Stella Nova vs. Terra Luna: Which NEW Epic Universe Hotel Should You Pick?
This blog post breaks down Universal Orlando’s two new Universal Prime Value hotels adjacent to Universal Epic Universe. I’ll share how they are similar and how they differ. I hope this article helps you decide which hotel is best for your next vacation.
What’s the Difference Between Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova and Terra Luna Hotels?
Location
Stella Nova and Terra Luna are located at Universal Orlando Resort’s “South Campus,” just minutes from Universal Epic Universe—and some guest rooms feature views of the new Universal Epic Universe.Complimentary shuttles are available to Epic Universe from both hotels; however, Stella Nova (closer of the two) also has a dedicated walking path to the park. Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay, CityWalk, and most other Universal Orlando hotels are roughly 15 minutes away by shuttle bus.
Stella Nova and Terra Luna Design & Theming
The two hotels—both feature iridescent rainbow-hued tiles—have similar space-inspired theming; however, Stella Nova was designed to “reflect the infinite vastness of the universe,” while Terra Luna invites you “to step onto a new planet that has yet to be discovered.” Those themes can be seen through the different color schemes. Stella Nova has more blue, purple and teal, while Terra Luna features earth tones like greens, browns, gold, and oranges.
Lobby Vibes
Universal Stella Nova Resort is the more futuristic of the two hotels, tall white walls, flooring, and white lights and windows throughout. Stella Nova is themed around the galaxies and stars, with large images from NASA on the walls. Universal Orlando has described walking into the Stella Nova as entering a black hole via passing from the porte-cochère into the lobby check-in area.Universal Terra Luna Resort’s lobby has earth tones of greens, browns and oranges, with softer back lighting. A Terra Luna there's more terrestrial textures – wood and stone. Instead of the black hole at Stella Nova, Terra Luna has a bright and large lobby. 
Rooms
Both hotels have 750 standard rooms with two queen beds (there are no king-bedded rooms, no connecting rooms, and no family suites); both feature space station-styled windows and Universal’s popular split bathroom configuration.The rooms at Stella Nova and Terra Luna are almost identical, with only tiny differences like the color scheme, wall art, lighting, and the view of Universal Epic Universe. For the closest views of Epic Universe, Stella Nova wins. In my opinion the best overall view of Epic Universe is from Terra Luna Resort.
Universal Stella Nova Resort Room Tour
Universal Terra Luna Resort Room Tour
Dinning and Drink Options
Both Stella Nova and Terra Luna each feature 2 bars, pool grill, a marketplace, and room delivery pizza. Both of the marketplaces offer quick-service meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have grab-and-go items.Stella Nova features the Cosmos Market, a quick service and grab-and-go with American fare. Breakfast options include Smashed Avocado toast, Challah French toast, a breakfast platter of eggs, bacon or sausage, potatoes, and a biscuit; and more. Lunch and dinner options include sandwiches, pizzas, salads, soups, and more. The Nova Bar has spaced themed cocktails like my favorite, The Black Hole espresso martini. The Nova Bar also serves beers, wines, and other alcoholic drinks.
Terra Luna has a very simialir dining options likeStella Luna, with the Omega Cafe and Market serving traditional breakfast staples, stuffed French toast, fritatas and more. For lunch and dinner, you can choose from pizza, burgers, wraps, soups, asian bowls, and more. The lobby Luna Bar also offers a wide selection of themed cocktails, beers, wines, and other alcoholic drinks.
Pool Area & Outdoors Spaces
Both Stella Nova and Terra Luna have pools that are 10,000 square feet, and about 4 feet deep. Both have a very pool deck, 1 hot tub, and a sand area. Activities include poolside movies and outdoor games. Both pool bars offer mobile order quick service.Stella Nova’s pool is located outside, next to the hotel’s dinning options. at the Front of the pool area off to the right is Stella Nova’s splash pad. The Galaxy Bar and Grill has a good amount of poolside seating if you wanting to enjoy a cocktail, mixed drink, beer, wine, or soda.Note only Universal Stella Nova Resort has a splash pad area for kiddos.
Universal Terra Luna Resort feels a little less private than Stella Nova in my opinion. The pool and lounge area is inside the L-shaped tower, next to dinning options, and lobby. While Terra Luna’s hot tub is bigger than Stella Nova’s, there is NO splash pad area.As a mom with two kids under 5, Terra Luna a better choice for adults and families with older kids.
Game Room, Fitness Center,Gift Shop
The gyms at both resorts are super modern looking, and include cardio equipment, free weights, and a locker room with showers. The Universal Studios Store is the hotel gift shop that sells Universal Orlando theme park merchandise, and toiletries. Both hotels have on-site game rooms featuring a average size arcade filled with fun video games. Note Universal Terra Luna Resort is the only hotel that has the new 1920’S Fantastic Beasts Robes for Epic Universe.
Should I Stay at Sella Nova Resort or Terra Luna Resort?
Stella Nova and Terra Luna have rooms that are very similar, and each offers the same amenities. I would go with whichever hotel has the cheapest nightly rate at the end of the day. However, if each hotel is the same price, here are some pros and cons to each hotel:Stella Nova has a DIRECT walking path from the hotel to Universal Epic Universe. Terra Luna kinda has a walking path, but it involves several multiline street crossing, and it’s over a mile long. If it’s important for you to use a walking path to make your day at Epic Universe more efficient, book Universal Stella Nova Resort.
Stella Nova has a Splash pad area at the pool, Terra Luna does not. To me, that makes Stella Nova better families with small children.If the hot tub is important to you, Universal Terra Luna Resort has the bigger hot tub of the two hotels.Stella Nova’s 3rd floor has a hallway with constellations in the ceiling
