You know those theme park moments where you think, “Well, that could’ve gone better”? This one definitely tops the list.
So, I rode Dragon Racer’s Rally at Universal’s Epic Universe—and let’s just say, it lived up to the name a little too literally. Picture four barrel rolls, intense g-forces, and a rogue pair of earrings that turned a thrill ride into a bloodbath (mild warning for the squeamish: there was some neck-stabbing involved). If you’re planning to hop on this wild dragon-themed coaster, here’s what I wish I knew before strapping in.
The Ride Might Not Be As Easy As You Think
I’ve done my fair share of rides. Spinning rides, drop rides, dark rides—you name it. And Dragon Racer’s Rally? It might be that sweet spot of a spinning and flying ride. When the ride was announced, Universal mentioned “barrel rolls,” and at that moment, I NEEDED to ride it.
If you want that barrel roll, get ready to work for it. It took a few times riding it before I was finally able to get that flip. It takes a lot of maneuvering and throwing your body weight. Making it hard to flip might be great for those who just want the views of the Isle of Berk, but as a theme park enthusiast, I needed that flip, and I was willing to put in the effort.
My Earrings Betrayed Me
Now, I wear tiny stud earrings every day. They’re not flashy. They’re not dangly. Just simple, no-fuss studs I’ve never once thought twice about on a theme park ride. But let me tell you — to get that barrel roll, I had to push my weight so much to one side that my earrings decided to turn me into a vampire (hey Dracula, any openings at Monsters Unchained?).
I didn’t even realize it at first. I just knew my ears were hurting, and then suddenly—yep, blood. I wanted that flip so badly that my earrings actually punctured the skin. I got off the ride with blood on my neck and shirt, and the sudden realization that Dragon Racer’s Rally had just physically attacked me.
Thankfully, it looked worse than it was, and I was able to clean it up pretty quickly. But still, not exactly the kind of souvenir I was hoping for.
So…Maybe Don’t Wear Earrings?
Here’s the thing—I’m not here to scare anyone off the ride. I LOVE this ride and yes, the ride is 1000x better when you flip. But please, learn from me. Take your earrings out before getting on this one, especially if they’re studs.
I never thought a tiny piece of jewelry would be the thing that took me down, but here we are. I’ve worn these earrings on roller coasters, water rides, simulators—you name it. Never had an issue. But Dragon Racer’s Rally is a different beast (or dragon). And no, I didn’t want to bleed, but yes, I would do it again.
Even if your earrings don’t break the skin, it might hurt. So do yourself a favor: just take them out and put them in your bag or pocket. It’s not worth the risk of getting off the ride looking like you’ve been in a back-alley brawl with Toothless.
Final Thoughts: You’re Going to See Me Mastering My Barrel Rolls
The effort may not be worth it to some, but I know a good theme park ride when I see one. If you don’t do the flips, it might be a little boring watching Isle of Berk from up high. Don’t get me wrong, the views are gorgeous, but I’m not here for flips — I’m here to train like a Viking.
So if you’re headed to Epic Universe and plan to conquer Dragon Racer’s Rally, take a second to prep—mentally and physically. Maybe pop some ibuprofen beforehand. Definitely remove your earrings. And maybe give your neck a nice stretch. This dragon doesn’t play around.
If you’re looking for a travel agent to help with your vacation, we recommend our friends at Mouse Fan Travel. They’re experts in the field with over 20 years of vacation planning experience, and they can help take a bunch of the stress out of the entire booking process for you!
In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Epic Universe news, so stay tuned for more.
FULL RIDE THROUGH of the New How To Train Your Dragon Coaster at Epic Universe
Have you had a weird theme park injury? Let us know in the comments!
I haven’t been on it yet so can’t comment on the intensity of the ride. But what is intense for some may not be intense for others so this review to me seems a little biased but again I wouldn’t know. I remember their dueling dragons coaster that universal used to have and that was one that you definitely didn’t want to have earings on. But, it is really not a good idea to wear jewelry on rides doesn’t matter what type of ride it is. The reason I say this is because of the safety aspect of it. Necklaces can get stuck in safety bars even of a kiddie ride that malfunctions as stated her earrings can pierce the sides of your neck on a malfunctioning ride and it doesn’t matter what theme park you go to. Tourists need to beware and dress for their safety set theme parks jewelry may make you look cute but it won’t make you look cute if an accident happens.
When I went on this ride, it was indeed the most chill ride ever. I’m sorry this happened to you, that sounds awful and I didn’t wear earrings, so maybe this experience is more universal than I could imagine. But for me personally, I was extremely disappointed in the ride because it only did 3 laps, and went pretty slow. There was no thrilling speed; just slow laps. Even trying to do barrel rolls, I could not. With much struggle of the heavy wing steering paddles I barely got above a swing. I kind of wish I could have gone on again to try for a successful spin, but I didn’t.
I’m so sorry that you had a bad ride experience. Personally it’s never a good idea wearing jewelry necklace or earrings. I never wore earrings in my life and never want to. I don’t want ear piercing on my ears since I’m a man and I don’t have tattoos at all. But anyways I hope you are doing well. But yeah I think Disneyland, Lego land, universal studios, Utah lagoon should ask guests to remove their earrings, loose necklaces, not stick out their arms especially for rollercoaster type rides so they don’t get hurt. I’ve seen scary theme park stories on YouTube videos of people getting hurt or died. Anyways I hope other people will play it safe and have fun.
I didn’t like this review of this ride. When I got the ride I was thinking …. this is about to be boring!!! I was wrong. This ride had very little chill and I loved it! It was fast and exciting. I had on my studs that wear every day and I didn’t have that particular experience.
Dragon Racer’s Rally is not a roller coaster, Hiccups Wing Glider is.
First, I must commend you for being able to barrel roll your dragon. I had a very anticlimactic ride, because I couldn’t get mine to roll over.
Talk about two very different experiences.
I rode this ride and tried the whole time to do a barrel roll, and couldn’t do a single one. My dragon barely tilted. Either they made some mechanical changes or yours was possessed…
To my knowledge, absolutely no one has been able to get their dragon to barrel roll on this ride, so if you managed it 4 times where hard-core enthusiasts have not, share your secret! In fact, most theme park thoosies have described this ride as gentle and boring.
What ride were you on? Because it definitely wasn’t Dragon Racers Rally. If you don’t do anything with the wings you just glide in a figure 8 the whole time. I don’t know where you’re getting these barrel rolls and corkscrews from unless you were doing them yourself. It’s an insanely slow ride. You make it more intense on your own.
As someone who has experienced this first hand on other rides, I totally understand! I actually started wearing earring backs with the guard to the parks for this exact reason 😉