Theme park fans visiting Epic Universe this December, beware — Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment will be closed for a brief refurbishment from December 11 through December 15.
Monsters Unchained takes guests on a terrifying ride through Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s manor, bringing them face to face with some of Universal’s most classic and creepy monsters. The dark ride has been a fan favorite since Epic Universe officially opened in May 2025. It has been a critic favorite as well — the ride won Amusement Today’s 2025 Golden Ticket Award for Best Dark Ride and the 2026 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement: Attraction.
Inside Universal first reported the refurbishment dates, which were confirmed by Universal Orlando shortly after. No reason has been given for the closure, but its short length suggests that any changes will be minor. Fans of Monsters Unchained are hoping this refurbishment addresses one of the most noticeable and recurring issues with the headline attraction — the constantly breaking-down animatronics. Guests visiting Universal Orlando’s newest theme park have reported multiple monster animatronics not working on Monsters Unchained, including key characters like Dracula, Victoria, and Frankenstein’s monster.
Advertisement
Advertisement
The refurbishment news comes on the heels of Universal Orlando announcing a third ride in Darkmoor, the Epic Universe land currently home to Monsters Unchained and Curse of the Werewolf. A new indoor roller coaster is being built directly next to Monsters Unchained, with construction already underway. The indoor ride should help alleviate Epic Universe’s capacity challenges, due in part to few rides (that become even fewer when it rains — most of Epic’s rides are outdoors) and subsequent long lines.
Monsters Unchained is expected to be up and running in all its gory glory on December 16, just in time for the Christmas break rush. Inside Universal notes that the closure dates are subject to change.
This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
