Epic Universe’s NEW Hotel Is Missing a HUGE Perk

Universal’s next hotel is missing a MAJOR perk.

2025 is shaping up to be a huge year for the Universal Orlando Resort. The massive, highly-anticipated Epic Universe theme park is scheduled to open, along with three new resort hotels: The Stella Nova Resort, the Stella Luna Resort, and  — our focus today — the Helios Grand. The new hotel is scheduled to feature a range of amenities. However, it’s going to be missing one of Universal’s trademark perks. 

When it opens, the Helios Grand will be the eleventh hotel in Universal Orlando’s portfolio, but the first to actually be located INSIDE one of the resort’s theme parks. The massive building will provide the backdrop to Epic Universe’s central Celestial Park area, and provide breathtaking views of the park and an exclusive entrance to guests.

In addition, the Helios Grand will feature:

• Bar Helios: A rooftop bar that will specialize in Mediterranean fare including salads, lamb and chicken gyros, tapas, antipasti, and “sunny-type cocktails” including spritzes, bellinis, martinis, and negronis. 
• Flora Taverna: A full-service restaurant featuring a hybrid of Greek/Italian style of cooking and dining, including fish, seafood, lamb, roasted chicken and steaks. 
• Lotus Lagoon: A casual poolside bar and restaurant.
• Aurora Market: A grab-and-go market featuring freshly roasted coffee, paninis, wraps, and salads.
• Bus transportation to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk.
• A massive swimming pool.

However, there’s one amenity that Universal guests may be used to that WON’T be offered at the Helios Grand: Express Pass.

Express Pass is Universal’s skip-the-line program. Unlike offerings like Disney’s Lightning Lane systems or those used by some other parks, Express Pass does not utilize a virtual queue. Rather, it allows holders access to a second queue that allows them to board an attraction much quicker. 

Express Pass is a limited upcharge offering, with dynamic pricing based on crowd levels, season, and other crowd factors, that often sells out. However, since its introduction in the early 2000s, the pass has been included in the stays of guests staying at Universal’s most expensive Premier-level hotels: The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and the Hard Rock Hotel. 

Many assumed that since the Helios Grand is going to be in the Premier category, that stays there would also include Express Pass. However, after Universal didn’t include anything about the program in a breakdown of details about the Helios Grand, fans began asking whether the perk would be included.

Universal responded to these questions in the comments, with a social media account credited to Digital Guest Communications stating several times,

“While Universal Helios Grand Hotel will not include Universal Express Unlimited, Guests can take advantage of other incredible exclusive theme park benefits – including Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions at the theme parks – which will expand to include Universal Epic Universe with the park’s opening in 2025 – up to one hour before the park opens with valid theme park admission; complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk; resort-wide charging privileges; complimentary merchandise delivery and more. Guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel will also enjoy a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe.”

The lack of Express Pass at the Helios Grand leads to a few questions:

• Will Epic Universe not feature Express Pass at opening?
• Is Universal planning to phase out Express Pass entirely?
• If they are, what type of system could replace it?

Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel is planned to open with Epic Universe next year and is touted as featuring a litany of amenities. However, one of Universal’s long-term perks is conspicuously absent. Stay tuned to AllEars for further Universal Orlando updates. 

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Are you planning to stay at the Helios Grand one day? Let us know in the comment below. 

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