by Joe Tracy, editor of Theme Park Magazine
Editor’s Note: The park’s full name is Universal Epic Universe. After the first mention, this article simply refers to it as “Epic Universe.”
Universal Orlando Resort is expanding its hotel lineup with three new properties that connect to the upcoming Universal Epic Universe theme park. As Epic Universe prepares to open on May 22, 2025, these space-themed and celestial-themed accommodations will bring the total to eleven hotels across Universal’s entire Orlando resort. Each offers unique theming while providing convenient access to Universal’s new theme park.
The three new hotels sit near Epic Universe, which is located a few miles from Universal’s existing theme parks. While Helios Grand Hotel connects directly to Epic Universe, Stella Nova and Terra Luna Resorts are adjacent to the park with walking paths providing access.
A Trio of Themed Hotels
The new accommodations include Universal Stella Nova Resort (opened January 21, 2025), Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening March 25, 2025), and Universal Helios Grand Hotel (opening May 22, 2025).
The hotels are differentiated by their themes: Universal Stella Nova Resort reflects galactic and stellar concepts, Universal Terra Luna Resort focuses on planetary and terrestrial designs, and Universal Helios Grand Hotel incorporates Mediterranean and solar elements, drawing inspiration from Helios, the Greek god of the sun.
The design team for Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort focused on creating subtle immersive cosmic experiences rather than simply space-themed decorations. The two sister properties, while distinct in their specific themes, share a common design philosophy that guided their development.
“We drew a line between space and space travel and the wonder and aura of space,” explains Russ Dagon, senior vice president for resort development with Universal. “We wanted to try to capture that magical experience of space. It was really about the aura and the mystery of it all.”
While Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort share a common design philosophy, offering accessible, immersive experiences, the Universal Helios Grand Hotel represents a distinct level of luxury and integration.
Helios Grand Hotel: Luxury with Direct Access to Epic Universe
Rising above Celestial Park at Epic Universe, the 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel will open alongside the theme park on May 22, 2025. The hotel takes inspiration from Helios, the Greek god of the sun, with Mediterranean design elements and celestial patterns incorporated into the design.
The hotel includes some notable features:
- Massive windows in the lobby with views of Celestial Park
- Bar Helios, a rooftop lounge with 360-degree views
- How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites themed after the Viking village of Berk
- Three dining venues: Flora Taverna (full-service restaurant), Aurora Market (coffee shop), and Lotus Lagoon (poolside bar and grill)
- Zero-entry pool with underwater speakers and cabanas available for rent
A standout feature of Universal Helios Grand Hotel is its dedicated entrance to Epic Universe – providing direct access to and from the theme park. After park visits, guests can visit Bar Helios, a rooftop lounge with tapas, cocktails, and 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Universal Creative’s Vision: Crafting the Helios Experience
The Universal Helios Grand Hotel stands as a testament to the award-winning Universal Creative team’s ability to extend theme park storytelling into the hotel experience. As the same creative force behind Epic Universe itself, Universal Creative designed the hotel to function as both a luxurious accommodation and an extension of the park’s thematic elements.
The hotel’s integration with Celestial Park is exemplified by its dedicated entrance to Epic Universe – the first such direct connection in Universal Orlando’s hotel collection. This feature allows guests to move seamlessly between their accommodations and the theme park, maintaining an immersive experience throughout their journey. The team coordinated color palettes, architectural styles, and thematic elements to ensure a cohesive transition between the hotel and park environments.
Throughout the property, Universal Creative’s attention to detail appears in the celestial patterns, Mediterranean design elements, and carefully crafted public spaces. The lobby’s floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Celestial Park reflect the team’s intentional design choices to blur the lines between the hotel and the theme park. Even smaller elements like the elevator lobby’s “sun and moon” show and staff appearance received careful consideration to maintain thematic consistency.
The How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites also represents Universal Creative’s themed design work within the hotel. These specialty rooms were designed to help transport younger guests to the Viking village of Berk, showcasing the team’s ability to apply character-based storytelling techniques within a functional hotel room setting.
The collaborative efforts between Universal Creative and the Epic Universe design team are evident in the cohesive theming and immersive environments of the new hotels. By carefully coordinating design elements and prioritizing guest experiences, Universal Creative has successfully created accommodations that are not merely places to sleep, but integral parts of the larger theme park narrative.
Stalla Nova and Terra Luna: Value-Oriented Cosmic Resorts
Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort offer guests immersive cosmic experiences at a value-oriented price point. These sister properties share a common design philosophy centered on capturing the wonder and aura of space, as described by Russ Dagon, Senior Vice President for Resort Development with Universal.
Stella Nova shimmers with the brilliance of distant galaxies and stars, incorporating teals and purples throughout its design. Its exterior features color-changing tiles that create a dynamic and ever-shifting spectacle. Terra Luna, on the other hand, grounds guests in the wonder of planets and earthly elements, utilizing greens and golds to suggest an otherworldly environment. At night, hidden stainless steel tiles illuminate the exterior, creating a starry effect.
Both hotels offer a range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. Each property boasts a 10,000-square-foot resort-style pool with a splash pad, hot tub, and fire pit, perfect for relaxation after a day of park adventures. Guests can also enjoy poolside dining and refreshments at the Galaxy Bar and Grill (Stella Nova) and Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill (Terra Luna). Additional amenities include fitness centers, game rooms, and quick-service dining options at the Cosmos Cafe and Market (Stella Nova) and Omega Cafe and Market (Terra Luna).
Guest Rooms: Cosmic Comforts and Themed Escapes
The guest rooms at Universal’s new hotels complement the overall cosmic experience, each designed with unique touches that enhance the theme of its respective property.
At the Helios Grand Hotel, guests can choose from standard rooms that evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden, many with views of Epic Universe. These rooms provide a relaxing retreat with subtle theming and comfortable amenities. For a more distinctive experience, families can opt for the How to Train Your Dragon Kids’ Suites. These suites offer a fun and imaginative space for younger guests, with theming inspired by the Viking village of Berk. While not as elaborately themed as dedicated immersive experiences, the Kids’ Suites provide a playful and engaging environment for children.
The standard rooms at Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort feature subtle theming that complements the overall cosmic atmosphere of the hotels. These comfortable accommodations showcase “spaceship-styled windows” that frame views of the surrounding resort area, reinforcing the space travel concept. The color schemes in the rooms reflect the overall themes of each hotel, further immersing guests in the cosmic experience.
This approach to room theming provides guests with a variety of options to suit their preferences. Whether seeking a relaxing retreat with subtle theming or a more playful and engaging space for families, guests will find accommodations that enhance their Universal experience.
New Hotel Categories and Guest Benefits
Universal has introduced a new categorization system to help guests select accommodations based on service level and price point:
- Signature Collection: Includes Helios Grand Hotel and four existing properties, offering full-service amenities and upscale dining.
- Prime Value Hotels: Includes Stella Nova Resort, Terra Luna Resort, and Universal Aventura Hotel, providing a mix of services at a moderate price point.
- Value Inns and Suites: Includes Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Universal Endless Summer Resort, offering affordable options with standard rooms and family suites.
All Universal hotel guests receive benefits including Early Park Admission (with valid theme park admission), complimentary shuttle transportation to the parks and Universal CityWalk, resort-wide charging privileges, and merchandise delivery service.
Expanding the Experience: Hotels as Theme Park Extensions
For travelers planning visits to Universal’s newest theme park, these hotels provide multiple pricing options and themed experiences that begin before even entering the park gates. With room rates at Stella Nova and Terra Luna starting at $147 per night (based on a four-night stay), they aim to offer themed experiences at accessible price points.
These three celestial-themed hotels represent more than just additional accommodations – they signal Universal’s commitment to creating complete, immersive vacation experiences where the storytelling extends beyond ride exits and park gates. As Universal Orlando evolves into a multi-day destination with Epic Universe as its newest cornerstone, these hotels establish a new standard for how themed accommodations can become integral extensions of the theme park experience rather than simply places to sleep.
Explore More: Videos
Introducing Universal Helios Grand Hotel at Universal Epic Universe
Universal Stella Nova Resort is Now Open
Explore More: Resources
- Website: Universal Helios Grand Hotel
- Website: Universal Stella Nova Resort
- Website: Universal Terra Luna Resort
- Website: Universal Epic Universe
Feature Image: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, is a 500-room resort located at Universal Epic Universe theme park. The hotel was brought to life by the Universal Creative team. (Photo: art concept of Helios Grand Hotel by Universal Orlando Resort).
About Joe Tracy
Joe Tracy, the creator, and editor of Theme Park Magazine, is a lifetime enthusiast of theme parks and immersive experiences. The publication was launched under his leadership on June 1, 2021, as a manifestation of his deep-seated love for all things themed. Joe has amassed over 20 years of expertise in both traditional print and online publishing.
Your Support Makes Theme Park Magazine Possible
Love our independent, ad-free theme park coverage? We’re passionate about bringing you these stories without the usual ad clutter, and it’s only possible thanks to supporters like you.
Your contribution directly funds more in-depth articles, stunning visuals, and keeps our focus purely on the magic. Please donate via PayPal today to help us continue this mission. – Joe Tracy, Editor
