SATURDAY SIX: 6 Reasons We Love DARK UNIVERSE Part 2 (Burning Blade Tavern, Das Stakehaus, The Characters And More!)

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Today we are going to look at the dining options in Dark Universe along with the eerie characters you may come across in the land, starting with…
# 6 – The Darkmoor Violinists
Streetmosphere at the theme parks is one of those intangibles that don’t show up on a financial spreadsheet, but they can be the difference between an “ok” trip to the parks and an unforgettable one that has guests telling all their friends and family back home. The violinists in Darkmoor village are right up there with the Dapper Dans and Citizens of Hollywood as some of the greatest examples of streetmosphere I’ve seen in any park.
Violinist in Darkmoor. (photo by Litem and Hide)
Violinist. (photo by Blog Mickey)
Violinist Storyteller. (photo by Holleigh)
The violinists tell guests a variety of stories while playing their music, including tales on the origins of Darkmoor village and various monsters they may encounter (including Dracula, werewolves, and even the Phantom of the Opera!)

The violinists can be seen playing on an elevated patio or roaming around the streets as they share the legend and lore of Darkmoor.
Darkmoor violinist. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
You may even get a sordid song/story on the chilling well (along with the dark secrets it contains) that sits at the center of Darkmoor…
Darkmoor village well. (photo by Scott Sanders)

# 5 – De Lacey’s Cottage
Ok, now let’s check out my favorite part of any theme park land: THE SNACKS. When in Darkmoor, look for the dilapidated shack known as De Lacey’s Cottage.

In Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein (written in 1818) the De Lacey family consists of a blind old man and his two children, Felix and Agatha. It is this family which Frankenstein’s monster observes and tries to befriend, but their rejection of him causes extreme anguish.
De Lacey’s Cottage in Dark Universe. (photo by @bioreconstrtuct)
The walking cane used by the blind Mr. De Lacey rests above the cottage’s front door.
Walking cane stored above the door of De Lacey’s Cottage in Dark Universe. (photo by @bioreconstrtuct)
De Lacey’s Cottage is a quick service location with two windows to order from. The menu is limited, but contains two Must Get items, including the latest addition to the themed pretzel world: The Frankenstein’s Monster Pretzel! Frank joins the iconic Mickey Pretzel at Disney and the incredible Shrekzel from DreamWorks Land as theme park’s most social media friendly snacks.
On the menu this is known as the Frank & Friends Pretzel and is served with white cheese.
However, the star of the show at De Lacey’s Cottage are the Warm Hearted Cinnamon Bites.

These are warm cinnamon sugar donut bites with cream cheese icing and streusel. Universal doesn’t skimp on the icing or streusel so these bites are AMAZING.

Like all Coke Freestyle machines at Epic Universe, the ones inside Darkmore are themed to the land.
Themed Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in Dark Universe. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
If you look at the top right of the Freestyle Menu screen, you’ll see a flavor that is EXCLUSIVE to Dark Universe.
Screaming Berry option available at the top right corner. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
That’s right, SCREAMING BERRY can only be accessed at the Coke Freestyle machines in Darkmoor (located De Lacey’s Cottage and Das Stakehouse.) How cool is that?!

Coke Freestyle exclusive flavor Screaming Berry in Dark Universe. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
# 4 – The Invisible Man, Monster Hunters, Frankenstein’s Monster & The Bride
The Invisible Man was a huge hit as a walkaround character at Halloween Horror Nights 25, and the version at Darkmoor village is even better because not only is he visually a fantastic character for photos, but his interactions with guests are just off-the-charts.
Invisible Man. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
The Invisible Man has always been one of my favorite Universal Classic Monsters, and I’m glad Universal leaned into the sarcastic and quippy version of the character.
Invisible Man. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Looking at the Invisible Man, I finally understand what ZZ Top was referring to when they said ‘Cause Every Girl Crazy ‘Bout A Sharp Dressed Man.
Invisible Man. (photo by Mike Sperduto)
With the entire land heavily built on the lore of Frankenstein, it’s great that we also have Frankenstein’s Monster and The Bride out meeting guests.
The Bride and Frankenstein’s Monster. (photo by BLOGMICKEY.com)
These characters interact with each other and the guests and is just wonderful.
The Bride having a discussion with Frankenstein’s Monster.
In and around The Burning Blade Tavern you may run across one of the Monster Hunters in Darkmoor village.
Monster Hunter coming out of The Burning Blade Tavern.
These men and women are known as The Hounds, and will often be discussing the bravery and courage needed against the monsters which plague the area.
Monster Hunter in Darkmoor village.
One window to check out while in Darkmoor is this one with a sign reading “Dr. Jeykll Apotherer” with HYDE written over it…
Dr. Jeykll & Mr. Hyde Window. (photo by Holleigh)
…and if you stand by this window you just may overhear a conversation between the two characters that is pretty much a mini audio drama. Worth going out of your way to check out.

# 3 – Burning Blade Tavern
The Burning Blade Tavern in Darkmoor has one of the most visually stunning elements we’ve ever seen for a theme park quick service dining location.

For much of the day, the large windmill atop the restaurant is seen in its dormant state.

But like the dragon atop Gringotts bank in Diagon Alley, several times per hour the windmill blades light up with fire!

I don’t care who you are, this is cool.
Burning Blade Tavern. (photo by Mike Sperduto)

It’s no surprise that the flames look even better at night.
The Burning Blade Tavern and a Werewolf Moon. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
The inside of Burning Blade Tavern is themed with a monster hunting vibe, including many trophies of the creatures that have been slain by the Hounds.

One of these creatures is an amalgam of characters from This Island Earth and John Carpenter’s The Thing. This is just wild!
Monsters mounted inside The Burning Blade Tavern. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Other theming around the Burning Blade reflects the monster hunters that use the venue as a hangout.

Artwork on the walls feature battles between men and monsters.

The Burning Blade features several themed cocktails and mocktails, but you have to love that The Monocane is available in a souvenir beaker.
Monocane in the Burning Blade Tavern. Monocane was a key ingredient in the Invisible Man’s formula. (photo by Scott Sanders)
The Doofenslurper walked so that The Monocane could run.
Monocane in the Burning Blade Tavern. (photo by Scott Sanders)
The Burning Blade menu has some options that are some of the best snacks at Epic Universe, including the Burning Cheddar Bites.
Burning Cheddar Bites – Crispy fried poppers with sriracha ranch. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
I’m a bread guy, so my favorite item is the Hunter’s Garlic Stake. This snack is so good it makes me think we need to do a SAT SIX on the best pretzel options at Universal in the near future.
Hunter’s Garlic Stake – Crispy garlic butter pretzel with garlic dipping sauce.
Did we mention that the Burning Blade uses themed wrappers? Talk about a way to my heart.
“Spared No Expense.” – John Hammond, Jurassic Park
When Diagon Alley opened back in 2014 there was a cart outside the London Waterfront selling “jacket potatoes.” I thought there was no chance this kiosk would succeed in a theme park snack world consisting of churros, popcorn and pizza slices, but lo and behold the baked potato kiosk is still around and guests love it. The Burning Blade Tavern has it’s own baked potato option with the Charred Loaded Potato that is low key fantastic.
Charred Loaded Potato – hickory char-crusted, Monterey Jack, sour cream, jalapeño, bacon and chives.
I think the Burning Blade Tavern has some of the best looking merchandise in all of Dark Universe.

The Burning Blade Tavern windmill is already such a fan favorite that it was used for this month’s button design for Universal Orlando Annual Passholders.
UOAP button featuring The Burning Blade Tavern. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
# 2 – Das Stakehaus
The “story” behind Das Stakehaus is that it is an old inn that has been built over the ancient catacombs below Darkmoor.
Das Stakehouse. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
Das Stakehaus is a vampire hangout, run by their familiars (vampire servants,) and is extremely dark inside for a theme park restaurant (both literally and figuratively.) Don’t worry, occasionally the lights will turn red as it is signifying blood has been sacrificed down the well outside (tying into one of the stories told by the Darkmoor violinists.)

Lighting fixtures are on point. You have to appreciate the skulls in the chandeliers, not to mention the wooden stakes.
Inside Das Stakehaus restaurant in Dark Universe. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Detail of a lighting fixture at Das Stakehaus. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
There are several rooms of seating at Das Stakehouse, and ordering is done through the mobile app. Personally not a huge fan of that, but it looks like that is the general direction theme parks are heading towards.
Chair theming for the indoor seating area of Das Stakehaus. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
On the walls of Das Stakehaus you will see several vampire corpses who have been staked over the years.

My favorite is this guy, who looks like he probably took out many Darkmoor villagers on his way out.

A coffin in the restaurant has a corpse holding a sign that reads “Our Favorite Familiar.” We’ll see that reference again later in the menu.

The paintings in Das Stakehaus represent Darkmoor from the perspective of vampires.

I’m guessing that this guy may be Count Dracula himself.

Not every day in a theme park restaurant do you have a painting showing a fortress surrounded by lava with a person in the foreground about to be dumped into a coffin.

There is a large painting showing the War For Darkmoor that has humans on one side battling vampires, werewolves, and giant man-bats. Would love a detailed story (comic book?) on the entire history of Darkmoor.

The overall vibe at Das Stakehaus is “creepy af.” Now, after Epic Universe had their first previews, there was a hilarious skit on Saturday Night Live that seems like it was written right after someone on the writing staff experienced the restaurant.

Let’s check out some items from the menu, which skews far away from your traditional theme park quick service restaurant (and are also VERY good!)
Crimson Glazed Pork – char siu-style roasted pork belly with bloody roast pork dipping sauce, charred green onion mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, acorn squash, crispy maitake mushrooms. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
Das Stakehaus – Darkmoor spicy chili dusted fried wings, with a smoked cheddar, charred scallions, pimento cornbread skull, soy chili garlic sauce, served with a familiar slaw. (photo by Alicia Stella)
Das Stakehaus. “Blood” Orange Chicken Sandwich – flash fried marinated chicken breast, blood orange sauce, pickles, with a familiar slaw, on a black bun with fries. (photo by @CaptainTomStL)
Forager salad w/ Salmon. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
Das Stakehouse. Our Favorite Vegan Familiar’s Stuffed Cabbage – Impossible stuffed cabbage, beet bucatini, in a bell pepper tomato sauce. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
The desserts at Das Stakehause are very good and the use of puffed rice as “maggots” gets a thumbs up from me.
Red Velvet Death – red velvet heart “beet” coffin cake with chocolate crumbs and puffed rice maggots. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Lobotocotta – Greek yogurt vanilla panna cotta brain with raspberry sauce. (photo by Hedgehogs Corner)
# 1 – Ygor
The breakout character in Dark Universe is Ygor, the assistant to Victoria Frankenstein. He can often be seen in Darkmoor carrying his trusted medical bag…

…that contains various body parts that have been harvested.
Ygor. (photo by Blog Mickey)
Ygor in Darkmoor Village. (photo by @bioreconstruct)
Ygor can be a complete ham, and his interactions with guests are fantastic.

Ygor surely telling the Darkmoor visitor to turn her phone sideways for a bloggable landscape photograph. (photo by Blog Mickey)
More than any other character – which is saying something considering we are talking about some of the most iconic monsters in film history – Ygor has connected with guests in a way no one could have saw coming, and has inspired many artists.
Ygor going on a “journey” through the catacombs of the manor. (art by Christina R.)
Ygor. (art by Jolly)
Ygor. (art by /cobaltlou)
Ygor. (art by @Danshull8)
Ygor. (art by Christina R.)
Ygor Nation pin. (art by Briana Nicole Pail)
Victoria Frankenstein and Ygor. “Me and my assistant saw you from across the village and like how harvestable your body parts look” (art by @ministersfate)
Ygor and the Invisible Man. (art by @taylorvision3d)
Invisible Man & Ygor” (art by SonderQuest)
So there you have it: The SATURDAY SIX Looks at Dark Universe Par 2: Dining and Characters! See you next weekend for the latest installment of the SATURDAY SIX, where we’ll look at something fun from the world of Disney and Universal. If you enjoyed yourself, be sure to check out the THEME PARK ENJOYMENT INDEX, giving a monthly recap of all the theme park news you need to know (and a lot more you don’t need to know, but we’re gonna tell you anyway). You can also follow Your Humble Author on BlueSky (@derekburgan).
If you enjoyed this article, you will surely like the following:
Theme Park Turkeys of the Year Archives
The SATURDAY SIX Celebrates 10 Years of @bioreconstruct
SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Josh easyWDW
SATURDAY SIX Tribute to Ian Barritt
Special Thanks to The Elite Brandon Glover, Digital Maestro Scott Walker, the bio-est of all reconstructs @bioreconstruct, Captain Cruiseline Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, my personal protege Hunter “Elvey” Underwood, artist @SonderQuest, the mighty maven of merchandise Hedgehog’s Corner, the SAT SIX Fun Squad of Parkscope Joe and “the Dadalorian” Nick, hot shot Michael Carelli, charter member of the Universal Four @Nitro230, the permit princess Alicia Stella, master cartographer Tommy Hawkins, and Hermione Granger’s tutor Megan Stump for their invaluable assistance with this article. Absolutely no help was added by SeaWorld Influencer @SuperWeenieHtJr. The SAT SIX is inspired each week by goofballs Aengus Mackenzie and LitemAndHide and you Potterheads will enjoy Meg’s other blog work over at the Central Florida Slug Club.
The Burning Blade Tavern. (art by @TheHorizoneer)

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