5 Killer Reasons You’ll Be Obsessed with Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe

Get ready, monster fans! When Dark Universe opens as part of Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, we’ll finally step inside a shadowy world where the Universal Monsters come to life like never before.

As a lifelong fan (seriously, I could go on for hours), I’m beyond excited to explore Darkmoor Village, uncover its secrets, and meet legendary creatures. Instead of rambling to my friends for the next six months, I’m sharing the top 5 things you can look forward to in Dark Universe — so we can all scream (with joy) together!

1. Encounter Your Favorite Universal Monsters 👻🧛‍♂️🧟

Let's start with the big one: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment — the flagship attraction and total monster lover’s dream!

This cutting-edge ride will feature 14 larger-than-life animated figures of our favorite creatures, including:

🧛 Dracula
🧟 Frankenstein’s Monster
🐺 The Wolf Man
🏺 The Mummy
🐊 The Creature from the Black Lagoon
💋 The Brides of Dracula
🎭 The Phantom of the Opera

🎉 New Character Alert: Meet Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, Henry Frankenstein’s great-great-granddaughter, who believes she can tame these monsters — until Dracula breaks free. Expect plenty of chills as you escape through underground catacombs while Dracula and his fiendish friends give chase!

⚡ Bonus Fun: You’ll also find monster encounters throughout Darkmoor Village! Keep an eye out for Frankenstein and his Bride, Ygor, The Invisible Man, and maybe even a few monster hunters or wandering musicians.

2. Make a Daring Escape on Curse of the Werewolf 🌕🐺🎢

Curse of the Werewolf is Dark Universe’s family-friendly spinning coaster with a dark twist!

Before you hop on, Maleva, the Guild of Mystics leader, will reveal that you bear the mark of the werewolf (uh-oh!).

💥 Why I’m Excited:

High-speed spins through shadowy forests 🌲
Close encounters with snarling werewolves 🐺
A thrilling dash through Darkmoor’s armory for a teeth-gnashing finale!

Perfect for families who want a monster-size thrill without losing their heads — literally.

3. Dine Among Vampires in Das Stakehaus 🧛‍♀️🍷🕯️

You know I’m heading straight for Das Stakehaus when I’m done surviving Frankenstein’s lab and dodging werewolves!

🩸 Why it’s awesome:

A fast-casual feast surrounded by vampire artifacts and darkly opulent decor
"Staffed" by familiars (loyal human servants hoping for immortality — good luck with that)
Fully immersive atmosphere — and yes, you might spot a vampire lurking 👀

💭 Pro Tip: Maybe order something extra garlicky… just in case.

4. Shop ‘Til You Drop (Undead) at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities 🧪🕸️🎩

Confession: I love a weird and wonderful shop, and Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities is going to be the place for monster merch.

🧠 Backstory: Owned by followers of the late Dr. Pretorius (a mad scientist with flair), this store is packed with eccentric gadgets, apparel, and home decor.

💀 Expect:

Unique apparel for monster fans
Creepy-chic home decorations
Possibly something alive… who knows?

5. Unleash Your Inner Monster at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience 🎨🧛‍♂️🕷️

Ever dreamed of becoming a Universal Monster? Here’s your chance!

🎃 What to expect:

Professional monster makeup transformations
Temporary tattoos for a bite-sized change
Apparel to let you dress like your favorite creature

And once you're fully decked out, head over to The Burning Blade Tavern — a monster hunter hangout complete with a flaming windmill! 🔥

💥 BONUS: Immerse Yourself in the Village of Darkmoor

Dark Universe isn’t just about rides and food — it’s a living, breathing (and sometimes undead) world filled with spooky details.

Explore:

Darkmoor Village with eerie architecture 🏰
Graveyards and catacombs to wander ⚰️
De Lacey’s Cottage for Frankenstein fans 🧬
Street performers and surprise monster encounters 🎻👹

🎉 Final Thoughts: Why Dark Universe Will Be Epic

If you're a Universal Monsters fan (or just love spooky, immersive worlds), Dark Universe is a dream come true. From thrilling rides to eerie eateries, every detail brings these iconic creatures to life.