The No. 1 must do at Universal Epic Universe's How to Train Your Dragon
The No. 1 must do at Universal Epic Universe's How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
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Toothless at Epic Universe stars in viral, sweet moments
Universal's Epic Universe is set to open in less than two months, which includes Toothless from 'How to Train Your Dragon."
The Isle of Berk at Universal's Epic Universe brings the "How to Train Your Dragon" world to life.
Must-do activities include Viking Training Camp, interactive elements, and Hiccup's Wing Gliders.
Don't miss the "Untrainable Dragon" show and character interactions, especially with Toothless.
ORLANDO, Fla. – For "How to Train Your Dragon" fans, there's no contest on the most anticipated world at Universal's new Epic Universe theme park: It's How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk.
One of five worlds at the new park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk brings to life the Viking world of its namesake DreamWorks film (and television) franchise with painstaking detail.
Fans of the series could easily spend an entire day there, taking it all in, but here are three must-dos for your Epic Universe visit.
5. Take kids to Viking Training Camp
Viking Training Camp is a shaded, multilevel play structure that lets kids stretch their legs and grown-ups relax. There are multiple interactive play experiences and slides even for toddlers, as well as a restroom and water fountain within the training camp for easy access.
There is a wheelchair accessible ramp to the second level and stairs to the third level. Make sure to go up for sweeping views of Berk and peeks at other areas of the park. If you look through the viewfinders at the top of Berk's spire, you may spot a teeny tiny Gothi, the village elder from the films.
4. Play with the interactive elements throughout the land
Some of the beautiful decor throughout the land is actually interactive, like the tall wooden Toothless-topped structure across from the Haddock Paddock. When you spin the wheel, it plays music from the film like a larger-than-life music box.
A similar structure near Mead Hall, topped with a giant horn, plays a variety of noises, including some you may not expect.
Part of the wonder of Berk if discovering details for yourself, but team members are also happy to guide you.
3. Ride Hiccup's Wing Gliders
There are three rides in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, which are all fun in their own way, but Hiccup's Wing Glider's should not be missed. (Neither should the Easter eggs in the ride's queue, like the Dragon Eye from the franchise's "Dragons: Race to the Edge" TV series, up on the shelf when you enter the main building where you board the coaster.)
The family coaster is very smooth and requires a minimum 40-inch height. It has the perfect balance of thrills, so it's not too scary for young children but still thrilling for adults. And when music from the film's soundtrack swells on board, your heart will swell, too.
What is going to be in Epic Universe? Answers to the most popular questions about Universal's new theme park
2. Interact with characters
By far, Toothless is the most popular character to meet How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, but the wait can get really long because the interactions are unhurried. Fans of the franchise may want to head to this first thing in the morning, because the experience is priceless.
Don't miss the other characters because they are spot on. Hiccup sounds just like Hiccup does in the films. So do the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut, who roam throughout the world and are just as rough around the edges as on screen.
1. Watch 'The Untrainable Dragon'
Live entertainment sometimes gets overshadowed by rides at theme parks, but "The Untrainable Dragon" is arguably one of the best attractions at Epic Universe.
The premise is an unwieldy new dragon arrives in Berk and doesn't appear to immediately respond to Hiccup's famous dragon whisperer-like touch, prompting him to question his abilities.
There's acting, singing, choreography, puppetry and more, but the most mesmerizing moment is when Hiccup and Toothless soar into the theater above guests' heads, in the clouds. It's the kind of wow moment that wraps your attention and makes you forget it's just a show. It may even give you chills.
Tip: Aim for an early showing. That way if it's canceled or delayed for any reason, you still have a chance to catch it later.
Bonus: Get the Mac & Cheese Cones
A massive bread cone of piping hot macaroni and cheese may not sound appetizing on a scorching day, but these already viral snacks are popular for a reason. They are delicious and easily shareable, which is good because they range from $15.99 to $17.99 each.
All three flavors are delicious because the mac and cheese itself is tasty, and the bread cones taste like the perfect combo of garlic bread and everything bagel seasoning. The Classic Mac & Cheese is topped with fish-shaped cheese crackers. The more adventurous flavor combos are PB&J – BBQ harissa pulled pork with peanut bacon jam – and Dragon Fire Chicken Spire, which is topped with Nashville-style hot chicken, hot honey, Calabrian peppers, chimichurri sauce and crispy onions.
They're available at the walk-up Hooligan's Grog & Gruel stand or by mobile order at Spit Fyre Grill.
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