Everything to Know About Epic Universe's How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk
The magical world of How to Train Your Dragon comes alive in Orlando at Epic Universe.
If soaring through the air on the back of a dragon glider makes your heart pitter-patter, then the How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk at Universal’s new Epic Universe park is the ideal destination. Starting on opening day, May 22, 2025, a new style of amusement park awaits. Epic Universe in Orlando fully immerses visitors in five-themed worlds, and How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk just might be the most fantastical, where the up-close experiences are as memorable as the rides.
Whether wandering through the colorful 15.5-acre village, shooting water-canons aboard a Viking ship, or taking in a Broadway-style show with fire-breathing dragons, the Isle of Berk brings an authenticity to every attraction. Capturing a golden age of peace between the vikings and the dragons, the park recreates a time in the trilogy between the second and third movies.
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“We call it Berk 2.5,” said Katy Pacitti, assistant director and executive producer, who noted at this year's New York Comic Con that “everything had to be Viking-sized.”
Though you might never want to leave this large, mystical land, there’s plenty more at Universal’s Epic Universe to explore. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, Celestial Park, Dark Universe, and Super Nintendo World are all loaded with unique and innovative rides and experiences, and you’ll want ample time to revel in every detail and delight of the other four worlds at the park.
If you’ve ever wanted to pet a dragon or drink ale in mighty Mead Hall, you’re in luck. Here’s what to look forward to when visiting the Isle of Berk.
Rides at Epic Universe's How to Train your Dragon - Isle of Berk
There are several magical — and heart-pounding — rides and attractions at the Isle of Berk.
Hiccup's Wing Gliders
Imagine swooping wildly around the Isle of Berk and skimming a lagoon on the back of a winged glider. This might be the designated “family coaster” of Epic Universe, but Hiccup's Wing Gliders still delivers thrills for all ages.
Immersing visitors in Universal’s IPs is the heart and soul of Epic Universe, and the roller coaster features an engaging backstory: Hiccup invents a mechanical glider to simulate the experience of flying on Toothless, his Night Fury dragon. However, Toothless is not pleased with the idea and mischievously launches the gliders without their wings, leading to some unexpected twists and turns.
Dragon Racer's Rally
Ready to train for your next dragon race? Park-goers have some of the most fun when they’re in the driver's seat, or in this case, flyer’s seat. On Dragon Racer’s Rally, you’ll twist and turn in individual dragon-riding trainers that are on one end of a spinning pendulum. You can choose the ride intensity — from wild to mild, as engineering manager Ryan Paul put it — as you practice high-speed barrel rolls and maneuver at various gravity-defying angles.
Fyre Drill
This interactive splash attraction, like many things in the park, engages visitors with a clever narrative on top of classic thrills. Viking twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, have transformed Berk's Fyre Skööl training ground from the movies into a boat battle. Surrounded by fire-breathing dragons, the goal is to put out flame-like targets using water cannons that shoot over 28 feet. Epic Universe raises the stakes further by turning the ride into a game, with two sides of the boat competing against each other.
The Untrainable Dragon Live Spectacular
Epic Universe employs the latest tech and elaborate set design to bring Hiccup, Toothless, and other characters to life on the stage. Expect lively musical numbers, humor, and a 27-foot dragon soaring overhead in this live-action show. Billed as a Broadway-level production, The Untrainable Dragon takes inspiration from the original, which launched to rave reviews at the Universal Beijing Resort in 2021.
Character Encounters
One of the best perks of this area is the character encounters. For an organized photo op, you can find Hiccup and Toothless in the Viking village’s Haddock Paddock. But you’ll likely spot fan-favorites wandering all over the Isle of Berk, like Astrid and her dragon Stormfly. Additionally, the Viking village features 30 dreamed-up dragons representing 17 species, and many of them are animated.
Viking Training Camp
Filled with colorful climbing towers and an area for pre-school aged children, the interactive play area holds a few surprises, like a sheep launcher game and an agility course to challenge young Vikings. Several original props from the movies are tucked away here as well.
Food Options at the Isle of Berk
Isle of Berk offers a variety of dining experiences that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Mead Hall
A wonder to behold, Mead Hall appears as though it’s constructed from mountain rock, featuring faux entrance doors that stand nearly 17 feet tall. It serves as the main food hall of the Isle of Berk, offering hearty dishes such as the surf and turf Thawfest Platter, along with a variety of ales and hard seltzers. The grand Viking theme is echoed throughout the intricately decorated interior.
Spit Fyre Grill
Another quick-service restaurant is Spit Fyre Grill, which features an assortment of flame-seared meats atop a choice of greens, grains, or rice. Situated in the trader’s market area of Berk, it’s a convenient spot to fuel up before shopping.
Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel
At this racing-themed food stand, the snacks and bevvies promise to be just as creative as its playful name. Think mac ‘n cheese cones in a variety of styles and flavors.
How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk Hotels
Rest assured, there are plenty of hotels nearby that offer a convenient home base for your visit. Universal Helios Grand, a Mediterranean-inspired Loews Hotel, is located right within the park and boasts a dedicated entrance. The How to Train Your Dragon suite is built for families, with a separate kids’ room themed to the movies that sleeps up to five. Similar to the Minion-themed rooms, you can end your busy days by relaxing at the pool or on the rooftop with panoramic views of the resort’s twinkling lights at night.
Nearby are two newly opened resorts with the well-appointed rooms and high-quality service that Loews is known for. Both the Stella Nova Resort and the Terra Luna Resort bring the wonders of the galaxy down to earth with creative décor that’s themed to the cosmos.
The Isle of Berk at Universal’s Epic Universe opens May 22, 2025.
