After a six-year wait, Universal Epic Universe finally opened its portals in time for summer 2025. The fourth offering from Universal Orlando Resort, Florida, orbits around five themed worlds: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Ministry of Magic), Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon (Isle of Berk), and Dark Universe. The otherworldly Celestial Park unites the lands and sparked the imagination for those responsible for creating Universal Orlando’s newest hotels.
Photo: Booking.com
Universal Orlando Resort Just Opened Three Incredible New Hotels - Here's Which Is Right for You
As the first theme park to open in the United States for over two decades, interest is off the charts and the scale of the quartet means you’ll need to spend at least a couple of days in Orlando. Co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels, three brand-new properties feature out-of-this-world amenities and such benefits as early park admission and free shuttle buses. One luxury hotel is located within park limits while two value resorts stand adjacent to the park, one being walkable. Here is the lowdown on the trio in terms of amenities, location, dining, and cost.
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Universal Helios Grand Hotel – where to stay for luxury
Part of the resort’s Signature Collection, Universal Helios Grand is the only hotel situated on the grounds of Universal Orlando’s latest theme park. In fact, a stay at this 500-room property comes with the perk of a dedicated on-foot entrance to Universal Epic Universe which is a great time saver.
Universal Helios Grand Hotel fuses Mediterranean charm with a touch of the extraterrestrial. Communal areas are adorned with cosmic patterns and constellations in reflection of the gateway world at Universal Epic Universe. Floral accents in the rooms create the sense of a botanical oasis with top-tier domains looking over the theme park, hotel gardens, or pool. Luxurious suites come with kitchenettes and plush lounges whereas families with younger kids can snap up a How to Train Your Dragon-themed suite.
This premium hotel has a resort-style zero-entry pool edged by rentable cabanas and a hot tub. A breakfast buffet is served in Flora Taverna with pizza, gyros, and Mediterranean bites available for lunch and dinner. There is also a grab-and-go bakery on-site, a casual poolside bar and grill, and a rooftop bar serving heavenly cocktails.
You’ll enjoy complimentary transportation to the four theme parks and Universal CityWalk plus streamlined access to the latest park via the dedicated entrance. Early park admission gives you a one-hour head start on the lines. Any merchandise purchased throughout the parks is delivered complimentary to the hotel while room keys carry resort-wide charging privileges.
Pros and cons of Universal Helios Grand Hotel
- Luxurious (but expensive)
- Dedicated access to Universal Epic Universe
- Complimentary shuttle buses to all parks
- Walkable to Universal Epic Universe
- Early admission to Universal Epic Universe
- Merchandise delivery
- Premium dining
- Deluxe and themed suites
- Accessible rooms
- Tipped towards an adult audience
Address: 8505 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando, Florida 32819
Nightly rates: from $400 (subject to season)
Universal Terra Luna Resort – where to stay on a budget
Three, two, one, blast off. Falling under the Prime Value collection, Universal Terra Luna Resort is a lunar-inspired hotel stationed on the south side of the long-awaited Florida theme park. Another offering from the award-winning Universal Creative team, the 750-room Terra Luna features comparable perks to the Universal Helios Grand Hotel with early park admission and complimentary shuttles being the most crucial.
Comfortable rooms have a spaceship-style window and terrestrial tones. They come as family rooms as standard, with all units equipped with two queen beds and a maximum occupancy of four. As with the other two properties, Universal Terra Luna Resort has a wide offering of accessible rooms catering to those with mobility and hearing concerns.
The zero-entry swimming pool features pop-up jets and has a poolside movie theater. There is also a hot tub and fire pit area perfect for downtime between park adventures. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the Omega Cafe and Market while the lobby bar impresses with its lunar-inspired cocktails. Burgers, comfort food, and refreshments are available at the poolside Moonrise Grill and Bar.
Pros and cons of Universal Terra Luna Resort
- Affordable (this is the cheapest hotel near Universal Epic Universe)
- Family-friendly
- Free pack ‘n’ plays
- Accessible rooms
- Space-themed decor
- Has a pool, hot tub, and poolside movies
- Complementary shuttles to parks
- Early admission to Universal Epic Universe
- Not walkable to Universal Epic Universe\
- Food is limited
Address: 5500 Epic Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32819
Nightly rates: from $160 (subject to season)
Universal Stella Nova Resort – coolest mid-range hotel for families
Another Prime Value property, Universal Stella Nova Resort is the best mid-range hotel near Universal Epic Universe. Located across the road from Terra Luna, the rooms share a similar aesthetic inspired by galaxies far, far away with spaceship windows and cosmic decor. But here, the exterior is particularly eye-catching with 140,000 iridescent stainless‑steel tiles dazzling under the Floridian sunshine. An entry portal modeled on a swirling black hole leads you to the lobby bar where cocktails take a turn for the theatrical. Up on the third floor, a starry canopy provides a stellar backdrop for family selfies.
As with its sister, all 750 rooms at Stella Nova come with two queen beds and there is a large supply of accessible rooms. The hotel has a 10,000 sq ft resort‑style pool with a splash pad and sand pit for kids plus a massive recreation room, hot tub, fire pit area, and gym. Cosmos Cafe and Market is a one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner anchored on North American classics. Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill offer poolside service and there’s a special in-room pizza service which is always appreciated after a long day.
A dedicated walking path gets you to Universal Epic Universe in 15 minutes or less.
Pros and cons of Universal Stella Nova Resort
- Affordable
- Family-friendly
- Accessible rooms
- Space-themed design and fun photo ops
- Has a pool, splash pad, hot, tub, and recreation room
- Complementary shuttles to parks
- Walkable from Universal Epic Universe
- Early admission to Universal Epic Universe
Address: 4500 Epic Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32819
Nightly rates: from $215 (subject to season) 