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Right when you enter the portal to How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk in Universal Epic Universe, you'll come across a stone that may tell a very familiar tale. It ends with the words, "We have dragons. Lots and lots of dragons." And, boy, do they ever. Everywhere you turn on this wet heap of rocks, you'll find the locals' scaly, winged companions. While the grandeur of Berk and its residents (reptilian and otherwise) knows no bounds, the star of the show is indeed, Toothless, the unholy offspring of lightning and death itself ... and Chief Hiccup's best friend. We're here to tell you how you can meet him, his fellow dragons and the rugged Vikings of Berk during your visit to the best kept secret this side of, well, anywhere!
Where to Find Your Dragon: An Isle of Berk Character Guide
To no one's surprise, walking through Berk gave us the exact same feeling of awe we got watching the "How to Train Your Dragon" films for the first time. Full of excitement, and, of course, dragons (30, to be exact, representing 17 unique species!), this world feels so completely lived in. From stationary meet and greets to walk-around characters, Berk is rife with the hustle-and-bustle of daily life in the Viking village — especially now that baby dragons are being born in the new Hatchery (more on that below). The best part: All these incredible interactions are included in your admission to Universal Epic Universe! There are so many colorful characters to meet during your time in Berk, but let's start with everyone's favorite Night Fury ...
How to Meet Toothless at Epic Universe
"Never engage with this dragon. Your only chance: Hide and pray it doesn't find you."
Well, whoever wrote the Book of Dragons entry on the Night Fury never had the pleasure of meeting Toothless.
@undercovertourist This meet and greet is unlike anything we have ever experienced! 🤯 #epicuniverse #universalorlando #universal #universalstudios #universalepicuniverse ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist
Holed up in Haddock Paddock is the lovable, valiant King of Dragons, Toothless. Put your hand up to his head (not below his chin; that's reserved for Hiccup!), give his snout a gentle rub and feel the vibrations of his purring as you feed him some well-deserved compliments. You may see Toothless hanging out with his heroic rider, Chief Hiccup, the fearless Astrid or other friendly Vikings who all switch out throughout the day. There is a My Universal Photos photographer ready to capture the memorable moment you bond with Toothless, but feel free to have your own camera out, as well! Berkians are hoppy to grab some shots or video on your personal device. Haddock Paddock is located right next to Toothless' Treasures on your way to The Untrainable Dragon show.
While the characters take their time with you, the line to meet Toothless and his Viking pals is consistently long all day, and there may be a 2-photo maximum per party. Even though Toothless meets up until park close, you will want to check in at least an hour earlier because the line may be cut off early to ensure that everyone has a chance to meet him.
Where to Find Other "How to Train Your Dragon" Characters
While precious as can be, Toothless isn't the only dragon you'll see during your adventures in Berk. Keep your eyes peeled because Astrid will also appear with her playful Deadly Nadder, Stormfly! This unstoppable duo likes to hang out near Haddock Paddock. (And sometimes, Astrid roams solo near Haddock Paddock.) Also walking around, you'll find the rambunctious twins, Ruffnut and Tuffnut, getting under each other's skin or causing some sort of chaos!
Over at the Forge (next to Viking Traders and across from Mead Hall), we found Gobber — who graced us with a beautiful rendition of "For the Dancing and the Dreaming" (even hitting Valka's high notes!) — as well as his lazy Hotburple, Grump, snoozing the day away. Watch out! He's sleepy, but he does periodically breathe fire!
On the other end of the elemental spectrum, next to Spit Fyre Grill, you'll find a Snow Wraith! Every once in a while, this formidable force breathes an icy fog at unsuspecting bypassers.
Of course, I cannot froget to mention the adorable Night Lights, the precocious children of Toothless and the Light Fury. Not only will you see Dart, Ruffrunner and Pouncer blissfully dreaming in Toothless' Treasures, but every so often, they'll wake up for some playtime outside where you'll get to see them in action. (Excuse us while we mop up our melting hearts!)
The roaming character appearances are random throughout the day, and there isn't an exact schedule — so our best advice is just keep looking, and if they're a priority, carve out some time to spend within Berk.
Fancy a ride on Hiccup's Wing Gliders? Not only will you see Toothless and Hiccup who gear you up for your flight around Berk (well ... almost), but Hookfang, as well!
Want to see an epic stage show? Head to the dragon hatchery and watch The Untrainable Dragon. In addition to the ginormous titular dragon, you'll also see Toothless, Stormfly and a few baby dragons flying around!
Other dragons you'll see out and about in Berk include a Triple Stryke, Rumblehorn, Snagglefang, Deathsong, Gronckles, Scuttleclaws, Terrible Terrors and even Valka's loyal Stormcutter, Cloudjumper.
A few steps from Epic Universe, you can also find "How to Train Your Dragon"-themed rooms at the all-new Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Which dragon or Viking are you most excited to meet in How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk at Universal Epic Universe? How stoked are you to meet Toothless? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: First Look Inside Universal Epic Universe Worlds
Hoppy planning!
