Universal Orlando Resort is stepping up its game in theme park technology, offering an intense look at the cutting-edge animatronics for the highly anticipated “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” attraction in Epic Universe’s Dark Universe.

Based on the teaser, Universal is poised to challenge Walt Disney Imagineering’s famed animatronic achievements, creating a rivalry that promises to redefine guests’ expectations for immersive attractions.

Universal’s latest creation uses advanced animatronic technology and is intended to rival Disney’s signature characters, such as the Na’vi Shaman in Avatar Flight of Passage and the Tiana figures in the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. Universal’s animatronics (14 in total) will feature lifelike movements and spine-tingling closeness, bringing guests face-to-face with legendary monsters in a way that Universal says feels unique.

The storyline, centered around Dr. Victoria Frankenstein – a newly introduced descendant of the infamous scientist – plays with classic horror elements with a twist. This mad scientist’s mission to control an army of monsters goes horribly 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, especially through the use of advanced robotics and expressive character faces.

Frankenstein’s monster

Created by science and feared by most, Frankenstein’s monster stands 10 feet tall and weighs over 800 pounds. Guests will first encounter this figure in the attraction’s queue – where he actually enters Dr. Victoria will walk into Frankenstein.

Dracula

Guests will encounter Dracula at various points throughout the attraction, as he chases the horde of raging monsters terrorizing the mansion.

The Wolf Man

Among the monsters unleashed on the attraction is the terrifying Wolf Man. As guests attempt to escape the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, they come within inches of his razor-sharp teeth and pointed 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 along with his fellow monsters.

Beyond the ride, Dark Universe brings fans closer to the monster world with meet-and-greet options and roaming characters, enhancing the area’s immersive atmosphere in a way that Universal hopes will compete directly with Disney’s themed experiences . Ygor, Dr.’s assistant Frankenstein, 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 makes a powerful 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 deliver the most immersive, hair-raising experiences as animatronics technology reaches new heights.

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