Step into the shadows: Universal's new monster land is not for the faint of heart

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Dare to walk amongst the undead? Maybe howl at the moon with werewolves? Or even come across the Creature of the Black Lagoon fresh out of the water?

Universal Orlando's Epic Universe gives parkgoers a chance to channel their inner monster at Dark Universe, one of the five immersive worlds featured at the new theme park.

"There’s so much for guests to do and see and discover. I really hope that the strokes that we’ve taken here feed the monster kids that are out there — the people who really love the legacy. And I hope that it starts a fire of passion for these characters in new audiences," Chris Frisella, executive producer of Dark Universe, said, according to WDWNT.

Epic Universe officially opened on Thursday, May 22. It is located in Universal's new south campus, about 15 minutes away from its other parks. The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando.

What is Dark Universe at Epic Universe? Encounter Universal's classic monsters

Guests enter Dark Universe from Celestial Park through a portal in a giant dead tree and walk right up to Frankenstein Manor. Described as a "shadowy world where the unknown lurks around every corner," Dark Universe takes Universal classic monsters off the screen and places them in real life.

Universal says parkgoers will explore a village ravaged by the wrath of unearthly creatures and the monstrous experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. Oh, and this world's music is composed by Danny Elfman, for extra eerie feels.

See map of Universal Orlando's Epic Universe

How many rides are in Dark Universe Orlando?

IT'S ALIVE … IT'S ALIVE!!! Dark Universe brings two new attractions to life.

Theme park fans have already been scoping out any new details for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It features 14 of the most life-like (and downright terrifying) animated figures ever created, including Dracula, The Wolf Man, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon.

"It will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein – conducts her twisted and misguided experiments," Universal writes. "In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed."

The world's other ride, Curse of the Werewolf, is also sure to both thrill and chill parkgoers.

Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor is a spinning family coaster inspired by “The Wolf Man.” According to Universal, guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics, where they’ll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild’s all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf.

Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest, racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves.

What is Epic Universe's 'Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience'?

Guests can unleash their inner monster at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, located in Dark Universe.

Skilled artisans will apply face makeup to "experiment or transform" guests into Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.

• Experiment Ticket (face makeup only): $45 plus tax per person
• Transformation Ticket (face makeup and accessories): $169 plus tax per adult; $109 plus tax per child (ages 3 - 9)

What are the restaurants at Dark Universe at Epic Universe?

There are three quick-service establishments for guests to sink their teeth into:

• Das Stakehaus: A mysterious restaurant where you can enjoy a hearty meal while "surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts."
• The Burning Blade Tavern: Where Darkmoor Village's monster hunters catch and display their monstrous trophies, this tavern offers burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels and beverages.
• De Lacey's Cottage: Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey's Cottage, where you can refresh yourself with a variety of snacks and treats.

First taste of Universal Epic Universe: Trying its highly themed food, drinks

What are the shops in Dark Universe at Epic Universe?

Looking for some spooky souvenirs to bring back home? Dark Universe has three shops for you to stumble across strange and macabre items — Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, The Manor Storehouse, and The Guild of Mystics.

Are there character meet-and-greets at Dark Universe?

Yes, if you dare. Guests can meet the iconic characters of Dark Universe, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster, Bride of Frankenstein, Ygor, and The Invisible Man. 

There are also new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.

What are the other four portals at Universal's Epic Universe?

• Celestial Park: The first-world guest will encounter when they arrive. It features relaxing gardens, a “wet play area,” a grand carousel, and a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. Celestial Park is also the gateway to Epic Universe’s four other worlds, accessed by themed portals.
• How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk gives fans of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic blends "1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,” according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley
• Super Nintendo World brings guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise for adventures with Mario, Princess Peach, and more, like at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Can I buy tickets to Epic Universe? How much are tickets to Epic Universe?

Yes. Guests can purchase single-day admission or multi-day ticket packages to Epic Universe.

Single-day tickets are available now for visits starting Sunday, June 1. These tickets start at $139 and can go up to $199 during peak periods. Annual pass holders can purchase single-day tickets at a discounted price.

May dates are unavailable unless you choose the multi-day ticket packages that were announced last year. The packages all include one or more days at Universal's other parks and a single day admission to Epic Universe.

Universal has also announced other products guests can add onto their admission, including express passes, VIP Tours, photos and costume experiences.