Immerse yourself in the captivating world of How to Train Your Dragon and interact with the esteemed dragon trainers from the beloved DreamWorks Animation franchise.

io9 had the privilege of attending the media preview for the inaugural week of Epic Universe, the latest addition to Universal Orlando’s theme park offerings, set to open this Friday. Among the portal realms explored so far, the Isle of Berk stands out for its impressive technological advancements in bringing the franchise’s central element to life. As Hiccup aptly puts it, the presence of dragons is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Upon arrival, the initial encounter was with one of the NightLights, the offspring of Toothless, the franchise’s hero dragon, and the Lightfury, Pouncer. Having previously written about robot dogs with similar characteristics, it was striking to observe the baby dragon’s legs moving in a comparable manner to those of Boston Dynamics models as it walked out on its own, unaccompanied and unassisted, in the sweltering heat.

The idea of a flame-throwing robot dog suddenly seems more plausible, although, fortunately, these dragons do not breathe fire. However, it’s worth noting that theme parks have had mixed results with fire-breathing dragons in the past. Nonetheless, the adorable nature of these creatures is undeniable, as evidenced by their cute antics, including a charming wiggle and strut, which instantly capture the heart.

Throughout the land, various dragons are showcased, each highlighting a distinct area. Near the outdoor dining stations serving traditional Viking fare, such as grilled meats, vegetables, and mac and cheese in bread horns, the snow wraith can be seen emitting its icy blast, catching unsuspecting passers-by off guard and creating a delightful atmosphere. The dragons are strategically placed to reflect their abilities, allowing visitors to experience the harmonious coexistence between the Vikings of Berk and these magnificent creatures.

Character meet-and-greets with dragon riders from the films, including Hiccup and Astrid, also feature their winged companions. Meeting Toothless is a truly magical experience, thanks to the seamless technology that enables various functions of articulation to work in tandem with their role. When interacting with a dragon, they respond and react in a remarkably lifelike manner, making it easy to let one’s guard down and be charmed by their large, adorable eyes. The sounds they make evoke a strong sense of cuteness, similar to that of dogs or cats. The encounter with Toothless was particularly memorable, as it culminated in a thrilling ride on Hiccup’s Winged Gliders, set to John Powell’s iconic movie score, which was nothing short of breathtaking.

Although we have not had the opportunity to watch The Untrainable Dragon, the land’s stage show featuring a flying dragon, the overall experience has been impressive, with the dragons seamlessly integrating into the story-play of Berk’s immersion. This level of incorporation of fantasy creatures is unparalleled in other lands, including Jurassic World-themed ones, where creatures are primarily showcased in scheduled meetings or simulated escapes.

The dragons in Berk do not simply make appearances like average characters; instead, they feel like an integral part of the land, allowing visitors to engage with them within the narrative of the Isle. This achievement is a testament to the park’s dedication to creating an immersive experience, and it sets a new standard for theme park design.

Epic Universe is set to open this Friday at Universal Studios Orlando. Travel and accommodations for this review were provided courtesy of the park.

For more io9 news, be sure to check out the latest updates on upcoming Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, as well as what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.