This is Berk! (Don’t tell me you’re surprised. There’s no other way to open than with a Hiccup-esque monologue.) This wet heap of rocks might not look like much, but step through the portal and see why it’s the best kept secret this side of the cosmos. Here we have fishing, hunting, a charming view of the sunsets, Vikings and — likely the reason for your visit — DRAGONS.
When you’re in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe, you’re honorary Vikings, so grab your shields and helmets and prepare to encounter untrainable dragons, train for a race through the skies, glide on the back of Hiccup’s latest invention, try fiery foods, put out fires, and meet the Vikings and dragons that changed everything. Find that the Viking life is right for you? Who knows, maybe we’ll even let you take a dragon back through the Chronos with you.
WHERE TO STAY | WHAT TO DO | WHAT TO WATCH | WHERE TO PLAY | WHO TO MEET | WHERE TO EAT | WHERE TO SHOP
Where to Stay Near How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel
At Universal Helios Grand Hotel, you can stay steps away from Epic Universe. Not close, not near, not a bus ride away, literally steps away, with a dedicated entrance for hotel guests into Celestial Park. Hotel guests can also enjoy Early Park Admission through that dedicated entrance and into Epic Universe! (Valid theme park admission required. Select attractions.)
PRO TIP: No need to lug your Berk souvenirs around all day. With merchandise delivery, you can have your merch shipped right to your hotel room!
The best part? The “How to Train Your Dragon” Kids’ Suites have an engraved wooden door that will transport you right back into the Isle of Berk –– no portal required. Your family’s resident Vikings will love resting their heads after a long day of dragon racing in the intricately carved beds, with a full-wall image of Toothless and Light Fury.
What to Do in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
To no one’s surprise, Hiccup has been tinkering with a new invention. The real kicker? This time he’s trying to put Vikings in the skies –– sans dragons. I know, I know. “Gasp! No dragon?” Don’t get your armor in a twist. This invention is for aspiring dragon riders to prove that they’re brave enough to face the heights, speeds, and obstacles one may encounter when racing through the skies.
You’ll walk through Hiccup’s workshop and onto a coaster where, right as Hiccup is about to place your wings, Toothless launches you right into the flight! You’ll twist and turn through the skies and get the best view of the Berk there is. Keep a keen eye out because you never know who or what you’ll encounter along the way!
With a minimum height requirement of 40 inches, aspiring dragon riders both young and old can zip through the skies. (For children 40–48 inches, a Supervising Companion is required.) While this coaster does have two launches, goes up to speeds of 45 mph, and reaches heights of 50 feet, it is just a test of bravery after all. Think of it as the training wheels equivalent of dragon racing and roller coasters.
For the dragon aficionados of your village, I suggest either skipping your Universal Express Pass for Hiccup’s Wing Gliders or riding again in stand-by to take a leisurely walk through Hiccup’s workshop. You’ll find maps, charts, and carved stones that have fun Easter eggs and provide a crash course of information so you’ve got a little something extra to chat with Hiccup about when you meet him later!
Dragon Racer’s Rally
Once the Vikings hit the skies, there was no going back! With dragon racing being Berk’s favorite pastime, training to be the best never ends. Will you surpass resident champions Astrid and Stormfly’s fast-flying skills? Unlikely. But you sure can try to learn the tricks of the trade as you swoop and soar in a training session on Dragon Racer’s Rally!
For brave ones over 48 inches tall, this is a high-speed aerobatic challenge where you get to sit in the winged driver’s seat. With a lever you can move up and down, you’ll adjust your wings to soar in every angle, and maybe you’ll even achieve the ever-elusive barrel roll. While there’s no official barrel roll high score, achieving a new personal best will have you wanting to ride over and over.
Fyre Drill
Leave it to Ruffnut and Tuffnut to rebrand Berk’s Fyre Skööl into a competitive interactive fire-fighting boat ride. Anyone with siblings can relate that an opportunity to challenge the other is an immediate yes. And if you plan on meeting a fire-breathing companion during your visit, a water-wielding training session might not be a bad idea. Board your boat and shoot at flame-like targets and other opposing Viking vessels with water cannons shooting up to 28 feet through the air.
If you’re looking to cool off from a day full of dragon racing training, Fyre Drill is absolutely the ride to get on because you will definitely be getting wet. With no minimum height requirement, this boat ride will be great for even the littlest Vikings in your group! (Note: There are no infants allowed, no lap sitting, and a Supervising Companion is required for children under 48 inches in height.)
What to Watch in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
The Untrainable Dragon
You’d think we’d learn by now that Dragons are indeed trainable creatures, though every once in a while, a challenge comes along that makes us rethink just how true that is. Head into the dragon hatchery for this musical stage show with showtimes throughout the day. You’ll watch as Hiccup and Toothless fly overhead and into the action to help Gobber and Astrid understand why they’re having trouble seeing eye to eye with the new Storm Cutter in town.
In a blend of live music, puppetry, and special effects you’ll be transported out of your seat and feel as though you’re truly in the middle of your favorite movie. Vikings may be tough, but they’re not heartless; maybe pack some tissues to help mop up any dragon-sized tears that may appear.
PRO TIP: If you’re hoping to catch The Untrainable Dragon after a ride on Fyre Drill, and you don’t want to slosh your way through the theatre and freeze in their air conditioning, you and your village can huddle under dragon-powered air dryers for just a small fee.
Where to Play in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Viking Training Camp
The only thing more fiery than dragons? Children with exorbitant amounts of energy and nowhere to put it. Take your junior Vikings to Viking Training Camp where they can climb, slide and explore their way through agility courses and more in this shaded (note this for later) interactive play area.
There are various training stations to be explored like the Thunder Drums of Thunder, Dizzying Dragons, Shipwreck Slides, Dragon Eye Discovery and Dragon Vision, just to name a few! They’re distinguished by a category and class fit for your curious, wondrous, thunderous, or adventurous one.
Who to Meet in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Meet Toothless, Hiccup, Astrid and More
A visit to the Isle of Berk would never be complete without meeting some iconic Vikings and dragons, and when it comes to unforgettable meet and greets, the villagers of Berk do it best. Starting off strong, one simply can’t visit Berk and not share a bonding moment with Toothless. Stretch out your hand and wait for that nuzzle from our goodest dragon boy. Dragons love to meet new friends, but don’t pet them under the chin — that’s a Hiccup-only zone.
Speaking of Hiccup, you can also meet our favorite shruggy-shouldered, wavy-armed village chief and ask about the latest inventions he has floating around in his brain. If you’re lucky, you can catch Astrid hanging out with him, likely imitating him or poking fun, or you’ll see her wandering around Berk with her champion racer Stormfly.
PRO TIP: Toothless and his friends meet throughout the day at the Haddock Paddock! Use the Universal Orlando Resort App to navigate Berk and plan your day.
Ruffnut and Tuffnut are a bit more evasive in their wanderings, and you never quite know where you’ll see those two hooligans running amuck! If you see them out and about, be sure to stop them and instigate a little friendly competition.
Berk’s resident blacksmith, Gobber, is always looking for an opportunity to show off his forged objects; maybe you should get his opinion on which swords, shields, or helmets you should pick up during your visit. You can find him at the forge near the center of Berk, along with some of his apprentices.
For our Night Fury fanatics, there’s a real treat: at special times you can see The Night Lights, Toothless and Light Fury’s trio of children, pouncing around and playing silly games!
PRO TIP: As if this cast of Vikings and dragons wasn’t enough, there’s over 17 different species of dragons you’ll find around Berk. So, keep your eyes peeled… and maybe an emergency water bottle on-hand.
What to Eat in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Mead Hall
Gather ‘round, visiting Vikings, for a village meeting to make battle plans, study dragons, and feast. OK, maybe not so much the other stuff — but you can bet your sheep we’ll be feasting at Mead Hall. Like a dragon gobbling down heaps of fish, you can raven on platters of barbecue, salmon, meatballs, sausage, sandwiches and more. To satisfy every craving that a loaded day of dragon training creates, try the Thawfest Platter. With wild berry barbecue glazed chicken drumsticks; grilled salmon, sausage links, roasted carrots, cipollini onions, nordic fries and side sauces, you’ll have nothing left to say between bites other than a salivated “Praise Odin.”
Spit Fyre Grill
Dragon racing is hard work! In your world, athletic champions are celebrated by slapping their faces on a cereal box. At Spit Fyre Grill, the resident dragon racing champions have rice bowls named in their honor. Chow down on grain and rice bowls paired with your choice of steak, chicken, salmon, shrimp, or vegan options, topped with an adornment of vegetables, slaws, sauces and more. A personal favorite is Stoick’s Steak Bowl with sticky rice, tenderloin steak, roasted balsamic mushrooms, sweet potato hash, manchego cheese, and horseradish sauce. You won’t breathe fire, but my horseradish fans know that you will feel like it’s coming out of your nose.
Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel
Mac and cheese: Excellent. Mac and cheese with toppings: Exceptional. Mac and cheese with toppings in a bready cone: *Insert thunderous dragon roar here*
Whether you’re caught between a classic topped with fish-shaped crackers, a cone with pork, bacon and jam, or a hot honey chicken cone with chimichurri, you can find the perfect snack for an on-the-go Viking at Hooligan’s Grog and Gruel.
Where to Shop in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
So you’ve seen all of the Isle of Berk, taken a ride on Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, and decided it’s a Viking’s life for you? Gear up for your new move across the realms and purchase everything you’ll need, from shields, swords, and masks to tees and toys, at Hiccup’s Work Shop or Viking Traders.
At How to Treat Your Dragon, you can find sweet treats for dragons and Vikings alike, from “How to Train Your Dragon”-inspired candies to chocolates to pastries. Notable favorites — because I’m a sucker for good theming — are the sheep-shaped white chocolate marshmallows, and variety-filled dragon eggs!
Parenthood, whether parenting humans or dragons, really all boils down to the same principle: don’t cause mass destruction. With that being said, you can go adopt a dragon at Toothless’ Treasures. And remember, it takes a village –– a Viking village that is –– so be sure to bring your dragon back to Berk with you visit after visit!
You’ve heard it all, now the only thing left to do is experience the Isle of Berk for yourself. So the next time you hear the ever iconic “Test Drive,” as the music swells, let yourself daydream about the fateful day when you’ll get to step into the fiery Viking village yourself. What will you fly over to first?!
No Comments