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Universal Orlando Resort: Where to Stay & Play for a Few Days

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My recent stay at Universal Orlando Resort was so much fun and I’m going to share and highlight my favorite moments with you. First and foremost, I stayed at the Cabana Bay Beach Resort on the property which allowed me early access (one hour) to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It was my first time experiencing Diagon Alley™. I took advantage of the complimentary shuttle service to Universal Studios Florida and was able to … [Read More...]

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Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

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I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Strike a pose at Pose Selfie Studio

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Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

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Navigating Disney World During a Pandemic

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I recently had an opportunity to visit Walt Disney World as part of my Goofy Getaways FAM Training. It was exciting and I was a bit anxious because even though some restrictions are being lifted, guidelines are more relaxed, and travel is starting to … [Read More...]

Taste the Flavors of St. Thomas USVI

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I am excited to be collaborating with my fellow foodie lover Hannah Victoria on this listing of places to eat in St. Thomas USVI whether you are visiting or local to the island. We are giving you our personal opinions based on our dining experiences … [Read More...]

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My Honest Review of Universal Stella Nova Resort

Universal Stella Nova Resort opened at Universal Orlando Resort last year, bringing a fresh, space-inspired hotel to the growing Epic Universe area. I was curious to see whether the futuristic design was more than a clever marketing idea, or whether the hotel would feel like an ordinary value property with a few themed decorations added.

After staying there, my view is fairly clear: Stella Nova is stylish, comfortable and very convenient for a Universal holiday, but it is not the right choice for every traveller. The rooms are compact, the food options are limited compared with a city hotel, and the resort atmosphere is designed around theme-park visitors rather than a quiet Florida escape.

First Impressions Of The Resort

The exterior immediately makes Stella Nova feel different from Universal’s older hotels. Curved lines, metallic surfaces and jewel-like colours give the building a clean space-age appearance without making it feel like a children’s attraction. It has a polished, modern look that photographs well, particularly around the entrance and pool areas.

Inside, the design continues with vivid colours, geometric patterns and subtle references to planets and galaxies. I appreciated that the theming was consistent without becoming overwhelming. Some resort hotels can feel as though every wall is competing for attention, whereas Stella Nova generally keeps its public spaces bright and uncluttered.

The scale is also worth noting. This is a large hotel, so the lobby can be busy, especially around check-in times and after the parks close. Families, school-holiday crowds and guests arriving with luggage create a steady flow through the main areas. It felt lively rather than chaotic during my visit, although guests seeking a boutique experience may find it a little impersonal.

The Rooms And Sleeping Comfort

My room was practical and attractively designed, with a space-themed colour palette that felt contemporary rather than gimmicky. The beds were comfortable, and there was enough storage for a short or medium-length theme-park stay. The room worked well as a base for showering, sleeping and recharging after a full day at Universal.

The main compromise is space. Stella Nova rooms are not especially generous, and the layout can feel tight when two adults have open suitcases or a family is travelling with several bags. Australians used to hotel rooms in larger resort destinations such as the Gold Coast may notice the difference. It is manageable, but I would not choose this room category for an extended stay if I planned to spend much time indoors.

Noise was another factor to consider. The resort is built for busy park days, so corridors and neighbouring rooms can become lively in the morning and evening. My experience was comfortable overall, but light sleepers may want to request a quieter position away from lifts and high-traffic areas.

Pools, Food And Resort Facilities

The pool area is one of Stella Nova’s strongest features. It is large, colourful and easy to enjoy between park visits. There are plenty of loungers, and the setting makes it possible to have a relaxed afternoon without leaving the property. The atmosphere is family-friendly, though it is not a peaceful adults-only retreat.

The food and drink outlets are convenient rather than destination dining. Quick-service meals, snacks and coffee are available, which is exactly what many park guests need, but the choices can become repetitive over several days. I would happily eat there after a late park finish, yet I would also plan a few meals elsewhere in Orlando.

For Australian visitors, the pricing takes some adjustment. The exchange rate can make an already expensive United States holiday feel even less forgiving, and American resort portions, taxes and tipping expectations add to the final cost. A coffee or casual meal may look reasonable on the menu before tax and gratuity are included. I found it helpful to budget in Australian dollars rather than relying on the displayed US price.

Getting To The Parks

The location is a major reason to book Stella Nova. Guests receive complimentary transportation to Universal Epic Universe and the other Universal parks, making it much easier to manage a day without a hire car. The journey to Epic Universe is particularly convenient because the hotel is part of the new resort development nearby.

That convenience matters after a long park day. Walking, waiting for rideshares and dealing with Orlando traffic can quickly drain energy, especially for families travelling with young children. The hotel transport made returning for a midday break feel realistic, although busy periods can still mean queues and crowded vehicles.

Early park access is another meaningful benefit. Getting into a Universal park before the general public can help guests reach popular attractions before wait times rise. I would still check the current conditions and operating details before booking, since benefits and opening arrangements can change.

I kept a few notes and photos alongside my other Universal Orlando experiences because the small practical details often matter just as much as the headline attractions. Things such as transport timing, refillable drink costs and where to find a quieter seat can shape the day.

How It Compares With Other Universal Hotels

Stella Nova sits in an appealing middle ground. It feels newer and more visually distinctive than a basic budget hotel, but it does not offer the same level of luxury, service or dining range as Universal’s premium resorts. For many families, that balance will be the reason to choose it.

Compared with a higher-end Universal property, the biggest missing feature is the feeling of having the parks woven into the hotel experience. Stella Nova is themed and enjoyable, but it remains a value-focused resort. Guests paying for a premium stay may prefer a hotel with more spacious rooms, table-service restaurants or additional transport privileges.

I also think trip length makes a difference. For two or three park-heavy nights, the compact room and limited dining selection are easy to accept. For a week-long holiday, especially one mixing theme parks with shopping, beaches or other Orlando attractions, I would compare the total cost with a larger suite or an off-site hotel.

Australians often plan Orlando as part of a much longer United States trip, perhaps combining it with New York, Los Angeles or a cruise from Florida. In that situation, Stella Nova works well as a focused theme-park base. It is less convincing as a resort where I would spend a leisurely, hotel-centred holiday.

My Final Take On Staying There

My honest impression is that Stella Nova succeeds because it understands what most Universal guests actually need. It offers attractive rooms, a memorable design, useful park access and a fun pool area without pushing the price into the premium category. The hotel feels fresh, and that matters when compared with older accommodation options.

The drawbacks are equally clear. The rooms are fairly compact, dining is functional rather than exciting, and the large-resort atmosphere will not suit everyone. Guests who value silence, generous living space or sophisticated restaurants may leave feeling that the hotel is more practical than indulgent.

I would recommend Stella Nova for first-time Universal visitors, families and travellers who want to stay inside the Universal Orlando Resort area while keeping accommodation costs under control. I would be more selective for couples wanting a romantic break or anyone planning to spend many hours relaxing at the hotel.

Overall, it is a strong new addition to Universal Orlando. I enjoyed the design, valued the transport and found the stay comfortable, but I would book it for convenience and theme-park access rather than expecting a luxury resort experience. For the right itinerary, that is more than enough.