Helios Grand Lodge is the brand new resort inside Epic Universe, with views overlooking the third theme park at Common Orlando. This assessment options room pictures & video, a take a look at frequent areas & facilities, plus the professionals & cons of staying on the latest in-park lodging and whether or not it’s definitely worth the splurge.
Common Helios Grand Lodge is a 500-room, full-service lodge located in Common Orlando’s top-tier “Signature Assortment” alongside Loews Portofino Bay Lodge, Laborious Rock Lodge, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort. The primary three inns on that record are the legacy deluxe resorts, which provide limitless Categorical Move with stays, amongst different issues. Neither the new-ish Sapphire Falls nor Helios Grand Lodge provide limitless Categorical Move.
As with the opposite resorts at Common Orlando, Helios Grand Lodge is a collaboration–designed by Common Inventive and operated by Loews Inns. The brand new lodge is ostensibly a Mediterranean-inspired resort, with astronomical and mythological motifs. Helios Grand Lodge rises above the luxurious gardens and scenic waters of Celestial Park at Epic Universe, and is designed as a “palatial” resort. The lodge has a cosmos-inspired rooftop bar and the lodge’s personal devoted entrance into Epic Universe as its major options.
Helios Grand Lodge will undoubtedly make a robust first impression on most visitors, me included. If you stroll via the entrance entrance, you’re instantly drawn to the overlook on the different finish of the foyer that boasts huge views into Epic Universe. All through the lodge, each excessive level is the proximity to the park. The views into Epic Universe are spectacular and thrilling, particularly in the event that they’re whetting your urge for food for a primary go to to Epic Universe.
Helios Grand Lodge is being described by Common Orlando because the “crown jewel” of Epic Universe, which is comprehensible given its location rising above the park. It’s basically the focus from round Celestial Park and, accordingly, you would possibly count on this to be the flagship lodge at Common Orlando, very similar to Lodge MiraCosta at Tokyo DisneySea or the Grand Californian at Disneyland Resort.
Not a lot. Its in-park location is the one factor Helios Grand Lodge has in frequent with these flagship resorts.
Sadly, there’s no there there in a thematic sense with Helios Grand Lodge when you get previous just a few cool particulars. On its floor, it seems and looks like Common’s tackle the kind of lodge tower you’d discover in Las Vegas. There are really magnificent inns with overwhelming and ostentatious design in Las Vegas.
Whereas the Las Vegas comparisons are going to be apparent and ample, Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t measure as much as any of these properties when it come to lavishness. Nor does it have the slate of options and facilities visitors might count on from an upscale Las Vegas lodge or, for that matter, different prime tier theme park resorts in Central Florida.
Let’s dig deeper into the resort by looking round Helios Grand Lodge…
Helios Grand Lodge Visitor Rooms & Suites
The visitor rooms and suites of Common Helios Grand Lodge are mentioned to evoke the tranquility of a blissful backyard, with lots of the rooms affording breathtaking views of Epic Universe and others boasting the worst metropolis view possible.
Commonplace Rooms on the Common Helios Grand Lodge present a garden-themed retreat, obtainable with both a king mattress for as much as three visitors or two queen beds for as much as 5. The 2-queen-bed customary rooms measure 325 sq. ft, whereas the king-bed customary rooms provide a bit more room at 340 sq. ft.
Deluxe Rooms are bigger nonetheless, at 415 sq. ft and accommodating as much as 5 visitors. This format has two queen-sized beds and a typical space that includes a small sleeper couch. The suites are even greater, with choices from 545 sq. ft (How one can Prepare Your Dragon Children’ Suites) to over 1,000 sq. ft for the hospitality and presidential suites.
All rooms at Helios Grand Lodge boast 300-thread-count, 100% cotton mattress linens; versus a mattress runner, all of them have ornamental duvets that cowl the total size of the mattress. Consolation-wise, the bedding was plush and implausible. The sheets have been likewise fairly good. Each Common and Disney have improved their mattresses within the final a number of years, so completely no complaints there.
Different in-room facilities embrace a mini-fridge, free Wi-Fi, dresser, 55-inch flat panel TV with on-demand in-room motion pictures, single-cup espresso maker, Julien Farel tub merchandise, and all kinds of shops and USB ports. There’s an extended record of stuff you’d count on, like a secure and iron (separate options), however I’m not going to record that every one.
Most notable is that there’s a pill for controlling the lights, temperature, TV, and studying concerning the lodge. There are additionally wall controls for the entire identical, though I discovered them to be hit and miss. I had a really troublesome time opening and shutting the drapes, and I promise this wasn’t because of person error. The system was glitchy, as confirmed by different visitors staying at Helios Grand Lodge. Lastly, my desk lamp turned on at random in the course of the evening on two completely different events, main me to unplug the clearly-haunted mild fixture.
I’ve very combined emotions concerning the visitor rooms at Helios Grand Lodge. I beloved the headboard in my room, which evoked a watercolor portray with its floral brushstrokes in comfortable pink and blue tones. The carpet and furnishings was likewise good, as have been a number of accents, all elevating the room and making it really feel subtle and stylish.
The largest downside is the room measurement. I had simply stayed at Common Terra Luna Resort the nights earlier than switching to Common Helios Grand Lodge. My room on the former, a ‘Prime Worth Resort’ costing lower than $150 per evening, was 315 sq. ft. My room at Helios Grand was solely 325 sq. ft. A negligible distinction.
Furthermore, I can not conclusively state that the visitor room on the Signature Assortment resort was materially nicer than the funds choice. There have been little touches suggesting that, to make certain, however nothing really excessive finish. A part of the “downside” right here is Terra Luna arguably punches above its weight for its worth. However the rooms at Helios Grand Lodge additionally punch beneath theirs.
The one factor that made apparent the distinction was opening the drapes and searching into Epic Universe.
The park view is gorgeous, and focuses visitors’ consideration outdoors the room quite than in it. Significantly, this attitude overlooking Epic Universe is magnetic, overshadowing nearly every part else concerning the lodge. That is nothing just like the distant views afforded by park view rooms of Magic Kingdom on the Grand Floridian or Modern Resorts. Since Helios Grand is a real in-park lodge, you might be totally immersed in Epic Universe. This view is pure magic.
Clearly, this solely applies with a park view room. The opposite facet of the lodge provides views into back-of-house services and stuff you typically received’t wish to see. Because of this, we are able to actually solely advocate Helios Grand Lodge when you’re prepared and in a position to splurge on a park view room. We’d prioritize the park view over all different room varieties. (Observe: the Membership Stage lounge doesn’t have a park view.)
Listed below are extra pictures from our Park View Room at Helios Grand Lodge on the Membership Stage:
Personal Park Entrance Into Epic Universe
Positioned off the foyer is Helios Grand Lodge’s devoted entrance into Epic Universe that gives entry to and from the theme park (legitimate theme park admission required, in fact).
Critiques from the media occasion praised this park entrance, with a number of indicating that the road could be shorter and quicker than the primary entrance. That is false, and underscores the issue with reviewing a lodge in a managed and capability constrained surroundings.
The devoted entrance into Epic Universe has a 500-room lodge all served by a single safety scanner for bag test and a few turnstiles. Unsurprisingly, many (most?) of the visitors in these 500 rooms all wish to enter Epic Universe for Early Park Admission. The top consequence, a minimum of throughout my keep, was a massively lengthy line that stretched all the best way open air and into the pool space.
It was neither quick nor quick. Associates staying at close by Terra Luna Resort acquired via safety on the major entrance quicker than me. Maybe it will change over time as there’s much less of an emphasis on Epic Universe for visitors staying at Helios Grand Lodge, however I doubt it. The explanation to remain right here will at all times be going to Epic Universe.
The excellent news is that, as soon as the morning rush subsides, utilizing this entrance is an absolute breeze. I used to be out and in of Epic Universe in a matter of minutes. For noon breaks, the devoted entrance into Helios Grand Lodge is a gamechanger.
Helios Grand Lodge Pool
It’s no secret that Central Florida has 43 weeks of summer time, making the lodge pool some of the vital options for a lot of visitors at Common Orlando or Walt Disney World. This zero-entry pool space is lengthy and winding, that includes a spacious tiered seating space. It additionally options underwater audio system, poolside cabana leases, a sizzling tub, poolside motion pictures, and each day leisure actions. Lotus Lagoon is the resort’s poolside bar & grill, serving up drinks and pub meals.
Throughout my keep, I by no means noticed too many individuals utilizing the pool at Helios Grand Lodge. The seating space was, at most, one-quarter full and there was ample house within the pool itself. I believe it will change over time, given what I’ve noticed from different pool areas at Common Orlando. This might be busy and crowded sooner or later.
As in comparison with decrease stage pool areas at Common Orlando, the one at Helios Grand Lodge is good. The lengthy and winding format breaks up the house, and is way superior to the large complexes on the funds resorts.
Nonetheless, Helios doesn’t maintain a candle to the pool areas at any of the opposite Signature Assortment resorts, all of which provide a number of the nicest swimming pools in Central Florida. I hold seeing reward for this pool and it being described as an “oasis,” which has me questioning whether or not we stayed on the identical lodge.
The opposite Common Orlando Signature inns have quite a lot of nice and fascinating options, whereas the pool at Helios Grand Lodge feels extra superficial–an grownup pool that serves an atmospheric function whereas lounging. There’s not essentially something incorrect with that, however when you have children who love taking part in in swimming pools, you would possibly wish to look elsewhere.
Its location additionally leaves one thing to be desired, “nestled” between the car parking zone and Monsters Unchained present constructing. The way in which it’s wedged into this spot makes me ponder whether it have been initially meant to be positioned on the park facet of Helios Grand Lodge.
Bar Helios
A glowing and classy rooftop lounge, Bar Helios at Common Helios Grand Lodge provides a menu of tapas and acquainted favorites, handcrafted specialty cocktails, and unequalled 360-degree views of Epic Universe and past – making this the right spot for visitors to relax within the night after a busy day within the parks.
Bar Helios is certainly the excessive level of Helios Grand Lodge. Actually and figuratively. Should you don’t have a room with a park view, you’ll completely wish to go to Bar Helios. Ditto visitors who aren’t staying at Helios Grand Lodge, as that is positively a vacation spot bar.
Heck, I did have a park-view room and nonetheless discovered myself making three separate visits to Bar Helios. Because of the early closing time of Epic Universe, a cease up at Bar Helios is an effective way to finish–or prolong–the night. The moody environment inside is beautiful, and the views outdoors are unequalled. I extremely advocate reservations at Bar Helios, and doing drinks or dishes at this rooftop bar. It’s phenomenal.
Flora Taverna
This full-service restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and foyer bar with a light-weight and ethereal environment – that includes an open-style kitchen with reside cooking. Flora Taverna serves up Mediterranean consolation meals and pizza, providing al fresco seating overlooking the gorgeous surroundings of Celestial Park.
As I used to be staying Membership Stage, I didn’t have event to dine at Flora Taverna–however I did stroll via the restaurant and was impressed by each its views and environment. My buddies who have been staying at Helios Grand Lodge on the identical time have been impressed by the delicacies right here.
Aurora Market
A recent espresso store and market providing freshly-roasted coffees, grab-and-go meals gadgets, in addition to snack & dessert choices from morning to nighttime.
Relating to the restaurant lineup, Aurora Market is my greatest disappointment. I had simply come from Common Terra Luna Resort instantly earlier than my keep at Helios Grand Lodge, and was actually impressed by the meals courtroom there. That is merely, because the identify suggests, a grab-and-go market. And a quite small one. The unequivocal highlights are the espresso and gelato.
Whereas I do know it’s frequent for the top-tier Common Orlando or Walt Disney World resorts to have undercooked counter service choices, it’s however disappointing that there’s nowhere to go for a fast sizzling meal at Helios Grand Lodge. It’s additionally price noting that this resort has a light-weight restaurant lineup as in comparison with most of its counterparts. (Granted, there’s an entire park stuffed with eating simply outdoors Helios!)
Different facilities at Common Helios Grand Lodge additionally embrace a state-of-the-art health middle that includes quite a lot of energy and cardio tools; a sport room for visitors to blast, zap and race their method via a set of arcade video games with the acquisition of a sport card; Common Orlando Resort Retailer for visitors to buy every part from sundries and requirements to merchandise.
I don’t have a lot significant commentary so as to add concerning the different facilities. They’re just about par for the course at Common Orlando resorts. Whereas I didn’t use the health room, I discovered it to be fairly good and appreciated the views it provides into Celestial Park. Adjoining to the health middle can be a pleasant altering space–I did use this, as I had a late flight on checkout day.
Staying at any Common Orlando lodge additionally comes with unique theme park advantages. Company of Common Helios Grand Lodge, or any of the opposite Common Orlando inns, obtain Early Park Admission to get pleasure from choose points of interest on the theme parks, which incorporates Epic Universe. Early Park Admission provides as much as one hour of precedence entry earlier than the park opens with legitimate theme park admission.
Fortuitously, the problems with the glacially sluggish devoted entrance don’t influence Early Park Admission, as safety begins ‘processing’ visitors with greater than ample time to make into the park earlier than the beginning of EPA. (Simply don’t present up ~quarter-hour upfront and count on to be within the park on-time.) Observe that it’s a farther stroll from Helios Grand Lodge to Tremendous Nintendo World, however this wasn’t a problem for us–we nonetheless made it to the entrance of the pack for EPA. (See our Early Park Admission at Epic Universe Technique Information: Beating Crowds in Tremendous Nintendo World!)
Common Orlando lodge visitors may also benefit from complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Common CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, complimentary merchandise supply and extra.
The outside of Helios Grand Lodge seems just like the love-child of Disney’s Riviera Resort and Gran Destino Tower at Coronado Springs, and people are unquestionably the 2 Walt Disney World resorts that supply one of the best comparisons to Common’s new tower. Like these, Helios Grand Lodge is boxy, bland, and underbaked from a thematic perspective.
There’s no two methods about it: if Helios Grand Lodge have been constructed to miss one of many Walt Disney World theme parks, it might be completely excoriated by followers. There’s a double-standard for Common Orlando vs. Walt Disney World. I’ll be the primary to confess that I grade Common on a curve, and most different theme park followers do too, judging by how a lot of a go Common will get for the issues followers over which Disney would obtain limitless criticism.
Fortunately, the outside of Helios Grand Lodge does look nicer than its modern counterparts at Walt Disney World–however barely. For a lodge that’s the de facto focus of a model new theme park, it’s nonetheless embarrassingly bland. However in Common’s protection, we not too long ago skilled the identical with the disappointing Fantasy Springs Lodge at Tokyo DisneySea, largely lauded as the best theme park on earth. I believe each initiatives noticed COVID-induced funds cuts and funneled that in the direction of their respective resorts. Higher that the lodge be value-engineered than Epic Universe itself.
Inside, Common Helios Grand Lodge shouldn’t be nicer than Disney’s Riviera Resort, and even Gran Destino Tower.
Each of these ‘fashionable’ Walt Disney World inns boast extra consideration to element all through their frequent areas, with superior match and ending. In addition they have higher facilities–from extra strong restaurant rosters to their swimming pools and different options.
Even with Common being graded on a curve, I’m shocked extra consideration isn’t being drawn to this. Like Riviera Resort, the foyer at Helios Grand is surprisingly compact and underwhelming–Gran Destino Tower simply surpasses each when it comes to grandiosity. That is still the exemplar of Las Vegas type resorts in Central Florida, even when it’s missing in location.
When confined to the partitions of Helios Grand Lodge itself, there’s little or no that separates this property from the opposite current resorts at Common Orlando. Every thing is pretty pedestrian and paint-by-numbers, and it’s troublesome to argue that this property is materially nicer than Aventura, Stella Nova, or Terra Luna.
From my perspective, Helios Grand Lodge doesn’t maintain a candle to Portofino Bay, which stays the high-water mark for themed resorts at Common Orlando. After all, it’s additionally a product of a special period. Visitor preferences have modified since then, and so too have each Common’s and Disney’s approaches to themed lodge design. However I’d additionally rank Laborious Rock Lodge and Royal Pacific above Helios Grand, in terms of the inns themselves. From a private desire perspective, I may additionally give the sting to Sapphire Falls and Cabana Bay, for that matter!
The distinction between Helios Grand Lodge and the older Common resorts is that they strove for idealized and romanticized themes that transport you to a different time and place. These resorts are immersive, heat, and reassuring. Though ostensibly Mediterranean and mythology-inspired, Helios Grand Lodge shouldn’t be thematically transportive–the design is all floor stage. The lodge strives for one thing completely different totally.
What Helios Grand Lodge strives for is being actually transportive. It locations you proper inside Epic Universe, and pulls visitors’ consideration away from the property itself and in the direction of that attractive theme park the resort faces.
In so doing, it’s straightforward to miss the various faults of Helios Grand Lodge if you end up fairly actually overlooking Epic Universe. It’s fully comprehensible that extra followers aren’t fixating on how Helios Grand Lodge lacks X or Y facilities or design particulars, underwhelms as in comparison with the legacy Signature Assortment properties, and falls far in need of ‘flagship’ standing. Everybody’s consideration is on the park itself!
This was true for me, too. After I first entered the lodge, I instantly appeared previous the undersized foyer to the out of doors overlook. After I entered my room, I raced to the window. All of my waking hours within the room have been spent on the window-side desk. Bar Helios is the place I spent my late nights, savoring that view. Other than fast laps across the resort for the sake of this assessment, everything of my focus throughout my keep at Helios Grand Lodge was truly Epic Universe. The spotlight of the lodge is definitely the park, with Helios Grand Lodge “proving” the primary three guidelines of actual property: location, location, location.
Lastly, as lined in Common’s Epic Universe In-Park Lodge is Low cost, nightly charges for Helios Grand Lodge begin at $293 per evening for traditional rooms with no view and stays of 4 nights or longer.
In all probability, you should have an exceedingly troublesome time discovering availability at or round this worth level until you’re reserving method upfront. Common Orlando makes use of dynamic pricing for its resorts, and we’ve seen costs steadily improve for Helios Grand Lodge (whilst availability has remained pretty good) via 2026.
On common, you need to count on to pay beginning costs within the neighborhood of $500 per evening–and maybe greater than that. For instance, my Membership Stage, Park-View Room booked instantly when reservations opened was cheaper than the present price for the standard room throughout the fall low season.
Reserving early is the optimum strategy for Helios Grand Lodge, after which circling again to see if any reductions drop later. Our expectation is that received’t occur till the ‘new lodge scent’ wears off, which might take years. Critiques have been quite glowing of Helios Grand Lodge, so demand will doubtless stay sturdy.
Given all of that, we extremely advocate requesting a quote from Be Our Visitor Holidays, a no-fee Common Most popular Journey Company. They’ll help reserving Helios Grand Lodge for you, comparability procuring among the many numerous inns, and serving to decide which packages will work greatest for your loved ones.
Want journey planning suggestions and complete recommendation in your go to to Central Florida? Make sure that to learn our Common Orlando Planning Information for every part about Islands of Journey and Common Studios Florida. Additionally take a look at our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Information for every part about these parks, resorts, eating places, and a lot extra. For normal updates, information & rumors, a heads up when reductions are launched, and way more, join our FREE e-mail publication!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Does Common Helios Grand Lodge show that it’s all about location, location, location? Impressed by the type or substance? What do you consider the outside and inside? Will you e-book Common Helios Grand Lodge, or follow one of many present resorts? Agree or disagree with our Helios Grand Lodge assessment? Any questions? We love listening to from readers, so please share another ideas or questions you have got within the feedback beneath!
