Universal Orlando is preparing for one of its biggest expansions ever with the opening of Epic Universe in May 2025, and the excitement just keeps building. This massive new theme park will introduce guests to five uniquely themed lands, each packed with cutting-edge attractions, immersive experiences, and fan-favorite characters. While Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic have already drawn plenty of attention, Universal just confirmed something horror fans have been waiting for—Dark Universe will feature meet-and-greets with Universal’s classic monsters.
If you love classic horror films, Dark Universe is going to be your dream come true (or maybe a nightmare). This land will be dedicated to the legendary creatures that made Universal famous, from Frankenstein’s Monster to The Invisible Man. Stepping into Dark Universe will feel like walking straight into a classic horror movie, with gothic castles, eerie fog, and unsettling music setting the stage. Universal Creative recently confirmed that guests will be able to meet some of these iconic monsters in person, making Dark Universe one of the most interactive and immersive horror-themed areas ever built.
Among the confirmed characters visitors will encounter are Frankenstein’s Monster, The Bride of Frankenstein, and The Invisible Man—yes, really! While fans are still wondering how a meet-and-greet with The Invisible Man will work, Universal promises the experience will capture his mischievous and mysterious personality. Guests will also be able to meet Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, Igor, and a group of hunters known as The Hounds, who can be found telling creepy stories at the Burning Blade Tavern. Adding to the atmosphere, a violinist in Dark Moor will roam the land, reciting poetry and eerie tales from the world of classic monster lore.
Dark Universe is just one piece of the larger Epic Universe puzzle, which is shaping up to be Universal’s most immersive park yet. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will allow visitors to step inside the Mushroom Kingdom, complete challenges, and ride some of Nintendo’s most famous vehicles. Meanwhile, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will transport fans into the world of wizards and witches, focusing on the political and magical intrigue within the Ministry. Fans of How to Train Your Dragon will be able to fly alongside dragons in Isle of Berk, a land designed to bring DreamWorks’ hit animated franchise to life in spectacular fashion. At the center of it all is Celestial Park, a futuristic, visually stunning hub that connects each themed world while offering its own attractions and entertainment.
With Epic Universe’s grand opening now just over a year away, Universal is gradually unveiling more details about what guests can expect. Dark Universe, in particular, has the potential to be a game-changer, offering a horror experience unlike anything seen at a major theme park before. While Halloween Horror Nights provides seasonal scares, Dark Universe will be a year-round love letter to Universal’s monster legacy, blending spooky storytelling with interactive thrills. The confirmed character interactions are just the beginning, and there’s still plenty more to learn as Universal continues to roll out announcements leading up to 2025.
Whether you’re a horror fanatic excited to meet Frankenstein’s Monster or a theme park enthusiast eager to explore all that Epic Universe has to offer, one thing is for sure—Universal is pulling out all the stops to make this their biggest and boldest park yet. With groundbreaking technology, immersive environments, and unforgettable encounters, Epic Universe is about to take theme parks to an entirely new level. The countdown to 2025 is officially on!
