Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Share:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjBuCqv6/
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
As your dedicated travel agent, I specialize in crafting magical experiences, with a focus on Disney Destinations, unforgettable cruises, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. With a passion for creating seamless and joyful journeys, let me turn your travel dreams into reality. Embark on adventures filled with pixie dust, ocean breezes, and the finest resort amenities. Let’s make your next getaway a tale of enchantment and relaxation!
Chali Francis
Inside Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe
OKC Travel Agent Near Me
Share :
As your dedicated travel agent, I specialize in crafting magical experiences, with a focus on Disney Destinations, unforgettable cruises, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. With a passion for creating seamless and joyful journeys, let me turn your travel dreams into reality. Embark on adventures filled with pixie dust, ocean breezes, and the finest resort amenities. Let’s make your next getaway a tale of enchantment and relaxation!
An expert destination wedding travel agent near me with five star luxury travel packages with a luxury travel company, Vincent Vacations.
Want the latest travel news, deals and more? Sign-up for my newsletter!
Please enter a valid email address in the "Enter Email" field.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow Chali Francis on all the socials!
Facebook Group
Join my group on Facebook! See latest deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share great tips and tricks, videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out!
TikTok
Follow me on TikTok! Watch and share my videos on my personalized travel feed just for your vacation needs! See my latest videos highlighting deals and travel adventures. Join me as I travel around the world! I share new videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations!
Instagram
Follow me on IG! Visual content to connect my travel experiences to you! Join me as I travel around the world! I share new pictures and videos to show my travels and to information about what it's like to be a travel agent with Vincent Vacations! Come check me out on IG!
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
Walt Disney World Park Reservation Update: What You Really Need to Know (July 2025)
There has been a lot of confusion—and frankly, quite a bit of misinformation—circulating about changes to Walt Disney World’s park reservation system beginning July 20, 2025. As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and travel advisor who specializes specifically in Disney travel, I wanted to take a moment to clear things up based on my direct conversations with the Annual Passholder line and trusted Disney contacts.
Here’s the bottom line:
👉 If your vacation package or tickets do not currently require a park reservation, this change does not affect you at this time.
The upcoming update is specific to Annual Passholders. Starting July 20, passholders will need a reservation to enter any park—even after 2 PM. This policy change is being implemented ahead of the opening of the highly anticipated new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.”
It’s also important to note that while park hopping will remain available, it is always subject to capacity. Disney has indicated that due to expected crowds, Magic Kingdom may reach capacity, which could temporarily limit park hopping into that park.
✨ Disney is constantly evolving, and policies can shift quickly. If anything changes, I will provide updates right away to keep my clients informed and prepared.
One of the key benefits of booking your Walt Disney World vacation with a dedicated travel advisor like myself is that you will always be notified personally if a change could impact your travel plans. My job is to keep up with the fine print, so you do not have to.
Whether you are a seasoned Annual Passholder like me or planning your very first Disney trip, I am here to make sure your experience is magical, seamless, and stress-free.
Follow me on social media @ChaliPlansMagic for the latest Walt Disney World updates, planning tips, and important news that could impact your next Disney adventure.
If you are ready to plan, fill out the form below and let’s plan some magic together!
Hi! I’m Chali, a Travel Advisor specializing in all things Disney, and I’m currently at Walt Disney World to experience the exciting debut of The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, and all of the other exciting offerings launching today as part of Cool Kids Summer throughout the parks.
Originally listed as a Lightning Lane Multipass selection in the My Disney Experience app, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure was expected to be available for advance viewing selections.
However, guests waking up early this morning—Monday, May 27th—were disappointed to find that it is no longer listed as an eligible Multipass experience.
I was personally hoping to secure a Lightning Lane spot for the opening-day performance and was surprised to find that it now appears to be standby only.
If you are planning to catch this show during your upcoming vacation, be sure to allow extra time in your Hollywood Studios itinerary, as you will need to line up without the benefit of a reserved Lightning Lane time.
UPDATE: the marquee out front says “Lightning Lane coming soon” so hopefully it is in the works to be available very soon!
I’ll be sharing more updates soon after I’ve had a chance to fully experience the new shows and Cool Kids Summer offerings.
Follow along @ChaliPlansMagic on Instagram and TikTok for the latest Walt Disney World news, updates, and insider travel tips!
As a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and a travel advisor who specializes in Disney Destinations, I’m excited to share the latest news about one of EPCOT’s most beloved festivals — the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival! This year, the festival will run from August 28 through November 22, 2025, filling EPCOT with incredible food, drinks, entertainment, and special experiences from around the world.
Guests can look forward to sampling dishes from Global Marketplaces, enjoying live performances, and even participating in unique culinary events. Whether you are a foodie, a wine lover, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the festival, there is truly something for everyone.
For clients who are looking for lower crowds and more affordable travel dates, early to mid-September can be a sweet spot. While temperatures are still hot, this time of year often brings lighter park crowds and better pricing, making it a great option for those wanting to experience Walt Disney World with a little more breathing room.
Plus, if you plan your visit for September or October, you’ll have the chance to enjoy both the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party during your trip — the perfect combination of flavors and fall fun!
If you are ready to start planning, I would love to help you plan the perfect Disney getaway. You can also follow me on social media at @ChaliPlansMagic for more Disney tips, tricks, and the latest updates.