Universal’s terrifying new attraction 

Back in June of this year, Universal Orlando Resort released a video on YouTube announcing the creation of their latest project, Epic Universe. This brand-new park will have various attractions to cater to guest interests, including Nintendo and Harry Potter. One project has caught many eyes, especially as Halloween looms. The Dark Universe is one of Universal’s most ambitious ideas paying homepage to its legendary monsters.

The werewolf is one of Universal Orlando’s most famous monsters, and guests will be allowed to take a walk on the wild side of The Curse of The Werewolf. This spinning coaster ride takes inspiration from the classic film The Wolf Man. As guests approach the ride, they get terrible news from the realm Mystics, Maleva. The guests, unfortunately, bear the werewolf curse. They are put inside a wagon and sent to the woods for a thrilling adventure. It all makes for a fun, family-friendly experience. The same, however, cannot be inferred about the Dark Universe’s second attraction.

Monsters-Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment blends a traditional coaster ride with a top-notch simulator. The audience meets Doctor Victoria Frankenstein, Frankenstein Manor’s newest resident and Henry Frankenstein’s great-great-granddaughter. The apple does not fall far from the mad scientist tree with Victoria, she’s carries on her ancestors’ work secretly. She has captured every Universal monster, from the Creature from the Black Lagoon to the Wolf Man, conducting experiments on them with the hopes of controlling them. However, Dracula has other plans. The audience sees all of this unfold from the safety of their seats as they try to escape the manor.

As exciting and awesome as the ride sounds, It is not for the faintest of hearts. This ride has mechanics and graphics made so everything looks and feels as real as possible. When constructing this ride, engineers realized that along with using every technology they could think of, they had to invent new technology. Monsters Unchained utilizes the sense of touch; guests can the breath of characters.

If the rides don’t tickle a guest’s fancy, there are still plenty of experiences for them to enjoy. They can get a monster makeover at the salon and then get a bit at Das Stakehaus; a restaurant operated by the familiars of vampires. If adults need a bit of liquid courage before going on Monsters Unchained, they can quench their thirst at the Burning Blade tavern. This is where the Hounds, or monster hunters, hang out. Guests will hear thrilling tales and get cool pictures with their favorite characters. 

While no concrete date has been set for the opening of Dark Universe, it has been confirmed that guests will get to see the park for themselves in 2025. Until then, there is a plethora of videos fans can watch while they wait. A perfect opportunity to re-watch all of Universal’s monstrous films!

Written by Mackenzie Cobbler  | Graphic Designed by Mackenzie Cobbler

Published October 21, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature