The holidays are starting now at Universal Studios Orlando and Disneyland, and in Las Vegas and more fandom destinations. Here’s the latest news for the winter vacation offerings already rolled out!
It being the season of giving means that not only are visits to theme parks and immersive experiences a part of the holiday fun, but the merch game is intensifying—just take a look at what Wicked is up to at Universal Studios. With that in mind we’re adding some theme park insider pro-tips for the travelers among you, covering both gear essentials and those must-have Disney and Universal Studios fandom finds. And don’t worry, it’s not all only things in-park; most are picks you can order to have under the tree by Christmas or a part of your ‘fits to make holiday memories.
But first let’s get into the massive Wicked take-over at Universal Studios in this week’s theme park news!
The Wicked Experience
Take a look at the Oz vibes inside the Wicked Experience at Universal Studios Orlando. Courtesy of theme park content creators Park Hop, here’s a peek at the shopping destination filled with rooms that immerse visitors in Shiz and Emerald City-themed rooms filled with props from Wicked and official merchandise. Not only that but it’s so far the only Universal Studios theme park where you can meet the Elphaba and Glinda characters as part of the holiday’s seasonal offerings. For fans on the West Coast, it’s our holiday wish for them to also take an Emerald City train to Universal Studios Hollywood too. Guess we’ll have to make do with a smaller Wicked store and themed food, but no face characters to meet.
Gift ideas for Wicked fans
Bummed you might not be able to make it to either park for Wicked merch? Or have a Wicked superfan in your life you need to shop for? Don’t worry I’m determined to succeed, follow my lead!
And you will find some of the most popular options curated for the good of the fandom here:
- BoxLunch has you covered online and at your local mall with its Wicked collection of fashion and accessories like the exclusive Defying Gravity crewneck. Shop here.
- Loungefly has an Ariana Grande-approved version of her Galinda monogram luggage trunk and Elphaba’s Grimmerie spell book as crossbody bags as part of Loungefly and Funko’s Wicked line.
- Shop some of Universal Orlando’s Wicked collection online here, though the selection’s not as expansive as the video above shows.
- If the littles in your life want to dress up as Elphie and Glinda, find the exclusive premium Glinda Bubble Dress on Amazon, the exclusive premium Elphaba Dress on Amazon, the exclusive deluxe Glinda Popular Dress at Target, and the exclusive deluxe Shiz University Uniform at Walmart.
- The Noble collection has hats, crowns, wands, brooms, and more replicas for kids and adults to accessorize their Wicked costumes! Shop here.
- Deck your travel gear with stylish luggage from Vera Bradley x Wicked, Beis x Wicked and tech with Casetify’s Wicked drop.
- LEGO Wicked Elphaba & Glinda Figures Fantasy Playset at Target
- For those sing-along screenings of Wicked at places like the Alamo Drafthouse (with special food menu) find themed fits from Forever21 x Wicked, Bombas, Walmart and Target for the whole family.
Universal Monsters Unchained at Epic Universe animatronics first look
The Universal Studios Resort in Orlando, Florida is gearing up for a huge 2025; new theme park Epic Universe is going to shake things up as major fandom destination draw. We’re excited for Super Nintendo World and the How to Train Your Dragon land, but as monster fans we’re in for an especially huge treat. Here’s a look (previously covered here at io9) at the detailed animatronics for the park’s Dark Universe land, which will feature a state of the art attraction filled with robot monsters I wouldn’t mind being crushed by if they become sentient. Kidding, mostly.
Gift ideas for Universal Monsters and Universal Studios fans
Immersive Nightmare Before Christmas screenings return to AREA15
Traveling to Las Vegas this holiday season? AREA15 gets back to its quirky and whimsigoth holiday spirit. You can venture to Meow Wolf for portal jumping into bizarre and bombastic worlds at Omega Mart and also take a break in a fully immersive viewing of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The special movie offering involves plush cozy couches and themed drinks and treats inspired by the film. Catch a showtime between now and January 2, 2025. For more info visit here.
Gift ideas for Burton fans and cosmic road trippers
Star Wars Holidays at the Disneyland Resort
Continue to celebrate Life Day the Wookiee-way in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at @Disneyland.
Visit Kat Saka’s Kettle for the Wookiee Life Day Bucket available while supplies last. pic.twitter.com/OcdjJUUQjb
— Star Wars (@starwars) November 27, 2024
Star Wars has a number of Life Day-inspired offerings debuting alongside the holidays at Disneyland, including a Wookiee popcorn bucket, special dining package at Docking Bay 7, and an exclusive viewing area of Galaxy’s Edge Fire of the Rising Moons fireworks show. For more info and reservation availability visit here.
Avengers Campus update
OC Register reports that permits have been filed to start construction on Avengers Campus’ E-ticket rides. Avengers Infinity Defense and Stark Flight Lab are set to start in 2025 at Disney California Adventure. In the meantime park attendees can celebrate a Deadpool & Wolverine Christmas storytime, and Mariachi carols with Miguel from Pixar’s Coco.
Holiday gift ideas for Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and Disney Parks fans
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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