Ride review | Hiccup’s Wing Gliders at Epic Universe, baby’s first story coaster
We, my friends, have dragons, and a review of the family coaster found within How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk at Epic Universe! Young Vikings looking to prove themselves worthy of riding dragons are going to love this family coaster.
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders overview
Inside the Isle of Berk, dragons and vikings live harmoniously. There’s no pair with a stronger bond than Hiccup and his Night Fury, Toothless. Hiccup, a young Viking with a knack for inventing, has created a flying contraption to take Dragon Riding newcomers on their first step toward flying on the backs of real dragons. Thus begins the setup of Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, the outdoor roller coaster in the Isle of Berk world at Epic Universe.
Photo by Attractions Magazine
As riders roll into the ride’s first show scene, they are greeted by Hiccup and Toothless ready to send them out on the winged flying machine they’re currently sitting in. Toothless, the lovable dragon, launches riders out too early, before the wings have been added, leaving Hiccup and his dragon to chase after riders to guide them back to safety.
Queue of Hiccup’s Wing Gliders
The queue for this Epic Universe roller coaster is outdoors, which will prove to be miserable during summer heat and extended ride delays. It’s covered with scrim to provide some shade, but Orlando humidity always finds a way. Guests enter through Hiccup’s house, where they can see his inventions and concept drawings. Once visitors make it to the load station, they’re dispatched to meet up with Hiccup and Toothless to begin their flight.
Photo by Attractions Magazine
Fun for your entire Viking crew
Children and adults alike will love Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. The thrill level for this roller coaster sits between Slinky Dog Dash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Islands of Adventure. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is extremely smooth as it soars through Berk, but never too high that it would spook those with a fear of heights. The ride provides immaculate views of Berk as you glide over the water and even next to the queue for Dragon Racer’s Rally, another ride within Isle of Berk.
Photo by Attractions Magazine
As the iconic John Powell score from “How to Train Your Dragon” swells during the last portion of the flight, you realize you’re part of something truly special.
Final thoughts
In a park home to a lot of intense thrill rides, Hiccup’s Wing Gliders is a smooth breath of air that everyone in your party will likely enjoy. As we went over the water for the first time, we couldn’t stop thinking, “Wow,” being so taken back by a ride just as much visually thrilling as it is fun to ride. Some of us even started to get emotional toward the end, as the iconic “Test Drive” track plays while you begin your descent to the load station.
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk feels like the most cohesive and complete land in Epic Universe. Everything around you is moving, providing a kinetic experience unlike other immersive lands at other theme parks. Each attraction in the land provides something for everyone. Even if you don’t care about the “How to Train Your Dragon” films, you are going to absolutely love Isle of Berk.
Disclaimer: Our Epic Universe reviews are based on a preview of the park, so some of what we have talked about may change by the time the park officially opens.
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Huh… The iconic test drive track plays as you descend back to the station..
Haven’t noticed that in my 100+ ride throughs..