Epic Universe’s Monsters Unchained ride dares guests to face Frankenstein’s legacy

ORLANDO, Fla. — Not everything is shiny and new in Universal Orlando Resort’s new Epic Universe theme park. 

Some things are dark and twisty and rooted in Universal’s legacy of classic horror films. 

Monsters like mummies and werewolves live on in Dark Universe, one of five worlds at Universal Epic Universe.  

Unlike Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, this world is more foreboding than scary, but as guests quickly learn from its can’t-miss attraction Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, monsters still shouldn’t be crossed.

There are a few startling moments, but more than anything, this thrill ride is stunning. The queue alone, set in Frankenstein manor, is worth seeing with richly detailed rooms and next-level animatronics.

The technology has been a talker since Monsters Unchained was first announced. Between the animatronics, massive practical sets and ultra high-definition graphics, it's hard to tell what’s physically there versus on screen. 

However, the heart of the attraction is a thought-provoking original story: Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a descendant of the same doctor who brought the first Frankenstein to life, is trying to clear her family’s name. She's not only created a new version of the monster, but trying to bring all monsters under her control, and Dracula is not going down easily. As their battle wages, guests grapple with a question posed in the ride's queue: Who's the true monster?

Monsters Unchained has a 48-inch height requirement. Guests who are tall enough but unsure if they will fit the ride vehicles can test seats in two different locations: outside and a semi-private room mid-queue. The ride is also accessible to guests who use wheelchairs.  

Meet the monsters

Guests who either can't or don’t want to ride Monsters Unchained can still make memories by meeting monsters in person, like the Bride of Frankenstein and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s new creature. Those two have scheduled meet and greets, but other characters like The Invisible Man and Ygor roam throughout Dark Universe. 

Take the time to talk to them. The Invisible Man is a bit snarky and Ygor may hurry off to continue collecting body parts for Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, but it’s all in good fun.

The reporter on this story received access from Universal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.