Dragons Land Epic Universe - ParkStop Podcast

Become a Patron: / themeparkstop We share our thoughts on the full reveal for How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk, including ride details, rumors, and speculation for interactive elements in all of Epic Universe!
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[@ThemeParkStop]

Which land(s) are you going to buy the interactive item from?

[@VelocicoasterFanboy]

Httyd

[@CalebCopeland-b2v]

Httyd for sure,mario and thats prob it

[@jonathanwallis3300]

Super Nintendo World, and Dark Universe.

[@zacharyrodriguez5773]

Harry Potter world.

[@booznonlife5165]

All of them

[@whitewingedreaper]

I'm going to get the interactive items for each land at Epic Universe. The interactive items add so much to the experience, I'll absolutely bite the bullet in terms of cost. It's absolutely worth it!

[@destinyemerchant3172]

I'm so excited for this land, but the thing i think I'm the most excited for is adopting a baby dragon! Even if it is for a limited time, I hope they do the Nightlights! I'm also wondering if they would not only be able to interact with the dragons throughout the land, but with the meet and greet dragons too! It would be so cool to take one of the nightlights to meet Toothless ❤

[@jeandavidnau8314]

The second Dragons ....WILL MAKE YOU CRY....great movie

[@ThemeParkStop]

I'm gonna marathon them all soon!

[@TheRealPSKilla502]

The 3rd one’s also good. Don’t listen to the hate it gets.

[@a.y.greyson9264]

I haven’t seen the second one either. Planning to get around to it,

[@makerdistrict]

It’s my favorite animated movie franchise!

[@katietheHTTYDcollector]

I’d love to visit since I’m a mega 22 year old HTTYD FAN!!! That would be a dream for me!!!!!

[@alimatt9685]

The dragons eye view.. I'm dead that's hilarious. Keep up the awesome content

[@ThemeParkStop]

Thanks so much!

[@dannyczorrilla]

The Dragons land is the world I am most excited for in this project! Colorful and kinetic and plain magic

[@kentslocum]

The reason why The Untrainable Dragon is so important is because it provides an air-conditioned space for a lot of people. People will get very warm with so many outdoor attractions on the Isle of Berk, high-capacity indoor space is welcome.😊

[@YouMayKnowMeAsNate]

Absolutely

[@themepark101]

Love the opening song by Ian! Not sure why some people are disappointed with this land, it looks like it's going to be the sleeper hit of Epic Universe.

[@UmmYeahOk]

Because they think it’s for little kids, and they aren’t little kids. These will be the same people who will later complain about Epic being only a half day park, when you yourself rope drop and still didn’t get to do everything you wanted to do.

[@Drebe73]

Agree. I’m so excited for this land.

[@joshberninger8355]

@@UmmYeahOkyea that seems to be the main thing I hear is the kid level of it. Even though this has the most thrilling non coaster ride with Rally if you spin it a lot.

[@themepark101]

Exactly. How is that a Kiddie attraction. I'll be petrified to go on it!@@joshberninger8355

[@hopejordan2997]

I would TOTALLY be up for monster hunting in Dark Universe! Sign me up for Hellsing's Monster Hunter Academy!

[@UmmYeahOk]

They already have a Monster Hunter attraction at USJ. It’s temporary though.

[@sebastianrivera3527]

Can’t recommend the trilogy enough, they are fantastic movies and I’m glad this land sounds like it’s a massive love letter to the films!

[@ThemeParkUpdate]

Here’s some context on universal hight requirements: all attractions have a 48 minimum to ride alone. This means any ride where you are riding in your own specialized seat, you must be 48. This is why dragon racers rally is 48. Plus for hagrids, since it is difficult for parents to reach over from seat to seat for hagrids, they essentially say you must be able to ride alone, that’s why it’s 48inches. Essentially they don’t want young kids to try to escape the restraints. With hagrids, a parent in the bike seat may not be able to get control of a misbehaving child in the side car, therefore… 48inches.

[@nicomackie450]

Loved the visual editing yall did for this podcast!! Keep up the awesome work!

[@ThemeParkStop]

Thanks! I want to try and do this at least for the official land reveal episodes this year, but it's hard to find time sometimes between the regular videos.

[@jennydorrance1884]

I'm ok with people sleeping on this land, more space for me to enjoy. This is the land I'm most excited for followed by monsters

[@universalgames2901]

Showing up to Epic Universe decked out with a crossbow, a powerful band, a dragon sidekick, and a magical wand. Then going to the Harry Potter section and using poof powder to go to the ministry of magic 😌

[@iank7941]

Harry Potter, DnD Drakewarden Ranger crossover cosplay?

[@xerojupiter]

ruff and tuff completely flooding half of berk is so cannon

[@FAFO4wisdom]

I love how Fyre Drill has props that shift from the books at the beginning with the 2D art, to full 3D anamatronic at the end, paying full homage to the full HTTYD Story.

[@Jenn-wg9li]

So excited the live action movie is coming out at the same time this is opening!! Double the fun!!! 🐉

[@kentslocum]

My favorite dragon species from the HTTYD franchise is the Deadly Nadder, so I'm thrilled that Stormfly will be a meet-and-greet! 😊

[@kentslocum]

I hope that Fire Drill has lockers, to keep an extra pair of dry socks! 😊

[@FAFO4wisdom]

That ride is definitely a Crocs or berkenstock kinda thing.

[@Alexander-hd9xc]

Thank you so much for the visuals! They are much appreciated!

[@KimoDogTheather]

best birthday present ever

[@ThemeParkStop]

Happy Birthday!!

[@We_Have_Dragons]

Isle of Berk is the only part of the park I’m going in. NO ONE, is more excited than me.

[@dansuehath]

I’m not so sure about that🤪🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@We_Have_Dragons]

@@dansuehath I am.

[@remconet]

26:52 you're supposed to be competing with the other side of the boat, so the signs will change with every boat depending on who hit the most targets with the water. By the way: the direction of the ride was pretty clear when you could still see the conveyor belt in the station. It has arrows on it.

[@ericsnoopy9912]

This park is going to be a massive hit. Slam dunk.

[@Dubstep5]

you are correct that they are Gronckles you did a nice job remember that because you don’t know what other species of dragons will be there including toothless

[@solcarlosofficial]

I wish we had a flight of passage ride for dragons. A simulator flying. But I get universal is trying to stay off screens after so many years of backlash. But I think the simulator with the HTtYD music would be epic.

[@ThemeParkStop]

I want an indoor suspended dark ride like Peter Pan/ET so we can soar over the island and into glowing caves with animatronic dragons! Physical sets but the same concept as flight of passage story.

[@dansuehath]

YES!🤪🥰👍🏻

[@ConekillerConfuzor]

I'm right there with Ian in regards to wet feet. I have developed a predisposition for feet sores and cannot afford to get my feet wet. Im gonna shamelessly garbage-bag my legs to ride that boat ride. Outside of Nintendo, this land has me the most giddy.

[@chasetaake1725]

I love this so much - I wish I had people to talk to like you guys, this conversation is so exciting

[@cristianchavarria5359]

I haven´t seen these movies and know nothing about the story... but this is the land I am more excited about. It´s just beautiful and the concept is amazing!

[@kentslocum]

Sounds like you have some homework to do! 😊

[@makerdistrict]

On the boat ride with the winner/loser and the 2 statues, I wonder if the losing side gets sprayed by the statue or if the statue that sprays indicates the winning side of the boat??

[@kentslocum]

That's a good observation! Maybe the losing team gets even more wet! 😊

[@makerdistrict]

@@kentslocum that would be awesome!!

[@jaydanventionsvlogs5050]

When I saw the concept art, it looked like the WINNERS would get soaked. maybe if you win and don't get soaked like the losers, you still get wet because you gotta get at least a bit drenched.

[@werebison]

When you were talking about interactive items, and mentioned a little Igor buddy, I was absolutely certain that you'd reach the same conclusion as I did. Interactive Back Hunch!

[@Blockbuilderbeast]

This is what I’ve been waiting for!! Thank you Alicia this is an epic podcast!

[@SliceOfRandom]

For expansion possabilities, I want to go ahead and jumpstart the hype train for a true thrill ride dragon flight coaster! Something like an RMC Raptor would be mindblowing if done right 👀 Imagine a giant piece of rock work added to the back of the land with raptor track weaving in and out at crazy angles. It could be themed to the whispering death dragons that burrow through rocks; and, depending on how custom Universal were to go with the layout, it could have darkride portions or even launches 🙃 !! Universal Creative please hire me 🥲

[@TheRealPSKilla502]

I was thinking an interactive dark ride similar to FoP, but I’d totally ride an RMC if they built one. It just doesn’t seem very “universal” to me though…

[@JLOWENHAUPT]

We love when Bourne breaks down.... You get some insight on how it works....

[@UmmYeahOk]

Saw you just now on WESH News! Congratulations. Also, good job “finding Waldo.” I had no idea Keenan Thompson was in the concept art! They had to explain the significance for older ads of Universal, but to me, he’s forever associated with Nickelodeon, and I still have that All That tshirt I bought at the gift shop right outside Nickelodeon Studios when it was there.

[@ThemeParkStop]

I was lucky enough to attend a rehearsal of All That and a taping of Keenan & Kel as part of the audience back in the 90s!!

[@CiceroTheSage]

43:18 - Alicia speaking truths about the Webslingers add-on. Preach, my friend

[@cookingwithhistory6694]

There is a version of the fire drill boat ride at Six Flags Great America. Hopefully with Universal level theming it won't be as boring.

[@fourlittlebirds6166]

My kids (ages 20-10) grew up with How to Train your dragon, and LOVE the movies. They will absolutely be super excited to see this land in person. I love how large everything looks. High immersion has almost become a given at this point with theme parks. We’ve become spoiled. The artwork and colors look amazing.

[@MBbutter]

I think it would be really cool if they served Dragon Nuggets instead of Dino Nuggets at the mead hall

[@loserhl]

I bet the winner and losers signs at the end of the boat ride spin to show which side of the boat got the most points.

[@kentslocum]

Definitely. 😊

[@ali00p]

Are there any details about how annual passes will work for epic universe in relation to annual passes for universal studios?

[@reddcube]

I've been on a Gerstlauer Sky Fly, the same model as Dragon Racer’s Rally. It took two rides and considerable arm strength to get spinning. But once I go the momentum going it was so funny. Barrel roll after barrel roll after barrel roll I don't think kids under 48" could even reach the wing handles.

[@keouine]

I thought mead was the honey fermented drink. Meade is a flowery grassy acreage i.e. belle meade. as in MEADow

[@TheNeidSide]

I hope there is like a slightly more affordable package you can buy that gets you all the different interaction items (dragons, wands, etc) so I don't have to break the bank

[@RenElna]

At 52:06, there looks like there is another interactive dragon

[@remconet]

15:47 I agree!! I've said that in the beginning as well.

[@WillBillBilly]

Thank you! Much love

[@Kev-O33]

alot of the dragons you see are wooden carved out dragons. the vikings included thier archetechture with dragons. the wooden dragons on the ends of the Dragon Racer Rally arnt really a Nadder and a Monsterious Nightmare

[@bensalisbury6535]

This is amazing, thanks for all the work you guys do. First, yes you have to watch the movies, for me they are the best animated trilogy. Second, there are two holiday shorts that are good, the first one “gift of the night fury” has a part about the babies and that might be similar to that show part on the coaster with the baby gronkles. (A deleted scene is better for Astrid 😂) Third, have you heard anything about ride photos? Sorry fourth, odd they show the three baby dragons in the gift shop considering they mention the timeline. (not that I really care)

[@ThemeParkStop]

Too cute too maintain continuity! And thanks for reminding me, I do believe I saw ride photo pickup in coaster exit gift shop permits.

[@cookingwithhistory6694]

I am picturing all of the Etsy bags attachments for your Loungefly to carry the gear needed for Epic.

[@magicrabbitdesigns8433]

Okay... I have a thought and I seriously hope you read this in the next. But hear me out. POKEMON in every land! It can be done. Dragon types in Berk, dark and ghost types in Dark Universe. The original starters and Pikachu in Nintendo. It would be pretty cool

[@tjmthegreat4009]

CROCS are the best theme park shoe. Always wear em (no socks)

[@davidnewell3717]

I did just rewatch all 3 movies (cuz I also had only vague memories of 2 & 3). Some have commented on all the color in the land but that is accurate to the beginning of 3 where the dragons have been living on Berk for 6 years. There are also contraptions shown all over Berk to dump water in case of spontaneous dragon created fires. I’m REALLY excited for this land!! My prediction is Nintendo will be the next land announced followed by Harry Potter and Dark Universe, as the land linked most closely to Universal Pictures history, will be last.

[@thisisnotalizard6555]

I never saw the mead(e) hall written ,i thought you were saying meat hall, and i never questioned it so i never checked

[@ThemeParkStop]

I mean, it still works

[@robertgray1756]

The Harry Potter Beer that you buy at the HP studios near Watford, London England....is Cream Soda.

[@scs998]

I will say I haven't been following this very closely. And when you talked about the two different rides, I also thought the racers would be the roller coaster and the hang gliding one would be the flat ride. Though I do get your reasoning, I am almost guaranteeing that the GP's gonna be confused about that.

[@kevinrivera2084]

heyyy kids!!! 😂🤪😍

[@coreychristian2312]

Queen Alicia 🤠

[@katietheHTTYDcollector]

Yeah this is a dream place for me! Going to a HTTYD theme park some day! 😊

[@jordanwhite352]

You know, I think I've only seen the first movie and I'm not into this property at all yet. This is the park. I'm excited right after Super Nintendo World and dark universe. Literally just based on the insane amount of options and activity. There's just something for everyone here. There's characters a stage, show a water ride, a roller coaster ride a traditional sort of carnival fair ride and food options and like holy crap. They did more in this one section than Disney does in their entire Parks!

[@chickyyraej]

Only thing I’m worried about with Portals is them shutting down or reaching capacity. I hope they don’t do reservations

[@repboy1]

So true about audiences , In uk 🇬🇧 we would be quiet then clap at the end ( if it was good lol )

[@UmmYeahOk]

I’m not a fan of crème soda, but I do like Big Red, and so does my daughter. They claim it’s crème soda, but it’s not what I would consider it to be. Tastes more like bubble gum, IMO. Coke has its own version, called Red Flash, which is pretty identical. There are some places in Texas where you can find it in the soda fountains, but most people don’t know to order unless they see it on the menu.

[@jonathonfreeman9233]

I want a miniature wearable shoulder eye-gor.

[@johnmceleney1092]

Could the dragons flying above be massive kites, guess that depends on wind

[@dermot864]

Agree with Ian, although Nintendo's land theming is great, with other lands having awesome theming as well, Nintendo's rides other than Donkey are thought to be rather boring, to me.

[@NicoleRocks-mv5hx]

mario world heck yeah

[@justimagine2403]

Universal's Epic Universe - TM

[@jonathonfreeman9233]

Go to KFC taste their specialty mountain dew, it has honey in it then immediately dump the glass into the softdrink splash tray because holy crap it's awful

[@Ozzo-cookie]

What if a storm happens on epic universe opens🌧🌦🌩⛈🌫☂️

[@fourlittlebirds6166]

One of the things that does bother me about the Jurassic river adventure is that while you’re on the ride you can see the massive show building in the back. It’s just this huge grey block. Universal needs to paint fake trees or a mural of dinosaurs on the side/ front of that building.

[@ThemeParkStop]

At least in JP in story there’s reasons to have big gray buildings.

[@fourlittlebirds6166]

@@ThemeParkStop I suppose so, but for me it breaks the immersion. Even if they painted the building sky blue it would work better.

[@nicholasrabideau]

I think creating such themed areas that are hyper specific to one brand might be a mistake. I don't care about Dragons now, will I care more in ten years? You be the judge. The Simpsons, a fairly timeless brand, felt dated the instant they installed it. (Meanwhile, Back to the Future continues to grow in popularity.) I AM happy though that the parks will continue to cater to the core audience, which is a slightly older crowd.

[@henselollervillarreal2164]

Universal is working in live actions films. The first began shooting months ago.

[@cardcaptorsyaoran]

HTTYD franchise is generic enough and dragons have been popular with kids (and even adults) for a long time. For fans, they will love the characters while non-fans can also appreciate the creative designs of the dragons and the early medieval theming.

[@jaykay1899]

Dragons are timeless. Rollercoasters are timeless. I see what you're saying, but I dont think it will make a big difference. Think about splash mountain- literally nobody cares about song of the south, and yet it was one of the most beloved themed rides ever. As long as the theming and experience is fulfilling, then it will remain relevant

[@dasoupsoup]

Kind of disappointing that this is just a glorified kiddie land. Dragon Racer's Rally and Fyre Drill look like cheap off-the-shelf products without a lot of input from Creative. The "signature" ride of the land is a touch above Slinky Dog in thrill but with like 20% of the scenes and effects of Hagrid's; that's a D-Ticket ride at best, maybe more like C-Ticket. The only attraction that appears "world class" is the show, but we only know that because it's just a clone from Beijing, so it's not even brand new. I'm not saying they can't cater to younger demographics, but I think they leaned too heavily into the kid-friendliness as opposed to making it more for all ages. I am excited about a lot what was presented, but attraction lineup didn't quite fit the bill.

[@lucasd6880]

I remember them saying something about the show being slightly different than the one in Beijing. I'm not sure what exactly will be changed, though. I think the coaster will be a little more thrilling than Slinky, and a lot more fun. Given that each land has maybe 2 or 3 things that look worth trying, at least in my eyes, I'd say this land holds up about the same as the other ones.

[@bigfreakinggeek]

Love the channel, can’t wait for 2025