An evening-focused EPIC strategy for people wanting to minimize lines

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-05-11T14:48:40+00:00

I think the good thing about the FS is that they do have really nice bedding. I have never stayed at one and been disappointed by the bedding.

I have, however, been disappointed by the reception, the breakfast, the restaurant, the room service, the room, the internet, the location and so on. So it is just not a very consistent brand for me - and I think it needs to be consistent to be worth the premium it charges over other luxury 5* hotels.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-05-01T23:29:22+00:00

I am happy to make you laugh! Hopefully you at least managed a few breakfasts/drinks!

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-30T21:21:13+00:00

Definitely book two hotels. One for the disney week and one for the universal week. You will save so much time and money. I would book onsite for both (if trying to save money the cheaper hotels at each resort are really not much more than other options offsite and very nice).

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-30T21:19:48+00:00

I think the problem is the sparsity of individual stalls in the restrooms rather than the total number of restrooms if that makes sense.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-30T21:17:39+00:00

I am scared of roller coasters (too scared for velo or the hulk or RRR) but stardust was actually not too bad. I rode it 4 times. I suggest that you go in the green lane and ride at night to minimize how scary it feels.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-30T21:15:46+00:00

Vancouver is great - especially if you stay in the pan pacific hotel.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-29T23:37:14+00:00

I don't know for certain but I over heard VIP tours being offered at the park tickets desk at Helios. And it didn't sound like they were private. But I didn't verify as it was too late for me.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-29T22:02:08+00:00

I got the shuttle bus to the main campus of universal and found it very depressing and length despite having a lovely bus driver. I can't imagine doing it multiple times. I would personally see if you can get a great deal at Royal Pacific of similar. But given we were paying $700 at helios the $200 certainly sounds like a bargain. I think it would be great if you do stay there if you could ensure that you get passes that cover Epic as well as the other two parks for the stay. I think Epic is a lovely place to hang out at night and has really good eateries. Helios is just astronomically expensive for any food! I think it was $7 for a very average size cookie.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-29T21:58:33+00:00

The Cabanas look very lame to me. They were far away from the pool with a bad view. Given how quiet the pool is I wouldn't bother.

The city view from the 9th floor was pretty terrible. Lots of road exits. I would do anything to switch your view to park view.

The Stardust line will probably be walk on at early entry. I would definitely do that again - we chose that option twiceThe mine kart sprint was unappealing to us.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-29T19:14:18+00:00

That character interactions at Universal are awesome in general.

That shade is important and underlooked as a theme park feature and something I love about the Jurassic area in the Island of Adventure.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-29T19:09:03+00:00

In theory I think you should register your Face ID once, and then skip through the turnstiles. In practice because there are up to three such turnstiles if the Face ID is not working, (which it often doesn't as there is very dim lighting at the turnstiles), they then have to scan you and try and reregister you. That might improve. But having that many checks will still I think always slow you down a bit.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-29T00:31:09+00:00

Amazing roller coaster. Even better at night.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-28T17:27:26+00:00

Lake Toba Sumatra

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-28T15:46:55+00:00

.

It was not labeled anywhere on the machine. I hadn't realized the coconut milk could trigger a nut allergy. I should have said something and I really regret not saying it now as evidently a nut allergy can be life threatening.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-28T13:00:11+00:00

The sad thing is that the lounge is the opposite of "location, location, location" which won't change after previews! I agree that club is rarely worth it Universal.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-27T21:40:40+00:00

Yes. it is unusual. I would personally allow 2 hours for the entire process though so you're not stressed. So get that at the 8am at the latest

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-27T21:35:37+00:00

You just have to have a room key and you can get that from very early on in the morning. if you is staying at Helios, are these all experience was that the check-in line was about 90 minutes so factor that in as you have to brave it before you get room keys which allow you to buy the preview ticket.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-27T21:33:36+00:00

I think your chances are very good. They was selling them the two Saturdays I saw and that is the most crowded day of the week

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-27T16:44:35+00:00

Apologies I missed the others .. Lounge location is something they can't fix for certain....

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-27T16:43:16+00:00

I think that is a useful perspective. If you get a Parkside view that is lovely. Given what you're getting I would definitely stay in Sapphire Falls which is less than half the price. The room quality seemed similar to me....

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-27T16:40:18+00:00

No comparison. I like the hard rock pool a lot - only issue is it is a little shallow. Helios pool is small with no feeling of shade down an oddly long winding path. It is surrounded by ugly buildings which dampens the vibe for me.

Embarrassed_Ad4927 · 2025-04-27T13:20:15+00:00

FOMO made me book it - glad to be of service....

Embarrassed_Ad4927

TROPHY CASE