David Bridges
For dedicated Universal Monsters enthusiasts, the Dark Universe represents a dream come true, bringing to life a horror-themed park that celebrates the eerie and the unusual. Universal Pictures owes its very existence to these iconic films, which also laid the groundwork for the original Universal Studios theme park. This legacy is lovingly honored within the park’s boundaries, making it a thrilling destination for fans of all ages.
As you step into Epic Universe’s Darkmoor, you are immediately enveloped by the enchanting music composed by Danny Elfman, which resonates through the charming cobblestone streets and reverberates off the historic brick buildings. The area is filled with delightful nods to beloved characters, such as the captivating Dr. Jekyll’s Apothecary, which we can only dream would become a real retail experience. Throughout the land, you may encounter various walk-around characters who share the rich lore of these classic monsters. Expect to meet the enigmatic bandaged figure of the Invisible Man, or perhaps even the iconic Bride of Frankenstein accompanied by her Monster. Within the attractions, you’ll experience the presence of the original creatures, including the Hunchback of Notre Dame (be sure to look up when the bell tolls) and the haunting Phantom of the Opera.
The chilling universes of the classic films are not only preserved but also intriguingly expanded upon. When you encounter the Monster, you learn that he’s merely a friend to the Bride, and the tragic experiment from the James Whale film that brought her to life is hauntingly present in the queue of Monsters Unchained. These unexpected twists add depth and complexity to the stories we thought we knew, inviting guests to explore the intricacies of this reimagined world.
To truly grasp how these iconic tales may have evolved in contemporary society, it’s essential to pay careful attention to all the nuanced details scattered throughout Darkmoor. Upon your arrival, the character Ygor invites you to join Victoria Frankenstein on her ambitious mission to restore her family’s legacy while seeking to subdue Dracula (good luck with that!). Even the vampire familiars at Das Stakehaus echo the sentiment that there’s no way to keep that undead figure contained.
Meanwhile, at the Burning Blade Tavern, patrons can delve deeper into the villagers’ perspectives on the real monsters within Darkmoor: Are they the creations or the humans who strive to dominate them? I longed for more time in this captivating area to engage with every performer and extract as much lore as possible since it is so richly detailed. With only a few hours available to absorb as much spooky information as we could, we also sampled the culinary offerings and participated in the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience. The thrill of discovery has already left me eager for a return visit!
For casual theme park attendees, the experience of riding Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment might be a bit overwhelming. As you embark on this ride, you witness how Victoria has not only carried on her family’s legacy but has also crafted her very own version of the Monster. Additionally, video clips play showcasing her and Ygor’s attempts to capture the Creature From the Black Lagoon and the Wolf Man. There may be even more clips, but we passed through the queue rather quickly. It seems she believes that by assembling a sort of Monster Squad, she can uphold her family’s esteemed reputation, though she might be in over her head. We eagerly anticipate how this fascinating world will continue to evolve as more guests flock to Darkmoor.
Explore the gallery below to uncover a glimpse of the delightful details and hidden Easter eggs!
Epic Universe is now officially open at Universal Studios Orlando. Travel and accommodations for this review were graciously provided.
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Daniel Mercer
