While one Central Florida space-themed attraction is celebrating its golden anniversary, we are getting an “epic” introduction to a theme park’s otherworldly era.
Hello, Earthlings. It’s Haley, back from a cosmic quest at Universal Orlando’s newest hotel that will start welcoming guests next week.
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Located adjacent to Universal Epic Universe, Stella Nova Resort is a great lodging option for a family. It may fall under the prime value hotel category, but it’s got plenty of luxurious amenities that will certainly make you want to build in resort days in between those theme park days.
Stella Nova and its sister hotel, Universal Terra Luna, are eye-catching from the ground and by air as the facades are like jewelry boxes. You’ll likely find yourself gazing at the tiles plenty of times during the day at night.
I had a great conversation with Russ Dagon, senior vice president of Resort Development at Universal Creative. After discovering we both had Midwest roots, he told me about all the NASA inspirations in the hotel.
I can see why he’s so proud to show off Stella Nova. His alma mater, Purdue University, does put astronauts on the moon.
Here’s what else is making news.
Epic at MCO 🛍️
If you haven’t checked out Epic Universe merchandise yet, you can do it before or after a flight at Orlando International Airport.
It’s located on Level 3 in Terminal B and pre-security. Based on some of the photos, there’s definitely some new merchandise.
By the way, I saw some great epic merchandise at Stella Nova’s gift shop too.
Walt Disney World
Mountain milestone 🚀
Without Space Mountain, there’d be no Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Cosmic Rewind or TRON Lightcycle /Run.
When the Tomorrowland attraction opened on Jan. 15, 1975, it was the first roller coaster ever to be completely enclosed in a building.
You might argue that a ride on Space Mountain isn’t the smoothest compared to other Disney World attractions, but it’s a must-do for any first-time Magic Kingdom guest or returning one.
One thing I’ve always wanted to do is ride Space Mountain with the lights on. I’ve only seen it that way when I’ve been on the PeopleMover.
Another Magic Kingdom attraction closure... 🫡
But this one is temporary and is no stranger to refurbishments.
The Hall of Presidents will close on Monday so Disney can update its Commander-in-Chief lineup.
With President-elect Donald Trump taking office, this will be the first time since the attraction opened in 1971 that a president has been elected in non-consecutive terms.
Disney Cruise Line
Bigger fleet, smaller boats 🚢
It’s been said that more Americans are booking cruises than ever before.
If Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet, then there must be some truth to that.
On the heels of the inaugural sailing of the Disney Treasure, the cruise line announced that it will be adding four ships to its fleet over the next six years.
These new ships will be smaller than the Disney Dream, Wish and Treasure but larger than the Disney Magic.
SeaWorld Orlando
Set sail on a taste adventure 🍴
SeaWorld Orlando has certainly upped its festival game in recent years.
Set to kick off at the end of the month, this year’s Seven Seas Food Festival is bigger and better than ever, with dozens of food kiosks and a star-studded concert lineup. For the first time, some of these acts will perform on Fridays during the festival.
Click here, to get a look at what bands have been announced as well as the food lineup.
That’s a wrap for this week.
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