From Dragons to Playgrounds: Why Isle of Berk Is Epic Universe’s Best Land for Kids

Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is home to five incredible lands, but the one that truly stands out for families is the How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. It’s whimsical, welcoming, and packed with thoughtful touches that make visiting with kids genuinely enjoyable. As a parent, I’ve explored many theme park lands over the years, and Berk struck that rare balance of fun, comfort, and interaction.

Epic Universe has multiple lands that are kid-friendly. And there are some awesome family features that no other Universal Orlando theme park has. Here’s what stands out about Isle of Berk!

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What’s Inside How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk?

Character Encounters That Feel Personal

The character interactions in Berk are top-notch. Meeting Toothless is as magical as you’d hope. The line for Hiccup and Toothless can reach 45-60 minutes, and the waiting area is small, and unshaded. So we skipped that experience. BUT, to our surprise, a few of Hiccup’s friends waited nearby to interact with guests.

Plus, you can sometimes catch Gobber the silly elder Viking who originally trains Hiuccup and his friends to fight dragons, before the bond of Toothless is forged. Gobber is sometimes hanging around his forge, which is across from the entrance to the Fyre Drill boat ride.

My son loved meeting Astrid and the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut. And his visits with the characters were made even more magical once we purchased a special baby dragon plush doll stored in an egg.

An Unforgettable Dragon Hatching Moment

Inside the Toothless Treasures gift shop, kids can participate in a dragon hatching ceremony. After purchasing a dragon plush, we were offered a personalized moment to welcome our new dragon. When the Team Member noticed my son’s hearing protection gear she offered a quiet ceremony or a regular ceremony. We chose a calm and quiet version, which created a sweet, meaningful experience that my son still talks about.

Throughout the entire day, at every land we entered, Team Members and characters chatted up my son about his dragon. And we briefly chatted and smiled at other guests who had their own baby dragon in tow. It was hands down the best $20 we spent that day.

A Must-See Stage Show for All Ages

The Untrainable Dragon show brings the world of Berk to life with incredible puppetry and storytelling. It’s a great mix of action and heart, with just the right length for young attention spans.

During our visit, not all of the effects in the show were functioning. Still, we both really enjoyed it and appreciated the comfortable theater for a break from the sun and heat.

We appreciated the “Baby Dragons Welcome” signage outside. I pointed it out and encouraged him to bring his baby dragon along, it helped reassure my son and set the tone for a show that’s engaging without being overwhelming. Hearing protection helps both of us not get startled by the loud sounds in the show.

A Playground Designed for Exploration

Viking Training Camp is a standout area for active kids. The multi-level play space is full of climbing areas, slides, and discovery zones. The lower level is perfect for toddlers, and there are accessibility ramps for the upper levels.

Parents will love the shaded seating and the restrooms inside the play area. It can be tough to keep up with your active little viking so before they run off, find an area where you can keep an eye on them, and point out that area to them. Keep checking in with them as they zoom by, and keep an eye on the one and only entrance/exit.

Family Rides and Splashy Fun in Berk

Berk is home to three main attractions, and each one offers something a little different. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a family-friendly coaster that gives you the feeling of flying alongside dragons. Fyre Drill is a boat ride that turns into a full-on splash battle, and The Untrainable Dragon is a stage show full of heart and surprises.

We rode Fyre Drill at the end of the day, and it was the perfect time—we walked right on. Be prepared to get wet! My son and I wore baseball hats to help keep water out of our faces, and I brought towels and water-wicking shirts for both of us. I slipped mine on while we were waiting in line, and I was very glad I did.

Each boat has a storage bin in the front and back to keep your items dry, but be sure to grab your belongings quickly—the boats keep moving as you board and exit, so it’s easy to forget something in the shuffle.

A note about dining at Isle of Berk: There are multiple dining locations in this land. We did not try any of them and chose to eat at Celestial Park instead. But rest assured if you get as hungry as a viking in Berk you’ll have plenty of options to quiet that roar in your tummy.

Final Thoughts

All three rides in Berk are designed with families in mind. Whether your kids are into coasters, shows, or splashy fun, this land makes it easy to say yes to adventure. What really impressed me about Berk is how functional it is for families. There’s shaded stroller parking near rides, family restrooms close by, and rider switch areas that are actually enjoyable to use.

The layout of the land also felt more relaxed than other parts of the park. We never felt rushed or crowded, and there were plenty of places to pause, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy time together.