It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Universal Orlando Resort gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Universal, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well-”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very ”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of”
“best people at there”
“Great staff!! Caring people!”
“I think it’s one of the best companies there’s always someone ready and willing to go help people with great attitudes! Anyone that wants to live at home but needs a little extra help should definitely get someone from this company at your home to help out!”
“Working for Always Best Care has been very rewarding for me to help others in need. Whatever my questions may be or any help I need as a health care provider for my client they have always came through with help.”
“Very compassionate caregivers!”
“Great staff. Well trained and kind people.”
“The Beache’s Family are great people and I would trust my mom’s well- bean in their hands”
“Natalia has experience taking care of people with Alzheimer and I would be very trust my dad’s safety if they taking care of him.”
“They offer a wide range of services with professional, organized individuals willing to help care for members of your family.”
“Exceptional staff and very caring. I know my loved ones are taken care of which gives me a peace of mind. Definitely recommend!”
“Mr. and Mrs. Beach are the owners of this location, and they are some of the most caring and dedicated people I have ever met. They truly want to help people get the best care for their loved ones. My grandmother would have loved to have care like this.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Universal Studios Florida with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Mythos Restaurant, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Universal, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Universal, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Universal, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
“$125… just to park?!” That’s the reaction echoing through fan groups and travel forums today. It’s not for a VIP tour. Not for a behind-the-scenes experience. Not even for a park ticket. That’s the jaw-dropping price tag simply to park at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest crown jewel — the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which officially opened its doors on ...
“$125… just to park?!” That’s the reaction echoing through fan groups and travel forums today. It’s not for a VIP tour. Not for a behind-the-scenes experience. Not even for a park ticket. That’s the jaw-dropping price tag simply to park at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest crown jewel — the Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which officially opened its doors on April 16, 2025.
So, why the hefty fee? And more importantly, what makes this celestial-themed resort worth the hype — and the price? Let’s take a closer look at what just launched at the heart of Epic Universe.
After years of anticipation and speculation, Universal Orlando Resort’s Epic Universe is finally coming to life. And leading the charge is the shimmering beacon at the edge of Celestial Park — the Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
Designed by Loews Hotels, Helios Grand isn’t just another place to crash after a day at the parks — it’s a destination in itself. Inspired by the sun gods and constellations of Mediterranean myth and legend, every inch of the hotel sparkles with celestial elegance. Intricate starry patterns, sweeping arches, and warm golden tones make guests feel as if they’re walking through the gates of Olympus — with a Floridian twist.
But what’s really turning heads isn’t just the aesthetic — it’s the hotel’s location and exclusive benefits.
One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Helios Grand Hotel is its private entrance into Epic Universe. That means guests can skip the massive crowds, the long security lines, and the morning rush.
For many theme park fans, that’s a priceless perk — and Universal knows it.
Day guests are permitted at #HeliosGrand, but it is a charge of up-to a whopping $125 to park onsite. Shuttle bus service is available to and from CityWalk, regardless of if you’re staying at the hotel.
Day guests are permitted at #HeliosGrand, but it is a charge of up-to a whopping $125 to park onsite. Shuttle bus service is available to and from CityWalk, regardless of if you're staying at the hotel. pic.twitter.com/kBtInpZhQi
— LaughingPlace.com (@laughing_place) April 16, 2025
In fact, that prime real estate and exclusive access are precisely why parking at the hotel now costs non-guests a minimum of $125, according to Universal and Loews’ official websites. It’s a clear deterrent to those looking to sneak in for a faster route into the parks. Even if you try to park during the day without staying on property, with your ticket entry cost and parking, it could cost some guests up to $500 or more. Is it worth it?
As Epic Universe’s official opening on May 22, 2025, inches closer, the Helios Grand is poised to become the most in-demand spot in Orlando — not just for its proximity, but for its elevated experience.
So what do you get when you book a stay at the Helios Grand?
Every amenity is built to deliver on luxury, comfort, and convenience. Whether you’re sipping a sunset cocktail from the rooftop, stargazing from your suite, or heading into Epic Universe through a quieter, more private entrance, the Helios Grand Hotel is designed to elevate the entire Universal vacation experience.
The opening of the Universal Helios Grand Hotel signals more than just a new resort — it marks a major shift in how Universal Orlando is approaching its future. With Disney dominating the luxury resort game for decades, Universal is now making a bold move into upscale, immersive stays that tie directly into their themed lands.
And with 35 days to go until Epic Universe opens its gates, the Helios Grand is the first step in what could be a new era of theme park tourism — one where exclusive access comes at a premium, and unforgettable experiences begin before you even walk through the turnstiles. If you’re looking to book a Universal vacation in 2025, the Helios Grand Hotel is undeniably the most glamorous (and convenient) place to stay.
But for those hoping to just swing by for a look or sneak in for an early park entry shortcut, the $125 parking fee is a clear message: this space is reserved for the elite experience. Will we see more hotels like this as Epic Universe continues to grow? And will Disney follow suit with similar exclusivity? One thing’s for sure — the theme park resort game just got a lot more epic.
Key factsOverviewUniversal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care across the life course.The delivery of these services requires health and care workers with an optimal skills mix at all levels of the health system, who are equitably distributed, a...
Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care across the life course.
The delivery of these services requires health and care workers with an optimal skills mix at all levels of the health system, who are equitably distributed, adequately supported with access to quality assured products, and enjoying decent work.
Protecting people from the financial consequences of paying for health services out of their own pockets reduces the risk that people will be pushed into poverty because the cost of needed services and treatments requires them to use up their life savings, sell assets, or borrow – destroying their futures and often those of their children.
Achieving UHC is one of the targets the nations of the world set when they adopted the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. At the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on UHC in 2019, countries reaffirmed that health is a precondition for and an outcome and indicator of the social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work aims to have 1 billion more people benefit from UHC by 2025, while also contributing to the targets of 1 billion more people better protected from health emergencies and 1 billion more people enjoying better health and well-being.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, progress towards UHC was already faltering. The impressive pace of progress in expanding service coverage prior to 2015 did not continue as the UHC service coverage index (SDG indicator 3.8.1) increased only 3 points to 68 by 2019 and stagnated at this level through 2021. This indicates that in 2021, about 4.5 billion people were not fully covered by essential health services. The portion of the population incurring catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending (SDG 3.8.2) increased continuously from 9.6% in 2000 to 13.5% in 2019 when it surpassed 1 billion people. Moreover, in 2019, out-of-pocket health spending dragged 344 million people further into extreme poverty and 1.3 billion into relative poverty. In total, in 2019, 2 billion people faced any form of financial hardship (catastrophic, impoverishing or both).
The global pattern of the recent stagnating progress in service coverage while catastrophic health spending increases continuously is consistent across all regions, country income groups and most countries at all income levels.
Inequalities continue to be a fundamental challenge for UHC. Even where there is national progress on health service coverage, the aggregate data mask inequalities within-countries. For example, coverage of reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health services tends to be higher among those who are richer, more educated, and living in urban areas, especially in low-income countries. On financial hardship, catastrophic out-of-pocket health spending is more prevalent among people living in households with older members (age 60 years or over). People living in poorer households, rural areas and in households with older family members (those aged 60 and older) are more likely to be further dragged into poverty by out-of-pocket health spending. Monitoring health inequalities is essential to identify and track disadvantaged populations to provide decision-makers with an evidence base to formulate more equity-oriented policies, programmes and practices towards the progressive realization of UHC. Better data are also needed on gender inequalities, socioeconomic disadvantages, and specific issues faced by indigenous peoples and refugee and migrant populations displaced by conflict and economic and environmental crises.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, essential services were disrupted in 92% of countries. In 2022, 84% of countries still reported disruptions. In 2021, some 25 million children under 5 years missed out on routine immunization. There were glaring disparities in access to COVID-19 vaccines, with an average of 34% of the population vaccinated in low-income countries compared to almost 73% in high-income countries as of June 2023. Potentially life-saving emergency, critical and operative care interventions also showed increased service disruptions, likely resulting in significant near-term impact on health outcomes.
As a foundation for and way to move towards UHC, WHO recommends reorienting health systems using a primary health care (PHC) approach. PHC is the most inclusive, equitable, cost-effective and efficient approach to enhance people’s physical and mental health, as well as social well-being. It enables universal, integrated access to health services as close as possible to people’s everyday environments. It also helps deliver the full range of quality services and products that people need for health and well-being, thereby improving coverage and financial protection. Significant cost efficiencies can be achieved and most (90%) essential UHC interventions can be delivered through a PHC approach. Some 75% of the projected health gains from the SDGs could also be realized through PHC, including saving over 60 million lives and increasing average global life expectancy by 3.7 years by 2030.
Strengthening health systems based on PHC should result in measurable health impact in countries.
Yes.
The UHC target of the SDGs measures the ability of countries to ensure that everyone receives the health care they need, when and where they need it, without facing financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of key services from health promotion to prevention, protection, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. Progress on UHC is tracked using two indicators:
More information can be found in this questions and answers page.
Detailed data is provided in the WHO Global Health Observatory Data Repository for UHC. Country profiles can be downloaded from https://data.who.int/.
Based on this data, WHO publishes global reports on UHC every two years. See the reports here.
UHC is firmly based on the 1948 WHO Constitution, which declares health a fundamental human right and commits to ensuring the highest attainable level of health for all.
As a foundation for UHC, WHO recommends reorienting health systems towards primary health care (PHC). In countries with fragile health systems, WHO focuses on technical assistance to build national institutions and service delivery to fill critical gaps in emergencies. In more robust health system settings, WHO drives public health impact towards health coverage for all through policy dialogue for the systems of the future and strategic support to improve performance.
But WHO is not alone: WHO works with many different partners in different situations and for different purposes to advance UHC around the world.
Some of WHO’s partnerships include:
When people plan a trip to Orlando, it is usually to visit Disney. Universal Studios is also a big priority. As a family, we are a pretty driven, goal-oriented sort. I knew we could see both Disney World and Universal Studios kamikaze style. Here’s how we did Disney and Universal in one trip while maintaining our sanity and loving every minute of it.Table of ContentsDisney and Universal in One Trip: The DetailsWhen to GoPhoto by: ...
When people plan a trip to Orlando, it is usually to visit Disney. Universal Studios is also a big priority. As a family, we are a pretty driven, goal-oriented sort. I knew we could see both Disney World and Universal Studios kamikaze style. Here’s how we did Disney and Universal in one trip while maintaining our sanity and loving every minute of it.
Table of Contents
Photo by: Bigstock/Peter Etchells
We wanted the Orlando vacation to be a surprise gift for the kids. We had only three weeks to research Disney Universal packages. While tucked in bed with a nasty cold, I read every blog article on Trekaroo about Disney and Universal. I surreptitiously poured over The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World by Sehlinger and Testa beneath my covers. And as I narrowed down my research, I realized I needed to first figure out what to see, when to go, and then, on which days to go.
The Sehlinger and Testa guidebook proved incredibly useful. It also gave me a discount to join The Touring Plan which enabled me to see the Crowd Calendar for both Disney and Universal. The mobile Lines app came in handy when trying to determine which rides to go on and how long the wait time would be. The Disney app, by the way, is not recommended since its goal is to steer and scatter crowds. The additional benefit with the Lines app was that it enabled me to access one of their existing touring plans to help strategize what to see and in which order for attractions at both Disney and Universal. The one or two-day itinerary through The Touring Plan were pure gold. For this frugal mom cramming to figure out what to see and when to go, the guidebook was absolutely worth it!
Hint: The Touring Plan suggests bucking the FastPass+ system by using all three passes before noon, so that you can use up to three more FastPasses for the afternoon and evening. Brilliant.
Photo by: Flickr/samhowzit
Since we were huge fans of Mr. Potter, we wanted to see all of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The only problem was that Universal had cleverly split Harry Potter Worlds into their two parks. Hogsmeade resides at Island of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. The two parks/one day pass is the only way to ride Hogwarts Express that takes visitors across both parks. We decided to see both of the Universal theme parks in one day and fully experienced both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, in addition to the other epic rides at Universal Studios.
Before you go:
Check out our top tips for where to take your biggest Harry Potter fan.
After the 18-hour road trek to Orlando, I was glad we chose to stay at Lake Buena Vista Suites for its high ratings and free breakfast located just outside of Disney. It was a slightly longer drive to Universal Studios, but worked fine for us. One of the perks I considered was staying at one of the Universal hotels. Namely, guests have early morning entrance and free Express Pass (except at Cabana Bay and Sapphire Falls).
We’re an affiliate of Booking.com. Every time you book a hotel through our link, you get the same awesome deals, but our kangaroos get treats too.
Prices at both Disney and Universal are differentiated by peak ($$$) and non-peak ($$) times to visit. I bought our Disney tickets directly through the Walt Disney World website, but bought our Universal tickets through Orlando Ticket Connection. It offered the lowest prices compared to Universal’s online prices on park-to-park tickets. Note that these online tickets are delivered electronically. However, print them out to show proof in person once you’re at the gates in front of Universal.
Tip: You’ll need to show the park-to-park ticket again to the clerk in front of Hogwarts Express.
Families spending four or five more days at the Disney parks may want to purchase Disney tickets through Undercover Tourist for better discounts. Although I ended up not purchasing tickets from Undercover Tourist, since we were only planning to be at Disney for two days, their customer service was stellar. They were both honest and hugely helpful. We purchased Disney tickets through the WDW website, which sent them electronically to my email. I showed the e-receipt of purchase through my phone at the front gates and it was just that easy.
Before you go:
Looking to do a long Disney trip and want budgeting ideas? Here’s how one of our writers budgeted her Disney World trip for a family of five.
Photo by: Flickr/rmestre
Our first night was at STK in Disney Springs for an amazing steak dinner celebrating my husband’s birthday. The lights were aglow, the music was pumping, and the food was fabulous. It’s a magical place to begin your vacation.
Afterwards, we headed for the Disney World Shop. We wanted to maximize our time at the theme parks on rides and attractions, so we did most all of our souvenir and gift shopping outside of the parks. If you want to shop at the Disney Store, park in the Lime Parking Garage. Plus, look out for the new restaurant called The Edison named after the ingenious Thomas Edison; he must be rolling in his grave -then again, maybe not.
We spent our first day at both Universal parks, Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, using our two parks/one day pass. We tackled all of Harry Potter World including the blockbuster rides: The Amazing Spiderman, Men in Black Alien Attack, The Simpsons, and Despicable Me Minion -the kids’ preferred order of favorites.
The next day we went to the Magic Kingdom and it was -well, magical. On our third and final day, we toured Epcot and its holiday-around-the-world festivities. Visiting the four theme parks in this order worked well. We started with the most thrilling rides and ended with more reflective attractions. Yes, we packed a lot into all three days, but remember? We did this kamikaze style. And you can do Disney and Universal in one trip, too. With little time to waste, you’ll want to make sure you get you create a plan to hit your best rides at Disney World first.
Check out Trekaroo’s Ultimate Guide to Road Trips with Kids before taking your next epic road trip.
This trip was not sponsored and I was not compensated in any way.
Lead and Social Media Images by: Flickr/samhowzit
Sarah Kuois a former Trekaroo assistant blog editor, a classically trained pianist, and an aspiring fiction writer. She is a born and bred Northeasterner, but recently transplanted to the United States of Texas with her loyal Yankees-fan husband and their three rambunctious kids. She loves exploring new places and writing about the journey she takes in life's grand adventure.
Welcome back to another day at CinemaCon. Today, we are liveblogging the extra-long presentation from Universal and Focus Features.CinemaCon is upon us once again. Every year, Cinema United [the new name for NATO, the National Association of Theater Owners] gathers in Las Vegas to look ahead to the rest of the year. Ever since the pandemic, the vibes of CinemaCon have shifted con...
Welcome back to another day at CinemaCon. Today, we are liveblogging the extra-long presentation from Universal and Focus Features.
CinemaCon is upon us once again. Every year, Cinema United [the new name for NATO, the National Association of Theater Owners] gathers in Las Vegas to look ahead to the rest of the year. Ever since the pandemic, the vibes of CinemaCon have shifted considerably, and, in many ways, it still feels like the industry is recovering and leveling out from a shift that will be felt for generations to come. However, the people here very much still believe in the theatrical experience, and studios come to show off their slate of new releases to get people hyped up for the new year. Sometimes, that means some trailers; sometimes, that means entire movies; and sometimes, we get confirmation that new movies are in the works. These presentations are usually massive and cannot be found anywhere online, so we here at Bleeding Cool would like to provide you the chance to attend CinemaCon without having to deal with Las Vegas with liveblogs of the presentation for you to follow along with. Universal and Focus Features is the first presentation of the day.
This post is being pre-written the night before, so when it goes up, it will be after the premiere of How To Train Your Dragon, which is how the morning is kicking off. The reaction to that film could help set the tone for the rest of the Universal presentation, but the reality is this is Wicked: For Good's show, and we're just here for the ride. The movie was a massive success across the board for Universal, with multiple standees and posters hanging around. Rumor is the first trailer will be seen, but who knows if it's getting released. Jurassic World Rebirth is another massive Universal title and there are some more Fast and Furious movies hanging out in the sidelines.
Those are just some of the big tentpoles. There are smaller and less well-known films out there, too, like the new one from Jordan Peele, simply titled HIM. Nobody was a rare pandemic hit, and a sequel is on the way. A sequel to the most underrated movie at Dreamworks is also coming out with The Bad Guys 2, and you can bet everyone is crossing their fingers and toes that M3GAN 2.0 somehow goes viral as the first film did. This presentation will be a victory lap for Universal, if nothing else.
And that's not to say Universal is the only one taking a victory lap. While Focus Features has had a few stumbles out of the gate early this year, even though Black Bag was really good it couldn't find an audience, they are coming off the excellent end of 2024 and Nosferatu. There is another Robert Eggers movie in the works that I need in front of my eyes immediately, and Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is all over the show floor. They also have the new film from Yorgos Lanthimos titled Bugonia, which is coming out this fall. So, while the Focus slate for 2025 is smaller, it has massive potential.
Liveblog will appear in 20 seconds.
Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!
574-232-8487
