The Dark Universe land is getting bigger at Epic Universe, as construction for a third ride is picking up steam. A new pit is being dug out behind the Monsters Unchained ride as more heavy equipment arrives on site. Long rumored to be a Creature from the Black Lagoon boat ride, reports that it may be a Bride of Frankenstein indoor coaster continue to dominate fan theories.

Let’s dig into what’s happening around Epic Universe, as well as the latest ride rumors, in today’s news update. See the video version of this story below for additional visuals.

---

Dark Universe Expansion

A ride pit is being dug out in the largest part of the Dark Universe expansion area.

Permits call for land preparation for the future construction of a three-story structure here.

The first floor will contain, at very least, a ride maintenance bay, according to these documents.

Thanks to recent aerial photos by Bioreconstruct” target=”_blank”>Bioreconstruct, we can see that the current work has the ground being dug out here, well below the grade level for the park.

Although it is worth keeping in mind that the park’s ground level was raised up around 10 or so feet before construction started, so this earth moving is pretty much just revealing the original true level ground beneath.

A crane mounted pile driver can be seen working here in the center of the expansion pad.

This work going on now can now be seen from within the theme park, as seen in the next photos, which were taken on the ground.

Prior to the large pit being dug out, earth moving was focused on removing a small raised berm from this area, behind the Monsters Unchained extended exterior queue.

That area is now flat, and level with the nearby queue areas.

The old Universal Monsters Cafe statues were removed two weeks ago. They may have been relocated inside nearby Team Member building. At very least, they are no longer sitting in an active construction zone.

A path has been cut through back of the expansion plot for access to the main site, removing a sidewalk, as had been previously permitted.

A dirt access road now runs along back of these office trailers, leading all the way to main construction site behind Monsters Unchained.

It seems as though work is just getting started.

---

New Bride Ride Rumors

Long rumored to be a boat ride based on The Creature from the Black Lagoon, newer rumors are leaning more towards this expansion being for an indoor roller coaster-type attraction starring the Bride of Frankenstein.

Some believe the ride could possibly feature a similar ride train as attractions like Revenge of the Mummy or Escape from Gringotts at Universal Studios Florida.

Both ride systems are similar in seating style, but the more modern trains at Gringotts are capable of adding a rotating motion, which may be useful for dark ride-style storytelling.

It’s possible that the goals for this new expansion may be to add more indoor ride capacity, and fast.

An indoor coaster, especially one utilizing an existing ride system Universal has worked with before, may fit all of that criteria.

While the Gill-Man monster from Creature from the Black Lagoon can currently be found on the Monsters Unchained ride, located next door to this expansion area, the Bride of Frankenstein does not yet appear on a ride at Epic Universe.

The Bride meet & greet character has proven successful for the land, and her merchandise seems to be popular with guests.

It’s not clear if these factors are driving the recent rumors for the ride possibly starring the Bride, or if they’re coming from a true place.

Only time will tell, (but if work continues at this brisk pace, we may not have to wait long).

---

Harry Potter Expansion

While activity is moving quickly on the Dark Universe project, we still have not seen any work happening for the also permitted Harry Potter expansion across the park.

However, new rumors are starting to pick up for what type of new ride experience we may eventually get here, after construction eventually begins.

Many believe this new ride will a tracked flying broomstick experience, but now fans are wondering if it could be similar to Vekoma’s new Thrill Glider suspended coaster.

The sitting style for the Thrillglider ride vehicles has riders sitting strikingly similar to flying on a magic broomstick. Renderings for the ride system show riders seated two to a row.

The first installation of this system will be for Six Flags Magic Mountain, opening next year in 2027.

Universal has not yet confirmed the Harry Potter expansion, just like they have not yet confirmed the Dark Universe expansion, despite work already starting.

According to new reports, this may not be Universal’s last Wizarding World land, as evidence has been found for what may be one coming to Universal United Kingdom Resort, set to open 2031.

Recent rumors that that new park will be getting a clone of Hogwarts Castle with the Forbidden Journey ride, along with the Hogsmeade village land, may be proven true as a listing for a contractor seems to show initials for Universal United Kingdom Resort and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The page in question, (seen above,) has since been taken down from public view, although it’s not clear if that was because it was posted in error, or proves it was true.

---

Events Space Construction

Steel is rising in the front of the new events building in Celestial Park, near the front of Epic Universe.

Most of the work until this point had been focused on the back section of the structure. According to permit documents, the back is split between a catering kitchen on the bottom floor and offices on the upper level.

The new framing going up is shown in documents as restrooms at the front of the building, which will serve the large ballroom.

The large ballroom space will be built between the front here, and the back section, already under construction.

---

Epic Fireworks Suspended

The new nighttime show at Epic Universe seems to be having an issue.

Debuting back in July, Universal Celestial Goodnight has been running without its main fireworks for over a month now.

When pressed on social media, the official Universal Orlando account has finally addressed the missing pyro, saying: “…the fireworks portion of Universal Celestial Goodnight is temporarily unavailable as we work to resolve a technical issue.”

Some nights seem to at least include the secondary pyro, which launches from the left and right side of the park, but the central main fireworks, usually seen over the Helios Grand Hotel, have been absent for more than four weeks now.

There is not currently an ETA on when the fireworks will return, but guests staying at the park till closing time can still catch the fountains, music, and lighting displays for the show each evening.

---

Quick Universal Beijing Update

And speaking of nighttime shows, a new show named Nighttime Spectacular at the Lagoon has been announced for Universal Studios Beijing.

A new ride was also announced as part of the resort’s 5th anniversary celebration.

This will be Asia’s first Fast & Furious themed indoor ride, and will not be a clone of either Supercharged or Hollywood Drift. Instead, it will be a new entirely indoor thrill ride developed specifically for Universal Beijing.

The announcement did not specify what type of ride system it would utilize, instead saying: “The project will take the form of a fully indoor thrill ride, bringing the franchise’s signature chase sequences, action-packed scenes and high-energy atmosphere into a themed ride experience.”

That’s all for this update, but stay tuned for continuing coverage on Epic Universe projects, as well as other projects, like the former Lost Continent area at Islands of Adventure, which continues to see demolition, and is rumored to be replaced with Pokemon.

A big thanks to Bioreconstruct for the incredible aerial views. You can follow him on YouTube and social media for more theme park photography. Check out the video version of this story for additional visuals, and subscribe below to never miss an update.

Subscribe to the RSS feed or enter your email address below to never miss an update. Official Art: Universal Destinations & Experiences | Original Photos: Alicia Stella | Aerial Photos: Bioreconstruct | Permits: City of Orlando & Orange County Government | Other Images as Captioned

---

Consider supporting us on Patreon for as little as $1/month. All patrons receive behind the scenes posts and exclusive podcasts. Learn More

---