Magically Epic Ideas

Universal’s Newest Resorts

Universal’s Newest Resorts

Celestial & Cosmic Escapes

The three newest resorts at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe are more than just places to stay—they are an artistic interpretation of space and astronomical bodies. This overarching theme ties together the luxurious Helios Grand, the sleek Stella Nova, and the terrestrial Terra Luna, each with its own unique cosmic identity.

Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel: A Palatial Escape

Inspired by the Greek god of the sun, Helios, this premium resort offers a luxurious, sun-drenched sanctuary. Its features reflect a grand, palatial aesthetic that feels like an extension of Epic Universe’s Celestial Park.

  • Lobby and Architecture: The lobby features a magnificent show element by the elevators that cycles between a “daytime, sun-forward” and “twilight” themed experience. The entire building is integrated with the design of Celestial Park, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a grand view of the park.
  • Dining: The names of the dining venues directly reflect the theme. Bar Helios is a rooftop lounge, offering a “sunny” experience with 360-degree views, while Flora Taverna offers Mediterranean comfort foods, aligning with the celestial, garden-like sanctuary theme.
  • Room Design: Guest rooms are adorned with subtle details of celestial patterns and constellations, and the decor is inspired by a tranquil garden, providing a sense of divine, earthly beauty.
  • Magically Epic Tip: Helios Grand offers dedicated secure gate access to Epic Universe. This entrance puts you closest to Darkmoor and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so it’s a great option if those lands are your top priority.

Universal’s Stella Nova Resort: Exploring the Infinite

This prime value resort captures the essence of deep space with its sleek, modern, and futuristic design. Its features are a tribute to the infinite vastness of the universe.

  • Exterior: The hotel’s facade is covered in over 140,000 iridescent tiles that change color based on the light and viewing angle, mimicking the swirling, colorful appearance of a distant galaxy.
  • Lobby: The lobby and public areas are filled with space-themed art and murals created from actual NASA photographs. The overall design features clean, rounded lines and a cool color palette of blues and purples.
  • Dining: The hotel’s cosmic theme is reflected in its dining and drink amenities, including the Cosmos Cafe and Market as well as the Nova Bar (located in the lobby) and poolside Galaxy Bar, which serves space-themed craft cocktails.
  • Rooms: The rooms feature “spaceship-style” windows and space-inspired murals and artwork, making guests feel as if they are sleeping on a starship. A unique “Star Bridge” hallway on the third floor has a special effect that looks like a star-filled sky.
  • Magically Epic Tip: Stella Nova provides guests with a convenient walkway to Epic Universe, a benefit Terra Luna lacks. This direct path to the main gate makes it an ideal option if you plan to “rope drop” Nintendo World.

Universal’s Terra Luna Resort: A Terrestrial Journey

The second of the prime value resorts is themed around planetary and terrestrial exploration. Its features evoke a warmer, more grounded feel, focusing on the beauty and mystery of planets.

  • Pool: One of the most prominent features is the large, zero-entry crescent-shaped pool, a direct reference to the “Luna” (moon) part of its name.
  • Dining: The dining and bar names, such as Luna Bar and Moonrise Bar and Grill, align with the lunar and planetary theme, grounding the cosmic concept in recognizable, earthly terms.
  • Architecture: The resort’s architecture uses purposeful curves to evoke a “space-like atmosphere,” and the interior design features earthy, natural tones like greens and golds, representing the planets themselves.
  • Magically Epic Tip: Be prepared to use the shuttle bus. Terra Luna does not have a walkway to either Epic Universe or Stella Nova, so all transportation to the parks and to CityWalk (for access to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure) will be via bus. While it doesn’t offer a kids’ splash pad, it does boast a truly massive hot tub!

Which of these stellar hotels would you choose for your next adventure? Let me know which cosmic retreat you’re leaning towards in the comments!

For more information, to explore their photo galleries, or to book your stay, you can visit the official pages for Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel, Stella Nova Resort, and Terra Luna Resort by clicking on the links below.

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