Universal Orlando reveals new details about 'How To Train Your Dragon - Isle Of Berk' coming to Epic Universe

Mar 28, 2024 in "Universal Orlando Resort"

Universal Epic Universe concept art - How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
Posted: Thursday March 28, 2024 9:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Universal Orlando Resort has today unveiled the first details on a new land filled with Viking adventures in "How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk" – one of the five worlds featured at the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025.

Universal says guests will experience what it's like to live amongst dragons as they explore a larger-than-life world based on DreamWorks Animation's multi-award-winning and Academy Award-nominated trilogy, "How to Train Your Dragon." The world includes exciting attractions, beloved character meet-and-greets, dining, shopping, and even flying dragons.

Developed in partnership between Universal Creative, DreamWorks Animation, and Universal Pictures, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk recreates the rugged, rocky world where raucous Vikings and rambunctious dragons live together in hilarious harmony.

The company says that guests visiting Berk will encounter "one of the most breathtaking environments Universal has ever created – complete with immense architecture featuring hand-carved details, lush landscaping, and extraordinary heights of rolling hills surrounding vibrant dragon houses and local establishments."

WELCOME TO THE ISLE OF BERK

Guests' first sight of Berk will be reminiscent of the iconic sweeping vista straight from the films – featuring a vast sparkling lagoon that boasts two 40-foot-tall Viking statues set against an energetic village perched above churning seas. Guests will discover four attractions, one live show, and several character and dragon meet-and-greet experiences that offer something for every member of the family, including:

Hiccup's Wing Gliders – On this family thrill coaster, Hiccup invites brave new Vikings to take a ride in his latest glider contraption – a winged flying machine that launches aspiring Dragon Riders into the sky for a dragon's eye view of Berk. Guests will fly alongside Hiccup and Toothless and reach speeds up to 45 mph as they soar around the perimeter of Berk – and even through the lagoon – while experiencing firsthand what it's like to fly on a dragon.


The Untrainable Dragon – Inspired by Universal Beijing Resort's wildly successful "Untrainable" show, this dragon-filled live spectacular takes guests on an unforgettable journey with beloved characters Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid as they work together to solve the mystery of The Untrainable Dragon. This heartwarming story comes to life with captivating musical numbers, breathtaking sets and life-sized dragons soaring overhead.

Fyre Drill – Mischievous Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut invite teams of Vikings to compete to outscore and out-soak each other on this wet-and-wild boat battle. Guests will board a colorful dragon-headed boat and blast water cannons at flame-like targets to practice putting out fires – a crucial skill to master when living with dragons.


Dragon Racer's Rally – Berk's new Vikings racers can practice aerobatic maneuvers and high-speed barrel rolls on two Viking-made dragon-riding trainers that reach heights of up to 67 feet in the air. Guests can control how "wild" or "mild" their experience will be as they perform high-flying, gravity-defying, swooping and soaring skills that are necessary to earn the accolades worthy of a true champion dragon racer.


Viking Training Camp – Junior Vikings will learn everything they need to know about dragons as they climb, slide and explore their way through this sprawling interactive adventure play camp – featuring a Viking agility course, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, baby Gronckle dragon climbers and so much more.

Meet Hiccup and Toothless – Guests can visit the Haddock Paddock for an incredible meet-and-greet experience with heroic Dragon Rider, Hiccup, and pose for a photo with his friendly Night Fury, Toothless. Plus, throughout the day, guests may also encounter other familiar Vikings and dragons while exploring Berk.



Guests can also dine and shop like Vikings in the world's variety of themed eateries and retail locations, including:

Mead Hall — The beating heart of Berk and the village's main gathering hall, Mead Hall is where guests can feast like a Viking and enjoy a savory menu featuring a variety of meats, fish, sandwiches and more along with a collection of meads and ciders.


Spit Fyre Grill — Overlooking the action of the Fyre Drill water attraction, Spit Fyre Grill is a quick-service dining location featuring delicious, hearty meals flame-seared by a helpful (unseen) dragon fry cook.

Hooligan's Grog & Gruel — Guests can grab quick bites at this festive racing-themed food stand located in the Viking Camp.

And after a day of dragon training, guests can commemorate their lessons with an array of merchandise available at highly-themed shops like Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup's Work Shop, and Toothless' Treasures.

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    Andrew C15 hours ago

    I recall in 2012 or so, we were at DHS until 2am one night for extra magic hours. Glorious and without a special ticket.

    sedati1 day ago

    As a night-owl, part of me wishes all parks in Florida were opened from dust-to-dawn.

    JoeCamel1 day ago

    Just get an invite/ticket to the after hours event. I doubt they will operate this park differently than the others and that buyout income is sweet sweet music to the bottom line

    Tom Morrow1 day ago

    Yes! Epic was made to be seen at night. If they don’t want to increase the hours then they should consider opening the park later than 9:00 AM so it can be open for longer at night. The theme park enthusiast community should really push for this.

    TennHokies1 day ago

    Imagine how fantastic this park would look at night if it was open? And no, I don’t consider closing at 9pm enough time to enjoy a nighttime park atmosphere. Come on Epic U - give the people what we want! And at the very least give creative their just deserves.

    jrhwdw1 day ago

    That's a Start. Thanks!

    EricsBiscuit1 day ago

    I’m not sure if it will match the test or when it will be ready. They just know that it’s happening.

    Disstevefan11 day ago

    With previews now open to general public it will be interesting to see the wait times.

    Unbanshee1 day ago

    Monsters is averaging like a 45-minute wait, with wait times below 30 minutes in the afternoon and almost no wait in the early evenings. You should be able to ride, no problem!

    Sir_Cliff1 day ago

    That makes sense. I am interested to know what their plans are in terms of a nighttime show, as I think we have all been assuming that the park has been planned with that in mind. I am sure people who have been there have a better sense of whether it would be viable to stand around the fountain area with the focus being fireworks launched behind the hotel. Are the show buildings of Ministry and Monsters Unchained, for example, close enough that fireworks launched from there would be in your field of vision from that vantage point? Or perhaps there are alternative viewing areas further back?

    jrhwdw1 day ago

    I believe the High Fireworks Launch is the Lagoon by Helios Parking Lot.

    lazyboy97o1 day ago

    Some of the showbuildings were designed to be able to launch pyrotechnics from their roof.

    Sir_Cliff1 day ago

    I hadn't thought of it, but that's actually a good point: wouldn't the Helios Hotel be too tall and wide to hold regular fireworks shows that are launched from behind the hotel and were intended to be viewed in Cosmic Park? I can't imagine they would be launching fireworks off a hotel full of people on a regular basis and there is nowhere in the park from which to launch fireworks as far as I know, so I think launching them from behind the hotel is the only option. The logical viewing spot would be the areas around the fountains, but they're right up against the hotel.

    sedati1 day ago

    How high would the fireworks have to be if standing around the fountain so Helios didn't block the view? Also, would they turn out everyone's park-facing room-lights? Would the rooftop bar go dark? Don't the parks usually dim their lights for their nighttime spectaculars (for good reason)?

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