Universal Orlando has revealed details about Dark Universe, a new monster land coming to Epic Universe, the fourth theme park in Orlando, Florida. Originally announced back in 2019, Epic Universe is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in 2025. Around the time that concept art was released for the Epic Universe layout, many Universal properties were rumored to be featured as interactive lands, including How to Train Your Dragon, Fantastic Beasts, and even some Nintendo franchises. Universal Orlando's Dark Universe will be a land dedicated to pop culture icons like Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man, collectively known as Universal Classic Monsters.

Dark Universe takes place in the fictional Darkmoor Village, which will branch off from the park's main hub, Celestial Park. Guests who step through a fateful portal will find themselves navigating a foggy cemetery on the outskirts of Darkmoor, where many graves have been desecrated. After crossing the cemetery, guests will come to the village itself, where all manner of nightmarish creatures await. Darkmoor is certainly not as warm and welcoming as DreamWorks Land, but it does have a much more complex and thought-provoking background.

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As Blog Mickey outlines, Dark Universe is home to two immersive rides, a meet and greet area, and several dining and shopping locations. Beneath Frankenstein Manor, guests will find Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a thrilling ride that chronicles the story of Victoria Frankenstein, the great-great-granddaughter of Victor Frankenstein who seeks to continue the work of her ancestors and create her own monster. Her plan to rehabilitate Darkmoor's inhabitants comes to a halt when Dracula leads a rebellion against her. The other terrifying ride is Curse of the Werewolf, a spinning coaster featuring Maleva, the Romani sorceress from the 1941 film The Wolf Man. Although this modern iteration of Maleva fits the park's updated look, Maleva's characterization pays homage to Maria Ouspenskaya's memorable performance.

Dark Universe Offers Dining and Shopping Experiences As Well As Rides

Aside from the main attractions, Dark Universe also boasts several dining areas, including Dracula's Das Stakehaus, where guests can enjoy kebabs, burgers, sandwiches and ribs, all while soaking in the vampiric architecture. The Burning Blade Tavern was built from the ashes of the old mill, which burned down the same night as an angry mob of villagers swarmed Victor Frankenstein's laboratory. Aside from grabbing a bite to eat, guests can also earn hunter's trophies and indulge in tantalizing tales from Darkmoor's eccentric residents. Dark Universe is a complete switch-up from Epic Universe's other attraction areas, which are a lot easier on the nerves.

Numerous stalls offer merchandise fashioned after the Universal Monsters, but families of all ages can join in for the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, which allows any visitor to be turned into a monster of their choosing. For those who prefer to skip the full-face makeover, there is an alternative option to get temporary tattoos, which are available for all ages. Visitors will also be able to attend meet and greet sessions with all their favorite monsters at designated areas throughout Darkmoor. Dark Universe will be open to the public when Universal Orlando's Epic Universe opens its doors next year. Universal Orlando may also be eyeing new lands themed after Pokemon and The Legend of Zelda to coincide with Super Nintendo World, another grand opening for the park in 2025.