Helios Grand Hotel

[RonaldsModernLife]

When Helios opens, will it offer Express Passes to Universal Studios and IOA? Is it not considered on the same scale as Royal Pacific or Hard Rock? We got really spoiled with the express passes, so if it does not offer them, it will be a no go for us. We probably will stay there one day just to check it out, but without express passes to the other parks, we will continue to stay at Royal Pacific or Hard Rock.

They haven't said it does so all signs point to no Express. But also remember that Sapphire is in the same class now as Hard Rock, Portofino and Royal Pacific, and there's no Express at Sapphire either.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

When Helios opens, will it offer Express Passes to Universal Studios and IOA?

No.

I'll also go farther and say I do not expect Epic to be added as one of the parks included with the comp Express at Royal/Port/Hard Rock, just the OG two parks.

 

[boomerthom]

No.

I'll also go farther and say I do not expect Epic to be added as one of the parks included with the comp Express at Royal/Port/Hard Rock, just the OG two parks.

Now I’m wondering how Epic will interact with the premier AP’s express after 4pm.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

Now I’m wondering how Epic will interact with the premier AP’s express after 4pm.

Good question! Wording stipulates only USF and IOA so it might just stay like that for a bit.

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

No.

I'll also go farther and say I do not expect Epic to be added as one of the parks included with the comp Express at Royal/Port/Hard Rock, just the OG two parks.

From what I understand about Universal's contract with Loews, complementary express pass was baked into the initial deal to operate those initial on-property hotels. As Universal gained more financial leverage over the years, subsequent deals changed. EU will likely never have a Complementary Express Pass offering at any hotels for the forseeable future.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

From what I understand about Universal's contract with Loews, complementary express pass was baked into the initial deal to operate those initial on-property hotels. As Universal gained more financial leverage over the years, subsequent deals changed. EU will likely never have a Complementary Express Pass offering at any hotels for the forseeable future.

Only thing I’d correct is express was created after the hotels opened so I believe it was a change to keep Loews on board.

 

[rhino4evr]

So … no single day tickets yet . Will likely book the hotel and wait for the single day tickets become available .

 

[HandsomePete]

If I had to guess, grand opening press stuff.

More than likely being reserved for media, Comcast executives and VIP guests. I have to imagine there will be an opening celebration gala/event the day prior, so those folks will leave opening day.

Media makes sense and I hope that's the case because putting an entire hotel of departure room cleans on housekeeping on Public Day 1 would be something.

 

[fryoj]

Idk. I think having helios' first day the same as the park's is a bad idea. The front desk staff is going to get murdered by people wanting to get into their rooms early to get to the park, then again at park closing by those who just wait till the end of the day to check in. Going to tax the bell staff as well with people wanting their bags held. It's going to concentrate things heavily. If they have the hotel completely empty the night before, it'll help some in that they can do early check ins as they won't have to wait for housekeeping. But otherwise, it just seems to make more sense to have the opening be a day or two early so people can already be checked in and be at the gate for rope drop.

 

[rhino4evr]

No way I would do first day, unless it was my job .

 

[DarkMetroid567]

Yeah I can’t imagine having to deal with check-in especially as I imagine Early Entry could happen that day. I checked into Fantasy Springs Hotel on the same day as my TDS visit this year and it was not very fun.

 

[TheCodeMan95]

I am genuinely shocked at the price point here.

Of course, I imagine the $293/night rate is reserved for a room overlooking the staff parking lot on a Tuesday in January. But still!

 

[GAcoaster]

I am genuinely shocked at the price point here.

Of course, I imagine the $293/night rate is reserved for a room overlooking the staff parking lot on a Tuesday in January. But still!

Also that’s the starting price for a four night stay if I’m reading that right, so $1200+ for your stay

 

[UAN17]

I find it strange if they don’t include admission to Epic Universe with a night stay, in the early stages, when the hotel is so intrinsically linked in concept, story and ultimately location. In theory you could stay here for 2 weeks on an international ticket…and get 1 day in the park that’s teased on your door step. Having a lovely drink on a terrace bar overlooking the park you can’t enter. It’s a strange one in my eyes.

 

[Alicia]

I find it strange if they don’t include admission to Epic Universe with a night stay, in the early stages, when the hotel is so intrinsically linked in concept, story and ultimately location. In theory you could stay here for 2 weeks on an international ticket…and get 1 day in the park that’s teased on your door step. Having a lovely drink on a terrace bar overlooking the park you can’t enter. It’s a strange one in my eyes.

I stay in the Cabana Bay towers, with a volcano view room, and a path directly into the water park, and never once go to that park lol

 

[UAN17]

I stay in the Cabana Bay towers, with a volcano view room, and a path directly into the water park, and never once go to that park lol

Haha that’s a fair point well made. You’re probably paying a lot less for it though!

Basically I’m just sulking that my trip to Florida in 2025 has been canned by the overall ticket plans for international visitors…but I’ll get over it.

Just wish I had options, even if I had to pay over the odds haha, but I understand the reasons.

 

[Cup_Of_Coffee]

I stay in the Cabana Bay towers, with a volcano view room, and a path directly into the water park, and never once go to that park lol

With all due respect though, Volcano Bay is not Epic Universe. Not only in terms of scale, but plenty of people skip water parks on vacations.

 

[Alicia]

With all due respect though, Volcano Bay is not Epic Universe. Not only in terms of scale, but plenty of people skip water parks on vacations.

True, but it still looks pretty from my window even if I don’t visit the park.

None of this will matter in a few months when more ticket types go on sale and you can buy as many Epic tickets as you want.

If they’re having trouble filling Helios rooms, I’m sure that’ll be one reason to open up more Epic ticket types when they do.

 

[Eckert]

When are they dropping these rooms?

 

[saint.piss]

When are they dropping these rooms?

Yeah I'm curious about this as well. Getting kinda antsy lol. I'm hoping it won't sell out too fast for opening weekend