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

[Andrew25]

For those wondering, you could fit all of current UO on this plot with room left over.

It is going to be more than just EPIC.

Looking long-term, it's pretty fun to think that they could add a 4th dry gate with the land they have. However, at this very moment, Universal can't (nor should they) consider an additional gate at UOR. They can barely operate their current two parks efficiently when it comes to F&B and park hours. They also have a ton of areas/attractions they need to begin working on replacing ASAP. There's a park's worth of attraction/land replacements rotting away at the current parks.

I have to imagine we'll see a few resort hotels pop up over the next few years before any indication of an additional gate. Universal has enough land to nearly double their current existing hotel capacity.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

How does the comparison not make sense? You can significantly shorten your travel time to the Magic Kingdom by staying in the Contemporary, or to Epcot from the Yacht Club, but some people stay at the All-Star Resort instead. It's the same thing. Also, you can say they're within walking distance, but many people don't want to walk. Then you're waiting for the boat or a shuttle.

I happen to live near Epic Universe. It's no more than 10 minutes to the main UO campus without traffic. Literally just a straight shot up Universal Boulevard.

Stella Nove/Terra Luna have starting rates of $134/night. Which is about $11/night cheaper than Cabana Bay. But is also competitive with other brand hotels in the area such as Courtyard and Avanti.

But the main reason they are spreading out the hotel openings is opening a hotel is kind of a big deal both logistically and financially. There are 1000s of costumes to make and staff to hire and train. And they are opening 3 new hotels.

I am stunned they aren't opening Helios at least a couple of days before the park opens, because opening the hotel on the same day as the park is going to be a nightmare. The hotel is sold out (obviously). So they have to check in 500 rooms all at the same time. These guests want to be at the park opening ceremony so I wonder if the will start checking people in at 6am?

 

[TalkToEthan]

So they have to check in 500 rooms all at the same time.

That should sober people up fast.
Processing 500 room check ins more or less at the same time has the makings of a nightmare at the reception and lobbies. Maybe there will be internet check in without requiring front desk visit???

 

[jrhwdw]

Stella Nove/Terra Luna have starting rates of $134/night. Which is about $11/night cheaper than Cabana Bay. But is also competitive with other brand hotels in the area such as Courtyard and Avanti.

But the main reason they are spreading out the hotel openings is opening a hotel is kind of a big deal both logistically and financially. There are 1000s of costumes to make and staff to hire and train. And they are opening 3 new hotels.

I am stunned they aren't opening Helios at least a couple of days before the park opens, because opening the hotel on the same day as the park is going to be a nightmare. The hotel is sold out (obviously). So they have to check in 500 rooms all at the same time. These guests want to be at the park opening ceremony so I wonder if the will start checking people in at 6am?

So am I! Wouldn't it be a smart move by UOR to Open Helios 1-2 Days before??? Who wants to check into a Hotel on a Theme Park Opening Day????

 

[jrhwdw]

That should sober people up fast.
Processing 500 room check ins more or less at the same time has the makings of a nightmare at the reception and lobbies. Maybe there will be internet check in without requiring front desk visit???

You would think UOR doesn't want that kind of News Story

 

[Andrew25]

Stella Nove/Terra Luna have starting rates of $134/night. Which is about $11/night cheaper than Cabana Bay. But is also competitive with other brand hotels in the area such as Courtyard and Avanti.

But the main reason they are spreading out the hotel openings is opening a hotel is kind of a big deal both logistically and financially. There are 1000s of costumes to make and staff to hire and train. And they are opening 3 new hotels.

I am stunned they aren't opening Helios at least a couple of days before the park opens, because opening the hotel on the same day as the park is going to be a nightmare. The hotel is sold out (obviously). So they have to check in 500 rooms all at the same time. These guests want to be at the park opening ceremony so I wonder if the will start checking people in at 6am?

Media/VIPs/Executives will be lodged there for the opening, so that's why I believe the hotel won't be publicly available. But I agree, I think this should have opened a day prior to Epic. I was originally planning on booking a stay for opening, but I'm not going to take away time from the opening day to check-in to the hotel.

 

[Disneyhead'71]

I

Media/VIPs/Executives will be lodged there for the opening, so that's why I believe the hotel won't be publicly available. But I agree, I think this should have opened a day prior to Epic. I was originally planning on booking a stay for opening, but I'm not going to take away time from the opening day to check-in to the hotel.

I believe the media will be leaving that morning. The VIPs and Executives will take some of the suites, but I know a lot of people who have gotten reservations for opening day.

As far as Epic's "Grand Opening", I believe the big media event is the night before and a smaller "opening the gate ceremony" the morning of.

 

[Andrew25]

I

I believe the media will be leaving that morning. The VIPs and Executives will take some of the suites, but I know a lot of people who have gotten reservations for opening day.

As far as Epic's "Grand Opening", I believe the big media event is the night before and a smaller "opening the gate ceremony" the morning of.

Yeah, that's what I meant to say. You don't want the undesirable public ruining the media's experience lol

 

[celluloid]

Long term plans for sure. U just wanted to.clsrify. This is not a sole.patch of land.
Yes. They can fit the entire UO Reaort about twice and likely more.

This was 2,000 acres.

 

[jrhwdw]

Long term plans for sure. U just wanted to.clsrify. This is not a sole.patch of land.
Yes. They can fit the entire UO Reaort about twice and likely more.

This was 2,000 acres.

Too Bad UOR wasn't here to begin with. EU probably would have been a walkway away from IOA or USF.....

I wonder what the Public opinion is considering EU is Miles away from UOR......

 

[celluloid]

Too Bad UOR wasn't here to begin with. EU probably would have been a walkway away from IOA or USF.....

I wonder what the Public opinion is considering EU is Miles away from UOR......

There is the entire Lockheed Martin Thing and progress...

They did own this land prior, before Comcast.


There is very little public opinion concern with it being miles away as pointed out already.

Not a pinch point.

 

[HoustonHorn]

PSA - Universal has raised Helios prices - a lot - in just a day.

I'm trying to get a buddy to join us next Thanksgiving. I priced a 5-night stay for him yesterday, and all in it was about $3200. Today, it's more than $4000.

25% increase overnight!

 

[rd805]

I was really happy with my price, glad i locked in our dates. I'll def add a single day ticket later for a 2nd visit to EPIC, That's for sure!

 

[Misted Compass]

I am stunned they aren't opening Helios at least a couple of days before the park opens, because opening the hotel on the same day as the park is going to be a nightmare. The hotel is sold out (obviously). So they have to check in 500 rooms all at the same time. These guests want to be at the park opening ceremony so I wonder if the will start checking people in at 6am?

That's probably the most confusing part about this. Grand Californian (the most direct comparison) opened a month before DCA did, and while you could argue that the Epic hotels are much further from the existing parks they clearly don't see it as an issue for Stella/Terra.

 

[Rich Brownn]

Long term plans for sure. U just wanted to.clsrify. This is not a sole.patch of land.
Yes. They can fit the entire UO Reaort about twice and likely more.

This was 2,000 acres.

750 acres. 2,000 acres is the size of the district, not the land owned by Comcast

 

[JoeCamel]

750 acres. 2,000 acres is the size of the district, not the land owned by Comcast

I wasn't sure where the 2000 came from, thanks

 

[cjkeating]

PSA - Universal has raised Helios prices - a lot - in just a day.

I'm trying to get a buddy to join us next Thanksgiving. I priced a 5-night stay for him yesterday, and all in it was about $3200. Today, it's more than $4000.

25% increase overnight!

Is this a like for like room category? Chances the cheapest room has sold out in the time between your checks.

 

[celluloid]

NEWS: Universal Orlando Just DOUBLED The Size of Epic Universe! | the disney food blog

Epic Universe is now BIGGER.

www.disneyfoodblog.com

Here is a write up about the 2,000 acres total beyond the original 750.

 

[MickeyCookies]

Anyone else in the AP queue for tickets this morning? Waited for 45 minutes only to be met with a screen that says “The line is paused.” Assuming that means they are out. Very disappointing.

 

[HoustonHorn]

Is this a like for like room category? Chances the cheapest room has sold out in the time between your checks.

It was for club level rooms.

Another friend had one of the HTTYD suites in her cart, then went to check something, and it was gone when she got back to book. So there was an initial rush that first morning as expected.

Things seem to have stabilized for now. I still think they left a ton of money on the table with their pricing. Which is nice, new feeling for Orlando theme parks...