When Dark Universe opens with Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025, fans of the Universal Monsters will finally have a place where their favorite stories come to life. As one of those fans myself, I could rant endlessly about how excited I am to step foot in Darkmoor Village and unearth the mysteries, thrills, and lore of the world. But, luckily for my friends and family, I’ve decided to turn that hours-long rant into a written record of all the things my fellow monster fans can get excited about!
Okay, no more suspense: here are five things fans are gonna love about Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe.
Come Face-to-Face with Your Favorite Universal Monsters
Let’s start with the deadly obvious thing that I’m hyped for: getting up close and personal with a veritable rogues’ gallery of Universal Monsters! The world’s flagship attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, will feature not five, not 10, but 15 larger than life animated figures of your favorite monsters. These figures will be totally state-of-the-art, and will set the industry standard for immersive experiences.
I won’t spoil all of the dark secrets of Frankenstein Manor, but you can expect to encounter:
- Dracula
- Frankenstein (Victoria’s version)
- Wolf Man
- The Mummy
- The Creature from the Black Lagoon
- The Brides of Dracula
- The Phantom of the Opera
PRO TIP: Need a refresher on all of the Universal Monsters? Check out our complete guide here and dive into the lore!
Another character that I’m particularly excited to encounter is Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great granddaughter of Henry Frankenstein and a new addition to the world of Universal Monsters. Victoria believes she can capture and rehabilitate Darkmoor’s monsters, but like all mad scientists, her hubris proves to be her downfall when Dracula breaks free. As the most vicious of vampires chases you through the catacombs under Frankenstein Manor and attempts to unleash his fellow fiends, Victoria, Frankenstein, and Ygor race to save you from his wrath.
If you’re still craving more after Monsters Unchained (who wouldn’t be?), you’ll also find character encounters in Dark Universe. Throughout Darkmoor, you can meet Frankenstein and his Bride, Ygor, and The Invisible Man. You may even spot a monster hunter, or a traveling musician looking to regale you with a tune!
Make a Daring Escape on Curse of the Werewolf
In Dark Universe, the thrills don’t stop with Monsters Unchained. On the border of Darkmoor Village, you’ll find the world’s other attraction located near the camp of The Guild of Mystics: Curse of the Werewolf. Before you board this family-friendly spinning-coaster, you’ll learn from Maleva — the guild’s leader — that you bear the mark of the werewolf. YAY!
Oh, that’s a bad thing? Got it. As you dart and spin through the shadows, you’ll be pursued by the werewolves that make their home in the forest. What am I most excited for on Curse of the Werewolf? So glad you asked. In the most high-octane part of this ride, you’ll pass through the Darkmoor Armory for an extremely close encounter with the teeth, claws, and snarls of your pursuers.
PRO TIP: To really appreciate Curse of the Werewolf, I recommend the ultimate shot and chaser of the classic films “Werewolf of London” (1935) and “The Wolf Man” (1941).
Dine Among Vampires in Das Stakehaus
My next priority after I make it out of Frankenstein Manor and dodge some werewolves? Rewarding myself for my bravery with a feast! Which is why my next most-hyped offering in Dark Universe is Das Stakehaus. This fast-casual restaurant is located deep in the catacombs under Darkmoor, and it’s home to — you guessed it — vampires.
I’ll be the first to admit that vampires are my all-time favorite type of monster, so that’s one reason I can’t wait to step foot in Das Stakehaus. But even if you’re more of a werewolf or reanimated corpse stan, there are plenty of reasons to be excited! The vibe of Das Stakehaus is unmatched, dripping with the dark opulence of vampire culture and filled to the brim with historical relics and classical artwork.
This commitment to theming extends to the proprietors of Das Stakehaus; the restaurant is “staffed” by familiars, aka servants who do the bidding of vampires in hopes of one day gaining immortality themselves. Look around and you may even spot the earthly remains of one familiar who the vampires became particularly fond of!
I know what you’re wondering: are there any vampires in Das Stakehaus? Well, some things are better left unspoiled… but you may want to order your meal with extra garlic.
Shop Til You Drop (Undead) at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities
One thing about me: I love a trinket, tchotchke or bauble. A charming little item, if you will. And I, for one, cannot wait to peruse the shelves of Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, home to a variety of unique apparel to adorn your shelves and make your home the go-to spot for hanging out/conducting mad experiments with your friends.
Here’s the lore: Dr. Pretorius, the brilliantly mad scientist featured in “Bride of Frankenstein,” died many years ago. Luckily for us, his devotees have ensured that his twisted work lives on in this eccentric and eclectic emporium. Here, guests can peruse his collection — and perhaps take home a few items to start their own.
Unleash Your Inner Monster
In case it wasn’t obvious by the ~900 words preceding this section, I love the Universal Monsters and everything they represent. So the thing I’m most excited about in Dark Universe is getting the chance to live my best monster life! How, exactly? Well, at Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, you can actually get made up to look like your favorite monster! Or, if you’re not quite ready to commit to that, you can still fit in with the Darkmoor residents by getting some sick temporary tattoos. Complete the look by grabbing some exclusive apparel that lets you dress up like your favorite monster.
Once you’re made up to look your most monstrous, there’s still more to immerse you in Dark Universe. In The Burning Blade Tavern, the walls are covered with trophy heads hung by the monster hunters — you may even spot some familiar creatures! (Not to mention the fact that the windmill atop the restaurant bursts into flames regularly. No big deal!)
From the moment you step through the portal and into Darkmoor, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a rich tapestry of mystery, intrigue and shadow. Peruse the headstones in the cemetery, admire the darkly quirky architecture of the village center, follow in Frankenstein’s footsteps to De Lacey’s Cottage… in Dark Universe, the sky (or grave) is the limit.
Click below to watch the latest episode of the Discover Universal Podcast, featuring a deep dive into the mysteries of Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe!
Are you just dying to experience Dark Universe, one of the five immersive worlds coming to Epic Universe? Good news: you can secure your ticket right here!
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