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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...

10:37am on 11/19/25 by RhinoMist

No idea, but I hope it opens for you!

4:56pm on 11/19/25 by redboy42

Yeah we asked at concierge and they (along with signs all over the park) say it's closed all day :( To add insult to injury jury it's inflating times all over the park too!

6:40pm on 11/19/25 by RhinoMist

Ah. IAAPA is in Epic Universe tonight (Nov 20th). I wonder if they were fixing the effects for the industry people :/

9:53am 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

@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 on 11/19/25 by snowdiz

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How far ahead can you book this now? We're within 6m of our trip- hadn't thought about booking ahead yet

2:32am by hodg

Looks like through March 19th currently. https://resy.com/cities/orlando-fl/venues/bar-helios-at-universal-helios-grand-hotel-a-loews-hotel?date=2026-03-19&seats=2

8:26am by sneezy93

We didn't book far in advance (a week max) and there were lots of openings.

9:05am by snowdiz

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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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

Not personal experience but from others: even with express the lines can be long. A 2 hour SB can still be a 60min express, so I think you should still do a TP. Definitely start with BatM with or without EE. It's reported that it opens for everyone at EE

2:47am by BellesRose2K

What time can I check into RPR to pick up my room key/express pass? I thought it was 6am but a friend thinks it is 7am. Thanks!

12:59pm on 11/19/25 by PrincipalTinker

We have done it before 7. Have even been surprised to have room ready several times so we could go straight there to drop bags!

1:14pm on 11/19/25 by snowdiz

Thanks @snowdiz!

1:49pm on 11/19/25 by PrincipalTinker

6 will work

2:59pm on 11/19/25 by clyde4242

Presume this will be same that you can check into Helios early too? Know no EP but for park access.

2:30am by hodg

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?

11:33am on 11/19/25 by srb0065

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From the annual pass page: https://blog.discoveruniversal.com/uo-ap/guide-to-annual-pass-perks-at-universal-orlando-resort/ Premier has after 4 express pass

9:15pm on 11/19/25 by PrincipalTinker

If the budget works I would much rather have UEP during holiday time especially

11:05pm on 11/19/25 by sneezy93

Yes if you can do it go for full EP. Also agree PBH has come up cheaper than RPR for us -tho I've not checked AP rates

2:29am by hodg

New years activities now posted on the Uni website.

4:49pm on 11/19/25 by Buckeye86

If we're hopping between Universal and Islands of Adventure, what is best RD strategy? Staying on site. I'd assume it would be starting at Islands since we'll have EE. It's the Wednesday before Thanksgiving so it'll be busy.

1:16pm on 11/19/25 by ma14

Yep. Early as you can so you can rope drop Hagrids is the only way to do it. It will only get worse as the day goes

3:01pm on 11/19/25 by clyde4242

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

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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 on 11/19/25 by browndalmatian

Last year, as the night drew on, crowds in the parks seemed to get thinner. I think more families left than young folks arrived. CityWalk is crazy. Fun, I'm sure, but crazy.

11:54am on 11/19/25 by TenMileMom

Are there still minimal fireworks though?

1:16pm on 11/19/25 by snowdiz

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 on 11/19/25 by FrozenInMa

We are doing the same. I would consider an Uber to cut on time. I believe it's about 15-20 minutes each way.

11:50am on 11/19/25 by bulltrab

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 on 11/19/25 by browndalmatian

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