. The wagons of the Guild of Mystics are a surefire place to find that cursed amulet you’ve always wanted! Failing that, you can always pick up some hand-crafted jewelry that isn’t cursed (as far as you know).
(Pictured: The Burning Blade Tavern, a restaurant in Dark Universe that burst into flames periodically throughout the day!)
The final retail location at the exit of the Monster Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment attraction; The Manor Storehouse is the perfect place to find oddities from all of the furthest reaches of Darkmoor. Monster-themed souvenirs, apparel, jewelry, toys, candy, and collectibles are all on display in this abandoned and forgotten wing of Frankenstein Manor.
Can’t make it to Universal’s Epic Universe just yet, but want to hit your next big vacation ready-to-go and showing off your favorite monsters the second you step foot on property? Universal’s got you covered! Check out the Universal Orlando Resort online storefront to shop some of the most popular Dark Universe items.
Plus, for a limited time, shoppers on the Universal Orlando Resort web store can get free shipping on orders of 100+ by using the code SHIP100 at checkout. This offer does only apply to domestic shipping, is only valid for purchases made online, and excludes tax and additional discounts.
Shark Favorites
Going through the queue for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment was a unique experience that was only enhanced by the incredible level of detail that was put into the queue; from being able to witness the awesome terror of coming face-to-face with the Frankenstein’s Monster animatronic that towers over guests to the carefully crafted story that has been woven into the queue throughout scattered newspapers and other prop pieces, the sheer amount of detail – and being able to spot snippets of story as you explore Victoria Frankenstein’s manor – was a highlight of the Darkmoor experience.
And if you’re headed into Darkmoor, be sure to pick up this exclusive vinyl celebrating the music of Dark Universe as composed by famed musician Danny Elfman. A Sharks favorite on merchandise, this has been a hot ticket item at Epic Universe throughout previews, so be sure to grab one if you’re lucky enough to see it on the shelves!
Check Back for More from Inside Epic Universe
Check back soon, as Theme Park Shark will continue to bring you exclusive views from inside Epic Universe, as well as food reviews, ride reviews, and everything you need to know about the new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort. In the meantime, check out Theme Park Shark on your favorite social media platform, like Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As Universal’s Media Preview gets under way, expect to see plenty of exclusive footage from Theme Park Shark as we tackle everything Epic, as well as theme park news from Disney, Universal, and theme parks from all across the world!
