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Universal Re-Files Permit Confirming a Third Attraction Coming to Dark Universe at Epic Universe
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Universal Re-Files Permit Confirming a Third Attraction Coming to Dark Universe at Epic Universe

Michael Travels
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Published

Universal quietly re-filed a permit dated April 28 pointing to a third attraction at Dark Universe at Epic Universe. The original filing surfaced in March, was edited, then deleted, before the April 28 re-file resurfaced. The trusted-source amplification wave landed this week, May 26 to May 29, picked up by Orlando ParkStop, AllEars, WDW News Today, and Disney Food Blog.

Dark Universe at Epic Universe at Universal Orlando, where a new permit confirms a third attraction is coming to Building 1570 under the project codename Project 680.
Dark Universe at Epic Universe. Image: Orlando ParkStop.

The headlines:

  • Permit dated April 28, 2026, expires November 6, 2026, covering Building 1570 inside Dark Universe.
  • Project codename: "Project 680" (Orlando ParkStop also notes an "Area 680" variant surfacing in commentary).
  • Location: Building 1570 sits in Dark Universe's 15XX block. Orlando ParkStop places it behind the Monsters Unchained show building along Kirkman Road, in the same numbering range as Curse of the Werewolf (referenced as Building 1560 in earlier filings).
  • Strongest fan rumor: a Bride of Frankenstein-themed ride. Bride is currently a popular Darkmoor meet-and-greet with no associated attraction.
  • Universal has not confirmed the IP or any details beyond the building number and project codename in the filing.

Why this matters

Dark Universe currently has two rides: Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (the marquee dark ride / motion-coaster hybrid) and Curse of the Werewolf (the launched coaster). A third attraction would meaningfully expand the land beyond what opened with Epic Universe in May 2025. The permit being re-filed (rather than abandoned) signals the project is moving forward, even though the IP, ride system, and "attraction" framing itself remain Universal-unconfirmed beyond the building number and codename in the filing.

Permit-watching is one of the more reliable forward indicators for Universal projects because the resort doesn't pre-announce attractions the way Disney does. The fall-2025 Lost Continent demolition permits are the same kind of forward trail; the Sindbad demolition imagery we covered yesterday is the physical follow-through.

The Bride of Frankenstein angle

Orlando ParkStop flags Bride of Frankenstein as the leading fan-speculation target for the new ride. The reasoning:

  • Bride is already a Dark Universe character, currently appearing in the Darkmoor village as a meet-and-greet without a tied attraction, making her a natural candidate if Universal expands the land's Classic Monsters lineup.

None of this is confirmed. Universal's formal statement remains the permit and project codename. The Bride angle is speculation from the rumor mill, not a Universal announcement.

The Dark Universe rumor mill more broadly

  • Bride of Frankenstein ride. The top fan-speculation target per Orlando ParkStop. AllEars's comment thread surfaces Creature from the Black Lagoon as an alternate guess.
  • An expanded Darkmoor village footprint with new walkthrough or experience-style content rather than a full thrill ride.

What's also happening this weekend

  • Hogwarts Always projection-mapping show returns tonight at Hogwarts Castle (we covered Wednesday).
  • Butterbeer Season's final day is Sunday May 31. Last weekend to grab the seasonal items.
  • Volcano Bay Nights runs Sunday May 31, the next scheduled date in the after-hours water park series.
  • Sindbad Theater demolition at Lost Continent continues (we covered Friday).

Quick planner notes

  • Don't expect a 2026 opening. A permit filed in April with a six-month expiration is a long way from a ride opening. Construction-to-opening timelines at Universal typically run 18 to 36 months once permits are active.
  • Dark Universe is currently open and operating with both Monsters Unchained and Curse of the Werewolf available daily. The new building work will not interfere with current land access.
  • If you're visiting Epic Universe this summer, Building 1570 is in the 15XX block of Dark Universe. Look for construction walls or staging in that quadrant.
  • Permit-watchers should bookmark the Orange County / Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation filings; this is where the next update will surface first.

Sources

Image credit: Orlando ParkStop.

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