For so long as I can keep in mind, I’ve been enthralled by the enduring creatures of Common’s basic monster franchise: Frankenstein’s monster, Depend Dracula, the Mummy, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the Invisible Man. These legendary characters, together with their respective actors reminiscent of Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains, and Elsa Lanchester, have all been ingrained in my psyche since childhood. I’ve been dreaming of a spot the place I might unleash my inside monster, let my freak flag fly, and revel of their ghoulish glory. That place is lastly right here: Darkish Universe, a revolutionary new portal inside Common Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe.
This reimagined universe isn’t just a nod to the previous; it’s a daring evolution of the basic monsters for a contemporary viewers. The masters of theme park magic have taken these beloved characters beneath their wing, infusing them with an exhilarating new sense of pleasure, thriller, and surprise. I knew I used to be residence as I watched the introduction to this foreboding realm. The immersive ambiance is intoxicating, with each element meticulously crafted to move guests right into a world of legendary monsters.
All through this text, I’ll take you on a journey by way of the Darkish Universe, revealing the monstrous particulars of mysterious points of interest and ghoulish delights that await. From the experiments of Victoria Frankenstein to a twisted panorama the place monsters roam, the Darkish Universe is a grim world of fantasy and thriller. Each side of this portal is designed to fulfill even probably the most discerning monster fanatics. So, come be part of me as we delve into the forbidden world of gods and monsters, the place the creatures of our wildest nightmares come to life. Let’s increase our stakes and enter… DAS STAKEHAUS!
IT’S ALIVE!
It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Subsequent 12 months, Common – the pioneer of the horror style will deliver its timeless monsters to the current day with the debut of Darkish Universe – one of many 5 immersive worlds featured on the all-new Common Epic Universe opening in 2025. Probably the most mysterious world of Common Orlando’s latest theme park, this fascinating new land will envelop friends in monstrous adventures throughout numerous points of interest, retailers, eating places and character meet and greets that can thrill everybody from households to basic Monster followers alike. Created by the award-winning Common Inventive crew in partnership with Common Footage, Darkish Universe blends the enduring tales of unearthly legends like Dracula, The Wolf Man, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein and extra with a brand new technology of monsters and characters, together with Dr Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the notorious Henry Frankenstein who has continued his misguided experiments. As friends enterprise by way of Darkmoor – the ravaged village inside Darkish Universe –they’ll encounter the characters and topics of these experiments inside a first-of-its-kind theme park setting that gives family-friendly enjoyable whereas additionally pushing the boundaries on depth in a approach that solely Common might obtain.
ENTER THE DARK UNIVERSE
The formidable journey begins the second friends enter its electrifying portal through Celestial Park. As you step by way of the foreboding portal, a jolt of electrical energy crackles by way of the air, just like the spark of life itself. The air is heavy with anticipation as you enter a realm the place the veil between the world of the dwelling and the realm of the useless is at its thinnest. The decaying cemetery earlier than you is shrouded in a thick, eerie fog that adheres to your pores and skin like a chill. Tombstones lie upended, their inscriptions worn away by time and neglect, whereas twisted roots writhe like skeletal fingers throughout the bottom. The wind whispers secrets and techniques in your ear, and the hairs on the again of your neck stand on finish as you realise that nothing stays buried for lengthy on this forsaken place. As you enterprise deeper, the power coursing by way of the portal intensifies, constructing in direction of a crescendo that can culminate on the imposing Frankenstein Manor, a monolith of darkness that looms giant over the village like a spectre of dying itself. Will you dare to enter this haunted realm, the place science and darkness collide in a maelstrom of terror and surprise?
WELCOME TO DARKMOOR
Welcome, courageous souls, to Darkmoor, a village shrouded in an everlasting twilight the place the very material of actuality appears to unravel like a tattered cloak. As you step into the crumbling blackened stone partitions of this foreboding city, the air thickens with an unsettling power, heavy with the scent of decay and desperation. The once-quaint streets now lie in break, scarred by the unholy experiments of the infamous Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, whose twisted creations lurk in each shadow. The creaking of previous picket indicators and the distant howling of wolves echo by way of the night time as if the very darkness itself is alive and watching. On this forsaken place, the place monsters roam free and the villagers cower in worry, you’ll end up drawn right into a world of unholy terror and surprise. Enter Frankenstein Manor, the place the horrors inside will chill your very bones. Encounter hidden retailers and eating places, the place the eerie ambiance is just matched by the unsettling delicacies. And enterprise forth into the woods, the place you’ll be capable of meet these monsters that lurk round each bend. Company will embark on thrilling adventures the place they will get made as much as seem like their favorite monsters. That is Darkmoor, a village the place survival is a continuing battle, and solely the bravest (or most foolhardy) will emerge unscathed. So, courageous Common Orlando’s most chilling journey ever, and dare you enter the place the boundaries between actuality and nightmare blur like a madman’s canvas?”
“We created a village and a world past it the place not solely can these tales come collectively, however new tales can are available in as properly,” explains Pete Carsillo, senior inventive director for Darkish Universe. “Now you’re in the identical place the place all these tales come collectively, nevertheless it’s the present day.”
THRILLING AND UNSETTLING ATTRACTIONS
MONSTERS UNCHAINED: THE FRANKENSTEIN EXPERIMENT
Welcome, expensive thrill-seekers, to the darkest recesses of the Darkish Universe, the place the boundaries of sanity are examined and the phobia is palpable. Step into the foreboding Frankenstein Manor, the place the scent of decay and electrical energy hangs heavy within the air. That is Common Orlando’s most terrifying attraction but, this state-of-the-art darkish journey takes friends deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, the place Dr. Victoria Frankenstein conducts her twisted experiments. In a useless show of her genius, she invitations friends into her laboratory to witness an indication of her capacity to regulate monsters. However her plans go awry when her makes an attempt to regulate probably the most harmful of monsters, Dracula fails, unleashing a maelstrom of monstrous horrors, and you might be about to change into their prey. As you enterprise deeper into the darkness, the shadows appear to writhe and twist round you, like dwelling tendrils of malevolence. The crackle of electrical energy and the hum of equipment will ship shivers down your backbone as you navigate the dimly lit corridors, pursued by the likes of Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. The very air appears to vibrate with malevolent power as you evade their greedy fingers, and monstrous wails echo by way of the darkness. However wait, what’s this? The Phantom of the Opera’s haunting melody wafts by way of the shadows, accompanied by 14 particular person flames that dance in eerie concord, casting an otherworldly glow over the macabre scene. After which, the query echoes by way of your thoughts: who’s the true monster right here—the creator or her creations? Will you escape the clutches of those unholy abominations, or will you succumb to their primal fury? Just one factor is definite: within the Darkish Universe, terror awaits round each twisted nook…
Talking about Victoria Frankenstein, Greg Corridor, inventive director of Darkish Universe needed to say, “We see a maniacal facet of her regardless that she’s our hero. The monsters are launched and it’s as much as her, Frankenstein and Ygor to assist save the day whereas we’re caught in the course of this chaos” talking concerning the attraction expertise he additionally stated that “What I need friends to say is, ‘That was one of many scariest issues I’ve ever accomplished in my life — and you must strive it. It’s onerous to scare individuals as of late. We need to ensure that they’ve enjoyable, and so they see one thing they’ll always remember”.
CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF
Step into the shadows of darkness, the place the moon casts an eerie glow and the whispers of the forest appear to echo by way of the bushes. The Guild of Mystics beckons you to a vibrant encampment shrouded in thriller and foreboding, the place the all-knowing seer and chief, Maleva, awaits. She warns you that you just bear the mark of the werewolf, a curse that threatens to eat you at any second. As you board the wagon, the rustling of leaves and snapping of twigs sign your descent into the guts of terror. The air is thick with rigidity as you hurtle by way of the darkish forest, the sound of gnashing enamel and glowing eyes closing in round you. The wind rushes previous your face as you spin and weave by way of the bushes, determined to flee the snarling pack of werewolves that stalks you. Will you outrun the curse or succumb to its primal fury? For two minutes and 37 miles per hour, The household coaster, Curse of the Werewolf will go away you breathless and begging for extra. Enter if you happen to dare, however be warned: when you’re bitten by the fun of this household coaster, there’s no turning again.”
Whereas Maleva does make an look within the 1941 movie “The Wolf Man,” her Darkish Universe model is up to date to mirror the fictional tradition of the Guild of Mystics, which is wealthy with magnificence, violence and, after all, werewolves.
Talking about this attraction, Pete Carsillo, senior inventive director for Darkish Universe needed to say.. “It feels actually up to date, however you would actually hint this Maleva again to a different Maleva again to the film. So now you expertise Maleva and her Mystics, nevertheless it’s with a number of richness and a number of colour — stuff you couldn’t get within the previous black and white.
MAKE-UP & MEET AND GREETS
DARKMOOR MONSTER MAKEUP EXPERIENCE
Step into the eerie confines of Dr. Pretorius’ infamous laboratory, the place the boundaries between human and monster blur. Inside these crumbling partitions, a crew of masterful artisans await to unleash your inside Monster. As you give up to their expert fingers, they’ll remodel your visage right into a terrifyingly alluring masterpiece, full with elaborate face paint and momentary tattoos. Immerse your self within the Darkmoor Monster Make-up Expertise, the place the traces between actuality and nightmare dissolve. Turn out to be one with the darkness as you don the pores and skin of a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or another fiendishly fantastical creature. The whispers of the useless echo by way of the lab, because the air thickens with anticipation. Will you dare to unleash your inside monster and be part of the ranks of the endlessly damned? Enable the masterful make-up artists to breathe life into your deepest needs, and unleash your inside beast upon the world. Let the transformation start… if you happen to dare. A few of have waited our entire lives to unleash our inside monsters, so depend me in.
“If you wish to be a monster, you’ll be able to really be made up like a monster,” says Pete. “Or if you wish to be a little bit extra meta, you’ll be able to are available in and get your entire household lined up in momentary tattoos. In Darkish Universe, you’ll be able to stroll round with [temporary] tattoos on whenever you’re 5!”
MEET THE MONSTERS
Step into the shadows of the Darkish Universe, the place the boundaries between actuality and nightmare blur, and the inhabitants of the village will make your coronary heart skip a beat. As you wander by way of the twisted streets and crumbling structure, you’ll encounter the notorious Common Monsters, their eerie silhouettes lurking in each nook. Say whats up to Frankenstein’s Monster, his bride, Dracula, the Invisible Man, and the Wolf Man as they roam free, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly gentle. However beware, for these are usually not simply mere caricatures – they’re the dwelling, respiration embodiment of terror. After which there are the characters created only for this twisted world, like Victoria Frankenstein the eccentric great-great-granddaughter and her monstrous assistants, who will weave a spell of surprise and dread round you. Meet Ygor, the sinister servant with a twisted grin, or the Invisible Man, whose presence is just felt by way of his unsettling whispers. The air is alive with the scent of decay and dying, and the sounds of screams and howls echo by way of the darkness. Will you dare to take a photograph with the Bride of Frankenstein, her porcelain pores and skin glowing within the moonlight? Or will you flee from the greedy fingers of The Hounds, monster hunters who patrol the streets searching for their subsequent sufferer? You’ll even come upon a gifted musician who will regale you with songs and tales of the basic Common Monsters tales. Come, be part of us in Darkmoor Village, the place worry is palpable and the unknown lurks round each nook. However be warned: when you enter our area, there’s no turning again.
“There’s a lot for friends to do and see and uncover. I actually hope that the strokes that we’ve taken right here feed the monster youngsters which might be on the market — the individuals who actually love the legacy. And I hope that it begins a fireplace of ardour for these characters in new audiences!”-Chris Frisella, government producer of Darkish Universe
UNSETTLING CUISINE
As you step into the foreboding realm of Darkish Universe, you’ll end up entranced by the eerie attract of two eating places that can transport you to a world of darkish fantasy. The selection is yours: indulge within the sinister ambiance of Das Stakehaus, a vampire-run eating corridor the place the “familiars” of the night time serve up a menu of succulent kebabs, burgers, and sandwiches amidst an environment of historical mystique and foreboding. Or, succumb to the attract of The Burning Blade Tavern, a smoldering windmill-framed tavern the place the scent of scorching meats and periodic flames waft by way of the air, beckoning you to sink your enamel right into a meal that can go away you howling for extra.
DAS STAKEHAUS
Darkmoor’s most ominous restaurant. As you dine, be cautious of the vampire “familiars” who serve you, their piercing gazes seeming to dimension you up as potential meal. However worry not, for his or her sinister intentions are matched solely by the tantalizing aromas wafting from the kitchen. Savor every chew, because the shadows solid by the flickering torches dance throughout the partitions, conjuring tales of historical battles fought and received. And whenever you’ve completed your meal, browse the cabinets for macabre merchandise and attire that can make you the envy of all who dare to enterprise into this haunted realm. In Das Stakehaus, the partitions are adorned with art work that reimagines the world by way of the eyes of the creatures of the night time, casting vampires as heroes in their very own twisted tales. Will you end up entangled of their darkish fantasy, or will you emerge unscathed, with solely a style for blood or journey? The selection is yours, however be warned: when you enter this realm, there’s no turning again…
THE BURNING BLADE TAVERN
As you step into the foreboding gates of The Burning Blade Tavern, the air thickens with an otherworldly power, The windmill’s blazing inferno crackles and spews forth a mesmerizing dance of flames, casting an eerie glow over the country, weathered partitions. It’s as if the spirits of the previous have converged upon this forsaken spot, their whispers weaving a spell of temptation round each succulent chew. And what a feast awaits! Savor the savory aroma of scorching burgers, the spicy tang of wings, the snap of bratwursts and pretzels, and quench your thirst with a specialty brew that can go away you howling for extra. However be warned: the tales that unfold inside these hallowed halls are usually not for the faint of coronary heart. The “Hounds” – Darkmoor’s most feared monster hunters – regale patrons with boasts of their ugly conquests, whereas their trophies stare down from the partitions like malevolent sentinels. Will you dare to bask in a meal amidst these hunters, or will you flee into the darkness, endlessly modified by the secrets and techniques whispered inside these historical stones? A few years in the past, an indignant mob of villagers torched the previous mill in the course of the notorious Frankenstein incident again in1931. Now, the mill has change into their favourite hangout. The mill that stands atop this restaurant erupts into flames each 20 minutes.
Different enjoyable nods to the Common Monsters universe will embrace retailers and snack stands, together with:
De Lacey’s Cottage – Close to Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey’s Cottage meals stand, the place the unique Frankenstein’s Monster as soon as obtained sustenance and friendship. Right here, friends can discover a wide range of snacks and funky treats like cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters and extra.
Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities – “Company can take residence a chunk of the immortal world of Darkish Universe with commemorative merchandise and mementos
A SHADOWY WORLD OF LEGENDARY MONSTERS
“And so, expensive associates, because the curtains shut on our journey by way of the shadows of Darkmoor that’s till 2025, I go away you with a haunting whisper: come, be part of me within the darkness. Allow us to enterprise forth into the guts of this eerie realm of Gods and Monsters, the place the boundaries between actuality and nightmare blur. The wind whispers secrets and techniques of the damned in your ear as we enterprise into Frankenstein Manor for an exhilarating journey on Monsters Unchained , the moon casts an otherworldly glow all through Curse of the Werewolf , and the scent of decay wafts by way of the air. Welcome to Darkish Universe, the place the monsters you thought you knew come to life in a world of unspeakable terror. The rustling of dry leaves alerts the method of Dracula’s minions, whereas Frankenstein’s monster lumbers forth from the shadows, its eyes aglow with an unholy gentle. The ghosts of movie noir flicker like lanterns within the darkness, guiding you deeper into the abyss. And amidst this macabre panorama, tantalizing aromas waft from the shadows: wealthy espresso, candy pastries, and savory meats sizzle on historical grills. Come, indulge, at Das Stakehaus the place mortal flavours meet monstrous delights. Quench your thirst with a glass of ‘Dracula’s crimson concoction that can go away you shivering in delight. And as you dine amidst the darkness. These basic monsters will lastly have a house in a single distinctive and unbelievable immersive world in Darkish Universe, the road between actuality and horror is however a whisper away. The legacy of the Common Monsters is difficult to overstate, after all of the IP is over 100 years previous and it’s secure to say the inventive crew behind this world has taken on this undertaking with nice respect and admiration.
“It’s actually concerning the care that has been taken, as we’ve crafted these tales and this land, to essentially respect the historical past of those movies,” says Chris. “However we’re not being charged with making a museum. We’re being charged with making a dwelling, respiration world and expertise.” Darkish Universe is world the place the entire basic Common Monsters tales actually occurred — and shortly, friends will be capable of enterprise into the shadows and expertise what that world appears to be like like at this time.
Till we meet once more, could your nightmares be crammed with candy terror…
To organize for the electrifying chills and thrills that await in Darkish Universe, friends can now buy a wide range of new merchandise themed to the brand new land – together with attire, equipment and extra. The gathering is on the market for a limited-time and will be bought on the Common Epic Universe Preview Heart in Common CityWalk and on https://store.universalorlando.com/store/. Keep tuned – extra particulars about Common Epic Universe might be revealed within the months forward. For extra details about Common Epic Universe, go to https://www.universalorlando.com/internet/en/gb/theme-parks/epic-universe.
