Universal Orlando has today given a glimpse of some of the merchandise coming to its brand new theme park, Epic Universe, when it opens in May.
Epic Universe will be home to more than 20 retail outlets, across its five theme park areas - Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Ministry of Magic, How to Train Your Dragon Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and Celestial Park.
“The groundbreaking, immersive worlds of Epic Universe created the dream opportunity for us to design a first-of-its-kind merchandise program that brings these iconic stories to fans in new and innovative ways,” said Justin Lafoe, Universal’s global parks merchandise and retail officer.
Lafoe added: “We are thrilled to bring fan-favourite worlds to life and give guests the chance to bring home a piece of their adventures with them.”
Not only is it a lot of stores, it's a lot of new intellectual property (IP) to be merchandised!
Here, we take a closer look at the teased new retail experiences and merch for Super Nintendo World.
In Epic Universe’s larger-than-life video game world there’ll be no shortage of retail, with plenty of opportunity to buy toys, apparel and accessories adorned with your favourite Nintendo characters - including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong.
Super Nintendo’s 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors, for example, will stock character hats and headbands, along with the ‘Mario Kart Collection’.
These stores will also sell eye-catching walk-around theme park accessories like a light up ‘Super Star’ popcorn bucket and the ‘1-Up Mushroom sipper’ cup.
'1-Up Mushroom' sipper cups
Over in Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Country area, meanwhile, guests can stop-by the Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy to purchase a banana-shaped bum-bag / fanny-pack, as well as giant Donkey Kong coffee mugs and many other gifts and souvenirs.
Super Nintendo World ‘Power-Up Bands’ look like a must-have, as the brightly designed and character-themed smart wristbands enable guests to play games and interactive with the environment all around the area.
Initial options for Power Up Bands come themed around Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Toad, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. Guests will be able to represent their favourite character as they set high scores, collect digital keys and coins and much more whilst exploring Super Nintendo World.
