Details Revealed About Universal Orlando Resort’s Newest Hotels

Staying at a Universal Orlando Resort hotel is an art form, and folks — I am An Artist. Not only have I spearheaded the planning for countless stays of every vacation variety, but I’ve also spent many a relaxing hour dining, exploring, and just absolutely thriving at each hotel (peek the author bio and catch me at Strong Water Tavern most weekends). My head has hit the pillow at all eight currently-existing Universal hotels and I even penned my opus and homage to them in this article.

And so, you can trust my expertise when I tell you that Universal’s newest hotels — Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, opening January 21, 2025 and February 25, 2025, respectively — are going to be wonderful additions to an already pretty dang phenomenal line-up of hotels. 

Each 750-room hotel focuses on a different aspect of the astronomical world, from terrestrial planets to celestial galaxies. The properties are different enough to be unique, but share a generally cohesive vibe, emphasizing different elements of the extraterrestrial world in their theming.

“We drew a line between space and space travel and the wonder and aura of space,” says Russ Dagon, the 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.”

Stella Nova Resort is inspired by the stars. This celestial property will transport guests into the galaxies. From the cavernous lobby with stalactite-like cocoons hanging from the ceiling to the giant images of the galaxies found throughout the hotel (which are actual pictures captured from telescopes), no moon stone was left unturned when it comes to the theming.

Terra Luna Resort takes a more terrestrial approach, with inspiration from the planets and terrain around our solar system. Stepping into the also-cavernous lobby, you’ll be greeted by an interactive projected planet. The color schemes in Terra Luna Resort combine to create an atmosphere that is otherworldly, which is obviously very apt as a resting place for those visiting the other worlds throughout Universal’s theme parks. 

The exteriors of the hotels are truly a sight to see, too, as the buildings are covered with over 125,000 color-changing tiles. The creative team saw a galaxy graphic they felt captured the overall essence of the hotels and brainstormed ways to transpose the image onto a building. 

“If you see it during the day — depending on the day and the lighting — it’s a different experience,” Dagon says. “You can drive down Universal Boulevard and it looks like one thing at one point in time and then — if the light hits it — it changes.”

Jessica Iaconis, the assistant director of facility design on the project, describes this effect as dichroic and elaborates that the hotels will change as you move around the properties. It makes the hotel’s experience dynamic; at night, hidden stainless steel tiles will illuminate the hotels into a galaxy of stars. 

Each property has a beautiful swimming pool, poolside bar and grill, and a delicious line-up of on-property dining options. As far as benefits are concerned, these hotels deliver. At opening, their transportation options to Universal’s existing theme parks (Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Volcano Bay) will be a major bonus for those planning a trip and looking for a new way to explore Universal. They will also be located adjacent to the future site of the new Universal Epic Universe theme park, which will open at a later date in 2025. But being close to the theme parks isn’t the only theme park benefit…

✔️Early Park Admission (Valid theme park admission required; select attractions)

✔️Complimentary Shuttle Bus Transportation

✔️Resort Charging with Room Key

✔️Merchandise Delivery to Hotel (Restrictions apply)

The really, really good news? Bookings are available right. now. Which essentially means that by this time next year my head will have hit the pillows at ten Universal hotels. I truly cannot wait and neither should you.

Stay tuned to Discover Universal blog for more news on what’s on the horizon at Universal Orlando Resort!