UNIVERSAL STELLA NOVA info & FAQ

[CAPSLOCK]

In theory, if the buses don't change their schedule you should be fine with anything at least 65-70min ahead of early entry. I guess it depends if you need to be literally first at a turnstile, or if just being in the first 10ish at a turnstile will suffice.

I was at a preview day with early entry at 8am. On the first bus from Aventura, which pulled into the drop off spot at 6:58am. There were approximately 40-50 people lined at the gate when I got off the bus. They held the line at a sidewalk gate until 7am (opened as we approached the line). That line then split into individual turnstile lines.

We headed right and were able to get actual first at a security/turnstile line - vast majority headed to the left. The hype dude (who was fantastic!) ensured that the lines were clear and orderly. Hype dude indicated exactly how many turnstiles would open (added 1-2more while we waited). Hype dude made sure there was good separation from the security gates. It was very nice & organized.



We had probably the very best spot you could get - as soon as a line of like 5peeps joined behind us, to delineate our line, we were able to sit on the edge of a planter until they opened next gates, about 15min before opening. The first ~6-8 people in each line could then go through security and wait at the actual turnstile. Started scanning people in at exactly 8am.

Granted our day had very light early entry crowds from what I could see - first day it was an 8am early entry. This was 7:19am & you can see the minimal lines formed.


Since the first buses don't get there any earlier, the really early morning timing shouldn't be too different. But, a fuller first bus or two could really disgorge a bunch of people, and exactly when they pull up will change a bit. So a few minutes at that time could well make the difference of being in front, especially if you need literal front. I also don't know when the parking lot opens, and there could be early drivers - during previews, only hotel guests had early entry. Now, also higher tier APs are in the mix.

 

[jenhelgren]

Has anyone tried the ice cream sandwich at Galaxy Grill? We love the homemade ice cream sandwich at the Plaza in Magic Kingdom and were wondering how it compared.

 

[jenhelgren]

In theory, if the buses don't change their schedule you should be fine with anything at least 65-70min ahead of early entry. I guess it depends if you need to be literally first at a turnstile, or if just being in the first 10ish at a turnstile will suffice.

Thank you so much for the details!! Being able to picture it all and hear your experience helps me immensely

 

[chad_1138]

Quick question on showers. Do they have the bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash on the walls? Thanks!

 

[Philsfan77]

Quick question on showers. Do they have the bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash on the walls? Thanks!

no body wash when I was there...just small bar of soap. Was glad I brought my own.

 

[tony67]

So for those that have stayed here - for whatever reason it was $40 a night cheaper during HHN than Dockside.
I'm staying 10 night so its a good amount of money - especially after buying the HHN tickets.
I have no plans to go to Epic at all unless they add an AP option or I get a free ticket from my CC.

So my question is will I regret staying that far from US? I know it adds at least 10-15 minutes every day to get to the Hub.

Be interested in hearing what folks had as experiences - I feel like it will be a lot less hectic than Dockside - but I do like Dockside a lot - when its $99 - not so much at $160.

EDIT: Some things that have me concerned.
I see a fair number of complaints about mismanagement and poor house keeping.
They only clean rooms every other day? I can live with this as long as they have enough towels.
I still see issues with lights turning on randomly throughout the night and issues with the motion sensors in the bathroom.
The walls are overly thin - not something that is an issue at the other Universal hotels.

I am second guessing things - not a ton of alternatives though - Ill keep looking every day - but at 121 a night during HHN I am not sure Ill find much better this year. (last year I got Dockside at 92 a night so Ill keep looking)

(Note: I had originally posted this in the Terra Luna thread but realized I was booked at Stella Nova - same issues from what I see though)

 

[Charade67]

I still see issues with lights turning on randomly throughout the night and issues with the motion sensors in the bathroom.

I stayed at Stella Nova back in May. Noise wasn’t an issue for me. The motion sensitive lights were annoying though. They would turn off after about 20 minutes of inactivity. This shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t plan on spending much time in the room. I didn’t have any problems with lights turning on in the middle of the night. I just made sure every light was in the off position before going to sleep.

 

[Philsfan77]

So for those that have stayed here - for whatever reason it was $40 a night cheaper during HHN than Dockside.
I'm staying 10 night so its a good amount of money - especially after buying the HHN tickets.
I have no plans to go to Epic at all unless they add an AP option or I get a free ticket from my CC.

So my question is will I regret staying that far from US? I know it adds at least 10-15 minutes every day to get to the Hub.

Be interested in hearing what folks had as experiences - I feel like it will be a lot less hectic than Dockside - but I do like Dockside a lot - when its $99 - not so much at $160.

EDIT: Some things that have me concerned.
I see a fair number of complaints about mismanagement and poor house keeping.
They only clean rooms every other day? I can live with this as long as they have enough towels.
I still see issues with lights turning on randomly throughout the night and issues with the motion sensors in the bathroom.
The walls are overly thin - not something that is an issue at the other Universal hotels.

I am second guessing things - not a ton of alternatives though - Ill keep looking every day - but at 121 a night during HHN I am not sure Ill find much better this year. (last year I got Dockside at 92 a night so Ill keep looking)

(Note: I had originally posted this in the Terra Luna thread but realized I was booked at Stella Nova - same issues from what I see though)

I personally, had zero issues during my stay end of June. You will see a lot of the same complaints in Dockside groups/trip advisor reviews as well that you mentioned above. It's ultimately a value property, walls are thin, sometimes rooms are cleaned well, other times not so much. It is true that Stella Nova is every other day (not a deal breaker for me personally as we don't accumulate enough trash or need a daily clean as it is). I usually make my own bed at home and I do so on vacation as well, but I understand that may turn some people off from a place they stay. The resort is new, less wear/tear on the rooms at this point, which to me outweighs daily housekeeping. Our room was in solid shape, we had no issues with the lights personally. We did 2 days, didn't run into a towel issue, but if we did, we would grab an extra at the pool (this is what we do at other hotels that don't offer daily cleaning services/towel changes and in my experience, housekeeping will always bring you another set/change them if you ask).

I'd stay here over Dockside if it's saving you $400. You will see more negative reviews for this hotel right now in my opinion, because the pricing was too high for the summer months ($300-$400+ a night) and most hotels start out with bad reviews as they work through their systems.

If you're getting this for around $200 (which it seems you are or maybe even less - I think you'll be happy with your choice). i found better value at Stella Nova (paid $340 a night) than I did at Helios (paid $820 a night).

Would I pay the same price I did to stay there again? No.
Would I pay less to stay there vs. Dockside? Absolutely Yes for me.

 

[tony67]

I personally, had zero issues during my stay end of June. You will see a lot of the same complaints in Dockside groups/trip advisor reviews as well that you mentioned above. It's ultimately a value property, walls are thin, sometimes rooms are cleaned well, other times not so much. It is true that Stella Nova is every other day (not a deal breaker for me personally as we don't accumulate enough trash or need a daily clean as it is). I usually make my own bed at home and I do so on vacation as well, but I understand that may turn some people off from a place they stay. The resort is new, less wear/tear on the rooms at this point, which to me outweighs daily housekeeping. Our room was in solid shape, we had no issues with the lights personally. We did 2 days, didn't run into a towel issue, but if we did, we would grab an extra at the pool (this is what we do at other hotels that don't offer daily cleaning services/towel changes and in my experience, housekeeping will always bring you another set/change them if you ask).

I'd stay here over Dockside if it's saving you $400. You will see more negative reviews for this hotel right now in my opinion, because the pricing was too high for the summer months ($300-$400+ a night) and most hotels start out with bad reviews as they work through their systems.

If you're getting this for around $200 (which it seems you are or maybe even less - I think you'll be happy with your choice). i found better value at Stella Nova (paid $340 a night) than I did at Helios (paid $820 a night).

Would I pay the same price I did to stay there again? No.
Would I pay less to stay there vs. Dockside? Absolutely Yes for me.

Thanks - yeah you pretty much confirm most of my thoughts. Ive heard from many that Helios is not much better than Stella as fas as rooms go. Yeah you have the view and entrance - but probably not worth it to most folks.
I tell people to save their money and pay for a night at the rooftop bar at Helios for the view.

I'm paying $121 AP rate - that is the only reason I booked it - mostly so I am sure I have a room at a low rate.
Its a bargain at that price and all I need as a solo for HHN.

Dockside is still 165 right now - which is ridiculous IMO - I usually pay 90-100 a night even during HHN so Ill be keeping an eye on that.