The idea of “rope dropping” a ride has become more and more popular across all types of theme parks. It first originated in Disneyland in California, spread to Disney World in Orlando, and now, Universal fans are using it as well. It’s a simple idea: you get to your park of choice a little bit before it opens, that way you are one of the very first people through the park gates. Then, you head to a ride that usually has an extremely long wait time. Since you’re one of the first ones there, there will barely be a wait, and you’ll practically walk on!
Many people strategize meticulously when rope dropping–and with a brand new park like Epic Universe, it can be hard to know what the best strategy really is. This week, I visited Epic Universe for the first time, and took a VIP tour of the park. Led by four tour guides, I spoke to them about guest’s rope dropping strategies, and all four of them agreed that people are making a mistake with one common rope-drop ride. That ride is Harry Potter And The Battle Of The Ministry–and they all agreed that there is a smarter plan to do when attempting a rope-drop.
Related: Universal Reveals New Haunted House For Halloween Horror Nights 2026
Head To Isle Of Berk Instead
Whether or not you’re a fan of How To Train Your Dragon, the Isle of Berk area of Epic Universe has a ton of attractions that can’t be missed. My VIP tour guides recommended heading here after rope dropping for two main reasons. The first reason is quite practical: Orlando can get extremely hot, especially in the middle of the day. All of the attractions in the Isle of Berk have outdoor queues. With that in mind, the idea of waiting for hours for each of the rides in this area in the Orlando heat doesn’t sound that fun, does it?
Instead, if you head there right in the morning, the heat won’t be as bad yet. Plus, since you’re rope-dropping, you will be able to hop right on most of the rides. That brings us to our second reason for heading to Isle of Berk right away: It has three popular rides all condensed closely together, so you will most likely be able to hop on all three within the first hour to hour and a half of your day in Epic Universe.
View this post on Instagram
Related: Universal’s Epic Universe Is Packed With Hidden Easter Eggs — Here’s How to Unlock Them
What To Ride In Isle Of Berk
The first ride that you should head to, and my personal favorite in all of Epic Universe, is Hiccup’s Wing Gliders. This family-style launch rollercoaster has a 40-inch minimum height requirement. Although it can accommodate younger children, the ride is anything but chill. It launches you quickly up to speeds of 45 miles per hour, and it reaches up to 50 feet in height. The theming is adorable, the music that plays in your ears will make you feel like you’re transformed to a whole new world and there are many surprises that will thrill you throughout the journey.
The next ride to head to is called Dragon Racer’s Rally, which makes you feel like you’re riding your very own dragon. The seats travel on a flying system that rotates on an axis, launching guests up to 67 feet in the air. Each person can control the wings of their dragon, which causes you to flip around while spinning in the air. It’s a bit high-intensity, but incredibly fun. To wind things down a bit, the final ride to head to in Isle of Berk is called Fyre Drill. This is an interactive boat ride where guests use water cannons to soak each other. After spending a bit of time out in the parks, cooling off on this ride is the best way to end your visit to the Isle of Berk.
Related: Why This Is an Incredibly Exciting Year for Theme Parks (and You Don’t Need a Lightning Lane to Enjoy It)
View this post on Instagram
While Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic is an incredibly popular ride, the entire line is indoors and it’s incredibly interactive. There’s a ton to see and do inside, plus a satisfying amount of air conditioning to cool you down. Visit here after your trip to Isle of Berk, and you won’t mind spending a bit more time in the queue for this one ride. Especially after you checked three off of the list for rope-dropping Isle of Berk, you’ll be in a great place to enjoy the rest of Epic Universe.
Related: How I Pack for a 7-Day Universal Studios Trip With a Single Carry-On
