Universal Orlando Reveals First Look, Details of Epic Universe's On-property Resort

It's a first-ever concept for the Florida park.

Universal Orlando Resort's Epic Universe just got even more...epic.

The resort just released new details for its connected hotel, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a first-ever concept for the Orlando destination, Universal shared with Travel + Leisure. 

The 500-room resort will be located at Epic Universe and have its own dedicated park entrance exclusive to the hotel’s guests.

“The crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando’s hotel experiences” will welcome guests into its soaring, airy lobby set to the backdrop of dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows offering unparalleled views of the theme park’s lush gardens and waters.

Guest rooms will be “bright, inviting, and warm” and “evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden,” with many offering views of Epic Universe. “Only here can guests unwind in the serenity of a sunlit retreat in one moment and then within minutes find themselves in the heart of exhilarating theme park adventures,” Universal shared.

The hotel will also feature exclusive kids’ suites themed to How To Train Your Dragon, “where little ones can take to the skies and rest amongst dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk.” This will join the line-up of existing kids’ suites on the property that include those themed to Despicable Me and Jurassic World.

On-site hotel amenities include a complimentary fitness center, game room, and a Universal Orlando Resort Store. A resort-style, zero-entry pool will feature underwater speakers, poolside movies, cabanas, activities, and more.

Several news dining concepts will also be found at the hotel, ranging from grab-and-go to full service. Bar Helios will be perched high above on the hotel’s rooftop and will provide 360-views of Epic Universe and surrounding Orlando points and feature a menu of specialty cocktails and tapas. Universal Helios Grand Hotel will also offer full-service restaurant Flora Taverna, a coffee shop and market Aurora Market, and poolside bar Lotus Lagoon with refreshing cocktails and eats.

The new resort is one of three hotel properties opening next year, joining Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening Jan. 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening Feb. 25, 2025).

The three new resorts opening in 2025 bring the property’s total up to 11 hotels and 11,000 guest rooms. Guests of Universal Orlando hotels enjoy exclusive benefits, like Early Park admission and complimentary shuttle bus transportation to theme parks and Universal CityWalk.

Details on booking the new Universal Helios Grand Hotel will be released in the coming months. No opening date has been announced for Epic Universe.

With the news, Universal also announced a restructuring of its hotel tiers. The Signature Collection will include Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. Prime Value Hotels will include Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, and Universal Terra Luna Resort. Value Inns and Suites will include Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal's Endless Summer Resort — Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites.

Epic Universe is poised to be an industry gamechanger and the first new theme park to open in Orlando in over two decades. It will feature five immersive lands, including an East coast Super Nintendo World and the resort’s soon-to-be-third Harry Potter-themed land, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic. Combined, the new park will offer 50 attractions and exciting new dining and retails offerings.

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