PHOTO REPORT: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure 10/23/2024 (‘Wicked’ Takeover, 2024 Collector’s Wand, and Christmas)

Heya from Universal Orlando! Today started with nothing but “Wicked.” I then found the new 2024 collector’s wand in Hogsmeade, and Christmas decor has moved into Islands of Adventure.

King Kong Lot

Parking garage area with overhead yellow sign directing to attractions. The sign reads "Remember King Kong" and points to row 308. Concrete pillars and greenery are visible.

I started my day early in the King Kong lot of Universal’s parking garage. Parking here before the parks open is usually a painless experience, and with the top-tier pass, I was able to take advantage of prime parking. I wish Disney offered special parking for top-tier passes. Life would be a dream during the rainy season.

‘Wicked’ at Cinemark

Banners promoting "Wicked" and "Wonka" at a movie theater entrance with visible red umbrellas and clear blue sky.

When I got past security and into City Walk, I was surprised to see the full takeover “Wicked” had on the Cinemark. Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and the rest of the cast are showcased throughout the circle. Are you looking forward to seeing “Wicked” in theaters?

‘Wicked’ Merchandise

Collage of a Wicked-themed compact, pink yuzu candle, and Wicked T-shirt displayed at a store.

In the Universal Store at City Walk, there were racks and shelves filled with new “Wicked” merchandise. These are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection. I’m sure this is just a taste of what’s to come when the shop inside Universal Studios Florida opens.

Universal Studios Florida

Entrance to Universal Studios Florida, featuring Halloween Horror Nights banners and a few people walking nearby under a clear blue sky.

After a completely “Wicked”-filled morning, I went to Universal Studios Florida to check on the state of the future “Wicked” experience.

‘Wicked’ Store Update

Collage of a colorful building at Universal Orlando Resort featuring bright green walls, large signs with "UNI VRS," palm trees, and a decorative platform with the resort's logo.

OH HECK NO. I WAS NOT READY. Hello Kitty has been removed from the front of the shop. Did you know it’s Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary this year? How disrespectful.

I was excited to see there was some Glinda pink being added to the building. When I was there this morning two painters were working on the left side of the building.

Melt x Monster in 5 and 10

Display stand with bags featuring a cartoon mustache design. Behind it are shelves with various memorabilia and collectibles in a store setting.

Melt Cosmetics has teamed up with Universal Monsters and collaborated on a new line featuring the iconic monster gang. These are must-haves for any vintage horror makeup fan. This high-quality makeup is also available on the Melt Cosmetics website.

I’m a sucker for the Creature. Do you have a favorite Universal Monster? Let me know in the comments and on social media.

Spongebob Storepants Finds

Collage of two SpongeBob-themed t-shirts on display and the exterior of a SpongeBob SquarePants store with a large SpongeBob figure above the entrance.

In Spongebob Storepants, I found two new tie-dye shirts. There was a blue shirt with Patrick Star holding a picture of Spongebob with Spongebob’s iconic line”I’m Ready” written at the top in pink. The green shirt has Spongebob holding a picture of Patrick with “I’m Ready” in blue. These shirts are trippy at first. The shirts are available for $37.00 each.

Lard Lad Donuts

A large statue depicts a character with red hair, blue overalls, and a white shirt holding a giant donut above its head. The scene takes place in front of a donut shop.

I love a giant Lard Lad Donut. I know they are dry and there are better alternatives, but there is something about that giant head-sized pink donut that makes my heart happy. Not always my stomach though. Have you ever had a Lard Lad Donut or are you a VooDoo Donut purest?

Earl and Pearl Spirit Jersey – $75.00

Green holiday sweatshirt with cartoon characters and "Happy Holidays" text. Displayed near Christmas ornaments and mugs. Universal Studios branding visible.

Last week in the Park Plaza Holiday Shop, Earl the Squirrel merchandise moved in. When I visited today, I saw that Universal has since added a Spirit Jersey to the collection. The front of the shirt features Earl and Pearl with an “ugly” Christmas sweater theme on the bottom half. The back of the shirt says, “Happy Holidays.”

I am a sucker for Earl the Squirrel merchandise. As a fully southern girl with no snow, I find the squirrel mascot so fun.

Universal Islands of Adventure

Stone archway with "The Adventure Begins" sign at an amusement park entrance. Visitors walk beneath, framed by lush greenery and clear blue sky.

I went over to Islands of Adventure to see if anything worth reporting was in the works. Luckily, there were some very exciting developments.

Christmas Decor

Four scenes featuring Christmas decorations: trees adorned with ornaments and themed merchandise, including red and black clothing displayed in a store with festive decor.

There was Christmas decor in many different quick service and shop locations around Islands of Adventure. Mostly it was garland, wreathes, and trees. It was funny seeing some of the Halloween merchandise surrounded by Christmas trees.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man CLOSED

Entrance to "The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man" ride, featuring a large Spider-Man graphic above the entrance at an amusement park.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is currently closed for a scheduled refurbishment.

If you enjoy people-watching, I recommend getting a spot about 50 yards from a closed attraction. Then sit and watch the rollercoaster of emotions wash over the guests who didn’t know the ride was unavailable. Plans are disheveled, emotions run high, and in the end, adjustments are made.

2024 Collector’s Edition Wand – $75.00

A hand holding a decorative wand with a dragon design in a shop, with a sign reading "Ollivanders Wand Shop" and a price tag of 75.

At the Owl Post in Hogsmeade, the new 2024 collectible wand is available. I love the detailed work on this wand. The 2023 collector’s wand is also still available in the Owl Post.

I hope you enjoyed the day at Universal Orlando Resort. It is certainly weird being so far from Fantasyland, but I dig the Universal vibes. I think both parks are special and entirely different. I am extraordinarily excited to see Epic Universe. It’s going to be wild to see such a beautiful park open.

Let me know in the comments below and on social media if you are excited about the new “Wicked” movie. I am excited for the latest rendition of a favorite Broadway show. The director is known for creating such immersive and stunning environments, so if nothing else, it will be a pretty movie.

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.

The post PHOTO REPORT: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure 10/23/2024 (‘Wicked’ Takeover, 2024 Collector’s Wand, and Christmas) appeared first on WDW News Today.