Epic Universe had a task laid before them to fully immerse guests in the worlds in which they have created but out of all of them I feel as though Isle of Berk goes that extra step higher above the rest in immersing guests into the world of How to Train Your Dragon.
Inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s beloved trilogy Isle of Berk is beauty and tranquillity personified as adventures await guests at every turn.
This panoramic-designed land comes full circle (quite literally) with a bustling village perched above the waters along with rocky cliffs, dragon houses and a variety of Viking ships.
Artistry and craftsmanship are abundant in this area and it really feels like it has been handmade (well, it has) in the sense of that it feels crafted, much like the Vikings would craft their tools, it feels very authentic with raw materials abundant in the area.
From artwork carved out in hollowed-out trees to wooden carvings and more the area takes guests back to the films where Vikings and dragons coexist.
The bellowing soundtrack from the franchise echoes around the area as you’re completely immersed, unlike any other land within Epic Universe.
Yes, Darkmoor is incredible but the sightlines of the Helios Hotel somewhat distracted me throughout.
Yes, Super Mario Land is the most colourful land but the attractions (for me) somewhat let the area down.
Yes, Ministry of Magic is Parisian beauty and certainly the biggest scale land but it doesn’t feel like a theme park land, it feels like a city.
Isle of Berk feels like you’ve been picked up and dropped into the movies, there are animatronic dragons absolutely everywhere, the fresh breeze of the water surrounds you and the attractions within it complement the area beautifully as they weave in and around the Island.
Attractions
The Isle of Berk offers a variety of attractions that cater to both thrill-seekers and families and they all have their part to play within the Isle of Berk if albeit two of them who’s names seem to have been confused with one another.
This coaster allows guests to soar alongside Hiccup and Toothless as you wind around Isle of Berk taking in the surroundings with complete immersion and fun but standing within the same Island is Dragon Racer’s Rally which is a winged, high-flying ride taking guests 67 meters in the air.
Surely Dragon Racer’s Rally would be better suited to a coaster that races around the area, and the winged ride (yes, it has wings) should be called Hiccup’s Wing Gliders? No?
This was an instant observation just walking around and with Fyre Drill being a little boat ride with water cannons just feeling a little left out in comparison there’s a nice line-up.
There’s also a training camp children’s play area which is a nice touch but the star of the show really is Hiccup’s Wing Gliders as despite the out-of-place name it really is a beautiful family coaster.
Entertainment
The centerpiece show of the land is The Untrainable Dragon where this live spectacular features a whole variety of beloved characters including Hiccup, Toothless, Gobber, and Astrid.
Rave reviews from the previews aplenty with this show as many a musical number is accompanied by life-size dragons as the story of the films really comes to life in an immersive and captivating way.
You can also meet and interact with various characters throughout Berk including a meet and greet with Toothless that is just beyond adorable.
If themed food is your thing you have Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Hooligan’s Grog & Gruel to whet your appetite serving a variety of roasted meat and fish dishes, flame seared dishes and even racing-themed food and refreshments.
The Isle of Berk at Universal’s Epic Universe is a masterfully crafted land that brings the magic of “How to Train Your Dragon” to life.
Out of all of the lands within Epic Universe, I feel Isle of Berk is more of your well-rounded stereotypical theme park land and for me, the best land at the park simply because it’s not a copy-and-paste land like Super Mario, it’s large in scale and it’s an actual theme park land as opposed to a recreating a city, which whilst impressive I could just go and visit in real life?
If that makes sense.
I want escapism and Isle of Berk delivers that in the bucket load!
