One of Universal Epic Universe's portal entrances went dark this week, leaving guests to find their way into How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk through a decidedly less immersive route.
How the Portals Work
Universal Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort's newest theme park, opened on May 22, 2025. The park‘s design centers on Celestial Park, a grand hub from which guests can step through one of four portals into distinct worlds — How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic. The portals aren't just doorways; they're immersive transitions designed to pull Universal Park guests fully into each land's story.
Sadly, that experience took a hit on Monday when one of those portals went offline.
Isle of Berk Portal Blocked Off
On March 9, X (formerly known as Twitter) user @thatdisneyboi posted photos showing the How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk portal closed and barricaded on both the Celestial Park side and the Isle of Berk side. Signage directed Universal Park guests toward alternate, less immersive entry and exit routes for the land.
Portals closed 💀
Portals closed 💀 pic.twitter.com/Yo5axrjR1m
— Ethan 💫 (@ThatDisneyBoi) March 9, 2026
Universal Orlando Resort didn't issue a public statement about the closure, but fans in the replies added some context. @DerekWMCook pointed to the portal's LED lighting as the likely culprit:
I imagine they are repairing the portal's LEDs before Spring break season. I recall the lower LEDs of Burk were particularly damaged badly by guests and not working.
I imagine they are repairing the portal’s LEDs before Spring break season. I recall the lower LEDs of Burk were particularly damaged badly by guests and not working.
— Derek Cook (@DerekWMCook) March 9, 2026
@Bentleys_Enigma echoed that the closure appeared planned:
The walls are themed. It's planned maintenance inside the portals. You can still enter the portal through the exit.
The walls are themed. It’s planned maintenance inside the portals. You can still enter the portal through the exit.
— YoBentley (@Bentleys_Enigma) March 9, 2026
No timeline for the portal's reopening has been announced. Guests visiting Universal Epic Universe in the meantime can still access How To Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk through the nearby alternate walkway.
Have you visited Universal Epic Universe? Share your favorite memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
