Epic Universe construction update: Dark Universe comes alive
Sink your teeth into this construction update on Dark Universe, the Universal Classic Monsters-themed land at Epic Universe, complete with an electrifying development over at Frankenstein Manor.
It’s alive! Epic Universe construction teams added a monstrous amount of progress to Frankenstein Manor and the village of Darkmoor since our last update. Thanks to @bioreconstruct on X, we have a new look on updates in the immersive land themed to the Universal Classic Monsters franchise (including a new take on the classic “Frankenstein” stories), opening at Universal Epic Universe on May 22, 2025 in Orlando, Fla.
Dark Universe portal
Construction workers added a purple orb to the portal leading into Dark Universe. This matches the orb representing Dark Universe seen on the Chronos tower, the park’s main entrance/icon. The Chronos has a symbol corresponding to each portal that leads to the park’s four franchise-focused lands.
The orb seems to be filled with a purple smoke. While it’s unknown what this purple smoke represents, it’s only a matter of time until we learn the context.
The other side of the Dark Universe portal resembles a wooden shack. This is what guests will walk out of before entering the village of Darkmoor.
Pictured below is the reverse view, the entrance to Darkmoor — what guests will first see when they walk into Dark Universe.
The Burning Blade Tavern
It appears that work is close to being, if not completely, finished on the exterior of The Burning Blade Tavern, one of Dark Universe’s quick-service restaurants.
The blades on the windmill that sits atop The Burning Blade Tavern will burst into flames every 20 minutes. Using special types of fuel, the flames will be visible during both the day and night.
Curse of the Werewolf
Curse of the Werewolf, Dark Universe’s spinning roller coaster, now displays more details at its entrance and within the queue.
A sign for Maleva, leader of the Guild of Mystics, stands near the entrance of the ride as she greets you into a secluded wagon camp.
More signage has been scattered throughout the queue, like this one below that reads “Even one who is pure of heart.” This could warn guests of the werewolves in the woods, or that they might face the same fate of those who have transformed into werewolves.
A sign for “Carpathian Carriage Company” sit above a pathway split in half by stanchions, most likely to divide riders between standby and Express lines.
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment
Deep within Darkmoor lays Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues her family’s work underground. Here in Epic Universe, Frankenstein Manor will be home to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, a thrilling dark ride.
Frankenstein Manor is free of all scaffolding, and the final product is absolutely breathtaking.
At the entrance to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, construction teams installed signage for the ride’s wait time, safety information, and Express entrances. The ride’s test seat, which offers a new look at the attraction’s ride vehicle, was also recently installed.
Workers also placed stanchions in the outdoor queue for the attraction.
Details on the entrance to Frankenstein Manor are nothing short of stunning. Weathered brick, vines growing up the exterior, and stone walls outlining the path to the entrance all come together to set the tone for the experiment guests are about to take part in.
Blue electricity pulses and crackling atop the tallest tower of Frankenstein Manor.
While it is visible during the day, the glowing in this room will illuminate the night sky of Darkmoor like a beacon of light.
A closer look at the tower showcases damage caused by a lightning strike on the spire’s roof (within the story, not in real life). Whether this means Victoria Frankenstein was successful or not in her experiments remains to be seen.
The blue lights are extremely vibrant. Compare the photos above and below, both captured during the daytime.
Village of Darkmoor beyond Frankenstein Manor
Between the entrance portal and Frankenstein Manor, Darkmoor is a bit more green as Epic Universe horticulturalists install the village’s landscaping. Additionally, workers removed more scaffolding and are placing finishing touches on the façades.
Dark Universe at Epic Universe — with, to recap, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Curse of the Werewolf, and the village of Darkmoor — has yet to open to the public, yet we are already blown away by the attention to detail in this highly anticipated land!
What land at Epic Universe are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below!
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I think this is the land i’m most excited for! Thank you for a great update on Dark Universe
It is looking better than l have imagined.