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.
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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.
President Trump has declared a national emergency due to the economic and national security risks posed by trade deficits.Worldwide International Law Jonathan R. Todd,Vanessa I. Gomez, and Megan K. MacCallum This article was originally published on April 3, 2025. On April 8, 2025 the White House...
President Trump has declared a national emergency due to the economic and national security risks posed by trade deficits.
Worldwide International Law
Jonathan R. Todd,Vanessa I. Gomez, and Megan K. MacCallum
This article was originally published on April 3, 2025. On April 8, 2025 the White House published a new Executive Order announcing an increase of the reciprocal duties applicable to China as of April 9, 2025, and an increase on pending duties owed on de minimis imports from China. This article is updated to reflect these changes.
President Trump has declared a national emergency due to the economic and national security risks posed by trade deficits. In response to this emergency, the President invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 ("IEEPA") along with other legal bases to exercise authority imposing: (1) a minimum universal 10% tariff on imports from all countries effective April 5, 2025; or (2) a reciprocal tariff of up to 50% on imports from specific countries effective April 9, 2025.
The President's new "America First" Trade Policy and "Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs" review yielded the finding of harm from ongoing trade deficits. The loss of domestic manufacturing, risk to critical supply chains, foreign dependency of our military-industrial base, and global trading asymmetries unfairly restraining domestic interests were identified as negative effects from decades of globalization. The Trump '47 Administration is addressing this threat by attempting to incentivize the reshoring of supply chains rather than the nearshoring (or friendshoring) that drove sourcing and production strategies during the Trump '45 Administration. President Trump's model is a hybrid of the universal tariffs described during the 2024 Presidential Campaign and the country-specific reciprocal tariffs described since mid-February.
This client alert summarizes immediate take-aways from the launch of the global tariff increases and assesses the supply chain impact to domestic United States companies.
High-Level Tariff Details – The new rates of duty are in addition to all other duties applicable to imported goods. Country-specific details of the new duties are shown in the table below. These duty rates were released as an Annex I in the Executive Order Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits (the "E.O.") as of April 2, 2025. Presently, rates of duty range from 10% to 50% in the E.O. Article-specific details identifying categories of goods not subject to the new duties were published as an Annex II to the E.O. Product-specific carveouts focus primarily on goods already subject to additional duties adjusted or imposed earlier in 2025 (e.g. automobiles and automotive parts, or steel and aluminum products). Copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, energy, and certain minerals unavailable in the U.S. are also found in Annex II. Effective dates exclude goods loaded onto vessels and in transit on the final mode of transportation as of April 5 or April 9 (as appropriate) and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses for consumption after the April 5 or April 9 date.
Canada and Mexico Impacts – The pre-existing rules on imports from Canada and Mexico remain largely untouched by this new action. Goods qualifying for duty-free status under USMCA will remain eligible for duty-free entry. Goods from Canada and Mexico that do not qualify for duty-free status are subject to 25% ad valorem duties (or 10% in the case of energy and potash). If the prior rules on Canada and Mexico imports are revoked, then a savings clause provides for the levels of duties that will apply, which is 12% under the E.O.
China Transshipment and Evasion Risk – The new ad valorem rates applicable to China will also apply to imports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region. This feature is intended to reduce the risk of transshipment through those regions for purposes of duty evasion.
Duty-Free De Minimis Entry – Duty-free low-value de minimis imports from most countries are not immediately impacted by this action, although this will change over time. Duty-free entry will cease to be available once technological systems capable of processing and collecting duty on de minimis items become available. However, low-value imports from China will lose their duty-free status on May 2, 2025. Postal items from China that would otherwise qualify as de minimis are subject to a duty rate of either 30% of their value or $25 per item, increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025. These duties will be in lieu of other duties, such as the 20% ad valorem duties announced last quarter and Section 301 duties. Carriers transporting postal items must report shipments to CBP, remit required duties, and maintain an international carrier bond. CBP may choose to require formal entry.
Potential for Future Change – The President reserves the right to increase rates of duty in response to any retaliation by trading partners. Rates of duty could decrease if significant steps to reduce trading barriers are taken by trading partners.
Top Supply Chain Impacts – Two key facts that the Benesch team has reported since Thanksgiving Week of 2024 ring true. First, we are entering a higher cost operating environment for those whose supply chains rely on import goods and possibly for those who sell in export markets. Second, the only risk-free sourcing geography is at home in the United States. These are the business realities in which we operate.
Top Supply Chain Strategies – Options exist for managing the challenges presented by these supply chain impacts. Near-term tactics for limiting exposure of eroding margins are top of mind, followed by longer-term procurement and sales strategies. The go-to strategy across industries in recent months has been giving notice and opening negotiations with suppliers and customers while building the contractual and workflow infrastructure necessary to accommodate price or volume changes. Creative logistics options such as the use of customs bonded warehouses or foreign trade zones to better manage duty outlays can help relieve cashflow. Confirmatory compliance exercises remain prudent, such as mapping supply chain product flows, true countries of origin, tariff codes and net duty burden, as well as the documentation necessary to substantiate those facts in the event of regulatory enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Longer-term, alternate domestic supply or less costly foreign supply may be available to the procurement teams of some importers.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
Authors
A multibillion-pound Universal theme park in Bedfordshire is projected to create 20,000 jobs in construction and bring in 8 million visitors a yearThe development, working with Bedford Borough Council, will be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex, which will feature rides and attractions from Universal franchises such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and the Minions.Universal are still considering purchasing additional land to ...
The development, working with Bedford Borough Council, will be the first Universal-branded theme park and resort destination in Europe and will be part of a larger 476-acre entertainment resort complex, which will feature rides and attractions from Universal franchises such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park and the Minions.
Universal are still considering purchasing additional land to increase the plot to about 700-acres. It will work with Bedford Borough Council on the project and has already secured support from surrounding councils in Central Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, north Northamptonshire and west Northamptonshire.
The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Upon approval, construction is due to start in 2026 and the park to open in 2031.
Located on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks just outside of market town Bedford, the project would create an estimated 20,000 jobs in construction and a further 8,000 hospitality roles once the park is open. Universal Destinations and Experience said 80% of those employed would be from Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas.
The company also said it would make upgrades to the Wixams railway station, build a new station on the East West Rail line to facilitate transport to the resort and add dedicated slip roads to the A421.
Universal previously described Bedford as “an ideal location with convenient, fast rail links to London and London Luton Airport”. London Luton Airport recently secured planning consent for an expansion that would nearly double passenger capacity from 18m to 32m.
The proposals remain subject to a planning decision from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, although it seems unlikely that the plans will be squashed. The government has already committed to a “major investment” in infrastructure around the site to support the delivery of the project and ensure it is well connected and easily accessible.
Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “Today we closed the deal on a multi-billion-pound investment that will see Bedford home to one of the biggest entertainment parks in Europe, firmly putting the county on the global stage.
“This is our Plan for Change in action, combining local and national growth with creating around 28,000 new jobs across sectors such as construction, AI, and tourism.
“It is not just about numbers; it’s about securing real opportunities for people in our country. Together, we are building a brighter future for the UK, getting people into work and ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “At a time of global change, this investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as a place to do business. Universal’s investment will bring billions to the economy and create thousands of jobs to the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets.”
The UK theme park will be Universal’s first European location since the company sold its stake in Spanish water resort Port Aventura in 2004.
Current parks include resorts in Florida and California in the United States, Osaka in Japan, Beijing in China and in Singapore.
The second phase of construction is projected to start this year in Beijing, with resorts in Las Vegas and Texas also planned.
Mike Cavanagh, president of Comcast Corporation (which owns Universal), said: “We could not be more excited to take this very important step in our plan to create and deliver an incredible Universal theme park and resort in the heart of the United Kingdom, which complements our growing US-based parks business by expanding our global footprint to Europe. We appreciate the leadership and support of prime minister Keir Starmer, chancellor Rachel Reeves, minister for investment Poppy Gustafsson, culture secretary Lisa Nandy and their teams, as we work together to create and deliver a fantastic new landmark destination.”
The project is to be designed and delivered by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment. The proposed plans, which are subject to planning approval, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct style of immersive and thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. The resort will also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. The park will be just south of Bedford, 35 minutes north of London by train, and will joi...
The project is to be designed and delivered by the company’s Universal Destinations & Experiences segment. The proposed plans, which are subject to planning approval, include a world-class theme park with several themed lands featuring Universal’s distinct style of immersive and thrilling rides, innovative attractions and exciting entertainment. The resort will also feature a 500-room hotel and a retail, dining and entertainment complex. The park will be just south of Bedford, 35 minutes north of London by train, and will join the company’s existing portfolio of theme parks and resorts across the United States and Asia-Pacific.
This is a special and historic milestone moment for our company as we continue to accelerate the growth trajectory of our theme parks business and delight audiences around the world.
“The unparalleled storytelling and technological innovation that the incredible team at Universal Destinations & Experiences brings to life is a perfect complement to the British creative arts and tourism industries,” said Mike Cavanagh, President of Comcast Corporation.
Universal’s growth beyond this development includes expanding and evolving its existing destinations in the US and introducing new, original concepts to new audiences in new markets across America. Universal is opening three theme park developments in the US in the next two years, starting with the highly anticipated Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida opening in May, which is the company’s largest and most technologically advanced theme park and the first new major theme park in Florida in 25 years. The company’s direct investment in Epic Universe has stimulated $11 billion in economic impact nationwide and generated tens of thousands of jobs across the US.
Later in 2025, Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round horror entertainment experience will open in Las Vegas, Nevada, followed by Universal Kids Resort, the company’s first theme park designed specifically for families with young children, opening in Frisco, Texas in 2026. Comcast NBCUniversal has invested more than $10 billion in new and existing Universal destinations across the US in California, Florida, Texas and Nevada from 2018–2024.
“Bringing the Universal brand to the United Kingdom is another exciting step forward in generating future growth,” said Mark Woodbury, Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Expanding into Europe presents us with a significant opportunity to reach new fans and share the incredible experiences our team creates.
Mark Woodbury
Chairman and CEO of Universal Destinations & Experiences
The 476-acre parcel of land in Bedford, purchased by Comcast in 2023, is ideally located with convenient, fast rail links to London and connectivity to the rest of the country, with more than 80 percent of England’s population and half of the UK population living within two hours travel time. It also provides fantastic connectivity to the rest of Europe, promising to be one of the highest-attended attractions in the continent and to bring in millions of new visitors to the UK.
The decision to move ahead with the UK project follows a more than year of due diligence and is subject to securing planning approval. A planning proposal will be submitted to UK Government in the months ahead with a projected construction start date in 2026.
On April 2, 2025, the Trump administration ...
On April 2, 2025, the Trump administration announced 10% global tariffs on 100% of goods imported into the United States. The new tariffs are effective April 5 at 12:01 a.m. Goods that are on the water as of that date are exempt from the additional tariffs. On April 9 at 12:01 a.m., merchandise from more than 50 countries will face supplemental “reciprocal” tariffs including:
The on-the-water exception applies to the reciprocal tariffs as well. Accordingly, for the listed countries, the rates in effect will increase from 10% to the country-specific rate. Should the United States content of the entered merchandise be 20% or greater, the new tariffs will only apply to the non-U.S. content. According to the Executive Order, the tariffs are being imposed pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) due to economic and national security implications of the country’s global trade deficits.
Regarding Canada and Mexico, the 25% tariffs imposed on all merchandise since March 4 except for “energy or energy resources” or “critical minerals,” which have a 10% tariff, remain in effect. Note that USMCA-compliant goods continue to enjoy duty-free treatment. Previously announced sectoral tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada or Mexico continue to apply, with steel and aluminum effective March 12, autos effective April 3, and auto parts effective May 3. See April 1 GT Alert on auto tariffs. However, the Executive Order is silent on other free-trade agreements, which may indicate that goods imported pursuant to other free-trade agreements enter the United States duty-free for general duties but still must pay the country specific reciprocal or universal tariff.
For importers of raw materials, components, or finished products, the new universal and reciprocal tariffs are in addition to General duties, 20% tariffs on products of China effective March 4, Section 301 duties on most products of China, Section 201 duties on solar products, and any anti-dumping or countervailing duties, and other duties and fees. For example, a steel product from China may carry: General duties + 20% + Section 301 (25% or 7.5%) + 25% for steel products. The steel and aluminum tariffs are imposed only on products covered under the listed Harmonized Tariff Schedule provisions. However, a product, which is not covered under the steel tariffs, manufactured in China may carry: General duties + 20% + Section 301 (25% or 7.5%) + 34% reciprocal.
The Executive Order also includes the following:
On April 2, the Trump administration also issued an Executive Order stopping de minimis shipments, those valued under $800, from China and Hong Kong from entering duty free as of May 2.
Notably, the Executive Order specifically exempts certain products from the universal and reciprocal tariffs. Those products are listed in Annex II of the Executive Order and include products such as copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, energy and energy products, and certain critical minerals.
Note that as other countries announce retaliation plans, the Trump administration may change its stated reciprocal rates. We expect to issue an Alert on retaliation plans next week.
Sourcing and Mitigation Strategies
There are numerous duty-mitigation and sourcing strategies importers can utilize to potentially blunt the impact of the reciprocal and universal tariffs, including reducing the value of imported goods by taking all possible legal deductions, such as international and foreign inland freight, and by using “first sale” in a multi-tier transaction that shrinks the value declared at entry by shaving off middleman profit and administrative expenses. For certain duties, drawback can also be used for duty refunds and bonded warehouses for duty deferral. With a bonded warehouse, duties are due only when the goods leave the warehouse and enter the commerce of the United States. Importers are also advised to review the origin of imported products, which is based on the product’s essential character and in which country it is substantially transformed. Country of final assembly or export is not necessarily country of origin.
When you think about planning a Florida theme park trip, the choice usually comes down to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. Both offer unforgettable experiences, world-class attractions, and plenty of magic for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. But if you’ve spent time in both parks recently, you’ve probably noticed that Universal is starting to outpace Disney in a few...
When you think about planning a Florida theme park trip, the choice usually comes down to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando. Both offer unforgettable experiences, world-class attractions, and plenty of magic for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. But if you’ve spent time in both parks recently, you’ve probably noticed that Universal is starting to outpace Disney in a few key areas—and it’s not just about thrill rides.
Let’s start with intensity. Universal isn’t shy about going big. If you crave high-speed coasters and a bit of fear, this is the place for you. While Disney has fun thrills like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tower of Terror, Universal’s lineup includes ride-after-ride that could easily be considered next-level. VelociCoaster is arguably one of the best coasters in the country right now, and even walking past it is enough to raise your pulse. Add in character interactions like the Raptor Encounter, and it’s clear Universal has the edge when it comes to raw adrenaline.
Then there’s Halloween season. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary event is a charming evening of costumes and candy. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, on the other hand, is an intense, production-level scare-fest that pulls in horror fans from across the country. It’s not family-friendly in the traditional sense, but it is unforgettable if you love haunted houses, scare zones, and immersive horror storytelling.
Now, on a more practical level—Universal does better with refillable drinks. Disney’s refillable mugs are limited to resort hotels, which is convenient if you’re hanging out at the pool, but not much use once you enter the parks. Universal’s refillable souvenir cups can be used all over the parks and hotels, and they work with Coca-Cola Freestyle machines for dozens of drink options. You can even refill them with cold water, which is essential in the Florida heat. Pricing is flexible too—you can activate a cup for one day, a few days, or your entire stay.
Families with younger kids also get more flexibility at Universal. Disney has slowly removed several of its open play spaces in favor of queue-heavy attractions. Universal has gone in the opposite direction, with dedicated areas like Camp Jurassic, Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp, and the brand-new DreamWorks Land. These playgrounds are immersive, themed, and offer a break from standing in line.
When it comes to interactive experiences, Universal offers more walk-up fun. Whether it’s the talking shrunken head at the Knight Bus or the cheeky Mystic Fountain, guests at Universal can stumble into magic at any time without having to reserve a spot. While Disney’s MagicBand+ is cool in theory, it hasn’t quite matched the level of engagement you get with a Harry Potter interactive wand—and Universal even replaces broken wands for free.
Passholder perks are another area where Universal pulls ahead. Both resorts offer merchandise discounts, hotel deals, and early previews for new attractions, but Universal takes it further. Passholders enjoy discounts almost everywhere, including quick-service food stands and carts, plus free swag like magnets and lanyards. They even get access to dedicated lounges and viewing areas, and sometimes exclusive experiences like riding in a parade float.
Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando will always have their strengths, but right now Universal is making the guest experience easier, more thrilling, and more rewarding. And with Epic Universe opening soon, the gap could continue to grow.
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