Central – Section 4.8: Orlando
Universal Terra Luna Resort at Universal Orlando Resort, part of the destination’s newest hotel additions near Epic Universe. Photo courtesy of Universal Orlando Resort.
Mighty Orlando, of course, is always on the move with new hotels and attractions taking center stage. December 2024 saw the opening of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. The property is ideal for families as it offers villas for five to nine guests, with amenities like kitchens, dining areas and outdoor patios. The tower includes 2-bedroom penthouses with lagoon and Magic Kingdom views. Meanwhile, the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground has unveiled 365 newly renovated cabins, while the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s renovations of its guestrooms have been completed.
The lazy river at Villatel Orlando Resort, part of the property’s adventure water park featuring multi-story slides and family-friendly attractions. Photo courtesy of Villatel Orlando Resort.
Both Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort opened over at Universal Orlando Resort, adding 1,500 guestrooms to the complex’s hotel portfolio. The new properties feature 750 double-queen guestrooms with spaceship-styled windows, a variety of dining options and amenities including resort-style pools, fitness centers, game rooms, recreation rooms and more. The newly opened Loews-branded Universal Helios Grand Hotel, with a dedicated entrance into the new Universal Epic Universe, offers 500 rooms and 35 suites, a rooftop bar, a 3-meal restaurant, a pool bar and a grab-and-go station.
A guest bedroom at Villatel Orlando Resort, showcasing the spacious accommodations offered in the property’s themed villas and apartments. Photo courtesy of Villatel Orlando Resort.
Earlier this year saw the opening of Villatel Orlando Resort, featuring a blend of themed villas, apartments, an adventure water park with multi-story slides and a lazy river and VIP experiences. Located along Orlando’s International Drive, Villatel Orlando Resort is just minutes from Universal Orlando Resort and other popular attractions.