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.👍

[@CJ005]

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

[@ashestoashes_]

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

[@americanvintageadventures]

Man! I was honest in the moment on that shrimp, it was cold, chewy, stringy and just frozen... So crazy you didn't have hot water...we didn't have that issue... Our shower was different too...we had a glass shower door and walk in shower on the 6th floor...

[@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:)

[@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.

[@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..

[@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:)

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@michellebull9184]

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

[@crystalmckenney5406]

I have been looking forward to you uploading your video. I hate you had a bad experience but I LOVE how you describe all your disapprovals. Thanks for taking the time to FaceTime me when my husband (Mark) ran into you! Go Washington!!!!

[@paullee3996]

This is your opinion alot of others loved it

[@BeeSpectre]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@geoffreymontoya6045]

Im still excited for this resort. Not planning on hitting anything "Epic" till 2026, just because thers always bugs to work out. Stella Nova is a clear example of that. Great review, shows this resort has some real potential. Sorry ya had a rough there for our benefit but it shows Stella Nova got really good bones!

[@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!

[@SMDC2000]

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

[@ThePughTwo]

My photo on your phone is crazy lol

[@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.

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Thanks for your honesty Kev.

[@jacitucci]

The hospital themed hallway 😂😂😂

[@Briant-g7z]

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

[@comeonman9138]

We have been waiting for this review on pins and needles since we saw your instagram updates. You’re the best, Kevin! You’re a man of the people!!

[@AngelRouse-o1y]

Thanks for taking a hit for the family

[@MGWALK1]

You are 1000% the only content creator to tell the truth from what I’ve seen. All of them made it look awesome and and not go into detail like you did.

[@LisaBarker-z7n]

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

[@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!

[@nicoleacosta5545]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@JeanetteBarnard-st9uy]

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

[@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.

[@jacitucci]

Wow, does Loews usually charge for WiFi?!

[@therealventures]

It's free. Premium is what costs money.

[@jacitucci]

@therealventures Yeah I caught that but I never noticed that at Cabana Bay or Royal Pacific (a premium option)!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!!

[@Paniconthenet]

I feel the same about dockside and surfside. Even with a discount we got for a special event, it was too much for the loud room, the unorganized parking and payment. And being billed TWICE for the same stay. On top of all that, they blamed the special event we were attending, not their staff. We don't stay on property at UO because of this trip a couple years ago. It just isn't worth the hassle it it was to happen again.

[@neilengel3715]

Great review. Not sycophantic like most bloggers.

[@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!!!

[@SondicoDenann]

Kevin, putting the KZbin shills to shame. 10 out of 10!

[@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!

[@donaldduck9046]

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

[@carissacraig175]

I always appreciate your reviews and videos!

[@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.

[@Nicholas-um1qu]

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

[@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

[@Tinkerellastreasuretrunk]

Was wondering how much the refillable mugs are ??

[@billyurkovich2095]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Jarvel5]

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

[@KevinHeimbach]

He's The Best:)

[@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!

[@johnjordan4295]

Kevin is like, “this is basics for opening a hotel, this is bullsh*t”

[@TheStoryMakerYT]

These are some pretty big flaws for something that's been open for a few days

[@corinnetippit7983]

Did they comp you room cost? Sounds could be due to direction of rain.

[@ian-321]

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

[@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! 😬

[@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!

[@nickbastida6231]

Is that Tim Tracker at the poolside grill?

[@Jugchoo]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@3Gads]

Good gravy, imagine if Loews did the same thing with no test days on the Grand Helios.

[@tabithaziol504]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@paullee3996]

Love that it sound like that when it rains

[@barrygerenski6259]

I don’t feel bad for you. You probably didn’t have to pay so you got there free so what do you expect when it’s not fully ready to be opened to the public yet?

[@KevinHeimbach]

@@barrygerenski6259 I Paid Full Price 🫡 Almost $250 With Parking. I Show The Bill Towards The End Of The Video. That Does Not Included Food & Drink Which I Also Purchased

[@remyd8767]

I know Kevin already responded that he paid full price. But even if it's free, so what?? do you not want him to point out flaws so that Universal can fix it for all us when we go there later in the year?? why would you not want to know about these things?

[@ottot3221]

Great honest review, did you ask for a refund or a discount due to your experience?

[@KevinHeimbach]

No, I Just Informed Them Of The Issues So They Could Prepare For Any Other Complaints. Wasn’t Looking For A Refund Just Wanted To Help Out.

[@ALLYB1983]

Thank you for your integrity. It is so rare.

[@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…

[@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.

[@JessisEnchantedVibes]

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

[@shawnwhughes]

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

[@710moose8]

Universal trying to top those Disney prices for food 😂😂

[@3Gads]

Hopefully they have issues sorted out before May 22nd

[@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

[@Wetzelpretzels]

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

[@toyaliens]

it looks cheap

[@AgentGodzillaRP1701]

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

[@AV8TR-AJ]

The green led lights on the motion sensor lights were extremely bright and lit the entire room up all night long. Our food was terrible. Chicken was over fried/burned, sweet potato fries ice cold, the hot honey chicken pizza thing was awful. Drinks at the Nova and Galaxy bar were great. Hotel has potential but needs a lot of improvement.

[@Jim222001]

Your honesty is why they killed you off in the Chucky house 😂. I’m kidding, I will stick with the cheaper ones like Dockside and Surfside. Or Cabana Bay. Also ubering everywhere in Orlando saved me from having to pay for parking constantly.

[@jacitucci]

I hope they take your advice about the light switches in the bathrooms.

[@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.

[@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.

[@deaker123]

Aventura! All the way! Goated on site hotel!

[@JessisEnchantedVibes]

@36:01 yep !!! I got soooo lost and Apple Maps took me to the apartments

[@theseamazingplaces]

This is why I never review the opening of anything. When these poor reviews come out, the people who are on the front lines pay the price of getting it wrong while the money people at the top punish everyone they are in charge of. The crap trickles down to the people who actually make things work and probably could have made it work day one if anybody at the top would let them do what needs to be done.

[@JeffreyDickinson]

Honestly, so whiny. Terrible audio. Unsubscribing. Done.