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!
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.
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:
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Ariana GrandeDisneylandEpic UniverseStar WarsUniversal StudiosWicked Part One
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