On May 22, 2025, the Chronos tower will power up and the Emerald Gate will open to Universal Epic Universe. The long-awaited fourth gate, however, is not the only frogciting addition coming to Universal Orlando Resort. Three shimmering new hotels will open right next door, minimizing your commute to the thrilling theme park. Hop along with us as we take a look at these out of this world accommodations — all of which you can book now through Undercover Tourist — and dig into the ribbeting benefits they have to offer.
Overview of Epic Universe Hotels
Co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co., the three new hotels coming to Universal Orlando Resort will have you just a hop, skip and jump away from the five magnificently themed worlds of Universal Epic Universe: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.
The first two to open will be Universal Stella Nova Resort (Jan. 21, 2025) and Universal Terra Luna Resort (March, 25, 2025) — each offering 750 double-queen guest rooms. These hotels (along with Universal Aventura Hotel) are part of Universal Orlando's Prime Value Hotel category. Promising a mix of services and amenities made for comfort and affordability, these hotels provide thoughtful, resort-style conveniences, an array of fast-casual dining options and exclusive theme park benefits.
The final hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, will open alongside Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. This hotel is a spectacular 500-room resort and is part of Universal Orlando's Signature Collection (alongside Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort and Loews Sapphire Falls Resort). The hotels in this tier offer expansive full-service amenities, exceptional dining, distinguished service, immersive theming and an array of the most exclusive theme park benefits. Helios Grand also holds a very distinct honor among Universal Orlando's entire hotel collection ... but we'll expand on that more below.
By staying at these hotels, not only will you have access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Volcano Bay up to one hour before the parks open, but, on May 23, 2025 (the day after Universal Epic Universe opens), your Early Park Admission benefit will expand to include the new park. Staying at a Universal Orlando hotel also grants you resort-wide charging privileges and gives you the ability to ship purchases made at select stores in Universal's theme parks and Universal CityWalk directly to your hotel, free of charge!
Additionally, Universal Orlando hotel guests have access to complimentary shuttle buses to get to the parks and back. You can either choose to utilize the shuttle to get to Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, Universal Volcano Bay and Universal CityWalk ... or you can drive over! RV/Bus Parking is $24 and Regular Parking is $32. Free Regular Parking is available for matinee movie showings from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a purchase of two or more Universal CineMark matinee tickets. (The Regular Parking fee must be paid in full and then will be reimbursed upon presentation of your parking receipt. Restrictions apply.)
Prime parking is $50-60 per day and a Prime Upgrade is $18-28 per day. (Pricing is seasonal and may vary by day.) You can also receive a complimentary upgrade to Prime Parking with Avis and Budget car rentals from the Orlando International Airport. (Voucher and payment for regular parking is required.)
Wherever you decide to make your home away from home, you'll save an EXTRA $10 per ticket when you purchase through Undercover Tourist and bundle your Universal Orlando tickets with a 2-night stay! (Offer applied in cart.)
Universal Stella Nova Resort — Opening Jan. 21, 2025
Kicking off Universal Orlando's epic expansion, Universal Stella Nova Resort will be the first to join Aventura Hotel in the Prime Value tier. Inspired by the infinite vastness of the unexplored universe, this hotel is located adjacent to Epic Universe and will be accessible to the new park via walking path.
In your Standard Room, you'll find subtle colors, refined flooring and clean curves — all of which come together to inspire thoughts of sailing through infinite galaxies on an uncharted course. These rooms sleep up to four and feature a flat panel TV and mini refrigerator. Upgrade to a pool side room to enjoy views of the expansive 10,000 spa-style pool! Other amenities include a kids' splash pad, outdoor games, a relaxing hot tub, a fire pit, poolside movies (weather permitting), a game room and a fitness center offering a variety of strength and cardio exercise equipment.
Chow down on burgers, paninis, fried chicken and pastas at Cosmos Cafe and Market — serving up American classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy poolside favorites, such as burgers quesadillas and salads and a full-service bar, beer and wine at Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill. Wet your whistle at Nova Bar which creates craft drinks instilled with smoky elements for a uniquely delicious experience. Ready to chill after a day of thrills? Order fresh-made pizza directly to your room!
Universal Terra Luna Resort — Opening March 25, 2025
The last hotel to join the Prime Value tier, Universal Terra Luna Resort is your landing zone for relaxation and recharging between the fun. Inspired by the thrill of exploring the unknown and pushing the limits of discovery, this hotel is located adjacent to Epic Universe and will be accessible to the new park via complimentary shuttle.
In your Standard Room, you'll find sweeping curves, terrestrial tones and an eye-catching, spaceship-styled window — all of which come together to inspire thoughts of exploring new worlds. These rooms sleep up to four and feature two comfy queen beds, convenient storage and modern amenities. At this resort, you can enjoy a zero-entry pool with a hot tub, lounge and table-top seating in the pool area, select outdoor games, a game room and a complimentary, state-of-the-art fitness center.
Feed the gang at Omega Cafe and Market which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and features American classics, such as burgers, paninis, fried chicken and pastas. Fuel up at Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill, a full-service bar featuring rum drinks, beer, wine and a separate grill with a menu full of poolside favorites, such as burger, quesadillas, salads and more. Unwind at Luna Bar, the lobby bar featuring craft cocktails curated with unique ingredients. Satisfy those late-night cravings with pizza delivery straight to your room!
Universal Helios Grand Hotel — Opening May 22, 2025
The newest addition to Universal Orlando's Signature Collection, Universal Helios Grand Hotel is a majestic escape where light, life and laughter abound. This sunlit sanctuary, adorned by beautiful details of celestial patterns and constellations not only offers exceptional dining, a rooftop bar with 360-degree views and relaxing amenities ... but a dedicated entry to Universal Epic Universe for hotel guests. Rising above the waters of Celestial Park and boasting a casual, elegant Mediterranean-inspired feel, Helios Grand is your place in the sun.
As far as the room selection here goes, choose from Standard Rooms that evoke the tranquility of a blissful garden with, impressionistic depictions of flowers adorning the headboard, or Club Level Rooms that include access to a private lounge, continental breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres and personal concierge service. Want some room to stretch out (or a little privacy from the tadpoles)? Book a Kids' Suite which features a separate kids' room with twin beds themed in heartwarming and imaginative "How to Train Your Dragon" décor. Don't froget to enjoy the hotel's zero-entry pool with a hot tub, game room and complimentary fitness center.
Of course, we can't wait to sink our teeth into the delicious dining options here. Featuring an open kitchen and al fresco dining, Flora Taverna serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a full breakfast buffet, Mediterranean comfort foods and amazing views of Epic Universe. Also boasting unmatched 360-degree views of the new park, Bar Helios specializes in exciting beverage options, delicious comfort food and creative tapas. Able to be enjoyed in the open-air restaurant or right from your pool chair, Lotus Lagoon is where you'lll find frozen cocktails, cold beer, refreshing fountain drinks, snacks and appetizers. Lastly, perfect for when you're in a hurry to hit the parks, Aurora Market is where you can grab coffee, paninis, wraps and gelatos ... and go.
Which Epic Universe hotel are you most excited to stay at? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Everything We Know About Universal Epic Universe Theme Park — Opening May 22, 2025!
Hoppy planning!
