Universal Orlando Resort has revealed photos and video footage of brand new, cutting edge audio animatronic figures for their upcoming theme park, Epic Universe. As a huge fan of practical effects and audio animatronics in theme park rides, I am beyond thrilled not only with the lineup of characters we have so far, but the absolutely quality and care we can clearly see went into creating the beloved Universal Monsters for generations of fans.
Video Footage of the new Universal Monsters Animatronics in Movement:
Epic Universe:
Set to open on May 22, 2025, Epic Universe will feature an entire world dedicated to the stories and characters of Universal’s classic Monsters. This world will be called Dark Universe, and will feature new rides, restaurants and shows. Let’s take a look at the life-like new moving figures we will see inside the new world of Dark Universe:
Dark Universe:
Two all new rides have been announced for Dark Universe at Epic Universe, Curse of the Werewolf, and Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Let’s take a look at some of the creatures we can expect to see in these new offerings.
“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein – conducts her twisted and misguided experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed. Guests then embark on a terrifying ride through the darkness as they try to evade Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.
IT’S ALIVE, IT’S ALIVE…
Some of the most visceral, powerful and fast-moving animated figures ever created, here’s a first look at a few of the terrifying, technologically-advanced monsters that are wreaking havoc in “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment:”
Frankenstein’s Monster:
Created by science and feared by most, Frankenstein’s Monster walks tall at nine feet and weighs over 800 pounds. Guests will first encounter this figure within the queue of the attraction – where he will actually walk within Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab during the preshow.
frieeeeendddd……
In the video footage that Universal released, you can see the Monster WALKING, and the effect is dazzling. It truly looks like he has come … ALIVE… and is walking towards you. I have never seen such life-like walking movement in an animatronic before.
Dracula:
I’m sorry, WHAT!!!! I had a hard time believing this wasn’t an actor in incredible costume and makeup, he looks SO life-like! Here we see Dracula in his young form, as a ring-leader in the chaos that Dr. Victoria Frankenstein is trying to contain.
No creature of the night strikes terror into the hearts of mortals like the iconic vampire, Dracula. And to Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s dismay, he is the most dangerous of monsters she’s trying to control. Guests will encounter Dracula at various moments throughout the attraction, as he’s behind the horde of enraged monsters terrorizing the Manor.
The Wolf Man:
Among the monsters unleashed within the attraction is the fearsome Wolf Man. As guests try to escape the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, they’ll come within inches of his razor-sharp teeth and jagged claws.
The Wolf Man animatronic is a masterpiece, the details in his face and claws are stunning. I am so excited to see his swiping at us as we try to escape Frankenstein Manor! Interestingly. we also see a swiping Wolf Man in the concept art for the other Dark Universe attraction, Curse of the Werewolf:
Personally, I’ll take as many Wolf Man figures as they can create!
The Creature from the Black Lagoon:
Guests will also witness the amphibious “Gill-man” emerge from the inky depths of the Black Lagoon, ready to terrorize guests alongside his fellow monsters.
The Creature looks terrifyingly amazing, just look at the craft and artists that went into creating this iconic Monster. Stare into his eyes… and try not to get sucked into the depths!
Wrap Up Thoughts:
Not to be dramatic, but these newly revealed Universal Monsters animatronics all look like works of art to me, done with such care, precision and love, that I am shocked and surprised beyond what I could have expected! Let me know if you’re also a fan of the Universal Monsters, and if you’re loving what we’re seeing so far!
Universal has said there will also be meet and greets with Monsters, and you can find out more about Epic Universe here: Epic Universe
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