Everything We Know About the Dark Universe Land at Universal Epic Universe

*Updated March 28, 2024*

Epic Universe, Universal’s high-tech new theme park, is scheduled to open in 2025 as part of the Universal Orlando Resort complex. The park is one of the most anticipated projects being worked on in the theme park world right now. For years, the company stayed tight-lipped about what was coming to the new park. However, they’ve recently begun divulging new and exciting details about Epic Universe and its lands that have us even more excited!

Universal has confirmed some HUGE details about the new park, like its inclusion of a Super Nintendo World land similar to that featured in Japan and California, details about new rides that’ll be featured in the park, tasty information about new restaurants coming to the park, and MORE. But those who are fans of horror films and Universal’s classic monsters might be particularly interested in one land that has been officially confirmed for the park — Dark Universe. Let’s share EVERYTHING we know about this land!

Background Info

The so-called “Universal Monsters” have been a staple of Universal for nearly a century, and the studio’s interpretations of literary monsters including Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, the Mummy, the Wolfman, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, among others, have become the default versions of the characters for many. Despite this, they’ve often seemed to be at the periphery of Universal’s theme parks.

A Universal Monsters merch store opened in 2022 at Universal Studios Orlando

Sure, there have been lightly-themed restaurants, merchandise, and make-up shows, but (outside of the rides based on the 1999 Brendon Frasier Mummy films) the classic version of the characters have never appeared in a specific E-Ticket attraction or land of their own…until now.

Everything We Know About the Rides Coming to Universal Epic Universe

Overview

In terms of a general overview, Universal notes that Dark Universe will take us into a “world of myth and mystery” covering things like “the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to a shadowy landscape where monsters roam.”

In a video describing Epic Universe, Universal representatives noted how the company has a great history with horror and wanted to see if they could “breathe new life into the classic Universal monster family.”

Entrance

The entrances to each of the themed lands at Epic Universe are marked by portals that help transport you to the other worlds.

In this case, the concept art shared by Universal depicts a very spooky portal leading to Dark Universe, complete with ominous trees and a tower covered in lightning or unique lighting effects.

What Will the Land Feature?

According to a Universal representative, the land will be a place where Universal’s classic monsters are reimagined in an “ominous and chilling experience.”

Some of the monsters displayed in Universal’s video about Epic Universe include Frankenstein’s monster…

…the Wolfman….

…and Dracula. That could be an indication of the stories we’ll see expanded in the land.

One representative even said, “Everything you’ve ever wanted to experience with monsters is in this world.”

Rumors and Concept Art

Early concept art for the land is displayed below. Though things may have changed from the time this art was released, it does give us a general idea of what may be in store.

Now, let’s dive into some more rumor-type information. The setting of the land will reportedly be a quaint European village — similar to those featured in classic Universal horror films like Frankenstein. The villagers live in fear of the monsters returning.

-Universal Epic Universe Monster Land concept art.

The land’s main attraction is reportedly a massive dark ride set in a gigantic facade, which will utilize the Kuka Arm ride system popularized by Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey to take guests through the sprawling estate. It’s possible that this attraction could be housed in the giant building featured in the video released by Universal regarding Epic Universe (a screenshot of which you can see below).

This massive E-Ticket attraction will reportedly feature many of the titular Universal Monsters including Frankenstein’s monster, as well as Dracula.

A second rumored attraction would be a family-style spinning coaster that could revolve around Wolfman’s werewolf transformation.

In addition to these two major attractions, we can assume the Classic Monsters-themed land will include dining and retail locations. The largest is reportedly set to be a large tavern-like restaurant built around a massive tree carved with monster iconography that will be the center of roots growing through the village.

At top left of this aerial photo are poles for the construction of the CelesTiki bar in Epic Universe.
At bottom right is the portal of Dark Universe. pic.twitter.com/TjIiIfXLoB

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) March 1, 2024

There could also be a bar-type restaurant on the outskirts of the land housed inside a giant windmill, a reference to the original Universal Frankenstein film.

We’ve also seen Universal previously file a trademark for the name “Oddities & Monstrosities” for “Retail store services featuring apparel, gifts, and general consumer merchandise” as well as “Online retail store services featuring apparel, gifts, and general consumer merchandise.” Though it has not been confirmed, this could be an indication of a store that may appear in this land.

And that’s what we know about Dark Universe so far, but there’s likely much more to come as the 2025 opening of Epic Universe gets closer.

Here is a look at the Dark Universe Castle lit up by construction lighting at Epic Universe pic.twitter.com/RWz1BXX7Vr

— Ethan Hershaft (@EthanHershaft) March 17, 2024

What do you think of these plans for Universal’s Dark Universe land at Epic Universe? Does it sound like the project these characters have deserved for decades, or do the plans sound like they leave something to be desired? Let us know in the comments below.