New mega theme park opening next year reveals ‘first of its kind’ hotel – with rooftop bar and huge swimming pool
UNIVERSAL Orlando Resort has released more details of its first ever hotel IN the theme park – coming to its new Epic Universe in 2025.
The Helios Grand Hotel is a 500-room resort will sit at the very edge of Celestial Park, one of five new lands coming to the entertainment giant’s third theme park when it launches next year.
The 500-room Mediterranean-inspired hotel will feature a rooftop bar as well as a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe.
The luxury Loews hotel is inspired by Helios, the Greek god of the sun, and the vast lobby will feature floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Celestial Park, lush gardens and sparkling waters.
Unique to the hotel will be How To Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites where little ones can rest among the dragons in a colourful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk from the hit movie.
Bar Helios – the rooftop lounge – will have 360degree views of the new Epic Universe theme park as well as tapas food and speciality cocktails.
The zero-entry resort-style pool will feature underwater speakers, poolside cabanas, a hot tub, poolside movies and lots of fun activities.
The Flora Taverna will serve up food all day, featuring an open-style kitchen with live cooking Mediterranean comfort foods, pizza oven and al fresco seating overlooking Celestial Park.
The Lotus Lagoon poolside bar and grill will have casual options like burgers, salads and sandwiches and the Aurora Market freshly-roasted coffee and grab-and-go food options.
The hotel will also feature an arcade games room, fitness centre and a shop selling everything from essentials to Universal Orlando merchandise.
Stays at the hotel also come with some exclusive benefits including early park admission and free shuttle buses.
The Helios Grand Hotel will sit in Universal’s Signature collection of luxury hotels alongside the Loews Portofino Bay, Royal Pacific and Sapphire Falls.
More is to be revealed regarding an official opening date and prices.
We’ve also revealed everything you need to know about each of the theme park’s lands:
Celestial Park
The central land of the park will be Celestial Park, with ‘portals’ to all the other lands.
The main ride will be the dual-launch rollercoaster Starfall Racers along with the Constellation Carousel, wet-play area Astronomica and themed restaurants including the Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant.
Super Nintendo World
Similar to the one already open at Universal Studios Hollywood, the Super Nintendo World will allow guests to act out some of their favourite interactions from the games.
The main ride will be the Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge along with Yoshi’s Adventure, with snacks served at Toadstool Cafe.
Isle of Berk
The How to Train Your Dragon-themed land Isle of Berk will have four rides including family coaster Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, water cannon ride Fyre Drill and the Dragon Racer’s Rally.
Snacks will be found at the Mead Hall, Spit Fyre Grill and Grog & Gruel for food, while merchandise will be found at Viking Traders, Hiccups Work Shop and Toothless’ Treasures.
Dark Universe
Set around Frankenstein Manor, dark ride Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment is to be Universal’s “most terrifying yet” at the Dark Universe land.
Rides include spinning family coaster Curse of the Werewolf, alongside activities such as Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
The main attraction is the Harry Potter and the Battle of Ministry, set in 1990s London, as well as full-scale live theatre experience Le Cirque Arcanus.