Why Staying at Helios Hotel with Kids Was the Best Decision We Made at Epic Universe
- Tricia DeJarnett
- May 12
- 3 min read
As a travel advisor and a mom of four I’ve stayed in plenty of hotels that promise convenience and comfort, but Helios Hotel at Universal’s Epic Universe delivered in a way that truly surprised me.
This trip, I brought two of my kids along for the adventure, and Helios made our time not just easy but genuinely magical.
One of the biggest perks? Direct access into the park. After a full day of rides, snacks, and “can we do that again?” moments, being able to stroll straight from Epic Universe into the hotel without a single shuttle, tram, or meltdown was a dream. Especially after a full day of exploring the park’s incredible themed worlds.
And walking back to the hotel each evening felt like a grand finale. As you exit the park, you’re greeted by the towering golden Helios Sun God watching over the back entrance. My kids thought it was the coolest thing ever. It’s dramatic, it’s beautiful, and it genuinely adds to the magic of the experience reminding you that the hotel is an extension of the adventure, not just where you crash for the night.
We stayed in a standard room with two queen beds, which had plenty of space for the three of us. The bathroom was thoughtfully stocked with everything we needed: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, Q-tips, cotton balls even extra towels tucked away in a drawer (a lifesaver when traveling with kids).
Our room didn’t have a theme park view, but we did get a pool view and that was plenty exciting. The girls were obsessed with the push-button curtains. A small touch, but it added a little luxury to their bedtime routine. And while we didn’t get to swim (thanks to the daily rain), we did swing by the pool bar. The snacks were definitely on the pricey side, but the hummus was genuinely delicious and the staff at the pool went above and beyond.
When my youngest on this trip, Kali, fell while running near the pool, the staff immediately jumped into action. They checked her over for scrapes, offered bandages, and a supervisor even came over to follow up. That kind of care and attention made me feel so supported as a mom.
Inside the hotel, the gift shop was a highlight. Not only did they sell Power-Up Bands, but the staff took time to explain how to activate them and gave my girls tips on how to use them throughout the park. It felt like a bonus experience before we even got inside Epic Universe.
Pro tip: You can purchase Express Passes directly at the concierge desk which is super convenient. And if you’re heading to the park early, there’s a grab-and-go snack bar in the lobby, but be prepared for a bit of a wait as everyone loads up on their coffee and pastries.
Security is easy to navigate. You’ll need to show your park ticket and room key. If you’re a passholder who’s visited this year, your photo is likely already in the system. Once you’re through security, you’re allowed into the park early but not immediately into the individual worlds. During our stay, they opened those worlds about 30 minutes before official early entry time.
In the end, Helios didn’t just make our trip easier it made it better. It’s the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and thoughtful service. Whether you’re a family with little ones or teens, staying at Helios brings you closer to the action and gives you space to breathe when it’s time to wind down.
If you’re thinking about planning your own Epic Universe trip, I’d love to help you experience it like we did; seamless, magical, and totally unforgettable.
