Helios Grand Hotel & Epic Universe: What Travel Advisors Want You to Know Before You Go
I recently spent two full days exploring Epic Universe so I can help clients make the absolute most of their visit. From testing crowd patterns at rope drop to experiencing both daytime and nighttime loops, I immersed myself in every corner of the park. I sampled dining options, tracked wait times, and noted the little details, like early line closures and where a mid-day break really makes a difference. My firsthand insight ensures that every traveler I work with benefits from real experience, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of how to enjoy Epic Universe to the fullest.
Taylor
Staying at Helios Grand Hotel while exploring Epic Universe is one of the smartest decisions you can make, especially if you’re hoping to balance long park days with a comfortable, convenient home base. With most guests spending 10–11 hours inside Epic Universe, the ability to slip back to the resort for a mid-day nap or simply to put your feet up is a game changer. Not to mention an easy way to change, after enjoying Fyre Drill or simply to put on more layers in the cooler evenings. Helios Grand offers an easy retreat from the action, giving you the chance to recharge and return to the excitement feeling refreshed instead of exhausted.
One of the biggest advantages of staying here is the remarkably short entry line for hotel guests. Both mornings, we were among the very first people to reach the portals, putting us at the front of the line for major attractions like Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry and Yoshi’s Adventure. For families or travelers who value getting a jump on the crowds, this perk alone is worth choosing Helios Grand. It turns rope drop into a far more relaxed and rewarding experience.
Epic Universe also delivers some surprising culinary highlights, many of which you’ll find in (and just outside) the Isle of Berk. Some of the best bites of the trip came from Star Sui Bao, which was an unexpected standout.
That said, there are a few insider tips that will make your visit smoother. I recommend doing two full loops of the park, one in daylight and one at night, because the atmosphere transforms after sunset and feels like an entirely different experience. The easiest way to accomplish this is to purchase an express pass and make use of single rider lines.
If you're using the Power-Up Band, pack your patience. It doesn’t always register perfectly, and the inconsistency can be frustrating. And here’s a little-known detail: it’s not on the app, but the Toothless meet-and-greet line can close up to one hour prior to park closing, so plan accordingly if that’s on your must-do list. During my stay the line closed at 9:45 pm.
With the park already so popular, and flavors this good, it’s easy to see why Universal has already submitted permits to expand. The park is buzzing with energy, innovation, and demand.
Back at Helios Grand, you won’t find a spa, but the hotel’s pool area is wonderfully peaceful and makes up for the missing amenity. We only heard the screams of the park when a particular song was very quiet. Even though your mere steps away from the park they have done a great job of separating the two.
If you plan to enjoy the pool on your departure day, there’s a convenient locker room with showers and changing areas, which is especially helpful for travelers with evening flights. Between its proximity to Epic Universe, comfort-focused design, and thoughtful conveniences, Helios Grand Hotel pairs perfectly with a park that’s redefining the theme-park experience, making it an excellent choice for anyone heading to Universal’s newest world of adventure.
To book your stay at Helios Grand Hotel and Epic Universe, reach out to Taylor.