Epic Universe & Helios Grand Hotel Will Not Include Express Pass? | Epic Universe Update

Summary

The video discusses the excitement surrounding Universal Orlando's upcoming Epic Universe, focusing on the Helios Grand Hotel. The hotel, located inside the park, will offer various amenities but will notably lack Universal's Express Pass, which has raised concerns among fans. Speculation arises about whether Epic Universe will implement Express Pass upon opening or phase it out. While early park admission and other perks are available, the omission of Express Pass for a premium hotel is surprising, leading to questions about Universal's long-term plans for the pass system.

Takeaways

• 😀 Epic Universe is an upcoming Universal Orlando theme park opening in 2025 with new attractions and experiences.
• 🏨 The Helios Grand Hotel will be located inside Epic Universe and will have unique features like exclusive park entrance and rooftop bars.
• 🍽️ Helios Grand Hotel will offer amenities like Bar Helios, Flora Taverna, Lotus Lagoon poolside bar, and a large swimming pool.
• 🛏️ Despite being a premier hotel, the Helios Grand Hotel will not include Universal’s Express Pass perk, which has raised concerns among guests.
• 🎢 Express Pass allows quicker access to attractions and is typically included in Universal’s premier hotels like Hard Rock Hotel, but not in this new one.
• 🕑 Instead of Express Pass, Helios Grand guests will receive early park admission and access to exclusive park benefits like shuttle services.
• 🚫 Some guests are surprised and disappointed by the omission of Express Pass, especially considering the hotel’s likely high price tag.
• 🎇 The Helios Grand Hotel is expected to offer spectacular views and projections, similar to Disney’s in-park hotels, adding to its appeal.
• ❓ Questions arise about whether Epic Universe will include Express Pass at all or if Universal plans to replace or phase it out in the future.
• 💭 The presenter speculates that Express Pass could be added later as demand for new rides stabilizes, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Q & A

What is the Helios Grand Hotel, and why is it considered unique?

The Helios Grand Hotel is a highly anticipated in-park hotel within Universal Orlando's Epic Universe. It is unique because it will be located inside the park, offering exclusive park views, a dedicated entrance, and immersive experiences like projections and fireworks shows, similar to Disney's Magic Kingdom hotels.

What is one major perk that the Helios Grand Hotel will be missing at its opening?

The Helios Grand Hotel will not offer Universal's Express Pass, a popular skip-the-line program, which is surprising given the hotel’s high-end nature.

What other benefits will the Helios Grand Hotel offer to its guests?

Guests of the Helios Grand Hotel will enjoy early park admission, complimentary shuttle bus transportation to other Universal parks and CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery, and a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe.

Why is the lack of Express Pass at Helios Grand Hotel surprising?

It is surprising because other premier Universal hotels like Lowe's Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific, and Hard Rock Hotel offer Express Pass to their guests. Many expected the Helios Grand Hotel, being in a premier category, to include this perk as well.

Is Universal phasing out Express Pass, or will it not be offered at Epic Universe?

It is not confirmed whether Universal is phasing out Express Pass entirely, but it may not be available when Epic Universe opens. New attractions at Universal parks often do not include Express Pass at first, so this might be the case for Epic Universe as well.

How does the Express Pass system at Universal compare to Disney's Lightning Lane?

Universal's Express Pass system is simpler than Disney's Lightning Lane. Express Pass doesn't require scheduling; guests can walk up and enter a second, faster queue. Disney's system requires more planning and uses virtual queues, which some guests find more complicated.

What could be the reason behind Helios Grand Hotel not including Express Pass?

One theory is that because every ride in Epic Universe will be new, Universal may be limiting Express Pass access initially to manage demand. There are also questions about whether the decision is related to Universal's hotel management partnership with Lowe’s, though this is speculative.

Could the Helios Grand Hotel eventually offer Express Pass in the future?

It's possible that Universal could introduce Express Pass at the Helios Grand Hotel in the future, once the demand for Epic Universe attractions stabilizes. New rides at Universal’s other parks typically add Express Pass after the initial excitement dies down.

What makes Universal's Express Pass system appealing to guests?

Despite its cost, Universal’s Express Pass is valued for its ease of use and effectiveness. It allows guests to bypass regular lines without having to schedule in advance, providing a much faster and less stressful theme park experience.

What other elements of Epic Universe and the Helios Grand Hotel excite visitors?

Visitors are excited about the immersive experiences planned for the Helios Grand Hotel, such as fireworks shows, the hotel’s castle-like design, rooftop bar (Bar Helios), and easy access to Epic Universe. The hotel’s unique in-park location will provide exclusive views and experiences that make it stand out among Universal’s other properties.