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Universal Orlando's highly anticipated theme park expansion lets guests step inside a monster movie like never before.

Welcome to Dark Universe

When Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe opens on Thursday, May 22, guests will be transported to a realm where nightmares are real, creatures lurk in the shadows, and classic movie monsters come alive. Among the five immersive worlds at Epic Universe, Dark Universe promises to be a chilling highlight.

According to a recent USA Today report, the park will offer visitors a chance to “channel their inner monster at Dark Universe.” The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando, Florida, approximately 15 minutes from Universal’s existing parks.

A Portal into the Shadows

Guests will enter Dark Universe through Celestial Park, passing through a twisted portal formed by a giant dead tree, immediately arriving at Frankenstein Manor. The world is described as a “shadowy realm where the unknown lurks around every corner,” drawing inspiration from Universal's legendary monster films.

Universal Orlando explains that visitors will explore a village devastated by supernatural forces and the unhinged experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. The eerie tone is elevated by an original soundtrack from renowned composer Danny Elfman.

Chris Frisella, executive producer of Dark Universe, explained, “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.”

The Rides of Dark Universe

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

This headline attraction features 14 hyper-realistic animatronic monsters, including Dracula, The Wolf Man, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Guests will venture into dark catacombs and meet Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a descendant of the original Henry Frankenstein. Her experiments push the boundaries of science and sanity.

Curse of the Werewolf

Tucked deep in the haunted woods of Darkmoor, this family-friendly spinning coaster is inspired by The Wolf Man. Visitors are greeted by Maleva, the all-knowing seer of the Guild of Mystics, who warns them they may bear the mark of the werewolf. Riders then board wagons and race through the forest, trying to escape the monstrous curse.

Meet the Monsters

Character meet-and-greets in Dark Universe are not for the faint of heart. Fans can encounter beloved icons like:

• Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster
• Bride of Frankenstein
• Ygor
• The Invisible Man

Two original characters also debut here: an eccentric monster hunter and a gifted musician who regales guests with creepy tales and tunes.

Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience

For guests looking to become monsters themselves, the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience offers professionally applied monster transformations:

• Experiment Ticket (face makeup only): $45 plus tax per person
• Transformation Ticket (face makeup + accessories): $169 plus tax per adult; $109 for children (ages 3–9)

Participants can choose from monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and others.

Dine Among the Damned

Dark Universe offers three themed dining locations for monstrous appetites:

• Das Stakehaus – A sinister eatery adorned with vampire art and artifacts.
• The Burning Blade Tavern – A monster hunter’s hangout with burgers, bratwursts, wings, pretzels, and drinks.
• De Lacey’s Cottage – A cozy spot near Frankenstein Manor offering sweet snacks and refreshments.

Creepy Curiosities and Souvenirs

Three retail shops offer exclusive merchandise, costumes, and collectibles:

• Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities
• The Manor Storehouse
• The Guild of Mystics

These stores cater to fans of the creepy, strange, and bizarre—perfect for commemorating your descent into darkness.