The Perfect Off Day Between Disney and Universal

After several busy park days filled with rides, snacks, and late-night fireworks, our off day between Disney and Universal was exactly what our family needed. We checked out of Pop Century and made our way to the Helios Grand Hotel at Universal’s Epic Universe. Taking that one day to slow down in the middle of two action-packed vacations made such a difference in how refreshed we all felt once we started the next part of our trip.

Starting the Day at 1900 Park Fare

We began the morning with breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. It reopened in 2024, and I had the chance to visit by myself that June. Ever since then, my family has been looking forward to trying it too. The atmosphere was cheerful and relaxed, and it felt like the perfect way to end the Disney portion of our trip. Sitting together over a leisurely breakfast, we laughed about our favorite Disney moments and talked about what we were most excited to see at Epic Universe.

Making the Transfer

After breakfast, we headed back to Pop Century to grab our bags and meet our transfer. The timing worked out perfectly because we avoided the morning rush, and by early afternoon, we were checking into Helios Grand Hotel. The transition between the two resorts was smooth and surprisingly easy. Having everything packed up the night before helped a lot, and I highly recommend doing that if you plan a similar split stay.

Poolside Relaxation at Helios

The moment we arrived at Helios, the tone of the trip shifted from go-go-go to pure relaxation. The resort has such a peaceful feel, and the pool area is gorgeous. We spent the afternoon soaking up the sun, enjoying the views, and letting the excitement of the first half of the trip settle in. It was the perfect reset before diving into the thrill of Universal the next morning.

Why an Off Day Matters

If you are planning a split stay between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, an off day is something I cannot recommend enough. It gives everyone time to recharge, unpack, and enjoy the resort without rushing from one thing to the next. Whether you spend it exploring Disney Springs, lounging by the pool, or having a nice meal before switching hotels, the slower pace makes the whole vacation feel more balanced and enjoyable.

My Takeaway

That day between Disney and Universal turned out to be one of my favorite parts of the trip. It gave us time to appreciate both experiences without feeling overwhelmed. The combination of a great breakfast, a smooth transfer, and a relaxing afternoon at Helios was exactly what we needed. Sometimes the best vacation moments are the quiet ones that help you catch your breath before the next adventure begins.