Starting to plan, and confused

[Old Man Goofy Runner]

Starting to plan a trip to Universal in May, haven't been to Universal in over a decade and want to particularly experience Epic Universe. Historically I would have defaulted to the Hard Rock hotel to get the easy access and Express Pass. Not sure of the best option now, I'm assuming the EP included at the Hard Rock doesn't apply to Epic? Does the Helios hotel include any EP privileges? Planning one full day at Epic, another day devoted to IOA and US, with a 3rd day to cover whatever we feel we need to still get back to. It will just be my 30 yo daughter and I. Any recommendations?

 

[CAPSLOCK]

Right, hotel EP is only from Hard Rock, Portofino, and Royal Pacific and only for Islands & Studios. You could do a split stay, but Helios is really just for the view and the direct access. Could also do a split stay with just a cheaper hotel for the Epic day(s).