As the largest world in the Epic Universe portfolio, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk sets the experience expectation as guests enter the portal. The phrase, “we, my friends, have dragons,” is more than just a simple declaration. It implores guests to walk amongst those winged creatures and soar through memorable experiences.
Today’s theme park guest wants more than a pile of steel that launches cars at impressive speeds. The visuals, sounds, and even aromas that fill the spaces between those queues make people want to come back time and again. Each visit is unique, yet builds on the existing memory.
In Epic Universe’s How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, the experience is a celebration of joyful exuberance. To be clear, this land is not a juvenile escape where little ones will scamper along a path. It is the place where young, old, and everyone in between believes in the imaginative wonder where anything is possible.
Leading up to the recent Media Preview Day on April 5, various details created anticipation for that first time when dragons roamed with mere mortals. Even the glimpse of an image did not do the full experience justice in the moment.
While everyone wants to have that one on one time with Hiccup, it is the stolen moments where other dragons appear from secret passageways that have people stopping in their tracks. Those moments capture what people remember from the best parts of the movies. It is all about dragons and people living together in harmony. Watching a young guest carefully approach a dragon and the resulting smile will brighten anyone’s day.
Note to self .. next time when I say hi to Hiccup.. don’t wear an outfit that could resemble an eel.. it makes him a little hungry #EpicUniverse @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/UG9iDaCXfz
— Cristine Struble (@CristineStruble) April 7, 2025
Of course, people want thrills woven into their experience. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders brings that sense of easy flight. Balancing the exhilaration with the approachable, the family friendly adventure is perfect for all ages. It is just the right amount of extreme to keep adults happy while not overreaching with the speed.
For the more adventurous, the Dragon Racer’s Rally is the choose your own adventure ride. Those who can sit still can soar without a bobble. In contrast, guests who want to rock and roll can shift in their seat and enjoy every topsy turvy moment. Again, it is a way for the Universal Creative Team to allow people to create their own adventure in this world.
Even the Frye Drill ride, where guests take aim and soak passing ships, is about making the experience personal. Who doesn’t want to finally take revenge on that little brother who is always nagging about being hungry.
Speaking of food, the options fit into the theme equally as well. Although eel might be Hiccup’s preferred dish, other favorites are a must try for guests. The Mac and Cheese Cones at Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel are the must capture shareable food moment. A hearty dish, the garlic bread stuffed mac and cheese comes in three different options. Consider grabbing a Carlsberg Danish Lager to pair with the filling dish.
Overall, the largest world in the Epic Universe portfolio is the one where all ages will linger to appreciate all the details woven into the storytelling. Luckily, each visit creates a new chapter that will continue the tale for years to come.
Epic Universe, part of Universal Orlando Resort, opens on May 22, 2025. More information on tickets, pricing, and availability can be found on the theme park’s website.