IN DARK UNIVERSE, YOU’LL DISCOVER A WORLD OF LEGENDARY MONSTERS. From the experiments of Victoria Frankenstein to a twisted landscape where monsters roam, Dark Universe is a grim world of myth and mystery at Universal Epic Universe.
Universal’s legendary classic monsters come to life like never before at Dark Universe. “To me, nothing is more universal than Universal Monsters,” says Frances Franceschi, a production designer at Universal Creative.
“We made a place for the monster lovers, we made a place for the thrill seekers. In a way, this is a project I’ve been waiting for my whole life.”—Gregory Hall, assistant director of creative design, Universal Creative. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.
What to Ride in Dark Universe
Monsters Unchained
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
In this experience, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestors deep below the family estate. A demonstration of her experiments to control monsters goes awry when Dracula leads a revolt of enraged monsters including The Wolf Man, The Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon and more. This thrilling dark ride uses a Kuka robotic arm ride vehicle similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ and combines visual media with practical sets, effects and animatronics. There are some twists and turns, but the ride itself is very smooth.
Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf
Maleva, leader of The Guild of Mystics, welcomes you to a secluded wagon camp. Here you’re warned of the creatures who prowl the deep woods. Before long you’re riding Curse of the Werewolf—surrounded by glowing eyes and gnashing teeth, you’ll spin and weave through the forest as you attempt to escape a pack of werewolves.
Curse of the Werewolf tears through the dark forest at 37 mph for more than 2 minutes of sheer thrill, racing through a dark foreboding shed with mysterious figures clawing ever so near. Be warned, there is a dizzying amount of spinning involved.
Where to Eat in Dark Universe
Exterior of The Burning Blade Tavern
Creepy Cuisine and Creative Cocktails
Right behind Curse of the Werewolf, you’ll find The Burning Blade Tavern, aptly named for the towering windmill that tops this tavern and occasionally catches fire. This is a place where Darkmoor Village’s monster hunters catch and display their monstrous trophies. Here guests will discover stories of some of the countryside’s most accomplished creature capturers along with a menu of burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels and beverages.
Drink offerings at The Burning Blade Tavern.
We also encountered the best bartenders at this haunt. We tried the Monocane Mocktail with pineapple syrup, blue raspberry syrup, passion fruit syrup, emerald prism powder and Sprite®; and the Lagoon’ita, BACARDI® Superior, Pallini® limoncello, lime, blackberry purée, blackberries and a mint sprig. The mocktail is also available in a collectible beaker. Fun and creepy. Both delightfully refreshing in an otherwise scary setting. The theming is tip-top here, so if you find a spot to post up, you may want to stay awhile.
Those looking for a bigger, more satiating meal should head to Das Stakehaus. The lore: Shrouded in mystery, Das Stakehaus is an old inn and dining hall built over the ruins of ancient catacombs. Here you can enjoy a meal surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts. In fact, the restaurant is run by vampires’ “familiars,” or servants. Just don’t venture down to the catacombs below, or you might find yourself on the vampires’ menu. We spoke with executive sous chef Christopher Colon at Das Stakehaus about the many options. “As you know, this restaurant is run by the familiars of the vampires. We have the Red Velvet Death Cake, a traditional red velvet cake with actual beets, covered in crispy maggots (puffed rice). You can’t come to Das Stakehaus and not try the Das Burger, a little spicy tomato with cherry peppers and the guts are spilling out.” It’s vampire approved.
Das Stakehaus’ executive sous chef, Christopher Colon, with Darkmoor Black Wings.
We tried several dishes and drinks, including the Darkmoor Black Wings recommended by Colon, a pair of spicy chili-dusted fried wings with smoky cheddar, charred scallions and soy chili garlic sauce. A pimento cornbread skull adds a charmingly creepy touch. Coleslaw offers a reprieve from the heat of this dark dish. Their signature Das Burger was quite good, a seared Angus burger with tomato pepper chutney, dill pickle aioli, white cheddar cheese, grilled onions, hot cherry peppers and bacon, on a black bun with fries. This spot also serves the Monocane Mocktail, should you not want to make two dining stops within Dark Universe.
In between The Burning Blade Tavern and Monsters Unchained, you’ll find De Lacey’s Cottage, a quick counter service option with pretzels, cinnamon bites and more.
The signature Das Burger.
Where to Shop in Dark Universe
Darkmoor Village.
Are you brave enough to shop for souvenirs in Darkmoor Village?
You’ll find strange and macabre items for sale at Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities. The Manor Storehouse sells various monster-themed merchandise. Plus, in the woods you’ll find The Guild of Mystics, selling magical charms and jewelry.
