Epic Universe construction update: Fire test at ‘Frankenstein windmill’ Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe
The Frankenstein windmill fire effects are testing at The Burning Blade Tavern, a dining location in Dark Universe at Epic Universe.
Updated Feb. 3, 2025; original version published Dec. 20, 2024.
bioreconstruct captured videos (embedded below) of special-effects tests for the “Frankenstein windmill” on fire at Universal Epic Universe — first from ground-level on Dec. 19, 2024 and then from the sky on Jan. 24, 2025. The upcoming theme park will open on May 22 at Universal Orlando in Florida, complete with Dark Universe, a land dedicated to Universal Classic Monsters taking place in a village called Darkmoor in the present day.
The Burning Blade Tavern, one of the dining locations in Dark Universe, will resemble the windmill from 1931’s “Frankenstein” film and earn its name by igniting with fire periodically.
Here’s a look at the Dark Universe windmill fire in action:
Earlier, bioreconstruct recorded footage of the windmill fire test from ground level outside of the park. The building in the background is Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Here’s a video of the fire test in action, with the effect running continuously for 50 seconds (at the end, you’ll also see some testing happening for the lighting upon Frankenstein Manor).
Universal utilizes two types of fuel for the flames of the Frankenstein windmill, “allowing for easy visibility to guests during both day and night,” reads The Burning Blade Tavern’s landing page on Universal Orlando’s website.
Once Epic Universe opens, the windmill will become ablaze with fire every 20 minutes, according to Nicole Wills, senior editor of the official Discover Universal blog. Epic Universe guests will know when the windmill at The Burning Blade Tavern is about to light on fire when the bell in the bell tower starts ringing. A short show will be involved.
“Imagine you’re in [Darkmoor] Village, and the bell starts ringing in the bell tower,” said Peter Carsillo, senior creative director at Universal Creative, on the Discover Universal podcast in October 2024. “That’s the sign that … monsters [have] been sighted. Everyone makes their way to the windmill. You can hear the crowd building. We have this minute-and-a-half show that goes on with the building up to the explosion.”
Photo by bioreconstruct
At the end of “Frankenstein,” a mob chasing after Frankenstein’s monster sets a windmill on fire.
Here in Darkmoor, the Hounds (monster hunters) call The Burning Blade Tavern their home digs. According to Dark Universe’s backstory, the Hounds have transformed this mill into their hangout.
In addition to The Burning Blade Tavern, Dark Universe will be home to:
- Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a high-tech dark ride
- Curse of the Werewolf, an outdoor spinning roller coaster
- Das Stakehaus, a quick-service restaurant
- Darkmoor Monster Makeover Experience
Get a sneak peek of Dark Universe, including a rendering of the Frankenstein windmill ablaze with fire, in this June 2024 video from Universal Creative:
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