I visited Epic Universe’s new surprisingly cheap mega-hotel: with 10,000sqft lagoon pool and free early park entry
A HUGE new space-themed hotel resort has opened just months before the launch of it’s mega theme park – and I was one of the first to visit.
Stella Nova is one of three hotels part of the massive new Epic Universe theme park, Universal’s latest venture.
And when a new hotel insists it is “Stella” before it even opens, it has a lot to live up to.
In fact, this truly stellar resort is positively packed with inter-planetary superlatives that are all set to be the launching point for the theme park when it opens in May.
From the outside, it glitters like a kaleidoscopic galaxy thanks to the 140,000 multi-coloured stainless steel tiles that cover the exterior.
Inside, it shifts gears into an inter-stellar space extravaganza, as cool as Matthew McConaughey in his signature spacesuit.
There isn’t a straight line to be seen as you step into the gleaming, space-age confines of the lobby, which surrounds guests with an all-white colour scheme backed up by stunning NASA murals from the orbital James Webb Telescope, and the sleek effect is breathtaking.
That same design ethos is at work in the 750 identical guest rooms, which come with two queen beds and plenty of creature comforts, including a coffee-maker, mini-fridge, USB ports and another full-length James Webb mural of the cosmos.
One side of the hotel has views directly to Epic Universe – including the back of Mount Beanpole from the Super Nintendo World section – while the other overlooks the huge pool deck, which is only slightly smaller than the average nebula.
Ah, the pool deck. If you’re looking for relaxation away from the theme park frenzy, this will satisfy most sun-seekers as there are enough loungers to accommodate a galactic army, in addition to games stations, kids’ splash pad, hot tub and the 10,000sq ft heated freeform swimming pool.
Pride of place, though, goes to the Galaxy Bar overlooking the pool, where the cocktails and craft beers are likely to have all the pull of a black hole.
Unusually, the bar’s food comes via a separate servery, the Galaxy Grill, to one corner of the pool deck, and it’s easy to miss if you’re
not looking for it.
What the new Epic Universe means for theme park fans
The Sun’s Head of Travel Lisa Minot explains what this new theme park means for the industry:
THE astonishing scale of Epic Universe – with five fabulous new lands – will see Universal Resort Orlando challenging its arch rival Walt Disney World like never before.
I’ve always adored Universal’s quirky sense of humour and total immersion. It’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter rewrote the rule book when it came to attention to detail when it launched in 2010 with the incredible Hogsmeade.
No one had done authentic, immersive theme park lands like them before and it saw even the likes of Disney rushing to catch up.
And since then, they have been on a roll with a raft of exciting openings from the thrills of the Velociraptor ride in Jurassic Park to the quite brilliant Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.
With three parks – Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and now Epic Universe as well as the Volcano Bay water park and eight onsite hotels, you could spend an entire trip just exploring the wonderful worlds.
I can’t wait to see what astonishing new experiences they will deliver with the new park. It’s going to be Epic
Back inside, other amenities include an impressive fitness centre, with state-of-the-art exercise machines and weights, while the obligatory games arcade is right next door.
Food is available throughout the day from the grab-and-go Cosmos Market and the more extensive selections of the Cosmos Café, with a fairly standard menu of salads, soups, pizza and grills.
Breakfast bucks the trend with some more imaginative pancakes, waffles and French toast, plus the Mexican speciality of Huevos Rancheros.
Finally, guests will probably gravitate in the evening to the lobby’s Nova Bar, where two signature cocktails promise more planetary pleasures, notably the Super Nova, which is a smoke- infused concoction of whisky, cherry Campari and ice.
Have two, and you’ll probably achieve lift-off.
As with all Universal hotels, the Stella Nova comes with early admission to their theme parks and free transport, albeit Epic Universe will be less than a 10-minute walk away once it opens.
Sister hotel the Terra Luna opens on March 25 and the imposing Helios Grand Hotel with the park on May 22.
PS: If you want to be one of the Instagram cool kids, head up to the third floor, turn right and use the fibre-optic lights of the Star Bridge as the galactic backdrop for a selfie or two.
A week’s stay at the Stella Nova in August for two adults and two children (under 18) costs from £901 with Attraction Tickets.
This works out to just £225pp each – a bargain for a Florida stay when it includes early park access (although you will have to buy your theme park tickets separately).
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Epic Universe theme park opening this year.
We’ve also explained what you can expect from each of the worlds, including:
- Celestial Park
- Super Nintendo World
- How to Train Your Dragon land
- Dark Universe
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic