If you’ve been eyeing Epic Universe’s newest offerings ahead of its big debut this May, there’s a good chance the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience has made your list. But before you commit to going full vampire, werewolf, or ghoul… there’s one very important detail you’ll want to know about.
What Is the Monster Makeup Experience?
Located inside Darkmoor, the land themed to Universal’s Classic Monsters, this unique upcharge experience invites guests to transform into creatures of the night using custom face paint and accessories.
You can choose between two experience types:
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Experiment Ticket — Includes detailed face makeup
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Transformation Ticket — Includes both makeup and custom monster accessories (think fangs, ears, and more)
Guests can book reservations online ahead of Epic Universe’s official opening on May 22, 2025, and it’s already looking to be one of the most sought-after add-ons in the new park.
But There’s One Rule That’s Surprising Many Guests
While the experience is sure to be unforgettable, Universal is enforcing a strict policy that’s catching a lot of guests off guard: If you’re wearing monster makeup, you cannot purchase alcohol in any Universal Orlando park, including CityWalk, for the rest of the day.
That’s right — once your makeover is complete, no cocktails, no beer, and no specialty drinks from Epic Universe’s many themed dining spots.
Why the No-Alcohol Policy?
Team Members at the Monster Makeup Experience told us that the reason for this rule is simple: with the makeup applied, many guests no longer resemble their photo ID. That makes it very difficult for Universal employees to confirm age when serving alcoholic beverages.
To stay within responsible service standards, Universal has decided that no guest in full monster makeup will be allowed to purchase alcohol, even if they’re clearly over 21. You’ll be reminded of the policy during the check-in process, and again before you pay.
This rule also appears on Universal’s official website, and applies to any of their parks or CityWalk locations, not just Epic Universe.
This Isn’t Just a Florida Thing
Interestingly, we’re seeing similar policies pop up in other Universal parks as well. Over in Hollywood, Universal Studios is preparing for its Fan Fest Nights, and their event guidelines state that guests with face paint covering more than half of their face (vertically) will not be served alcohol either.
While the specifics may vary slightly between locations, the reasoning seems to be the same: verifying a guest’s age becomes complicated when makeup obscures key facial features.
What Guests Are Saying
Social media has already lit up with posts from early participants in the Monster Makeup Experience. Many are sharing their incredible transformations — and their surprise about the alcohol policy. Some comments include:
“I looked SO good but couldn’t get a drink all day. Wish I’d known ahead of time!”
“Makes sense, but I definitely would’ve planned differently.”
“Note to self: wine first, monster second!”
It’s a great reminder to know before you go, especially if you plan to enjoy one of the many signature drinks debuting throughout Epic Universe.
Should You Still Try the Experience?
Absolutely — the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience is one of the most exciting new features of the park, and for fans of Universal’s monster legacy, it’s a must-do. The no-alcohol policy may require a little extra planning, but for many guests, the photo ops and reactions alone are worth it.
If you’d like to sip on something special during your park day, we recommend visiting one of the themed bars before your makeup session begins. Once you’re transformed, you’ll still have access to the full park — just not the adult beverages.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates from Epic Universe and everything new coming to Universal Orlando in 2025.
