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Universal Terra Luna Resort Review

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During my recent trip to Halloween Horror Nights, I stayed at Universal Terra Luna Resort for the first time. Today, I want to give a review of that stay.

Universal Terra Luna Resort

Universal Terra Luna Resort

In 2025, Universal Orlando opened three new resorts located near the newest theme park, Epic Universe: Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand Hotel. Last year, I stayed at Universal Stella Nova Resort while previewing the park. This time, I opted to stay at its sister resort – Terra Luna! Located across the street from one another and featuring a slightly different take on space, they are both considered Prime Value resorts. This means they tend to have more affordable rates while being a step above the Value Inns and Suites.

Standard Room

Similar to Stella Nova, Terra Luna features double queen rooms only. It also features space themed decor. However, Terra Luna tends to feature more browns/oranges with its focus on the lands in space. The rooms themselves are nearly identical to the rooms at Stella Nova. However, the decor is slightly different.

While I was able to get a theme park view (instead of pool view), I still heard a good bit of noise. I was on the 9th floor, near the elevator, with a view of Epic Universe. Even though I was nine floors up, I kept hearing the buses coming and going with their beeping right under my window. I also heard the elevator every time someone came to my floor. Then, I heard people talking and/or running the hallways. While I loved the view of the theme park and enjoyed watching the fireworks, it wasn’t the quietest room I’ve ever had.

I will say that there was the same issue with the lights/air turning off that I had at Stella Nova. On this visit, I had some lights turn off when I was sitting in bed on my phone once. Then, the room was often warm when I got back to the room from being in the park. The first night, I started with the thermostat at 69 before I left the room. However, when I got out of the shower, I was still hot. I bumped the thermostat down to 67 to get the air working and noticed the thermostat said the room was still 71 even though I had been in the room for a while. So, something to keep in mind at these two resorts.

Pros

  • Affordable Rates – I paid $414 total for a Thursday and Friday night in mid-September. Not bad.
  • Theme Park Views – It was neat to sit in my room and look out at Epic Universe. It was really cool to be able to watch the fireworks at Epic from my room.
  • Newer Hotel – Everything was in working order and still looked shiny and new here.
  • Park Transportation – While it’s only bus transportation here, it’s still nice to have.
  • Fun Space Theme – I enjoyed the space theme here, just as I liked it at Stella Nova.

Cons

  • Bus Transportation Only – There are lots of other hotels on property that allow you to walk to 1-2 parks quickly. Also, some have boat transportation. This one has only bus transportation as you can’t easily walk to Epic from here.
  • Longer Ride to Other Parks – It took 15-20 minutes to reach City Walk and the other parks. It took 20 minutes if the bus was shared with Stella Nova.
  • Shared Bus – Sometimes, Stella Nova and Terra Luna share buses. When this is the case, Terra Luna is picked up first and dropped off first. That means it will take longer to reach the park.
  • Lack of food options – This hotel has only one quick service restaurant and no walking access to other options. I had the Seasonal French Toast one morning and it was pretty good. However, I didn’t see much on the lunch/dinner menu that interested me.
  • Odd Air/Light Settings – I’m sure it’s for environmental/economic reasons, but the air will cut off when you aren’t in the room. The lights may also go out when you don’t move.

Should you stay at Universal Terra Luna?

I found Terra Luna to be a completely acceptable resort. However, I think there are better resorts on property. I would prefer Aventura or Sapphire Falls due to the boat transportation, proximity to the other parks, and access to different food. If you can get a good rate here though, it’s perfectly fine. It’s a good resort to save a few dollars while still being on property and it’s better than Surfside or Dockside. So, have you stayed here yet?

Greystone Lodge on the River Review

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Last month, I stayed two nights at the Greystone Lodge on the River in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. So, I thought I would do a review of that experience.

Greystone Lodge on the River

Greystone Lodge on the River

When we booked our Pancakes and Penguins experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, we wanted to stay somewhere close to the aquarium. Well, it doesn’t get any closer than the Greystone Lodge on the River! It’s located directly beside the aquarium! It also had some affordable rates when we booked in late May for our August trip. So, it seemed like a no-brainer.

The Queen/Queen Executive Room

At this hotel, they refer to a standard room as an executive room. We managed to snag a rate of $155/night, which we thought was a great rate! We were delighted with the hotel’s location as it gave us easy access to the Aquarium and Anakeesta. The hotel itself is older but has a few recent updates. My bed left a little to be desired. A spring would make a noise every time I moved. The tub was pretty deep and my mom had some issues getting in and out since there wasn’t a grab bar. However, I really enjoyed the balcony with a view of the river! We felt the room was adequate for the two night stay.

We were tickled to discover that we could remain parked at the hotel on check-out day until 3 PM. So, we left the car parked at the hotel while we visited the Aquarium. It worked out nicely.

Pros

  • Location – This is located on the main drag of Gatlinburg and beside the aquarium! It’s also directly across the street from Anakeesta! It’s perfect for exploring the town.
  • Affordable rates – I think anything under $200/night is considered a good value.
  • Free breakfast – While the area is known for its pancake houses, it is nice to have breakfast included. That way you can start your day without looking for food or waiting in line. I enjoyed a biscuit with gravy.
  • Free parking – Anyone who’s been to Gatlinburg knows what a hassle parking can be in Gatlinburg. So, it’s great to not have to worry about that when you stay here. Also, the parking is very close to the rooms, so it’s easy to carry things in and out.
  • Good housekeeping – We only stayed two nights, but they still made our beds and replaced our towels. I can’t say that happens everywhere these days.
  • Balconies overlooking the river – Many of the rooms here have a great view of the river. I only wish it had been cooler so we could have spent more time on the balcony.

Cons

  • Older hotel – While most things have been updated recently, it’s still an older hotel.
  • Deep tubs – It can be difficult for older folks to get in and out of these deep tubs without a grab bar.
  • Low garage – The garage for the hotel has low ceilings. So, no big vehicles can park here.

Is the Greystone Lodge on the River worth it?

I think the value of things tends to be subjective. However, I think this hotel is worth it if you are on a budget and want to be in this area. Its location is ideal for exploring Gatlinburg and the free breakfast is perfect for families. If you want something a little more modern or upscale, maybe pass on this one.

Disney World Skyliner Resorts Guide

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Today, I’d like to highlight the Disney World Skyliner Resorts, or the four hotels that are located along this easy and favorite transportation line in Walt Disney World!

Disney World Skyliner Resorts

Disney World Skyliner Resorts

For those who don’t know, the Skyliner is a gondola transportation system in Walt Disney World. In connects four resorts and two theme parks (Epcot and Hollywood Studios). Today, I want to highlight those four resorts. I have personally stayed at three of them, but have visited all four multiple times.

Pop Century

I’ll start with the resort I’ve spent the most time at: Pop Century. It was the second resort I stayed in at Disney World and I’ve stayed here many time since that first 2014 visit. It’s a laid back resort that harkens back to various decades of the 1900’s. It’s considered a value resort and will typically offer the lowest nightly rates of any hotel on the Skyliner. It’s great for adults on a budget as they tend to enjoy the nostalgia of years gone by. You can read my full Disney’s Pop Century Resort Review to get a better idea of its pros and cons.

Art of Animation

Across the water from Pop Century is Art of Animation! While technically classified as a value resort, it’s the most expensive value resort with its highly themed rooms and family suites. I’ve stayed here twice, both times in a Little Mermaid standard room. My most recent stay was in December 2025 with my mom. You can read about that adventure in my Disney World Little Mermaid Rooms Review. Additionally, I posted a Disney’s Art of Animation Resort Review a few years back with a closer look at the resort as a whole.

Caribbean Beach Resort

There’s one moderate hotel on the Skyliner – Caribbean Beach Resort! I’ve stayed here a few times as well. It is the hub hotel for the Skyliner as both the Epcot and Hollywood Studios lines meet here. I posted a Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Review a while back. However, I will say that my biggest complaint about this resort is its size. It’s a sprawling resort with lots of rooms and buildings.

Riviera

Lastly, there’s the newest hotel on the Skyliner and it’s a Deluxe/DVC resort – Riviera! I haven’t been so lucky as to stay here yet. However, I love how compact this hotel is. I have enjoyed Topolino’s Terrace Character Breakfast a few times here. If you have the funds, I’m sure this is a wonderful resort to stay at!

Bonus: Epcot Resorts

Technically, the three resorts behind Epcot aren’t considered Skyliner resorts. However, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club are all walking distance to the Skyliner station at Epcot. Granted, those resorts can also take a boat or walk over to Hollywood Studios as well. It’s just worth mentioning that it’s a transportation option for those three resorts too.

Disney Skyliner Resorts

So, there you have it. The four Disney World Skyliner Resorts are: Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera! Which one is your favorite?

Disney Springs Resorts Guide

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Having previously highlighted the official Disney World hotels located nearest the four theme parks, it’s time to go over the Disney Springs Resorts!

Disney Springs Resorts

Disney Springs Resorts

I previously posted a Magic Kingdom Resorts Guide, Epcot Resorts Guide, Disney Hollywood Studios Resorts Guide, and an Disney Animal Kingdom Resorts Guide looking at the official on-site hotels located near those theme parks. However, there’s still one other location to consider when booking your hotel – Disney Springs! For those who don’t know, Disney Springs is Disney’s shopping and dining district. Unlike the parks, you don’t need a theme park ticket to visit Disney Springs. Plus, if you stay at one of these four hotels, you can take a boat over to Disney Springs (instead of a bus)!

It’s worth mentioning that are lots of off-site hotels located near Disney Springs. However, this post is going to look at just the four Disney owned ones.

Old Key West

Old Key West is a sprawling DVC/Deluxe Resort. In fact, it was the very first DVC resort that Disney built. That’s why the resort’s main hall and restaurant have much more of a family/community vibe. It was meant to entice folks to buy into DVC and make repeat stays here as members. I stayed here once, back in 2019 by myself. It was a relaxing trip that I remember fondly as I was in desperate need of a pick me up to chill out and this location provided just that. The blog image above was taken on the balcony of my room here. Although, you do have long bus rides here as this resort has multiple bus stops.

I have enjoyed the table service restaurant here, Olivia’s Cafe a few times. They have some good fried chicken and fantastic bananas foster dessert! If that doesn’t suit your fancy, you can always go over to Disney Springs to enjoy a plethora of dining options there!

Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

I have stayed at the moderate Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter multiple times. In fact, I would call it one of my favorite Disney Resorts. You can read a full review in my Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort Review. However, I can summarize that post to tell you that I love how compact this resort is. There’s only one bus stop here and you don’t have to spend all night walking back to your room. Plus, there’s warm and tasty beignets! Yummy!

Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

This is a moderate sister resort to French Quarter. Riverside is another sprawling resort with multiple stops. I have stayed here a few times as well. I posted a Disney Port Orleans Riverside Resort Review as well for a more in-depth look at this resort. I also enjoyed dinner here and detailed it in Boatwright’s Dining Hall Review.

They used to have princess themed rooms, which I reviewed in my Disney World Princess Room Review. However, those rooms have been refurbished and are now called “Royal Guest Rooms”. The update looks modern and clean with a few embellishments. The headboards still have some fun touches as well.

Saratoga Springs Resort

Lastly, there’s another Deluxe/DVC – Saratoga Springs! It’s very similar to Old Key West in that it’s large with multiple bus stops and boat transportation to Disney Springs. However, it’s themed after the late 1800’s in New York versus Florida. Unfortunately, I’ve never stayed or even eaten here. Perhaps, someday I will visit and update this post with a more detailed look at it.

Should you stay at a Disney Springs Resort?

I think Disney Springs Resorts are great if you plan on visiting Disney Springs. The boat transportation is really nice. I think all of these resorts make lovely options for adult only trips as their themes are more laid back. However, all but the French Quarter are pretty large with multiple bus stops. So, have you stayed at one of these resorts? What did you think?

Home2 Suites by Hilton Boone Review

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Earlier this month while visiting Land of Oz, my mom and I spent the night at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Boone. So, I thought I would review it.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Boone

Home2 Suites by Hilton Boone

This is a newer hotel located centrally in Boone, North Carolina and is walking distance to Appalachian State University. It comes with free parking and free breakfast! Plus, it had affordable rates thanks to the Hilton Honors rate.

2 Queen Beds Studio Suite

Given that this is a Home2 Suites hotel, every room here is a suite with a kitchenette! This would be perfect for a longer trip as it comes with a refrigerator, microwave and even a dishwasher! It was more than adequate for our one night. In fact, the room was so nice and large that my mom kept mentioning that we should return to stay for a longer trip. She was really impressed with the room having a dishwasher!

The bathroom was more than adequate with a nice shower. Although, the shower doors never seem to close well. In fact, one opened up pretty good while I was in the shower. I also wasn’t particularly impressed with the water pressure. Then again, that’s almost expected with hotel showers these days.

The bed was pretty comfortable. We both slept well. However, it did feel like the top sheet was made of polyester. I prefer cotton due to some polyester fabrics irritating my skin and not being breathable. Thankfully, we still slept well here. No complaints on that. Plus, it was pretty quiet.

I was also happy about the number of plugins found in the room. There were plugins on each side of the beds. So, there was no fighting over plugins here.

Free Breakfast

We decided to take a look at the included free breakfast and were impressed. First, we made waffles. We added some chocolate chips on top and it was tasty! What was most unique was the breakfast sandwich station. They had several different breads and proteins to make your own breakfast sandwich. I made an egg bite and chicken sausage croissant sandwich. Was it the best I’ve ever had? No, but it was good. It was better than lots of other free hotel breakfasts. I like that we didn’t have to hunt down breakfast and it allowed us to hit the road with full bellies.

Also, of note is the free water/tea/coffee that’s available all day in the lobby. I used the water dispenser to get some hot water to make some hot chocolate and then topped it off with some cold water. That made it a lukewarm chocolate that was great for the warmer weather.

Pros

  • Every room is a suite – There’s plenty of room to spread out here!
  • Includes a kitchenette – It’s great for storing and heating up leftovers! Plus, the dishwasher keeps things tidy and from smelling.
  • Comfy bed – No complaints about sore backs here!
  • Free breakfast – This is a pretty good breakfast with the breakfast sandwich station. Plus, the people working here were friendly and kept it well-stocked.
  • Good rates – We paid $157 with taxes using a nonrefundable Hilton Honors rate. We thought that was an excellent value for the room and breakfast!

Cons

  • Not the best sheets – Again, this is me being nitpicky. I think the top sheet was polyester. While I didn’t have any trouble with it, I prefer cotton.
  • Shower doors don’t close securely – The doors on the shower will pop open easily. It’s definitely not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of.

Should you stay at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Boone?

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Home2 Suites by Hilton Boone. It was a comfy place to spend the night with a good breakfast. The rates were affordable and it was centrally located.