Hagrid Jr’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Welcome, friends of dragons and Vikings, to one of the best family coasters in Orlando. Wing Gliders is a really good surprise - a roller coaster that mixes storytelling with sudden launches, a few turns, and gives you an amazing view of the Isle of Berk. I’d say this is one of the best surprises at Epic Universe, especially since this ride wasn’t as hyped as the others in the park. Guess what? It’s a pretty good one, and I’d even put it ahead of Slinky Dog Dash when it comes to family coasters.
What we like about Hiccup's Wing Gliders
This is just a very good family coaster overall. Okay, our review could end right there, but you know we like to go deep here at Famvia, right? Wing Gliders is often compared to a smaller version of Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure, the amazing coaster over at Islands of Adventure. I can see some similarities, even if, deep down, they’re pretty different.
What I like about Wing Gliders is that it tries a lot of new things for a family coaster. It has two smooth launches that reach speeds of up to 45 mph, storytelling, and even a backwards section, which was a big surprise the first time we rode it. It’s also incredibly cute, featuring great music and even a Toothless animatronic that presses a button to launch your vehicle for the first time.
Little details like that make this coaster a great option for anyone visiting the Isle of Berk. In fact, it’s the sum of all those small touches that really turn this into a pretty great ride.
This is also a very, very comfortable coaster, and every turn feels incredibly smooth. Hey, who knew dragons could be so comfy when flying around a theme park, huh? I guess that’s why everyone is riding one in House of the Dragon. The ride takes about two minutes, but it feels a little longer than that, probably because the track is fairly long and gives you an amazing view of the Isle of Berk. This is one of the most gorgeous lands in Epic Universe, so taking a scenic ride through it is a really fun experience.
What we don’t like about Hiccup's Wing Gliders
They’re not real dragons.
Okay, I’ll let that one slide. There’s not much to hate about Wing Gliders. It’s just a very good family coaster with a reasonable runtime, some fun surprises, nice launches, and great kid-friendly vibes. You shouldn’t expect the kind of thrills you get from VelociCoaster or Stardust Racers, and that’s perfectly fine.
One drawback is probably the queue. It does have a few cute animatronics, but a good portion of it is outdoors. That means trouble on hot or rainy days, especially early on in the park’s life when this ride is likely to be super popular with families. Trust me, standing in a queue for an hour with the Florida sun burning your neck? Not fun.
Conclusion
Wing Gliders is one of the best surprises at Epic Universe and does a lot of things right for a family coaster. It’s charming, incredibly smooth, beautiful, and has a solid runtime. I’d put it above Slinky Dog Dash when it comes to family coasters, thanks to extra touches like storytelling and amazing music. Go ride it.
Hiccup's Wing Gliders FAQ
Where is Hiccup's Wing Gliders located?
Hiccup's Wing Gliders is located inside the Isle of Berk area at Epic Universe. Want to train your own dragon? Send us a message by clicking the Request a Quote button and let’s plan your next trip to Epic Universe!
What is the height requirement for Hiccup's Wing Gliders?
You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride Hiccup's Wing Gliders.
Is Hiccup's Wing Gliders scary for children?
No, it’s not. This is a smooth roller coaster with speeds of up to 45 mph, no loops, and no sharp turns.
Do we recommend Hiccup's Wing Gliders?
Yes! We think this is a great family coaster. If you love Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios, you’re going to love this one too.