Universal Orlando confirmed an all-new indoor roller coaster is coming to Dark Universe at Epic Universe, with a Universal Monsters story. Construction is underway, but no opening date is set.
It’s alive! Epic Universe is getting its first new ride.
Universal Orlando Resort confirmed an all-new indoor roller coaster is coming to Dark Universe, the Universal Monsters land at Epic Universe, the resort announced on social media Thursday, Nov. 5.
The coaster will tell an “all-new story” inspired by the Universal Monsters franchise, Universal said, according to BlogMickey.
When will the new Dark Universe coaster open?
Universal hasn’t said. Construction is underway, with an opening “planned in the years ahead,” according to the resort’s post, WDW News Today reported.
BlogMickey suggested the wait could stretch to 2028 or later, but that’s the site’s guess, not Universal’s.
Where is the new Epic Universe coaster being built?
Behind the Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment show building, on an expansion pad at the back of Dark Universe, according to WDWNT and BlogMickey.
The entrance will likely sit near The Burning Blade Tavern, BlogMickey said, though Universal hasn’t confirmed that.
How big is the new Dark Universe coaster building?
About 93,300 square feet across three stories, including a ride maintenance bay, according to Orange County permits cited by BlogMickey. That maintenance bay was the first strong sign the building would hold a ride instead of a show.
When did construction start?
Site clearing began in August, WDWNT reported. BlogMickey tracked permits back to March, a groundbreaking on Sept. 13 and foundation drilling seen in aerial photos by Oct. 3.
Which Universal Monster will the coaster feature?
That’s still a mystery. Universal didn’t reveal the theme.
Fans had linked the site to a Creature from the Black Lagoon boat ride, but the coaster announcement puts that rumor to rest, WDWNT said. Newer rumors point to the Bride of Frankenstein, BlogMickey reported, and Laughing Place floated ideas like a Dracula flying coaster or a Phantom of the Opera story. None of those are confirmed.
What rides are in Dark Universe now?
Two. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a dark ride featuring several classic monsters, and it won Best Dark Ride at the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, its second straight win, according to BlogMickey.
Curse of the Werewolf is an outdoor, family-friendly spinning coaster in the land’s village of Darkmoor.
Is this the first new ride at Epic Universe?
Yes. It’s the first new attraction announced for Epic Universe since the park opened on May 22, 2025.
The park drew about 4 million guests in its first partial year, according to a TEA report cited by Laughing Place.
What else is new at Epic Universe?
The Celestial Goodnight nighttime spectacular debuted in July 2026, and Universal added three new Universal Nights dates this fall, BlogMickey reported. Comcast also teased Epic Universe annual passes in October.
For the holidays, Epic Universe is decorating Super Nintendo World and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk for the first time.
What are the other lands at Epic Universe?
Five worlds in all. Besides Dark Universe, the park has Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic.
How does Epic Universe compare to Disney World?
It’s Universal’s biggest swing at Disney in years. Epic Universe sits just a few miles from Walt Disney World, and both resorts are adding new lands and rides. Disney’s own Monstropolis and Tropical Americas projects are set to open in 2027.
Article compiled with the help of the Pirates & Princesses newsroom.
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Hat Tips:
BlogMickey, Mike (Nov. 5, 2026), Universal’s announcement wording, permits, building size, construction timeline, rumors and park updates
WDW News Today, Shannen Ace (Nov. 5, 2026), the opening language, location, August site clearing and Creature rumor
Laughing Place, Dirk Libbey (Nov. 5, 2026), theme speculation and attendance figure
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