Helios Grand details when?

[glamdring269]

We're planning a trip in October and usually stay 2 nights at Portofino which gives us plenty of time for the 2 legacy parks. Was considering doing 1 night Portofino (for 2 days of Express pass) then hopping over to Helios for the final 2 nights for our upcoming trip in order to enjoy a day at Epic with early entry. With that said, I don't see any availability at Helios in Oct. Does anyone know if this is simply because they haven't opened it up that far, or is it more likely that a lot of the room availability got snatched up as soon as it was opened for reservations? Looks like there is plenty of availability at the Nova/Luna resorts. (and actually, might just have to see how much that Helios entrance vs. just walking to the main entrance really helps across the park before paying a Helios premium w/o EP) Thanks.

 

[Lewisc]

I have no idea? Did you try booking a package? Did you try a.3rd party booking site?

It's possible inventory is allocated.

 

[DisneyMom93]

I can’t say for sure about October but I was able to book for November back when it was first available for booking.

 

[Minnie1222]

We're planning a trip in October and usually stay 2 nights at Portofino which gives us plenty of time for the 2 legacy parks. Was considering doing 1 night Portofino (for 2 days of Express pass) then hopping over to Helios for the final 2 nights for our upcoming trip in order to enjoy a day at Epic with early entry. With that said, I don't see any availability at Helios in Oct. Does anyone know if this is simply because they haven't opened it up that far, or is it more likely that a lot of the room availability got snatched up as soon as it was opened for reservations? Looks like there is plenty of availability at the Nova/Luna resorts. (and actually, might just have to see how much that Helios entrance vs. just walking to the main entrance really helps across the park before paying a Helios premium w/o EP) Thanks.

I just checked October 2025 and they still have rooms available even for Halloween night. Dark Universe would be amazing during that time.

 

[glamdring269]

I just checked October 2025 and they still have rooms available even for Halloween night. Dark Universe would be amazing during that time.

Interesting. Maybe it’s just my dates or there is some min stay I’m not seeing noted on the site. Thanks I’ll keep trying.

Figured it out. The period I’m booking looks to be Columbus Day weekend so the weekend dates are what block me. No big deal I was thinking of skipping Epic this trip anyway.

 

[davidsonmark]

I’m also really curious about the Helios Grand Hotel! It’s been pretty quiet, but I’m guessing they’re waiting to drop more details closer to opening. I’d love to see some really unique suite options, maybe something with a crazy view or special features that scream luxury. As for breakfast, I’m hoping they do something a little extra, like a mix of gourmet and local flavors. It feels like it could be one of those places that really goes all out with the experience, so I’m excited to see what they come up with.

 

[Minnie1222]

I’m also really curious about the Helios Grand Hotel! It’s been pretty quiet, but I’m guessing they’re waiting to drop more details closer to opening. I’d love to see some really unique suite options, maybe something with a crazy view or special features that scream luxury. As for breakfast, I’m hoping they do something a little extra, like a mix of gourmet and local flavors. It feels like it could be one of those places that really goes all out with the experience, so I’m excited to see what they come up with.

I was able to get a park view room for the opening weekend. Very excited.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Will Helios guests get early entry into Epic Universe daily? Or will they follow the same model as the rest of the Universal resorts, where there is early entry granted for any 1 of the Universal parks per day? Universal newbie here - just trying to think if it would be worth it for us to book Helios for 1 or 2 nights this fall so we can check out Epic. I can't find this question confirmed anywhere, but with a dedicated park entrance it made sense to me that this resort would always offer early entry...

 

[AaronRif]

Will Helios guests get early entry into Epic Universe daily? Or will they follow the same model as the rest of the Universal resorts, where there is early entry granted for any 1 of the Universal parks per day? Universal newbie here - just trying to think if it would be worth it for us to book Helios for 1 or 2 nights this fall so we can check out Epic. I can't find this question confirmed anywhere, but with a dedicated park entrance it made sense to me that this resort would always offer early entry...

Universal has posted this on their website! This will apply to all on site hotels, including Helios.

Up to 1 hour prior to park opening. Early Park Admission for Epic Universe will begin on 23 May 2025.

23 May 2025 – 31 Dec. 2025

Available Attractions:

• Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge
• Yoshi's Adventure™
• Mine-Cart Madness™
• Stardust Racers

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/early-park-admission

 

[Minnie1222]

I was too slow to get rooms for 05/22, but was able to get them starting on 05/23. We're staying at RPR the night before so we'll have Early Entry regardless. Although I wonder if Helios would let us check in early to use their private entrance on 05/23. We don't need to go to Nintendo first thing, but wouldn't mind lining up outside Wizarding World or Dark Universe.

 

[OnThisMagicNight]

Universal has posted this on their website! This will apply to all on site hotels, including Helios.

Up to 1 hour prior to park opening. Early Park Admission for Epic Universe will begin on 23 May 2025.

23 May 2025 – 31 Dec. 2025

Available Attractions:

• Mario Kart™: Bowser's Challenge
• Yoshi's Adventure™
• Mine-Cart Madness™
• Stardust Racers

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/gb/early-park-admission

Thanks! So you are interpreting this as Epic Universe will be available 1 hour early every day through 12/31/25? Not only on certain days? I think we are going to book; that would definitely be worth it to us, especially since we're only planning 1 day (all hinging on the availability of 1 day tickets, which I'm assuming will be released eventually.)

I'm assuming the likelihood of discounts for a 1 night stay at this resort will be low?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Thanks! So you are interpreting this as Epic Universe will be available 1 hour early every day through 12/31/25?

I'm assuming the likelihood of discounts for a 1 night stay at this resort will be low?

Yes to the first, no to the 2nd.

I think there will be plenty of 1 night AP discounts for Helios, but (like the EP resorts) not frequently for popular times, Fri/Sat nights, etc. You can probably find single days easily for almost all of Aug/Sept, non-holiday weekdays, and such.

Other than AP discounts, does Universal even offer 1 night hotel discounts for any of the hotels?

 

[wdwrule]

Thanks! So you are interpreting this as Epic Universe will be available 1 hour early every day through 12/31/25? Not only on certain days? I think we are going to book; that would definitely be worth it to us, especially since we're only planning 1 day (all hinging on the availability of 1 day tickets, which I'm assuming will be released eventually.)

I'm assuming the likelihood of discounts for a 1 night stay at this resort will be low?

I was just able to book a Friday night in August with an AP rate at Helios.

 

[georgina]

Just looked at current AP rates for my Helios 3 weekday nights (M-W) in December - $426/nt for standard 2Q. My current SMSM rate for those dates is $314/nt!

Then I checked my 1 nt at RPR for a Thursday night right after the Helios stay - my current AP rate is $326, now it says $431 for AP for standard 2Q . Rates have really shot up,