A Mortals Guide to Dark Universe - at Epic Universe

Welcome to the shadows of Darkmoor Village - the eerie, immersive land inside Dark Universe at Universal Orlando Resorts newest park, Epic Universe. Whether your family loves monster movies or you’re just looking for thrills and chills, Darkmoor delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.

While it may be less tailored to young children, Dark Universe offers an experience that's more intriguing than frightening, making it an enjoyable exploration for families with older kids and teens.

This is the least kid-friendly of the 5 portals at Epic (being that there are only 2 attractions) and the theming isn't colorful  like the other portals but kids will still find it interesting and fun!

Here's your complete guide to what to ride, eat, see, and explore in this shadowy corner of the park.

The Land: 

Darkmoor feels like stepping straight into a creepy storybook village with gravestones, crumbling stone walls, and eerie fog rolling through narrow alleyways. Inspired by classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Werewolves, and Dracula, the land is filled with gothic charm and immersive details. Visit at dusk or after dark for the full effects!! The lighting, pyro, fog, and sound effects come alive in a whole new way.

When you enter Darkmoor, you pass by a crypt where you hear Victoria Frankenstein’s (Frankensteins great-great-grandaughter whom you meet in the main attraction) and her assistant Ygor looking for victims to use in her experiments. There’s creepy creature screeches, and it’s so cool to get the sense of story as soon as you walk in.

Parent Tip: While the theming and characters are spooky, it’s not too scary. There aren't any jump scares, or scenery a little one would be afraid of. 

Rides & Attractions

Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment

This high-speed indoor ride is the headliner attraction. Guests enter Frankenstein's lab and are swept into a chaotic escape as classic monsters run amok. It combines sharp turns, launches, and state-of-the-art effects and tech. It features 14 life like animatronics and a never-before seen ride vehicle system. You can test out the vehicle seating near the entrance for size and comfort. Wheelchairs are obtained near the entrance, but scooters and strollers must be parked across from the entrance. 

Height Requirement: 48" minimum

Intensity Level: Thrilling but smooth; may be too intense for younger kids under 10. Doesn't have any drops or inversions. 

Parent Tip: If your kids aren’t up for this one, there are still plenty of other ways to experience the land, including character interactions and live performances. There is a rider swap/family room, and a drinking fountain wiht bottle filling station in the queue. 

Curse of the Werewolf

A spinning family coaster located deeper in the woods near the edge of the village. This ride tells the story of a cursed forest and mysterious howls in the night.

Height Requirement: 40" minimum (supervised), 48" to ride alone

Intensity Level: Mild to moderate thrills

Family Tip: The queue has some spooky elements (like distant howling and eerie narration), but it’s mostly atmospheric and not jumpy. At night, the lighting transforms the forest into a glowing, foggy haunt—worth riding twice!

Both attractions offer Rider Swap facilities, allowing one parent to wait with younger children while the other rides, then switch without re-entering the queue. These areas are equipped with comfortable seating and amenities to ensure a pleasant wait for non-riding guests.

Food & Drink:

The Burning Blade Tavern

This rustic tavern, inspired by the fiery windmill from the 1931 Frankenstein film, offers hearty fare and themed beverages in a setting adorned with monster trophies and hunter memorabilia. There is very limited seating here, and standing room only at the bar. You can Mobile Order your food on the app, but you can order drinks at the bar. 

Menu favorites include:

• Hunter’s Garlic Stake – A crispy garlic butter pretzel served with garlic dipping sauce.
• The Burning Cheddar Bites - crispy fried poppers filled with a jalapeño-pimento cheddar cheese blend, they look like they are blackened. 
• Charred Loaded Potato – Hickory char-crusted potato topped with Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, jalapeño bacon, and chives. 
• Burning Blade Burger – A 4 oz. black angus patty with American cheese, caramelized onions, and jalapeño bacon on a potato bun, served with kettle chips.

Das Stakehaus

This quick-service restaurant is themed as an old inn built over ancient catacombs, with decor featuring vampire artwork and artifacts.  It’s run by vampire “hosts” who stay in character with eerie politeness and blood-themed humor, like "enjoy your meal, it just might be your last." You can Mobile Order from your table once you're seated, and they will bring your meal to your table. 

Menu Highlights:

• Bird on a Stake – Grilled dry-rubbed chicken tenderloin with red chimichurri, served with roasted veggies
• Das Monster Burger – A seared Angus burger topped with tomato pepper chutney, white cheddar cheese, grilled onions, hot cherry peppers, and bacon, all nestled in a black bun and served with fries. 
• "Blood" Orange Chicken Sandwich – Flash-fried marinated chicken breast drizzled with blood orange sauce, accompanied by pickles and a familiar slaw on a black bun with fries. 
• Red Velvet Death – A red velvet heart "beet" coffin cake adorned with chocolate crumbs and puffed rice maggots.

Family Tip: Great place to sit down for cool, quieter There are high chairs available.

De Lacey's 

This snack spot has beverages, cinnamon bites and Franken-pretzels with cheese. 

 Shopping for Merch:

"Descendants of the late Dr. Pretorius have turned his Darkmoor Village home into Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, a wondrous emporium where his collection of macabre items is on display (and for sale)" -Universal Orlando

Find awesome souvenirs here, clothes, plush, pins, housewares, and more. Take a look UP on the rafters and ceiling to see all the "oddities" are displayed. 

Characters & Live Performers:

Throughout the day, Darkmoor is brought to life by roaming characters and performers:

• The Bride of Frankenstein often roams the village with a commanding presence, and meets near the restrooms with Frankenstein's Creature
• Mad Scientist Ygor interacts with guests and shows off his bag full of limbs
• The Invisible Man roams near Das Stakehouse talking to guests
• Various Musicians and Henchmen are also found in the village

Family Tip: These characters are friendly (and theatrical!) not scary types. They’re great for photos and fun conversations. Engage with the villagers! 

Monster Make-Up Experience:

This hands-on experience lets guests get transformed into classic monsters. Choose from vampire bites, werewolf scratches, stitched scars, or ghoulish face paint to resemble your favorite monster.

Hidden Details ⚰️🪦

• Darkmoor is packed with secrets and references for fans of classic horror films
• Look closely at the fountain carvings for stories of Dracula, The Wolf Man, and more
• Inside the tavern, portraits change during lightning flashes
• Try knocking on the undertaker’s door at the edge of the village
• Look in the window of the Apothecary
• Follow side paths to find hidden coffins, gravestones and more

Have you braved the shadows of Darkmoor? Share your favorite part in the comments!

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