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We will start our Premier AP after we arrive. We will be at the parks December 29-January 2. Right now we are staying at Sapphire Falls would you upgrade room to Royal Pacific for express pass?

< 1 min ago by srb0065

Anyone know if Monsters is closed all day? There were a bunch of effects not working a few days ago. Here's hoping they're fixing and reopening today...

56 min ago by RhinoMist

A recent report on the Helios rooftop bar: We arrived an hour earlier than our reservation but were seated inside w/ a view of Epic. The outside area has glass panel "windows" but open roof; we could walk out there whenever and even saw a rocket launch!

8:46am on 11/13/25 by snowdiz

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Food and drinks were expensive, but we enjoyed everything. We parked at Helios, and parking was free with a $75 purchase (it's very easy to spend $75!). Show your bar receipt at the valet stand for validation. We will return!

8:49am on 11/13/25 by snowdiz

I forgot to ask how much the spending limit is for free parking validation if dining at the lobby restaurant. Does anyone know?

8:50am on 11/13/25 by snowdiz

WOW! This sounds really fun!!! Thanks for the report! I think we will have to try this place soon! What kind of food did you get? Any recommendations?

9:08am on 11/13/25 by browndalmatian

We got plates to share for 4 people (we had had a big lunch): Charcuterie platter, Farmer's cheese, Under Smoke (chocolate mousse & caramel.). Lots of drinks. Saw many with Shattered Rose dessert (interactive with pudding & gelato.). Excellent service.

9:43am on 11/13/25 by snowdiz

We had planned to stay for the lighted fountain show but that was scheduled for 10 pm, and we needed to pick up our dog earlier. Definitely want to return for that show! The view is beautiful of Epic. We have Dec 3 & 11 tickets.

9:45am on 11/13/25 by snowdiz

Sounds fantastic. Do want to get up there when we're staying in April.

8:52am on 11/14/25 by hodg

I was told restaurant validation was $75 as well. I had the dessert and it was ok but all style and no substance. It looked great but tasted just ok.

8:12pm on 11/14/25 by disneyday

We had all three of the appetizers. Liked them all. Calamari was great! Octopus was one leg, kinda small, DH liked it but I wasn't a fan. The waygu sliders were a favorite but are no longer on the menu.

12:08pm on 11/15/25 by ladyortramp

We each got something to eat and all enjoyed our food. Coupled with the atmosphere it was one of our favorite restaurant experiences. BUT it is pricey. We ate dinner before we went bc I knew it would be a fortune to feed the family there. Shattered rose

4:03pm on 11/15/25 by Buckeye86

was a hit as well. View is really great. Must have a reservation to access the view. FYI.

4:03pm on 11/15/25 by Buckeye86

@ Buckeye, do you need a reservation if just sitting on the bar stools?

7:02pm on 11/15/25 by snowdiz

I'm not sure. I'm sorry. The bar area makes up a significant portion of the restaurant so u might. I would call. They do charge u if u cancel after a certain point. That is new. I think it is $25 or $25pp

8:51pm on 11/15/25 by Buckeye86

Previously you needed a reservation to enter. Now that is just during "busy" times.

8:27am on 11/16/25 by disneyday

My reservation indicated a cancellation fee of $25 per person if canceling less than 24 hours in advance !

11:37pm on 11/16/25 by snowdiz

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@sneezy, that $25 is new! Do they take your credit card to hold the reservation? Are reservations still available on open table?

7:09am on 11/18/25 by ladyortramp

You have to give your credit card and it's on Resy

1:34pm on 11/18/25 by Buckeye86

When I booked, it automatically moved to Resy for the reservation. And yes, they required my cc. I was sent reminders.

10:13am by snowdiz

Never been over New Years. Trying to make some New Year's Eve plans. Best park to be in? Where are fire works shot? Do the parks reach capacity and can you be turned away?

3:31pm on 11/18/25 by srb0065

SFL

5:12pm on 11/18/25 by seren77

We go often at NYs. CityWalk is always hopping. Loud, crowded, nightclubish. Last year the parks got in on the action. By afternoon the visitors were a crazy mix of families with kids in T-shirts and shorts - and young ladies in cocktail dresses.

9:17pm on 11/18/25 by TenMileMom

With last year being our first since they started celebrating in the parks it seemed like the parks were not as popular/crowded. They have spots with stages and entertainers around. I would say wander until you find a spot that feels comfortable.

9:19pm on 11/18/25 by TenMileMom

This is a very interesting idea. I have never been there for NYs and it sounds fun! We spent NY at Ft. Wilderness once and it was a good time (party on the beach at midnight)... but I'd much rather be at UO. May try this some day if it's not too crowded.

8:45am by browndalmatian

Do I need to link the tickets and hotel reservations to the app similar to Disney? I purchased them third party. Thank you!

5:11pm on 11/18/25 by seren77

I don't believe you need to. In some cases, I don't believe you can.

10:15pm on 11/18/25 by Buckeye86

We have been APs and various ticket holders (VB, HHN, HHN EP, etc.) for years, and I just linked things up for the first time in the last year (don't like using phone). So, unless something has changed this year, you don't need to. I THINK... lol :)

8:43am by browndalmatian

I will be staying at royal pacific and have a 1 day ticket to epic with ep. How is the transportation to/from the park from rp? Is it too much of a hassle to fit in a break at the hotel and go back?

8:27am by FrozenInMa

Arriving on 12/26 at Helios. We will start our season pass once we arrive. Am I able to pick those up in Helios like the other hotels?

3:33pm on 11/18/25 by srb0065

You have a seasonal AP?

6:41pm on 11/18/25 by PrincipalTinker

Can't confirm from experience but I would expect the same vacation planning desk at Helios as the other hotels, where can pick up passes paid in full. Also, please be aware of holiday blackout dates on lower level annual passes.

12:26am by redboy42

I'm taking a trip to Universal next year to celebrate my 40th! I'm staying a week so we can do absolutely everything and relax and enjoy. Our ticket includes Volcano Bay, and since we'll have extra time I'm thinking of checking it out. Any advice on it?

3:37pm on 11/16/25 by ahlott86

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U can see them outside the ride if needed when u board. I had a long top thread from several years back. If I find it, I'll repost.

10:18pm on 11/18/25 by Buckeye86

Set them

10:18pm on 11/18/25 by Buckeye86

Covered free spot

10:18pm on 11/18/25 by Buckeye86

Longtime Disney world subscriber, but just added universal for a plan in feb. we are planning one day at epic universe with express pass and I can't find a great touring plan for this. Any advice on what order to do?

8:01pm on 11/15/25 by jesterb

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I have done the other two hp lands with my son, but this will be my daughters first time at any of them!

6:27am on 11/18/25 by jesterb

You are going to have so much fun! If you have early entry and HP is priority I would go straight to Ministry of Magic. After that I would rope drop Berk when the rest of the park opens. Wait times build quickly so start using Express Pass after that.

6:54am on 11/18/25 by ladyortramp

Thank you! This is the sort of tip I was hoping for!

10:18am on 11/18/25 by jesterb

I changed our arrival night to Dockside to save $45 over SN. Are there restaurants within walking distance of Dockside?

2:44pm on 11/8/25 by sneezy93

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Thanks! I guess we'll wait and see how tired we are and will probably do food court or if not then bus to citywalk to eat.

3:59pm on 11/17/25 by sneezy93

@sneezy, I discovered this on our last trip. I love salads and the salad bar at Dockside is amazing AND reasonably priced! Many other food choices there too!

7:06am on 11/18/25 by ladyortramp

I do too @lady! I can see us just trying the food court!

9:04am on 11/18/25 by sneezy93

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