Dark Universe Epic Universe - ParkStop Podcast

Become a Patron: / themeparkstop Alicia and Ian talk about their reaction to the big Dark Universe reveal for Epic Universe, as well as ride rumors, permit info for the area, and some breaking news!
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Related Links and Visual Sources
Announcement Details: orlandoparkstop.com/news/them...
Aerial Photos: x.com/bioreconstruct
Official Presentation Video: • Introducing Dark Unive...
Animated Fly Through Video: • Universal Epic Univers...

[@ThemeParkStop]

Is Dark Universe the best Universe?

[@blumoon131]

Yes. It is indeed the best Universe.

[@theboyscout0156]

It’s the Epicest universe

[@booznonlife5165]

Yes

[@michaelj2276]

Hands *down*.

[@iank7941]

Yes

[@travisvanalst4698]

Invisible Man was front and center the entire reveal but no one’s talking about it….

[@WolfWriterL.P]

Hes here...... Now.......

[@GTNover]

This land has the potential to be the best theme park land in the world. -Its designed from bottom-up instead of top-down as far as the storytelling. -It's opening with 2 potential E-ticket attractions and expansion space for a 3rd. -It appears to have some of the best theming with the manor, the burning windmill, the gravestones, the fog effects, etc... -It appears to have several versatile restaurants and food options.

[@EpicLemonMusic]

A friend of mine who has been selected to work in Dark Universe on Monsters Unchained as engineer says not the expansion land will probably have 2 more rides AND he says they have all talked about possible expansions and a possible FOREVER open Mild Horror House, but all just pie in the sky.

[@ParksWithMark]

With TWO attractions I don’t think so.

[@teamkong9216]

@@ParksWithMarkthere was supposed to be a third, but similar to galaxies edge, it was scrapped. Some of the rumors around it being the technology we currently have today isn’t as advanced as it should be, meaning universal is really thinking above and beyond. Once the technology is finally here, this massively advanced water ride is meant to be a response to that sunken treasure ride at Shanghai Disneyland. This ride is going to be next level.

[@ProjectThemePark]

Way to make sure your friend never gets selected again because he violated his NDA​@@EpicLemonMusic

[@GTNover]

@ParksWithMark Well it opens with 2 rides but already has expansion plans for at least a 3rd and potentially a 4th. What do you have as your current best land? Because Japan's Super Nintendo world and Disney's Galaxy's Edge are considered the two best lands right now by most people, and they both have 2 rides.

[@user-rp6en1hs8w]

You are like 2 kids talking about what you hope to get for Christmas. It really is refreshing.

[@WolfWriterL.P]

ohhhh they are. The whole fandom basicly...... the gift'll just be a little late.

[@repboy1]

The Burning Blade tavern in full monster make up is how I want to spend my evening, when I visit

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Very good.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

I wonder how the hounds will react to guests in monster makeup?

[@wumbos]

This!!

[@patrickn8355]

Add on an additional $200 😂

[@thewalkingdad68]

If they actually served steak in either restaurant, and specialty beer, I'd be ecstatic.

[@therealventures]

"Have any of you seen a werewolf?" "Yeah it's on the Rollercoaster, it's like 20ft away!" 😂

[@elevatoralarmcoasterandarc1214]

Very nice.

[@blumoon131]

The Dark Universe construction has had me as giddy and excited as a child and given me something to look forward to with wonder.

[@Wilkins325]

That’s ultimately what everyone wants out of a theme park, to some extent. A theme park that makes you forget the outside world for a time, rather than have you be on your phone booking fast passes that cost money.

[@lostphilosophy5617]

Facts!​@@Wilkins325

[@emilykawaii123]

Thrilled that Elfman has been confirmed. Nobody does a creepy children's choir like Oingo

[@UndeadNerdT800]

Fun fact: the werewolf coaster is 3 miles slower then revenge of the mummy and 10 more then hippogriff so I think this one is gonna be better then we think.

[@WadeMFilms]

Dark Universe is like if Hogsmeade were inverted. Instead of a Hogwarts castle, we have a Frankenstein manor, instead of wizards and witches, we have monsters, instead of flight of the hypogriff/Hagrid’s, we have the Wolfman, and instead of Forbidden Journey, we have Monsters Unchained.

[@WolfWriterL.P]

dude, this is actually really legit.

[@mk.xo29]

as soon as i saw the concept art I thought Darkmoor looked like Nocturn Alley!

[@user-tz3wq3yo5k]

That’s exactly what I’ve been saying!!!!

[@AloysiusGrace20761]

I don’t do scary. I don’t do haunted houses or horror movies….and I am still very excited about this land.

[@corvidaegudmund1186]

Same. I’m the sort who likes Halloween, but not horror. The general spookiness of the concept art is really appealing. I’m really glad that, by the sound of it, the designers are making different “intensity” levels throughout the area. You can go heavy thrills with things like the Manor ride, or just wander around the town, look for spooky merch in the shops, and eat in the Tavern.

[@jonathanwallis3300]

I was a bit concerned when I learned that “Monsters Unchained” was going to be heavily screen reliant, but after listening to this podcast, it seems like it’s going to feel more practical than digital. I know people are betting on “Battle of the Ministry” being the best ride in the park, but I feel like “Monsters Unchained” could potentially be the best one, or at least second to “Ministry”

[@FAFO4wisdom-s9o]

Stardust Racers enters the chat. Ahem....

[@JFrombaugh]

There’s one quote I remember from the official reveal: “Dark Universe is really about acceptance. Many of these monsters, they’re the ones who are outcasts. They’re looking for friendship.” This is one thing I really like about Universal compared to Disney, at least in recent years anyway. In addition to pushing the boundaries on intensity, a lot of their IPs actually have surprisingly deep themes that teens/adults can relate to. If modern Disney were to make Monsters Unchained, they wouldn’t have this whole backstory about how Dr. Victoria Frankenstein really wants to do good and believes the monsters are just misunderstood, it would be something more along the lines of “Help Dr. Victoria Frankenstein gather up all her monster friends for a spooky party!”

[@CobbleBompster]

Yeah. I can’t wait for the Wolfman to rip out my lungs, he’s just looking for a connection!

[@happymaskedguy1943]

The only acceptance the Invisible Man wants is of general chaos.

[@solcarlosofficial]

I really want the restaurants to be super themed. Like moving pieces. I think universal those amazing lands and rides but the restaurants need more kinetic energy and movement.

[@patricklacey4946]

I just want it to taste good, on average, universals food offerings are behind Disney

[@happymaskedguy1943]

Potentially the greatest theme park land ever created. Nighttime in DarkMoor is going to be incredible.

[@camseki9588]

Did anyone notice in the concept art for Burning Blade that the dart board has been turned into a stake board?

[@theruleoffire]

I sooooo hope those statues in the lobby @ 25:08 are robotic if they were to suddenly move or adjust throughout the day slightly moving into different positions would be so cool and creepy.

[@samplautz5586]

My bold prediction for this land regards Monsters Unchained. I think there’s going to be a secret element that no one will know about until they ride. I’m thinking either 1. The cars will flip upside down, as the kuka arms are capable of that. 2. There will be a drop track

[@ThemeParkStop]

Not so sure about that second one, as we could see a very flat track layout when the building was still being constructed.

[@thewalkingdad68]

...or as Alicia has predicted, the ride vehicles will swoop way back or they will bring you up close, very close, and really scare the poop out of you.

[@samplautz5586]

@@thewalkingdad68 oh I’m sure of that. It would be crazy if one of the animatronics, like the Wolfman, actually touched the vehicle. And ya, the door track is pretty much a fever dream and I’m sure isn’t happening

[@Sm-lk6vl]

Dracula isn’t coming after us he’s going after Victoria

[@liamcollinson5695]

My favorite thing is probably the burning blade tavern it's just so iconic. I do wonder if you can explore the catacombs

[@WolfWriterL.P]

oh my gosh, yes!!! The catacomb part would be amazing!!!

[@JV_Speas]

It is always a good day when Theme Park Stops drops a podcast episode 🎉! Keep up the awesome job team!

[@k001daddy]

They had better sell Dracula's jacket!

[@deletedaccountdnd]

Plz the way you said “and then we’ll have a real SPLASH” sent me into orbit, do not ask me why or how😂

[@ParkTwister]

The upload I’ve been waiting for!

[@xavibabys]

as someone who’s obsessed with gothic horror and resident evil i’m sooooooo excited for this land!!!

[@jmtz152]

Recently found your page due to my excitement about the park, and this was the first time i listened to one of your podcasts. This was lots of fun and only built up my excitement even more. Keep up the great work!!!

[@ThemeParkStop]

That’s awesome! So glad you liked the show!

[@Drebe73]

32:34 The problem with live actors portraying characters in attractions as they seem to never last. No scare actor in Kong Queue, No actor in FNF preshow, No cast member in the preshow recording studio in Rock and Roller Coaster at Hollywood studios.

[@mattoreyes813]

Finally!!!!!! @ParkStopPodcast!!!!!!! Been waiting for yall to drop!!!!!

[@onlinedaily411]

Love the channel! Keep up the great work!

[@kentslocum]

I listen regularly to Danny Elfman's scores for Alice in Wonderland and Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, so I'm thrilled to hear that Dark Universe will be channeling that same kind of energy. 😊

[@jusadude7162]

Best theme park channel covering the best theme park in the world. Best of the best!👍🏼

[@almazoe4924]

7:30 having a couple of abbott and costello-esque walkaround characters getting spooked by the monsters isn't such a bad idea tbh. kinda similar to how the scooby doo characters and the monsters would occasionally interact at universal studios hollywood

[@keouine]

Svenghoulie showed Abbott and Costello meet the monsters a while back and I turned the channel. I like Stan Laurel and Oliver hardy, the Stooges and WC Fields but Costello's stick (which he stole from Joe Besser) does not tickle my ribs.

[@Javachacin]

I’m glad we’re back to scary things for kids, I grew up with Jaws, Poltergeist, Monster Squad, - those criquidy haunted rides at carnivals - things have gotten TOO sanitized for families. Got to build up that thick skin 😂

[@FelipeWWoHP]

Most anticipated in all of Epic Universe! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@darianglover]

Each time I see Drac's jacket I am compelled to point out basic tailoring concepts. The casual/emo lifestyle of Universal Creative is so telling.

[@Nojintt]

I already listened to this twice on Patreon, but it wouldn't hurt to listen a third time right?

[@Heatherofscots]

Me too but now we have visuals 😊

[@jeandavidnau8314]

Just watched OG the Wolfman last night. I was really hoping they wouldn't mess with Creature too much...he had a certain innocent charm about him. Now he looks neither innocent or charming....BUT...SUPER STOKED FOR THIS!!

[@iank7941]

I love the classics so much, but as we discussed, we’ve been watching them update monsters looks via HHN for a while. So it’s fine really. I think it’ll work out for us all.

[@janetjackson8077]

I’m excited , I keep imagining Frau Blucher being there with her violin lol.

[@robindodd1969]

I’m doubtful they can maintain that spooky feeling when it’s going to be 90 degrees and sunny during 80% of the land’s operating hours. Hope they can prove me wrong!

[@booznonlife5165]

I had the same feeling but haunted mansion does a decent job of it so will see

[@EpicLemonMusic]

Ever been to Knockturn alley in the USO park? That is a similar vibe that the land will have, you can see the alley in the construction drone footage, it does seem small for the hype it will get though, only a tad bigger than Knockturn, alot is covered and hidden

[@GingerTurquoise]

I was thinking the same thing, about how bright and hot its going to be and how that fights the atmosphere, but they have two things going for them which is standard time during winter months, so itll be dark by 5p and then also the fact that it rains and storms here every season, which can cause the moody effect

[@a.y.greyson9264]

Constant fog machines and projections will help.

[@chiefzombie9184]

Dracula looks like he listens to MCR

[@StripofPaper]

Im so damn HYPED for this 🎉🎉

[@solcarlosofficial]

I really hope in future expansions they add the Great hall restaurant. It’s a set that we see in every film and it would be magical to be able to eat there.

[@a.y.greyson9264]

It's already been confirmed a while ago that the Grand hall is apart of the first expansion.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

Great hall? In which movies are we talking about?

[@a.y.greyson9264]

@@happymaskedguy1943 Harry Potter.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

This video has nothing to do with Harry Potter though??

[@a.y.greyson9264]

@@happymaskedguy1943 Yes, however, this is the only Great Hall I’m aware of coming to Epic Universe, I may be wrong and there might be another I’m not aware of.

[@darianglover]

For the concept Drac, two more buttons on the jacket, gold cufflinks with jacket cuffs, and a cumberbund.

[@ThemeParkStop]

Clearly Victoria caught him on casual Friday

[@jonathonfreeman9233]

the best pre-shows were the ones for Forbidden Journey - where it's a loop that you walk through where the planners KNOW that the line will bog down in. it's also worth mentioning that slinkydog is a child's coaster pretending to be a grownup coaster (it's not very forceful but it has the setup like it's a big launch). wolfman is sorta the opposite where they took mach ride's xtreme spinner, kept the cars, removed the loops, but retained some of the tight turns - so it's more a grownup coaster tamed for kids

[@solcarlosofficial]

Not a fan that it takes place is modern times. I think the classic old monsters are more timeless. Since the town is old timey I wish the character design was more classic too.

[@iank7941]

I like the classics too. But I’m just happy we are getting the monsters at all. They are owed their due.

[@thewalkingdad68]

I'm with the sentiment of the classic monsters being portrayed as they have always been. But I'm also not closed minded enough to accept changes to possibly expand the story, and make it more relevant to people today that may have little or no idea or concept of who these characters are. Also, give us a museum in the expansion spot since it's not big enough to put a Creature of the Black Lagoon boat ride there. Give us some history of the characters and maybe some original props to look at.

[@jasmine-rose18]

I think the land only works in modern times. Since they want to have actors almost larp throughout the land and we’re in modern clothes. It’s also another excuse to have the tattoos and face painting

[@keithschneider1054]

A Creature From the Black Lagoon water ride would make a great 3rd attraction in a phase 2 expansion, but what would be an even better 4th attraction in phase 3? Dark Universe is a land that deserves 4 solid attractions, like Super Nintendo Land (Luigi’s Mansion), so what do you believe should be Darkmoor’s two additional attractions in phase 2 and phase 3 expansions?

[@jeandavidnau8314]

Water....coaster.....enough said...or not...on boat fog and plants in the water, "pulled off" of boat, real ride vehicle separates from "boat", coaster car dives into fog hole into the "water"...chaos insues in Creatures cave, arrive back on surface, "boat" explodes...FIRE...more chaos...

[@cristianchavarria5359]

I am not sure if Dark Universe or Island of Berk are going to be my top lands, both look extremely interesting

[@TheDisgruntledImperial]

Still nervous about the new character designs. Dracula looks like a DnD cosplay, not a 19th century nobleman. Really hoping that they're just concept art.

[@JAPSIBAJA]

I think the Bride of Frankenstein is one of the others they left out... she must be in the ride. Maybe in Bride fashion, she shows up for the grand finale

[@ThemeParkStop]

I’m not so sure about that

[@michaelj2276]

Projected fog? Sounds great, but what about projected *bats*? 😁

[@l.c.8798]

I've been hyped for Dark Universe since the park was announced!!!! 🎉🎉🙌🧟‍♂️

[@shilohl.921]

I’m much more familiar with book/musical Phantom and Hunchback than I am with the movies, but given that the Phantom constructed the catacombs beneath the Opera House in the original, I want that to be the case here too, and he’s just been hanging out while Victoria’s family built a house on top of his zone. I want us to turn a corner while we’re trying to escape Dracula, and Victoria’s just like “wait, who’s that?” while the Phantom’s having his pipe organ time. And Quasimodo’s there too, they’ve just been hanging out. 😂

[@frankierodriguez4447]

Been waiting for this podcast 😂 🙌

[@Bulldozer4000]

I've always been very interested in this land, but I was very surprised to hear about the story of the land and potential of more "role-playing" with the monster hunter walkaround characters and familiars in the Das Stakehaus. I hope they can add a lot of flavor to the land

[@iank7941]

Das Stakehaus? Flavors? Pun intended?

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Just came back from CityWalk and saw the Epic Universe model along with the Augmented Reality animations within the land. Loved the windmill on fire. Very excited!

[@keouine]

I wish they could make it seem a small band of musicians were creating the music from another room or building rather than overwhelming big orchestra sound. They could do more with sound other than music.Rustling leaves, wind. even a wolf howl. I love Elfman but a gorgeous orchestra sound makes me feel I'm in a theme park not a spooky village.

[@mandoranger]

I'm very excited for this land. But how does a traditional looking Dracula in a newer outfit look like he would "cry in a corner?" Lol

[@iank7941]

Just making bad jokes. About emo. Which I do like actually. lol. But bad jokes are my thing. So here we are.

[@mandoranger]

@iank7941 Fair! Noted. Yes. All about the bad jokes. And as a fellow Wolfman I'm hype for this park.

[@iank7941]

@@mandoranger YASSSSSS!!!!!

[@Sm-lk6vl]

I’m more impressed with the spinning Dracula, I’m not sure that’s just a projection. The images have so much more depth than a Disney projection Why have a different looking Wolfie on the spinner? Continuity problem? Is it his brother? It should have some animation but could it be screen based? The ride vid shows glowing eyes and the. Concept art show full figure so there is a reveal as you swing back and forth? Stakehouse would be more fun as a Brazilian churrasco with huge trunks of (human? Monster?) flesh carved from the stake. But I guess Kevin’s work.

[@trodeb9130]

Only guess is that CotW is only based around werewolves in general (since there’s at least 2 werewolf figures), whereas Monsters Unchained specifically features the Wolfman. Could def be wrong tho

[@Confuzed54]

For the record, there was a character named Ygor in the third Universal Frankenstein movie and his name was spelled with a Y. Presumably people didn’t know how it was spelled and started spelling it with an I instead.

[@ThemeParkStop]

It’s pronounced EYE-gore hehe Well that explains it then

[@autumnmoon5351]

Im excited for all the lands, but Universal versal monsters is going to be my favorite!!!

[@charlesravert8781]

Hope they add Beatlejuice Graveyard Review along with Creature From the Black Lagoon attraction. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@galactick9dogtraining420]

Can we get an Epic Universe 2 that’s JUST dark universe? 🤣

[@JohnS-ki2zf]

I can’t wait to see this when universal fantastic worlds opens next year.

[@hpvamp246]

I can’t wait! Especially after the Danny Elfman info release

[@FTChomp9980]

Dark Universe is one of my most hyped lands!

[@happymaskedguy1943]

One of??? Do not insult our king! Hail The Dark Universe!!!

[@FTChomp9980]

@@happymaskedguy1943 My 2nd is Super Nintendo Land and this is coming from a Nintendo Fan.

[@WolfWriterL.P]

@@FTChomp9980 zelda...?

[@FTChomp9980]

@@WolfWriterL.P I hope Zelda comes to Epic or Islands.

[@SondicoDenann]

Who else is going to ask for garlic sauce in Das Steakhaus?!

[@Downisar]

The van helsing vibes I get from the smoking well and that land makes my heart pitter patter.

[@minidwarf4266]

41:01 that’s just the Bat Out of Hell album cover teasing Meatloaf as a possible food option

[@samara.ariel.jpg_]

excited to seee what each ride feels like

[@jeandavidnau8314]

YES!!!....IAN ( and myself) called it all along.

[@tjmthegreat4009]

Fookin' CINNAMON BREAD 🍞

[@joebenzz]

Imma take my delorean right now and go in the future when the park will be finished. It's worth a plutonium charge 👍

[@AXander1978]

yea, what the heck is that Castine in Mordor shot? The vamps live in MORDOR? lol

[@iank7941]

I’ve decided it’s in Ravenloft.

[@YouMayKnowMeAsNate]

I was just thinking this morning about how we haven’t gotten a podcast in a while and how there should be one on dark universe

[@jaywilliams8608]

Great show!!

[@sakuranokunoichi]

Also appreciate the commentary on the Guild of Mystics

[@brebreskala]

I’ve been watching these videos for so long; I feel like if I see these people in the parks I’m going to fangirl and ask for a picture 😂🫶🏻

[@ThemeParkStop]

That would be totally fine!!

[@tompalleschi7296]

The "Ygor" spelling actually comes from the Bela Lugosi character in Son of Frankenstein/Ghost of Frankenstein (which also pre-dates the "Igor" character based on the 1931 film's "Fritz" that is pretty much seen as the go-to standard Frankenstein lab assistant now). Anyways, I've never been a huge theme park guy but I LOVE the Universal Monsters (and similar Gothic horror in general), and I am incredibly excited about this park. Would definitely love to visit Darkmoor when this opens.

[@mikey_owens]

Do you think it's possible that the hunchback character and Igor will be one and the same? In the older movies Igor had a huntchback. Just wondered what you thought. BTW, another great video. Your videos have gotten my excitement level for Epic Universe through the roof. 🎢🐲🎡🧙‍♂️🎠🧛

[@netizen_m3919]

I think Victoria might Henry's Great, Great Granddaughter (instead of his Great Great Great Granddaughter). They also said 2 "Greats" in the announcement video.

[@aw9307]

I am a massive universal monsters fan. I am planning to travel to Orlando from Australian as soon as it opens. So excited.

[@UndeadNerdT800]

13:51 fun fact: that mummy is called kharis. Ihmotep is the mummy who is not the clechie killer mummy.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

What’s a clechie killer mummy? Did you mean cliche?

[@UndeadNerdT800]

@@happymaskedguy1943 I don’t know I don’t fucking know

[@zandrapearson9422]

Love the Ygor from Ybor.

[@kelina365]

yeah i was straight up sobbing in my wdw costume while watching the whole reveal trailer HAHAHAHA

[@sehattonii]

Hello! You are Awesome!

[@AgentGodzillaRP1]

I was hoping they’d play music from the classic films around the land Elfman’s music is hella generic nowadays.

[@danalexander6049]

Alicia, when you first started talking about the Monsters Unchained hybrid animatronics with digital projections, I was thinking about sort of a cross between the Shaman and the Sentry from Navi River Journey. Blurring the lines to bring a "monster movie" to life like never before. I'm most excited to see the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

[@NotsoEP]

I love it there. Everyday it's Something new. So cool.

[@marcellobasso5554]

7:13 MONSTERS INC. MENTIONED!!! 💀

[@ThemeParkStop]

Accidental Scooby reference!

[@reptidan]

IP’s really handcuff creativity. This is excellent.

[@johnmceleney1092]

Do u think they will add any extra bits of theming to the lands now they are taking shape and finalising them?

[@curvewave4339]

It looks insane!!!

[@davidgroll-cook7125]

This is going to be the best land of them all I’m so stoked Bravo Universal

[@RogueRocker1]

The layout looks like a mirrored/flipped Hogsmeade with the shopping street leading up to the castle and the coaster off to the side. Someone should do an overlay and compare sizes of the 2 lands and show buildings. Also, the layout of the new Potter land and Daigon Alley feel similar

[@stephflores9072]

I’m beyond excited for this land!!!I thought they named her Victoria as a play on Victor and his creator, Mary Shelly.

[@remconet]

So regarding the "over 2 minutes" long coaster. In my head that'll only be possible if they send you round twice.

[@jocelynsantiago7154]

My kids are all older now but even at age 8 they would have loved everything in this land. We are just a spooky family like that. 😆

[@starduck8343]

I’ve also been on the dark universe train the whole time!!!!

[@patrickn8355]

The rumored black lagoon ride expansion could really bring back a type of jaws experience but way more modern and could really set this land over the top, even though it’s already my most anticipated

[@patrickn8355]

So nuts universal has built an entire new park in 5 years *WITH* Covid. Meanwhile Disney is struggling to do re skins and clones in that amount of time 😂