Helios Hotel
Luxurious hotel with direct access to Universal's Epic Universe, offering stunning park views and exclusive early entry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Helios Hotel
Best Time
Beat the crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Luxurious hotel with direct access to Universal's Epic Universe, offering stunning park views and exclusive early entry.
"The ease of getting into the park through the entrance in the hotel is a key component for an amazing day!"
🎯 Book Park View Rooms
Waking up to Epic Universe views is a must! Worth the splurge for that 'wow' factor.
🍸 Reserve Helios Bar
Popular spot for cocktails & light show views. Make a reservation, especially for birthdays!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dedicated Epic Universe Entrance
Hotel Lobby
Step directly into the magic of Epic Universe with exclusive early park access. Skip the main lines and start your adventure sooner!
Park View Rooms
Guest Rooms
Wake up to breathtaking vistas of Celestial Park and beyond. These rooms offer an unforgettable backdrop to your Orlando getaway.
Helios Rooftop Bar
Rooftop
Sip craft cocktails with panoramic views of the park and Orlando skyline. A perfect spot to unwind and catch the evening light show.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay Early
Understand Park Access & Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Park View Rooms
Waking up to Epic Universe views is a must! Worth the splurge for that 'wow' factor.
🍸 Reserve Helios Bar
Popular spot for cocktails & light show views. Make a reservation, especially for birthdays!
🚗 Parking Costs
Parking fees can be high. Consider validating if you spend $75+ at the hotel.
🚶♀️ Direct Park Access
Enjoy early entry and a dedicated hotel entrance to Epic Universe. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Park View Rooms
Waking up to Epic Universe views is a must! Worth the splurge for that 'wow' factor.
🍸 Reserve Helios Bar
Popular spot for cocktails & light show views. Make a reservation, especially for birthdays!
🚗 Parking Costs
Parking fees can be high. Consider validating if you spend $75+ at the hotel.
🚶♀️ Direct Park Access
Enjoy early entry and a dedicated hotel entrance to Epic Universe. +1
🏨 Consider Room Amenities
Rooms lack microwaves & freezers. Plan food choices accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise the Helios Grand Hotel for its unparalleled access to Epic Universe, with a dedicated entrance and early park entry being major highlights. The stunning park views from rooms and the rooftop bar, along with excellent service and dining options, contribute to a luxurious and convenient stay. However, some visitors find the hotel's price point high, noting the absence of certain amenities like microwaves and the additional cost of parking.
"We love staying at the Helios Grand, especially when visiting Epic Universe! We recently celebrated a birthday and they really went above and beyond to make it special for us! The ease of getting into the park through the entrance in the hotel and having early access is a key component for an amazing day! It is so easy to head back to our room mid-day for a break. It makes a day a the park so much less stressful and enjoyable! The hotel staff is super helpful! The food offerings are wonderful as well! The market has a wonderful variety of grab & go, as well as ice cream, pastries and Starbucks offerings. The restaurant has a beautiful atmosphere, delicious food and excellent service. We had dinner and breakfast there. The breakfast buffet was one of the best we have ever had! The pool area is also beautiful with delicious poolside food! We always look forward to our stay here!"
Jamie
"The room was beautiful as was our view from the room. We had easy access to the park, and it was seamless and so much easier than I expected. The only downside (for most theme park hotels): no microwave, no freezer and the parking is more expensive. But our visit was very nice and a nice experience for a special trip (our anniversary). I would do this again if the price is right and for a special occasion."
April Penner
"This is a review of the Helios Bar and staff at the hotel. After our experience, we are 10,000% planning to stay at Helios at some point even though we live in Orlando, so don't hesitate. It was our first time at EPIC and we didn't know what to expect, but our day and night was absolutely next level and something I've rarely felt anywhere else I've stayed at both domestically and internationally.
Back on October 23rd (I know, this is super late, but memorable enough that I still had to review it) one of my best friends recommended we go to the Helios Bar to celebrate my partner's birthday w/ some cocktails. For starters, getting in was easy and security was incredibly friendly and thorough. There's plenty of pictures on here, so you know the space is elegant and sophisticated in ways that are subtle and refined, with a view that you absolutely will not get anywhere else.
Our OUTSTANDING and hilarious server at the bar was Monica and she made sure that my partner's birthday that day was special and fun. Thank you so, so much Monica, you truly were a delight and made our entire day memorable! The cocktails were perfect and the beef skewer was beyond delicious. Everything you'd want from a quick bite, so order two if you're hungry, trust me. Monica recommended we come back at night to see the light show, so we did. Helios Bar is IT, I don't care what anyone else tells you. You need to end your day at EPIC at Helios Bar. The show is a feat of engineering that you won't see at any other park.
Finally, the ultimate cherry on top that I feel represents the essence and class of what Helios as a hotel represents came when we tried to get back to our car. The park is closed after the show, you can't walk back through it as security politely told us, but they guided us to the front desk for help. If you need assistance in the evening I cannot recommend enough that you ask for Spencer.
We needed a ride back to the EPIC parking lot because we completely forgot that the park would be closed. With a warm smile and all the professionalism of a world-class concierge, Spencer offered to take us even though he is the manager. I was totally expecting a shuttle, or even a golf cart ride back, but Spencer himself ran out and picked us up at the hotel entrance in a beautiful Cadillac SUV to give us Black Car service back to the parking area.
It was surreal and my partner had the best birthday of her life because of this moment. After making sure we got to our car safely, Spencer made us feel as if we were the most important guests at Helios that night even though we weren't staying there. Again, this is a manager. Truly, next level. This is the grandeur of the Helios experience you can expect from just the staff and the bar. Thank you so much Spencer, sincerely."
Jose Diaz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Helios Grand Hotel is located within Universal's Epic Universe. If arriving by car, follow signs for Epic Universe parking. For those coming from other Orlando areas, ride-sharing services or personal vehicles are the primary options, as the hotel is not part of Universal's internal shuttle system.
No, the Helios Grand Hotel is not a Universal Orlando Resort hotel and does not offer shuttle services to other Universal parks. Guests will need to arrange separate transportation if they plan to visit Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure.
Parking is available at the Helios Grand Hotel, but it is an additional cost and can be expensive. Some guests have noted that spending $75 or more at the hotel can lead to validated parking.
The Helios Grand Hotel is primarily designed for direct access to Epic Universe. It is not within walking distance of other major attractions or dining areas outside of the park.
The most convenient way to get to Helios Grand Hotel from MCO is via taxi, ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft), or a pre-booked shuttle. The drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a valid park ticket for Epic Universe is required to enter the park, even if you are staying at the Helios Grand Hotel. The hotel provides a dedicated entrance and early access, but park admission is separate. +1
Staying at Helios Grand Hotel offers a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe and early park access, allowing you to bypass general entry lines and maximize your time in the park. +2
While staying at the hotel provides convenient access, it does not automatically include discounted park tickets. It's advisable to check for any potential package deals or promotions directly with Universal Orlando.
Standard check-in time is typically in the afternoon (e.g., 3:00 PM), and check-out is in the morning (e.g., 11:00 AM). It's always best to confirm the exact times with the hotel directly upon booking.
Many hotels in the Orlando area, including those near theme parks, charge a resort fee. It's recommended to check the hotel's booking details or contact them directly to confirm if a resort fee applies and what it includes.
🎫 🏨 Onsite Experience
Rooms at Helios Grand Hotel are generally described as stunning and modern, featuring iPad controls for various functions. However, some guests have noted the absence of microwaves and freezers in the rooms.
Yes, the Helios Grand Hotel features a beautiful pool area, which guests have praised. There is also a kids' pool available.
Dining options include a market with grab-and-go items, pastries, and Starbucks, as well as a restaurant offering breakfast buffets and dinner. The poolside bar also serves food, including highly-rated crab cakes.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is typically available for guests throughout the Helios Grand Hotel.
The Helios Rooftop Bar offers elegant and sophisticated ambiance with unparalleled views of Epic Universe and the Orlando skyline. It's a popular spot for cocktails and to watch the park's light show. Reservations are recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The Helios Rooftop Bar offers stunning panoramic views, especially at sunset and during the park's light show. Park view rooms also provide incredible photo opportunities right from your window. The hotel's modern Mediterranean architecture itself is also very photogenic. +2
Absolutely! If you book a park view room, you'll have direct, unobstructed views of Celestial Park and other areas of Epic Universe, making it perfect for photography without even leaving your room. +1
Generally, personal photography is allowed in common areas of the hotel and within the theme park. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check the latest park and hotel policies.
Sunset and the evening hours are ideal for photos at the Helios Rooftop Bar, as you can capture the beautiful twilight sky, the park's illumination, and the nightly light show.
A versatile lens, such as a wide-angle to standard zoom (e.g., 24-70mm), is great for capturing both the hotel's architecture and expansive park views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details within the park. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots at the rooftop bar or during the light show.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The hotel's pool area, including a kids' pool, provides a great way for children to unwind after a day in the park. While dining options are somewhat limited to the hotel's market and restaurant, the variety available should cater to most young eaters. Consider the room amenities; the lack of a microwave might mean opting for meals that don't require reheating or relying on the hotel's dining.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To make the most of a budget, consider dining at the hotel's market for more affordable grab-and-go options rather than exclusively relying on the full-service restaurant or room service. If you're not planning to visit other Universal parks during your stay, you can save on transportation costs. For longer stays, it might be more economical to split your accommodation between Helios and a more budget-friendly hotel.
couples & Special Occasions
The hotel's attentive staff, exemplified by stories of exceptional service like Spencer's, further elevates the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Helios Grand Hotel Experience
Beyond the park access, the hotel boasts impressive amenities. The Helios Rooftop Bar is a standout, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for enjoying craft cocktails and the park's nightly light show. Dining options range from a convenient market with Starbucks to a full-service restaurant praised for its excellent breakfast buffet and delicious dinner. The pool area is also a beautiful spot for relaxation.
However, some guests note that the hotel's premium location comes with a premium price tag. While the convenience is undeniable, the lack of certain amenities like microwaves and freezers in rooms, along with potentially high parking fees, are points of consideration. Furthermore, as it's not a Universal Orlando Resort hotel, guests should be aware of limitations regarding transportation to other Universal parks.
Maximizing Your Stay: Tips from Travelers
When it comes to dining, the breakfast buffet at the hotel's restaurant has received high praise, with some calling it one of the best they've experienced. The poolside crab cakes are also a recommended treat.
It's important to manage expectations regarding amenities. While the rooms are modern and feature iPad controls, the absence of microwaves and freezers means planning food choices carefully.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit