Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has long been considered a crown jewel of immersive attractions. Featuring advanced technology, large-scale sets, and characters like Rey and Kylo Ren, the Hollywood Studios experience blends trackless vehicles, simulators, walk-throughs, and a drop sequence into a nearly 20-minute mission. With 65 animatronics and state-of-the-art projection effects, it has been recognized for two consecutive years as Best Dark Ride at the Golden Ticket Awards.
But 2025 brought a new winner. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at Universal Epic Universe claimed the award, ending Rise of the Resistance’s streak. The shift reflects not just a new attraction’s success, but the larger impact of Universal’s third park.
Universal Epic Universe officially opened on May 22 after exclusive previews. Its themed lands include Dark Universe, Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Ministry of Magic. Since opening, it has been described as a game-changing addition to Florida’s theme park landscape.
The highlight of Epic Universe’s new awards is Monsters Unchained. Inside Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab, experiments unleash Dracula, The Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster. Using KUKA robotic arm technology, the ride delivers close encounters with 14 detailed animatronics and relies heavily on physical sets over screens. Guests describe the experience as atmospheric, with sudden movements and a darker tone than Disney’s cinematic Star Wars adventure.
The Golden Ticket Awards praised the new park in multiple categories: “Universal Orlando Resort’s new Universal Epic Universe park walked away with four wins: Best New Roller Coaster (Stardust Racers), Best New Attraction Installation (Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry), Best New Theme Concept, and Best Dark Ride,” the announcement said. “Those latter two categories centered around the park’s Dark Universe area and its anchor attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.”
This momentum has fueled conversations about competition in Orlando. Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro has previously stated that Disney wasn’t worried about Universal’s new park. In fact, Walt Disney World reopened all six of its parks on the eve of Epic Universe’s debut, marking the first time since 2019 they had all been in operation simultaneously. D’Amaro also remarked that visitors to Epic Universe would inevitably make their way to Magic Kingdom.
Still, Universal’s new park has quickly built a following. Despite minor operational setbacks, Epic Universe's Monsters Unchained ride has already entertained more than a million guests, with hints of expansion on the horizon. Disney retains a loyal fanbase, but Universal’s newest additions have drawn widespread recognition.
The two attractions now compared most often highlight different priorities. Rise of the Resistance offers sweeping storytelling and cinematic resolution, while Monsters Unchained thrives on intensity and horror-inspired thrills. While Disney’s attraction continues to impress, its reliability issues have at times dampened the experience. Universal’s new dark ride, meanwhile, has established itself as efficient, immersive, and distinct.
For theme park fans, the variety is what makes Orlando such a destination. Some will prefer the galaxy-spanning scale of Rise of the Resistance, while others may gravitate toward the gothic energy of Monsters Unchained. Either way, the rivalry between Disney and Universal has entered a new phase with Epic Universe leading the conversation.
