As a die-hard fan of How to Train Your Dragon and someone who has spent countless hours immersed in Berk’s magical ecosystem, I can hardly contain my excitement about Universal Epic Universe‘s Grand Helios Hotel. Having had the privilege of living inside various fictional worlds through books, movies, and games, I can attest that the line between reality and fantasy becomes remarkably blurred, making for an unforgettable experience.
Are you just as thrilled about the opening day of Universal Epic Universe as I am? Given that this is the topic of your current reading, I’m confident that you share my excitement! The long-anticipated fourth gate at Universal Orlando Resort is set to transform it into a vacation spot where guests might want to stay for an entire week, according to the company’s ambitious plans.
Although Epic Universe’s opening tickets for May 2025 are selling quickly, this is just a glimpse of what’s to come at this impressive new theme park. Some elements suggest it has learned from recent attractions at Disney Parks in the U.S., and I’m eagerly anticipating the outcome as it ties into one of the most powerful franchises yet to be presented.
The Worlds Of Universal Epic Universe’s Will Be Totally Immersive
2024’s New York Comic-Con unveiled many exciting details about the world of 2025 movies and various entertainment forms. Additionally, an enlightening panel took place during the event, led by Chris Hayner from Gamespot, as part of a conversation sponsored by Fandom titled “Universal Epic Universe: Crafting Universal’s Groundbreaking New Theme Park.
As a journalist covering the press, I was given the opportunity to join the Fandom Party, an event commemorating Universal’s upcoming theme park and the 20th anniversary of that popular website. During this celebration, which took place at The Venue on Music Row, located within New York’s Hard Rock Hotel, my fellow reporters and I participated in a scavenger hunt designed to give us insights into the attractions and offerings of Universal Epic Universe.
We’re grateful for the insight provided by experts such as Patrick Braillard, Senior Show Writer at Universal Creative, who shared that the upcoming theme park aims to offer a completely immersive experience.
Employing the fresh territory depicted in “How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk” as an illustration, Braillard constructed his proposal using ideas that seemed familiar. Since I was present during the discussion, allow me to pass on how he presented it to you:
As a gamer, I’ve noticed a remarkable shift in my gaming experience – it’s no longer about me entering another world; I feel like I belong there now. If Astrid, Hiccup, or Toothless were to turn around and look at where I came from, they would see the same forest, the same mountain wall. They have no idea of anything beyond their own world. This immersion makes our interactions more authentic, more engaging – it feels like a real conversation with characters in a story that’s become an extension of my own reality.
Lesson number one becomes crucial here, as Dirk Libbey’s latest visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge revealed an insight he felt was inevitable. In his view, visitors are not keen on fully embracing this themed area, which upon launch promised a similar experience that would effectively isolate the real world.
In theory, it’s an excellent concept, but in practice, both Galaxy’s Edge and the Galactic Starcruiser appeared to miss the target significantly. With this understanding, I’m hoping that Universal Parks and Experiences have grasped the idea that instead of focusing on a single immersive experience, offering multiple experiences based on various IPs throughout the park would be more appealing to easily distracted visitors.
Despite the excited exclamation when Patrick Braillard hinted at meeting Toothless, I believe How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk could possibly surpass that anticipation. On another note, a fresh disclosure about Universal Epic Universe’s Grand Heilos Hotel has reminded me vividly of the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser experience that is no longer available.
An Immersive How To Train Your Dragon Suite Is Going To Be Available At The Helios
In simpler terms, if you’re asking for a paraphrase of “What’s better than stepping onto the Isle of Berk in a story likened to ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2.5?'”, it could be rephrased as “What could possibly surpass the experience of visiting the Isle of Berk, reminiscent of ‘How to Train Your Dragon 2.5?’, is something you’d need to ask Steve Tatham, who shared this insight at a panel. Steve Tatham, by the way, holds the position of Executive Creative Director at Universal Epic Universe.
Incidentally, he provided the audience with the answer without needing much encouragement. Later on in their lengthy discussion, Tatham disclosed this detail to the listeners.
…you’ll have the opportunity to lodge within this hotel. Interestingly enough, if you share my enthusiasm for How to Train Your Dragon, there are actually suites designed around that series! It means you can immerse yourself in that universe all day long. During the day, you can explore the world, and at night, you’ll find comfort in the suite. The hotel offers views of the rooms from the outside, and indeed, some rooms within the hotel are themed after How to Train Your Dragon. Additionally, the overall theme of the park, specifically Celestial Park, is carried over into this experience. Helios, in particular, showcases astronomical, celestial, and divine motifs.
At New York Comic-Con 2024, when Mr. Tatham shared his fascinating insights, the audience erupted with enthusiasm, which I can confirm, even as an ardent fan of “How to Train Your Dragon,” left me unable to resist jumping into the fray! The prospect of potentially interacting with dragons within Berk’s ecosystem was simply too enticing.
As a gamer reflecting on my recent adventures, it seems like Universal Epic Universe has taken note of that crucial lesson: when creating immersive accommodation, there should always be an escape hatch for reality. After the hefty cost of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is still weighing heavily on everyone’s wallets, I can’t imagine people would be eager to spend their entire vacation savings on a completely enclosed experience again in the future.
According to Steve Tatham, it’s possible for you to immerse yourself in a world similar to “How to Train Your Dragon” around the clock. It’s not necessary, but it is an option. This statement isn’t meant as criticism towards the premium experience housed within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which I have yet to encounter personally and would eagerly participate in if given the opportunity. However, I can understand where challenges might have arisen for those who did engage with this unique offering.
The Helios Hotel Looks Into Universal Epic Universe
As a dedicated fan, let me tell you, if you found an immersive suite truly stunning, brace yourself for this final tidbit about the Grand Helios Hotel. Not only does it seamlessly blend with Universal Epic Universe’s theming and storytelling, but Steve Tatham also hinted at some exciting details:
To catch a glimpse of the theme park at 3 AM, consider booking a room in this nearby hotel since it directly adjoins the park. You’ll find an entrance to the park right from your hotel room! It’s quite unique as there aren’t many US theme parks offering such an experience where you can observe the park from your lodging.
Here’s one way of paraphrasing your statement:
In discussing Universal Epic Universe’s realms and the connected hotel, creating an immersive atmosphere is key. This idea was echoed by Patrick Braillard during a panel at New York Comic-Con regarding the ‘How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk’ experience, a concept that can be extended to the entire experience as a whole.
Within every realm, visitors can realize their dreams by exploring destinations they’ve merely imagined through screens or other mediums. This aspect, indeed, brings great joy to us as creators, as we get to make these dreams a reality.
At Universal Epic Universe, there’s a world of excitement waiting to be discovered! From the depths of Dark Universe, the magic of Super Nintendo World, and the enchantment of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, there’s something for every curious adventurer. And as we countdown to the grand opening on May 20, 2025, it’s wise to secure your tickets and park passes sooner rather than later. With How to Train Your Dragon area set to draw a crowd in the near future, it won’t be long before you’re soaring through the skies with your own dragon!
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2024-10-25 04:07