Universal’s Stella Nova Resort: On-Site at Epic Universe for Less
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort stands as the newest addition to Orlando’s lineup of themed accommodations, complementing the all-new Epic Universe theme park opening on May 22, 2025.
The resort offers 750 guest rooms and provides exclusive theme park benefits, making it an ideal base for visitors planning to explore Universal Orlando’s expanding entertainment offerings.
The resort features numerous amenities designed to enhance guest experiences beyond the parks themselves. Visitors can enjoy a resort-style swimming pool, poolside movies, a games room, and various dining options.
Key Takeaways
- Universal Stella Nova Resort offers 750 rooms adjacent to the new Epic Universe theme park opening May 22, 2025.
- The resort features a resort-style swimming pool, poolside movies, games room, and varied dining options.
- Guests receive exclusive Universal theme park benefits and complimentary transportation throughout the Universal Orlando resort area.
If you thinking about staying Universal’s Stella Nova Resort or any of the other resort hotels in the greater Orlando area, we would appreciate if you can use our links when making the reservations. Endless Summer partners with a reputable travel website that offers our audience discounts of up to 40% on hotel bookings.
By clicking here and setting up a free membership account, you’ll unlock exclusive savings that can significantly reduce the cost of your Florida vacation. Not only will you enjoy substantial savings on your next getaway, but you’ll also be supporting our mission to continue providing you with insider tips, expert advice, and valuable content to enhance your travel experiences.
Overview of Universal’s Stella Nova Resort
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort offers guests a unique space-themed experience while providing convenient access to Universal Orlando attractions. The resort combines modern comfort with cosmic design elements to create a memorable stay for visitors.
Location and Accessibility
The hotel is situated within the Universal Orlando Resort complex in Orlando, Florida. This strategic location provides guests with easy access to Universal’s theme parks and entertainment venues. The resort offers complimentary transportation throughout the Universal Orlando property, making it convenient for guests to visit the parks without worrying about parking or navigation.
Visitors appreciate the resort’s proximity to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay water park. Transportation options run regularly throughout operating hours.
The resort’s location also places guests near other Orlando attractions while maintaining the immersive Universal experience. International Drive and other Orlando highlights remain accessible for those wanting to explore beyond Universal property.
Theming and Design Inspiration
The resort embraces an outer space theme that creates an otherworldly oasis for guests. The design concept revolves around cosmic exploration, with modern interpretations of space travel integrated throughout the property.
Public areas feature space-inspired architecture and décor elements that transport visitors to a futuristic setting. The resort balances these themed elements with practical comfort to ensure relaxation between park adventures.
Guest rooms continue the stellar theme with thoughtful design touches that maintain the space motif without sacrificing comfort. The atmosphere successfully combines whimsy with sophistication.
The resort’s pool area particularly stands out with its space-age design elements. Many visitors highlight the “very cool pool” as a distinctive feature of their stay experience.
Accommodation Capacity
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort houses 750 guest rooms, making it a substantial accommodation option within the Universal Orlando portfolio. Room configurations cater to different group sizes and preferences, with options available for families and solo travelers alike.
The resort also includes a Universal store on premises, offering convenience for guests needing theme park merchandise or essentials. Standard rooms provide ample space, a point specifically mentioned in guest feedback.
For those seeking enhanced accommodations, upgraded room categories offer additional amenities and space. The 750-room capacity allows the resort to maintain a balance between availability and exclusivity.
Rooms and Amenities
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort offers thoughtfully designed accommodations with modern comforts and distinctive features. The property balances tranquil spaces with practical amenities to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable stay near Universal Orlando.
Types of Rooms
The Stella Nova Resort provides several room options to accommodate different guest needs. Standard rooms feature two queen beds with imaginative curves and subtle colors creating a serene atmosphere. These rooms begin from $150 per night and offer various views including pool views.
Accessibility is prioritized with mobile accessible and hearing accessible rooms available upon request. The rooms feature contemporary designs with sufficient space for families and groups.
Many accommodations provide views of the Universal Epic Universe theme park through distinctive large oval windows, creating a unique visual connection to the resort’s surroundings.
In-Room Features
Each air-conditioned room at Stella Nova Resort includes essential amenities for guest comfort and convenience. Rooms come equipped with a small refrigerator, perfect for storing snacks and beverages during your stay.
Single-serve coffee makers are provided, allowing guests to enjoy fresh coffee in the privacy of their rooms. Free WiFi connectivity is available throughout, enabling guests to stay connected with work or share vacation photos easily.
Flat-screen TVs with cable channels offer entertainment options for downtime between park visits. The bathrooms feature modern showers with quality fixtures and complimentary toiletries.
The tranquil color palette and thoughtful design elements create a peaceful retreat after busy days at the parks.
Resort Facilities
The centerpiece of Stella Nova’s recreational amenities is its impressive 10,000-square-foot resort-style pool area. This expansive aquatic space is complemented by an interactive splash pad, perfect for younger guests to enjoy supervised water play.
Adults can unwind in the large spa facility or relax in the hot tub after a day of park exploration. These aquatic features create multiple options for recreation and relaxation.
The property’s location provides convenient access to Universal Orlando attractions while maintaining a serene atmosphere on the resort grounds.
While specific dining options aren’t detailed in the available information, the resort’s comprehensive approach to amenities suggests multiple food and beverage outlets are likely available to serve guests throughout their stay.
Dining and Bars
Universal Stella Nova Resort offers several dining options that blend convenience with cosmic-themed experiences. Guests can enjoy everything from quick meals at the three-meal service restaurant to relaxing drinks at the futuristic lobby bar.
Cosmos Cafe and Market
Cosmos Cafe and Market serves as the primary dining venue at Universal Stella Nova Resort. This versatile three-meal quick service restaurant caters to guests throughout the day, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
The establishment combines a sit-down restaurant experience with the convenience of a market, allowing visitors to either dine in or grab food on the go. The cafe also features a coffee bar for those needing a morning caffeine boost or an afternoon pick-me-up.
For families and travelers with busy park schedules, the market section provides convenient grab-and-go options, making it easy to fuel up quickly before heading to the parks or returning to your room.
Galaxy Bar
Galaxy Bar offers a refreshing poolside experience for resort guests looking to relax and unwind. Located adjacent to the resort’s pool area, this venue actually consists of two complementary services: Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill.
The full-service bar serves a variety of beverages including cocktails, beer, and wine. Guests can enjoy their drinks while lounging by the pool or sitting at the bar.
Galaxy Grill operates separately, providing poolside favorites and quick bites perfect for a day of swimming and sunbathing. The convenient location means guests don’t have to change out of their swimwear or leave the pool area when hunger strikes.
Nova Bar
Nova Bar stands as the resort’s signature drinking establishment, impressively situated in the main lobby. This spacious, futuristic-themed bar creates a striking first impression with its cosmic design elements that align perfectly with the resort’s overall space theme.
The bar offers a comprehensive selection of beverages, including specialty cocktails that likely feature space-inspired names and presentations. The atmosphere combines sophistication with the fun, immersive theming Universal is known for.
Nova Bar’s lobby location makes it an ideal meeting spot before heading out to the parks or a perfect nightcap destination when returning from a day of adventures. The bar’s central positioning also means it serves as a social hub for the resort where guests can gather and relax.
Recreation and Leisure
Universal Stella Nova Resort offers extensive recreation options for guests looking to relax and have fun during their stay. The space-themed property balances active entertainment with relaxation opportunities across its carefully designed facilities.
Resort-Style Pool
The centerpiece of Stella Nova’s outdoor recreation area is its massive resort-style pool. Designed with families in mind, the pool area features multiple zones to accommodate different preferences and age groups. The main pool includes both shallow and deeper sections with plenty of space for swimming and water play.
Surrounding the pool, guests will find ample lounge chairs and cabanas available for daily rental. These provide shaded retreats for those wanting to relax poolside with a good book or cool drink.
For additional relaxation, the pool area includes hot tubs where adults can unwind after a day at the nearby Epic Universe theme park. The entire pool complex maintains the resort’s cosmic theme with unique lighting features that create a magical atmosphere during evening hours.
Fitness Center
Stella Nova Resort houses a well-equipped fitness center for guests who wish to maintain their exercise routines while traveling. The facility features modern cardio equipment including treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes.
A dedicated weight training area provides both free weights and resistance machines to support comprehensive workout options. The fitness center’s large windows offer natural light and views of the resort grounds, creating an inviting atmosphere for exercise.
The fitness center operates 24 hours daily, allowing guests flexibility to work out according to their schedule. Resort guests access the facility using their room key, ensuring the space remains exclusive and uncrowded.
Complimentary water and towel service make workouts more comfortable and convenient for visitors wanting to stay active during their vacation.
Game Room
The Stella Nova Game Room provides entertainment options for guests of all ages. This indoor recreation space features both traditional arcade games and the latest video game consoles set up for multiplayer experiences.
The game room’s cosmic design elements reflect the resort’s space theme with specialized lighting and interactive features. Operating hours typically extend into the evening, providing entertainment options after returning from the theme parks.
Universal Parks and Experiences
Staying at Universal Stella Nova Resort offers exceptional benefits for accessing Universal Orlando’s impressive lineup of theme parks and entertainment options. Guests enjoy special perks that enhance their vacation experience across all Universal destinations.
Early Park Admission
Guests of Universal’s Stella Nova Resort receive Early Park Admission, allowing them to enter select Universal theme parks up to one hour before regular opening times. This exclusive perk gives visitors a head start on experiencing popular attractions with shorter wait times, particularly beneficial for high-demand experiences like those in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas.
Early admission varies by season and park operating schedules, so guests should check the current calendar during their stay. This advantage is especially valuable during peak travel periods when the parks reach higher attendance levels.
Resort guests simply need to show their valid room key and park admission to enjoy this benefit. The extra hour provides opportunities to experience multiple attractions before standard opening times.
Access to Universal CityWalk
Universal’s CityWalk, the entertainment and dining district connecting Universal’s theme parks, is easily accessible from the Stella Nova Resort via complimentary transportation. This vibrant complex stays open later than the theme parks, offering entertainment options well into the evening.
CityWalk features over 30 dining options ranging from quick-service to fine dining establishments. Popular venues include:
- Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen
- Vivo Italian Kitchen
- NBC Sports Grill & Brew
- Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
Entertainment options include multiple live music venues, a multi-screen cinema complex, and unique experiences like Hollywood Drive-In Golf. Resort guests can also enjoy shopping opportunities at numerous retail locations throughout CityWalk.
No separate ticket is required to access CityWalk, making it a convenient option for evening entertainment after a day at the parks.
Epic Universe
Epic Universe, opening May 22, 2025, will be directly adjacent to Universal’s Stella Nova Resort, providing unprecedented convenience for resort guests. This proximity offers a significant advantage, as hotel guests can easily walk to the park or use dedicated transportation options.
Epic Universe will feature five immersive worlds, including Super Nintendo World, where visitors can interact with beloved Nintendo characters and environments. Another confirmed area is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, expanding the Harry Potter universe with new attractions and experiences.
The park’s innovative design places restaurants, shops, and attractions within each themed land, creating cohesive, immersive environments. Between lands, a celestial-themed hub area will connect the various worlds while providing additional entertainment options.
The hotel’s opening in January 2025 strategically precedes Epic Universe’s debut, positioning it as an ideal lodging option for those wanting to be among the first to experience Universal’s ambitious new theme park.
Transportation and Connectivity
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort offers convenient transportation options that connect guests to the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks, CityWalk, and other nearby attractions. Getting around is straightforward thanks to complimentary shuttle services provided by the resort.
Shuttle Services
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort provides guests with free shuttle bus transportation to the Universal theme parks and CityWalk. This complimentary service runs on a regular schedule throughout the day, making it easy to travel back and forth between the resort and attractions.
The shuttle buses transport guests to a central hub at Universal Orlando. This service eliminates parking hassles and allows travelers to focus on enjoying their vacation.
Proximity to the Orlando International Airport
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort is conveniently located approximately 15 miles from the Orlando International Airport (MCO), with an average drive time of 20-25 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
While the resort doesn’t provide complimentary airport transfers, guests have multiple transportation options from MCO:
- Taxi services: Available directly outside airport terminals
- Rideshare options: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Orlando
- Rental cars: Several agencies have counters at the airport
- Shuttle services: Private shuttles can be booked in advance
For guests who prefer not to drive during their vacation, arranging airport transportation to the resort and then utilizing the complimentary theme park shuttles provides a car-free vacation experience.
Rates and Reservations
Room rates at Universal’s Stella Nova Resort range from around $150 to more than $300 per night. Prices vary considerably based on seasonality, room type, and availability.
While there are no “resort fees”, the hotel changes $30 per night for self-parking for guests. There is free WiFi in the rooms and public areas, ensuring connectivity throughout your stay.
Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM, while check-out is at 11:00 AM. Guests planning early arrival or late departure should contact the resort directly to arrange accommodations based on availability.
During our most recent stay in late-February 2025, we received an annual passholder rate of $113 per night for our two night stay. After tax and parking fees, the total cost of our stay was $318.16.
