Epic Universe reveals plans for a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal announced plans for a new Harry Potter-themed land in the Epic Universe, calling it its “most impressive” attraction yet.
More information about the “Crown Jewel of Epic Universe” has been revealed.
Universal Orlando Resort announced new details about its upcoming resort that will be located adjacent to the new theme park – the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
“As soon as guests enter this radiant sanctuary, they will be transported to a fantastical world in the palace of the Greek sun god Helios, adorned with beautiful details of celestial patterns, dazzling constellations and elegant, yet casual Mediterranean design elements,” Universal Orlando said Thursday.
“And the lobby’s magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of Celestial Park – with some of the best views of Epic Universe in the entire hotel, immersing guests in the park’s splendor day and night.”
Wondering when you’ll be able to stay at the new Loews hotel and what amenities it will offer? Here’s everything you need to know.
How big will the Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando be?
According to Universal, the Helios Grand Hotel will offer 500 resort rooms for guests.
What you should know about the rooms at Universal Orlando’s Helios Grand Hotel
According to Universal Orlando, guest rooms and suites at Universal Helios Grand Hotel will “evoke the serenity of a magnificent garden.” Many of the rooms will offer views of Epic Universe.
“Unique to the Universal Helios Grand Hotel are the imaginative ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ kids’ suites, where little ones can take to the skies and rest among dragons in a colorful room inspired by the Viking village of Berk,” the press release states.
How much does a night at the Helios Grand Hotel cost?
Room prices are not yet known. At Universal’s other signature hotels, room rates can range from $220 to $1,000 per night, depending on the hotel, room type and when you book.
What food and amenities are available at Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando?
Described as a “majestic Mediterranean-style retreat,” the Helios Grand Hotel will include themed suites, a rooftop lounge, a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a game room, numerous dining options and a Universal Orlando Resort Store. It will also have a special entrance to the upcoming Epic Universe theme park.
For those who would like additional information on dining options, Universal Orlando has shared the following:
- Flora Taverna – a full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and lobby bar in a light and airy atmosphere – featuring an open kitchen with live cooking, Mediterranean home cooking, pizza ovens and outdoor seating overlooking the beautiful landscape of Celestial Park.
- Aurora Market – a modern cafe and market offering freshly roasted coffee, delicious takeaway food and tempting snacks and desserts from morning to night.
- Lotus Lagoon – a poolside bar and grill where guests can cool off with refreshing cocktails or soft drinks and enjoy casual fare such as burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
When will the Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Orlando open?
The exact opening date for the Helios Grand Hotel is currently unknown (as of August 2024). According to Universal, the opening will take place in 2025.
Where will the Helios Grand Hotel be located?
Anyone who has ever been to Universal Orlando may be wondering where this new hotel and theme park will be built. In fact, it will be located a little further away from the other two parks, on the other side of Interstate 4.
The Helios Grand Hotel will be part of Epic Universe and will be located on Universal’s new South Campus, about 15 minutes down the road. The official address is 4700 E. Sand Lake Road in Orlando.
What resort categories are there at Universal?
As USA TODAY announced, as the park opens its new hotels, Universal is also restructuring its hotel categories “to make it even easier for guests to choose the hotel that best fits their preferred style and budget.”
- Value: Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites and Dockside Inn and Suites
- Main value: Universal Studios Florida, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel
- Signature Collection: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Rating of Universal Orlando Hotels: Is it worth staying at a Universal Orlando hotel?
When will Epic Universe open in 2025?
As of August 2024, Universal has not announced an opening date for Epic Universe, only that it will open in 2025.
What’s in the Epic Universe? See all five themed lands
In total, there will be five lands in the new Epic Universe theme park. In total, these lands will offer “more than 50 impressive attractions, entertainment, dining and shopping experiences,” according to the resort.
- Heavenly Park – The first world guests enter the park, which features relaxing gardens, a “water play area,” a large carousel and Starfall Racers, a double-start racing roller coaster with 1,500 m of track and speeds of up to 100 km/h. Celestial Park also serves as a gateway to the four other worlds of Epic Universe, which are accessible via themed portals.
- How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk gives fans of the “How to Train Your Dragon” series the chance to take off like Hiccup, Astrid and the other dragon riders on the screen.
- Dark Universe – Guests can look forward to “experiencing everything from the experiments of Dr. Victoria Frankenstein to the shadowy landscape where monsters roam in a world of myth and mystery.”
- Super Nintendo World – Bring your guests into the fan-favorite video game franchise and experience adventures with Mario, Princess Peach and more. Made its U.S. debut last year at Universal Studios Hollywood.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – Attempts to mix the wizarding Paris of the 1920s from Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts films with the iconic British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter series,” says Universal Orlando, which is already home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Contributing reporting: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
