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Inside Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe
Hi, I am Chali Francis, a vacation planner based out of Oklahoma. I spend quite a bit of time each year in Orlando exploring the theme parks and staying up to date on the latest offerings to help my clients plan magical, memorable vacations.
On a recent trip to visit EPIC Universe prior to the park’s official opening date of May 22nd, I had the opportunity to stay at the brand-new Helios Grand Hotel—Universal’s flagship resort at Epic Universe. It is a beautifully designed property, and the level of theming throughout the hotel truly mirrors the immersive feel of the park itself. From the lighting and architecture to the artwork in the hallways, it is clear that Helios was built to be part of the story, not just a place to sleep.
One major perk: Helios offers a private, dedicated entrance directly into Epic Universe. This makes it incredibly convenient to return to your room for a midday break or to drop off souvenirs. In the Florida heat—especially since there is not much shade in the park yet—this easy back-and-forth access is something guests will really appreciate.
The on-site dining was another highlight. I had a pasta dish at Terra Flora that I will genuinely be thinking about for a while—it was that good. And Bar Helios offers great drinks with even better views of the park, especially at night.
When it comes to the rooms, Helios offers some truly elevated features. Each room includes a digital tablet where you can make requests, view your folio, and access hotel information. There are also thoughtful touches like automatic drapes, which add to the overall upscale feel of the space. I found the beds to be very comfortable, and I had a great night’s sleep during my stay.
That said, it is worth noting that the area to get ready is on the smaller side. The bathroom does have a split-bath layout, which is helpful for multiple people getting ready at once—one person can be in the shower while another uses the vanity—but it is still just a single-sink setup with limited counter space. Something to keep in mind if you are traveling with a group
The Standard Rooms at Helios Grand Hotel feature two queen beds and a split bathroom layout. These rooms can accommodate up to five guests with the addition of a rollaway bed (available upon request and subject to availability).
For families looking for a more immersive stay, the How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites are a fantastic option. These themed suites offer a separate kids’ room inspired by the Isle of Berk, complete with two twin beds and playful décor straight out of the How to Train Your Dragon films. The main bedroom includes a king bed for the adults. These suites can also sleep up to five guests total.
One important thing to note: Helios does not include Universal’s Express Pass benefit like some of the other Premier Resorts (such as Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay, or Hard Rock Hotel). If you are planning to spend time in Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, I still recommend one of those three hotels for the Express Pass perk.
My top recommendation? Do a split stay. Spend the nights you are visiting Epic Universe at Helios to enjoy the immersive experience and convenient park access, and book another Premier Resort (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino Bay) for the days you are touring the original parks. While Universal is not currently offering luggage transfers between Helios and the other resorts, it is still very easy to catch a quick rideshare or shuttle. You can drop your luggage at Bell Services at Helios, grab your key, and head straight through the private entrance into the park.
If you do book a stay at Helios, I highly recommend upgrading to a theme park view room. Watching the park come alive at night from your window is a truly special touch that makes the stay even more memorable.
The resort also features a well-equipped fitness center, a fun arcade, and a beautiful pool area that I hope to enjoy more on a future visit. While I did not have much time for relaxing on this trip, those amenities definitely caught my eye.
If you are ready to plan your own Universal Orlando vacation—or just want more honest travel tips and updates—follow me on social media at @ChaliPlansMagic. And if you are ready to start planning, reach out directly. I would love to help you put together the perfect trip.
Get in touch with Chali Francis
Chali Francis
Hi, I'm Chali! I am a professional travel agent specializing in Disney and Universal destinations, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. My concierge-level planning services are 100% free to you! I'm here to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation.
My Areas of Expertise:
All Disney Destinations: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani.
All Universal Destinations: Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Family & Luxury Cruises: Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Carnival, and more.
All-Inclusive Resorts: Sandals, Beaches, and top-rated resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean.
Based in Oklahoma City, I work with families, couples, and groups nationwide. Let me handle all the details—all you have to do is make the memories!
Chali Francis
Inside Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe
OKC Travel Agent Near Me
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Hi, I'm Chali! I am a professional travel agent specializing in Disney and Universal destinations, cruises, and all-inclusive resorts. My concierge-level planning services are 100% free to you! I'm here to help you plan a magical, stress-free vacation. My Areas of Expertise: All Disney Destinations: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani. All Universal Destinations: Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Family & Luxury Cruises: Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Carnival, and more. All-Inclusive Res... Read More >>>
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
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Chali with Vincent Vacations is the best! She explained everything and we had no surprises. She got me a great deal on my daughter's Senior Trip over Spring Break. We could not have asked for a better travel agent that prepared us like Chali did. If you're planning a trip, call her!! You will not regret it! -Melody B
Hi, I am Chali, your Walt Disney World and Universal vacation specialist with Vincent Vacations. I am an out of state Annual Passholder who spends around two months a year on Disney property, and I love helping families plan magical vacations with the most up to date tips and savings. If you are looking for ways to make your next Walt Disney World vacation more affordable, this is an offer you will want to take a look at.
This new Disney Visa Cardmember room offer includes some of my family’s favorite Disney resorts at incredible prices. Part of this promotion even falls during EPCOT Festival of the Arts, my personal favorite festival of the year, which makes these early 2026 dates even more exciting.
Before we get into the details, it is important to know that this offer is valid for both Disney Visa credit and debit cardholders. As someone who personally has a Disney Visa myself, my family has found the card benefits to be genuinely worthwhile over the years. It is not something I promote, but I always like to mention that the perks have been helpful for us during our trips.
Disney Visa Cardmember 2026 Room Offer
Disney Visa Cardmembers can save big on rooms at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels for stays of two consecutive nights or longer. The offer is valid for most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 4 through February 10 of 2026. To book, you will need a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card, and that same card will secure your room deposit.
Here is a breakdown of the current special pricing before tax:
• $99 per night at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, Standard Room
• $199 per night at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Village, Standard Location
• $299 per night at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Cars Family Suite
• $399 per night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Standard Savanna View
• $429 per night at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, 1 Bedroom Villa
• $449 per night at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Resort View
These prices are amazing on their own, but the value becomes even better when you look at options for larger families. A Cars Family Suite at Art of Animation for under 300 dollars per night is incredible for families who want extra space without paying deluxe pricing. The 1 Bedroom Villa at Saratoga Springs under 430 dollars a night is also a fantastic savings for families who want more room to spread out or who love the convenience of a kitchen and private bedroom.
This offer becomes even stronger for families with younger children, because it is combinable with Disney’s current Kids Free Dining Plan offer. Kids ages three to nine can receive a free dining plan when adults in the same room purchase a dining plan as part of their package. When you pair the already low room rates with complimentary dining for kids, it creates a huge overall savings for families who want a little more space to relax.
It is important to remember that the number of rooms available for this promotion is limited. Once they are gone, they are gone, so booking early is key.
The Perfect Christmas Gift
If you are looking for a meaningful Christmas gift this year, gifting a future Walt Disney World vacation is a beautiful way to create memories instead of adding more things to your home. A winter escape to warm Florida sunshine, the magic of Festival of the Arts, and stays at some of Disney’s most beloved resorts makes this offer perfect for surprising your family on Christmas morning.
Ready to Save on Your 2026 Walt Disney World Vacation
I love helping families find creative ways to save money while still experiencing the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation. If you want to check dates, compare resorts, or see what your family qualifies for, I would love to help you start planning.
Hi, I’m Chali, a Travel Advisor with Vincent Vacations based in Oklahoma, and I specialize in Disney and Universal vacations for families who want to make the most of their time in the parks. I love sharing updates and tips that help make your vacation planning easier — and this latest one is something many Disney travelers have been waiting for!
One of Walt Disney World’s most beloved conveniences is making a comeback. The Airport Luggage Transfer Program is returning and expanding even further — now available round-trip for select guests.
Following a successful testing phase that began April 3rd, 2025 offering luggage service from your resort to MCO, the program will soon include all five Walt Disney World Value Resorts and offer luggage service TO your resort as well!:
✨ Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
✨ Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
✨ Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
✨ Disney’s Pop Century Resort
✨ Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Beginning November 18, 2025, eligible Southwest Airlines passengers can once again enjoy the convenience of skipping baggage claim and having their checked luggage delivered directly to their Disney Resort hotel — and back to the airport for their return flight.
Registration opens November 13, 2025, and guests can sign up online between 30 and 50 days before their Southwest flight.
At this time, the program remains in a testing phase, with luggage expected to arrive at your resort approximately four hours after flight arrival. The service is provided through a third-party luggage delivery partner and is currently available for domestic Southwest arrivals and departures at select Disney Resorts.
This convenient service can save you valuable time at the airport. Lines at the Southwest check-in area at MCO can get quite long, and having your luggage handled for you means less stress and more time to start your Disney vacation the moment you land!
This is such an exciting step toward bringing back the seamless vacation experience guests have always loved — and I cannot wait to see it expand to even more resorts in the future.
For detailed information about this service, visit the official Walt Disney World page here:
When you are ready to start planning your next Disney vacation, I would love to help you create a trip that is perfectly tailored for your family. From resort recommendations to park-day planning and everything in between, I’ll take care of the details so you can focus on the magic.
There’s something extra magical about the holidays at Walt Disney World—and for my family, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a tradition we never miss. We look forward to it every year, and honestly, walking down Main Street, U.S.A. with “snow” falling and Cinderella Castle glowing in holiday lights never gets old.
From festive ride overlays to exclusive character greetings and jaw-dropping entertainment, this event truly transforms Magic Kingdom into a winter wonderland. It’s one of only two events where you can meet Jack Skellington and Sally, and it’s the only place to catch Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade—complete with toy soldiers, gingerbread men, and Santa himself!
If you’re thinking about attending in 2025, here’s everything you need to know:
🎄 2025 Party Dates
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will take place on select nights from November 7 through December 21, 2025.
November:
7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 30
December:
2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21
🎟️ Guests with a party ticket can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM, even though the party officially runs from 7:00 PM to midnight.
🎁 What’s Included with Your Ticket
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade – Toy soldiers, classic characters, and Santa himself
Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks – Fireworks paired with castle projections and holiday music
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration – A high-energy stage show in front of Cinderella Castle
Frozen Holiday Surprise – Watch Elsa transform the castle into a frozen masterpiece
Dance Parties – Club Tinsel and Disney Junior Jingle Jam light up Tomorrowland
Character Greetings – Meet Mickey & Minnie in festive outfits, Anna & Elsa, Santa Claus, and Jack & Sally
Attractions with Holiday Overlays, including:
Jungle Cruise (becomes the Jingle Cruise)
Space Mountain – Holiday Run!
Mad Tea Party with festive lights
TRON Lightcycle / Run
Complimentary cookies & cocoa
Snowfall on Main Street, U.S.A.
Exclusive holiday snacks and merchandise
💸 2025 Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary by date and age. Children’s pricing applies to ages 3–9.
Date
Adult Price
Child Price
Nov 7
$199
$189
Nov 10
$169
$159
Nov 11
$169
$159
Nov 13
$179
$169
Nov 14
$189
$179
Nov 16
$179
$169
Nov 18
$179
$169
Nov 20
$179
$169
Nov 21
$189
$179
Nov 25
$199
$189
Nov 26
$199
$189
Nov 28
$209
$199
Nov 30
$199
$189
Dec 2
$199
$189
Dec 4
$199
$189
Dec 5
$209
$199
Dec 7
$209
$199
Dec 9
$209
$199
Dec 11
$209
$199
Dec 12
$219
$209
Dec 14
$219
$209
Dec 16
$219
$209
Dec 18
$219
$209
Dec 19
$229
$219
Dec 21
$229
$219
💡 Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save on select party nights with special discounted pricing.
🗓️ When Can I Buy Tickets?
✅ Now Available – Tickets are currently on sale for Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests, including guests of the Swan, Dolphin, and Shades of Green.
🌐 July 22 – Tickets will go on sale for all other guests.
While most dates will not sell out immediately, I recommend booking early if you have your heart set on a specific night.
If you are ready to experience the magic of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—or want help deciding which date works best for your family—I would love to help you plan a vacation full of holiday joy.
Reach out through my contact page or find me on social media @ChaliPlansMagic. Let’s make your holidays magical!