Universal's Epic Universe - News and Discussion

[gottalovepluto]

Ya everything I've heard about that hotel is it'll priced similar to like the Contemporary

My brain can’t handle what price they could get for CR if they added views of flying dragons

 

[maverik85]

Even if every room was stuffed and had 4 people in it at 2000 guests, and every single person was in Epic Universe every day, and they were all in line for one of the 11 rides, by my math it looks like it would increase wait times by 7 minutes. I don't have exact ride stats of course but most big rides in general (hagrids, cosmic rewind, hulk, etc) look like they can handle 1500 to 2000 guests per hour. I think it's totally doable to give UE passes to the Helios guests, especially if it's not an unlimited pass and can only be used at each ride one time.

For this same reason, I could see them offering EP to those staying there before general public can, but maybe not right away. However, I could see them provide exclusive early admission to Helios guests, and with the dedicated park entrance for just the hotel, and an hour in the park, they could probably get a lot done in that time before others get in, especially in the back half of the park closer to the hotel with Dark Universe and Potter that seem to be the most anticipated.

 

[fatmanatee]

Take this with a grain of salt, entirely possible that the messaging is off, BUT…

Universal just posted an official podcast discussing EU and Alicia Stella noticed an interesting detail regarding the opening timeframe:

 

[Minnie1222]

Well! Our driver told us that Tiana would open on Memorial Day 2024 and Epic on July 2025. He was only off by one month for Tiana so....

 

[GhostHost24]

Take this with a grain of salt, entirely possible that the messaging is off, BUT…

Universal just posted an official podcast discussing EU and Alicia Stella noticed an interesting detail regarding the opening timeframe:

View attachment 883676

Summer 25 was originally what they were marketing. But it was only recently they took that tag off.

 

[fatmanatee]

Summer 25 was originally what they were marketing. But it was only recently they took that tag off.

Yeah, that's partly why I'm hedging, it's possible that they're just assuming that original summer 2025 timeframe, also possible that they've updated since they had broadened the timeframe to all of 2025.

 

[fatmanatee]

Yeah, that's partly why I'm hedging, it's possible that they're just assuming that original summer 2025 timeframe, also possible that they've updated since they had broadened the timeframe to all of 2025.

Video was reposted without the timeframe so I’d guess this was a mistake.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1821242654283518257

 

[Lewisc]

Universal grandfathered express passes to the original 3 hotels, to the 2 parks that were open when the hotels opened.

Hotel express passes predated the extensive selling of express passes. Sapphire Falls is similar to the RPH. The real difference is the included passes. Cabana Bay is basically attached to Volcano Bay. Their guests don't get passes. Guests of the 3 original hotels don't get VB passes.

Might we speculate new hotels might have an internal charge to the theme parks for express passes. Might we speculate the internal charge for EPIC, if even offered, would be $$$$.

Assume some Express is needed for Helios.
Might we speculate the guest is given the choice of check in or check out day? Neither as a way to limit the passes to guests with longer stays. Once per day? Some attractions excluded? Maybe one top attraction per day?

I would be very surprised if Helios guests got the same passes guests of the current 3 hotels get to 2 parks.

Edited to add Universal could offer paid express passes or paid VIP tours exclusively to guests of Helios.

I'll speculate anticipated Helios pricing might require some perks

 

[georgina]

Speculate away, all the speculation here really means nothing. I need some actual info from Universal!

 

[maverik85]

Universal grandfathered express passes to the original 3 hotels, to the 2 parks that were open when the hotels opened.

Hotel express passes predated the extensive selling of express passes. Sapphire Falls is similar to the RPH. The real difference is the included passes. Cabana Bay is basically attached to Volcano Bay. Their guests don't get passes. Guests of the 3 original hotels don't get VB passes.

Might we speculate new hotels might have an internal charge to the theme parks for express passes. Might we speculate the internal charge for EPIC, if even offered, would be $$$$.

Assume some Express is needed for Helios.
Might we speculate the guest is given the choice of check in or check out day? Neither as a way to limit the passes to guests with longer stays. Once per day? Some attractions excluded? Maybe one top attraction per day?

I would be very surprised if Helios guests got the same passes guests of the current 3 hotels get to 2 parks.

Edited to add Universal could offer paid express passes or paid VIP tours exclusively to guests of Helios.

I'll speculate anticipated Helios pricing might require some perks

I don't see them having Express Passes as a perk at the start but I see no reason why later down the line they won't offer express to Helios. The most likely scenario I see currently is that the current premier hotels will continue to off free express to Studios and IoA, and Helios guests will get Epic Express Passes. This will help to make sure they aren't overwhelming the system at any of the parks with too many additional guests.

 

[GhostHost24]

https://www.universalorlando.com/we...RL&campaign=Epic+Universe&post_id=14447808260

No info on express, but it does mention getting in a hour early

I feel like this confirms Epic won't have any express when opened

 

[Tatebeck]

Universal finally started posting info about the Helios on their youtube a few minutes ago! They have a brief video with some info and a fly through so far! https://www.youtube.com/@UniversalOrlando/videos

 

[Suger Mag]

It looks beautiful, but what is it that Lowes has against balconies? Looking at the pic it maybe looks like one row of rooms with balconies? With that view of the park too.... Sigh, I love sitting out on a balcony and watching the world wake up or sleep while my family sleeps... a balcony means that insomniac me has a place to retreat to without having to leave my room or disturb by family....

 

[The Gatekeeper]

I agree that they should have more balconies. It's a shame not to with that view. I must say that I'm really disappointed with the room. It looked tiny and so did the bathroom. I had hoped for a room more the size of Portofino and not RPR, which I find too small for our family of four. They didn't even put in a double vanity, which I think is standard for a mid to upscale hotel.
The rest looked great though and I am still dying to stay there, so I guess they did great!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I feel like too many rooms with a balcony inside a theme park would mean the rooms stand a higher chance of noise leakage from the parks into the rooms.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I'm also disappointed in the lack of balconies. The Grand Cal at DCA has balconies. Was just there last week and the noise level is totally fine

 

[tony67]

It looks beautiful, but what is it that Lowes has against balconies? Looking at the pic it maybe looks like one row of rooms with balconies? With that view of the park too.... Sigh, I love sitting out on a balcony and watching the world wake up or sleep while my family sleeps... a balcony means that insomniac me has a place to retreat to without having to leave my room or disturb by family....

I agree it would be nice.

They have probably done some calculation and decided due to higher liability or insurance its just not worth it.

I know some hotel groups outsource their bars because of the liability and insurance costs.

So there is some reason - I just don't have any idea what it is.

 

[Smugpugmug]

I'm fine with getting the hate but I'm actually glad Express won't be offered at the start for Epic. Let the park have a year without it and then introduce it. Helios not having Express for IoA/USF is an odd choice given how expensive this hotel will be. It's why I never choose Sapphire Falls - too expensive despite lacking Express.

 

[GhostHost24]

I finally found the resort benefits breakdown I had been talking about on here

 

[GhostHost24]

I'm fine with getting the hate but I'm actually glad Express won't be offered at the start for Epic. Let the park have a year without it and then introduce it. Helios not having Express for IoA/USF is an odd choice given how expensive this hotel will be. It's why I never choose Sapphire Falls - too expensive despite lacking Express.

I wouldn't be shocked if when Helios opens, express is available for US/IoA. Im just guessing, but maybe not advertising now so there's not confusion with the general public about it being available for Epic too