How to Train Your Dragon is coming to Epic Universe in Orlando. Could Hiccup and Toothless also take flight at Universal Studios Bedford?
How to Train Your Dragon is one of DreamWorks Animation's crown jewels — a trilogy of films that combined stunning animation, genuine emotional depth, and exhilarating flight sequences into one of the most beloved animated franchises of the 21st century. With Epic Universe in Orlando set to feature a dedicated How to Train Your Dragon themed world, the franchise's leap from screen to theme park is finally happening. For Universal Studios Bedford, the question is whether the Isle of Berk could also find a home in Bedfordshire.
Epic Universe's How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious themed lands Universal has ever constructed. The area will recreate the Viking village of Berk in extraordinary detail, with thatched-roof buildings, dragon statues, and a towering centrepiece that dominates the skyline. The land features multiple attractions, including a flying coaster where guests ride on Toothless through the skies of Berk, a family boat ride, and interactive dragon training experiences.
The flying coaster is generating particular excitement. Guests will board vehicles shaped like dragons and soar through scenes from the films, with a combination of outdoor coaster elements and indoor show scenes. If executed to the standard of Universal's recent coaster projects, it could be a generation-defining attraction. The land also promises immersive dining at a Viking great hall and character encounters with Hiccup, Astrid, and various dragon species.
Bedford could receive a version of the Isle of Berk, potentially as part of a larger DreamWorks area or as a standalone themed zone. The flying coaster concept translates perfectly to the UK — imagine soaring over the Bedfordshire landscape on the back of a Night Fury, with the British countryside standing in convincingly for the Scandinavian-inspired world of the films.
A key attraction could be the dragon flying coaster, adapted to Bedford's specific terrain and layout. The ride could take advantage of any elevation changes on the site, something that flat Florida cannot offer. Additional attractions might include a Viking longship water ride, suitable for families and offering a gentler complement to the coaster's thrills.
The theming potential is enormous. Viking-inspired architecture, working blacksmith demonstrations, dragon egg discovery trails for children, and seasonal events like a Viking winter feast could give the area year-round appeal. The franchise's emphasis on the bond between humans and dragons provides a warm, emotional core that distinguishes it from the more action-oriented IPs elsewhere in the park.
Britain's Viking heritage makes How to Train Your Dragon particularly resonant for UK audiences. The Danelaw covered much of eastern England, and Viking history is taught in every British school. Bedfordshire itself sits on the edge of historically Viking-influenced territory, giving the themed land an unexpected but genuine connection to its surroundings. The films' Scottish and Northern English voice accents (Gerard Butler's Stoick, Craig Ferguson's Gobber) further reinforce the franchise's British character.
The franchise's appeal to families is also crucial. How to Train Your Dragon balances thrills with heart in a way that few animated franchises achieve, making it ideal for a park that needs to attract multi-generational groups. Parents who watched the original film with their children in 2010 now have children of their own — the franchise spans generations.
How to Train Your Dragon at Bedford is considered likely, particularly if Epic Universe's version proves successful. Universal owns the IP outright through DreamWorks, eliminating licensing complications. The main question is timing — whether it would be a day-one land or a phase-two addition. Given the scale of construction required, a phased approach may be more realistic, with the area opening one to two years after the park's initial debut.
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