Universal Monsters take over Jake’s American Bar
Universal describes Laguna Lounge as a classic monster hideaway inspired by mid-century modern tiki. Inside, the Monsters appear in colorful scenes with the kitschy atmosphere of an old-fashioned tropical lounge. Nothing scary here, just kooky, spooky and tiki.
The Invisible Man serves up themed cocktails at Laguna Lounge.
All photos by Dani Meyering
This guy already spilled his drink! Invisible Man reluctantly made him another
A reference to Dark Universe, the Universal Monsters-themed land at Universal Epic Universe.
Tiki Ygor greets you at the entrance.
As we arrived, my husband and I made it a point to snap a photo with the Creature from the Black Lagoon. His figure sits in a wicker chair beneath a green neon Laguna Lounge sign.
Once inside Laguna Lounge, The Mummy holds a tropical cocktail nearby, while the Invisible Man poses behind the bar with a cocktail shaker. We stopped and lingered at this display for a few minutes to take in all the props and details at this vignette.
Posing with my husband at the entrance to Laguna Lounge.
WATCH: Get your bearings and see the layout of Laguna Lounge by watching our brief video below.
Facing the main dining area, an elaborate stage scene advertises a one-night-only appearance by the “Crypt Crooners.” The display features the Bride of Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Monster holding a ukulele and the Wolf Man seated behind bongos. A caped silhouette appears on the illuminated screen behind them.
The Crypt Crooners occupy the main stage inside Jake’s American Bar.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Crypt Crooners.
TIki iterations of Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein, and Frankenstein’s monster.
Fishing nets, bamboo poles, tropical greenery, flower garlands and multicolored lanterns extend the theme at the bar, though not much is extended further into the broad dining area.
The bar area is the place to be.
Though limited to the bar and the stage scene, the bright colors and playful character scenes create a campier atmosphere than the scares found inside Halloween Horror Nights.
Paper lantern and flower garlands draped across the bar with leis on the lamps.
A great spot to pregame HHN.
Royal Pacific’s existing South Seas-inspired architecture suits the concept particularly well. The resort’s lush landscaping and water taxis allow the tropical setting to continue beyond the decorated restaurant, helping Laguna Lounge feel like a secluded vacation spot for Universal’s horror icons.
The tiki Universal Monsters decor complements the surrounding elements of Royal Pacific very nicely.
Appropriate music is crucial in a tiki bar, especially for Halloween, and for the most part Laguna Lounge delivered. Though some tunes sounded like generic jazz, most of the tracks are on theme.