Through the foggy entrance where monsters lurk around every corner, guests enter Darkmoor, home of Dark Universe. Universal officials said they have been amazed by the excitement and passion guests have shown for the world inspired by Universal\u2019s classic monsters.<\/p>\n
Gregory Hall, assistant director of creative design for Universal Creative, said one of the best parts of the last year has been seeing guests experience Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment for the very first time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hear people saying this was the best ride ever,\u201d Hall said. \u201cThat really meant a lot, and it still does.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hall said more than 5 million guests have already ridden the attraction in less than a year, something he said exceeded expectations.<\/p>\n
Not only has Dark Universe connected with classic horror movie fans, but it has also become a hit among Halloween Horror Nights fans. Riders have spotted Easter eggs hidden throughout the attraction, including nods to iconic HHN character Jack the Clown hidden inside Frankenstein Manor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s so many different things in there,\u201d Hall said. \u201cI hear different reactions every time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Step through the Floo Network or walk through the streets of Paris inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter \u2014 Ministry of Magic<\/a>, where Universal says guests continue to be immersed in one of the park\u2019s most ambitious experiences yet.<\/p>\n Universal Creative Project Director Anisha Burgos said Battle at the Ministry has already welcomed more than 4 million riders since opening day.<\/p>\n \u201cWe really created a trilogy of experiences,\u201d Burgos said. \u201cEvery time we build a new Harry Potter attraction, we level it up.\u201d<\/p>\n Burgos said the Ministry of Magic became the natural next step for the Wizarding World because it allowed guests to step directly into one of the franchise\u2019s most iconic locations.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone wants to see the Atrium,\u201d Burgos said. \u201cEveryone wants to interact with Fantastic Beasts, and so we really took that and tried to bring that to life.\u201d<\/p>\n She also said one of her favorite moments is seeing guests experience the land at sunset for the very first time.<\/p>\n \u201cThat has not gotten old, even after a whole year,\u201d Burgos said.<\/p>\n Beyond the Viking village gates, dragons soar overhead inside How to Train Your Dragon \u2014 Isle of Berk<\/a>, where Universal officials said emotional guest reactions have become part of the experience itself.<\/p>\n Senior Manager of Show Direction Anitra Pritchard said guests continue to form strong connections with characters like Toothless and Hiccup every single day.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we see guests cry, they literally come in and meet our characters like Toothless and Hiccup,\u201d Pritchard said. \u201cThere\u2019s that instant connection.\u201d<\/p>\n Pritchard said even she became emotional seeing Toothless for the first time.<\/p>\n \u201cI cried, I screamed, I giggled with delight,\u201d Pritchard said.<\/p>\n As Epic Universe enters its second year, Polk said Universal plans to continue evolving the park while leaning further into immersive storytelling experiences.<\/p>\n \u201cWe really feel strongly that we\u2019ve latched onto something with Epic Universe,\u201d Polk said. \u201cWe want guests to come here, enjoy themselves with their families and want to come back again and again.\u201d<\/p>\n Universal officials said new experiences, entertainment and guest offerings are already being explored as the resort looks toward the future of Epic Universe and continued growth across Central Florida.<\/p>\n See our previous Epic Universe coverage below:<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n