Hiccup's Wing Gliders

Hiccup's Wing Gliders stands as one of Universal's Epic Universe most charming family coasters, a soaring adventure that lets riders of almost every age feel what it is like to take flight on the back of a dragon. Opened with the park in 2025, it has quickly become a favourite stop for families looking for a first taste of coaster thrills without the towering drops of the resort's biggest rides.

The attraction is the signature ride of the How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk land, a richly themed Viking village brought to life from the beloved DreamWorks films. From the moment you enter the queue you are surrounded by the rugged longhouses, carved totems, and dragon roosts that make the Isle of Berk one of the most immersive corners of the entire park.

The Hiccup's Wing Gliders Experience

Hiccup's Wing Gliders is a family launch coaster, which means it uses smooth, powered launches rather than a traditional lift hill to send you on your way. Each rider boards a dragon-rider glider vehicle, designed so you sit astride as though you have climbed aboard your very own dragon ready to soar over the village of Berk.

The ride features multiple launches that build speed gradually, reaching a top speed of around 45mph. Rather than relying on steep drops, the layout swoops and banks through the air, recreating the gentle, gliding flight that Hiccup and his friends experience throughout the How to Train Your Dragon story. The result is a sensation of genuine flight that feels exhilarating yet welcoming for younger adventurers.

Theming is woven through every moment, from the dragon-shaped vehicles to the sweeping views of the Isle of Berk land that open up as you glide along the track. It is a coaster that rewards repeat rides, with new details to spot each time you take to the skies.

Top Tip: Ask a team member which side of the glider offers the best views of the land below, then try the opposite side on your next ride to see the whole story unfold.

Essential Ride Information

Height Restrictions

Riders must be approximately 40 inches (102 cm) tall to experience Hiccup's Wing Gliders. This family friendly requirement makes it one of the more accessible coasters at Epic Universe, ideal for younger guests who meet the minimum height and are ready for their first real coaster adventure. Always check the posted height at the entrance, as requirements can be adjusted.

Queue Times by Season

Peak: During the busiest holiday periods such as summer, Christmas, and Easter, waits can climb to 60 minutes or more, especially in the middle of the day.

Moderate: On typical weekends and shoulder seasons, expect waits of around 30 to 45 minutes for most of the day.

Quiet: On weekday mornings outside school holidays, you may walk on or wait just 10 to 20 minutes.

Universal Express Information

Universal Express can be a valuable way to reduce your wait at popular attractions across the resort. Express eligibility for individual rides can change over time, so always check the current list of participating attractions before you visit to confirm whether Hiccup's Wing Gliders is included.

Best Times to Experience Hiccup's Wing Gliders

As one of the headline family attractions in a brand new land, Hiccup's Wing Gliders draws steady crowds throughout the day. The best time to ride is right at park opening, when many guests are still making their way toward the bigger thrill rides elsewhere in the park.

The final hour before the land closes can also be a quieter window, as families with young children begin to head home. If you are visiting during a busy season, riding during a popular parade or evening show elsewhere in the resort can also help you find a shorter line.

Weather rarely affects this coaster, but bright midday sun can make the exposed queue warm, so a morning or evening visit tends to be the most comfortable experience overall.

Top Tip: Arrive before the official opening time and make Hiccup's Wing Gliders your very first stop, you can often ride two or three times before the main crowds arrive.

Who Should Ride Hiccup's Wing Gliders?

Hiccup's Wing Gliders is the perfect family coaster, designed to be a great first thrill for children who are tall enough and eager to feel the rush of a launch coaster without intense drops or inversions. Parents and grandparents will enjoy it just as much, making it an ideal ride for the whole group to share together.

It is not recommended for guests who are below the height requirement, or for anyone who has been advised to avoid coasters for health reasons. Thrill seekers chasing the most extreme experiences may find it gentle, but it is perfect for building confidence before tackling the resort's more daring rides. Once you have earned your wings here, explore the many other attractions across the wider Universal Orlando Resort.

The Story Behind the Ride

The ride is inspired by the world of How to Train Your Dragon, the DreamWorks Animation series that follows a young Viking named Hiccup and his bond with a Night Fury dragon called Toothless. Set on the rugged Isle of Berk, the films tell a story of friendship, courage, and the joy of flight as humans and dragons learn to live side by side.

On Hiccup's Wing Gliders, you step into that world as a trainee dragon rider, joining the ranks of Berk's young flyers as you take to the skies. The glider vehicles echo the saddles Hiccup designs to fly alongside Toothless, putting you right at the heart of the adventure.

Every element of the land, from the architecture to the soundtrack, is crafted to make you feel as though you have truly arrived on the Isle of Berk, ready to train your own dragon and soar above the village.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall do you need to be to ride Hiccup's Wing Gliders? Riders must be approximately 40 inches (102 cm) tall. This makes it a family friendly coaster suitable for many younger guests, though you should always confirm the current height at the ride entrance.

Q: Is Hiccup's Wing Gliders scary? No, it is designed as a gentle family coaster. It uses smooth launches and swooping turns rather than steep drops or inversions, making it a great first coaster for children and a fun ride for adults too.

Q: How fast does Hiccup's Wing Gliders go? The coaster reaches a top speed of around 45mph using a series of launches, delivering a thrilling sense of flight while remaining comfortable for the whole family.

Q: Where is Hiccup's Wing Gliders located? The ride is found in the How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk land at Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida. You can learn more about the films at the official DreamWorks How to Train Your Dragon site, and secure your visit with Universal Orlando tickets.