How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying alongside Hiccup and Toothless, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is about to make those dreams a reality. Nestled inside the brand-new theme park, Isle of Berk brings the beloved How to Train Your Dragon films to life with rides, shows, food, and experiences that will have you feeling like part of the Viking clan. Here’s your full guide to what to expect and how to experience everything this section has to offer.

Step Into the World of Berk

From the moment you cross the bridge into Isle of Berk, you’ll be greeted by towering cliffs, colorful Viking houses, and the sights and sounds of dragons soaring overhead. The land is designed to feel like the bustling Viking village we know from the movies, complete with fire-breathing details and plenty of playful nods to your favorite characters.

Rides and Attractions

Epic Universe has packed Isle of Berk with family-friendly thrills:

• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders – The headliner attraction lets you climb aboard a dragon and soar over the island on a high-flying adventure. Expect sweeping views, swooping turns, and a heart-pounding finale.

• Fyre Drill – A boat ride where you’ll test your skills by blasting water cannons at targets (and probably each other!) while dragons create mischief all around.

• Dragon Racer’s Rally – A spinning, swinging ride where you’ll get to simulate dragon tricks in the air. Perfect for thrill seekers who want something playful but intense.

• Viking Training Camp – A sprawling play area for kids filled with ropes, climbing structures, and dragon-themed activities, so little Vikings can burn off some energy.

Attraction	Height Requirement	Companion Rule for Children (if under a certain height)	Express Pass / Epic Express Access
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (Coaster)	40″ (102 cm) minimum.	Children between 40–48″ must ride with a Supervising Companion. Child Swap area available.	Yes – this ride has Express Pass access.
Dragon Racer’s Rally (Flying / Suspended Flying‐Thrill Ride)	48″ (122 cm) minimum.	Anyone under 48″ cannot ride alone; must have a Supervising Companion. Child Swap area available.	No, this ride does not have Express Pass access.
Fyre Drill (Interactive Water / Boat Ride)	No minimum height requirement; that said, small children may need to be accompanied by a Supervising Companion if under 48″. Hand-held infants are not permitted.	Children under 48″ must ride with a Supervising Companion. Infants who cannot walk/sit unassisted (hand-held) are not allowed. Child Swap area available.	Yes – this ride has Express Pass access.
Viking Training Camp (Play Area / Playground)	No minimum height requirement. It’s designed for all ages / heights.	Children of any height can enter; younger ones may need supervision depending on ability.	No Express Pass offered
The Untrainable Dragon (Live Stage Show)	No height requirement. All ages.	Show is appropriate for all ages.	Yes – this show has Express Pass lane access.

Entertainment and Shows

No trip to Berk would be complete without live entertainment. The land features a Dragon Meet-and-Greet area, where you’ll get up close to Toothless and other dragons as trainers demonstrate how Vikings and dragons learned to work together. Expect incredible puppetry, effects, and photo opportunities.

Live Shows & Entertainment

Show / Performance	What It Is / Theme	Location & Setting	Why It’s Special + Tips
The Untrainable Dragon	This is the signature live stage show in Isle of Berk. It presents a new adventure with Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and Gobber, centered on a mystery involving “The Untrainable Dragon.”	Indoor theater setting. A stage show, so you’re seated; expect theatrical lighting, effects, possibly flying dragon elements overhead (or at least massive dragon figures).	Great for families and a break from the Florida sun. Because the show is seated, arriving early gives you better views of the dragon effects. Also a good indoor option in bad weather.
Meet & Greet / Character Encounters	Multiple characters from the How to Train Your Dragon universe are roaming or stationed for scheduled appearances, including Hiccup & Toothless, Astrid & Stormfly, Ruffnut & Tuffnut, the Night Lights Baby Dragon, Gobber & Grump, etc.	The meet-ups occur in “Haddock Paddock” (dedicated spot for Hiccup and Toothless) and around village paths / Viking market-type areas. Some characters also appear at scheduled times near the theater or main thoroughfares.	These are some of the most photo-worthy moments. Wait times can get long (especially for Toothless & Hiccup).
Roaming / Ambient Characters	In addition to fixed meet-and-greets, there are roaming Vikings / dragons / side characters — for example Gobber at his forge, Ruffnut & Tuffnut interacting with guests, etc.	These roam the village, along walkways, by fountains, the forge, inside shops, etc. Because they move, you’ll often run into them when moving between rides / dining.	Great opportunity for spontaneous shots. If you see a character roaming, stop: even a quick photo can be fun. These are also less crowded than the major meet-ups, so maybe more relaxed for families or shy kids.

Photo Spots & Best Framing Locations

Here are the tried-and-true photo locations in Isle of Berk, including both official and “insider” tips, plus some advice for getting the best light and fewest photo-bombs.

Pro-Tip: Time your visit to a character around show or performance times, so you make every stop efficient. Also, arrive a little before appearances begin so you’re at the front of that line.

Spot	What’s There / Why It’s Iconic	Best Time / Lighting Tips	Where to Find It / Access
Haddock Paddock – Toothless & Hiccup Statue / Meet & Greet Area	Probably the most sought-after photo spot. Toothless in full scale, Hiccup, maybe other props / backdrop from the signature story. If you get Hiccup & Toothless together, that’s gold.	Early morning or just before show/character meet times tend to have fewer crowds. Also during golden hour (late afternoon) for better light. Cloudy days soften harsh shadows. Bring or use fill flash / phone flash if backing into brighter parts.	Located in central village near Haddock Paddock. Lines or queue forms for this so plan to stop here when your feet are fresher (earlier in the day) or coordinate around other stops.
Portals / Entrance Gate	The “portal” entrances to Isle of Berk are designed to be transformative. Good architecture, dramatic entrance framing. Great for establishing shots.	Best just after sunrise or mid-morning before crowds hit. Also right around sunset can be dramatic if lighting is good. Avoid mid-day when overhead sun washes out arcs.	At the transition from Celestial Park into Isle of Berk.
Village Scenes	Isle of Berk has detailed rockwork, Viking buildings, texture — barrels, crates, feed sacks, props, decorative dragons. These make great background for candid or posed shots.	Golden hour is best. If midday, look for shady spots (under awnings, inside Mead Hall entrance, under roofed walkways). Also look up: dragons are animated/static up high, so shots tilted up can create dynamic perspective.	Walk around the land edges; near shops; near the forge where Gobber works; along cliff edges or paths with elevation changes.
Inside Mead Hall	Grand hall, thematic lighting, architecture, festive setting. Big wooden tables, Viking décor — ideal for photos that capture immersive detail.	Is more controllable indoors: lighting is softer; early or mid-day when natural light may come through any windows; avoid peak dining times if background is too busy.	Mead Hall is central for dining.

Food and Dining

No trip to Berk is complete without eating like a Viking, and Universal has created dining experiences that are every bit as immersive as the rides and shows. The centerpiece of Isle of Berk is the Mead Hall, a massive dining hall straight out of the films. With long communal wooden tables, flickering lanterns, and banners hanging from the rafters, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Hiccup and Astrid’s world. The menu is just as hearty as the setting, featuring flame-roasted meats, thick stews, freshly baked breads, and Viking-inspired platters meant for sharing. Adults can even enjoy themed meads and specialty beverages, while kids will find fun, dragon-themed drinks of their own. The Mead Hall is more than a place to eat—it’s an attraction in itself, so don’t be surprised if you want to linger long after your meal.

For guests looking for something quick between dragon flights, Isle of Berk also offers grab-and-go food stands scattered throughout the village. These quick-service spots will serve up snacks perfect for refueling, from flame-grilled skewers and savory Viking pastries to sweet treats inspired by the dragons themselves. Think along the lines of dragon-scale cookies, colorful desserts that resemble dragon eggs, and Instagram-worthy themed drinks. These small details make grabbing a snack part of the story, not just a pit stop.

Between the Mead Hall’s immersive sit-down meals and the whimsical grab-and-go stands, food in Isle of Berk isn’t just about convenience—it’s about adding another layer to your adventure. Whether you’re sharing a feast fit for a Viking chieftain or grabbing a dragon-inspired snack between rides, dining here makes you part of the story.

Tips for Visiting Isle of Berk

1. Ride Hiccup’s Wing Gliders First - As the headliner attraction in Isle of Berk, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders will draw some of the longest lines in the land. If riding this dragon flight is at the top of your list, head there as soon as the park opens. Early morning waits are much shorter, and you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of the land more leisurely afterward.

2. Use Epic Express Wisely - Not every attraction in Isle of Berk accepts the Express Pass. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Fyre Drill do, but Dragon Racer’s Rally does not. Save your Express Passes for the attractions where they’ll make the biggest impact on your day.

3. Plan for Character Encounters - Meeting Toothless, Hiccup, and Astrid is a highlight for many families, but lines can get long. Check the Universal Orlando app for scheduled appearance times and arrive a little early to secure your spot. If you spot characters like Ruffnut, Tuffnut, or Gobber wandering the village, stop for a quick, spontaneous photo—these roaming encounters are less crowded and often more fun.

4. Don’t Skip The Untrainable Dragon - This live stage show is one of the best ways to take a break from the Florida heat without losing the immersive magic of Berk. Plan your day so you can enjoy the show mid-afternoon when you’re ready for an indoor, air-conditioned rest. There also is no bad seat in the theatre however the front row does add an additional element to the performance.

5. Feast at the Mead Hall Off-Peak - The Mead Hall is more than a restaurant—it’s part of the Isle of Berk story. Try to eat during off-peak times (early lunch or late dinner) to avoid the heaviest crowds. And yes, the themed drinks and desserts are as photogenic as they are delicious, so keep your camera handy.

6. Let Kids Explore the Viking Training Camp - This dragon-themed play area is a perfect stop for younger Vikings to burn off energy while parents enjoy a snack or take a break. It’s also a great way to break up the day if your kids aren’t tall enough for some of the bigger rides.

7. Capture Photos in the Evening - Isle of Berk transforms at night with glowing lanterns, atmospheric lighting, and dragon effects. The cliffs and Mead Hall look especially magical at twilight, so plan to circle back in the evening for photos you can’t capture during the day.

8. Check the App for Showtimes & Wait Times - Epic Universe is integrated with Universal’s app, which means you’ll have real-time updates for ride waits, show schedules, and character appearances. Keep it handy so you can adjust your plan on the fly.

9. Stay Hydrated (Like a Viking) - Florida heat can sneak up on you, even in this immersive environment. Carry a refillable water bottle and take advantage of refill stations in the land. Bonus: some of the dragon-themed drinks can double as refreshing treats when the day gets hot.

10. Build in Time to Explore the Details - Isle of Berk is packed with hidden Easter eggs and incredible theming, from dragon carvings on the cliffs to weapons at Gobber’s forge. Slow down and look around—it’s part of what makes Epic Universe stand out compared to other parks.

Final Thoughts

IIsle of Berk is one of the crown jewels of Epic Universe, offering a seamless blend of heart-pounding thrills, interactive adventures, and moments of pure movie magic. It’s a land that truly has something for everyone—whether you’re soaring through the skies with Toothless on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, joining in the watery chaos of Fyre Drill, or letting little ones test their courage at the Viking Training Camp. The Mead Hall invites you to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with fellow travelers and feast like a Viking, while snack stands and themed treats keep the fun alive between adventures. Live entertainment like The Untrainable Dragon pulls you right into the story, and meet-and-greets with Hiccup, Astrid, and their dragons make for memories (and photos) that will last a lifetime. From dramatic cliffside views in the daylight to lantern-lit pathways at night, Isle of Berk is designed to immerse you from every angle. Whether you’re visiting for the rides, the food, the shows, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, this land will be an unmissable highlight of your Epic Universe adventure.

Your Viking journey awaits! From feasting in the Mead Hall to riding with Toothless, I’ll help you plan every detail of your Universal Orlando vacation. Contact me today!