First look: How Universal is bringing ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ to life at Epic Universe

This is Berk – and next year, you’ll be able to visit.

On Thursday, Universal Orlando Resort revealed its first look at How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. The mythical land from the beloved “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise is one of five immersive worlds coming to life at the Florida resort’s highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe theme park in 2025.

“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,” Universal shared in a press release. 

Here’s what you can expect from How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk at Epic Universe.

You can visit Berk

It may sound obvious, but for many fans, Berk has only lived on pages, screens and imaginations, like other famous franchises Universal has materialized in its parks, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Universal Creative is developing this world with DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures filmmakers.

“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,” Universal said.

Vikings and dragons live together on Berk, so you can expect to see “endless activity – from active dragons in their natural habitats and sheep attempting to disguise themselves as Terrible Terror dragons to sporadic bouts of fire,” according to Universal.

You can soar like a dragon

Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is one of four attractions coming to How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, three of which are rides. The family coaster will give you a taste of what it’s like to soar like Hiccup Haddock and his fellow Dragon Riders, Astrid, Snotlout, Ruffnut, Tuffnut and Fishlegs. 

“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,” according to Universal. 

Family coasters tend to have lower height requirements than traditional roller coasters, so they can be enjoyed across broader age ranges without sacrificing thrills. Hiccups Wing Gliders will hit up to 45 miles per hour.

Dragon Racer’s Rally will give you a feel for the high-flying skills needed to be a Dragon Rider.

“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,” according to Universal, which notes guests will be able to control how “mild” or “wild” they want the ride.

Fyre Drill is what you’d expect from mischief-making twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. 

“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,” Universal said. 

But you won’t just be competing for scores. Viking teams can also try to “out-soak each other on this wet-and-wild boat battle.”

Viking Training Camp will be an expansive, interactive play area for Junior Vikings, “featuring a Viking agility course, a Toothless-themed teeter-totter, baby Gronckle dragon climbers and so much more,” according to Universal.

Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay water park also have dedicated play areas for kids to stretch their legs and explore. Universal Studios Florida’s new Kung Fu Panda-themed play area is opening within its new DreamWorks Land this summer.

You can see Dragon Riders in action

The Untrainable Dragon will be a live show inspired by the popular “Untrainable” show at Universal Beijing Resort.

“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,” according to Universal. 

Fans love its sister show’s stunning visuals, swelling music and soaring night fury, Toothless. There will be some differences in Orlando's version, but it's sure to be a must-see at the new park.

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You can meet Toothless

Hiccup may be the main character of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, but his faithful companion Toothless is its heart.

You can meet both Hiccup and Toothless at the Haddock Paddock in How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk. 

“Throughout the day, guests may also encounter other familiar Vikings and dragons while exploring Berk,” according to Universal.

You can get a taste of Berk

The main gathering and dining hall in How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk will be a fast casual eatery called Mead Hall. In addition to mead and cider, it will serve savory dishes like fish and sandwiches. There will also be two quick-service dining venues, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel.

Guests who want to bring a bit of Berk back home can find themed merchandise at Viking Traders, How to Treat Your Dragon, Hiccup’s Work Shop, and Toothless’ Treasures. 

Beyond Berk, Epic Universe guests will be able to visit The Wizard World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, a Universal monsters world called Dark Universe, and Celestial Park, which Universal describes as a celestial world between worlds.