We’re checking into Universal Helios Grand Hotel to see if this Celestial Park stunner truly lives up to the hype. From gorgeous views and modern rooms to breezy pool vibes and a rooftop bar that practically begs you to stay all night, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Universal’s newest Signature resort.

But before we get too relaxed, we do the exact opposite of relaxing… and launch ourselves straight into the Upside Down for the Sandbox VR Stranger Things experience. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be a freshly recruited Hawkins Lab test subject — complete with haptic vests, free-roam VR, and Vecna breathing down your digital neck — this one’s for you. We’ll walk you through the story, the scares, the teamwork chaos, the Demogorgon encounters, and of course… who on our team “carried the squad” (the after-action video never lies).

From high-end luxury at Helios Grand to high-intensity thrills in Stranger Things VR, we’re covering food, vibes, gameplay, pricing, and whether these two experiences are worth adding to your next Universal vacation.

🎉Plan Your Next Adventure with MEI-Travel

Let the magic start before your trip even begins! Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, takes the stress out of planning with nearly 20 years of expert service and completely free vacation planning. Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a cruise, or beyond—they’ve got you covered. Get your fee-free, no-obligation quote at MainStMagic.com/Travel and let the memories begin!

📱Stay Connected with Main Street Magic

Join the conversation and follow along for park tips, laughs, and magic:

• Facebook Group – Main Street Magic Community
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Instagram: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• X (formerly Twitter): @MainStMagic

🌐Visit Us Online

• Podcast & Blog: www.MainStMagic.com
• Disney-Inspired Apparel: www.MainStreetShirts.com

🍽️Snag That Hard-to-Get Disney Dining Reservation

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🤝Support & Discover Our Friends

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🎵Theme Music Provided by TFresh Productions

Because every great show deserves a great beat.

We’re back and diving headfirst into the whirlwind that was our Thanksgiving weekend—because what better way to jump back in than with a little chaos, a little sparkle, and a whole lot of Disney?

We kick things off at Disney Springs with a quick update on the brand-new Disney Drop Shop, a permanent addition to the Marketplace Co-Op that’s basically a treasure chest for collectors. Blind boxes, Cosbi figures, Pop Mart surprises… if it’s tiny, adorable, and dangerously addictive, it’s probably in this shop.

From there, we slide over to STK Orlando for a lunch that… well… didn’t exactly steal our hearts. We break down what we ordered—from the Filet Sandwich and Wagyu Burger to the towering Parmesan Truffle Fries—and talk about why this meal left us scratching our heads more than licking our fingers.

Then it’s time to trade “meh” for “merry” as we step into the glitz and glow of Disney’s Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios. We cover everything from early entry strategy to the incredible entertainment lineup, including Disney Holidays in Hollywood, the Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-Along, and the stunning Glisten! ice-skating show. We explore special themed areas like Holiday Fiesta en la Calle, the Pixar Disco, and the always-fabulous Tip-Top Club, plus rare character sightings like Partysaurus Rex and Bing Bong!

With festive snacks, low wait times on major attractions, and a party atmosphere that blends retro glam with Disney whimsy, Jollywood Nights truly shines.

Join us as we recap the highs, lows, laughs, and magic of a very busy holiday weekend.

🎉Plan Your Next Adventure with MEI-Travel

Let the magic start before your trip even begins! Our trusted partner, MEI-Travel, takes the stress out of planning with nearly 20 years of expert service and completely free vacation planning. Whether it’s Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a cruise, or beyond—they’ve got you covered. Get your fee-free, no-obligation quote at MainStMagic.com/Travel and let the memories begin!

📱Stay Connected with Main Street Magic

Join the conversation and follow along for park tips, laughs, and magic:

• Facebook Group – Main Street Magic Community
• Facebook: @MainStMagic
• Instagram: @MainStMagic
• TikTok: @MSMPodcast
• X (formerly Twitter): @MainStMagic

🌐Visit Us Online

• Podcast & Blog: www.MainStMagic.com
• Disney-Inspired Apparel: www.MainStreetShirts.com

🍽️Snag That Hard-to-Get Disney Dining Reservation

Never miss your dream meal again! Set up free alerts at MouseDining.com and get text or email notifications when reservations open up. Be the first to the table—literally!

🤝Support & Discover Our Friends

Explore more of our favorite resources, creators, and small businesses at www.mainstmagic.com/msm-friends/

🎵Theme Music Provided by TFresh Productions

Because every great show deserves a great beat.

We're kicking things off at the IAAPA Expo 2025, the global meeting place for theme-park creators, innovators, and anyone who thinks fun should come with seat belts and safety restraints. With more than 1,100 exhibitors and endless new ride concepts, animatronics, VR demos, and snack samples, the Expo is always an overload of creativity — in the best possible way. We’ll break down what caught our eye, the coolest booths we explored, and of course… the food we sampled along the way.

From there, we head into Hollywood Studios for dinner at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, one of the most uniquely themed restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. We’ll share what we ate, some fun Imagineering trivia (including those famous license plate Easter eggs), and why burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes just taste better when you’re sitting in a glowing retro convertible under a fake night sky.

Finally, we wrap up at The BOATHOUSE, where we enjoyed classic lobster rolls with perfect waterfront views and a side of Disney Springs energy. We’ll talk ambience, fun facts, and why this spot continues to be one of the most reliable dining experiences at Disney.