Latest news with #HowtoTrainYourDragon:IsleofBerk
Daily Mirror
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Epic Universe says it's 'world's most advanced park' - I tested out the claim
Being catapulted 133ft into the air straight after a massive pizza lunch was, in hindsight, a bold choice. Especially in Florida's 35C heat. I'd been launched sky-high at Universal's brand-new Epic Universe, getting an early look at Orlando's most-hyped theme park before it opened to the public. And where better to start than strapping into one of its headline attractions, cosmic-themed dual-racing coaster Stardust Racers? I'm a theme park super-fan. I'll queue for hours for terrifying rides, scream myself hoarse and sprint straight back to the start. But nothing prepared me for this. During the roughly 90-second ride, I was screaming, crying and briefly convinced I'd broken through the stratosphere. This Epic coaster doesn't warm you up gently. It hurtles you into the cosmos at 62mph with a savage force that threatens to rearrange your insides. At one point, as we spiralled through an inverted crisscross at full speed, I was fairly sure I could even see my soul leaving my body. It was a thrilling start to my time at Epic Universe, Universal's long-awaited new Orlando theme park, with an estimated construction price tag of £5.7billion. Announced in 2019, this 110-acre park is the biggest Universal has ever built and is, as its chief Mark Woodbury puts it, 'the most technologically advanced park in the world'. It's also the first major theme park to land in Orlando in 25 years – and with icons to rival Disney including Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, it's coming for the House of Mouse. Ambitious, immersive and bursting with brand-new rides and cutting-edge tech, Epic is Universal's boldest bid yet for the Florida theme-park crown. Through a set of dazzling and unique portals, visitors can 'travel' to five distinctly themed worlds: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, all stitched together with big-budget flair. Here's what to expect… Guests enter Epic Universe through Celestial Park via the grand entrance gates or directly from the Helios Grand Hotel. Unlike the lands beyond, this original world isn't tied to any movie, show or game. It's the centre of Epic with dancing fountains, art-nouveau architecture and tree-lined walkways that evoke the park's interstellar theme. As night falls, colourful lights flicker in sync with an extravagant fountain show, casting a soft glow over the park's cosmic heart. Beaming 'Celestians' (team members) greeted me in splendid cosmic regalia, chirping: 'Welcome, travellers!' I almost asked whether I needed a passport. The highlight is undoubtedly the Stardust Racers, featuring two independent launches, allowing riders to choose between the thrilling yellow 'Photon' and green 'Pulsar' tracks. This is a non-negotiable attraction that'll shake up even hardcore thrill-seekers. Want a slower pace? Hop aboard the wonderfully over-the-top Constellation Carousel, where you can spin gently through the stars on a celestial lion, dragon or peacock. For lunch, try the Space Cowboy pizza, a bold combo of BBQ sauce, rotisserie chicken, olives and crisps, served in the Victorian theatre turned pizzeria, Pizza Moon. Top tip: Stick around until dusk when Apollo hands over the sun to Luna in a dazzling light ceremony. This popular film franchise tells the story of hapless Viking boy Hiccup who defies centuries of tradition by befriending adorable 'night fury' dragon Toothless. Hiccup's craggy, chaotic home Isle of Berk is reimagined in gawp-inducing detail as raucous Vikings and feisty dragons co-exist. Thanks to jaw-dropping animatronics, the dragons are so realistic you half expect them to flap off into the skies. The tech flex is most obvious in the 'Meet Hiccup and Toothless' experience where you can pat a startlingly lifelike Night Fury and snap pics. Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the coaster to queue for to get a dragon's eye view of Berk at speeds up to 45mph and heights of 50ft. Then bag a seat at The Untrainable Dragon for a Broadway-level production featuring all your film faves. Top tip: Grab the carbtastic Dragon Fire Chicken Spire Mac & Cheese Cone from Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Stuffed with creamy mac, spicy pulled chicken, hot honey, peppers, chimichurri and crispy onions, it's the perfect portable lunch. Universal has finally found a good use for its abandoned Dark Universe. Remember the Tom Cruise Mummy reboot in 2017? That was supposed to kick off a cinematic monsterverse with classic characters including Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. The Mummy tanked and the project was scrapped. However, you can now see what this franchise could have been in the gothic village of Darkmoor, where monsters and ghouls roam among rides and spooky restaurants. At the heart of Darkmoor, Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment encapsulates Universal's classic characters in a menacing, sophisticated thrill ride. Ushered into eerie Frankenstein Manor, you meet Dr Victoria Frankenstein and an unnervingly lifelike 9ft-tall Frankenstein's monster. On this immersive ride, our heroine Vic tries to control the wayward monsters. Cue a chaotic escape through werewolves, mummies and clawing shadows. My rational brain knew it was fake; my racing heart rate and clammy shirt disagreed. Coaster-wise, Curse of the Werewolf is a family-friendly offering at 37mph, but the spinning cars mean every escape through the haunted forest is a truly chaotic surprise. Top tip: Refresh with a lurid green Monocane Mocktail at the Burning Blade Tavern (look for a windmill on fire, yes really). Absorb '90s nostalgia as you enter the colourful, kinetic Mushroom World through a giant green Warp Pipe/escalator. It's loud, bright and utterly bonkers. Take a spin on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, based on the hugely popular Mario Kart franchise – a must for console connoisseurs. Don VR goggles and help the gang to defeat Team Bowser, dodging obstacles and hurling shells as you collect digital coins alongside Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. Mine-Cart Madness is Donkey Kong Country reimagined via a clattering high-speed coaster that's one missing bolt away from disaster. Ride through lush jungle aboard mine carts as you help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong protect the Golden Banana from the thieving Tiki Tak Tribe. Be warned, thanks to a track-jumping illusion, it feels like you're constantly about to derail. Top tip: Buy a Universal app linked to a Nintendo-themed Power-Up Band to collect digital coins and keys and interact with the environment. As a huge Boy Wizard fan, this was the moment I'd been waiting for. You're transported into 1920s' wizarding Paris from the Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter films. The scale and detail are astonishing as you wander Parisian streets with spellbinding shops, restaurants and a game-changing ride. And if you have an interactive wand, there are 12 spell-casting locations where you can conjure water and fire or interact with enchanted objects. It's home to Universal's most technologically advanced attraction yet, the showpiece Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry. Take the Metro-Floo and join Harry, Ron and Hermione in a bid to bring odious bureacrat Dolores Umbridge to justice. No expense has been spared on this extraordinary ride where you fly, drop and spin through various scenes, pursuing Umbridge as she attempts to evade capture. You're swiftly conscripted into helping the Hogwarts gang stop her while being flung through eye-popping digital magic, smoke, animatronic wand-waving and death eaters. If you only do one thing here, this is the ride to queue for. Top tip: Mega fans should purchase a Second Generation Interactive Wand. Epic is Universal's boldest, most imaginative, and most high-tech experience yet and heralds a new era of theme parks in Orlando.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to Make the Most of Your Family Visit to Epic Universe
When Universal Studios announced they would be opening a new theme park, I was intrigued. As a parent and a lover of both their movies and properties, I couldn't wait to see what their creative teams dreamed up. And, as a self-proclaimed 'theme park person,' one who already loves Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure, I was sure their latest venture would be amazing. But would Epic Universe—home to Dark Universe, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, Celestial Park, and the Ministry of Magic—be age-appropriate for my littlest as well as my tween? Would it be good for kids of all ages? Well, the short answer is yes: Epic Universe is a family theme park, through and through. But the long answer is complex. You see, I was one of thousands fortunate enough to visit Epic Universe during its technical rehearsal. I got to ride Stardust Racers and Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. I ate at Das Stakehaus and the Atlantic. And I got to meet Princess Peach. I also saw the Invisible Man, Frankenstein's Monster, and Bride of Frankenstein. Here's everything I learned during one (very) full day at Epic Universe. If you are traveling with young children, you'll probably want to stick to three areas: Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk. The theming in these sections is colorful and geared toward the younger set. The characters are pretty darn recognizable. (Hello, Mario, Toothless, and Toad.) The height requirements on most attractions are reduced. And there are plenty of interactive features. From playgrounds to coin blocks, there is so much fun to be had. That said, it is important to note that lap riding is not permitted, even on rides without height requirements. Infants must be able to sit independently and support their bodies while experiencing rides, including Fyre Drill and Constellation Carousel. Still, there are things to do with smaller children. There is a play area in the Isle of Berk and a must-see show. There is also a show in the Ministry of Magic. And SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is full of games and activities. You also shouldn't let the 'younger' theming or lowered height restrictions fool you: These areas were some of my favorites. Both SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Isle of Berk are completely immersive experiences. The former, with its iconic castles, characters, and warp pipe entrance, and the latter with dozens of dragons, three rides, and one amazing show do not disappoint. And Celestial Park? Well, it is unlike any other theme park entrance. If you are traveling with tweens and teens, we still recommend you visit the other three sections; however, you should also add Dark Universe and the Ministry of Magic to your list. Dark Universe is home to one of the greatest dark rides of all time. (Truly. Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is a masterpiece, in and of its own right.) It's also home to some amazing character interactions. My husband and son met Frankenstein's Monster and the Bride of Frankenstein and let's just say: core memories were made. And the Ministry of Magic is stunning. If you're a Harry Potter fan, it is a must-see. Whether you are looking for a sit down meal or just want to grab a quick bite, the food in Epic Universe does not disappoint. Everything I ate—and drank—was decadent, delicious, and highly themed. Even the napkins are on point. Here are some of my favorites: The Bubbly Barrel: If you are looking for a sweet treat, head to The Bubbly Barrel for the DK Crush Float. This signature item is made with banana soft serve and pineapple soda and served in a waffle bowl. It's topped with various treats like toffee pieces, caramel popcorn, and golden star sprinkles. And it comes in a plastic Donkey Kong mug, which is shaped like a barrel of course. Das Stakehaus: One of my favorite stops of the day was at Das Stakehaus. The atmosphere is dark and gothic, which I personally appreciate. The air is a welcome respite from the midday sun, and the food (and beverages) are delicious. Don't sleep on the Darkmoor Black Wings and/or the Das Burger. Trust me. Both are excellent choices. The Burning Blade Tavern: Located behind Monsters Unchained is The Burning Blade Tavern. Inside you will find a fully stocked bar, where you can get beer, wine, speciality cocktails, or the Mononcane mocktail—a delicious Sprite-based beverage served in a beaker. At the outside pickup window, I recommend trying the Hunter's Garlic Stake, a slightly pricey but oh-so-yummy garlic pretzel. Another great option? The Burning Cheddar Bites, which are crispy fried poppers served with sriracha ranch. I did not get a chance to try the highly-coveted mac and cheese cone at Hooligan's Grog & Gruel or the ube crust pizza at Pizza Moon; however, when I return, these are definitely on my short list. (And yes, I will be returning.) Epic Universe offers some amazing new attractions, with unique features and state of the art technology. For some rides, however, this does mean the bar is set higher, i.e. height requirements at Epic Universe seem to be a bit more restrictive. Here is everything parents of smaller riders should know: Stardust Racers (minimum height 48') Constellation Carousel (no height requirement but no handheld infants) Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge (minimum height 40') Mine-Cart Madness (minimum height 40') Yoshi's Adventure (minimum height 34') Dragon Racer's Rally (minimum height 48') Hiccup's Wing Gliders (minimum height 40') Fyre Drill (no height requirement but no handheld infants) Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry (minimum height 40') Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (minimum height 48') Curse of the Werewolf (minimum height 40') Shows and entertainment. There are two stage shows in Epic Universe: Le Cirque Arcanus and The Untrainable Dragon. The former, which is in the Ministry of Magic, is a unique experience which blends live-action performances, puppetry, and special effects. The latter, in the Isle of Berk, involves life-sized dragons, music, and tons of action—perfect for fans of the movie. But the entertainment doesn't end there. There are street performers in Celestial Park, as well as live music and a fountain show. And in Darkmoor, the haunting village of Dark Universe, you will find characters roaming throughout—especially at night. There is also the Monster Makeup Experience, available at an additional charge. Playgrounds and more. If you're little one is looking for a playground, Epic Universe has you covered with their Viking Training Camp. This sprawling, colorful, interactive play area has bridges, towers, slides, and more. It even has a sheep launcher game. A great area for youngsters who may not yet meet height requirements and/or kiddos who just need a break from long lines. Interactive features. There are two ways to interact with the lands in Epic Universe: wands and Power-Up Bands. Both items, which are sold separately, allow guests to experience the park in a new light: casting spells, tapping coin and question blocks, or completing mini-games (respectively). The latter even connects to the Universal Orlando Resort app. And, if your kiddo collects enough keys, they'll unlock a final interactive challenge with Bowser Jr. Rainy day fun. If I have one complaint to wager, it is this: Epic Universe is not really a 'rainy day park.' Sure, it can handle Florida's midday storms just fine, but there's not a ton to do if the rides shut down for a long period of time—as most of Epic's attractions are outdoors. Still, if you find yourself in the park during a storm, having a strategy is a good idea. Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry both have long indoor queues, if you don't mind the wait. Eating a delicious sitdown meal may be a good solution. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant and Atlantic are excellent choices. Both are located in Celestial Park. Toadstool Cafe, Pizza Moon, Das Stakehaus, and The Oak and Star Tavern all offer indoor seating. You can also take in a show, if seating is available. Epic Universe is—without a doubt—an epic new theme park: for kids and adults. Whether you are collecting coins, casting spells, or soaring through the skies like a dragon, Universal's latest venture is something you just have to experience. They redefined what a theme park is. Will there be hiccups in the weeks and months to come? Probably. When Universal opened The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, the wait to get in was hours long. (I would know, I was there.) And I expect Epic's popular attractions will see similar waits. Delays and closures are also bound to occur. However, Epic Universe already stands out as one of the great theme parks, and I imagine that—as it finds its footing and evolves with its guests—it will become an even greater experience. Read the original article on Parents
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe — Universal Orlando's newest theme park — opens this week. From rides to restaurants, here's what you can expect from the five new 'worlds.'
Universal Orlando is unveiling its first major amusement park in over 20 years. Known as Epic Universe, the new theme park opens to the public on May 22 and will allow guests to explore five distinct worlds that are each inspired by renowned franchises. Celestial Park, a world dedicated to the heavens, stars and constellations, serves as a gateway to the four other worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Universal's Epic Universe is the latest amusement park to join the Universal Orlando Resort's multiverse. Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, followed by Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. Construction for Epic Universe began in 2019, was paused in mid-2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and resumed in early 2021. The park took an estimated eight years and $7 billion to build. Here's what visitors can expect from each of Epic Universe's five worlds. Recognized as the central hub of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is filled with astrology-based motifs. Offering an in-depth exploration of constellations, stars and the heavens, the park connects the other four worlds together — and features its own two attractions. Constellation Carousel gives guests the opportunity to 'ride the constellations' themselves. The ceiling of the ride is a Star Tracker that features rotating celestial star patterns. Stardust Racers, the other ride in this world, is a dual-launch roller coaster that races across the cosmos. Guests board 'a comet' and travel at speeds reaching up to 62 mph along twin tracks that intersect and invert around each other. Celestial Park also features a nightly light and water show at the Cosmos Fountain, celebrating each of the five worlds. Dining options include Atlantic, an 'undersea' restaurant with glass walls that resembles a large Victorian aquarium. Filled with shops, restaurants and streets reminiscent of 1920s Paris, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic invites fans of the franchise to immerse themselves in the magical Parisian atmosphere of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise. After encountering fantastic beasts, guests can then travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s via the Métro-Floo, to witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge. On the ride, known as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, fans will embark on adventures with Harry, Ron and Hermione and will journey deep within the ministry's departments. 'This ride is an industry game changer,' one TikToker said. 'The scale of this ride will have your jaw on the floor from the moment you enter.' The Ministry of Magic, complete with its golden statues and stately elevators, is covered in more than 125,000 subway tiles in five colors. One Harry Potter fan revealed on TikTok that she waited over five hours to get on the ride. Guests can also devour some Paris-inspired eats at cafés like Café L'air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir and Bar Moonshine. According to an early Epic Universe attendee, to enter Super Nintendo World guests must ride a green escalator, which will then lead them to two separate lands: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Replete with mushrooms, pipes, coins and piranha plants, the vibrant scenery bears an uncanny resemblance to the whimsical, virtual landscape on which it's based. 'The way that it's built, you really can't see out of the area where you are,' a reporter told NPR upon visiting the park. 'It's like you're inside a game completely.' In Super Mario Land, guests can re-create the magic of Super Mario Kart by racing alongside their favorite franchise characters on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, before taking a spin on Yoshi's Adventure to search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. With its tropical backdrop of majestic waterfalls and luscious foliage, guests are also welcome to ride Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster that careens through Donkey Kong Country and seemingly soars from one 'broken' track to another. To power up before venturing into another world, park attendees can visit Toadstool Cafe for burgers, soups, salads and desserts made by the one and only Chef Toad. Boasted by Universal Orlando as having 'fire-breathing fun' for all ages, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk immerses guests in the astounding village of Berk, where Vikings and dragons coexist with one another. Bringing the fictional world of How to Train Your Dragon to life, Isle of Berk features 30 animated and static dragons, representing 17 disparate dragon species from across the globe. 'It was important to have an even distribution of eye candy, so the dragons are tiered from complicated to simple to static,' Katy Pacitti, an executive producer of the Isle of Berk world, told Attractions Magazine. For some Epic Universe attendees who've yet to watch the How to Train Your Dragon films, the world's 'level of detail' has piqued their interest. Attractions here include the show The Untrainable Dragon, where a 1,100-pound Toothless with a wingspan of nearly 27 feet soars above the audience, a roller coaster known as Hiccup's Wing Gliders, a dragon racing trainer ride called Dragon Racer's Rally and a competitive water adventure known as Fyre Drill. Guests also have the option to eat like a Viking at Isle of Berk staples like Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Dracula. Frankenstein's monster. The Bride of Frankenstein. The Invisible Man. A land made for 'the goths and horror freaks,' as one TikTok user put it, Universal's classic movie monsters roam free in Dark Universe's Village of Darkmoor. 'You are watching where the movies went. The land itself could be considered a sequel to the original films. We took everything from the original films and used that as the basis for all of the continued storytelling,' Patrick Braillard, a Universal Creative show writer, said at New York Comic Con. In addition to themed-dining experiences like Das Stakehaus, De Lacey's Cottage and the Burning Blade Tavern, where monster hunters hang out, guests can explore the catacombs that lie beneath Darkmoor by way of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The ride, which features some of Universal's 'most technically advanced animated figures' they've ever created, sees Dr. Victoria Frankenstein return to the Frankenstein Manor to continue her great-grandfather's ill-advised experiments. Dark Universe has also received praise for its subtle attention to narrative detail. Curse of the Werewolf, Dark Universe's second attraction, is a spinning roller coaster that ravages through a darkened forest at up to 37 mph, in an effort to escape from a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Epic Universe — Universal Orlando's newest theme park — opens this week. From rides to restaurants, here's what you can expect from the five new 'worlds.'
Universal Orlando is unveiling its first major amusement park in over 20 years. Known as Epic Universe, the new theme park opens to the public on May 22 and will allow guests to explore five distinct worlds that are each inspired by renowned franchises. Celestial Park, a world dedicated to the heavens, stars and constellations, serves as a gateway to the four other worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk and Dark Universe. Universal's Epic Universe is the latest amusement park to join the Universal Orlando Resort's multiverse. Universal Studios Florida opened in 1990, followed by Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. Construction for Epic Universe began in 2019, was paused in mid-2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and resumed in early 2021. The park took an estimated eight years and $7 billion to build. Here's what visitors can expect from each of Epic Universe's five worlds. Recognized as the central hub of Epic Universe, Celestial Park is filled with astrology-based motifs. Offering an in-depth exploration of constellations, stars and the heavens, the park connects the other four worlds together — and features its own two attractions. Constellation Carousel gives guests the opportunity to 'ride the constellations' themselves. The ceiling of the ride is a Star Tracker that features rotating celestial star patterns. Stardust Racers, the other ride in this world, is a dual-launch roller coaster that races across the cosmos. Guests board 'a comet' and travel at speeds reaching up to 62 mph along twin tracks that intersect and invert around each other. Celestial Park also features a nightly light and water show at the Cosmos Fountain, celebrating each of the five worlds. Dining options include Atlantic, an 'undersea' restaurant with glass walls that resembles a large Victorian aquarium. Filled with shops, restaurants and streets reminiscent of 1920s Paris, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic invites fans of the franchise to immerse themselves in the magical Parisian atmosphere of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise. After encountering fantastic beasts, guests can then travel from Paris to the British Ministry of Magic in the 1990s via the Métro-Floo, to witness the trial of Dolores Umbridge. On the ride, known as Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, fans will embark on adventures with Harry, Ron and Hermione and will journey deep within the ministry's departments. 'This ride is an industry game changer,' one TikToker said. 'The scale of this ride will have your jaw on the floor from the moment you enter.' The Ministry of Magic, complete with its golden statues and stately elevators, is covered in more than 125,000 subway tiles in five colors. One Harry Potter fan revealed on TikTok that she waited over five hours to get on the ride. Guests can also devour some Paris-inspired eats at cafés like Café L'air De La Sirène, Le Gobelet Noir and Bar Moonshine. According to an early Epic Universe attendee, to enter Super Nintendo World guests must ride a green escalator, which will then lead them to two separate lands: Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. Replete with mushrooms, pipes, coins and piranha plants, the vibrant scenery bears an uncanny resemblance to the whimsical, virtual landscape on which it's based. 'The way that it's built, you really can't see out of the area where you are,' a reporter told NPR upon visiting the park. 'It's like you're inside a game completely.' In Super Mario Land, guests can re-create the magic of Super Mario Kart by racing alongside their favorite franchise characters on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, before taking a spin on Yoshi's Adventure to search for glowing eggs throughout the Mushroom Kingdom. With its tropical backdrop of majestic waterfalls and luscious foliage, guests are also welcome to ride Mine-Cart Madness, a roller coaster that careens through Donkey Kong Country and seemingly soars from one 'broken' track to another. To power up before venturing into another world, park attendees can visit Toadstool Cafe for burgers, soups, salads and desserts made by the one and only Chef Toad. Boasted by Universal Orlando as having 'fire-breathing fun' for all ages, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk immerses guests in the astounding village of Berk, where Vikings and dragons coexist with one another. Bringing the fictional world of How to Train Your Dragon to life, Isle of Berk features 30 animated and static dragons, representing 17 disparate dragon species from across the globe. 'It was important to have an even distribution of eye candy, so the dragons are tiered from complicated to simple to static,' Katy Pacitti, an executive producer of the Isle of Berk world, told Attractions Magazine. For some Epic Universe attendees who've yet to watch the How to Train Your Dragon films, the world's 'level of detail' has piqued their interest. Attractions here include the show The Untrainable Dragon, where a 1,100-pound Toothless with a wingspan of nearly 27 feet soars above the audience, a roller coaster known as Hiccup's Wing Gliders, a dragon racing trainer ride called Dragon Racer's Rally and a competitive water adventure known as Fyre Drill. Guests also have the option to eat like a Viking at Isle of Berk staples like Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan's Grog & Gruel. Dracula. Frankenstein's monster. The Bride of Frankenstein. The Invisible Man. A land made for 'the goths and horror freaks,' as one TikTok user put it, Universal's classic movie monsters roam free in Dark Universe's Village of Darkmoor. 'You are watching where the movies went. The land itself could be considered a sequel to the original films. We took everything from the original films and used that as the basis for all of the continued storytelling,' Patrick Braillard, a Universal Creative show writer, said at New York Comic Con. In addition to themed-dining experiences like Das Stakehaus, De Lacey's Cottage and the Burning Blade Tavern, where monster hunters hang out, guests can explore the catacombs that lie beneath Darkmoor by way of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. The ride, which features some of Universal's 'most technically advanced animated figures' they've ever created, sees Dr. Victoria Frankenstein return to the Frankenstein Manor to continue her great-grandfather's ill-advised experiments. Dark Universe has also received praise for its subtle attention to narrative detail. Curse of the Werewolf, Dark Universe's second attraction, is a spinning roller coaster that ravages through a darkened forest at up to 37 mph, in an effort to escape from a pack of bloodthirsty werewolves.
South China Morning Post
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Guide to Universal Epic Universe theme park in Florida, from rides and worlds to hotels
'It's alive! It's alive!' Advertisement That quote from the 1931 film adaptation of Frankenstein ushered in an era of classic monster films for the production company Universal Pictures. Now, almost 100 years later, it is helping Universal herald a new era of theme parks in the US state of Florida. Opening on May 22, Universal Epic Universe is the third theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort – fourth if you count Universal Volcano Bay water park – and the first major traditional park to open in the state since 1999's Universal Islands of Adventure. Located about 5 miles (8km) southeast of the existing Universal resort, the new complex includes Epic Universe , as well as three hotels. There is plenty of expansion space for future additions. In a media preview, five of Epic Universe's fantastic worlds – Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic and How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk – were open recently for exploration. Advertisement So, what can you expect to experience when the park officially opens? Here is an inside look.
