Theme park enthusiasts from all across the globe eagerly await the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, which opens May 22nd, 2025.
But as the countdown continues to tick by, fans looking forward to the opening of the world’s largest theme park to date were treated to a different kind of grand opening. Coming in at a staggering 750 acres of fun, Epic Universe is the newest park on Universal Orlando Resort property where guests can explore lands like the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon or Super Nintendo World featuring the Mushroom Kingdom and Donkey Kong Country. Universal also built three new hotel experiences to accommodate guests coming in to experience Epic Universe, with one hotel located within the park itself – the Helios Grand Hotel.
In addition to the flagship Helios Grand Hotel are two hotels outside of the park – the Universal Stella Nova and the Universal Terra Luna. While the Terra Luna isn’t open, yet – with first bookings planned for February 25th, 2025 – the Stella Nova saw its opening day this week, welcoming guests to one of the interstellar hotels themed alongside Epic Universe for the first time.
This hotel aims to transport guests to the stars, where they can lounge at the center of starstruck galaxies for “a resort experience unlike anywhere else in the universe.” All three of these new hotels continue the legacy of partnership between Universal Orlando Resort and the Loews family of hotels.
Designed with the vastness of the infinite universe in mind, guests will feel transported by the Stella Nova resort. Guest rooms comfortable sleep up to four guests in two queen beds and feature windows inspired by space-station cupolas, making guests feel like they’ve boarded an interstellar star cruiser.
The Stella Nova resort also offers a variety of dining and retail options, including the Cosmos Cafe and Market, the Galaxy Bar, and the Galaxy Grill. A resort-styled pool is also available for guests to lounge by, complete with splash pad and fire pit. If the theme parks aren’t enough of a workout for you, a fitness center is also available for guest use, as well as a game room and the emblematic Universal Studios Store conveniently located within the hotel itself.
Guests staying at the Stella Nova get to enjoy all the standard benefits of a Universal Hotel stay, including close proximity to the theme parks, complimentary transportation to and from the parks via Universal’s bus transportation system, and in-park benefits like Early Park Admission to Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal Studios Florida, and Universal Islands of Adventure (when available). Guests staying at the Stella Nova resort can also charge directly to the room, and even have merchandise purchased in the parks delivered directly to your room – no need to lug around all those heavy souvenirs!
Florida residents get to enjoy added benefits, as well – with a special ticket deal ensuring they get the most out of the universe located right in their back yard! With valid proof of residency, Floridians can get two days free with the purchase of a 1-Day Park-To-Park Ticket, and both Florida Residents and Universal Orlando Annual Passholders get to book rooms at the all-new Universal Stella Nova Resort and Terra Luna Resort for just 159.00 per night.
For more information about ticket deals and room rates, you can check out Universal’s official booking page [here]. For US Citizens outside of Florida and Canadian residents, more information about tickets and booking can be found [here] instead!
While the Terra Luna doesn’t open until February 25th – and the Helios Grand won’t open until May 22nd alongside Epic Universe – there’s still a whole universe to explore, and the Stella Nova has proven to be a beautiful, budget-friendly hotel that offers all of the intricate theming and luxury of an exceptional Universal hotel.
