Unleash Your Inner Creature
Universal Orlando is cracking up the fright factor with Darkmoor Monster Make-Up, an all-new transformation experience inside Epic Universe. Whether you want to look like you stepped straight out of a classic horror film or just add a touch of eerie elegance to your park day, this experience is designed for all ages, no one is ever too old to become a monster. (Seriously, how old is Dracula?)
Unlike the boutique-style transformations over at Disney, Darkmoor Monster Make-Up is not just for kids. This is a full-fledged monster metamorphosis housed inside the Pretorius Scientific Oddities building, and Universal is offering two options to become a creature of the night: The Experiment and The Transformation.
The Experiment: $45
For those looking for a quick but dramatic monster makeover, The Experiment offers a full-face make-up application which costs $45. Whether you’re looking to become Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein, or Frankenstein’s Monster, this option is perfect for getting into the Universal Monsters spirit without breaking the bank.
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Price: $45 (no price variation based on age or season)
- Includes: Full face make-up, character choices
This concept was tested previously at Universal Studios and has now been refined and expanded for Epic Universe. And at just 20 minutes, you can be in and out, ready to terrorise, er, I mean enjoy the park in your monstrous new look.
The Transformation: $169 (Adults), $109 (Children)
If you want to take your monster look to the next level, The Transformation offers the same full-face make-up plus additional accessories to complete the look. But with the same 20-minute duration as The Experiment, you might be wondering, what exactly you are paying extra for?
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Price: $169 for adults, $109 for children
- Includes: Full face make-up, additional accessories (though details are unclear)
The biggest mystery is what exactly these accessories entail. It could mean prosthetic additions, more elaborate detailing, or perhaps just some monster-themed accessories from the store. Until more details emerge, The Experiment seems like the better value, unless you’re looking for an ultra-immersive transformation.
Regardless of which package you choose, Darkmoor Monster Make-Up is sure to have plenty of themed costumes, props, and souvenirs available for purchase to complete your monstrous look. So expect to see plenty of little (and grown-up) monsters roaming the streets of Epic Universe.
Epic Universe Photo Package: Capture the Frights and Fun
Universal has also announced pricing for its Epic Universe photo packages, offering a PhotoPass-style service similar to those at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. If you want to capture every monstrous moment, here’s what’s available:
- Price: $89 per pass (valid for unlimited digital downloads for the day)
- Includes:
- Unlimited downloads of official photos taken by Universal team members throughout the park
- A Universal Photos lanyard and card to scan and collect pictures
- Discounts on additional photo products purchased online
Unlike individual ride photo purchases, this package lets you download all your official photos from the day, making it a great one-and-done purchase for families or groups who want to document their visit without the hassle of buying photos separately.
Final Thoughts: Is Darkmoor Monster Make-Up Worth It?
If you’ve ever wanted to become a Universal Monster, Darkmoor Monster Make-Up is an exciting and relatively affordable way to do it. While The Experiment at $45 seems like the best value for a quick and fun transformation, The Transformation at $169/$109 is a bit more of a mystery until we know what extra accessories are included.
Pair your monstrous makeover with Epic Universe’s photo package to capture every terrifyingly fun moment, and remember, once you’re transformed, it’s your duty to give at least one dramatic “It’s alive!” or eerie hiss for the full effect.
Would you sign up for a Darkmoor Monster Make-Up session, or are you more of a “I’ll stay human, thanks” kind of theme park visitor? Let me know in the comments below!
