Episode Transcript
[00:00:01] Speaker A: Hey there Mouse Ears Universe. Thank you for joining us on the Mouse Ears podcast. Your go to source for all things travel, but mostly Disney. Sponsored by Fairy Tale Journeys Travel. Whether you're a first time visitor or a pro at the parks, we're here to give you the latest news, insider secrets and fun stories from the happiest and most magical places on earth. Make sure you give us a like and follow whatever platform you're listening to or watching us. And don't forget to check out MouseHearsBlog.com where we dive even deeper into Disney tips, trips, planning and all the park magic in one location.
Now everyone, it's time to geek out. We're diving into Celestial park and checking out all three of the new hotels at Universal Studios in Orlando. Pack your bags because this adventure starts right now.
Welcome back Mouse Ears Universe. I am one of your wonderful hosts, Brooks. I have my bags packed. I'm ready to go. I'm here to check out the whole show that Epic Universe is putting on.
But with me tonight, I have two wonderful people with with me. Jen unfortunately could not be with us tonight. We hope you're feeling better, Jen, but we have Steph down there and Flowrider.
Just a hopping, a skip and a jump away from from Epic. Steph, how are you doing?
[00:01:51] Speaker B: Good. I mean low key, wish I was at Epic, but it is sold out for the next week. So you want tickets, you gotta start looking this summer, June, July with your Fairytale Journeys travel agent.
[00:02:06] Speaker A: That's right. And also we have deep in the heart of Texas, we have Kelton. Kelton, how are you doing tonight?
[00:02:15] Speaker C: Hey, Brooksy baby. How are you man?
Yeah, I had something stuck in my throat there. That was no. But literally my bags are packed because we leave tomorrow on vacation. Going to Florida.
[00:02:28] Speaker A: You going to Florida?
[00:02:29] Speaker C: Epic going to Florida.
That's right. My apple bottom jeans are packed.
[00:02:35] Speaker A: What about your boots with the fur?
[00:02:37] Speaker C: Oh no, it's too warm. I'm leaving them here.
[00:02:39] Speaker A: So. But before we get to the whole club that was looking at her, we have our trivia question and we're going to throw it to my main man, Gelden. Gelden with the trivia.
[00:02:53] Speaker C: You know, you really could voice like Thunder Mountain with that.
[00:02:57] Speaker A: We got the wildest trivia in the wilderness.
[00:03:01] Speaker C: Today's trivia question is brought to you by Fairy Tale Journeys Travel. Next time you want to book a Disney cruise, let the agents at Fairy Tale Journeys take care of all the details for a stress free experience at no extra cost to you when you book with them. Not Only do you get expert advice, but you can also receive up to $1,000. Yes, I said it. $1,000 of onboard credit. This offer is exclusive to bookings made with fairy tale journeys. So contact them directly and let them know that us the podcast, have sent you so you can enjoy a magical Disney cruise getaway. Today's trivia question, since we're going Epic and our bags are packed, how big is Epic Universe size wise? I'm talking acreage, y' all.
[00:03:54] Speaker B: Are we talking with or without the parking?
[00:03:58] Speaker C: I guess you have to stay tuned to the end of the episode to find out. Brooks, I'm back. Over to you.
[00:04:03] Speaker A: I think we're going with both.
[00:04:05] Speaker B: Both.
[00:04:09] Speaker A: So if you, if you have not guessed already, we are doing voiceovers tonight here. The Master's Cow podcast. No, we are.
[00:04:16] Speaker C: It's unreal.
[00:04:18] Speaker A: Yes, that's right.
Now we had Christian Brooks Runner coming out, but no, we are finishing up our breakdown of all the lands and hotels at Epic Universe tonight, you know, because I don't know if you're living under a rock and I assume if you're, if you listen to this podcast, you know the Epic news.
As of today, May 22, epic universe is officially open the port. All the portals are open.
[00:05:00] Speaker C: Open, baby.
[00:05:01] Speaker A: And you can go right through.
And I think all of us, we were very interested in wait times today.
[00:05:11] Speaker C: Track them all day.
[00:05:12] Speaker A: Yeah, and I would just have to say, like we were checking all of Universal too.
I mean, the, the Forbidden Journey, Rod. I mean, it's a good ride, but I don't know if I would wait. 995 minutes.
[00:05:29] Speaker B: Oh, that was funny. Glitch.
That was a funny.
[00:05:33] Speaker A: I mean, but I was shocked at the wait times. Now from. I don't think that they had.
I don't think they were operating at full capacity today.
[00:05:43] Speaker B: It's like the only explanation I can think of because the average was because.
[00:05:49] Speaker A: It was sold out.
[00:05:50] Speaker B: It was sold out.
Other than Ministry of Magic, which was down for half of the day. And then when it finally opened up, it was 180 minute wait time. The longest wait time, literally 35 minutes. What?
[00:06:04] Speaker A: @ one point, like, I think when I checked it around 5 or 6 o' clock, literally it was like 5 minutes. 5 minutes. 5 minutes. 10 minutes. 10 minutes. 10 minutes. 180 minutes.
[00:06:16] Speaker B: Yeah. Right.
[00:06:17] Speaker C: Well, did you guys see the post from Bio Reconstruct? I want to say it was about three or four o' clock Eastern Central around there taking, you know, the photo of the parking lot. Now some of the streamers that I was watching today did kind of state that they thought Universal really held on to a lot of the tickets, which, you know, give it to my hot take. I, I think Universal did a great job with that because they wanted to make. We all know the last two weeks have been really rough for some epic Universe attractions. So I think they really pulled back a bit there to make sure they can give the guests that were paying that almost 190, $200 per person tickets a good time now. Yes, I will say, you know, we, we did see, you know, the Battle of the Mystery down for quite a bit. There were a lot of other attractions because Stardust Racers didn't open up right away.
What else? Monsters Unchained also did not open up with the park. But even if you go over and look at, you know, Islands of Adventure, Forbidden Journey was down for a bit. A Velocicoaster was down for like three hours this morning. Gringotts was down for about two hours.
So it must have been just a rough day for Universal attractions in general.
[00:07:46] Speaker A: Now I will say too, like rides going down in the parks, Universal, Disney, that's not uncommon. Like you have rides that go down every day.
[00:08:00] Speaker C: Now I can talk to it because with working attractions at Universal, some of these attractions especially we're 2025 now, the technology is getting more and more and more advanced.
So if they have to e stop or if something's not working correctly and if they have to completely restart the attraction, it can take a minimum of 60 to 90 minutes to do that to completely recycle that sucker.
So think about all of the technology and like Gringotts or now, you know, Battle of the Ministry, things like that. It, that takes time to do. It's like, it's like taking my old imac here and trying to restart that. I'll be here for another two years before it reboots.
[00:08:45] Speaker A: I mean, you may have a full grown beard by the time it could grow up.
[00:08:49] Speaker C: I could grow it back. Give me like six months.
[00:08:52] Speaker B: Well, I definitely agree with you that it feels like Universe did a great job with crowd control for their first day.
However, hot take here. Just to kind of play devil's advocate, we have had this park open for quite literally two months at this point. So it's not new to that extent. Right.
So there's, I feel like there's that to take into consideration. However, obviously the tickets for day one, you know, opened up before preview tickets did. So they really held back on those numbers for the first day in comparison to Preview from what we saw and what we experienced. Because those wait times for preview days were, I mean, astronomical in comparison. So what happened here is my question.
[00:09:43] Speaker C: But think about it this way though, and that this is where I'm seeing Universal did okay for, you know, the first couple of days. We're going to hold back. You know, let's say 80% of the day, only sell 20%.
Well then they could use the preview days under the, you know, technical rehearsal umbrella and really see what the crowds are going to do. So.
[00:10:06] Speaker B: Makes sense because if everything wouldn't have. But I wouldn't have sold the preview tickets at full price though.
[00:10:13] Speaker C: That, I mean, they were $160 still.
[00:10:18] Speaker B: That's, that's a, that's a day at Magic Kingdom.
[00:10:21] Speaker C: It definitely is. But you know, I mean, this is the first theme park opening in Orlando, you know, millennium.
So like, because by, by only selling let, let's whatever percentage they sold for day one, if previews went great, well, guess what, they can just go and release more tickets.
But I'm wondering if they saw all the struggles they were having the last two weeks that they're like, yeah, we're not going to release any more tickets. But, but look at today though. Like, yes, there were a couple of attractions that were down, but at, I mean, it's running well. No, it looks like it's closing in what, 30 minutes, I think.
[00:11:08] Speaker B: Or 10 o' clock, I don't, I wasn't sure, 10 or nine. But I know that they had fireworks today that was going to be new and exciting, which we haven't seen before other than like random testing, but not like a full show. So that's cool.
[00:11:24] Speaker C: So I, you know what, I give huge props to Universal for Epic Universe today.
[00:11:29] Speaker B: Either way though.
Crazy, crazy aerial of that parking lot. It was empty. I mean there was what, five rows of cars. I mean it was astounding.
[00:11:40] Speaker C: It wasn't much.
[00:11:41] Speaker B: No. Yeah.
But anyways, Epic Universe now open.
[00:11:48] Speaker A: That's right.
[00:11:49] Speaker B: Park this.
Like you said, millennia.
[00:11:53] Speaker A: Yep.
So you know, we've already broken down four out of five lands and we saved to me like the most interesting, I feel like for last is they're completely new.
Original IP is Celestial Park.
And then we're also going to break down the three brand new hotels, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. Those have already been open for a few months.
But the brand new Helios Grand Hotel that you can literally walk out the, like you're in Disneyland, out the front door and go right into the park.
[00:12:45] Speaker B: Well, in this case, the Back door.
[00:12:46] Speaker A: Yeah. Or the back. Yeah.
I mean, depends on, you know, you can call the other the back door, and this is your front door. You're going out.
[00:12:55] Speaker B: True.
[00:12:56] Speaker A: But I mean, basically either the theme park is in your front yard or.
[00:13:00] Speaker B: Your backyard, which is outstanding.
[00:13:03] Speaker A: I mean, incredible.
But let's say we just dive right into Celestial park, shall we?
So, Steph, out of the three of us, you're the only one that so far has actually been.
Has stepped foot, has graced the Celestial park grounds.
[00:13:27] Speaker B: I did. And I wanted to do a special shout out again to Fairy Tale Journeys Travel for the special preview ticket that they offered to us for the mouse ears to be able to go and experience this, not just for all of you guys, but also for our. Our clients.
Celestial Park. Wow.
Like you said, it is just breathtaking to see Celestial park because it's grand.
That's like the best way that I can describe it, because grand in size, grand in scale, grand in just the theming.
The first thing you. You see is the Kronos Portal.
I mean, we. Every single theme park has some sort of iconic structure. Correct. Epic is known for their portals. They don't just have one, they have five.
And to be able to basically go through this portal in every land really contributes to that immersive detail that all these incredible engineers created for the experience of guests.
So first thing you do is go through this incredible Kronos Portal, and when you look up, you'll see that there is. So every land has their own symbol.
So for instance, how to train a dragon. Has a dragon, rightfully so when you look up to see the Kronos Portal, it is by far the biggest, largest structure of them all. And you'll see they'll have symbols for each of the different parks. At the top they have this, I don't know, contraption that's just spinning and I mean, it is just awe inspiring. You go in there, you're like, oh, my gosh, that's finally happening. This is awesome. I am taking a step through this magical world.
And as soon as you walk in, what's the first thing you see? You may or may not have seen this already from pictures of the Helios Grand Hotel, but they do have these beautiful, elegant gold sculptures. It almost looks like they're like these godlike sculptures. And there's a woman towards the entrance, and I'm talking the entrance, like the general public entrance where you. And she's in this half a moon kind of frame and she's facing the park.
Oh, my gosh and then on the other side, right outside of Helios grand, you have a male structure also in gold. I think there's like a falcon or bird of some sort with him posing and it's just, it really transports you. Like it's called Celestial park and you feel otherworldly. I mean you definitely get like this.
I mean the, the mythological feeling gods and the moon and the stars and it's just incredible. So anyways, I out of this world you would say yes, to say the least.
So you walk in and there's a lot of like fountains and water water tributes I guess throughout all of Celestial Park. And of course, if you haven't already gotten this, Celestial park is the largest land out of all five lands at Epic Universe. It from you basically have Celestial park running through the entire length of the park from the main entrance gate all the way to Helios Grand.
You cannot access any of the four lands, Isle of Burke, Nintendo Ministry of Magic or Dark Universe without exiting each of those portal and walking through Celestial Park. Celestial park is basically considered the central hub right down the middle.
There is no way you can miss this in all its grander.
So as soon as you walk in, just picture this with me. On the right hand side you have this phenomenal Starbucks which you absolutely need to get your morning coffee or your afternoon break from horrible sun.
But that's where you're going get your Starbucks. On the left hand side is where I'd say 80% of people are going to file because of early entry. That's the direction which you're going to go to for Super Nintendo World. They have like this really cool shopping area in there with like treats and snacks and stuff. It's really adorable because it's all.
It's like this. I don't even know what the story is behind here and I'm dying if anyone out there who's listening to this podcast knows the story about this character in these, in these little stores. On the left hand side in Celestial park before Atlantic and before Nintendo World, it's like this teddy bear and like a bunch of hot air balloons. I don't even know. I don't even know we stumbled in there like because we're just walking around at one point just trying to take in some of the extra stuff that you have and Celestial park because honestly, Celestial park, even though it's so grand, it's. I feel like it's very easy to overlook things because you're so focused on getting to that next portal. And don't Actually take in everything that there is in Celestial Park. And I'm talking food and drinks, photo opportunities, stores, I mean, you name it.
So anyways, you go, okay, your left hand side, you have all these stores, you. Then you're going to have Atlantic. And that is one of two sit down restaurants in all of Epic universe.
Guys, it is stunning. One of the biggest things, the biggest critiques me, and I've seen it over and over and over again by many, many, many different bloggers, is that there are a crap ton, and I mean crap ton of stairs everywhere you go. Do they have ramps and elevators? Yes, they do.
But if you're trying to move quick, you're just going to take the stairs, right? You need a stairs to go up and into Atlantic. Once you get in, it's gorgeous. And then you need stair. They have a hostess stand, they have a bar, beautiful bar. They have seats for you to be able to wait. And then stairs going down into the main dining area. But honestly you go in there, it's so grand because you really do have ceiling to floor windows. And no, it actually I don't know what voodoo they did or maybe it was just the time of day that I went in there.
I didn't feel hot by any means and the sunlight wasn't like, it wasn't crazy. You know, I really thought like, oh my gosh, I'm going to be eating with the sun in my eyes. I don't know, they, they must have put some sort of film or foil or whatever on the windows to make it where it kind of dimmed the lighting. But you still get that natural light without feeling overwhelmed by it. Fantastic job is beautiful. Even if you're not planning on sitting and dining there. Definitely go in and check it out. It's worth it.
Plus they have some really unique drinks there. They had a couple that I really wanted to try. Like I think they had like a cosmic something called cosmic or something. They've got some cool stuff.
Anyways, outside of Atlanta, we're going to keep walking and you're going to start rounding the corner to see the first portal which is Super Nintendo World. Now. Yes, towards the central. So the portals are facing outside towards the center. You're going to have mainly landscape and other water features. But again looking, you're going to go in and you're going to see you have your Super Nintendo portal. Gorgeous.
Because the thing about these portals, it's not just about the structure.
If you look at the floor again, we're going to talk about how Universal thought About every minute detail to make a standing impression.
You look down and you have like this massive star with all these different rainbow colors just outside of the portal. And you're seeing how this helps with the illusion of transitioning from one land into the next.
Nintendo World is a little bit unique. We kind of mentioned it.
There is a store and there is a fountain. There are certain elements of Super Nintendo World that are not inside Super Nintendo Land. They're actually just right outside. So if you keep walking past the portal, you're going to see what. What looks like a fountain with a Mario statue and some stars. It's really cute. And then just next to it, they're going to have a Super Nintendo store with merchandise.
So anyways, continuing on in no specific order because I really don't have a map in front of me. This is 100% from my experience, my memory. You're going to have a bunch of different quick service locations, as I would call them. You're going to have Frosty Moon, which is for ice cream. You're going to have. It's Less Sticky, which is a frozen drink bar.
[00:22:58] Speaker C: That sounds like a good one.
[00:23:00] Speaker B: I had the Mudslide there and I really thought I was gonna enjoy it.
I couldn't it. The rum was just too much, too overpowering. Michael ended up crushing it for me. Thank God, because I then went and enjoyed myself a nice beer because I am a beer girl. Over at the Plastered Owl inside Oak and what is it? Oaken Star Tavern.
Wow, guys.
Wow, wow, wow. OpenStar Tavern was phenomenal. Like, I cannot talk better about this place for food.
Michael and I had a pulled pork sandwich.
Oh, my gosh. They had a crinkle fries. They had mango bread. Let me talk to you about this mango bread. I mean, it is a step up to cornbread is phenomenal.
So when you get to the table, and Jen's mentioned it before, they do have QR codes where you can order from there. And then they bring you the food.
This particular location actually has at each table, like a little.
Oh, my gosh, what's that called? Like a little caddy for, like, condiments.
They have four different types of barbecue sauces.
[00:24:19] Speaker C: Interesting.
[00:24:20] Speaker B: Delicious. So, of course, what are we gonna do? We're gonna try all of them with our fries. And we did. Can't remember the names, but they were fantastic. It's fun. So it actually has like two dining hall areas where you can sit. We sat in the dining hall where the Plastered Owl is, which is tucked away. But they also have at this Location a stage. Now, we didn't see any live entertainment there, but I would assume like during the day they're gonna have some live entertainment while people are eating and kind of just really emphasizing just this grand ambiance. Highly, highly, highly recommend this place. Now, we were so in love with the food.
You know, the team members were just so unbelievably nice when we were there. And shout out to this guy, I cannot remember his name for the life of me. But May 7th, at around 2, 3 o' clock in the afternoon when me and Michael went, there was this gentleman there. He approached us, asked us how everything was and we said it was unbelievable. And we asked, you know, if there's any other things that he would recommend.
He was like, well, you definitely need to come back here and have breakfast here. And I can't remember through a life okay what he mentioned, but I remember, I remember me and Michael looked at her, we looked at each other. We're like, we're this close, this close to just biting the bullet and purchasing another preview ticket for the very next day just to be able to come back and experience breakfast because it just sounded phenomenal. So do yourself a favor and pre planned breakfast at Epic Universe Oaken Star Tavern might not be someplace you want to miss.
Okay. So another place that I was really looking forward to at Celestial park, unfortunately I did not end up eating there was Pizza Moon.
Y' all was so sad. During preview days they had a preview menu and one of the things that I was most looking forward to was to try their UBE pizza. I've heard great things about the food here, but the UBE Pizza was what I was most looking forward to. Yes, it is purple crust. They did not have it during the preview, preview days that I went. But Pizza Moon, it is so stinking cool. That whole entire place, the ambiance looks like a fairy tale book. I, I mean, I'm talking puppet like fairy tale moons and stars. And I mean y' all. I cannot emphasize how unbelievable the details.
Like everything, just absolutely everything.
You, you, you. The fact that you feel like you're inside a fairy tale book, immersed in any, any, any fairy tale book you can think of. You're immersed while eating pizza.
Just why not? But you wouldn't expect it, but it's there and it's fantastic. Again, love all the details. And even the cat, the team member costumes, so on point. They. So one of the things that's like that really stood out to me. Celestial Park. Depending on where you are, the costumes do change it's not one standard costume everywhere. So Pizza Moon has a different costume than those that are in Oakenstar Tavern, for instance.
So little things that you're just like, wow, these people thought of everything.
So anyways, right behind. And I think there's also like a Starbucks in that area too, on the left hand side.
Now if you walk a little bit further in front of Celestiki on the inside of the park, inside Celestial park, that's where you're going to start to see the very big, very elegant, very beautiful fountain that you're probably seeing all over your social media. That's where they're doing a lot of the water shows. Nighttime spectacular. There's a lot of grass.
Like what is it? It's like the stairs are made out of artificial grass. So it actually is like a lawn where you can hang out and sit at. You can watch the fire, you can watch the water show from there. You can take an afternoon break there. It looks very clean, very beautiful. Unfortunately, no shade, none whatsoever. So you are completely exposed to the elements. But it's a beautiful, beautiful lawn area that's. That's on the inside of Celestial Park. If you're facing Celestiki on the left hand towards the outside of Celestial park, that's where you're going to see the Dark Universe portal.
Also fantastic. I mean we've already talked about that.
So keep walking, keep walking. And on the left hand side, past Dark Universe, you're going to see what I have most been looking forward to trying and it was not open during my preview day. The Blue Dragon Pan Asian restaurant. That is table service restaurant number two. If you're keeping track, there's only two in all of the park. Everything else is considered a quick service.
The Blue Dragon is a Pan Asian restaurant and it provides a unique culinary experience with Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Yum.
All set in a vibrant ambiance highlighted by neon dragons and ethereal lanterns. How does this tie in with anything else in Celestial Park? I don't know. Do you know? Let us know because I have no idea. Is it cool? Is it appealing? Yes.
Yes it is.
[00:29:42] Speaker A: I mean with food like that, do you need it to tie in like everything else?
[00:29:48] Speaker B: Everything else makes sense. I think the only thing that would make sense is like, it's a dragon. So it's like otherworldly. But really, I don't know.
[00:29:57] Speaker C: I'm very disappointed that it was not open because that's one of the places that I am very interested in seeing the inside of.
[00:30:07] Speaker B: I wanted to Eat there. So that like Pan Asian is me and Michael's absolute favorite thing to eat. And I was so upset when I found out that it wasn't going to be open.
So yeah, if you be in there, if you're going, let me know because we're definitely wanting a review.
Okay. Going down the list, we did talk about Frosty Moon. Okay. So continuing past Pan Asia, sorry, the Blue Dragon, that's where you're gonna see the opposite side golden statue that I was mentioning earlier on right in front of Helios Grand.
So you'll see Helios grand basically almost like wraps around.
So I kind of envision Celestial park almost like a giant oval. That's a very not accurate shape, but it's like a giant oval. And Helios grand is kind of just like outlining the top part of this oval. It's just very beautifully done. But you'll see there are some stairs and some ramps that like kind of weave off to the sides. And that's how you're going to basically a get a picture of the statue and be able to go in and out of this resort. If that's something that you choose. Something that people might not realize is you don't. If you're staying at Grand Helios and that is pretty much the only way unless you want to pay over $135 for parking for the day, the only way you're really gonna be able to enjoy that, that access is if you're staying there and going into the park. However, people can make reservations at the restaurant or the bar at Helios grand and go to the restaurant if you're an Epic guest and be able to go in and out through that entrance. So you only have two sit down restaurants inside Epic, but really you have access to a third one. It's just inside the resort and it's only a couple extra steps past the Blue Dragon.
So don't discount that, that option basically.
So, okay, so we're gonna continue wrapping around. We're passing Helios Grand. We're passing part of, you know, the, the beautiful, gorgeous ethereal fountain. And now you're going to come across another quick service location and that's called Meteor Astrop.
I definitely get dinosaur vibes because you do look up when you walk in. You do look up and there is a meteor.
They like mimic and a meteor and they have multiple. And it's just, it's very embedded in the theming there. They have a fantastic looking bar and some seating area. They had great looking Sandwiches. We wanted to eat there, but there were not enough hours in the day to do everything.
Let's just be real. So. But they even had like this delicious looking, like it was like a four cheese grilled cheese with like the tomatoes. I mean it. They had some really nice looking stuff. I'll just let it be.
So that's the Meteor Astropub. And that is just a hop, skip and a jump from the entrance to Stardust Racers. Yes. Guys, we have finally made it to Stardust Racer. It is one of two attractions that you will find in Celestial park and it is as grand as you can imagine.
That is a long and big roller coaster.
Yeah.
[00:33:45] Speaker C: I didn't get a yeah with Stardust Racers. I'm a little concerned because if you remember, you know, 10 years ago when Islands of Adventure had Dueling dragons, same concept.
However, you know, they went and shut down Dueling Dragons way before Hogsmeade showed up.
And now maybe that was the whole plan that they were going to do.
But we always heard, you know, oh, it was dangerous because, you know, sinking was one of them. Things were flying out of people's pockets or people would throw pennies at the other train when they like you know, come up like that.
There was a bunch of different things.
So it'll be interesting to see what happens with Stardust Racers.
[00:34:36] Speaker B: I'll be honest, this place looks, or this place. I say this attraction looks cool from any point of view.
You can see this from Isle of Burke. You can see this from the Grand Helios. Seeing this at night with the lights.
[00:34:53] Speaker C: Oh has been all over my videos.
[00:34:56] Speaker B: I was very upset. It was closed the entire time that I was there for my preview day. And it was probably one I was most looking forward to. Isle of Burke, the land. And I was most looking forward to Stardust Racer as the attraction. So unfortunately I didn't get to try that out. But I'm hearing it's exhilarating. People who are thrill seekers are not disappointed with this ride.
You know, people are comparing it to Dueling Dragons. If you're, you know, if you're familiar with Islands of Adventure in days past. And Velocicoaster, Is it as fast as Velocicoaster?
I don't know. You'll have to let me know.
But anyways, that is.
[00:35:33] Speaker A: Well, it says it goes up to 62 miles an hour, which is what.
[00:35:38] Speaker C: I think velocicoaster is about 65, I believe.
[00:35:42] Speaker A: And like you talked about the how long the Track is, says 5000 Foot Track.
[00:35:49] Speaker B: It looks Very long and intricate, but, like building. Like, it's all building. Oh, my God. And weaving and everything. I know there's two different tracks, but still, it looks. It looks awesome.
[00:36:02] Speaker C: So you said 5,000ft. Is that both tracks combined or is that per track?
I'm just curious.
[00:36:09] Speaker B: Yeah, I would love to get one of those engineers on this.
On this podcast to interview them.
[00:36:17] Speaker C: Really? That's all we need to know. How long is it? That's all we need. A goodbye.
[00:36:21] Speaker B: Yeah, right.
[00:36:22] Speaker A: Whoa. No, no, no. It's like. So we have just follow up 20 more questions about Epic. So.
[00:36:32] Speaker B: All right, so let's see.
Sorry, I was looking. What? No, yeah, I was just looking at the notes because there's a couple of things that I already mentioned. But anyways, so past Stardust Racer and guys, believe it or not, most of this I am. It is coming straight out of memory and nothing else. There's only a couple things that I've glanced at the document. So that's why I'm like, have I said this? Have I not said this?
So past Stardust Racer, you're going to start approaching very, very close.
Is going to be the Isle of Burke Portal. But just outside of the Isle of Burke portal, you're gonna see what is called the stars Star Sui Bao. Quick service location. It. Honestly, the first time I saw it, I thought it was a guest services kiosk. Now they do have guest services kiosk in several. Like, I think I want to say, honestly, in front of almost every portal.
I didn't mention that. But now I am the star Sooty Bow. Don't get that one confused with the guest services because it is not.
They probably have a few different, like, bao buns. They have one that the bao bun is actually black.
Some. Some bloggers have posted. It looked delicious. Didn't try it, just kind of kept on going.
Also, I think I remember correctly, I also think this was in front of Isle of Burke, just on the other side.
It was like churros and pretzels and, you know, your typical park food. Right.
Fries. I just.
And I don't even know what the name was or anything, but they've got little places for just random popcorn and park food like that that isn't, you know, specialty food in a way.
So that's Isle of Burke. And then we're rounding up and we're kind of heading back towards the front. And that's where, you know, you have the Starbucks that I mentioned earlier.
So we're not done with Celestial park because I got to Mention a few things that are sprinkled down the middle. One of the things sprinkled down the middle is actually another hot dog kiosk location.
Arguably on the others, just across from the pretzel churro one that I just mentioned, they have a hot dog one. It's just like there's like a little bridge that if you wanted to cut from Isle of Burke and go straight to like Nintendo World without having to go all the way to the front of the park, you can cut down the middle and there's like a nice photo op opportunity there where you can take a picture with the portal, the Kronos portal and the this first gold statue. There's a nice photo opportunity there with some photo people.
But then just past that is a hot dog place and oh my gosh, they had a couple hot dogs that looked delicious. And I'm not talking like a standard hot dog, that's plain Jane. No talking like a Philly cheesesteak hot dog and some other crazy stuff. And you know, full meal.
Full meal, no doubt.
And then just past that. Right. I'd argue it's like right in the center. Smack dab in the center of Celestial park is the carousel.
The carousel is Constellation Carousel. This carousel isn't your typical merry go round. It features a variety of celestial creatures like lions, dragons and peacocks. As each creature rotates 360 degrees, riders are generally lifted up to 6ft in the air, adding extra excitement to the ride. This imaginative twist on a classical theme park attraction is designed to captivate visitors of all ages.
Very cute, very pretty. Really the most captivating thing about this is like the colors. I didn't get to go on it. I did see it during the day and I did see it at night. It has all these twinkling lights in the evening.
I would have loved to have gone gotten on it at night. But as you've probably heard from previous episodes, when nighttime hit, I was bolting to Ministry of Magic and trying to just get last minute things that unexpectedly open at the last hour of my park day. But honestly, it's very, very pretty. It doesn't have like an abundant amount of seats, but it is different and it's cute and it's just, it's very pretty.
In my opinion, very fairy tale esque.
Now you have here Astronomica Experience, a refreshing break in this interactive water play area designed like a compass rose. Here guests can enjoy splashing around in playful fountains that dance and swirl around them, creating a delightful and cooling experience.
I'll be honest I really think I passed the this and the water was not on.
So I didn't quite register it. But I do remember when I was with Michael, we walked past it and I saw the little like, you know, like little silver holes on the ground where the water's supposed to shoot up and we're cutting through. I think that if I remember correctly, this is one of the ways to cut through to get to another part of. I don't know, doesn't matter.
And I remember looking down and me and Michael look at each other and we're like, imagine if we just get sprayed with water while I'm holding the Osmo trying to get footage around this park.
We're like. Because we didn't know any better. It wasn't on. It wasn't like people were, you know. So yeah, I remember that. It's. I don't remember seeing a sign for it to be like an official play area. So hopefully there is one. So people don't just randomly just walk and get splashed with water.
But that's cool that they have it, especially with the lack of shade. There are a lot of trees and yes, they can replace them if they wanted to, but really, even once those trees grow out, that land is so big and spread out, I really don't expect it to get that much shadier. Once these, you know, the foliage grows, it's. It's very ethereal either way.
Let's see Moonship Chocolates and Celestial Sweets. That's the one that I mentioned the very, very beginning with like the hot air balloon and like a teddy bear and stuff.
Really, really cool.
Sensorium Emporium Vincent Various, the legendary explorer Celestial park has transformed his workshop into a treasure trove of unique, unique shops, each brimming with one of a kind merchandise waiting to be discovered.
I think that's next to the chocolate and sweets. I think that's all connected.
Then they have the other world's mercantile, the North Star Wintry Wonders, Lens Flare. I want to say those shops. Yes, the North Star Wintry Wonders and Other Worlds Mercantile. Those are next to the start. A Starbucks towards the entrance on your way to Isle of Burke on the right hand side.
Lens Flare. No idea. But I will say that there are again kiosks for little to. To be able to get like little trinkets. Trinkets, like epic trinkets all over. Like these aren't by any means the only food or shopping locations through Celestial Park. And again you have customer service and you have other things. You've got bathrooms and I Mean, you've got streetmosphere. I didn't get a chance to see it, but I know Jen did.
They have, like, these people that are dressed in statues and they're just walking around and, like, interacting with guests, but they're. They're like moving statues. Very, very cool, very unique.
So again, and then I think there was also, like, a violinist at. At one point playing.
So there's a lot of things going on in Celestial park, and that's not even really going into details about what kind of nighttime shows that they're doing with fireworks. You know, we did. I did mention the water fountain having some nighttime spectacular and lights and songs and whole thing, but, you know, more to be discovered as the days continue once, you know, since this park is now officially open.
Now, I see someone has here a Joey tip. Who wants to take over the Joey tip? Brooks?
[00:45:08] Speaker A: I'll take the Joey tip. So if you. If you remember, we're calling our fun facts Joey tips, because, you know, I would say a friend of a friend of the podcast, Jay, met the lovely Joey Fontone of NSYNC when she got to go.
So said gave tips. So we're just calling them Joey. Our Joey tip of the day.
So with. With Celestial park, this area truly comes to life at night.
So look closely. The lights atop each portal will send out beams that converge at the Chronos and that stands at the front of Celestial Park.
[00:45:58] Speaker C: That is pretty cool.
[00:46:00] Speaker B: That's crazy, Steph.
[00:46:01] Speaker A: Like you were saying, basically, Celestial park is the hub, and everything just. Everything branches out from there. Well, at night, everything converges back, so you branch out and now you're coming back.
[00:46:19] Speaker C: It is pretty cool.
[00:46:20] Speaker A: Yeah. But I think with that, we have covered all four. All five lands.
[00:46:27] Speaker B: Yeah, it's a lot.
[00:46:28] Speaker A: It's only taken us three episodes.
[00:46:32] Speaker B: And there's so many more details that we could actually dive into. And it's not even really talking too much about food and all this stuff, so.
[00:46:41] Speaker C: Well, it's kind of hard when Celestial park holds 80% of the food options through the entire park. Yeah, so that. That. That part does get a little difficult. We would be here for hours. For hours just talking about food.
[00:46:55] Speaker B: I mean, not a bad. Not a bad way to spend a Thursday night. Just kidding.
[00:46:59] Speaker C: No. No, it's not.
[00:47:01] Speaker A: But we might need. I mean, if we talk for hours and hours, we might need a place to lay our head.
Well, luckily, Epic has now brought three new hotels to lay our lovely heads down at night. I think we've mentioned them again. Terra Luna, Stellaluna and Helios Grand Hotel Nova. Why do I always mix those up?
[00:47:28] Speaker C: Tongue twisters.
[00:47:29] Speaker B: It happens every single time. And you're not the only.
[00:47:32] Speaker A: It's like me reading the Hiccup eponymous book to Ellie every night.
But for Tara Luna Kelton, I think you're, you're going to talk about this lovely hotel.
[00:47:46] Speaker C: Yeah. So I'll, I'll just do a quick overview of, of Terra Luna and Stella Nova because they're kind of similar with slight.
What would we call it? Theming to a point, but still kind.
[00:48:01] Speaker A: Of like, kind of like Endless Summer and Dockside.
[00:48:05] Speaker C: Endless Summer Dockside, Endless Summer Surfside. The exact same thing.
[00:48:09] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:48:09] Speaker C: But so for Terra Luna, the resort kind of draws the inspiration from the planetary elements of the universe. And it shows from the moment that you walk through the doors. Really kind of gives, kind of mixes in with Celestial Park a little bit with just everything outside of the planet Earth. However, the lobby features modern rounded edges, circular light fixtures and very subtle planetary motives.
All motifs. There was no. There's a T in that word in the document.
I missed that.
All bathed in natural light streaming through curved windows. And of course in this space in the lobby you'll have the front desk, a Universal Studio store and a variety of dining and drink options for your stay. Now, of course with Stella Nova, very, very similar, you know, hotel lobby, except, you know, for this one, it's more kind of like a black hole. Ish. When you arrive. Now, now this one I actually got to see which was excellent, y' all. I mean, prime value hotel. Like these were beautiful.
So let me see here. The swirling black hole setting, the celestial tone. When you step inside, you find space inspired elements that strike perfect, and I mean perfect balance.
A very tasteful, modern, but never overwhelming. Very thoughtful touches like, just like Terra Luna with the natural light just glistening through the spaceship style windows and the very subtle starring galaxy murals, you know, all over the interior.
With this one as well, same thing. You'll have food and dining options for Stella Nova.
Now we're going to jump back over to Terra Luna with just some of the room. Now all of these rooms a little different. I thought all the rooms at both Terra Luna and Stella Nova only have two queen beds. Now you have your standard view, then you have, I believe a, like a pool view with I think what it's called. And then you have your ADA option rooms there as well.
So. Very nice. Very. I, if we had to, if I had to sit there and kind of look. Well, what does it compare to, to the theme park down the road there and I'd have to say probably very much on like a pop century art of animation vibe. Just without opening the door, you know, to the outside, you open up to a hallway type of thing there. But for Terra Luna, dining wise, you've got four different options, all designed to fit whatever needs you may have. Whether you're fueling up for the day in the parks or of course winding down after one. Because as Steph said, y' all, you're tired after epic. I mean, that's just the way it goes on that one.
But for Terra Luna, we've got the Omega Cafe and Market which has your breakfast, lunch, dinner options and of course everything in between with a nice grab and go area for when you're running out to the parks.
It does have a very large kind of dining seating area to take a break, kick your feet up, take off your shoes, all that good stuff.
If you're craving a little something as you're relaxing for the day, maybe out at the pool. Over there you've got Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill serving up all of those, you know, tasty pool bites, refreshing drinks and of course for guest 21 and up all of those great tasty alcoholic beverages.
[00:52:27] Speaker B: That outside bar looks incredible. Incredible.
[00:52:31] Speaker C: Yo, I.
[00:52:32] Speaker B: Incredible.
[00:52:34] Speaker C: I know, I know.
And in the lobby we've got some different craft cocktails at the Lunar the Luna Bar alongside some timeless classic ones. Great place. As soon as you check in, boom, the bar is right there. Get that vacation on if that's your style.
And when you're waiting in the day.
[00:52:57] Speaker B: At 5:00pm yes, the bar in the lobby does open at 5, so 5:00.
[00:53:02] Speaker C: Clock if check ins at 4, just hang on, check in at 5, just. It'll be okay. And then of course after a long day in the park, you got pizza delivery. Can't beat pizza delivery on that one.
Jumping on down to Stella Nova, since these are pretty much close to the same room wise, we've got a very cosmetic escape here at Stellanova. The hotel features 750, like I said, double queen rooms with very that celestial ambiance. So very similar to what Terra Nova is. So we're going to move on down to the dining section, but they also have four different dining areas. Same thing with your Cosmos Cafe and Market offering your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Along with those grab and go's, you've got the Nova Bar and the hotel lobby. Gonna assume the same thing about a 5pm open time there for that one.
And then outside as you're relaxing by the pool. You got the, what is it called? The Galaxy Bar and the Galaxy Grill hanging there outside.
And for the same thing, you got pizza delivery after those long days in the park.
I'm telling you it is.
I wish I was there. Oh, do I wish I was there.
[00:54:27] Speaker A: Yep.
[00:54:28] Speaker C: Oh, see, you got it. Yeah, a little Terra Luna card it.
[00:54:33] Speaker B: I tell you, I loved opening this with my room and then seeing.
Welcome to the universal Terra Luna Resort. We hope you have an epic stay.
Boy, did I ever.
Caroluna, big fan.
Little bit further away from Stella Nova.
The walk is a point. I think it told me the path is 0.9 miles away from the entrance to Epic Universe where Stella Nova is a little bit closer. There is no walkway between Salanova Terra Luna into Helios. No.
Does not exist. But you can from these two walk to Epic Universe should you want to. But they do have buses and I.
[00:55:23] Speaker C: Think that's a good thing because if you're paying more money to stay at, you know, Helios grand, like I don't know if I would want people really flooding all those places as well.
But to get to the pools put, you know, all those amenities as well. Here for Terra Nova We've got a zero entry, 10,000 square foot resort style pool.
Zero entry, 10,000 square feet.
That's a, I mean it's quarter of an acre. That's a big pool lot. That is a big, big pool. Of course you are surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs so you don't have to get out there early. You know, just take your time in the morning if you're on a resort stay.
[00:56:13] Speaker B: But they also have, you know what I noticed, and I don't know if you did.
Every single lounge chair around the pool has a tag and a QR code so that you can order food and drinks from wherever you're, you are. By the pool, of course.
[00:56:34] Speaker C: I mean, why would you not? Because along with that we've got splash pads. The fact that it has these two resorts have hot tubs and this low, it's not a low grade, but a lower tier hotel is perfect.
Great way to soak after a long park day. But you also have a fire pit and just so much more.
And if you gotta keep moving after that, you know, the resort also has, you know, a fitness center on site, laundry as well. And just right outside we've got an arcade in there too, which is great.
But then right outside, of course you got the buses to get you to, you know, either Epic or on over to Universal CityWalk to enjoy Universal Orlando.
[00:57:27] Speaker A: To everyone's favorite ride, the moving walkway to City Walk.
[00:57:33] Speaker C: Now it's the moving walkway to Voodoo Donuts.
[00:57:36] Speaker A: That's right, to Voodoo Donuts.
[00:57:37] Speaker C: Get it right. That's right.
[00:57:40] Speaker A: Hashtag season one.
[00:57:42] Speaker C: That was a long time ago.
[00:57:43] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:57:46] Speaker C: And kind of the same with Stella Nova and their, their hotel pool there as well. It's got great places to relax with all the lounge chairs, a pool bar, hot tub, splash pad for the kids.
And they even have a sandy area as well to bring in a touch of that Florida. Those Florida beaches as well.
They've got plenty of amenities to go along with everything. Like, you know, your state of the art fitness center, your laundry facilities, don't forget about the arcade and of course, the extra bus stops outside. I think that does it for these two grand hotels.
Steph, you were holding the rundown paper document for Terra Luna, correct?
[00:58:38] Speaker B: Yeah, it's a Terra Luna, but it's.
[00:58:40] Speaker C: It would be for both.
[00:58:41] Speaker B: For both. Stella Nuba and Stella Nuva. You see, it's hard. Stella Nuva, Stella Nuva, Stella Nova and Terra Luna. And it's just basically showing you all the different things that you would need or should know when you're staying at any of these resorts, such as, you know, doing express checkout, you know, what, what you should do with your towels, if you should hang them or leave them on the ground for housekeeping, that they do come every single day if you want laundry done, you know, smoke fee, look, what are the, you know, prices for calls, so on and so forth. But all the rooms have all these details. It's just, honestly, I just love the details of the colors. Like, seriously, I'm obsessed. They're so pretty. They do such a great job.
[00:59:28] Speaker C: The last thing I will say about it though is the fact that, you know, just like every other universal Lowe's partner hotel or resort, the Universal Vacation planning desk is also right down in the lobby where you'll pick up your tickets, your express passes. If you have any questions about your vacation, those team members down there are who you're going to want to talk to.
[00:59:53] Speaker B: Now, one last thing I want to say is that I was staying at Terra Luna and it's arguably, it is not arguably. It is the furthest of the three hotels in the South Campus.
And I had a theme park view room. Yes, that is right.
You can see the theme park from some of the rooms at Terra Luna. I mean, it's not like very, very close, but you can see gonna have a good view of Dark Universe. You can see parts of Stardust Racers and parts of Nintendo World. Again, not super close, but you can see it undoubtedly. And it's just a really, really cool thing that some people might not expect to be able to do or see from their room. So that's something that you're interested in. I definitely recommend requesting that.
[01:00:46] Speaker C: Well, we have one more hotel to talk about, don't we? There, Brooksy baby.
[01:00:49] Speaker A: That's right.
So we have the Helios Grand Hotel. This is their.
I mean, and it's almost kind of like the.
I mean it's almost like the Cinderella's castle of Epic Universe.
[01:01:10] Speaker C: It really is.
[01:01:12] Speaker A: Yeah, it is. Is absolutely stunning.
But the Helios Grand Hotel is where the celestial meets the terrestrial. Say that five sounds fast.
Where the celestial.
[01:01:27] Speaker C: Celestial meets the terrestrial.
[01:01:29] Speaker A: Where the celestial meets the terrestrial.
There once was a hiccup eponymous who hiccup quite a lot of us.
So you enter the palace of Helios, the Greek God of the sun.
Adorned with celestial patterns, constellations and Mediterranean designed elements.
You have unparalleled unique views of Celestial park through its lobby's floor to ceiling windows.
Alongside exclusive access to Epic Universe for guests staying in any of its 500 luxurious rooms. Now this was one thing that I feel I was kind of surprised at.
You know, Terra Luna and Stella Nova have more rooms than Helios.
[01:02:22] Speaker B: Part of the exclusivity factor.
[01:02:26] Speaker A: But you can get, you have more options other than just two queen beds.
But talking about the rooms, you have 500 rooms in the Helios Grand Hotel providing even more spaces for guests to unwind and escape. Each room, a temporary home away from home, is inspired by a garden with many offering views of Epic Universe for a stay that's as memorable as it is comfortable. There's also club level. There's also how to train your dragon kid sweets or for the kid inside of you. Because I would want to stay in the how to train your dragon kid suites.
[01:03:19] Speaker B: I definitely would.
[01:03:20] Speaker A: Yeah. Here little ones can soar into the skies and rest among dragons in a vibrant room inspired by the Viking village of Birkin.
And also guests can also tune into the show into the evening lagoon shows audio through their in room televisions. That is cool.
[01:03:47] Speaker C: That is cool.
[01:03:48] Speaker B: Love that.
[01:03:49] Speaker C: That I will give you Universal.
[01:03:52] Speaker A: So if you're staying at Helios and for some reason you want to be back in your room when they're having this nighttime show, you can literally lay in bed and listen to it from the tv.
[01:04:07] Speaker C: So let's talk about the fact that why has Disney not thought about doing this with Happily Ever after or whatever show they have out of the, you know, the Magic Kingdom. When you're sitting there and you've already paid $3,000 a night for this bungalow on the water and they don't. I mean yes, they pipe in the music on the beach, but if I wanna.
Or the restaurant. But if I wanna sit in my swimming poolish thing on my patio on my $3,000 a night bungalow or my 250 point, you know, point per night, you know, I. Why can't I have that? So great job. Universal.
[01:04:49] Speaker A: Yeah. So and like I said, this hotel also features standard and club room categories.
[01:04:58] Speaker B: There are no express passes being offered at this signature resort. We need to highlight this at this time.
[01:05:06] Speaker C: You did say that about the, the virtual queue and look last episode and look what happened on that one.
[01:05:14] Speaker B: I, I don't looking promising though. The virtual Q1 at least we, we heard rumblings it wasn't going to stay this one. We're not hearing anything like absolutely, I don't know, promising news.
[01:05:28] Speaker A: I don't think they're going to do it this year.
That, that is my. That I think they will eventually because they have done it with. And this is just Brooks talking.
[01:05:41] Speaker B: If, if it happens. You heard it here first.
[01:05:45] Speaker C: But I think they're going to do it.
[01:05:46] Speaker A: I think they're going to do it eventually. I think it might be a 2026. I think I wouldn't be surprised too if they don't include EPIC in the annual passes until 2026 or closer to 2026.
[01:06:03] Speaker C: It'll happen.
[01:06:04] Speaker A: Yeah.
[01:06:04] Speaker C: 2027 is my guess.
[01:06:08] Speaker B: For annual pass?
[01:06:09] Speaker C: No, for express passes. Express pass for the hotel, yeah.
[01:06:15] Speaker A: But not only do they have amazing rooms, they have amazing food.
So when hunger strikes. Flora Taverna, however or Taverna, this full service restaurant offers not only breakfast, lunch and dinner, but a lobby bar set in a light and airy atmosphere.
Delight in an open kitchen, open style kitchen where you can watch chefs at work serving savoring Mediterranean comfort foods fresh from the pizza ovens.
Don't miss dining al fresco with a breathtaking view of Celestial Park's scenic beauty. That sounds incredible.
[01:07:02] Speaker C: This is the one on top floor, isn't it?
[01:07:05] Speaker A: No, I believe so.
[01:07:06] Speaker B: As soon as you walk into the lobby you'll see on either side just like very small desks and that's where you check in. The lobby is not big at all.
The resort as a whole is very thin in nature.
It's big and grand, but it's thinner. That's the impression I got.
And as soon as you walk in on the left hand side you're going to see the restaurant right pretty much right behind right next to the the check in desks there.
And you're going to see the bar is the first thing. And then you'll see all the seating. You have seating just down the middle and then along the windows. That does give use to Celestial Park.
Now just down the center of the lobby you've got some seating areas and then you've got floor to ceiling windows where you can see out into Celestial Park. And as you can walk out there is a almost like a balcony area and you'll be able to see right down the middle right behind that golden statue that is closest to Helios. Grant.
Sorry, please continue.
[01:08:20] Speaker A: Oh no, you're good.
But also there is Aurora Market for it if you need a quick energy boost which is.
[01:08:31] Speaker B: And that's going to be right on the right hand side. So if Florida Tavern is on the left when you walk in, this one's on the right.
[01:08:38] Speaker A: Gotcha.
This is the hotel's contemporary coffee shop and market.
They have freshly roasted coffee, a selection of grab and go food items, wine on tap and a variety of snacks and desserts available all day.
And then also if you're lounging by the pool you have Lotus Lagoon, which is the poolside bar and grill.
You can get a refreshing cocktail or a mocktail for for your DB and enjoy a selection of casual fare including burgers, salads, sandwiches and more, all while soaking up the sun.
And then perched up high, Helios Grand Hotel features a stylish rooftop lounge bar Helios and the menu features a mix mixture of creative tapas and familiar favorites complemented by handcrafted specialty cocktails.
And you have a burger and slider menu. Salad, seafood, lamb and chicken heroes and inventive tapas and antipasti dine against a backdrop of breathtaking 360 degree views of the epic universe and beyond.
[01:10:12] Speaker B: I've got a lot to say about Bar Helios.
[01:10:15] Speaker A: Do tell.
[01:10:17] Speaker B: It is magnanimous in nature.
[01:10:21] Speaker A: Nice.
[01:10:21] Speaker B: It is probably one of the coolest bars looking bars that I've ever been in.
So when you go into the Helios lobby on the right hand side there's going to be like a little hallway.
When you walk in the hallway there's going to be a store past. The store you're going to see on the left hand side is actually going to be security where you would need to pass if you're going to Epic Universe. On the right hand side you're going to see elevators. Something that's really unique, very different, very cool about the Helios Grand Hotel is that the elevators, that elevator area has these moving pictures and it almost looks like stainless glass windows because of the colors and what they project.
But it's basically projecting night and day. And it has this Greek mythological look to it. I mean it is, it is stunning. It is gorgeous. I mean the gold and the, the warm tones. Tones and the purples. I mean it is very ethereal.
So anyways, you get into the elevator and you go all the way to the rooftop and that's when you arrive and you see a hostess stand. If you have a reservation. Great. I do recommend it. If you don't, there is a waiting list. But it's first come, first serve and you really just don't know how long you're gonna be there. But Michael and I actually got lucky and we're able to get walk up and, and 15 minute wait. So if you're waiting to be seated, they actually do have basically like a balcony terrace. Now I got.
You might laugh at me, but I got.
What's that giant building in New York?
[01:12:12] Speaker A: It's not the Rockefeller Empire State Building.
[01:12:15] Speaker B: That one. Thank you. Totally forgot. So you know like when you walk outside the Empire State Building on the top floor floor there's like these like rails, really high rails so you don't actually jump out.
But it's very windy. But you got really cool point of view. They've got rails, but then they also have like these plexiglass so you can see all of Epic Universe.
Wow. Guys, you don't actually have to be in Bar Helios to be able to.
Sorry, that was my dog. You don't have to be inside Bar Helios to get this particular pov. It is stunning at night. Forget about it. Just do yourself a favor and go at night.
I'm not even gonna try and explain just how beautiful that is in the evening. But anyways, they have all of these like sofas and seating areas all like lining up against this wall leading into Bar Helios. When you walk into Bar Helios, it's actually this round spherical space and the bar is situated right in the middle. You've got obviously seating right along the edge of the bar and then you've got some high tops scattered about.
Then you've got some low tops against the window and further down. But you really want to be in like the center spherical hub because when you look up, you're looking at all these celestial constellations. It is wow, dark tones of blue and gold stars everywhere, everywhere. I mean you feel like, I don't know, I don't know. It's just, it's gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. So we sat at the bar. Drink menu looks fantastic. The bartenders there are super, super friendly.
I mean it's, it's got great music, great vibe. It's beautiful. The details, you. You feel immersed, like you just.
I can't, I can't put into words just how beautiful this place is. But anyways, you can actually step outside and they actually do have extra seating outside along the ledge. Now if you're looking at the Helios Grand Hotel from Epic, there is like this giant, it's not like a clock, but it's like this giant circle almost like a medallion.
Bar Helios is actually right behind it. So there are seats right behind that medallion and you can see past it and into the park.
I'm assuming these are going to be spots that are specific to people with reservations and you're going to sit and eat, not just have a drink.
When I went in the evening, not only was it a spectacular view because all the lights, all the people, all the motion of rides and everything and then you look inside and you've got these gorgeous gold constellations in the ceiling.
Plus the music is just fantastic.
It is ridiculously windy. Ridiculously windy. Just like the Empire State Building.
I would not be able to sit out there and enjoy a meal that is way too windy. And I don't know how it must be during the day. I don't know if they have fans with the sun and the heat because yes, like you have cover but you're still exposed to the elements.
So don't know if it's gonna be super windy. Don't know if it's, you know, super hot. I don't know what to expect during the day. At night it was gorgeous. But you will find me sitting at the bar.
That's where I will be happily, as long as I can.
Now when I spoke to the bartender, Chit chan, they were mentioning that they were anticipating for this opening week that bar Helios was going to have an estimated six hour wait time. Is this true or is this not true? I don't know. I'm not physically there. We won't know because you can't see that on the app. But that is what they were actively participly preparing for because this place is definitely going to be a hot Commodity.
And if you're going, you need to go. You need to make time and make a reservation. It is hard to come to the reservation, but make it because that point of view, I mean, yes, you can walk outside the lobby of the Helios grand and see some of it and you're still going to be in awe. There's nothing like the point of view from up there. It is beautiful at night.
So.
Yeah, Brooks, I'll send you a picture so you can use it as a thumbnail.
[01:17:00] Speaker A: Sounds good.
[01:17:01] Speaker B: But that's what I have to say about Bar Helios. Don't miss it. Please don't miss it.
[01:17:06] Speaker A: Yeah. And then rounding out the dining options, there's 24 hour room service that is also available with selections from Flora is. How do you. Is it Taverna?
[01:17:18] Speaker B: I would call it Flora or is it Florida? Taverna.
[01:17:25] Speaker A: Taverna. Okay.
[01:17:26] Speaker B: Yeah.
[01:17:27] Speaker A: So and then just real quick with the amenities they have. They also have a zero entry pool equipped with underwater speakers and offer full sack of cabanas for rent, a hot tub, poolside movies, recreational activities and more.
If you're into this, you can also take advantage of their complimentary state of the art fitness center including strength and cardio equipment with locker rooms and showers. The hotel's dedicated game rooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of standard arcade and video games for some virtual fun.
Helios also features approximately a thousand square feet of multi purpose spaces for small gatherings.
And then also remember to stop by the Universal Studios store for everything from sundries to necessities and merch to commemorate a stellar vacation.
[01:18:34] Speaker C: Stellar indeed. I mean, and we all saw the picture that they were just starting to sell Legend of Zelda stuff.
[01:18:41] Speaker A: Yep.
[01:18:42] Speaker C: So what could be coming down the line?
[01:18:44] Speaker A: I still think that, I still think that they're going to put in a wicked area.
[01:18:50] Speaker C: That'd be cool.
[01:18:51] Speaker A: Yeah.
But one thing that we have not talked about is parking at these hotels.
Just real quick.
So one difference between staying at a Disney Hotel and a Universal Hotel, Universal does have the resort fee, so you do pay for parking per day, which basically is pretty much like any other hotel that you're staying at down there other than on property. Disney Hotel, the good neighbor hotels. You do pay for parking, but parking at Terran Luna and stella Nova is $30 plus tax per vehicle per day.
So basically whatever the cost of your room is, just tack on 30 additional dollars parking. Yeah.
[01:19:54] Speaker B: I want to reiterate or iterate.
If you're paying parking at one hotel, if you're staying, you still have to pay for parking somewhere else. Like if you're going to go have a dining reservation, say at Helios grand and you're staying at Terra Luna, you would have to pay for parking at Helios grand if you wanted to drive there.
Or take a bus from Terra Luna or Sarah Luna to CityWalk back over to Grand Helio or Helios Grand. Not ideal. I recommend Ubering. That's what we ended up doing. We did take the bus from Terra Luna to citywalk, had dinner there.
Then the bus from citywalk to Helios for a bar at Barhelio, for a drink at Barhelios, and then we ubered because could you imagine that's 20 minutes one from one resort there, another 20, we would have gotten that back to the hotel. I don't know when, where it would have just been a five minute at most Uber ride, which is what we did. Best $6.
[01:21:09] Speaker C: Gonna make a killing down there.
[01:21:11] Speaker B: Yeah. Best $7 I spent. I don't care.
It's just.
[01:21:16] Speaker C: No, they're gonna make a killing.
[01:21:18] Speaker B: Yeah.
[01:21:19] Speaker A: And then the price for parking at Helios if you're staying there is $36 plus tax per vehicle per day.
To a day pass to park there is $125.
[01:21:36] Speaker C: So that's outrageous.
[01:21:39] Speaker B: That's almost exclusive.
[01:21:41] Speaker A: Yeah.
So, but I, I can kind of understand the larger for the day pass. So try to discourage people from trying to just park there and then going in.
So.
But it is, that is something to take into consideration. Just tack on that 30 or $36 to your room rate per day, which you can't prepay.
[01:22:16] Speaker B: You, you can only pay when you check it.
[01:22:18] Speaker A: Yeah.
So any last thoughts?
[01:22:25] Speaker C: Yeah. So I'm quickly looking and I'm on board with wanting them to keep it exclusive because for checking in June 21st and checking out on the 24th of June. So just a simple like three night stay for a pool view. Two queen bed is 722.
So that is right up there with the rest of their, you know, its signature partners on room cost. Yes.
Charge. You know, they can charge the 125.
Absolutely.
[01:23:02] Speaker A: So Steph, any last tips? Or Joey. Or Joey tips.
[01:23:09] Speaker B: I honestly loved staying at Terra Luna. I thought it was fantastic. Like I said, request, you know, if you can request a theme park view room, if they have it available, why not? You know, your experience, your epic experience can start as soon as you walk in. And that facade on the outside with like all the different shimmering lights, it is so stinking cool.
Truly. I mean, don't sleep on these resorts. If, if Helios is not within your budget, definitely try and stay at Celanova or Terra Luna. Love them.
Just remember 2026 packages are now available and they are per day, not per park ticket. So if you want three part days, you can do three park days at any of the three parks you want in any order, any kind of way. So if you wanted to do. No, not Volcano Bay.
Volcano Bay is going to be closed between October and March. So actually in 2026, Volcano Bay is going to be the add on park rather than Epic. How it is now in 2020, which.
[01:24:13] Speaker C: Is odd how they, you know, they all. Yeah, it's odd.
[01:24:16] Speaker B: I agree, I agree. Because now but it basically, it basically makes all three theme parks, not the water park in the same price point across the board because it's. You're paying for the same price.
You're just paying the days. So if you wanted to do three days at Epic, you can do that.
So I 100% my personal opinion is if you're gonna go to Epic and you have the time, Epic is a two day park. There is a lot to see and there's a lot to try.
And things as you saw, things can break down.
It's just there's. And there's something for everyone. There's shows, there's meet and greets, there's food, there's drink, there's more food.
Street Maher rides, more food, more food merchandise, you know, and then you got some extra experiences.
So.
[01:25:14] Speaker A: And did we mention food?
[01:25:16] Speaker B: Gosh, I'm hungry.
Every single episode record. I eat before and I still get hungry after every episode every single time.
Why?
Anyways, two day part people. Two day part.
[01:25:30] Speaker A: Well, I think that just about does it. We have our trivia question.
Kelton, do you remember our trivia question?
[01:25:41] Speaker C: You know, I don't, but thank goodness we have it right here on the, on the document.
So our trivia question for this week's episode, how big is Epic Universe?
A couple of different ways we can go about this. So the theme park and the lands alone are about 110 acres, which is still really good in size.
But that's not including, you know, parking lot, entry plaza, retention ponds or Helios Grand Hotel.
However, they are stating that the south campus is going to be about 750 acres in total.
While up on the north Campus which holds two parks, a water park and six hotels is 725 acres.
[01:26:34] Speaker A: Which tells me they have room for growth.
[01:26:37] Speaker B: Yes, they do.
[01:26:39] Speaker C: Way to go Universal.
So y' all just wait. It's gonna get good.
That's all I got. Brooks, back to you.
[01:26:49] Speaker A: Oh well folks, I think that just about does it for this week's episode of the Mousers podcast. Don't forget to join our Mouse Ears Podcast Face with Group and our Facebook page.
You can also follow us on TikTok X and Instagram to stay up to date for all things travel, but mostly Disney.
And don't forget Mouse Ears Blog to where you can stay up to date on all the Disney news. If you're interested in having a Fairy Tale Journeys agent book your next trip, visit fairy tale journey journeys.com and let them know that the podcast sent you. Lastly, if you enjoy our weekly episodes of the Mouse Ears podcast, we would love for you to leave us a review wherever you listen to or watch us until the next episode where we will be ranking the Five Lands at Epic Universe in the conclusion of our Epic month on the Masters Podcast.
Thanks everyone.
By.
