With the introduction of Universal Epic Universe and the development of the surrounding area, Universal Orlando Resort’s offerings for guests have grown significantly. The resort now includes three theme parks, a water park, the CityWalk shopping district and eleven hotels.
With more to experience and unique places to stay, guests are staying longer.
In a previous interview with blooloop, Eric Marshall, senior vice president of North American destination sales at Universal Destinations and Experiences, said that international visitors make up 30% of visits to the resort. Package holidays are a vital part of the resort’s sales channels.
For Epic Universe, Universal has partnered with British Airways Holidays to launch unique packages for the UK market. We take a look at this partnership and highlight the new hotel additions. We also take a sneak peek at Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Demand for holidays in Orlando is on the rise. It was the most searched for term on the British Airways Holiday January sale 2025, knocking New York off the top spot for the first time. It’s long been a popular destination for the Brits. However, since the announcement of Epic Universe, searches for Orlando have jumped. This shows that guests are eager to experience the new park.
Getting to Universal Orlando Resort with British Airways Holidays
Andrew Flintham, managing director of British Airways Holidays, says:
“British Airways Holidays is the official UK holiday launch partner of the brand-new Universal Epic Universe theme park. The multi-faceted partnership will span editorial, marketing, and advertising activity across 2025 to drive awareness of the launch of Universal Epic Universe and the benefits of booking a holiday here through British Airways Holidays.”
Regarding the added value for Epic Universe visitors who get a British Airways Holidays package, he adds:
“There are many benefits to booking an Epic adventure with British Airways Holidays. For starters, travellers can book their flights, holidays, car hire and theme park tickets all in one place for the best price.
“We offer low deposits (including on park tickets when booked as part of a package), flexible payments and bonus Avios on holiday bookings. Additionally, all our holiday packages include a generous luggage allowance per person. We also offer a dedicated 24-hour support line when our customers are on holiday with us.”
The 2025 British Airways Holidays Travel Trends Report found that 32% of UK travellers planning to go on holiday in 2025 will likely book a hotel or resort specifically for its activities, experiences or sports facilities. This suggests a drive in interest for holidays centred around attractions.
“Additionally, 22% of UK adults advised they will aim to learn new skills or try new activities during their 2025 holidays. Specifically for Orlando, we noticed that searches for Orlando holidays increased by 11% following the opening announcement of Universal Epic Universe, in comparison to the prior week.”
Unparalleled reach & a strong connection
Alison Montague, vice president and managing director for international sales and marketing EMEA at Universal Destinations and Experiences, says:
“As one of the UK’s most trusted and established travel brands, and after our amazing collaboration with ITV’s Saturday Night Takeaway, we’re delighted to partner with BA Holidays again, as they have unparalleled reach across the country and a strong connection with families and leisure travellers—our key audience. “
“They came to us with a wide-reaching and innovative plan to provide multiple high-impact touchpoints for those who know and love Orlando and, importantly, those who have yet to experience our destination, enabling us to share the story of our newest park, recognizing the potential to grow destination demand from launch.”
Beyond its reach, British Airways Holidays also brings a level of credibility and quality that aligns with Universal’s brand values, adds Montague:
“Their reputation for curating top-tier travel experiences helps reinforce the excitement and importance of our launch. Together, we’re not just promoting a destination. We’re creating a complete, unforgettable experience from the moment guests start planning their holiday.”
See also: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Epic Universe
Why partner with tour operators?
Universal partners with tour operators for many reasons. But the primary goal is to provide guests with the convenience of booking an entire vacation package through a single platform.
“In collaboration with British Airways Holidays, we’re able to offer this seamless experience. When guests book through their website, they can choose their preferred flight, select from any of the 11 hotels located on-site at Universal Orlando Resort, and add a 14-day Park-to-Park ticket, which now includes one day at Epic Universe.”
Tour operators are essential partners in helping Universal reach travellers at the exact moment they’re dreaming, planning, and booking their holidays, says Montague:
“They don’t just sell travel—they influence and shape travel decisions. By working with trusted tour operators, we’re able to tap into their expertise, their established customer bases, and their ability to tailor and package our full destination as part of a complete, seamless holiday experience.
“It’s a win-win: guests enjoy convenience and reassurance. They get a great experience, and we get to welcome more visitors through our doors.
“Ultimately, our goal is to inspire travel and create unforgettable moments. Our travel partners, whether storytellers, tour operators, travel agents or ticket sellers, are the perfect partners to help make that happen.”
See also: All 11 rides at Universal Epic Universe
Tickets for Epic Universe with British Airways Holidays
Those looking to lock down their 2026 holiday to Universal Epic Universe at Universal Orlando Resorts can now do so through British Airways Holidays. British Airways Holidays also offers flight + hotel and/or car packages to California, with the option to add park tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood as part of the package price.
The Universal Orlando 3-Park Explorer PLUS 1-Day Universal Epic Universe Ticket is valid for arrivals from 22 May 2025. This offers extensive access to Universal Orlando Resort’s theme parks.
This ticket offers unlimited park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay for up to 14 days, plus 1-day admission to the brand-new Universal Epic Universe. That visit can take place on any single day within the 15-day ticket validity window.
In 2026, the Universal Orlando All Parks Ticket for travel between 1 January 1 and 19 October will offer guests unlimited park-to-park access across all four Universal Orlando Resort parks, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal Epic Universe for up to 14 days.
Staying at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has 11 hotels, with the three newest hotels located closer to Epic Universe. Kirkman Road was extended for the project’s development, and now a dedicated bus lane will take hotel guests to the park’s entrance. The resort has CityWalk, the shopping and restaurant area, and various properties have boat transportation as an option, too.
The resort has 11,000 rooms, in various accommodation levels from Value, Prime Value and Signature. Universal has partnered closely with Loews Hotels for all its hotels.
Opening with the new park on 22 May is Universal Helios Grand Hotel. Set within the gates of Epic Universe, guests will be steps away from the park. They can enjoy unique views and the ability to enter the park from a dedicated entrance.
“Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a shining gateway into Epic Universe. Now our 11th hotel, this helps us recommit to making sure a stay at a Universal hotel is the absolute best way to experience Universal Orlando,” says Dennis Quinn, senior vice president for hotel commercial strategy at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel
The hotel blends seamlessly into the land of the park. Russ Dagon, senior vice president of resort development at Universal Creative, says:
“The same team that designed this hotel designed Celestial Park, all the way from Chronos to Apollo on property here.”
The theme is Greek mythology, and there are Mediterranean influences in the design, architecture and food. “We were looking for a very sophisticated look and very casual at the same time”, adds Dagon.
The hotel has 500 rooms, many of which have views of the brand new theme park. There are 35 suites, and 14 are kids’ How To Train Your Dragon branded rooms.
The hotel has two restaurants. Flora Tavern is a relaxed eatery off the lobby. Meanwhile, Bar Helios (pictured, top) is an impressive bar and restaurant on the top floor, with an outdoor terrace offering fantastic views of the park and beyond. On some days, it’s even possible to see space shuttle launches from the top.
Diners don’t need to be hotel guests to make a reservation and enjoy the eateries.
Terra Luna and Stella Nova
Universal recently opened two more hotels around the Epic Universe area, with an intergalactic theme: Terra Luna (Earth) and Stella Luna (space). Terra Luna opened most recently, on 25 March 2025, with 750 guest rooms. Both are in the prime value resort category for comfortable and affordable accommodation. They include a pool, quick service, a cafe, a shop and amenities.
From Stella Nova, there is also a walking path to Epic Universe.
Universal Orlando’s strategic growth, paired with international travel partnerships, is positioning the resort as a leading global destination for immersive, multi-day holidays.
With the launch of Epic Universe and exciting new hotel experiences, it is stepping into a bold new era. And thanks to partnerships like British Airways Holidays, it’s never been easier for UK travellers to be part of the adventure.
