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Geek Culture
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
Jurassic World: The Experience Brings Prehistoric Thrills To Singapore From 29 May
Before the world of dinosaurs and apex predators roars back to life on the big screen with Jurassic World: Rebirth , Singapore will first revisit the franchise's legacy in style. Jurassic World: The Experience is set to turn back the clock starting 29 May, transforming Gardens by the Bay into a prehistoric landscape. Held at Cloud Forest, it leans into the buzz once doors open, leading visitors through a short passageway adorned with themed decor, including a giant eye peeking out of foliage. Then comes the distinctive logo that fans have come to know and love, with two Brachiosaurus – each towering at 8.5 metres – standing in front of the waterfall. Moving on from Brachiosaurus Falls to Where It All Began reveals tiny Compsognathus on display, accompanied by iconic audio excerpts from the films, alongside a chance to get up close and personal with dinosaur babies on the side. Operating on the concept of a petting zoo, the interactive session invites the public to lay their hands on them, while the Aviary exhibit features a pair of Velociraptors fixing their gaze on Pterandon nests in the distance. A protective Pteranodon hovers above, joining its other counterparts in the skies. Hot on its heels is Tyrannosarurus Breakout, one of the biggest highlights of the event. A ferocious, animatronic T-Rex serves as the centrepiece, letting out a loud roar as it breaks through a shattered fence designed to mirror the set design used for filming. The apex predator isn't the only sign of life here: cycads, ancient plants that grew across the land during the dinosaur era, can be found amid the action, with their roots tracing all the way back to over 280 million years ago. In fact, Evolution Walk is where the undergrowth gets to shine. Apart from chronicling its over-time growth from freshwater algae to the various species now inhabiting the earth, the education trail also showcases 3D recreations of long-extinct plants. At the end of the road lies Stiggy Truck, where a Stygiomoloch emerges from a cargo box after a few seconds of violent shaking. The next encounter thrusts the Brachiosaurus back into the spotlight again – this time, surrounded by staggeringly tall ancient conifers as it sways its long neck gently. But the true fun begins at the Dilophosaurus Ambush, where the carnivorous dinosaurs lie in ambush amongst toppled crates and open cages, bearing their frills and hissing away just like in the first Jurassic Park film. It leads into Muzzle Raptors, featuring the pack of sisters Echo, Delta, and Charlie, who evoke a lifelike quality with their displays of micro-expressions, such as blinking eyes and jaws locked in a grimace. An interesting note about the zone is how it inherits the same setup that riders encounter while queuing for Jurassic World VelociCoaster in Universal Studios Orlando, which makes for a neat attention to detail. Saving the best for the last, Blue, the leading raptor of the Jurassic World movies, is at the front and centre of The Final Roar. Here, visitors can catch the intelligent dinosaur in the flesh, complete with a dramatic entrance, jaw-snapping sound effects and an opportunity to get even closer to the setpiece. As Jurassic World: The Experience comes to a close, remember to snap a few shots against different animated backdrops at the Jurassic World Gate, or soak in a contemplative arrangement inspired by iconic soundtracks across the franchise at the Prehistoric Grove. The adventure officially ends at the retail store, where exclusive Jurassic World merchandise like plushies, t-shirts, pins and magnets designed in the style of warning signs, luggage tags, and more, await. Jurassic World: The Experience will be open from 9am to 9pm starting 29 May at Cloud Forest. Tickets are priced at S$22 for Singapore Residents belonging to the children (3-12 years old) or seniors (60 and above) category, and S$26 for adults, with purchase available on Garden by the Bay's website. Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I spent three days at Universal's huge new £7bn theme park – all the things worth doing… and the bits to skip
'I SCREAMED and I prayed', the stranger next to me recalled as we clambered out of our seats with a dishevelled look. We hadn't known each other before this, but within 90 blurry seconds a whirlwind experience had bonded us. 9 We had just ridden Stardust Racers, the must-try thrill ride at Universal's brand new theme park. Epic Universe, which opened this week [May 22], is the first major theme park to come to Orlando in 26 years, costing a mega £7billion to build. 'This is the most technologically advanced park in the world,' Mark Woodberry, Universal Destinations & Experiences' Chairman and CEO, says – and he's not lying. No cash has been spared on taking each attraction to the next level with smooth tracks that won't jolt your neck and new-world immersion techniques that take away the woozy feeling caused by old-hat VR rides (something I greatly appreciated). But with demand so high, Brits will only be able to purchase one-day tickets for this year, so what should you see and what should you skip? I was one of the first to get a behind the scenes look at all the entertainment, rides and food and drink – and here's my verdict. Celestial Park This is the park's main hub with a glorious fountain at its centre and main food halls cooking up barbecue dishes, Asian grub and deep-pan pizza. STARDUST RACERS: HIT (5 stars) This dual 'racing' roller coaster is on par, intensity wise, with Universal Studios' leading thrill ride, Velocicoaster. If you're a roller coaster nut, then you won't want to miss this. It's one of the largest steel coasters in the US and it hurls riders down steep drops and in spiral turns at speeds of up to 62mph for a terrifying 90 seconds. At times l feared my brain may burst through my skull. I went to the huge new space-themed hotel part of the Epic Universe theme park Top tip: Both sides of the rollercoaster offer a different experience, (the green side is supposedly more intense - but I was too focused on clinging on for dear life to confirm) CONSTELLATION CAROUSEL: HIT (3.5 stars) Tired feet will be all too pleased to climb aboard the theme park's most relaxed ride that welcomes all ages. You can ride shiny unicorns, roaring lions and fiery phoenix's (seating up to three). Each animal slowly spins in typical carousel-fashion under a starry dome where the ceiling twinkles -- it was very peaceful after a long day. Top tip: head there after sunset – the twinkling lights are amplified by the dark sky 9 How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk A fire-breathing dragon and man-made lagoon welcome visitors through the portal into this Viking -theme world based entirely on the hit animation film. DRAGON RACER'S RALLY: MISS (2 stars) Although this ride continues for a similar length of time to many others in the theme park, it feels much shorter. The idea is sound, with riders climbing aboard their own 'dragon' which can be semi-steered using the wing controls on either side of your seat which can be lifted up and pushed down. You can perform some pretty cool tricks, including barrel rolls by tilting the wings at a certain angle, but by the time you've figured that all out, the ride is over. If you've queued for anything more than 45 mins, you may feel somewhat cheated. Top tip: hold the wings steady in opposite directions to perform a barrel roll 9 HICCUP'S WING GLIDERS: HIT (4.5 stars) An all-round favourite. This roller coaster is one that kids (over 100cm) and grown-ups will enjoy in equal measure. It may be relatively tame in comparison to stereotypical loop-de-loop rides, but that doesn't take from the thrill which comes in the form of sudden speed boosts, realistic animatronics and swooping turns that give the effect of riding a real dragon. Top tip: if you're in need of a brief cool down, sit on the right seat in the second row - you'll be in the prime spot to be sprayed with water FYRE DRILL: MISS (unless you have really young kids) (2 stars) Don't get me wrong, a water-ride can be great in the searing Orlando heat, but this one isn't a mind-blower and if you're tight for time, could be one to skip. Riders board an eight-seater Viking boat and are tasked with squirting various wooden targets with a pistol as they weave their way through dragon-infested waters. The squirting and aiming action may be a little tricky for kids to grasp at first, but they'll sure love getting drenched at spontaneous moments by water-spouting monsters. Top tip: do this after the show as you'll get drenched (you don't want to be sat indoors all soggy) THE UNTRAINABLE DRAGON SHOW: HIT (4 stars) Even adult's jaws will hit the floor when (spoiler alert) they see Universal's most famous dragon, Toothless, soar high above the audience in a plume of smoke during the show You don't need to have seen the film to follow the plot, although it helps. Top tip: Don't stress about getting near the front, Toothless flies towards the back of the room 9 Super Nintendo World Step through the portal to the Nintendo World and travel through a Mario-style green tube to possibly the most immersive and colourful land in Epic - it's laid out just like the old-school games with coins spinning above boxes and piranha plants threatening to chomp at any moment. MARIO KART: BOWSER'S CHALLENGE: HIT (but only if you're familiar with the console version of the game) (4 stars) I was a huge fan of this fully-immersive, amped-up version of hit Nintendo game, Mario Kart, that puts riders behind the wheel in a moving kart. You'll don a special Mario cap alongside an ultra-high tech pair virtual reality glasses so that every rider is playing their own game and racking up coins. You can fire shells at characters like Yoshi and Princess Peach, simply using your high-tech glasses to aim, plus you'll come face-to-face with a fire-breathing Bowser. As a Mario Kart fan, I loved it; pals who had never played the game, however, were much less enthusiastic and struggled with the controls. 9 YOSHI'S ADVENTURE: MISS (2.5 stars) Great for little ones and those who want something gentle. You'll board a colourful Yoshi and slowly plod through Mario World with epic views of the park below. The only downside is it can be a struggle in the searing heat, with much of the ride outdoors. Top tip: don't go in the middle of the day, the ride passes outside a lot and it can get very hot My top hacks for first timers in the park Bring your own water bottle and use refill stations. A bottle here costs around $6. If you forget your water you can ask for a cup at Starbucks or use fountains. Don't buy a wristband or wand unless you're a mega fan. Avoid queuing for the character meet and greets, you may just catch them at the right time and if not, you'll get to see them at the shows Pick your land – face reality, you're unlikely to get through everything in just one day. Prioritise your two must-see lands Dark Universe is so much more immersive at night so save it for the end of the day. It pays to stay in a Universal resort - it gets you access to park an hour ahead of everyone else. If you're feeling overheated, head to Astronomica in Celestial Park – this wet-play area has mini fountains that kids can run through and splash about in MINE-CART MADNESS: HIT (4.5 stars) A crowd-pleaser. Despite not having loops or reaching spine-tingling speeds, this roller coaster will still impress even the biggest adrenaline junkies, thanks to the immersive chaos of Nintendo themed music and realistic animatronics. You board a rickety minecart to ride a seemingly broken track that jerks and judders. I felt as if I could tumble off any moment which only added to the thrill. Top tip: don't go straight after lunch - this one is jolty 9 Dark Universe If the park is open late when you're visiting, save this world, crawling with Universal's well-known monsters and villains, until the evening to make it fully immersive. Everything feels much creepier in the dark, and you'll be able to spot things you may not notice in the light of day. MONSTERS UNCHAINED: THE FRANKENSTEIN EXPERIMENT: HIT (4.5 stars) Theme park fans say that this is one of the best dark rides ever created, thanks to its storytelling and advanced technology - and I agree. There's some very strong theming here and even the queue is factored into the experience, with riders entering through the gruesome manor gates, passing through creepy corridors with eerie pictures and sketches of lab-tested creatures adorning the walls – a hint at what's to come. The main ride places visitors on a row of chairs attached to a robotic arm which then twists and turns as you try to escape the grasp of some pretty terrifying creatures. Due to fewer videos and more animatronics, the ride didn't cause as much motion sickness as I often experience with a ride like this . Top tip: pay attention to everything around you as you make your way through the creepy manor, it will add some context to the storytelling 9 CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF: HIT (3.5 stars) This cart-twisting roller coaster is very good fun if you're into the theme, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as similar rides like Hiccup's Wing Gliders and Mine-Cart Madness. The fun lies in the fact that you're not sure what to expect, no matter how many times you ride, with carts spinning at random paces. Top tip: normally the back of the roller-coaster offers the most thrilling experience, but for this ride, head to the front 9 The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic There may be only one ride in this world, but the elements surrounding it took my breath away. You'll be transported from Orlando to 1920s Paris in mere seconds (a nod to the Fantastic Beasts films) and everything here feels wholly authentic from the old-fashioned wine bars lining the cobblestone streets through to the rustic-looking Metro signs. HARRY POTTER AND THE BATTLE AT THE MINISTRY: HIT (but be prepared to queue) (5 stars) Mega fans have been brought to tears upon seeing the entrance to this ride, the British Ministry of Magic - an exact replica of the one in the films featuring bottle-green glossy tiles and posters with moving images. I was blown away by the magic, especially the entrance to the Ministry via the Metro-Floo, which makes riders disappear in a cloud of smoke. The ride itself is very advanced and much longer than the others so you feel like you're getting your queue's worth. Top tip: The queue can hold around four hours worth of guests and there were reports of five-hour queues on opening day, so if you're going to go, try and book a night in a Universal Resort (more on that in the Hot Hacks above) and race straight there when you enter. LE CIRCUS ARCANUS SHOW: HIT (4.5 stars) There's a pre-show to this circus-themed experience that keeps you on your toes. Then, magical creatures are brought to life with on-stage tricks really will have you guessing just how they did it. It was 20 minutes very well spent. 9
Gizmodo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Everything You Need to Know About Epic Universe
Here's everything you need to know about navigating Epic Universe if you managed to nab tickets to its opening season. To make the most of your trip you might want to temper your expectations: operations at the first theme park to open in 25 years in America are going to have their hiccups—and not just the How to Train Your Dragon kind. io9 attended as a paying guest before participating in media week to get a sense of what the park will really be like for guests visiting this summer. Prioritize your portals Are you a Universal Monsters fan or a gamer ready for Super Nintendo World? Rank your fandoms and move accordingly. Don't be afraid to jump to portal option two if your first option has more wait times. Mind the time of day as well. If one of your ride choices is outside, try to get on early or later in the day. The Florida heat and humidity is quite oppressive. Attractions such as Harry Potter at the Battle of the Ministry have reached five-hour waits during preview and opening day already, but that does go down after the morning rush. Hit other hot ticket attractions instead. I had no interest in visiting the Ministry of Magic attraction, which is where most of the rope drop crowd flocked to. Instead, I headed straight for Donkey Kong Country in Super Nintendo World to check out Mine Cart Madness, since Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is a duplicate of the one at Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan. Mine Cart Madness is the newest ride in Nintendo's expansion, and I had to know what the track jumping was going to feel like. It's delightful and just how I pictured being in the game itself might be. Fans of the game won't be disappointed! Expect delays Taking advantage of the morning rush to one particular land, I went from Super Nintendo World to Dark Universe and straight onto Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The ride is a technical marvel with state-of-the-art animatronics and a ride system that's thrillingly terrifying. But there's seemingly still some kinks being worked out, which we found out firsthand when the ride broke down while we on it. Unless you're stuck on a ride outside—which I was for about 15 minutes on Curse of the Werewolf—I'd say don't worry and keep calm in the AC. I quite enjoyed being stuck in a comforting, creepy corridor. (Honestly at one point, I decided, 'Well, I live here now.') Seriously, though, some rides like Monsters Unchained will probably break down often, as it so often goes with new park attractions. You'll be granted the option to ride again on your way out. Mobile ordering is (unfortunately) key One of my gripes for all theme parks is when visitors are required to rely on their phones. It can be a major battery-drainer. And at Epic Universe, many dining locations are mostly mobile order only. In the Isle of Berk during lunch, all the food options save for one are outside. So you're ordering outside in the heat while your phone is warming up in the sun, fighting for its battery life. If the single tented dining area is already full, you'll be hard-pressed to find any shade. For Berk I'd strongly suggest ordering their mac and cheese cone and eating it in a long queue. Double fist it with a beverage, it's the Viking way! Prepare to wait for character meet and greets The most popular character meet and greets we encountered were Donkey Kong in Super Nintendo World and Toothless in the Isle of Berk. They're both outside queues, which means you'll spend a lot of time waiting in the sun; hydrate and slather on that sunscreen accordingly. If you have littles in your group, designate one person to wait in line—but also bear in mind the performers in the outfits need breaks more than you do. You may not get to meet them during their appearance and may continue to wait during their time to presumably cool off. For Donkey Kong, I'd say we waited about an hour to meet him, while Toothless took just under 45 minutes. Fair warning: Hiccup isn't always with Toothless and you might end up with an anonymous Viking handler in your pictures. This meet and greet let me down the most as the images of my kid meeting Toothless resulted in awful pictures in which she or Toothless were obscured by the rough photography staging. I recommend seeing the robot baby dragon walk-around performance over this. On the other hand, the line for the Bride of Frankenstein and Frankenstein's Monster meet and greet is more fun and a little less brutal of an experience. Plus, the building they're at is a shaded alleyway within Dark Universe's Darkmoor village. The wait time for that was about 25 minutes as there was more of an effort to cap it by team members. For Donkey Kong and Toothless it felt a bit more chaotic, but again, this was opening week and the kinks are all hopefully being worked out. Popular merch may already be sold out If you're on a quest to do the dragon egg hatching ceremony at the Isle of Berk, like I was for my daughter, it's going to be hard for a while at least. The popular immersive activity where you get to hatch and adopt a plush baby dragon sold out during previews and, as of publication, had not yet been restocked. The same goes for the elusive Captain Cacao, Celestial Park's adorable mascot in teddy bear form. To get souvenir satisfaction, you may need to look beyond the park's most viral items. I took my daughter to the shops at Dark Universe and had her pick her first Universal Monster from the array of cutesy creature plushes, and she loved it. There's no recording on rides We're glad this is being instituted, as many influencers have ruined the ride experience at other parks with their cameras and obnoxious antics for the views. These rides are new, and people have paid a lot of money to experience them without interruption. Your face will be captured for entry and more When you scan in, your picture will be snapped along with your admission to make sure you're you and not passing the ticket off. Understandably, this can make folks a little leery. Pictures are also taken if you use lockers to store valuables. Thankfully, it's only enforced on rides that require it, including Hiccup's Winged Gliders, Stardust Racers, and Monsters Unchained. For purposes of this review, io9 paid for a ticket, dining, and merchandise at Epic Universe.
Travel Weekly
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Waiting in line at Epic Universe: Which attraction has the best queue experience?
ORLANDO -- In the battle for the best attraction queue at Epic Universe, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge were in a tie when I rode them on Wednesday. Then I rode Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry on Thursday. Queues are just the precursors to attractions, but especially in periods of high demand (which Epic Universe is sure to experience), riders spend the most time there, waiting to board. A good queue can make all the difference, staving off boredom by entertaining and informing riders during wait times that climb from minutes to more than an hour. Battle at the Ministry rocketed above them all with a mind-blowing and jaw-dropping queue. The most spectacular queue in any theme park Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry is located in Epic Universe's Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Ministry of Magic. The themed world is set in 1920s Paris, but for Battle at the Ministry, riders are cleverly transported to 1990s London, just after the original seven Harry Potter books ended. The floo portal in the queue of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada To enter the attraction, riders walk into what they believe is the Paris Metro. Through the magic of floo powder, they are transported to the British Ministry of Magic to witness the trial of the beloathed Dolores Umbridge. The transportation via floo powder is particularly effective. To make it from Paris to London, riders simply walk through an opening in the wall and are surrounded by fog and green light. More green-lighted fog awaits them at the end of a short tunnel, and they emerge in the British Ministry of Magic. It's a simple, but effective, trick that delighted every rider I saw "travel" via floo. What awaits is the most spectacular queue in any theme park. Universal has recreated the British Ministry of Magic to perfection in an indoor space that feels larger than several football fields. The Atrium features the Fountain of Magical Brethren statue, flanked by ministry offices. In the distance, another statue and more offices can be seen, with interdepartmental memos (purple paper airplanes) flying around to find their intended recipients. Riders continue on, seeing more of the ministry and the packing of Umbridge's office by her house elf, Higgledy, who plays a significant role on the ride itself. Kudos to Universal Creative on this one: It will be hard to beat. It's as if they dropped the film set right into the theme park. Higgledy the house elf oversees the packing up of Dolores Umbridge's office in the queue of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Here's what guests will see on Epic Universe queues that finished a distant second and third to Harry. During Monsters Unchained, riders enter the Frankenstein Manor and see all sorts of things, from notes on human anatomy to wires cracking with electricity connected to a vampire bat. It's a (slightly morbid) feast for the eyes. During Mario Kart, riders find themselves walking through Bowser's Castle. His library is perhaps the most impressive feature, aside from the giant statue of Mario's arch-nemesis himself, featuring books like "Off the Edge: A Rainbow Road Story" and "Strong-Arm Your Way to the Top." Bowser's library is a feature in the queue of Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada While I can confidently say Battle at the Ministry has won the competition for best queue, best ride is another category entirely. And it's an extremely subjective one. Even if you use an objective scoring system, it wouldn't be applicable to everyone. For example, some might love rollercoasters. Others (ahem, me, formerly) might avoid them like the plague for fear of motion sickness. Here is my rundown of Monsters Unchained and Battle at the Ministry, as well as other attractions in Epic Universe's Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe. I previously wrote about other Epic Universe attractions. The village of Darkmoor at night in Epic Universe. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada The delightfully spooky Dark Universe Monsters Unchained is located in the Dark Universe world. It's set in the village of Darkmoor, which is beyond a doubt worth a visit after dark, when the spooky factor is multiplied. A scene from the queue of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada The attraction invites riders into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein has continued on the family tradition of working with monsters and trapped the likes of Dracula, the Wolf Man and the Mummy. Dracula leads a revolt, and chaos ensues. This is a delightfully spooky attraction with a ride vehicle that moves riders in every direction except upside-down. The motion-sensitive should avoid it, as should young children. It has a 48-inch height requirement, and would likely terrify the youngest visitors. While the level of terror depends on the individual child, I think parents of anyone younger than 8 should ride themselves first to determine if it's a fit for their kids. But for those up for some spooks and jump-scares, this attraction is great fun. I was impressed with how smoothly the ride vehicle moves. Also, the ride blends screens and real-life set pieces, including animatronics, incredibly well. The Dracula animatronics are particularly good. Dark Universe is also home to the roller coaster Curse of the Werewolf, with a minimum height requirement of 40 inches. It's a fun attraction with spinning coaster cars, but that spinning might affect motion-sensitive guests. It's a rather short ride, but a good bit of fun. Is Battle at the Ministry the best Epic ride? The sole ride in Ministry of Magic is Battle at the Ministry. It has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches. Riders board elevators in the Ministry of Magic to view Umbridge's trial. Of course, things go awry. Their elevator moves up and down, back and forth, as Umbridge attempts to escape with the help of Death Eaters. The elevator's movements are relatively smooth, albeit occasionally unexpected, making for a fun ride. "Le Cirque Arcanus" is a can't-miss show in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Ministry of Magic. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada Like Monsters Unchained, the attraction does a particularly good job of deftly marrying screens with animatronics and set pieces. It also offers a new story in the Harry Potter universe, featuring the original three characters (Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger) and set just after the books conclude. If I had to choose between Monsters Unchained and Battle at the Ministry, Potter and friends would prevail as best Epic Universe ride, but by a slim margin. Ministry of Magic is also home to a stage show, Le Cirque Arcanus. I don't want to offer any spoilers here. All I'll say is watch the Fantastic Beasts movies before visiting, and expect an extraordinary show. It's surprising, delightful and not to be missed. Afterwards, I couldn't help myself and bought a plush Demiguise. It's, uh, for my daughter.
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow designer creates Bord Bia Bloom garden inspired by ‘How to Train Your Dragon' film
The festival returns for the 19th edition and will take place on a 70-acre site surrounding the visitor centre in Phoenix Park, which will pay host to 21 new and spectacular show gardens. Calary-based designer Tünde Perry is designing two gardens for this year's festival, the first being the Universal Pictures Ireland-sponsored 'How to Train Your Dragon Garden', which reflects the beautiful natural landscapes of Northern Ireland, where this live-action film was made. Tünde has always been passionate about gardening and outdoor spaces. She established her design and landscape business in 2013. Her creations combine practicality, beauty and harmony with innovative solutions, reflecting her artistic awareness of colour and form At the centre of this medium show garden is the beloved character, the dragon Toothless, who is depicted in sculpture. The planting scheme is rich with Irish native plants and creates a woodland scene with Scots pines, silver birches, oaks, native shrubs like guelder roses and elder, plus a tapestry of mosses, ferns, and foxgloves. Speaking about the inspiration behind the garden, Tünde said: 'Universal contacted Bord Bia and provided a brief of what they were looking for. In applied with a concept for design and Universal Studios loved it. I saw the original animated version of the movie and really liked it. It's basically about finding one another and making new friends. 'The Vikings get to learn that dragons aren't their enemies. It's not dissimilar to the bond a young boy has when he first gets a dog and they go on to become friends. 'The brief was to create some of the scenes from the movie which was mainly shot in Northern Ireland. The new movie is due to be released in June and we haven't yet completed the garden, but hope to do so by Sunday. The design is all about showcasing the beautiful Irish landscape and native Irish plants.' Tünde will also be designing 'Manor Farm – 250 Years Taste and Tradition garden' as part of the festival. From Kilmacanogue, Robert Moore will be designing 'The Grass Advantage' garden for the National Dairy Council. Robert Moore has always been passionate about landscape design, architecture, and beautiful outdoor spaces. He studied at University College Dublin and Bordeaux University and travelled the world before returning to Ireland in 1998. Robert's mission is to merge 'landscaping and lifestyle', whether in a private or public setting. Green-fingered visitors can also enjoy the petite postcard gardens supported by Tirlán CountryLife. From Enniskerry, St Mary's and St Gerard's National School will be presenting a garden designed and created by 4th class students. This postcard garden is said to embody the school's ethos of caring, connection and the love of learning. ADVERTISEMENT Additionally, a huge wool sculpture made by Bray textile artist Sharon Wells is set to be on display in the Irish Craft Village. Portach Álainn (Beautiful Bogland) is made using Irish grown wool and recycled yarns to create dragonflies, heather, bog cotton and moss More than 100 food and craft drink producers will feature as part of the food offering, including Wicklow-based businesses Miena's Nougat, an award winning nougat company from Donard, and Sugarloaf Beverages, based in Enniskerry. How to Train your Dragon hits Irish cinemas from June 13.
