Ride review | Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at Epic Universe, a legacy-solidifying attraction
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is one of the most highly anticipated attractions at Universal Epic Universe; here are our honest thoughts about the ride, which opens May 22, 2025 with the rest of the new theme park.
It’s been nearly 100 years since the first Universal Classic Monsters film, so you may be asking yourself: Are the Universal Monsters relevant enough for an “E-Ticket” attraction, let alone an entire world based on them? Dark Universe, one of the five worlds of Epic Universe, answers that question.
A brief history of the Universal Monsters
The year 1931 saw the success of the first Universal Classic Monsters movie, Tod Browning and Karl Freund’s “Dracula.” While Universal Studios was no stranger to horror (having prior produced shorts and silent films based on characters like The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera), “Dracula” was the true beginning of the Universal Classic Monsters legacy. These movies were filmed on the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot, back when the location was only a movie studio and not a theme park (indeed, theme parks as we know them didn’t exist yet).
Image courtesy of Universal
Dark beginnings
On Aug. 1, 2019 NBCUniversal announced Epic Universe, the third theme park coming to Universal Orlando Resort. Dark Universe, an original land based on Universal Classic Monsters, would be one of the five immersive worlds guests could travel to when visiting the park.
Beneath Frankenstein Manor, the focal point of Dark Universe, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her family before her. Looking to tame these misguided creatures, we are invited to watch as she attempts her most dangerous and challenging experiment yet, controling Count Dracula.
Artwork courtesy of Universal
The lead-up to the attraction
Approaching Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and entering the intimidatingly massive Frankenstein Manor sets the mood like no other attraction. The eerie nature of the manor and the imminent adventure is a feeling that can’t be translated through words.
Every detail in the queue, the mood lighting, and creepy pre-shows come together to create an experience unlike anything Universal Creative has ever crafted. Despite being a similar ride system as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey at Universal Islands of Adventure, Monsters Unchained achieves something new. It’s also less nauseating for those who may feel sick after riding Forbidden Journey.
Scarily good animatronics (+ brief spoilers)
Unlike Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Monsters Unchained boasts an overwhelming amount of animatronics. Universal Destinations & Experiences has put those to rest who claim they only make screen-based attractions. You’ll encounter screens along your journey through the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, but these are not the main focus for the majority of the attraction. Used to elevate a scene, the usage of screens is overshadowed by the highly advanced and lifelike animatronics portraying the Classic Monsters.
Photos courtesy of Universal
Diving into spoiler territory, it’s worth noting how breathtaking these show scenes are. When guests catch up to Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, they are first greeted by the Phantom of the Opera, playing an organ that shoots flames three feet into the air, synchronized to the music. The initial shock of seeing 14 flames dance to music has not settled yet, and took the entire duration of the ride to comprehend what had just been seen. This is not the last time you’ll be blown away by a scene on the ride, but in the effort of letting riders go in blind, we will reserve the surprise for those waiting to see for themselves.
Image courtesy of Universal
Is Monsters Unchained too scary for kids?
Some families might be a tad apprehensive about bringing their younger children on Monsters Unchained at Epic Universe. While erring on the side of caution is recommended, as most kids might find this adventure spooky, it is a rather lighthearted ride, all things considered. Ygor, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab assistant who guides you through the catacombs, provides much-needed comedic relief throughout the duration of your journey. Monsters Unchained is nowhere near as spooky or graphic as something you’d find at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. This might also serve as a perfect introduction to not only the Universal Classic Monsters, but the horror genre as a whole in the most family friendly way possible.
Artwork courtesy of Universal
Final thoughts
With Universal Pictures making their Hollywood backlot the birthplace of the monster movie, a 100+ year legacy comes full circle with Dark Universe, but more specifically Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Universal is not only an industry giant in the movie business, but theme parks as well. This ride feels like a love letter to the history of the company: combining beloved characters who made the studio a household name with a new, groundbreaking attraction sure to be the talk of the theme park community for decades to come.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and all of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, shook up theme parks as we know them, inspiring competitors to build their own immersive lands with thrilling “E-Ticket” attractions to be the next “big thing.” When it comes to Monsters Unchained at Epic Universe, the ride raises the bar while also serving as a cherry on top to the first 100+ years of Universal’s legacy. It is truly one of the greatest rides we have ever been on, and lives up to the hype in every way.
Photo courtesy of Universal
You gotta see this. Let us know your thoughts below after you have had a chance to ride.
Disclaimer: Our Epic Universe reviews are based on a preview of the park, so some of what we have talked about may change by the time the park officially opens.
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This ride was the icing on the cake in our “epic” adventure. I feel like Universal has made this theme park to be much more of an immersive experience! My 11 yr old loved this ride! I loved this ride. We loved the park. It made our trip ending at Epic Universe.