Soar to New Heights: Exploring How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe

Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to open the gates to a new world of adventure with the debut of Universal Epic Universe. Among the five immersive worlds within this park is How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, a vibrant and detailed recreation of the world from the beloved DreamWorks Animation films. In partnership with the filmmakers, Universal Creative is bringing the heart, humor, and grand scale of the franchise to life, creating an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Set to open in 2025, Isle of Berk promises to be a breathtaking environment, complete with stunning architecture, lush landscaping, and towering heights that capture the essence of the Viking village where dragons and humans live in hilarious harmony.

A Visual Masterpiece: Entering the Isle of Berk

The initial view of Berk is designed to mirror the iconic imagery from the films, featuring a vast, sparkling lagoon and two imposing 40-foot-tall Viking statues. This energetic village, perched above churning seas, will immediately transport visitors into the world of How to Train Your Dragon. The attention to detail is evident in the hand-carved architecture, vibrant dragon houses, and local establishments that populate the area. As the largest land at Epic Universe, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk offers a sense of exploration and discovery around every corner. The land is designed as a large circle, filled with bridges, pathways, and offshoots that lead to various attractions, shops, and dining locations, ensuring there is always something new to see.

Thrilling Attractions for Every Viking

Isle of Berk boasts a variety of attractions designed to immerse guests in the world of dragon training and Viking adventure.

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders: A Family Thrill Coaster

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders invites guests to experience the sensation of flying on a dragon. This family thrill coaster features a winged flying machine that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the sky, providing a dragon’s eye view of Berk. Riders will soar alongside Hiccup and Toothless, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph as they navigate the perimeter of Berk, even swooping through the lagoon. The first launch is surprisingly forceful, offering an exhilarating start to the ride, complemented by impressive animatronics that enhance the storytelling. The coaster features a double loading station for efficient operations and a long layout that makes the queue time worthwhile. On-board audio, including music and dialogue, further immerses guests in the experience. While the queue itself may lack theming and offer little shade, the ride itself is a standout attraction.

Dragon Racer’s Rally: Mastering the Skies

For those seeking to test their dragon-riding skills, Dragon Racer’s Rally offers two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet. Guests can control the intensity of their experience, performing aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls. By adjusting the wing controls, riders can choose how “wild” or “mild” their flight will be, striving to master the skills necessary to become a true champion dragon racer.

Fyre Drill: A Wet-and-Wild Boat Battle

The mischievous Viking twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, host Fyre Drill, a water-based boat battle where teams of Vikings compete to outscore and out-soak each other. Riders are positioned on either side of the boat, firing water at targets to put out the “fires” caused by dragons. The attraction features moving props and various types of targets, some of which will drench unsuspecting riders who hit the wrong ones, creating a fun and interactive experience.

Viking Training Camp: For the Youngest Vikings

Junior Vikings can explore Viking Training Camp, a sprawling interactive adventure play area where they can learn everything about dragons. This area features a Viking agility course, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, and baby Gronckle dragon climbers, providing a safe and engaging space for children to play and explore. The camp includes a shaded, multilevel play structure with interactive experiences and slides suitable for toddlers. A wheelchair-accessible ramp leads to the second level, with stairs to the third, offering sweeping views of Berk and other areas of the park.

Live Entertainment and Character Interactions

Beyond the rides, How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk offers live entertainment and opportunities to meet beloved characters.

The Untrainable Dragon: A Captivating Live Show

Inspired by the successful show at Universal Beijing Resort, The Untrainable Dragon is a live spectacular that takes guests on a journey with Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid as they work to solve the mystery of an untrainable dragon. The show features musical numbers, elaborate sets, and life-sized dragons soaring overhead. The heartwarming story is geared toward a family audience, with impressive effects and props. A highlight of the show is a flying Toothless, ridden by a live Hiccup actor, which soars directly over the audience.

Meet-and-Greets: Encountering Dragons and Vikings

Guests can visit the Haddock Paddock for a meet-and-greet with Hiccup and Toothless, posing for photos with the heroic Dragon Rider and his Night Fury companion. Throughout the day, visitors may also encounter other familiar Vikings and dragons while exploring Berk. The characters in Isle of Berk are a major highlight, offering fun and engaging interactions. The siblings Ruffnut and Tuffnut provide comedic relief, while Astrid walks around with her dragon companion Stormfly. Toothless, a massive animatronic, is often accompanied by Hiccup, who interacts with guests and demonstrates how to engage with the dragon.

Dining Like a Viking

Isle of Berk offers a variety of dining options, allowing guests to feast like Vikings.

Mead Hall: The Heart of Berk

Mead Hall serves as the village’s main gathering place, where guests can enjoy a savory menu featuring meats, fish, sandwiches, and a selection of meads and ciders. The exterior of Mead Hall is visually striking and visible from various points within Berk and even outside the park.

Spit Fyre Grill: Flame-Seared Delights

Overlooking the Fyre Drill water attraction, Spit Fyre Grill is a quick-service dining location offering flame-seared meals prepared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook.

Unique Culinary Experiences

The land also features unique culinary experiences, such as the famous mac and cheese cones. These cones, filled with mac and cheese and topped with ingredients like pulled pork and peanut bacon jam, have become a popular snack. Another notable dessert is Stormfly’s Catch of the Day, a chocolate mousse shaped like a fish with cereal crumble.

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