Howdy! Today was a fun day at Universal Orlando, including character spottings, digital signs, hot sets, and other fun finds.
Digital Signs in Security
New digital signs have been installed in the security area entering into City Walk. The new signs feature the same images that were previously displayed. I wonder if they are planning on changing the characters in the parking garage. I guess eventually they will have to change the Spider-Man section into something else.
Good Morning from Universal Orlando
This morning’s crowds weren’t too crazy, but it is certainly the holiday crowds we normally see. The weather was perfect in the low seventies. I really couldn’t complain about the day ahead of me.
Hot Set!
In City Walk, next to the Epic Preview Center, there was a blocked-off area for Football Night in America featuring the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more details on the holiday special coming to Peacock.
‘Wicked’ Loungefly Backpacks – $90.00 each
In the Universal Store in City Walk there are two new Loungefly mini-backpacks available for $90.00 each. The one on the left is inspired by Glinda, where the bag on the right features a typical Shiz University student uniform.
These backpacks join a huge collection of ‘Wicked’ merchandise in the parks.
Universal Studios Florida
I started with the original of the two parks at Universal Orlando to peak into the ‘Wicked’ store to see if there was any other fun sprises.
The ‘Wicked’ Experience
There is now a penny machine in the ‘Wicked’ Experience. There are 8 collectible pennies for $1 each or you can purchase all 8 pennies for $5. I’m not personally a penny collector, but these are really neat and unexpected.
This is a sick thought, but what if they had a mold-o-rama of the characters, it’s not like they would melt…right? Maybe it is in bad taste to make a Wicked Witch of wax in Florida…
Spongebob Lonelypants
I saw Spongebob Squarepants was waving to guests as they rushed by, no one stopped for him weirdly enough. Maybe if he wasn’t so close to the exit backstage or in a more trafficked area he would have more visitors, but it was sad.
The Simpsons
The Duff Man still has not made his comeback this year. Perhaps we will have a nicely refurbished statue in 2025. I did see a woman kiss Chief Wiggum on the cheek today, gross. Don’t put your mouth on public things, my mom taught me that when I was little.
Milhouse Van Houten has a new look about him, maybe it’s just me but he seemed more matte than he has before. Seeing his little face though always makes me smile. I’ve definitely had kids give me the same look on park transportation numerous times. Tell me parents, why do they never break eye contact in these moments?
License Plate- $50.00
When I was growing up a lot of folks would keep license plates in their garages, but I have never seen an opportunity to buy a license plate that had a handicap stamp on it. There was another one from Mississippi available in the Fast and Furious gift shop.
Would you buy a license plate for $50.00? Let me know in the comments below. I seriously would love to hear about your plans for a plate like this.
Earl the Squirrel Restocks!
Earl the Squirrel has released more copies of his original Christmas story in the Tribute Store. I noticed a lot of people would have Earl sign his book at his meeting spot just across from Mel’s Drive-In at the center of the park.
Tim the Teddy Bear – $35.00
There is now a giant Tim plush from ‘Despicable Me’ available at the Universal Store in Universal Studios Florida at the front of the park. This huge plush is incredibly soft, adorable, and so fluffy I wanted to die. I think it’s the little tongue sticking out that sends it over the top for me.
A plush this size would easily run you close to $50.00 in a Disney park so if that is the the park standard, this fella is an absolute steal.
Hogwarts Castle
A quick trip to Islands of Adventure requires a stop to see the little wizard boy at Hogsmeade. It always feels so painfully crowded in that space but the Hogwarts Castle view is incredible.
Earl the Squirrel Christmas Cards – $10.00
This small pack of Earl the Squirrel Christmas Cards are absolutely precious. I think these would be the perfect cards for any of your fellow loving Universal fans this year. I love the artwork, and the subtle nod to the Earl. I found these in the Port of Entry Christmas Shop in Islands of Adventure.
Master Tigress
I saw Master Tigress from ‘Kung Fu Panda’ meeting with a few fans. Personally I prefer when King Julien from ‘Madagascar’ does his little dance party.
Signing Off
On my way back to my car I noticed that the escalator directly to valet and buses was finally opened without scaffolding and gates. It seems there is a slow and sectioned refurbishment of the parking and security area.
I hope you enjoyed our quick trip to Universal Orlando this week. Don’t worry; I will be back in the Magic Kingdom, where I belong, tomorrow. I think the most interesting find, other than seeing the hot set setup, was finding a handicap license plate for sale. I still think that’s a recipe for criminal behavior, but it’s wild that it could be yours.
In the comments below, let me know what your favorite find or moment was from today’s trip.
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