Universal Epic Universe BRUTALLY HONEST Hotel Review | Stella Nova Resort

[@RealDeluxo]

This is why i love Kevin. Any other theme park vlogger would shamelessly shill and leave all this stuff out of their videos. Not Kevin. He takes it head on and delivers the truth. Love it!

[@newellgster]

Frankly, his petty complaining is getting kind of old.... well, IMHO.

[@LuisOrtiz-ii2cc]

true journalism! shows the ugly and the beauty! i love his videos so much because he shows his honest opinion and it doesn’t feel filtered

[@Mnkybyhndcrmp]

facts

[@Imjustkev2024]

@@newellgsteragreed, 2 minutes in and he’s griping about parking prices that are the same at the other hotels tells me I’ll take this review with a huge grain of salt. Some people just like to complain and Kevin, dear boy, is one of those people LOL

[@MCat360]

No shirt is worth $85. That’s just crazy! I’d love to go back to Universal. I always end up spending more than I want to on merch but none of this stuff is wowing me, and it’s all disgustingly overpriced.

[@ckyleu]

You're the only one who is honest no matter which park/company. All the other vloggers say "oh its great ha ha ha" because god forbid they lose a potential media invite down the line

[@hihellothere100]

Your comment was perfectly said.👍

[@ashestoashes_]

An actual honest review AND it’s 46 mins long?! Oh I’m so ready.

[@DisneyDetonation]

This channel imo is top 3 if not #1 for Disney & universal content and coverage. No BS and very entertaining. Keep up the good work. Thanks for your time and effort. It’s appreciated.

[@CJ005]

The people on X were mad mad at your honesty, I’m glad you stayed honest

[@lorikorn1147]

I’m watching this from my room at Stella Nova lol I just had the smash burger but it was totally different…it was legit smash burger and so good! They must have adjusted from the hockey pucks this week lol

[@KevinHeimbach]

That's Good To Hear That They Are Already Improving:)

[@Scotticus71]

Hi Kevin, I actually stayed in your exact room 3052 last night and thankfully I didn't hear any tapping noise and the hot water was working in the shower. I did however have the light go off on me while in the shower. But overall my experience was much better. Hopefully they are learning from the feedback.

[@KevinHeimbach]

Good To Hear There's Warm Water Now:)

[@daisybanks1571]

@@KevinHeimbach Sorry Kevin your experience just stood out more than others

[@michellebull9184]

Thank you for always telling us your honest opinion! This is why I value your opinion the most!

[@SouthForkBoysSoccerTeam]

This is why Kevin’s the only KZbinr worth watching when it comes to the parks he’s honest about everything doesn’t blow smoke up your butt like the other people

[@wdwexploreandchill]

Best video out of the slew for sure!

[@scottshainman205]

OMG. You don’t sound constructive in your review. Just ranting about everything in the worst possible manner. The place is brand new, the roads are not even finished outside the hotel. You sound like the least understanding person ever. Your complaints are valid but the manner in which you communicate them is awful and not constructive. I’ve watched your videos for a long time but omg it’s like you were in a bad mood and were looking for problems. Something I’ve noticed at hotels in FL when staying during winter is not needed to turn the AC on and that makes it silent in the room and able to hear everything. Ask them to adjust your stay and I’m sure they will. Lowe’s is amazing with hearing feedback and fixing the issues. I am just saying you look like you are whining and not constructively criticizing the hotel.

[@akcsamiru]

agreed. especially when i singled out this hotel for its parking price

[@stephencoutu2674]

You always give the best reviews to help everyone make educated choices, you are absolutely the best at your job! Plus, you give any news with a big smile, thank you.

[@BeeSpectre]

Ooooh i was WAITING for this one 🤣 thank you kevin you never miss 🙌

[@Jugchoo]

Thank you for being honest about your experience! I have watched the majority of the other creators videos and your literally THE only one that has mentioned the bad things about the hotel, or the reality. Thank you for being transparent!

[@therealventures]

Theres always room for improvement. This was opening day so theres gonna be little hiccups. The rain issue a lot of people including myself didn't have an issue with, at least when it came to the rain we didnt find an issue with the sound. The leaking coming from the store is an easy fix, not a big deal. The parking prices are there because of the convention center thats close to Epic. They made those prices for those thinking theyre going to park at Stella "for free" or go for cheaper parking. My only complaint is the thin walls, but thats it. At the end of the day its a Value hotel, not Hard Rock, not even Cabana Bay. Its the same quality as Dockside. It's worth the stay for those who want to save money and also be really close to Epic Universe. It's overall a beautiful well made hotel.

[@ytr5153]

Dont trash talk dockside. I had a wonderful time, 0 problems.

[@schues317]

@@ytr5153they weren’t trash-talking Dockside, they just said Stella Nova is around the same “level” of hotel. For me that’s good-like you, I really enjoy Dockside.

[@therealventures]

@@ytr5153 Yeah I'm just comparing it to Dockside because they're in the Value category. I did book at endless summers one night but I had a bad experience because of course, the walls were thin and they had cheerleading competition people there. On top there was a crying baby till like 3am 😅 but yeah it's a you get what you pay, the hotel is pretty affordable. Stella Nova I didn't have any major issues.

[@beckygill18]

I’m convinced that they were running behind trying to just get it open on time so they didn’t have to delay the open like they did for Terra Luna. Coming from an F&B background, the only reason you don’t prep and train in your space is if it is not ready to be used..

[@brianantoniohuman]

I watched a dozen of these. Yours stands out. Fun, informative, it felt like we were next to you and you were truly interacting with us. Nice vid, fam.

[@brianantoniohuman]

And by the way, who is hunky Andrew? Does he have a vlog I'm missing?

[@brianantoniohuman]

Bro. You need to ALWAYS have earplugs and noise cancelling headphones or sounds on your phone etc when traveling or staying in a hotel. That seemed really miserable. Bummer.

[@brianantoniohuman]

They need to refund everyone who stayed there these first days. That's not acceptable.

[@PrinceofMacedonVlogs]

the forklift footage was hilarious lol

[@SMDC2000]

go off king, here for the brutally honest review :D

[@billyurkovich2095]

As for the rain noise .. that is special piped in white noise (rain drops) .. its a feature of the premium rooms

[@DisAmy33]

EPPPIIICCC RANT! 👏👏👏 out of all the reviews I have seen you’re the only one that has been honest on the issues, good job! Other than Kristen talking about the misrepresented food, even though she said most of it was edible. The tile noise is fascinating, as is the lights going out or coming on while you’re sleeping and the Dark Water horror movie black liquid coming out of the plumbing is just yikes! 😬

[@yoopergamer2121]

The only vlogger I trust to be truthful! Yeah motion activated lights won’t work in a hotel room. Hopefully they change those out before we stay there in May. The water issue, leaks and food issues are common opening issues. Probably rushed the opening a little but should be good by May.

[@kevindiossi]

Your complaints are valid and if it influencers your stay, you should say something ESPECIALLY when you’re in the position as an influencer/vlogger. Nothing I despise more than deliberately sugarcoating something to keep media access. That creates distrust and is being dishonest with the people that watch. Thank you for always being honest with your experience. If people just want bubbly fun times with no complaints and worries there are plenty of other creators to watch for that.

[@JohnBurke67]

Thanks for the refreshing take on the hotel. Yourself and ‘Just Stop Vlogging’ keep it real unlike a lot of the Disney/Universal ones who kinda mirror each other or corporate vlog. Please continue to keep it real.

[@tmny4425]

How does this guy not have a million followers!? Always delivers a spot on critique!

[@DisneyDetonation]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@lindawags]

I think that all the time!

[@paullee3996]

This is your opinion alot of others loved it

[@nicoleacosta5545]

Was the kazoo music at 7:40 foreshadowing? 😂😂😂 Thanks for the honest review Kevin!

[@alvaeon]

Good one Kev! Honestly tired of the overly "positive" experiences most vloggers tend to share with very little criticisms. Appreciate the honesty and transparency as most are looking for places to spend their money.. why lie to them..! Loved the content on twitter as well man! Keep it up!

[@BradMG10]

We just got back from staying Friday and Saturday night. Overall it was a good stay but you brought up some very valid points. The black pellets you experienced are from the water softener system being installed backwards. I’ve seen this before. It won’t hurt you but is definitely an annoyance. Our shower water was moderately luke warm. I woke up the entire room when I had to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. The bar is great as you pointed out. We had luck with the breakfast being good but waited 30 minutes for it to get ready. We won’t eat breakfast again due to the time it took. Great video!

[@jacitucci]

The hospital themed hallway 😂😂😂

[@daniellezarlengo1830]

I love Kevin so much! Great review... also weather is so nuts i can't believe they didn't think to build a better room for the movie and activity's that are transferred inside if the weather is bad. That 60" screen was depressing.

[@philipkaplan1194]

Thank you for having a brutally honest review. I stayed there on opening day and also found black specs coming out of the sinks as well as the filtered water bottle fillers near the ice machines on my floor.

[@KevinHeimbach]

That's Disgusting That The Mystery Substance Was Even Coming Out Of The Water Bottle Station

[@dannygrau2983]

Thank you for your honesty. We will not be giving them our money until they work out all the kinks.

[@ashleyearly8061]

“Alright we’re going to exit the hospital themed area” 😂😂😂 loves the honest review thanks Kevin for keeping it real and letting us see both the good and bad!!

[@carissacraig175]

I always appreciate your reviews and videos!

[@modernpixelsphotographyllc8695]

You are F****ing awesome. I appreciate all this honesty.

[@Nicholas-um1qu]

I love your honesty, hopefully they sort the issues out. The bathroom light turning off is so dangerous. Fantastic video as always.

[@donaldduck9046]

Love love love the realness and not fake like all the other vloggers

[@AngelRouse-o1y]

Thanks for taking a hit for the family

[@Jarvel5]

You "plan it." Yup. Chris got me to chuckle with that one 😂

[@KevinHeimbach]

He's The Best:)

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Thanks for your honesty Kev.

[@JeanetteBarnard-st9uy]

Hi Kevin I hope your doing great! Thanks for always telling us what’s happening with things 😃😍

[@EpicAdventureCouple]

Hey Kevin We were next to you in the restaurant didn't know till seeing your video 👍👍 Great approach on the video, next time we'll say Hello... We thought they were speakers lol

[@Mnkybyhndcrmp]

im waiting to look at comments till the end..... once i hear that music at20:35 I know its coming lol keep up the good work kevin

[@trishann4336]

Wow, we didn’t hear a single thing through the night but we were on the top floor on the pool side. We had hot water too that wasn’t boiling hot. Everything was honestly great for us including the food but we are picky eaters and picked other meals ( chicken parm sandwich and burgers, French toast in morning). Can you still not hotel hop on the bus yet without a room key? I was hoping to try the mocktails at the bar and get pretty pictures of the hotel on a sunny day. The colors are so vivid. You are right about the warm welcome. The staff was absolutely amazing!

[@rhialedoux]

I’ve watched multiple Stella Nova reviews in the last couple days and this one and rix flix is the most informative but NO OTHER REVIEW MENTIONED THE RIDICULOUS PARKING PRICE!?!?

[@Iris-zq5mq]

I think the $30 range is comparable with the other Lowe’s properties at Universal. They do need to fix the different prices posted though. That’s extremely confusing

[@therealventures]

It's mainly for those who are visiting the convention center thinking they can park at Stella for cheaper. It's to scare them off.

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

this is the price at all universal's hotels. $30 for overnight guests and $65 for day visitors.

[@JessisEnchantedVibes]

Good point about the parking !!! I hate paying for parking at Universal resorts !! I went to just visit on day 2, and refused to pull through bc of that price (lucky that it wasn’t charging at the time) so I was able to see it but yea facts are appreciated 🎉

[@JohnWojt]

Demand for Universal has went up so much they know they can charge ridiculous prices on everything. HHN starting in August so they can inflate the hotel rates. I love Universal, but they're starting to price out their loyal return customers in favor of one-timers.

[@paullee3996]

Love that it sound like that when it rains

[@KevinHeimbach]

Would You Stay At Stella Nova Resort?

[@CLU_01]

For the parking prices no

[@Lukrativ508]

Already am

[@thetravelingtammie]

No. It's sterile. I much prefer the atmosphere and vibes at Sapphire Falls. Plus I live for my water taxi rides 😂

[@JessGottDisney]

No

[@nick21501]

Nope

[@charityrochford2175]

It was so cool to see you a few times when we stayed for the opening. Sadly you were always talking to others so I didn’t get to say hi, but cool to see you nonetheless. Unlike you and some others, we had zero issues with the plumbing and the tapping sound on our windows was barely noticeable (we were in the last room at the end of floor 7). We also didn’t have issues with the lights like you and others we talked to on the bus. For the $138 per night AP rate we paid, I thought it was a great room and nice stay, and I think it will be a nice stay for everyone once they get the opening issues taken care of. It’ll be especially nice to be able to walk to Epic Universe from the hotel once it opens.

[@joemiloscia7102]

Love this and all your videos Kevin! Quick question: who are Vincent and Andrew, and do they also have vlogs?

[@KevinHeimbach]

Vincent Vision and Andrew's Just My Friend

[@joemiloscia7102]

@@KevinHeimbachPerfect. Thanks. I really appreciate the quick response Kevin. Keep up the great work!!

[@dragondaveltd1992]

Universal Resort team, please watch this video, take some notes from this and fix these issues out and don't let our promises for Epic Universe down

[@toyaliens]

they will be a letdown

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

teething pains. As for parking, when we stayed at the Royal Pacific last year, parking was also quite expensive. Overnight guests had to pay $25/day and day visitors had to pay $55/day.

[@jessicablanchard5211]

Great video. Thank you for telling the truth. I've watched 3 other channels video on this opening and it was all rainbows and sunshine.

[@fahsky]

Haha, I'm from Hawaii & that rain tapping noise sounds just like the rain on our tin roofs here 😅 I'm planning an Epic visit for my son & I in December, hoping the kinks are worked out by then. We've been watching reviews & are sooo excited!

[@JessisEnchantedVibes]

@3:55 Good mirror placement can make or break a room for sure 🎉

[@disneylandx123]

All the employees start date was around Dec 9. They couldn’t get into nova due to the plumbing problem which is the same reason Luna was delayed. Having only a month of training is not enough. Half are external hires and half are internal.

[@jolietpinball7439]

Only a month of training? Infrastructure issues aside, that is much more time than required to become trained and acclimated to a new job/environment in the hospitality industry, especially with half the staff being experienced within the company. Perhaps work projects and maintenance were rushed, but there is no way to replicate what a true Day One experience is like in advance, even when rehearsing for it and anticipating isuses.

[@LisaBarker-z7n]

I love your honesty! Although, you probably aren't getting anything free from Universal!

[@MarkInTheParks]

I had the same shower experience. One bed was super firm, and the other was soft, which I thought was odd. THEN the AC and heating system was so loud it sounded like an airplane was in my room! Hail to the Commanders!

[@sharonh5399]

Thank you for the honest review. I had issues with my last stay at Cabana Bay on how it was handled. Im not sure where I want to stay now when I come back. This hotel looks nice, but already issues is not good.

[@lacytano3]

Yeah lots of people can't afford to vacation at all or save up for years to be able to go, so having those issues isn't right at all. Just as Disney has gone so far downhill with not only their park upkeep and hospitality, but their prices skyrocketed, it's not worth it anymore for regular people to spend their hard earned money there anymore. Hopefully, universal demands they fix this before allowing more guests to stay

[@ian-321]

I have my popcorn ready 🍿 Let's gooooo!!!!

[@Seoulsearch616]

Kevin, would you consider enabling the Thanks tab on your videos or is that not an option? There have been many times I have wanted to leave a tip because you actually leave honest reviews, both the good and the bad. Thank you!

[@AgentGodzillaRP1701]

Well, it definitely looks like a budget hotel (simple interior design, cheap food), but it works.

[@Yukosan13]

Honestly, I agree they need to change the light switches.. my work uses those motion lights (even in the break room..and sometimes the light turns off while I'm eating on my break and I work night shifts so it gets dark) like not even half a hour passes and the light will turn off

[@Wetzelpretzels]

This place looks all like concept art come to life ! Take notes Disney Trust the artist

[@toyaliens]

it looks cheap

[@dannipierini8181]

I'm so glad to see this! I've seen sooo many of my creators just glossing over the fact that they spent $200+ on an unfinished hotel. I know you were not the only person with this experience either. Tough love to universal but they need to hear this!! Thanks for sharing!

[@aliadrift]

I can't believe how loud that was during the rain. What a nightmare!

[@jerrilynnroth2117]

I'll just stick with Dockside/Surfside. I feel like all the hotels across the board are the same room decorated differently. I'm sure Stella Nova will get better in time but should have been tip top before paying guests arrived.

[@ceceb6264]

Can you imagine being there during a hurricane 😮how loud it would be

[@sheacampagna-rl3ni]

I am Scheduled to stay and you made me decide to stay at my old tried and true Aventura! I need my sleep!!!

[@sarahhalcomb5276]

I'm sorry you were the test subject for this hotel. You'd think Lowe's would've taken better care of their image since a brand new theme park is right next door..sigh. Thank you Kevin for your honest review.

[@peacefulpep6164]

I stayed opening day as well and I saw you there. I actually had an OK shower but while I was showering, the light shut off on me and I was in total blackness so I had to yell for my mom to come inside and activate the light for me.

[@dannygrau2983]

What camera setup do you use?

[@ThePughTwo]

My photo on your phone is crazy lol

[@Briant-g7z]

9:00 Hey that’s Andrew! Tell him Briant says hi!

[@Jugchoo]

All the hats look actually really cool! I might get one

[@710moose8]

Universal trying to top those Disney prices for food 😂😂

[@admiralreads]

Thank you for being honest! I rather know the harsh true then waste my hard earned money (thought hopefully they fix it soon). Also, the things you are complaining about are all responsible…

[@elishanahir]

The noise caused by the rain is going to be a HUGE issue since it rains the majority of the year here. No bueno. Think I’ll stay at Cabana Bay instead. Rates are better there anyways. Sorry you had such a bad experience but appreciate you for the real review.

[@billyurkovich2095]

Disney vloggers will not like anything about universal epic … disney is still trying to get splash mountain redo working .. this hotel is a budget friendly gem

[@toyaliens]

Hes not a disney blogger

[@remyd8767]

It's ok to mention problems so they can get better. Do you not want the hotel to get better? This is basically a pilot test. Anyone staying at these hotels before epic opening are just guinea pigs.

[@ravens112]

Thank you Kevin for your honest review brother. I’m never staying there 😅. I will say I am a huge fan of the other Lowe’s/universal property, Royal pacific.

[@jjboohoo9641]

The whole pleace looks very cold and like it was molded out of plastic.

[@steveninaz9576]

Thank you Sir

[@akcsamiru]

how will they fix that tapping ?

[@AccessAmusement]

We've already noted to our families, and especially guests with sensory needs, that this hotel is alright to pass on for now.

[@nickbastida6231]

Is that Tim Tracker at the poolside grill?

[@diesel104]

Solid review! 💯 correct

[@tabithaziol504]

Imagine how trippy walking back to your room would be after a long night of HHN drinking

[@TooTTiFruiTTi]

This is why I love watching your video, Kevin. You are so honest. No BS. You tell it like it is. Thank you for this video. It would make someone think twice about staying there. $65 for parking is just outrageous

[@terrenelicense3498]

I feel many theme park content creators do not want to say anything negative because it would be bad for their access...do not bite the hand that feeds you. I appreciate someone who says a honest review.

[@shawnwhughes]

42:34 that or they need to put a secondary motion sensor in the ceiling to activate the light.

[@monalisa233]

Glad you could tell us what is really going on! Not good to test on paying customers. It looks kinda of ok but I'd rather stay at Cabana Bay!

[@Project-Jaden]

Staying there now and good lord the amount of issues we’ve had is incredible, the worst thought has got to be every 5-10 min some air conditioning type noise will happen like it’s being kicked on Sounds like someone is in our bathroom banging a toothbrush!

[@davidgerhardt5324]

It really feels like someone has been sitting on plans for a men in black hotel since the 90’s and finally found a way to shoehorn it into the theming of space for the new park.

[@JonThrawn]

Appreciate this video. Planning on staying at terra nova for my epic trip on the 27th of May. The parking situation is annoying, I already hate that I get free parking at the park with my pass but have to pay to at the hotel.

[@Curlytop0510]

Yes Kevin you are the only one being honest about! There are a few others that I follow that are not talking about the issues. Thank you for being honest!

[@johng1943]

When hotels are designed for aesthetics and not for guests. The rooms looks fantastic but the exterior tiles make it unbearable when it rains, the lights turn off if you shower too long, fixed shower heads aren’t great for the ladies (shower curtains aren’t great for anyone), unreadable menus at the counters (with a lot of WTF food being served up), no headroom at the gym, extortionate parking fees (a common theme at off site Marriott Group hotels in the area) and $10 for capable WiFi. It’s clear they didn’t have construction workers in for a synchronised toilet flush/shower run and if there are plumbing issues there could be a lot of problems at this place for months. As is the case with resort hotels (as far as I’m concerned) stay off site and save yourself shedloads of cash.

[@jenniekinney414]

Thank you Kevin. We appreciate you! Also - I would love to hear the story of why you went from Disney to Universal (?)

[@KevinHeimbach]

@@jenniekinney414 They Laid Everyone Off At Disney During Covid:(

[@jenniekinney414]

@@KevinHeimbach ah, understood. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your channel, and all of the info you bring!

[@JulieAdventureLady81]

My son (2) is currently super interested in space (the moon, especially) so I really want to take him here for just a hotel weekend. Is there any place you would suggest instead?

[@anthonyantoniohughes1184]

WOW, as far as the florida parks content creators, you are the most honest and tell it like it is vlogger. Most of the florida content creators can be so fake, dishonest, full of sugar coating and misleading. One vlogger showed a chicken sandwich that they ordered from the quick service, never showed them taking a bit, they just the said "the food was good, the chicken was moist" from what I saw, the chicken didn't look appetizing matter fact, it looked burnt. Most of them gave it 5 stars but I trust your honesty, great review.