Wishing that theme parks would develop more original IP? If so, Universal Orlando is delivering for you this holiday season.
The resort announced that it will debut a new Earl the Squirrel walk-around character in Universal Studios Florida tomorrow. Earl began his journey toward becoming the park's Christmas icon as a real-life squirrel that took up residence in the park's Christmas tree more than a decade ago. Universal team members honored the original Earl with a toy squirrel that they hid in the tree in later years.
More recently, Universal ran with the Earl the Squirrel character in its annual Holiday Tribute Store, leading up to Earl getting his own room in the store this year with Earl the Squirrel's Christmas Curios Museum & Emporium. The next step up the IP ladder was to become an actual meet and greet character in the park, which Earl has now achieved.
Earl will meet guests in Universal Studios Florida on select dates between December 11 through January 2.
So what's next for Earl? A place in the Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy's? His own holiday show? A ride? A November 1 webcast "celebrity death match" battle with Jack for Universal Orlando holiday supremacy? Only the length of the queue to meet Earl this month coupled with his merchandise sales will tell.
Because if you love Earl, Universal will find a way to deliver you more of him.
Looking for discounted tickets to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay? Visit our travel partner's Universal Orlando tickets page.
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Coming soon: Trish the Fish.
Is that the Disney Springs Theme Park mascot?
That thing looks straight out of Robot Chicken.
The DSTP mascot is Impulse Buy the Holiday Fly
Original IP. Love it. I like Earl the Squirrel. Now hopefully they make something happen for Lil' Boo.
My kids were squabbling over who got to play the game first. Slope 3 is a fantastic jogging game that many have enjoyed since version 1. This game allows you to explore space.
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Clark Griswold could not be reached for comment.