There are friendships that are built for everyday life, and then there are friendships that survive distance, time zones, life changes, pandemics, and “We need to see each other soon” texts that linger without a concrete date.
Angela and I are the second kind.
We said goodbye during the height of the pandemic, promising that we’d visit, travel, or at least squeeze in a weekend together. Instead, for six years, our memories lived inside WhatsApp chat bubbles, memes, and voice notes sent in between errands and deadlines.
When we finally picked a weekend and committed to it, it felt symbolic. A moment to reclaim something we had both been missing: girlhood joy, in-person laughter, and the kind of travel that reminds you who you are beyond your responsibilities. And unexpectedly, Universal Orlando Resort’s brand-new Terra Luna Resort became that place, and it was the perfect time for me to have received an invite to finally explore the resort.
This was one that I was eager to stay in since it was announced as one of the new properties to accompany the adjacent and new Epic Universe theme park introduced in 2025.
A New Star in the Loews Galaxy
Part of the Loews Hotels & Co. family at Universal Orlando, Terra Luna is the kind of resort that understands the assignment: modern, sleek, approachable and designed for adults who still crave theme parks, but prefer stylish lobbies, thoughtful dining and a room that doesn’t look like it’s decorated entirely in primary colors.
Newly opened, the hotel is already making a statement, leaning into a celestial theme with rings of light fixtures suspended like planets, soft metallic accents, deep navy textiles, and chrome detailing that nods to space travel in a chic way. It feels contemporary without being cold, playful without being kitschy, and unmistakably Loews in its service ethos: warm, observant, and polished.
The hotel’s rooms can overlook the resort grounds, and some also give guests an aerial view of pools, lounge chairs, and palm trees arranged into something that felt like a typical “Greetings from Florida!” postcard.
Inside, the aesthetic leaned minimalist in the best way: clean lines, soft lighting, a muted palette, and cleverly built-in storage that encourages even the most transient traveler to unpack.
Cosmic Toasts and Unforgettable Bars
A reunion demands a proper toast, and Terra Luna’s Lobby Bar delivered one that surpassed the occasion.
Luna Bar glows at the heart of the lobby, with a design inspired by earth, light, and the idea that a great drink sets the tone for the evening. Think fresh, modern cocktails, clever twists on classics, and a wine-and-beer selection that invites you to sit, sip and linger a little longer. The bartender made Angela and I a Lemon Drop martini, which is one of our favorite martinis.
Out by the pool, the Moonrise Bar and Moonrise Grill kept things refreshingly casual. Think classics done right when it comes to food, such as burgers, quesadillas, and salads, and a full bar pouring cocktails, wine, and beer. The cocktail program favored breezy tropical flavors and refreshing additions, plus, the staff was warm and knowledgeable, and the cocktail lineup leans celestial in both name and flavor.
We loved the Flows of Venus, a bright mix of Weber Ranch 1902 Vodka, watermelon, lemon, and a whisper of coconut cream. The Winds of Neptune blends Grey Goose Vodka and St. Germain with muddled blackberries and lemon for something floral and refreshing, while the Core Destiny layers Ketel One Vodka with grapefruit, cantaloupe syrup, and Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit for a crisp, citrus-forward finish.
Drinks can also be served in a Moonrise Bar souvenir cup, because vacation days deserve to be commemorated.
Convenience as Luxury
Luxury, real luxury, is convenience that anticipates your needs before you articulate them. And Terra Luna has that down to a science.
It’s a wonderful place for families, friends, groups and anyone looking for a fun stay near the parks, with dedicated shuttles to the parks located mere minutes away and to Universal CityWalk, where they can dine, have cocktails, dance and enjoy some great shopping as well. We never encountered a single logistical snag, nor did we have to play ride-share roulette. Instead, mornings began with coffee and sunlight pouring through the curtains as we planned our route to the parks.
And of course, we had more Lemon Drop martinis at Luna Bar. What a surprise, right? At this point, this cocktail became our official drink. We blame the attentive, funny and kind bartender that simply seemed to know that this was our favorite nightcap to sip after our daily adventures, to the point that that shaker was in her hand before we sat at the bar.
Evenings ended with cocktails, sore feet and enjoying the glittering lights of Terra Luna’s exterior, with colorful tiles that shone even brighter with the bright hues of the Florida sunset and sunrise.
Harry Potter and Many Brave Park Adventures
As a devoted Harry Potter fan, Angela had never been to Diagon Alley, nor had she seen the newer immersive areas of Universal. Watching her encounter it all was worth every delayed trip that we never got to take.
The moment we entered Diagon Alley, she stopped mid-step. There it was, Gringotts Bank in all its imposing glory, with the fire-breathing dragon perched above. When it roared to life and flames erupted, she realized it was time to take a video, and some pictures of course, to capture the memory. We rode Escape from Gringotts, browsed wand shops, admired storefront details, and took photos under lantern light like tourists.
Over at the Jurassic Park section in Islands of Adventure, the mood shifted to adrenaline. The pathways narrowed, foliage thickened, and dinosaur roars sounded from hidden speakers as we made our way to my personal favorite coaster of all time: VelociCoaster. I warned Angela. I hyped it. I maybe oversold it. But VelociCoaster needs no marketing. It is a masterpiece of speed, precision, and “how did they make this happen?” engineering.
We launched. We screamed. We survived. And now, once again thanks to me, the coaster has a new and impressed fan.
If VelociCoaster is chaos, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Studios and its own Harry Potter world is pure cinematic storytelling, and still one of the most popular rides at Universal Studios Orlando Resort. There is always a long line for this one, so head over there first when you arrive. I promise you that it’s worth waiting every second to enjoy it and to feel the breeze on your hair, maybe scream a little bit and enjoy the full-speed adventure.
Defying Gravity in Oz
Our final must-do was the brand-new Wicked: The Experience, which felt tailor-made for the Broadway or movie-obsessed fans. We wore tiaras because sometimes adulthood allows you to choose joy without justification, and honestly, I wear those on random Tuesdays.
Inside, the exhibit showcased costumes from the film, immersive displays, and photo ops full of theatrical flair. We posed with Elphaba’s broom, twirled near Glinda’s bubble, and shopped at the store full of official merchandise, many which you can only find here at the park.
A Weekend That Realigned Our Universe
For us, Terra Luna was the axis that allowed everything else to spin in harmony, like friendship, fandom, adrenaline, a bit of Broadway-inspired glamour, park strategies, and poolside relaxation.
It reminded us that luxury sometimes hides in convenience and beauty, and feels real and extravagant in its own way. And adulthood can still hold wonder, friendships can withstand distance, and it’s fun adventures like these that will always connect us and keep us feeling young at heart.
Universal’s Terra Luna Resort (Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando), is located at 6701 Adventure Way, Orlando. Visit loewshotels.com/terra-luna-resort.
Universal Orlando Resort, 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, visit universalorlando.com.
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