I believed for a long time that my theme park days were behind me until now. Universal Studios’ new park, Epic Universe, opens in 2025.
What has piqued my interest? The Dark Universe is a land where the Universal Monsters will roam freely. Marcela and I have dreamed that something like this would happen, yet I’m sure there will be those who think it will be a nightmare (chickens, lol).
Molly Murphy, President Universal Creative, shared that Dark Universe will be “a world where Universal’s classic monsters are reimagined in an OMINOUS and CHILLING experience.”
At Dark Universe, you will be immersed in a world of monsters once you walk through the portal into the village of Darkmoor. There will actually be monster meet-and-greets, which is mind-blowing to think that this is happening.
And if you’re feeling out of place, there’s the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. Dr. Pretorius’ old lab is now a parlor where you can be made up as a werewolf, vampire, mummy, or even better, something more frightening.
You might run into a roaming musician performing some spooky tunes from the days of yore right before walking into Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, where you can get your fix of Dark Universe merchandise.
And what about the music running throughout the land? Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas), who also created the logo music for the Dark Universe film, has been given the reigns to create my soon-to-be favorite soundtrack.
This is a theme park, after all, and there’s the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf for your riding pleasure.
I’m more excited about the dining than anything. Since the 1990s, themed dining restaurants have been my thing, and they’re made even better when the creators are 100% committed.
Dark Universe will have the Das Stakehaus, the Burning Blade Tavern, and De Lacey’s Cottage. I will post the menus here once they are revealed.
In the meantime, the countdown is on for us monster fans…and in 2025, we’ll be able to scream at the top of our lungs, “It’s Alive!”
Das Stakehaus
Das Steakhouse is a unique 362-seat restaurant located deep beneath Darkmoor in the ancient catacombs that vampires call home. Run by the familiars of these vampires, the establishment is themed around the tales of Dracula and his kin. It is adorned with classic artwork and opulent relics that reflect vampiric culture.
This upscale quick-service spot allows you to order your food from the counter and have it brought to your table. The menu features steaks, kebabs, burgers, sandwiches, and ribs, all served by the familiars. As you dine, you might feel the presence of the vampires watching from below.
The Burning Blade Tavern
The land will feature The Burning Blade Tavern, a smaller dining location with 64 seats, designed to resemble the windmill from the original 1931 Frankenstein film. This quick-service spot also includes a bar and is inspired by the scene where villagers set the mill aflame, trapping the Frankenstein monster inside.
Inside The Burning Blade Tavern, guests can enjoy tavern fare and beverages while mingling with Darkmoor’s monster hunters, known as the “Hounds.” Their trophies and stories of their exploits will fill the tavern.
Every 20 minutes, the windmill atop the structure erupts into flames, creating a dramatic spectacle visible day and night.
The Burning Blade Tavern menu includes burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels, and a selection of drinks, making it a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere and hear tales of monster-hunting adventures.
De Lacey’s Cottage
Near Frankenstein Manor is De Lacey’s Cottage food stand, inspired by the place where Frankenstein’s Monster once found nourishment and friendship. Here, guests can enjoy a variety of snacks and cool treats, including cinnamon bread, ice cream, twisted taters, and more.
Thank you for doing your proper research on this land. As a theme park junkie this was spot on & offered a lot of information. Looking forward to this land much Ali g with the others. Thanks as always for another great read.