Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe has been highly anticipated by fans, with the newly unveiled Isle of Berk land sparking excitement among How to Train Your Dragon enthusiasts. However, despite the hype, the debut of flying dragons in the park has been met with significant criticism from fans, many of whom feel the execution of the attraction has fallen short of expectations.
New Addition Fails to Impress
The flying dragons, which are a central feature of the Isle of Berk land, are intended to bring the beloved franchise to life in an immersive and thrilling way. Yet, many park-goers have taken to social media to voice their disappointment, citing issues with the visual appearance of the dragons and the mechanics behind their flight.
One of the most notable complaints centers around the visibility of the drone attachment used to make the dragons appear as though they are flying. Fans have pointed out that the drones are clearly visible during the attraction, which detracts from the illusion of the creatures soaring through the sky.
The attachment, which supports the movement of the dragons, has been criticized for breaking the sense of immersion and making the dragons appear “fake” rather than magical.
On X, reactions have been swift and harsh. One user posted, “Wow this looks really bad,” succinctly expressing the general sentiment among many critics. Another fan commented, “Yeah….. I think this idea is much better in theory…,” underscoring the disconnect between the concept and the actual execution. The disappointment is also echoed in a third post, “Cool idea, awful execution,” where the user recognizes the potential of the flying dragon concept but is ultimately let down by the delivery.
cool idea, awful execution
— Luke Anthony (@_Luke_Anthony_) April 17, 2025
Missing the Mark?
While the inclusion of flying dragons was expected to be one of the standout features of the Isle of Berk land, many fans feel that the technology used to create the illusion needs further refinement. Some have compared the flying dragons to older animatronic attractions, arguing that, while the concept of using drones to create dynamic movement is innovative, the current iteration fails to match the high standards of modern theme park attractions.
The backlash over the dragons’ appearance is a reminder of the high expectations that come with immersive theme park experiences. Universal Orlando Resort is known for its attention to detail and cutting-edge technology, and fans expected the flying dragons to be a seamless and captivating part of the Isle of Berk land. However, the visible drones have, for many, ruined the magic that makes attractions like this one so beloved.
As Epic Universe’s official grand public opening draws closer, it remains to be seen whether Universal Orlando Resort will address fans’ concerns and improve the execution of the flying dragons. For now, the reception has been far from the soaring success that many had hoped for.
