Dark Universe - Reviews, Photos & Media

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

The trouble with a third major Epic show is that Universal has a really bad track record supporting theater shows. In a few years, one of the three shows would probably be cut, due to live entertainment cost and lack of a daily full theater. Monsters would have probably been the weakest of the three with the GP, so it probably wouldn't have been around very long. That's, sadly, Universal's MO, so a small coaster is probably better than an empty space. Can Epic support three major live entertainment shows in large theaters. I doubt it, and I'd bet Universal thought the same. ....I'm a big time supporter of live entertainment theater shows, but I'm also a realist.

Couldn’t you make an arguement were potentially in a new era for entertainment though? Given the new Cinesational, Parade this past summer, Bourne only 5 years ago, and heavy investment into 2 new shows at Epic Universe? It’s a newer trend. Now I know I may be fine combing hoping Monsters got the show as well, I can get that. It just feels like a newer era here and I haven’t really heard anything great about the coaster, and it’s always been the 1 thing at Epic Universe that I feel does not belong. Felt that since it first started being constructed.

 

[Jake S]

Couldn’t you make an arguement were potentially in a new era for entertainment though?

You absolutely could, but I'm not sure I can make a definitive claim either way. There are a lot of empty theaters at the existing campus and the addition of two new shows at a brand new theme park aren't enough to convince me we've entered a new era. That said, I'm not sure I buy that a third show would immediately be on the chopping block simply because Universal hasn't prioritized live entertainment in the past.

What we don't know is how far along they got in development of the Universal Monsters show. It's possible they weren't able to flesh out a concept they liked and as such opted for the coaster. I'm not sure it's as simple as, "it's Universal, so of course they dumped the show for a lightly themed coaster." (Also not implying that's what you're saying!)

 

[Mad Dog]

Couldn’t you make an arguement were potentially in a new era for entertainment though? Given the new Cinesational, Parade this past summer, Bourne only 5 years ago, and heavy investment into 2 new shows at Epic Universe? It’s a newer trend. Now I know I may be fine combing hoping Monsters got the show as well, I can get that. It just feels like a newer era here and I haven’t really heard anything great about the coaster, and it’s always been the 1 thing at Epic Universe that I feel does not belong. Felt that since it first started being constructed.

Looking at Disney & Universal present parks, and the trend over the past 15 years, there's been a considerable overall decline in live entertainment/street entertainment/parades/large theater shows. The trend is downward, unfortunately. Epic is new so it doesn't count. The other stuff are replacement,s and not all live entertainment got replaced, only some.

 

[Wesker69]

the park as a whole may have tipped into being too show-heavy.

No. Such. Thing. Ever.

You have to remember there are guests who enjoy the parks (or would like to), but can't do the rides for a multitude of reasons. This is where shows & characters come into play. It provides something for everyone.

Also after experiencing a bunch of rides/long lines, it's nice to have shows to sit, rest & enjoy. (Unless you find a random spot to nap after a feast in Berk)

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

You absolutely could, but I'm not sure I can make a definitive claim either way. There are a lot of empty theaters at the existing campus and the addition of two new shows at a brand new theme park aren't enough to convince me we've entered a new era. That said, I'm not sure I buy that a third show would immediately be on the chopping block simply because Universal hasn't prioritized live entertainment in the past.

What we don't know is how far along they got in development of the Universal Monsters show. It's possible they weren't able to flesh out a concept they liked and as such opted for the coaster. I'm not sure it's as simple as, "it's Universal, so of course they dumped the show for a lightly themed coaster." (Also not implying that's what you're saying!)

That’s my though, if in theory they had a show settled, I don’t think we’d be seeing empty theatres like we do at IOA or USF currently. Maybe optimistic, I’m also of the belief if Epic Unvierse never happened those theatres would currently be demolished into new lands at the resort. May not become shows, but the trend currently is slightly up.

Looking at Disney & Universal present parks, and the trend over the past 15 years, there's been a considerable overall decline in live entertainment/street entertainment/parades/large theater shows. The trend is downward, unfortunately. Epic is new so it doesn't count. The other stuff are replacement,s and not all live entertainment got replaced, only some.

Dont agree Epic Universe can’t count. They could’ve easily leaned into a dark ride idea for both Potter or HTTYD, they opted for the largest shows they’ve possibly ever produced. It may not lead to more shows, but to say it doesn’t count just seems unfair when the reality is they could be the 2 best non fantasmic shows in Orlando.

Overall trend, I agree. But also look at the new Mermaid and Villains show at DHS. It’s just interesting in discussing this land. I’ve not visited, but from reports, and how many felt before the coaster is just an odd fit. Would have loved a show here even if I get the ultimate decision.

 

[Lucky Planet]

what would the show even be like? like Beetlejuice? and uni might think about how the Beetlejuice show wasn't doing that great

 

[Rhian]

No. Such. Thing. Ever.

You have to remember there are guests who enjoy the parks (or would like to), but can't do the rides for a multitude of reasons. This is where shows & characters come into play. It provides something for everyone.

Also after experiencing a bunch of rides/long lines, it's nice to have shows to sit, rest & enjoy. (Unless you find a random spot to nap after a feast in Berk)

I agree with your premise but it may have also been a situation where Universal wanted to avoid a SBNO theater again.

There are other shows, meet-and-greets, and roaming characters that aren't people eater venues so it's not like people will be without optional entertainment.

Overall I do agree the coaster is awkwardly fit into place and it probably wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for those nets. I wonder if, at least aesthetically, they could have built the theater but leave it unused simply to keep the original design in place until they found a use for the interior.

 

[Brian G.]

From my understanding - they couldn't nail down a show tone, and didn't want to force it, so they moved on.

But we're getting away from Review talk now, so let's continue this in the General Discussion Thread. Thanks!

 

[Wesker69]

In regards to the coaster... I'd like to believe the "coaster type" was done on purpose to fit the werewolf narrative.

The spinning coaster aspect is meant to represent the "cycles of the full moon". The launch aspect is meant to represent the surge of adrenaline after the transformation.

That's the best way I can validate the choice they made. As for the terrible netting... almost wish they would've splurged for rockwork featuring tunnels/arches to avoid having the netting. Maybe even add fake trees to not make the netting so obvious/exposed.

 

[Jwhee]

In regards to the coaster... I'd like to believe the "coaster type" was done on purpose to fit the werewolf narrative.

The spinning coaster aspect is meant to represent the "cycles of the full moon". The launch aspect is meant to represent the surge of adrenaline after the transformation.

That's the best way I can validate the choice they made. As for the terrible netting... almost wish they would've splurged for rockwork featuring tunnels/arches to avoid having the netting. Maybe even add fake trees to not make the netting so obvious/exposed.

Forget the netting- wait until you see the finale scene

Hopefully they actually projection mapped the nets as rumored. Should make the area look much better at night

 

[GAcoaster]

I loved the concept and execution of Dark Universe on the whole. I think the coaster is fine, and Monsters Unchained was impressive. I just feel like EVERYTHING in the land is under sized. The shops are way too small and feel crowded even with far less than capacity crowds— I see the makeup thing going away and the store expanding before to long. Burning Blade is tiny— could have easily been twice the size.

I just have the feeling Dark Universe will always be like Hogsmeade where everything is crowded to the point of being unpleasant to spend time in.

 

[Lucky Planet]

I loved the concept and execution of Dark Universe on the whole. I think the coaster is fine, and Monsters Unchained was impressive. I just feel like EVERYTHING in the land is under sized. The shops are way too small and feel crowded even with far less than capacity crowds— I see the makeup thing going away and the store expanding before to long. Burning Blade is tiny— could have easily been twice the size.

I just have the feeling Dark Universe will always be like Hogsmeade where everything is crowded to the point of being unpleasant to spend time in.

it's probably going to be amazing at night during winter cold. but probably miserable to be around during the hot sunny summer lol. specially with large crowds making everything warmer

 

[Rhian]

The shops are way too small and feel crowded even with far less than capacity crowds— I see the makeup thing going away and the store expanding before to long. Burning Blade is tiny— could have easily been twice the size.

Of course preview crowds could skew results but the makeup thing seemed fairly popular enough to see several people throughout the day having sat for a session. The makeup is done reasonably well and I was startled a couple of times when someone turned and half their face was unexpectedly spooky.

I quite liked the size of Burning Blade. It could have been larger but it's also not meant to be a place you sit in like a normal restaurant. I think it would've lost some of the charm it has had it been larger. I think the closest comparison would be Hog's Head at Hogsmead which is roughly similar in size, it just feels larger because it's attached to the Three Broomsticks.

I think calling Dark Universe the Hogsmeade of Epic in scale and experiences is a fair assessment.

 

[rageofthegods]

Dark Universe first land to get expansion, I used to pray for times like these

 

[nikem3]

I loved the concept and execution of Dark Universe on the whole. I think the coaster is fine, and Monsters Unchained was impressive. I just feel like EVERYTHING in the land is under sized. The shops are way too small and feel crowded even with far less than capacity crowds— I see the makeup thing going away and the store expanding before to long. Burning Blade is tiny— could have easily been twice the size.

I just have the feeling Dark Universe will always be like Hogsmeade where everything is crowded to the point of being unpleasant to spend time in.

I'm worried about the lines for Unchained and Mario area. Preview crowds seem small, but those lines are fairly long.

 

[Frank Drackman]

remember the 1st time you saw Cinderella's castle great reveal? You only get one chance. I do not want to share too much as you lot should allow yourselves to be surprised. Anyway, the Portals at Epic allow for each world to have a reveal. Darkmore is a small village. I do not think that the Helios hotel is a distraction as you are entering the village, the village itself draws you in, the hotel is more present as you are leaving or backtracking within the village.

I do feel there is a lot of story to the village and what is going on in the area. I feel one needs to talk to the villagers to get more of the story behind this village, the workers at the tavern, the folks at the steakhouse, one can have interesting talks with these folks. The violinist tells tales when they are out and about. I do not know, I just found it interesting that a villager working at Burning Blade told me that Das Steakhouse was 16 miles down the road......

 

[ParadoxPortals]

Hopefully this is allowed and isn't considered a request for too many spoilers:

Can someone who's experienced the entire attraction explain to me Curse of the Werewolf's story? The only reason I ask is the way Universal Creative pitched it during the Dark Universe reveal YouTube video doesn't seem to match the ride experience at all. From what I understand, the story is:

You meet Maleva of the Guild of Mystics at their encampment outside of Darkmoor. She warns you that you "bear the mark of the werewolf". For unexplained reasons, you then must quickly board "wagons" (the spinning coaster) - my guess is the only way to 'deal with' the mark is to face the werewolves head-on, and you can't just flee from them - and during the attraction you are hunted by werewolves but ultimately survive.

My issue is this; from what I understand from Universal TM accounts, the ride actually goes this way:

You progress through the queue. it features no animatronics nor a presence of Maleva or any of the Mystics. You board the ride vehicles and encounter an aggressive werewolf in a barn. At the ride's end you see Maleva, and presumably there's a voice line she says to you (I assume this is depicted in my post's attached concept art that was released last year).

If true, where's her warning us pre-ride of the mark we bear, the excuse for the attraction to happen? I also wonder if there's additional story details I'm unaware of. Additionally, if anyone has had any cool character interactions or spotted things off-ride that help to build the coaster's storyline, please do say! I hear the Bride of Frankenstein will warn you about Victoria's Manor when meet-and-greeting her, and the Creature wanders around the land too and presumably has a lore excuse connected to Unchained's story for being out in the open. Anything like that for Curse of the Werewolf would be super neat.

 

[GAcoaster]

Dammit! I was going to buy a copy next week, but I guess I'll have to wait now...

 

[darkridelover]

Hopefully this is allowed and isn't considered a request for too many spoilers:

Can someone who's experienced the entire attraction explain to me Curse of the Werewolf's story? The only reason I ask is the way Universal Creative pitched it during the Dark Universe reveal YouTube video doesn't seem to match the ride experience at all. From what I understand, the story is:

You meet Maleva of the Guild of Mystics at their encampment outside of Darkmoor. She warns you that you "bear the mark of the werewolf". For unexplained reasons, you then must quickly board "wagons" (the spinning coaster) - my guess is the only way to 'deal with' the mark is to face the werewolves head-on, and you can't just flee from them - and during the attraction you are hunted by werewolves but ultimately survive.

My issue is this; from what I understand from Universal TM accounts, the ride actually goes this way:

You progress through the queue. it features no animatronics nor a presence of Maleva or any of the Mystics. You board the ride vehicles and encounter an aggressive werewolf in a barn. At the ride's end you see Maleva, and presumably there's a voice line she says to you (I assume this is depicted in my post's attached concept art that was released last year).

If true, where's her warning us pre-ride of the mark we bear, the excuse for the attraction to happen? I also wonder if there's additional story details I'm unaware of. Additionally, if anyone has had any cool character interactions or spotted things off-ride that help to build the coaster's storyline, please do say! I hear the Bride of Frankenstein will warn you about Victoria's Manor when meet-and-greeting her, and the Creature wanders around the land too and presumably has a lore excuse connected to Unchained's story for being out in the open. Anything like that for Curse of the Werewolf would be super neat.View attachment 25603

I did not notice any story elements outside of different themed signs throughout the queue but there wasn't a wait when I went so I didn't have time to really take any of that in. The static show scene in this concept art is exactly what you see at the end. The bride, monster hunter and the violinist warned about the Warewolves during my interaction with them so there is a little story throughout the land about it.

 

[DrStarlander]

The static show scene in this concept art is exactly what you see at the end.

When I saw this concept art last year, it was the one piece I saw that felt really "off" to me. The large graphic is not diegetic in that it doesn't look "from the world" of Darkmoor/Dark Universe in terms of who made such a big sign and why would it exist in the camp, and it's not made with mediums/materials Maleva and the mystics would have (like paint and brushes, charcoals).

It has a modern Photoshop look, especially that dark outer-glow around the type and beveled medal medallion.

In contrast, these signs from Ministry of Magic Paris are diegetic, they look purposeful (circus advertising) and they are done in a style and medium appropriate to the time and place of the land.

I'm still curious about any other context (what narration are we hearing, if any?) and is the scene trying to warn us (which is strange since we're concluding the ride) or be a coda? Or maybe both? Maybe it's warning us to be careful once we get off the ride and wander around Darkmoor?

But if that's all there is in this "scene" -- a large static image (is it rear-lit?) and a static statue of Maleva, it seems like it could be improved fairly easily. Making the art feel appropriate to the mystics camp and era and removing the figure would seem to help.

One idea -- and it's hard to know how appropriate this is to the creative direction of the camp -- is to do this as an old world shadow puppet theater effect. If you've even seen a shadow puppet show, even though the medium is low-fi (just silhouettes) it can be powerful visually and unsettling (in large part because of what you can't see). It's a theatrical medium used long ago to tell scary folklore and allegorical stories and these theaters travelled around the old world like circuses...so it could be great for a camp of mystics. It probably would be exactly how they would warn the locals about some mystical creature.

It could have a Tim Burton meets Baron Munchauseun sort of vibe.

A shadow puppet effect with a silhouette of the town and a giant looming werewolf moving slightly (minimal mechanics such as used for holiday window displays) and a deep warning voice of Maleva could be unique and very on-theme.