FOCUS AREAS

Children and Families: 

Child Abuse, Neglect, and Prevention of Both

Every child deserves a happy, healthy home free from abuse and neglect. Universal Orlando® is committed to making this a reality for the children of Central Florida. In partnership with the Universal Orlando Foundation, we have a history of funding major projects that have a direct impact on children’s lives, including the Orange County Children’s Advocacy Center, a collaborative effort of local government and community agencies dedicated to the investigation, treatment, and prosecution of child abuse, and the Central Florida Children's Home Society Crisis Nursery, a center which provides emergency shelter for children removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse. In addition to cash, Universal provides significant in-kind support by hosting fundraising events, donating tickets and merchandise, and Universal Orlando team members annually volunteer thousands of hours at agencies such as these.

Foster Care - Meeting the Needs of our Young People

Through partnerships with local organizations, Universal Orlando hosts events that focus on education and career opportunities for Central Florida foster kids to help prepare them for living on their own. Also, in partnership with the Universal Orlando Foundation, we've created a scholarship program that provides resources for youth aging out of foster care who choose to go to college.

Compassion - Making Wishes Come True

One of the most popular wishes fulfilled by the hundreds of wish-granting organizations is for an Orlando vacation. The Universal Orlando Compassion Program provides complimentary admission to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure to thousands of children with life threatening illnesses and their families each year. Through partnerships with several organizations, including Give Kids the World, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and various dream flights, we strive to make every child’s visit with us a time they will never forget and to create memories for a lifetime for those special families.

Universal Orlando also focuses on children with disabilities by partnering with organizations like the Autism Society of Greater Orlando, Quest Kids, and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. We host the children and their families, while pairing them with Universal Orlando volunteers for a fun day in the parks.

If you are seeking assistance for a compassion related visit, please click here.

Education:

Early and Post Secondary

Education, especially in the early stage of a child’s life, is critical to their future success. By focusing on the early years, our goal is to give the children in our community a strong start in life by making their learning environment a positive one. An example of this is our commitment to a local elementary school. Universal Orlando adopted Eccleston Elementary School, which had received a failing grade on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. By taking a holistic approach of providing financial, in-kind, and volunteer support, we played a vital role in helping the school go from a failing grade to an A in only two years! 

Universal Orlando Foundation has also committed $1 million to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management and the library bears the Universal Orlando Foundation name. We are dedicated to helping to train and retain young people who desire a career in the hospitality industry. Some of our team members even serve in advisory roles for the college.