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I recently had the honor to preview one of the brand new Universal Studios Orlando Resorts – Stella Nova Resort. Universal Stella Nova Resort is one of three new hotels opening and is adjacent to the all-new Universal Epic Universe theme park, opening May 22, 2025. Here are all the details!
What is Epic Universe?
One of my most anticipated events of the year!! Universal Orlando Resort is set to unveil its highly anticipated fourth theme park, Universal Epic Universe, on May 22, 2025. This expansive park spans 750 acres and introduces guests to five NEW uniquely themed lands, each offering immersive attractions, dining, and entertainment experiences.
The Five Lands
- Celestial Park
- Super Nintendo World
- How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk
- Dark Universe
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
With over 50 attractions spread across its five themed lands, Universal Epic Universe promises an unparalleled adventure for visitors of all ages. Tickets for Universal Epic Universe went on sale on October 22, 2024. Multi-day and vacation packages are available, with single-day tickets for annual pass holders released on October 24, 2024. Now is the perfect time to plan for a Summer, Fall, or Winter visit!
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Universal Stella Nova Resort
Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its latest accommodation, the Stella Nova Resort, which officially opened on January 21, 2025. This space-themed hotel is strategically located adjacent to the upcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park, set to launch on May 22, 2025. As a Prime Value hotel, Stella Nova offers guests an affordable yet immersive experience, and it is one of the prettiest hotels I have ever seen!
We have also stayed at the beautiful sister resort – Terra Luna Resort!
Location and Accessibility
Stella Nova Resort has a prime location, providing guests convenient access to all Universal Orlando attractions. A dedicated walking path connects the hotel directly to Universal Epic Universe, allowing guests to reach the park easily on foot (roughly 20-30 min walk).
Additionally, complimentary shuttle services are available to transport guests to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk, typically within a fifteen-minute ride (depending on time of day).
Design and Theming
The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the vastness of space. The exterior is adorned with over 140,000 stainless steel tiles that exhibit a color-shifting effect, creating a dynamic visual experience as lighting conditions change throughout the day. The entrance to the hotel was designed to look and feel like a black hole drawing you into space and beyond once inside.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by a lobby featuring authentic NASA imagery, setting the tone for a cosmic Epic adventure. The interior color palette incorporates serene teals, calming purples, and blues, enhancing the celestial ambiance. It is so pretty and peaceful!
Amenities at Stella Nova Resort
As a Prime Value Resort at Universal Studios Orlando, The Stella Nova Resort offers a variety of amenities to enhance the guest resort experience:
- Pool Area: A spacious pool with ample seating, a large hot tub, a dedicated splash pad for children, and a fire pit for evening relaxation and movies by the pool.
- Fitness Center: A fully equipped gym catering to various workout routines (does not have free weights).
- Arcade: An entertainment area featuring various games suitable for all ages.
- Ticket Center: Purchase Theme Park tickets right in the lobby.
- Car Rental: Avis is the main rental car company, and you can rent a car right from the lobby and pick it up on-site at the resort.
- Universal Studios Store: There is an on-site gift shop full of items from all five Epic Universe lands.
- Early Park Admission: Enjoy Early Park Admission up to one hour before the parks open (with valid theme park admission)
Dining Options at Stella Nova Resort
Dining options at Stella Nova are simple but cater to different preferences and needs:
- Cosmos Cafe and Market: Offers quick bites and grab-and-go, including in-house baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers, and house-made pizzas.
- Nova Bar: Serves specialty crafted, space-themed cocktails and a selection of other beverages.
- Galaxy Bar and Grill: Located poolside, providing snacks and drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting.
- Coffee and Beverages: The resort has refillable mugs for soda and a coffee shop located in the lobby to make your mornings quick and easy.
Accommodations
Stella Nova houses 750 guest rooms, each spanning 315 square feet and equipped with two queen beds. The rooms are designed with sleek curves and space-inspired aesthetics, providing views of the expansive pool area or the Universal Epic Universe theme park (over the parking lot and from a distance). In-room amenities include a television, coffee maker, mini-fridge, and Wi-Fi.
I was able to tour both room views – the Pool View and the Standard View, which did have distant views of Epic Universe. These rooms were lovely, and I absolutely loved the theming and decor. Terra Luna Resort is the twin sister to this resort and will be opening next door as the exact mirror image of Stella Nova Resort. However, only Stella Nova will have a convenient walkway to Epic Universe; sadly, Terra Luna will not be connected via a walkway, and it will be faster to use the buses.
Complimentary Transportation
Proximity to Theme Parks
Epic Universe is accessible via a walking path or complimentary shuttle from Stella Nova Resort.
Additionally, complimentary shuttle services are available to transport guests to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk, typically within a fifteen-minute ride (depending on time of day).
Universal Studios Store
The on-site Universal Studios Store is a great way to pick up those last-minute souvenirs without having to lug merchandise around the parks. They currently have the store filled with Exclusive Epic Universe merchandise, some of which you can’t find anywhere else!
Stella Nova Resort is a whole nother vibe at night! They provide poolside movies under the stars and make it super easy to carry out food from Cosmos Cafe. The beautiful tiles on the hotel transform at night and, in my opinion, looks like dragon scales which absolutely gives off a Ministry of Magic or Isle of Berk vibe!
With its strategic location, affordability, immersive theming, and a range of amenities, Universal’s Stella Nova Resort promises an out-of-this-world experience for guests visiting Orlando. I can’t wait to plan vacations to the brand-new Epic Universe at Universal Studios Orlando!
With the space theming, this would have been an awesome place to host a Star Trek convention from back in the day. I’ll have to check it out.