First Look at Dark Universe: Epic Universe’s Haunting Tribute to Universal’s Classic Monsters

Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park, Epic Universe, opens May 22, 2025, and is set to become the most ambitious addition to Universal’s portfolio to date. With five immersive lands — Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic — each entered through its own portal, Epic Universe redefines scale and storytelling at a theme park level.

Among these worlds, Dark Universe stands out as the most deeply rooted in Universal’s history. Tied to the studio’s legacy of classic monster films, this land brings timeless characters like Dracula, the Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Mummy into a single haunted village: Darkmoor, where the lines between science, myth, and monster blur. During a recent media preview, I had the chance to step inside—and while I’ll be avoiding major spoilers, here’s a first look at what to expect when you enter this shadowy corner of Epic Universe.

Vibes First, Scares Second

I’ve never been a horror fan in the traditional sense — but give me a fog-drenched graveyard, some 19th-century gothic lore, and a Frankenstein-style lab crackling with lightning, and I’m in. The moment I first saw the concept art for Dark Universe, I was drawn to the mood of it all: eerie, theatrical, and somehow grounded in something strangely beautiful.

Unlike the immediate reveals of the other lands, Dark Universe unfolds more gradually. You emerge through the portal just beyond the walls of the haunted village of Darkmoor, in a cemetery where fog coils at your feet and gravestones loom. While the spaces aren’t overly tight, sightlines are short, giving you the sense of not knowing who — or what—is around the bend. I didn’t come across any jump scares, though at one point, the Invisible Man came right up to me and accused me of staring. I tried to deny it, which didn’t go over well since I’d been taking photos of him when he busted me. 

Live characters shift the energy throughout the day. A monster hunter stirred up a chant inside The Burning Blade Tavern; later, a violinist delivered a haunting warning about Dracula from an elevated balcony across from Das Stakehaus. The tension in this land doesn’t come from horror — it comes from presence. Everyone, everything, feels a little too aware of your arrival.

Monsters, Mayhem, and Must-See Details

The land’s major ride, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, was closed for the rest of the day before I had the chance to board — unlucky for me, but always a risk during previews. 

The ride promises encounters with 14 legendary monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, and more. The story centers on Dr. Victoria Frankenstein — the great-great granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein — whose attempt to rehabilitate Darkmoor’s monsters backfires in spectacular fashion when a monster breaks loose. From the exterior alone, with its decaying manor façade and slow-building suspense, it’s one I’ll be heading to first on my next visit. If you want to make sure you ride it, I’d recommend doing the same — this one could be prone to downtime.

I did make it onto Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning family coaster located near the forest’s edge. It’s fast-paced and a lot more fun than frightening — each train rotates independently, sending you face-to-face with fellow riders as you’re “marked” and pursued through a werewolf encounter. It’s a good middle ground for younger guests who might not be ready for Monsters Unchained, but still want in on the thrills.

Outside The Burning Blade Tavern, I caught the windmill erupting in flames — an effect that runs periodically throughout the day. The space is packed with artifacts and trophies from monster hunts and layered with detail that makes it feel like a true stronghold for the people fighting to keep Darkmoor’s creatures in check.

I didn’t get the chance to explore the shops or try the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, where you can turn yourself into a creature of the night via full makeover or temporary tattoo. I did walk through Das Stakehaus, a vampire-run dining hall with dramatic gothic theming and a menu that leans into its mythology (garlic not included). It’s staffed by familiars — human servants hoping for immortality — which only adds to the tension.

There’s more to see here — Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, the in-world shop filled with strange specimens and relics from the lab of a long-dead mad scientist, was high on my list but didn’t make the cut timewise. Like much of Dark Universe, it’ll have to wait for a return visit. I’m hoping it’s after dark.

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