Universal’s Epic Universe to Have Flying Dragons?

Theme Parks

Universal Orlando’s upcoming Epic Universe has been shaping up to be something truly special and innovative in the theme park world, but if a new set of videos is any indication, it’ll be even more impressive than anyone realized. If you haven’t been keeping up with its development, the Epic Universe is a new park at Universal Orlando Resort that will have different “worlds” based on Universal-owned properties. Super Nintendo World is a love letter to Nintendo video games, particularly Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong; How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk is based on the DreamWorks animated How to Train Your Dragon film series; The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic is modeled on the beloved Harry Potter novels by J.K. Rowling and their movie adaptations, as well as the Fantastic Beasts prequel films; and Dark Universe is all about the classic Universal Monsters pictures from the 30s and 40s, albeit with some modern twists. The emphasis has been on interactivity, with Universal guests encouraged to take part in the fun and spectacle of the Epic Universe rather than just sit still and experience it.

Just how far Universal is taking the Epic Universe’s interactivity has been a mystery outside of the few videos we’ve seen. However, Thrills Taste Travels, formerly Universal Food Blog, recently posted some videos on their X account that suggest a wild new development: flying dragons. The videos capture what look to be tests of mock dragons flying through the air over what will be Epic Universe. You can see the videos below:

You have the heart of a chief… and the soul of a dragon.
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*#epicuniversal #howtotrainyourdragon #universalepicuniverse #isleofberk #drones #dragons pic.twitter.com/wszwvISf4o

— ThrillsTasteTravels (@TTasteTravels) August 2, 2024

If they are what they certainly look like they are, these dragons would almost certainly be part of How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and they’re a wonderful idea. Imagine fans of those DreamWorks films seeing dragons fly around as they walk through the new park; it’ll go a long way towards making you feel like you’re in the How to Train Your Dragon world. It also makes me wonder if Universal has similar flying attractions planned for the other Epic Universe worlds. That Park Place (where I first learned of this) suggests flying creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies, but my first thought was seeing Hogwarts students soaring through the air playing Quidditch on their broomsticks. Super Nintendo World could have Koopa Paratroopas dancing through the skies as families traverse the Mushroom Kingdom, and Dark Universe would up the creep factor if it had vampire bats flapping in the night on their way to Dracula’s castle. This is all off the top of my head, though; maybe Universal has some even better ideas.

Remember, the flying dragons are not confirmed, so this could be wishful thinking. On the other hand, those videos are a lot clearer than you’d expect for a mistake. I think it’s safe to assume Thrills Taste Travels is right, and Universal is planning to have dragons flying around in its Epic Universe. Funnily, That Park Place says that park enthusiasts used to speculate that Disney would use similar attractions at Disney World, specifically for its Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Pandora: The World of Avatar areas, but they never did. If Universal is using flying dragons (and beyond), it would be hilarious if they got the idea straight from Disney dropping the ball, doing what the biggest name in theme parks – though maybe not for long – failed to do for its guests. It’s a stark contrast between Universal giving parkgoers something new, exciting, and innovative following Disney declaring its most popular attraction racist and replacing it with a ride that doesn’t work.

Let us know what you think of flying dragons at Epic Universe in the comments, and check out Park Hoppin’ for theme park news, reviews, and general fun!