Universal Epic Universe (South Expansion Complex) - Opens May 22 2025

WDWFREAK53

Well-Known Member
just watched a video from overhead of the werewolf coaster and 2 things..

1. it says its a 2 minute ride but seems like 45 seconds and
2. seems like ride capicity will be terrible with only 1 car on the track at a time lol
There may be a show scene prior to the launch out of the station. This pic might be after leaving the loading station as it makes a turn prior to the launch into the forest.
I do agree about the capacity!!!

Looking at the picture some more...it appears to be in 3D but nobody is wearing glasses. I wonder if this is similar to those "3D" screens on buildings where the image extends beyond the "fake frame" to make it appear to bust out.
 

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TalkToEthan

Well-Known Member
Disney and Universal still by and large play by the 1960’s “rules” with hourly throughput.

If those two decided that attractions should service 2500+ per hour it would be done. Shamefully It’s all about lack of priority and practice.
 

trr1

Well-Known Member
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Aerial photo of our friends from outside the former Monsters Cafe in Universal Studios Florida. The Gill Man, Werewolf, and Frankenstein characters. Seen here in an Epic Universe construction staging area.
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Aerial photo that locals might like to see, of Universal roads North of the Epic Blvd intersection in Destination Pwy.Epic Universe parking toll plaza is top center.
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Aerial photos of classic monsters that were formerly seen outside of Monsters Cafe in Universal Studios Florida. Currently in an Epic Universe construction staging area.
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At top right of this aerial photo is working underway to pave a new section of Epic Universe guest parking. A construction staging area is shrinking as some phases of the project are completing.
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Aerial look at Celestial Park areas near Helios Grand Hotel in Epic Universe.
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Aerial photo of at construction staging area of Epic Universe.At top right are some of our friends from Universal Studios Florida. The Gill Man, Wolf Man, and Frankenstein figures that formerly greeted guests at Monsters Cafe.
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Aerial photo of a sculpture being assembled in Luna Overlook at Epic Universe. Her knee is seen below the scaffolding, at sculpted froth of water.Water will flow from here through a cascade and into the center of the park.
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Aerial photo of Helios Grand Hotel at Epic Universe. Park entrance is the green tower at top left.
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trr1

Well-Known Member
https://x.com/bioreconstruct
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Aerial photo of Curse of the Werewolf in continuous testing. The spinning roller coaster in Dark Universe at Epic Universe. Cars have medallions on the side with a running wolf.
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Aerial overview of the entrance of Epic Universe.
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Aerial photo of an Epic Universe construction staging area with theming elements for Super Nintendo World. Including turrets for Peach's Castle at top center.
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Aerial look at road bed construction in the raised traffic circle near Epic Universe. Road at left leads to day guest parking.
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Aerial overview of construction of a statue at Luna Overlook in Epic Universe.Guests will have a view here spanning all of Celestial Park to Helios Grand Hotel.
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Aerial look across part of Donkey Kong Country in Epic Universe.
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Aerial look at construction of Luna Overlook at front of Epic Universe. A statue is being assembled at top of a cascading water feature that flows into the park.
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In this aerial photo is a mirror glass reflection at Atlantic restaurant. Of construction of a cascading water feature in Epic Universe.
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WDWFREAK53

Well-Known Member
I love the idea with the lighting and it feels like thats a huge focus with Celestial Park...my only concern is that Universal Parks close fairly early and the amount of time during a day where the lights can be appreciated is pretty minimal. I just hope this means a change is happening where the parks will be open later.
 

trr1

Well-Known Member
bioreconstruct
@bioreconstruct

Video: a peek at how the drones operate in the Universal CineSational show.Many drones seen moving between locations unlit. Some picking up ambient light more than others.

Sunlight reflected off of Terra Luna resort to the side of Stella Nova resort.
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Universal recently stated that there are 144,000 colorful reflective tiles each on the exteriors of Stella Nova and Terra Luna resorts. Tiles are also stainless steel, with dichroic color introduced from acid baths. The shiny steel tiles seen in groups here are untreated.
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Base of Terra Luna resort being painted pale blue.
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Current theming of Chronos at right. The Epic Universe entrance tower.Also seen in distance is current work at Frankenstein Manor. Tower not yet roofed. Decorative elements of the manor's lower roof line are seen left and right.Top of a Piranha Plant seen at left.
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Current themed roof on the large dome at top of Helios Grand Hotel. A lounge below will have outdoor areas with tall glass walls (similar to Aventura Hotel).
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Current theming at top of Helios Grand Hotel. The in-park resort of Epic Universe.
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Current view of Helios Grand Hotel.In foreground is work for the Epic Universe parking toll plaza.At right are tracks of Stardust Racers roller coaster. Also a dragon house at base of the mountain in The Isle of Berk.
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DarkMetroid567

Well-Known Member
Um, just found this in Orlando Buisness Journal from Jeff Polk. Looks like we get a little glimpse into Battle at the Ministry.

I think this is at least some degree wrong. We know MoM isn’t trackless, and AR integration would probably be both worthless and redundant at a park with Mario Kart.

The “wands and wrist bands” part makes me believe that the author is confusing the ride’s features with other Epic Universe attractions, because wrist bands wouldn’t make a lot of sense if he’s not talking about SNW’s power-up bands.
 

lazyboy97o

Well-Known Member
I love the idea with the lighting and it feels like thats a huge focus with Celestial Park...my only concern is that Universal Parks close fairly early and the amount of time during a day where the lights can be appreciated is pretty minimal. I just hope this means a change is happening where the parks will be open later.
Hopefully with how much they are investing in nighttime spectacular infrastructure they’ll decide to keep the park open later to actually get some use out of the stuff.
 

EatSalsa

Member
I think this is at least some degree wrong. We know MoM isn’t trackless, and AR integration would probably be both worthless and redundant at a park with Mario Kart.

The “wands and wrist bands” part makes me believe that the author is confusing the ride’s features with other Epic Universe attractions, because wrist bands wouldn’t make a lot of sense if he’s not talking about SNW’s power-up bands.
I thought the same thing. I just think it’s cool that there’s AA’s
 

DCBaker

Premium Member
Here's the press release on the Universal Helios Grand Hotel:

01_Universal Helios Grand Hotel a Loews Hotel.jpg


Today, Universal Orlando Resort shares brilliant new details about Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a spectacular 500-room resort located at the much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape rising above the lush gardens and scenic waters of Celestial Park at Epic Universe. Designed to blend immersion and relaxation to create a hotel stay like no other, this palatial resort features tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, divine dining options, a stunning rooftop bar and the hotel’s very own dedicated entrance to the new theme park.

Bringing the destination’s portfolio to a total of 11 hotels and 11,000 guest rooms, Universal Helios Grand Hotel builds upon Universal’s more than three decades of expertise in world-class entertainment and creative theming – combined with Loews Hotels’ hospitality and service excellence – to set a new standard in immersive hotel experiences. Only here can guests unwind in the serenity of a sunlit retreat in one moment and then within minutes find themselves in the heart of exhilarating theme park adventures. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is so much more than just a place to stay; it’s the crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando’s hotel experiences.

WELCOME TO UNIVERSAL HELIOS GRAND HOTEL

As soon as guests step into this radiant sanctuary, they will be transported to a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations and elegant yet casual Mediterranean design elements. And through the lobby’s magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows is a breathtaking vista of Celestial Park – boasting some of the best views of Epic Universe in the entire hotel and immersing guests in the park’s brilliance by day and night.

From the beautifully appointed sleeping rooms to the polished public spaces to the exceptional amenities, Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers:
  • Serene Guest Rooms and Spacious Suites – Bright, inviting and warm, the guest rooms and suites of Universal Helios Grand Hotel evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden – with many of the rooms offering fantastic views of Epic Universe. And unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel are the imaginative How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites, where little ones can take to the skies and rest amongst dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk.
  • Dedicated Entrance to Universal Epic Universe – Located off the lobby is the hotel’s dedicated entrance into Epic Universe – an unparalleled amenity for guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel that provides direct, convenient access to and from the theme park (valid theme park admission required).
  • Bar Helios – A sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge, Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers a delectable menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites, thoughtfully-handcrafted specialty cocktails, and unmatched 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond – making this the perfect spot for guests to kick back in the evening after a busy day in the parks.
  • Resort-style Pool – The oasis of the zero-entry pool is the ultimate spot for rest and relaxation – complete with underwater speakers, poolside cabanas available for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, recreational activities and more.
  • Guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel can also enjoy:
    • a complimentary state-of-the-art fitness center featuring a variety of strength and cardio equipment;
    • a game room for guests to blast, zap and race their way through a collection of arcade games with the purchase of a game card;
    • a Universal Orlando Resort Store for guests to purchase everything from sundries and necessities to Universal Orlando merchandise; and so much more.
Guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks can choose from a variety of unique dining options, including:
  • Flora Taverna – a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and lobby bar with a light and airy atmosphere – featuring an open-style kitchen with live cooking, Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens, and al fresco seating overlooking the beautiful scenery of Celestial Park;
  • Aurora Market – a contemporary coffee shop and market offering freshly-roasted coffees, delightful grab-and-go food items and enticing snack and dessert options from morning to night;
  • Lotus Lagoon – a poolside bar and grill where guests can cool off with refreshing cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy casual fare options like burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
EXCLUSIVE THEME PARK BENEFITS

Staying at any Universal Orlando hotel is the best way to experience all that the destination has to offer and comes with exclusive theme park benefits. Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, receive Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions at the theme parks – which will expand to include Universal Epic Universe with the park’s opening in 2025 – up to one hour before the park opens with valid theme park admission. Universal Orlando hotel guests can also take advantage of complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.

The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel also brings three reimagined hotel categories to Universal Orlando – designed to make it even easier for guests to choose the hotel that best fits their preferred style and budget. The Signature Collection – including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – offers full-service amenities, distinguished service, exceptional dining and more; the Prime Value Hotels – including Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening February 25, 2025) – offer a mix of services and amenities made for comfort; and the Value Inns and Suites – including Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites – are fun, affordable options offering standard rooms and spacious suites with kitchenettes. To learn more about Universal Orlando’s extraordinary hotels, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

More details and photos from the Discover Universal blog:


Here's the animated fly-through:

 

ToTBellHop

Well-Known Member
Everything we should expect with this hotel———which is a good thing.
Well, except Express passes. Curious to see pricing. I’m not terribly compelled by the lack of Express and the need to ride a bus to parks every day except your one EU day. If I didn’t know better, I’d think they threw Sapphire Falls into this same category so Helios wouldn’t feel like an outlier.
 
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Gringrinngghost

Well-Known Member
Here's the press release on the Universal Helios Grand Hotel:

View attachment 811038

Today, Universal Orlando Resort shares brilliant new details about Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a spectacular 500-room resort located at the much-anticipated Universal Epic Universe theme park opening in 2025. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a majestic Mediterranean-inspired escape rising above the lush gardens and scenic waters of Celestial Park at Epic Universe. Designed to blend immersion and relaxation to create a hotel stay like no other, this palatial resort features tranquil sleeping accommodations, entertaining amenities for the whole family to enjoy, divine dining options, a stunning rooftop bar and the hotel’s very own dedicated entrance to the new theme park.

Bringing the destination’s portfolio to a total of 11 hotels and 11,000 guest rooms, Universal Helios Grand Hotel builds upon Universal’s more than three decades of expertise in world-class entertainment and creative theming – combined with Loews Hotels’ hospitality and service excellence – to set a new standard in immersive hotel experiences. Only here can guests unwind in the serenity of a sunlit retreat in one moment and then within minutes find themselves in the heart of exhilarating theme park adventures. Universal Helios Grand Hotel is so much more than just a place to stay; it’s the crown jewel of Epic Universe and the pinnacle of Universal Orlando’s hotel experiences.

WELCOME TO UNIVERSAL HELIOS GRAND HOTEL

As soon as guests step into this radiant sanctuary, they will be transported to a fantastical world within the palace of Helios, the Greek god of the sun, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations and elegant yet casual Mediterranean design elements. And through the lobby’s magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows is a breathtaking vista of Celestial Park – boasting some of the best views of Epic Universe in the entire hotel and immersing guests in the park’s brilliance by day and night.

From the beautifully appointed sleeping rooms to the polished public spaces to the exceptional amenities, Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers:
  • Serene Guest Rooms and Spacious Suites – Bright, inviting and warm, the guest rooms and suites of Universal Helios Grand Hotel evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden – with many of the rooms offering fantastic views of Epic Universe. And unique to Universal Helios Grand Hotel are the imaginative How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites, where little ones can take to the skies and rest amongst dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk.
  • Dedicated Entrance to Universal Epic Universe – Located off the lobby is the hotel’s dedicated entrance into Epic Universe – an unparalleled amenity for guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel that provides direct, convenient access to and from the theme park (valid theme park admission required).
  • Bar Helios – A sparkling and stylish rooftop lounge, Bar Helios at Universal Helios Grand Hotel offers a delectable menu of creative tapas and familiar favorites, thoughtfully-handcrafted specialty cocktails, and unmatched 360-degree views of Epic Universe and beyond – making this the perfect spot for guests to kick back in the evening after a busy day in the parks.
  • Resort-style Pool – The oasis of the zero-entry pool is the ultimate spot for rest and relaxation – complete with underwater speakers, poolside cabanas available for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, recreational activities and more.
  • Guests of Universal Helios Grand Hotel can also enjoy:
    • a complimentary state-of-the-art fitness center featuring a variety of strength and cardio equipment;
    • a game room for guests to blast, zap and race their way through a collection of arcade games with the purchase of a game card;
    • a Universal Orlando Resort Store for guests to purchase everything from sundries and necessities to Universal Orlando merchandise; and so much more.
Guests looking to have a meal or grab a quick snack in between visits to the parks can choose from a variety of unique dining options, including:
  • Flora Taverna – a full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and lobby bar with a light and airy atmosphere – featuring an open-style kitchen with live cooking, Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza ovens, and al fresco seating overlooking the beautiful scenery of Celestial Park;
  • Aurora Market – a contemporary coffee shop and market offering freshly-roasted coffees, delightful grab-and-go food items and enticing snack and dessert options from morning to night;
  • Lotus Lagoon – a poolside bar and grill where guests can cool off with refreshing cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy casual fare options like burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
EXCLUSIVE THEME PARK BENEFITS

Staying at any Universal Orlando hotel is the best way to experience all that the destination has to offer and comes with exclusive theme park benefits. Guests staying at Universal Helios Grand Hotel, or any of the other Universal Orlando hotels, receive Early Park Admission to enjoy select attractions at the theme parks – which will expand to include Universal Epic Universe with the park’s opening in 2025 – up to one hour before the park opens with valid theme park admission. Universal Orlando hotel guests can also take advantage of complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise delivery and more.

The addition of Universal Helios Grand Hotel also brings three reimagined hotel categories to Universal Orlando – designed to make it even easier for guests to choose the hotel that best fits their preferred style and budget. The Signature Collection – including Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort – offers full-service amenities, distinguished service, exceptional dining and more; the Prime Value Hotels – including Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort (opening January 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening February 25, 2025) – offer a mix of services and amenities made for comfort; and the Value Inns and Suites – including Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites – are fun, affordable options offering standard rooms and spacious suites with kitchenettes. To learn more about Universal Orlando’s extraordinary hotels, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

More details and photos from the Discover Universal blog:


Here's the animated fly-through:


Get ready for Disney to follow!

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