Universal Orlando Resort is doubling down on its theme park technology and offering an intensive look at its state-of-the-art animatronics for Epic Universe’s highly anticipated Dark Universe attraction, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment.

According to the sneak peek, Universal is poised to challenge Walt Disney Imagineering’s famed animatronic achievements and spark a rivalry that promises to redefine guests’ expectations of immersive attractions.

Universal’s latest creation utilizes advanced animatronic technology and is designed to rival Disney’s signature characters such as the Na’vi Shaman in Avatar Flight of Passage and the Tiana characters in the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom. Universal’s animatronics – 14 in total – feature lifelike movements and eerie closeness, allowing guests to come face-to-face with legendary monsters in a way that Universal says provides a unique feel.

The plot revolves around Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – a newly introduced descendant of the infamous scientist – playing on classic horror elements with a twist. This mad scientist’s mission to control an army of monsters goes terribly wrong and the guests are thrown into chaos when Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Creature from the Black Lagoon are released. The realistic movements of these animatronics reproduce the innovations that Disney Imagineering popularized, particularly through the use of advanced robotics and expressive character faces.

Frankenstein’s monster

Frankenstein’s monster was created by science and feared by most. It stands 9 feet tall and weighs over 800 pounds. Guests will first encounter this character in the attraction’s queue – where they will actually be introduced by Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s laboratory leaves.

Dracula

Guests will encounter Dracula at various points throughout the attraction as he stands behind the horde of angry monsters terrorizing the mansion.

The Wolf Man

Among the monsters released in the attraction is the fearsome Wolf Man. As guests attempt to escape the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, they come within inches of his razor-sharp teeth and serrated claws.

The Creature from the Black Lagoon

Guests will also witness the amphibious “Gill-Man” emerge from the inky depths of the Black Lagoon, ready to terrorize guests alongside his fellow monsters.

Outside of the ride, Dark Universe will introduce fans to the monster world with meet-and-greet options and roaming characters, enhancing the immersive atmosphere of the area in a way that Universal hopes will directly compete with Disney’s more themed experiences. Ygor, Dr. Frankenstein’s assistant, along with the Invisible Man and an eccentric monster hunter, roam the area, creating a fully realized universe for guests to explore.

With Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment at the center of this rivalry, Universal’s Epic Universe is making a bold statement: Disney is no longer alone in pushing the boundaries of theme park technology. The showdown between Universal’s Dark Universe and Disney’s highly respected Imagineering team is sure to capture the attention of fans eager to see which park can offer the most immersive and spooky experiences as animatronics technology reaches new heights.

The Dark Universe attraction Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is one of five worlds coming to the Universal Epic Universe in 2025.