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Hi, I am Chali Francis, a vacation planner based out of Oklahoma. I spend quite a bit of time each year in Orlando exploring the theme parks and staying up to date on the latest offerings to help my clients plan magical, memorable vacations.

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On a recent trip to visit EPIC Universe prior to the park’s official opening date of May 22nd, I had the opportunity to stay at the brand-new Helios Grand Hotel—Universal’s flagship resort at Epic Universe. It is a beautifully designed property, and the level of theming throughout the hotel truly mirrors the immersive feel of the park itself. From the lighting and architecture to the artwork in the hallways, it is clear that Helios was built to be part of the story, not just a place to sleep.

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One major perk: Helios offers a private, dedicated entrance directly into Epic Universe. This makes it incredibly convenient to return to your room for a midday break or to drop off souvenirs. In the Florida heat—especially since there is not much shade in the park yet—this easy back-and-forth access is something guests will really appreciate.

The on-site dining was another highlight. I had a pasta dish at Terra Flora that I will genuinely be thinking about for a while—it was that good. And Bar Helios offers great drinks with even better views of the park, especially at night.



 

 

When it comes to the rooms, Helios offers some truly elevated features. Each room includes a digital tablet where you can make requests, view your folio, and access hotel information. There are also thoughtful touches like automatic drapes, which add to the overall upscale feel of the space. I found the beds to be very comfortable, and I had a great night’s sleep during my stay.

That said, it is worth noting that the area to get ready is on the smaller side. The bathroom does have a split-bath layout, which is helpful for multiple people getting ready at once—one person can be in the shower while another uses the vanity—but it is still just a single-sink setup with limited counter space. Something to keep in mind if you are traveling with a group

The Standard Rooms at Helios Grand Hotel feature two queen beds and a split bathroom layout. These rooms can accommodate up to five guests with the addition of a rollaway bed (available upon request and subject to availability).

For families looking for a more immersive stay, the How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites are a fantastic option. These themed suites offer a separate kids’ room inspired by the Isle of Berk, complete with two twin beds and playful décor straight out of the How to Train Your Dragon films. The main bedroom includes a king bed for the adults. These suites can also sleep up to five guests total.

One important thing to note: Helios does not include Universal’s Express Pass benefit like some of the other Premier Resorts (such as Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay, or Hard Rock Hotel). If you are planning to spend time in Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, I still recommend one of those three hotels for the Express Pass perk.

My top recommendation? Do a split stay. Spend the nights you are visiting Epic Universe at Helios to enjoy the immersive experience and convenient park access, and book another Premier Resort (Royal Pacific, Hard Rock or Portofino Bay) for the days you are touring the original parks. While Universal is not currently offering luggage transfers between Helios and the other resorts, it is still very easy to catch a quick rideshare or shuttle. You can drop your luggage at Bell Services at Helios, grab your key, and head straight through the private entrance into the park.

If you do book a stay at Helios, I highly recommend upgrading to a theme park view room. Watching the park come alive at night from your window is a truly special touch that makes the stay even more memorable.



The resort also features a well-equipped fitness center, a fun arcade, and a beautiful pool area that I hope to enjoy more on a future visit. While I did not have much time for relaxing on this trip, those amenities definitely caught my eye.

If you are ready to plan your own Universal Orlando vacation—or just want more honest travel tips and updates—follow me on social media at @ChaliPlansMagic. And if you are ready to start planning, reach out directly. I would love to help you put together the perfect trip.

Hi, I am Chali Francis — a Travel Advisor based in Oklahoma, a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, and a mom who knows the ins and outs of making Disney vacations magical for families!

One thing I hear from clients all the time is:

“We are thinking about skipping EPCOT until the kids are older.”

But trust me — EPCOT is absolutely worth visiting even with little ones!

From riding Frozen Ever After and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, exploring the underwater wonderland at The Seas Pavilion, to splashing through Moana’s Journey of Water, EPCOT has become a family favorite for good reason.

And there is a hidden gem that kids especially love: the Kidcot Fun Stops!

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What is Kidcot?

Kidcot Fun Stops are a FREE interactive experience located throughout World Showcase at EPCOT.

Kids (and grownups too!) can collect activity cards at each of the 11 international pavilions, meet Cast Members from around the world, and even learn a little about different cultures along the way.



When my daughter and I visit EPCOT, Kidcot is one of our must-do activities! She loves going from country to country, meeting new friends, and seeing how different — and yet how connected — our world is.

How to Experience Kidcot Fun Stops

It is super simple (and so much fun!):

• Visit the Kidcot stop in any country — I recommend starting at the first country on your route!


• Pick up your free Kidcot “suitcase” — a cute Ziploc bag to hold your treasures.


• At each pavilion, find the Kidcot location and meet the Cast Member there.


• Collect your country’s Kidcot card — and sometimes, if they have time, Cast Members will even:
  
  
  
  • Write your child’s name in their native language,
  
  
  • Share a story,
  
  
  • Or teach your child a simple phrase from their home country!
  
  
  
  

You can visit all 11 countries or just a few — it is completely flexible.

Kidcot is the perfect activity to sprinkle into your day while waiting for your next Lightning Lane or dining reservation!

Pro Tip: Some Kidcot stations are tucked away deeper inside the pavilions, so you might have to hunt for them — which is half the fun! You will get to explore parts of the countries you might otherwise walk right past.



Where to Find Kidcot Fun Stops at EPCOT

Here is a quick guide to where you can find each Kidcot location:

• Mexico Pavilion — near the Mexico Folk Art Gallery


• Norway Pavilion — inside The Puffin’s Roost


• China Pavilion — near the exit of Reflections of China


• Germany Pavilion — inside Volkunst shop


• Italy Pavilion — outside, near La Bottega Italiana


• American Adventure Pavilion — outside, near Art of Disney


• Japan Pavilion — in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery


• Morocco Pavilion — at the Marketplace in the Medina


• France Pavilion — inside Souvenirs de France


• United Kingdom Pavilion — inside The Toy Soldier


• Canada Pavilion — at the exit of Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360

Whether you start your journey at Mexico, Canada, or (my personal favorite) the International Gateway, make sure to pick up your Kidcot “suitcase” and start collecting memories!

Why Families Should Not Skip EPCOT

Adding Kidcot into your day gives kids a mission — and helps turn World Showcase from a “walk through the countries” into an exciting, interactive adventure.

It is educational and it is fun, and it is one of the best-kept secrets when visiting EPCOT with children.

If you are planning your next Walt Disney World trip and would like help creating a vacation full of magical moments, I would love to help you!

Follow my social media channels @Chaliplansmagic on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube for more tips! If you are ready to plan, reach out — helping families create incredible Disney memories is what I do best!

Hi! I’m Chali Francis — a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder and Travel Advisor based in Oklahoma. I specialize in Walt Disney World and Universal vacations, and I help families find the best fit for their budget, travel style, and vacation goals.

With over 25 resort hotels to choose from on Walt Disney World property, there truly is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for deluxe accommodations with monorail access or something more budget-conscious that still keeps you immersed in the magic, Disney has you covered.

Today, I want to shine the spotlight on the most affordable resort options at Walt Disney World — the All-Star Resorts. These three value resorts are packed with fun theming, larger-than-life characters, and that special Disney touch. Let’s take a closer look at each one to help you decide which is the right fit for your family.

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Why Choose an All-Star Resort?

The All-Star Resorts are Disney’s most budget-friendly accommodations, but that does not mean you are missing out on the magic. In fact, staying at an All-Star resort still gives you access to many of the same perks you will find at higher-tier Disney resorts, such as:

• Early Theme Park Entry


• Complimentary bus transportation to all four theme parks and Disney Springs


• Fun resort activities like poolside games, movies under the stars, arcades, and playgrounds


• Large themed pools (while they do not have waterslides, they are still incredibly fun and kid-friendly)


• Food courts and pool bars for convenient meals and snacks


• A compact layout — making it easy to get from your room to the lobby, pool, or bus stop without a long walk

Plus, the All-Star Resorts are “motel-style,” meaning you access your room from an exterior corridor. This makes it super simple to get in and out without walking down long interior hallways — a small but convenient perk when you have tired little ones after a long park day.

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort

If you are traveling with younger children (or young at heart!), All-Star Movies is a guest favorite. With bold, oversized character statues and vibrant theming throughout, every corner of this resort feels like you stepped into a Disney film.

The resort is divided into five themed sections:

• Toy Story


• 101 Dalmatians


• Fantasia


• The Mighty Ducks


• Herbie the Love Bug

Each section features iconic characters and playful designs — from giant Woody and Buzz to Sorcerer Mickey casting magic over the Fantasia pool. It is a great option for families who want to keep the Disney magic going even after they leave the parks.

Personal pick: This is my favorite All-Star Resort because of the imaginative theming and classic movie nostalgia that makes every part of the resort feel special.

Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

All-Star Music hits a high note with sections themed after different musical genres, including jazz, rock, country, Broadway, and calypso. It is colorful, energetic, and full of personality.

But what really makes All-Star Music stand out is its family suites — one of the few value-level options that can sleep up to six guests. These suites include a bedroom, a living area with additional sleeping options, two bathrooms, and a kitchenette.

For families needing a bit more space without upgrading to a moderate or deluxe resort, this is the best budget-friendly option on Disney property. Standard value and moderate resort rooms typically accommodate up to four people (plus one infant under 3), so the extra room here is a game-changer for larger families.

Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

All-Star Sports celebrates athletics with oversized icons representing baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and surfing. From giant tennis rackets to surfboards taller than your room, it is a high-energy resort that kids (especially sports lovers) will absolutely adore.

While it may be the last All-Star Resort I typically choose, that is just personal preference — the theming is bold and playful, and if you have a future MVP in the family, this could be the perfect fit. Like the other All-Star Resorts, it also has a themed pool, food court, and quick access to Disney transportation.

Value Without Sacrificing the Magic

All three All-Star Resorts provide incredible value while still letting you stay inside the “Disney bubble.” You get that extra dose of pixie dust with every pool party, every themed section, and every cast member interaction — all while keeping your vacation budget-friendly.

You will enjoy:

• Easy-to-navigate resorts that are compact and walkable


• Fun and safe spaces for kids to play, swim, and explore


• All the convenience of staying onsite — no need to worry about driving, parking, or missing out on Early Entry

Ready to Plan?

Disney Resorts are one of my favorite topics to talk about — and where you stay can truly make a big difference in your overall vacation experience. Whether you are team Toy Story or dreaming of a suite that fits the whole family, there is an All-Star Resort that can be a perfect match for your trip.

My name is Chali, and I specialize in Walt Disney World vacations. I would love to help you plan a magical, stress-free getaway that fits your budget and your dreams.

Let’s connect!

Follow me on TikTok and Instagram: @chaliplansmagic

Or reach out directly to get started on your Disney vacation!