Universal hasn't revealed what will eventually fill the expansion area next to Dark Universe at Epic Universe, but that hasn't stopped fans from trying to solve the mystery themselves. Construction permits, building plans, and every newly uncovered document have become part of an ongoing search for clues, with speculation spreading quickly whenever something new appears.
Now, another piece of that puzzle has surfaced. A recently granted Universal patent detailing an innovative water ride system has sparked renewed online discussion, and many fans believe it could hint at a future attraction inspired by one of the company's most famous movie monsters.
Universal's Patent Takes a Different Direction
The newly granted patent describes a ride system that moves boats without relying on many of the mechanical components commonly found beneath traditional water rides.
According to the filing, systems that use underwater tracks, chains, or wheels can create potential pinch points and other concerns around loading and unloading. Universal's proposed design instead uses water itself to help guide the ride vehicle through the attraction.
The visible portion of the ride resembles attractions like Fyre Drill at Epic Universe, where boats travel through an open water channel. Hidden beneath that channel, however, is a second trough containing equipment that controls the vehicle's movement. Adjustable surfaces act much like an automated rudder, steering the boat while controlling its speed throughout the experience.
The patent also explains that the same technology could potentially be adapted for wheeled ride vehicles traveling across dry surfaces, making the concept useful beyond traditional water attractions.
Another feature allows operators to regulate or even stop water flow using gates positioned within the trough, giving the ride system greater flexibility when managing vehicle spacing and pacing.
Naturally, receiving a patent doesn't guarantee an attraction will ever be built. Companies regularly patent ideas that never leave the drawing board. Still, it offers an interesting look at the kinds of ride technology Universal continues to develop.
One Monster Keeps Coming Up
Almost immediately after the patent became public, one theory rose above the rest.
Many fans began wondering whether Creature from the Black Lagoon could finally receive the attraction they've wanted for years. Because the Gill-man is so closely associated with water, it's easy to see why people connected the patent with the iconic Universal Monster.
Dark Universe already gives guests the chance to experience Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Curse of the Werewolf, each focusing on different legendary creatures. A third attraction centered on Creature from the Black Lagoon would naturally expand that lineup while introducing a completely different experience.
At this point, though, it's only fan speculation. Universal has not connected the patent to Dark Universe or confirmed that Creature from the Black Lagoon is part of its plans.
Permits Suggest Something Significant Is Coming
The patent isn't the only reason people believe something major could be on the horizon.
Construction documents tied to Project 680 continue to point toward a large new attraction. Current filings describe a building measuring approximately 93,308 square feet, including about 71,500 square feet intended for usable attraction space.
That footprint places the project in roughly the same category as the show building used for Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Permit documents also reference a multi-level structure with a dedicated ride maintenance bay. While those filings don't reveal exactly what Universal intends to build, they strongly suggest the project will house a major attraction instead of restaurants or retail locations.
A Different Kind of Attraction Could Still Work
Even if the patent has nothing to do with the expansion, Creature from the Black Lagoon could still fit into Dark Universe another way.
Rather than building a water ride, Universal could choose a traditional dark ride that places guests inside a mysterious swamp filled with atmospheric sets, detailed animatronics, eerie lighting, and practical effects. A trackless or omnimover-style attraction could tell the story while delivering the immersive environments fans expect from modern Universal attractions.
That approach would also give designers more flexibility when creating scenes while potentially reducing the maintenance demands associated with large-scale water rides.
The Waiting Game Continues
Universal hasn't officially announced what Project 680 will become, and there's no confirmation that the newly granted patent connects to the expansion area. For now, fans are simply putting together the available pieces and seeing where they lead.
Whether the final attraction becomes a water ride, a dark ride, or something entirely different, the speculation isn't slowing down anytime soon. Until Universal decides it's ready to share its plans, every permit, patent, and construction update will continue fueling the conversation about what's next for Dark Universe.
