How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk - Reviews, Photos & Media

[theuberguberman]

As far as merch goes, anyone see any signs of the rumored interactive adoptable dragons, or is that not happening (at least not yet lol)?

 

[bobbie68]

I also believe having them sit on the left side will reduce their chances of getting wet! The water spray seems to come primarily from the right side of the train.

Thank you so much every little bit of information helps that we have a good experience.

 

[Rhian]

Thank you so much every little bit of information helps that we have a good experience.

We're happy to help! Let us know how it went after your trip.

 

[saint.piss]

This land is so cute lol. So much is going on and it's so kinetic I love it. I sadly didn't get to watch the show or try any of the food but I did ride Hiccups Wing Gliders. Literally people weren't joking when they said this is the kiddie version of Hagrids! It's still extremely fun and cute but I wish it did more to stand out from that attraction. Regardless I still really enjoyed it

 

[OLSinFLA]

While I make fun of people standing in line for princesses, I had to do one with Toothless who looks so real. When I stepped over he turned and stared right at my and the Viking girl said "looks like you have a new fan". Also got to pet him! The coaster is so much fun, but there isn't very much leg room which caused me some pain. The stage show was incredible (and the audience was way more vocal in their reactions than the videos from China)

 

[Rhian]

Okay, I'm starting to get a little jealous. I'm seeing multiple pictures of people actually petting him, and I didn't get to do that. I wonder if they changed rules to allow guests to do so? Or maybe I should've asked?

 

[moth]

Okay, I'm starting to get a little jealous. I'm seeing multiple pictures of people actually petting him, and I didn't get to do that. I wonder if they changed rules to allow guests to do so? Or maybe I should've asked?

How early did you go? I remember when previews were first starting that my TM friend said that he was under technical rehearsal so they weren't allowing people to touch him.

 

[Rhian]

How early did you go? I remember when previews were first starting that my TM friend said that he was under technical rehearsal so they weren't allowing people to touch him.

It was over 2 weeks ago now I think so that was probably why. I'm going again soon so maybe I'll give it another shot.

 

[GAcoaster]

The stage show was incredible (and the audience was way more vocal in their reactions than the videos from China)

The crowd was absolutely nuts for this show! I know part of it is excitement at something new, but it's a real crowd pleaser with many audible gasps from the audience and even tears of disbelief/joy with the action. Even having watched the video of the show in Beijing it really was breathtaking to see a it in person.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

The stage show was incredible (and the audience was way more vocal in their reactions than the videos from China)

Weirdly enough this was true for my experience in China too — half of the audience was on their phones and very few people in general were making noises or really into the show

 

[OLSinFLA]

Okay, I'm starting to get a little jealous. I'm seeing multiple pictures of people actually petting him, and I didn't get to do that. I wonder if they changed rules to allow guests to do so? Or maybe I should've asked?

We were given instructions of where to pet him (do not touch the eyes or ears and do not put your hand in his mouth). He feels rubbery

 

[DrStarlander]

I've seen comments and videos that indicate the exterior of the live show theater in the Isle of Berk is not a highlight of visual disguise.

I think the blue sides seem painted well and blend with the sky nicely. But it's the corners where I suspect your eye notices the geometry of the building...and therefore notices the building. And when you notice the building, there can be a Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner feeling of manipulation going on...part of that may be the minimalism of the attempt ("they don't think we're that dumb, right?").

In an otherwise spectacular park seemingly dripping with over-the-top details and quality, this is one of a handful of areas where a bit more investment may help a lot.

I wonder...given that Isle of Berk is full of wood log posts jutting into the sky, they may have been able to hide this building better by putting wood log posts along all the edges and corners, adding additional angled posts here and there to distract from the building's blocky shape and to mimic other log post-and-beam framing and structures around Berk (even painting them with colored stripes, as elsewhere). Then, the sky-painted walls may look more like just "the sky" seen beyond the wood post framing.

Here's a rough example, but with the further addition of some flags and banners and other visual pops and details that distract the eye, I think it could blend in better within the Berk skyline, especially as seen from a distance where any difference between blue paint and sky would be harder to detect. At the minimum, this bit of theme-specific "extra effort" may alleviate the Wile E. Coyote feeling that there's an attempt to trick us, yet the attempt is arguably a bit lazy and patronizing.

 

[GAcoaster]

The Theater is not great, but it's also tucked all the way at the back of the land-- you don't see it until you're right at it. I think a few more trees and the ones there growing in will help a lot.

I hope the other areas I noticed at the back of Meade Hall get fixed first, especially since they are small, easy fixes.

 

[Brian G.]

The Theater is not great, but it's also tucked all the way at the back of the land-- you don't see it until you're right at it. I think a few more trees and the ones there growing in will help a lot.

I hope the other areas I noticed at the back of Meade Hall get fixed first, especially since they are small, easy fixes.

I think the trees will hide the first level, but that 2nd level may still be peeking out. Not the greatest of showings, but at least it's tucked in the corner like you said.

Show itself is great, though!

 

[Suchomimus]

I wonder...given that Isle of Berk is full of wood log posts jutting into the sky, they may have been able to hide this building better by putting wood log posts along all the edges and corners, adding additional angled posts here and there to distract from the building's blocky shape and to mimic other log post-and-beam framing and structures around Berk (even painting them with colored stripes, as elsewhere). Then, the sky-painted walls may look more like just "the sky" seen beyond the wood post framing.

Here's a rough example, but with the further addition of some flags and banners and other visual pops and details that distract the eye, I think it could blend in better within the Berk skyline, especially as seen from a distance where any difference between blue paint and sky would be harder to detect. At the minimum, this bit of theme-specific "extra effort" may alleviate the Wile E. Coyote feeling that there's an attempt to trick us, yet the attempt is arguably a bit lazy and patronizing.

I feel the frames make the sky stand out more. It would have been better if they had used a large forested hill for the facade.

 

[DrStarlander]

I feel the frames make the sky stand out more. It would have been better if they had used a large forested hill for the facade.

Yeah, it's an interesting area of perception and optical illusion ("simultaneous contrast") in terms of how direct adjacencies vs. separation affect perception of color and contrast. Here are two images, the top and bottom blues are different, as clearly seen (I think) where they are directly adjacent and arguably less obvious when they are separated and there are other distracting colors. You may be right, I think it's worth exploring though. (And agreed, a forested hill would have been great!)

 

[Evan]

I've seen comments and videos that indicate the exterior of the live show theater in the Isle of Berk is not a highlight of visual disguise.
View attachment 25837
I think the blue sides seem painted well and blend with the sky nicely. But it's the corners where I suspect your eye notices the geometry of the building...and therefore notices the building. And when you notice the building, there can be a Wile E. Coyote/Road Runner feeling of manipulation going on...part of that may be the minimalism of the attempt ("they don't think we're that dumb, right?").
View attachment 25827
In an otherwise spectacular park seemingly dripping with over-the-top details and quality, this is one of a handful of areas where a bit more investment may help a lot.

I wonder...given that Isle of Berk is full of wood log posts jutting into the sky, they may have been able to hide this building better by putting wood log posts along all the edges and corners, adding additional angled posts here and there to distract from the building's blocky shape and to mimic other log post-and-beam framing and structures around Berk (even painting them with colored stripes, as elsewhere). Then, the sky-painted walls may look more like just "the sky" seen beyond the wood post framing.

Here's a rough example, but with the further addition of some flags and banners and other visual pops and details that distract the eye, I think it could blend in better within the Berk skyline, especially as seen from a distance where any difference between blue paint and sky would be harder to detect. At the minimum, this bit of theme-specific "extra effort" may alleviate the Wile E. Coyote feeling that there's an attempt to trick us, yet the attempt is arguably a bit lazy and patronizing.
View attachment 25838

View attachment 25815
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View attachment 25817

I think being able to see the clearly attached themed facade also throws it all off.

Once that is all hidden by trees it may be better, but I just feel it’s a silly budget cut, and wouldn’t have cost that much more in the grand scheme to theme the building properly.

 

[Brian G.]

I think being able to see the clearly attached themed facade also throws it all off.

Once that is all hidden by trees it may be better, but I just feel it’s a silly budget cut, and wouldn’t have cost that much more in the grand scheme to theme the building properly.

Would you rather have an exposed showbuilding or a few extra characters and dragons around Berk?

I'm not saying this is the case, but decisions like that do happen.

 

[OrlLover]

Once that is all hidden by trees it may be better, but I just feel it’s a silly budget cut, and wouldn’t have cost that much more in the grand scheme to theme the building proper

But that’s very big assumption isn’t it ???

We don’t know what the initial plans they had for this area of the park. Maybe it was a last minute addition in a project that was already over budget.

Not defending Universal at all because this building just seems plopped down with no rhyme or reason versus other place making in the land.

Just playing devils advocate.

 

[Evan]

Would you rather have an exposed showbuilding or a few extra characters and dragons around Berk?

I'm not saying this is the case, but decisions like that do happen.

Honestly… the building to be themed. I would never know what characters were supposed to be there, and that’s a much easier addition down the road.