Monsters Cafe Figures Arrive at Epic Universe, Donkey Kong & Werewolf Coaster Testing

Aerial photographer bioreconstruct shared new snaps of the Epic Universe construction site this week, including photos and videos of Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness and Curse of the Werewolf testing. Bio also spotted the statues from the defunct Monsters Cafe Bone Chillin’ Stand in a staging area for the park.

Epic Universe Parking

Aerial view of a large parking lot adjacent to a construction site with metal structures, vehicles, equipment, and materials scattered around. The layout almost resembles the chaotic levels of Donkey Kong. A road is visible on the right.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Crews are installing roofing atop the toll plaza entrance of the Epic Universe parking lots. A yellow arrow added to this photo points at an excavator in a strip of dirt. Bio notes that work is starting for the route from guest parking to the park’s entrance.

Aerial view of a large, mostly empty parking lot with some cars scattered throughout. Construction activity is visible at the edges, possibly hinting at new attractions like a Werewolf Coaster. Roads and a few small buildings are also present nearby.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

A larger section of dirt is ready to be paved for another parking lot. It’s next to the Epic Universe staging area, which has been getting progressively smaller as the parking lots are paved and materials are moved into the park.

Epic Universe Staging

Aerial view of an outdoor storage area in Epic Universe with scattered debris, large flower props, a dolphin statue, construction materials, and a tan temporary structure alongside what appears to be parts of the Werewolf Coaster.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

In the staging area, Bio spotted some props for the Donkey Kong Country area of Super Nintendo World. There are two oversized palm trees yet to be painted and a trio of giant red-orange flowers. One flower has a yellow center. The yellow centers for the other two flowers are sitting next to them.

A staging area of construction materials like concrete forms and steel beams.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

In this wide photo are several white, green, and yellow elements, also for Super Nintendo World.

An aerial view of an industrial storage yard with various construction materials, equipment, and metal structures scattered on a dirt ground next to white canopies, while life-sized Monsters Cafe figures are intriguingly placed among the heaps.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The gray turrets in these photos are for Princess Peach’s Castle. Guests enter Super Nintendo World through the castle after walking through a Celestial Park portal and up an escalator.

Aerial view of an outdoor storage area containing assorted construction materials, machinery parts, and equipment organized on a gravel surface, reminiscent of the meticulous setup at Epic Universe attractions.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The staging area also houses elements for How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. In the above photo is part of a two-headed dragon figure. There’s also a small dragon house.

Three large discarded superhero statues lie on the ground among construction materials, including sandbags, wooden pallets, and buckets—reminiscent of the chaos near the Monsters Cafe Figures.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Classic Monsters fans will be happy to know the spinning figures from outside Monsters Cafe will find a new home at Epic Universe. Bio saw the Gill-man (a.k.a. the Creature from the Black Lagoon), the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster lying on the ground.

The trio were once atop the Monsters Cafe Bone Chillin’ drinks stand at Universal Studios Florida. The cafe closed permanently in May 2022, while the stand closed in November 2022, to make way for Minion Cafe.

Three large, colorful Monsters Cafe Figures lie on their backs on a gravel surface, surrounded by pallets and construction materials. The characters include Frankenstein's monster, a creature, and a dragon.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

We don’t yet know how the statues will be incorporated into Epic Universe. One of the park’s lands is the monsters-inspired Dark Universe, however, the statues don’t necessarily match the gritty realistic style teased for the land.

Four large Monsters Cafe figures, including Frankenstein's monster and Wolfman, lay on the ground among construction debris at Epic Universe. One is holding a pizza. Pallets and plastic-wrapped items are scattered nearby as coaster testing continues in the background.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The Wolf Man is still holding his pizza while the Gill-man holds a shrimp dish. The menu prop has been removed from the hand of Frankenstein’s Monster.

Epic Universe Entrance

An aerial view of the Epic Universe construction site features a large, ornate green structure with an archway, surrounded by construction equipment, vehicles, and workers in safety gear.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The entrance portal and tower are starting to look more like their concept art than not. The Chronos device that powers Celestial Park — the central land of Epic Universe — and its portals is at the top of an emerald tower. The device includes circular elements representing each land, which will spin and move when activated. A Time Turner from “Harry Potter” represents the Wizarding World; Mario is on a golden emblem for Super Nintendo World; a dragon is silhouetted on a red-orange orb for How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk; and a purple element represents Dark Universe.

Aerial view of a construction site with several partially built structures, machinery, and materials. The layout includes large buildings, pathways, and green scaffolding around one central area, resembling a scene straight out of Donkey Kong’s world.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

An Epic Universe sign has been installed above the entrance portal, at the base of the tower. This is where most guests will enter, although guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will have their own entrance. Right behind the entrance is Chaos Overlook.

Celestial Park

Chaos & Luna Overlook

Aerial view of a construction site featuring a large Donkey Kong animatronic figure being installed, surrounded by rocks, machinery, tools, and various construction materials.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Chaos and Luna Overlook both look over the water features of Celestial Park. A major feature at the center of these water features is a statue of a woman — likely Luna herself. Parts of this massive statue have been installed, with the woman’s torso jutting out from a scaffolding platform in front of the paved Chaos Overlook.

Image of a construction site featuring a large, partially assembled statue on a circular platform surrounded by scaffolding, tools, and building materials. An American flag is visible on the left, hinting at the grandeur soon to join the Epic Universe.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Luna’s hair is flowing behind her head. The last piece of her hair has yet to be installed. She has one hand draped on her head and the other held out to the side. Previously released concept art shows that large circular elements will be installed around her.

A construction site with various building materials, machinery, and equipment scattered around. Red and white safety flags mark the work area. Nearby trees and a partially installed blue structure add to the scene, resembling a level straight out of Donkey Kong.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Nearby are various elements wrapped in protective plastic. These include curved pieces that may be part of those circles. There’s also a rabbit, which will be next to Luna, leaping through one of the circles.

Aerial view of a construction site featuring a partially built concrete pool with rock formations, various construction materials and machinery scattered around, resembling the chaotic arrangement in Donkey Kong levels.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Luna is wrapped in a bronze strip of fabric (keeping her modest for the family-friendly park).

A partially constructed large statue covered in scaffolding and surrounded by construction materials. The statue, reminiscent of something you'd spot from the Werewolf Coaster, depicts a figure with a raised arm and various protective coverings.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

On the fabric over her chest is a white crescent moon. Luna is the Roman goddess of the moon who, according to recently released details of Celestial Park, rules the land at night. Apollo, the god of the sun, rules during the day.

Luna’s knee is visible below the construction platform, sitting on a sculpted section of water foam.

Construction site featuring a large sculpture of a person with a hand covering their face. Scaffolding and construction materials are scattered around the area, reminiscent of setting up a ride like the Werewolf Coaster.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Some rocky formations have been formed, while others are just outlined with steel frames. A tower on the left of Chaos Overlook is topped with blue-green jewels. Concept art suggests the tower will hold an illuminating flame.

Aerial view of a construction site in Epic Universe with various building materials, machinery, and equipment. Workers are present, and the area includes rocky terrain and curved structures under development.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

A matching tower is on the other side of the overlook.

Compare the above photos to the concept art of Celestial Park below.

Celestial Park Luna Overlook

Water will flow from the Luna statue through streams that connect other features of Celestial Park.

Celestial Park entrance concept art

There will be a special light show at dusk to represent the transition from Apollo to Luna.

Celestial Park overlook

The building on the left in the background of the above art is Atlantic, one of the restaurants of Celestial Park.

Atlantic Restaurant Water Features

Atlantic restaurant concept art

The waterfront restaurant will have an opening dining room looking over the water.

Construction site featuring a partially built outdoor area with pathways, rocks, and green posts. Workers and construction equipment are visible, along with a large glass building in the background.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

As Bioreconstruct captured, the water features are still under construction. The various rock walls and formations will make the water cascade down from Luna.

Aerial view of an empty, partially flooded pool under construction with workers, equipment, and a blue tent in the center. Surrounding ground is muddy and some landscaping is in progress.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The blue water table at the top of this photo is the large pond that will be right next to Atlantic. The one in the foreground is attached. Crews were power-washing the blue flooring after wind brought dust and dirt into the empty table.

Universal Helios Grand Hotel

A large building under construction with circular orange domes on the roof and a glass central section rises impressively within Epic Universe. Surrounding the site are various other structures and green spaces, alongside visible construction equipment, hinting at the magic to come.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The Universal Helios Grand Hotel is located opposite the main entrance. Final paneling and paint are being added, including chrome pieces on the hotel’s domed rooftops. The largest dome has yet to be completely covered but the three domes visible in this photo are now a shiny bronze color.

Aerial view of a large construction site featuring various buildings, heavy machinery, scaffolding, and workers. The site is surrounded by structures in different stages of development, with the towering framework reminiscent of a Werewolf Coaster.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The golden pegasus figure visible on the right in this photo is the top of Constellation Carousel. Behind that is Atlantic. The statue of Luna is at the top center.

Aerial view of Epic Universe reveals a large building complex with dome structures, surrounded by construction and adjacent to a waterbody, with multiple buildings and pathways visible.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The hotel curves along with the fountain in front of it. Amphitheater seating around the fountain will allow guests to view water shows. Fireworks will be set off from the lake behind the hotel.

Super Nintendo World

Donkey Kong Country

A construction site featuring a partially built amusement park ride with a large, mechanical dinosaur head and a vehicle on the track. Workers and materials are visible in the background.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Bio happened to catch Mine-Cart Madness running several vehicles with and without test dummies. In the photo above, one mine cart vehicle has orange and blue dummies inside. It’s approaching a “broken” section of track — but it’s all an illusion. The real coaster track is below the more train-like track and the vehicles are held up with an arm, giving guests the illusion that they are jumping through the air like Donkey Kong. The column next to the broken track is a Screaming Pillar with its mouth open.

A blue roller coaster track with a themed mining cart going through rocky and tower structures, surrounded by construction materials and barriers.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The roller-coaster is part of Donkey Kong Country, an expansion to Super Nintendo World also coming soon to Universal Studios Japan. It will open with Epic Universe.

Bioreconstruct’s video below shows some of the mine carts moving along the track.

Aerial view of a theme park under construction with multiple sections visible, numbered 1 to 4, showing various construction equipment, partially completed structures, and roller coaster tracks.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

In the photo above, Bio has labeled:

  1. A frame for a roof under the track
  2. A look at the real sideways track
  3. A treehouse frame
  4. Funky’s Fly ‘n’ By — Funky Kong’s business housed in a plane
  5. The last scene of Yoshi’s Adventure
A winding roller coaster track runs through a themed, rocky area with blue decorative walls and green vines. Construction materials and machinery are visible around the site.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The theming around Mine-Cart Madness is more complete. Flooring looks like a sandy desert. There are blue-gray temple walls with cartoon vines growing over them.

An amusement park construction site featuring a partially built roller coaster track and a decorative blue wall with green vines, flowers, and a circular emblem.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

These flowers and palm trees may look familiar after the staging area photos earlier in this article. There are also large spiked sticks next to the coaster track.

Aerial view of a construction site with various construction materials, equipment, and barriers. Some areas are cordoned off with orange fencing and traffic cones are visible.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Nearby is a row of barrels that will be interactive drums.

A roller coaster test vehicle, with dummies strapped in, travels on a track within a construction area.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Here’s another look at one of the ride vehicles testing. In this photo, it’s at the top of the first lift hill. Four water dummies are seated in the car. The water-filled dummies help test the weight distribution of the coaster before putting real people on the ride.

Overhead view of a roller coaster in a theme park, featuring a cart with passengers on a steep track surrounded by stone-like structures and metal rails.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

This cart is heading up the ride’s second lift hill. The track is hidden below fake stonework, so it will look like guests are going up the side of a temple.

uor eu donkey kong bioreconstruct 10
Image Source: bioreconstruct

This photo shows the track after the first lift hill above a wooden bridge. The track below, surrounded by golden temple walls, is that of the second lift hill.

Aerial view of a construction site featuring a roller coaster, structural frameworks, and various construction equipment.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Near the top of the attraction is a giant wooden barrel, which will seem to shoot guests out of it just like in the Donkey Kong games. Scaffolding was recently erected around the barrel. There are a couple of unpainted palm tree figures and golden bananas. In the background are two more Screaming Pillars.

An aerial view of a construction site featuring a partially built roller coaster track, various construction materials, and machinery scattered around. Workers and unfinished structures are visible.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

This overview shows the treehouse framework next to the curving track. Rockwork within the track’s curve has been painted to look like it’s covered in green moss.

uor eu donkey kong bioreconstruct 13
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Two ride cars are visible in this shot. One is in the foreground, to the right. The other is at the far left in the background.

Aerial view of a roller coaster under construction, featuring a partially built track, rocky scenery, work equipment, and structures.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

In addition to the carts with dummies, one empty cart also ran on the track. Here it is taking the turn right after the “broken” section.

uor eu donkey kong bioreconstruct 17
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Here is a car right after being shot from the barrel and landing on the mine cart track. It’s heading inside the temple. Scaffolding on the right covers a large face.

Dark Universe

Curse of the Werewolf

A winding roller coaster track with several black roller coaster cars carrying passengers is surrounded by greenery and tall plants.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Also testing was Curse of the Werewolf, one of the Dark Universe rides. This outdoor roller-coaster features trains of spinning cars. As seen in these photos, each car faces a slightly different direction as they whip around the track.

View from above of a roller coaster loop with multiple seats hanging upside down on the track. Trees and part of the amusement park infrastructure are visible in the background.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

This attraction is located at the edge of Darkmoor village, in the Guild of the Mystics’ camp. Guild seer Maleva warns guests they bear the mark of the werewolf. They are then sent speeding through the forest, pursued by werewolves.

A roller coaster has several cars traveling along a curved section of track surrounded by greenery and tall trees.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Medallions on the sides of the train cars feature running wolves. There are golden-bronze details on the edges of the cars. They’re also painted in slightly different shades of green, yellow, brown, and gray.

Multiple roller coaster cars with riders in blue seats traveling along a winding track through a landscaped area with greenery.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Bioreconstruct saw an empty train and a train nearly full of water dummies. See the coaster testing in his video below.

Bio estimates one train of 20 guests runs each minute, for a total of 1,200 guests per hour.

How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk

Aerial view of the Werewolf Coaster featuring gold-themed train cars with red detailing, set on a winding track surrounded by wooden structures and grassy areas.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

In the “How to Train Your Dragon”-themed land, Isle of Berk, Bioreconstruct took some photos of the trains for Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. This coaster wasn’t testing, but that allowed for good photos of the trains. They are made to resemble carved wood, with grain and tree rings on the seatbacks. A carved and painted dragon’s head is at the front.

Bird’s eye view of a partially-covered, multi-track roller coaster with a green and yellow train car navigating its course in Epic Universe. Wooden and metal structures surround the tracks.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

This photo offers a slight look at one of the dragons. The dragon on each train is painted a different color. The train cars in these pictures have a light green dragon and teal blue dragon.

A yellow Werewolf Coaster with several empty cars navigates through wooden beams and tracks in an amusement park.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

The dragons vary slightly in style from those pictured in Hiccup’s Wing Gliders concept art. The most notable difference is the absence of wings — but these may be added later.

A wooden roller coaster structure under construction with visible support beams and a partially completed track, reminiscent of a scene straight out of Epic Universe.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Bioreconstruct also caught a glimpse of a life-size Toothless figure next to the coaster track. When Bio returned to get a better photo, Toothless was unfortunately covered. The dragon is on a platform overlooking the coaster.

Universal Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts

Aerial view of a large, curved building under construction, featuring colorful exterior panels reminiscent of Donkey Kong levels. Surrounding area includes landscaped sections, dirt plots, and a nearly complete parking lot.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

Near Epic Universe are the Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts, which will open early next year before the park. Pictured above is the Universal Stella Nova Resort, now completely covered in galaxy-inspired reflective paneling. Construction offices were recently removed from the parking lot.

Aerial view of two colorful, curved buildings under construction with surrounding greenery, a body of water, and nearby residential buildings. You can spot the whimsical charm of Monsters Cafe Figures placed around the site.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

In the foreground of this photo is Universal Terra Luna Resort. The base is now partially painted dark blue, similar to that of Stella Nova across the street.

Aerial view of two curved modern buildings surrounded by construction sites, greenery, and small water bodies, with roads intersecting the area and the colorful Monsters Cafe Figures adding a playful touch to the scenery.
Image Source: bioreconstruct

This photo shows the resorts in the foreground and Epic Universe in the background. Between the two is road construction.

Epic Universe is scheduled to open in 2025.

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