A major retail construction project recently wrapped up at Universal Orlando Resort, and we’ve got your complete Unofficial Guide to the massive new Universal Studios Store now open at CityWalk.
For more than a year, we’ve been watching the transformation of Universal CityWalk’s shopping options, as longtime third-party tenants like Fossil and Fresh Produce closed down, and construction walls went up around a swath of CityWalk’s storefronts. After much speculation, the project was revealed as a new centerpiece Universal Studios Store, which combines the previously partitioned footprints of four former shops.
CityWalk’s new Universal Studios Store debuted to the public on April 1 (no fooling!) and the Unofficial Guide is happy to share with you this opening weekend walkthrough of the entire emporium:
As you can see, this is not a space that screams “theme park” but is instead understated in its theming, looking like a shop you might find in an upscale mall. If you’ve seen the World of Disney store in Disney Springs since its most recent refurbishment, you’ll recognize the trendy modern style.
However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of theme park lore to explore in the new Universal Studios Store. At the top of many shelving displays around the shop’s perimeter, you’ll spot reproductions of blueprints and technical diagrams that offer fascinating insight into the creation of some favorite attractions.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, which occupies the left-hand third of the store closest to Universal Studios Florida, has the most evocative detailing, with Hogwarts-appropriate props dotting the displays, as well as a chandelier of stylized floating candles serving as a focal point.
In the back of the Potter area, you can pick out a wand beneath a celling mural of magical constellations.
Also of note are the new collections of Potter-inspired housewares, including decorative plaques and pillows with inspiring quotations, and a line of elegant dinnerware inspired by Hogwarts Castle’s dining hall.
The center of the store will sorely tempt your sweet tooth with resort-exclusive chocolate bars, character-inspired candies, and other Universal-themed desserts.
The cashiers’ area is also the store’s center. Look upwards while waiting to check out, and notice the circular video screen overhead. It shows short clips of attractions from around the resort, including the first-ever official POV from the upcoming VelociCoaster.
Speaking of the VelociCoaster, you’ll find a selection of merchandise for the anticipated ride in the third of the store closest to the parking garage.
I couldn’t help but pick up a new hat to hang onto when I finally get to ride it!
About the only thing you won’t find in the new Universal Studios Store is anything related to Super Nintendo World, which is now open in Japan but still several years away from its Orlando debut.
By the way, with the opening of the new Universal Studios Store, the former location has received a new name to go with its retro rebranding—the Universal Legacy Store.
Since we first reported on the throwback theming in the Universal Legacy Store, even more displays have been installed, including tributes to extinct attractions like Ghostbusters and Terminator 2: 3-D.
There are also some amazing museum-quality artifacts representing current attractions, including a replica of Hagrid’s motorbike and a concept model of Hogwarts Castle.
You can even spot a digital display referencing Universal Studios Escape, the short-lived name for the Universal Orlando Resort.
Finally, if you like to personalize your purchases, the Legacy store can optionally leave a lasting impression on select souvenirs through embossing, embroidery, and engraving.
For all there is to see and do at Universal Orlando, check out The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando. If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to our YouTube channel and sign up for our newsletter here. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
