Universal Orlando has confirmed that the new ride under construction behind Dark Universe at Epic Universe is an indoor roller coaster. The coaster will tell an all-new story inspired by the Universal Monsters franchise, Universal says. Construction is already underway, with an opening planned in the years ahead. Here’s the latest.
New Indoor Coaster Coming to Dark Universe at Universal Epic Universe
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Universal confirmed the new Dark Universe attraction is an indoor coaster with an all-new Universal Monsters story.
- Construction is underway on the expansion plot behind Monsters Unchained, with an opening planned in the years ahead.
- Rumors point to a few possible monsters, but none are confirmed.
Dark Universe is getting its third ride. For months, permits and aerial photos were the only clues to what Universal was building behind the monsters-themed land. The company has now confirmed the attraction is an indoor coaster, the first official word on the project.
Universal shared the news on Twitter, calling the coaster Epic Universe’s “next thrilling addition.” The full post reads: “Universal Epic Universe is preparing for its next thrilling addition: an all-new indoor coaster coming to Dark Universe – immersing guests in an all-new story inspired by the Universal Monsters franchise. Construction is underway, with an opening planned in the years ahead.”
That “all-new story” phrasing suggests the coaster will add a new chapter to Darkmoor’s monster lore. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment took the same approach, building its story around Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a new character descended from the original mad scientist.
Universal hasn’t named an opening year. The “years ahead” wording suggests the wait could stretch to 2028 or later.
Indoor Coaster Construction Behind Monsters Unchained
Crews are building the coaster on the expansion plot behind the Monsters Unchained show building, at the back edge of Dark Universe. As we reported in September, groundbreaking took place on the new Dark Universe ride after Orange County permits outlined a three-story building. The plans list about 93,300 square feet of space, including a ride maintenance bay. That maintenance bay was the first strong sign the building would house a ride and not a show.
Aerial photos from Bioreconstruct showed drilling for the building’s foundation in early October, with reinforcing steel staged nearby. Work walls have since appeared around parts of the site.
The entrance will likely sit near The Burning Blade Tavern, though Universal hasn’t shared where guests will enter.
A Third Ride for Dark Universe
The coaster will join two attractions already in Darkmoor. Monsters Unchained took first place for Best Dark Ride at the 2026 Golden Ticket Awards, its second straight win. Curse of the Werewolf, a family-friendly spinning coaster, handles the land’s outdoor thrills.
An indoor coaster gives Dark Universe a ride that can operate rain or shine. Outdoor coasters like Curse of the Werewolf often have to pause when afternoon storms roll through Orlando.
Fans have long linked this expansion plot to Creature from the Black Lagoon. More recent rumors point to the Bride of Frankenstein, a character guests can meet in Darkmoor who doesn’t headline either current ride. Neither rumor is confirmed, and zero story details have been shared officially.
Story So Far
- March 2026: A permit for a “future attraction” called Project 680 appeared on the Orange County permit site, with no location inside Epic Universe.
- May 2026: A re-filed permit tied Project 680 to a building number used only in Dark Universe.
- June 2026: Permit filings listed 71,500 square feet of tenant space for the new building.
- July 2026: Orange County issued the first site work permit, with review notes referencing a ride maintenance bay.
- September 13, 2026: Groundbreaking took place, and permits revealed a three-story, 93,308-square-foot building behind the land.
- October 3, 2026: Aerial photos showed foundation drilling across the site.
- November 2026: Universal confirmed the attraction is an indoor coaster with an all-new Universal Monsters story.
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