Flying Dragons at Epic Universe: Where Are They?

Hey Universal Vacationers! It’s been nearly three weeks since Epic Universe opened its gates to the public. But one of the park’s most hyped additions is still missing in action: the Flying Dragons at Epic Universe.

Universal Orlando initially promised that guests exploring the Isle of Berk would witness dragon drones soaring overhead. But so far? Nothing. No dragons. No drones. Just a big gap where a groundbreaking show element was supposed to be.

Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what we know so far.

Quick Status: Flying Dragons at Epic Universe

• Announced: February 24, 2025
• Spotted Testing: March 15, 2025
• Absent at Opening: May 21–22, 2025
• Paused: Due to FAA investigation into drone safety
• Return Date: Unknown

What Were the Flying Dragons at Epic Universe?

Universal promised something big. In the official announcement, they wrote:

“The dragons that rule the skies are a sight to behold as well, and you can watch in awe as they soar above while you make your way around the theme park to each of the thrilling attractions in Isle of Berk.”

The dragons weren’t just marketing hype. They were real—seen flying in test runs above the Isle of Berk in mid-March. Outfitted as drones, these dragons were designed to bring the How to Train Your Dragon land to life with dynamic aerial performances.

But when the press arrived for the Grand Opening Ceremony on May 21, and when guests flooded in on May 22, the skies remained dragon-free.

Timeline of Key Events

• May 24, 2024 – Disney’s Dreams That Soar drone show debuts
• June 14, 2024 – Universal’s CineSational: A Symphonic Spectacular premieres with drone elements
• September 2, 2024 – Dreams That Soar ends its limited-time run
• December 21, 2024 – A drone show for America’s Got Talent in Orlando goes wrong; drones crash into the crowd
• December 22, 2024 – FAA launches investigation
• December 24, 2024 – Universal pulls drones from CineSational
• December 30, 2024 – Injured child from the AGT drone show released from hospital
• February 24, 2025 – Universal announces Flying Dragons at Epic Universe
• March 15, 2025 – Dragons spotted in test flight at Epic Universe
• May 21–22, 2025 – Grand Opening and Public Opening of Epic Universe—no Flying Dragons
• June 6, 2025 – Jim Hill confirms Universal is pausing the dragons pending FAA outcomes

Why Were the Flying Dragons Pulled?

According to Jim Hill, the decision to hold off on the Flying Dragons was made out of caution and respect for the FAA’s ongoing investigation. The crash during the America’s Got Talent show at Lake Eola injured a 7-year-old boy, triggering legal action and a wider probe into drone show safety. On January 16, 2025, a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that Sky Elements (the company operating the drone show) made errors that resulted in the drone crash and falling from the sky. The error was a missing flight path for one of the drones.

The FAA revoked the Part 107 Waiver from Sky Elements, which allows drone operators to fly over people and beyond visual line of sight, critical for park drone shows. Neither Universal nor Disney works with or has ever partnered with Sky Elements for any of their drone-related shows.

So, out of an abundance of caution, both Universal and Disney temporarily suspended all drone-based performances in Orlando.

What Is a Part 107 Waiver?

To fly drones in ways that exceed standard FAA rules, operators must obtain a Part 107 Waiver. This special permission allows:

• Flying drones over people
• Operating drones beyond visual line of sight
• Flying over moving vehicles
• Night operations with minimal visibility

Without this waiver—or during its suspension—theme parks can’t safely or legally run these kinds of shows.

Who Is Dronisos?

Universal and Disney partner with a company called Dronisos, a leader in drone-based entertainment. Dronisos combines in-house tech with thousands of hours of flight experience to safely execute precision-based sky shows. Their work includes:

• Over 1,000 shows at Disneyland Paris
• Nearly 20,000 cumulative drone flight hours
• Iconic displays like the Bastille Day Eiffel Tower drone tribute

Dronisos opened an office in Orlando in 2024 specifically to support projects like Flying Dragons.

Importantly, Dronisos is not affiliated with Sky Elements—the drone company involved in the Lake Eola incident. With significantly more experience and a spotless safety record, Dronisos is widely considered one of the most reliable and proven drone entertainment providers in the world.

Will the Flying Dragons Ever Fly?

That’s the big question. Right now, there’s no confirmed timeline for when—or if—the Flying Dragons will return to Epic Universe. All signs suggest Universal wants to bring them back once the FAA investigation concludes and safety protocols are reaffirmed.

Drone shows are also cost-effective, especially compared to fireworks. A custom drone show may cost under $100,000 for a full 12–14 minute display. That’s a big incentive for Universal to keep this technology in play.

Given Dronisos’ safety track record and Universal’s desire to push creative boundaries, it seems more likely than not that the Flying Dragons will eventually take to the skies.

Final Thoughts

The Flying Dragons at Epic Universe were supposed to be the crown jewel of the Isle of Berk. For now, they’re grounded—but not forgotten.

Universal played it smart by pulling them back until legal and safety matters are resolved. But the tech is real. The rehearsals happened. The plans are in place.

And when the dragons finally soar? It might just be the most magical thing in the entire park.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!