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USA Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Epic Universe's Monsters Unchained ride dares guests to face Frankenstein's legacy
Epic Universe's Monsters Unchained ride dares guests to face Frankenstein's legacy Show Caption Hide Caption See Universal's Dark Universe 'creepy' sneak peek at Epic Universe The Dark Universe at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe brings classic horror staples to life, such as the Bride of Frankenstein and the Invisible Man. ORLANDO, Fla. — Not everything is shiny and new in Universal Orlando Resort's new Epic Universe theme park. Some things are dark and twisty and rooted in Universal's legacy of classic horror films. Monsters like mummies and werewolves live on in Dark Universe, one of five worlds at Universal Epic Universe. Unlike Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, this world is more foreboding than scary, but as guests quickly learn from its can't-miss attraction Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, monsters still shouldn't be crossed. There are a few startling moments, but more than anything, this thrill ride is stunning. The queue alone, set in Frankenstein manor, is worth seeing with richly detailed rooms and next-level animatronics. The technology has been a talker since Monsters Unchained was first announced. Between the animatronics, massive practical sets and ultra high-definition graphics, it's hard to tell what's physically there versus on screen. However, the heart of the attraction is a thought-provoking original story: Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, a descendant of the same doctor who brought the first Frankenstein to life, is trying to clear her family's name. She's not only created a new version of the monster, named Henry, but trying to bring all monsters under her control, and Dracula is not going down easily. As their battle wages, guests grapple with a question posed in the ride's queue: Who's the true monster? Monsters Unchained has a 48-inch height requirement. Guests who are tall enough but unsure if they will fit the ride vehicles can test seats in two different locations: outside and a semi-private room mid-queue. The ride is also accessible to guests who use wheelchairs. Meet the monsters Guests who either can't or don't want to ride Monsters Unchained can still make memories by meeting monsters in person, like the Bride of Frankenstein and Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's new creature Henry. Those two have scheduled meet and greets, but other characters like The Invisible Man and Ygor roam throughout Dark Universe. Take the time to talk to them. The Invisible Man is a bit snarky and Ygor may hurry off to continue collecting body parts for Dr. Victoria Frankenstein, but it's all in good fun. The reporter on this story received access from Universal. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
What not to do at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park
What not to do at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park Show Caption Hide Caption Dive into Universal's Epic Universe immersive worlds Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, is the first theme park to open in the area in 25 years with five different, immersive worlds. Don't focus only on the rides; explore character interactions, live entertainment, and interactive elements. Prepare for the Florida heat and potential rain by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and bringing appropriate accessories. Check ride height requirements in advance to avoid disappointment, especially for children. Don't let the stairs in Super Nintendo World deter you; utilize the available elevators for accessibility. Universal Epic Universe is a theme park lovers' theme park. The new addition to Universal Orlando Resort takes immersive theming to new levels in five fully fleshed worlds connected by ornate portals throughout the park. 'It's transforming the nature of theme park design itself,' Steve Tatham, executive creative director for all of Epic Universe, told USA TODAY ahead of the park's grand opening on Thursday. 'Because when you think about theme parks, for the last half century, there have been three-minute experiences built within themed lands, but this is something entirely different ... Each one of these worlds can be a full day experience.' There is no shortage of things to see or do, but there are some things to avoid at Epic Universe. 1. Don't focus solely on rides There are only 11 rides at Epic Universe, but there's much more to experience across the park. Character interactions and live entertainment should not be missed. "The Untrainable Dragon" show is one of the best attractions in the park, and meeting characters like the Bride of Frankenstein and Ygor in Dark Universe is unforgettable. There are also lots of interactive elements and Easter eggs across the worlds. 'It's about living a story for an extended period of time,' Tatham said. 'I like to think of it as waders, swimmers and divers. So, waders are people who just stroll through and say, 'Oh, this is nice. This is lovely. I'm going to go on a ride.' And then people that dive a little deeper, they notice certain things, those divers, they're going to be rewarded because they can find very specific things.' 2. Don't get overheated While most attraction queues are either shaded or indoors and there are many air-conditioned restaurants and shops, there are even more wide-open spaces in Epic Universe without any shade. Drink plenty of water, which is available for free wherever dispensed drinks are sold, as well as in ride queues. Apply – and regularly reapply – sunscreen. Bring sunglasses, a hat, a cooling towel, a parasol and/or a personal fan. Take breaks indoors, whether watching a show or sitting down in an air-conditioned eatery for a cold drink. If you start feeling sick from overheating, ask a team member for help. There are also two First Aid stations in the park: one by guest services near the main entrance and another by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. You can find them on the map in Universal Orlando's free app. By the same token, just like the heat, you'll want to prepare for rain. Pack reusable ponchos and wear shoes that can handle getting wet. And remember, if a ride has to shut down for weather, it's for your safety and out of team members' control. 3. Avoid disappointment by looking up height requirements There is a 48-inch height requirement for three attractions at Epic Universe: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Stardust Racers, and Dragon Racer's Rally. Most other rides have a 40-inch requirement, which is about the height of a preschooler, and may require a supervising adult. There is a 34-inch height requirement for Yoshi's Adventure, even though it's slow-moving and gentle, and hand-held infants are not allowed on Constellation Carousel or Fyre Drill. Looking up height requirements in advance can avoid disappointment for kids who may not be quite tall enough for some rides. Most rides have a family waiting area for parents or guardians to switch off with kids who either can't or don't want to ride. There are also two play areas specifically for kids: Viking Training Camp in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and the Astronomica splash pad in Celestial Park. Kids of all ages will also enjoy the Power-Up Band Key Challenges and other interactive activities in Super Nintendo World and interactive wand areas of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, though at least one guest in your party will need to have a Power-Up Band or interactive wand to take part in those. 4. Don't skip Super Nintendo World because of the stairs Just like in the original Super Mario games, there are a lot of stairs in Super Nintendo World, particularly in Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. This has been a pain point for some guests previewing the park, but it doesn't have to be. There are multiple elevators within the two-story world and rest of the park for any guest, but particularly guests with wheelchairs or other mobility needs. As soon as you enter the portal into the world, instead of heading straight for the escalators, turn right to find an equally themed path to the elevators that will take you up to the second floor. This is where you can play various Power-Up key challenges to qualify for an interactive showdown with Bowser Jr. It's also where you can enter one of the world's three rides: Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. If you can't climb or descend stairs, you can ask a team member at the attraction entrance to escort you to elevators within the queue. It won't cut your wait time, but it will help you avoid the stairs. There is another elevator on the second floor for guests who want to go down to the ground level to enjoy the rest of the world, including Donkey Kong Country. It's located to the right of Mario Kart and the Mario Motors shop. From the ground level, guests can catch that same elevator to the left of Yoshi's Adventure to go upstairs. Yoshi's Adventure also has an elevator for that specific ride. No elevator is needed for Mine-Cart Madness.
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Which monsters will be at Epic Universe's ‘Dark Universe' land? See rides, restaurants and more
Which monsters will be at Epic Universe's 'Dark Universe' land? See rides, restaurants and more Show Caption Hide Caption See Universal's Dark Universe 'creepy' sneak peek at Epic Universe The Dark Universe at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe brings classic horror staples to life, such as the Bride of Frankenstein and the Invisible Man. Dark Universe at Universal Orlando's Epic Universe brings classic monsters to life. The new themed land features two rides, restaurants, shops, and character meet-and-greets. Guests can experience a monster makeup transformation for an additional cost. Dare to walk amongst the undead? Maybe howl at the moon with werewolves? Or even come across the Creature of the Black Lagoon fresh out of the water? Universal Orlando's Epic Universe will give parkgoers a chance to channel their inner monster at Dark Universe, one of the five immersive lands featured at the new theme park. "There's so much for guests to do and see and discover. I really hope that the strokes that we've taken here feed the monster kids that are out there — the people who really love the legacy. And I hope that it starts a fire of passion for these characters in new audiences," Chris Frisella, executive producer of Dark Universe, said, according to WDWNT. Epic Universe will officially open on Thursday, May 22. It is located in Universal's new south campus, about 15 minutes down the road. The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando. What is Dark Universe at Epic Universe? Encounter Universal Classic Monsters Guests will enter Dark Universe from Celestial Park through a portal in a giant dead tree and walk right up to Frankenstein Manor. Described as a "shadowy world where the unknown lurks around every corner," Dark Universe takes Universal Classic Monsters off the screen and places them in real life. Universal says parkgoers will explore a village ravaged by the wrath of unearthly creatures and the monstrous experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein. Oh, and the land's music is composed by Danny Elfman, for extra eerie feels. See map of Universal Orlando's Epic Universe How many rides are in Dark Universe Orlando? IT'S ALIVE … IT'S ALIVE!!! Dark Universe will bring two new attractions to life. Theme park fans have already been scoping out any new details for Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. It features 14 of the most life-like (and downright terrifying) animated figures ever created, including Dracula, The Wolf Man, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. " … It will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein – conducts her twisted and misguided experiments," Universal writes. "In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters – but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed." The land's other ride, Curse of the Werewolf, is also sure to both thrill and chill parkgoers. Deep in the woods that sit on the edge of Darkmoor is a spinning family coaster inspired by 'The Wolf Man.' According to Universal, guests will enter the encampment of The Guild of Mystics, where they'll be greeted by the Maleva, the guild's all-knowing seer and leader, who warns them that they bear the mark of the werewolf. Guests then board a wagon and venture into the forest, racing to escape the werewolves before they become one themselves. What is Epic Universe's 'Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience'? Guests can channel their inner monster at the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience, located in Dark Universe. Skilled artisans will apply face makeup to "experiment or transform" guests into Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more. Experiment Ticket (Face Makeup Only): $45 plus tax per person (Face Makeup Only): $45 plus tax per person Transformation Ticket (Face Makeup and Accessories): $169 plus tax per adult; $109 plus tax per child (ages 3 – 9) What are the restaurants at Dark Universe at Epic Universe? There are three quick-service establishments for guests to sink their teeth into: Das Stakehaus - A mysterious restaurant where you can enjoy a hearty meal while "surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts." - A mysterious restaurant where you can enjoy a hearty meal while "surrounded by vampire artwork and artifacts." The Burning Blade Tavern - Where Darkmoor Village's monster hunters catch and display their monstrous trophies, this tavern offers burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels and beverages. Where Darkmoor Village's monster hunters catch and display their monstrous trophies, this tavern offers burgers, wings, bratwursts, pretzels and beverages. De Lacey's Cottage - Near Frankenstein Manor sits De Lacey's Cottage, where you can refresh yourself with a variety of snacks and treats. First taste of Universal Epic Universe: Trying its highly themed food, drinks What are the shops in Dark Universe at Epic Universe? Looking for some spooky souvenirs to bring back home? Dark Universe has three shops for you to stumble across strange and macabre items — Pretorius' Scientific Oddities, The Manor Storehouse, and The Guild of Mystics. Are there character meet-and-greets at Dark Universe? Yes, if you dare. Guests can meet the iconic characters of Dark Universe, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein's Monster, Bride of Frankenstein, Ygor, and The Invisible Man. There will also be new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales. What are the other four portals at Universal's Epic Universe? Celestial Park – The first-world guest will encounter when they arrive. The land will feature relaxing gardens, a 'wet play area,' a grand carousel, and a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. Celestial Park will also be the gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds, accessed by themed portals. The first-world guest will encounter when they arrive. The land will feature relaxing gardens, a 'wet play area,' a grand carousel, and a dual-launch racing roller coaster with 5,000 feet of track and speeds up to 62 mph. Celestial Park will also be the gateway to Epic Universe's four other worlds, accessed by themed portals. How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk will give fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen. will give fans of the 'How to Train Your Dragon' franchise a chance to finally soar like Hiccup, Astrid and their fellow Dragon Riders do on screen. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will blend "1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Fantastic Beasts' films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,' according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will blend "1920s wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Fantastic Beasts' films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,' according to Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley Super Nintendo World will bring guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise for adventures with Mario, Princess Peach, and more, like at Universal Studios Hollywood. Can I buy tickets to Epic Universe? How much are tickets to Epic Universe? Yes. Guests can purchase single-day admission or multi-day ticket packages to Epic Universe. Single-day tickets are available now for stays starting Sunday, June 1. These tickets start at $139 and can go up to $199 during peak periods. Annual pass holders can purchase single-day tickets at a discounted price. May dates are unavailable unless you choose the multi-day ticket packages that were announced last year. The packages all include one or more days at Universal's other parks and a single day admission to Epic Universe. Universal has also announced other products guests can add onto their admission, including express passes, VIP Tours, photos and costume experiences.
Forbes
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘The Bride Of Frankenstein' Reaches Landmark Anniversary This Weekend
1935: The monster, played by Boris Karloff (1887 - 1969), believes he has found his true mate in ... More 'Bride of Frankenstein', directed by James Whale. The would-be bride is played by English actress Elsa Lanchester (1902 - 1986). (Photo via John) The Bride of Frankenstein — the classic sequel to Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff and Elsa Lanchester — celebrates a big anniversary this weekend. Directed by Frankenstein filmmaker James Whale, Universal Studio's The Bride of Frankenstein is based on a subplot in Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's legendary 1818 novel Frankenstein. Karloff reprised his role from the original film as Frankenstein's Monster, as did Colin Clive as Dr. Henry Frankenstein. Lanchester plays two roles in the film, as Shelley in the film's prologue and The Bride in the film's climactic final scene. The Bride of Frankenstein also stars Ernest Thesiger as Dr. Septimus Pretorius, Dwight Frye as Pretorious' henchman, Karl, Gavin Gordon as Lord Byron, Valerie Hobson as Elizabeth Frankenstein and O. P. Heggie as the blind fiddle player whom Frankenstein's Monster encounters in the character's forest abode. The Bride of Frankenstein celebrates its 90th anniversary on Sunday. The film premiered in U.S. theaters on April 20, 1935, about three and a half years after the release of Frankenstein on Nov. 21, 1931. The Bride of Frankenstein largely features Frankenstein's Monster and the events leading up top the creation of his mate, while the character of The Bride doesn't appear until the final scene of the film. While The Bride's appearance in The Bride of Frankenstein amounts to less than five minutes of screen time, the indelible image of the Elsa Lanchester character — made complete with shocks of lightning bolt streaks in her hair — has become iconic. In addition, the film has stood the test of time with critics, as Rotten Tomatoes reviewers gave the film a 98% 'fresh' rating based on 54 reviews, while Entertainment Weekly in 2023 named it the best horror sequel of all time ahead of 19 other film classics. Publicity still portrait of American actress Elsa Lanchester (1902 - 1986) in the film 'The Bride of ... More Frankenstein' (directed by James Whale), 1935. (Photo by John) Elsa Lanchester's version of The Bride in The Bride of Frankenstein has become such a big part of Universal Studios Monsters' lore that she has been featured alongside Bela Lugosi's Dracula, Lon Chaney Jr.'s Wolfman, Boris Karloff's Frankenstein's Monster and the Mummy and Ben Chapman/Ricou Browning's The Creature from the Black Lagoon as the faces of the studio's franchise for decades. To this day, The Bride of Frankenstein remains a big part of Universal Studios Monsters merchandising, from Halloween costumes, Gothic-style apparel and action figures. The Bride has also gone on to be featured in other film iterations of the tale or Frankenstein's tale in the decades since the release of The Bride of Frankenstein in 1935. Among the films featuring the monster's mate are the 1973 telefilm Frankenstein: The True Story, which starred Jane Seymour as The Bride opposite Michael Sarrazin's Monster; and 1985's The Bride, starring Jennifer Beals in the title role opposite Sting's Dr. Frankenstein. The Bride also appeared in director Kenneth Branagh's Mary Shelley's Frankenstein in 1994, where Helena Bonham Carter plays the doomed mate of Robert De Niro's Frankenstein's Monster. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 01: (L-R) Maggie Gyllenhaal and Jessie Buckley speak onstage during ... More CinemaCon 2025 - Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to 'The Big Picture' a special presentation of its upcoming slate at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of Cinema United, on April 1, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo byfor CinemaCon) Jessie Buckley will be next to play the iconic role of The Bride of Frankenstein in writer-director Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Bride, which also stars Christian Bale as Frankenstein's Monster. The Bride is set for a March 6, 2026, release in theaters. Meanwhile, Guillermo del Toro is preparing a new version of Frankenstein for Netflix, which is scheduled to be released in theaters in November before it debuts on the streamer on a date that is yet to be announced. Jacob Elordi stars as Frankenstein's Monster in the film and there's no word yet whether the story will include The Bride. Oscar Isaac also stars as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Mia Goth plays Elizabeth. As for another Universal Studios Monsters' version of The Bride of Frankenstein, only time will tell if Universal Pictures will either try to resurrect its shuttered Dark Universe of monster movies or go the route of the cost-efficient reboots of The Invisible Man and Wolf Man, both directed by Leigh Whannell. In the Dark Universe version of the Frankenstein tale that never happened, Angelina Jolie, per Variety, was being considered to star in thet title role in The Bride of Frankenstein in 2020 with Javier Bardem onboard to play Frankenstein's Monster. Viewers who want to celebrate The Bride of Frankenstein's 90th anniversary on Sunday can purchase or rent the film on several digital platforms including AppleTV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Spectrum and Movies Anywhere.
Telegraph
30-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
How to go grey and still look like you've made an effort
My dad had shoe polish-black hair with silver at his temples. I remember being fascinated by his streaks when I was a kid, wondering how they got there. To me, his greys were both dramatic and distinguished, and entirely him. Maybe that's why I didn't mind when grey strands began to appear around my temples in my mid-20s. There was something comforting in this hereditary legacy, an aesthetic nod from generation to generation. It helped that I liked how they looked: a slash of silver added an appealing sense of drama to my brown curly hair. That only increased as they grew more prominent. Which was lucky, because I couldn't be bothered to take action against them. I hesitated to embark on a futile campaign against signs of ageing or commit to yet another expensive, high-maintenance beauty regime. Over time, they became part of my look. So much so that when my kids asked why I had grey streaks, they knew I'd answer, 'That's where I keep my memories.' Lately though, the greys have sent out scouts, claimed territory. They're still clustered around my temples, but when I pull my hair back into a ponytail, I see more grey than brown. It's less Bride of Frankenstein, more granny. And the texture! My greys are somehow frizzier and more wiry than the rest of my hair. It's enough to make a gal feel unkempt. 'Grey hair by nature is coarse due to the lack of melanin,' says Jessie Renyard, senior colourist at Nicola Clarke at John Frieda. 'Imagine that the hair shaft is a clear drinking straw filled up with little balls of pigment, representing your natural colour. When that pigment goes, you're left with just a hollow straw, which is a lot drier and coarser.' Integrating the greys doesn't have to mean covering them completely, she says. Her suggestion is to emphasise the contrast by adding in more of my base colour. This would only take a few foils and would last four to six weeks. 'If you've got that lovely white streak there and we can get a bit of depth back next to it – chef's kiss.' But what if I don't want to commit to colouring my hair? After all, my main complaint isn't the colour, or lack thereof – it's the textural difference between the flyaway greys and the hair on the rest of my head. 'Once hair grows through white, the texture changes completely. A lot of clients come to me because although they actually love their white hair, they don't like its texture, or the frizz that comes with it,' says Ondine Cowley, artistic director at Gielly Green. 'They'll say, 'Hang on, my hair has been smooth my whole life, but it's not smooth anymore. What am I meant to do?'' She prescribes Hyrolox, a smoothing treatment (free from formaldehyde or keratin) that conditions and straightens hair for three to six months. 'But all smoothing treatments will relax the curl,' she warns. For someone with straight hair, Hyrolox and similar treatments can be godsends. I'm not interested in straightening my hair or even risking change to the naturally curly texture, so it isn't right for me. 'The most important thing is understanding that grey hair is porous. Hydration has to be your number one priority,' says Charlotte Mensah (when it comes to curly and Afro hair textures, she's a UK expert). She recommends exfoliating the scalp with her Manketti Oil Salt Scrub ('it loosens product-build-up on the scalp and helps bring the moisture and hydration to a much higher level'), steaming and drenching the hair with hydration-boosting products. A few days later at the Hair Lounge, Mensah's warm, lively salon on London's Portobello Road, a stylist sprays my hair with diluted conditioner to detangle it before the salt scrub, a high-friction head massage over the backwash. My scalp tingles as she slathers on a hair mask and tucks me under a steamer, a slice of Mensah's signature pound cake and a cup of ginger tea within reach. Twenty minutes later, my hair feels softer than ever. Scrubbing and steaming are effective but temporary. Ultimately Renyard's idea – emphasising the grey by heightening the contrast with a touch of colour – proves too intriguing to resist. So on no less auspicious a day than my 41st birthday, I sit in her salon chair and watch as she paints small sections from the front of my hair with colour before folding them into foils. 'I'm just putting some of your natural depth back in, but in a way that looks natural rather than like I've taken a Sharpie to your hair,' she says. 'There will still be greys, but let's knock it back a couple years.' How did it look? Natural, but better. The greys appeared brighter against the darker brown strands (she also used a toner to take down the brassiness of the sun-damaged ends of my hair, which made a difference), but the overall effect was subtle enough that no one's asked if I've changed my hair. And it's a minimal enough intervention that even if I don't go back for another session, the colour Renyard added will fade in an undetectable way. It's ideal given that I didn't set out to dramatically alter or repudiate the way I look – all I wanted was to make the greys look like a more deliberate choice, a little sleeker, a little less random. In fact, I'm not thinking of this intervention as a makeover. Let's call it an upgrade instead.
