Universal plans new 'Wicked' theme park experiences

September 10, 2024, 12:56 PM · "Wicked" is coming to the Universal theme parks.

Universal Pictures announced today that it will promote the upcoming release of its first film based on the hit musical "Wicked" with retail experiences at the Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

In Orlando, Universal will transform the UNIVRS and Hello Kitty stores that recently closed at Universal Studios Florida into Wicked: The Experience.

Wicked: The Experience
Wicked: The Experience at Universal Studios Florida. All images and photos courtesy Universal Destinations & Experiences

"This exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience will whisk guests along the yellow brick road and into a variety of iconic Wicked locations from Shiz University to the Emerald City," Universal said in its press release. The experience also will include "costumes and props created by the designers from the film" as well as Wicked merchandise for sale.

In California, Wicked will take over the Feature Presentation store inside Universal Studios Hollywood as well as the UNIVRS store in Universal CityWalk. Feature Presentation will display props from the film, and when the film opens November 22, CityWalk's Universal Cinema will display costumes from the movie.

The Wicked experiences will open in late October on both coasts.

Universal today also shared photos of some of the Wicked-themed merchandise that will be available at its stores, including a Shiz University collection inspired by the school in the story where Galinda and Elphaba meet.

Shiz University collection

Other merch will include Wicked-themed clothes, accessories, and stationery with graphics designed by Studio MinaLima, as well as dolls from Mattel, Funko Pop characters, Land of Oz Lego sets, Loungefly bags, and cosplay and prop replicas from The Noble Collection.

Special Wicked-themed food and beverage selections also will be available at the experiences as well as in Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at both Universal CityWalk locations.

Wicked-themed food and drinks

Universal Destinations & Experiences also said that it will bring Wicked-themed celebrations to Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore later this year or next.

"Wicked" stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and opens November 22 in the United States. It's a two-parter, with the second film dropping in November 2025.

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Replies (5)

September 10, 2024 at 2:09 PM

If the film’s a hit, maybe Universal can add a ride that takes place at the magic school. Not like they’ve done something like that before.

September 10, 2024 at 2:41 PM

All signs point to this being the big theatrical hit of the fall/winter, but I think there's a ceiling for movie musicals that will inevitably limit the reach of Wicked.

September 10, 2024 at 4:37 PM

That’s not a very attractive rendering—they should have led with the milkshake! Hoping this looks better in person.

September 10, 2024 at 4:50 PM

"Retail experiences"? You mean they are offering 'some shopping'.....?

Wow. I'm, like, blown away.....

September 12, 2024 at 4:38 PM

Does Wicked take place in San Francisco? Is there a bus involved? No and no? Shoot. There goes that attraction update idea for Orlando.

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