Universal City, Calif. and Orlando, Fla. (Sept. 10, 2024) – This October, Universal Destinations & Experiences theme parks—Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort—invite guests to defy gravity with a variety of all-new immersive experiences and exclusive merchandise inspired by Wicked, Universal Pictures’ highly-anticipated film, in theaters November 22.

The engaging Wicked experiences will differ at each of the destinations but are both designed to capture the imagination and spirit of the breathtaking world of Wicked, allowing guests to express their fandom through fashion and accessories, while stepping into the story for the first time ever.

Starting in late October, Universal Orlando Resort will welcome guests to Wicked: The Experience – housed in the former location of the UNIVRS store and adjacent retail locations steps away from the front gate – where they will have the unique opportunity to step into the fantastical Land of Oz. 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. Fanciful costumes and props created by the designers from the film will also be on display as guests become immersed in spectacular scenic and theming that will recreate some of the most memorable moments of the film.

Also beginning in late October, Universal Studios Hollywood will transform its popular Feature Presentation store within the theme park, and UNIVRS store at Universal CityWalk Hollywood into memorable Wicked experiences. Feature Presentation will showcase props from the film, an exciting photo op will debut within the theme park and, later in tandem with the film opening, costumes will be displayed within the Universal Cinema, an AMC Theatre, at Universal CityWalk.

Fantabulous-themed dining will complement these exciting Wicked experiences at both theme park locations, as well as Voodoo Doughnuts and The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at both Universal CityWalk locations will share the joy with the debut of a limited time treats inspired by the world of Wicked.

At the core of these experiences will be redefining new retail opportunities and exclusive products, inviting guests to rejoicify as they peek behind the Emerald City gates. An exciting variety of merchandise including elevated apparel, home goods, accessories, toys and more along with exclusive products will be available at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and at both Universal Citywalk locations including:

The Shiz University collection is inspired by the iconic school where Glinda and Elphaba first cross paths featuring back-to-school must-haves featuring a Spirit Jersey, duffle bag, tumbler, hat, journal and more. 

The legendary Studio MinaLima developed exclusive, Wicked-inspired graphics and prints for a cross-category collection including an intricate all-over-print on apparel, accessories, home goods and confections, as well as stationery

The Wicked logo will don many items from hats and totes to notebooks and mugs, perfect for fans to show their Wicked pride as they dance through life. Those looking for even more products can find a variety of offerings, including beautiful fashion dolls from Mattel, Funko Pops! of fan-favorite characters, LEGO sets featuring the Land of Oz, Loungefly bags as well as cosplay and prop replicas from The Noble Collection.

Even more Wicked celebrations are coming to Universal Studios Singapore and Universal Studios Japan later this year and early next.

For more information about the Wicked experiences coming to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, stay tuned to Universal Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood social channels. Follow #WickedMovie on social and get ready as Wicked flies into theaters on November 22.
 
About Wicked
The holidays are about to get Wicked. The record-shattering, Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon becomes a two-part, gravity-defying, generation-defining cinematic event. Wicked flies into theaters Nov. 22, 2024. Wicked Part Two lands Nov. 26, 2025.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a defiant social outcast who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande (Hairspray Live!, Don’t Look Up), as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

As the two women forge an unlikely sisterhood, they will empower each other in ways that neither foresees. But as dark forces of prejudice and oppression loom on the horizon, the choices they make will separate them, and will set them on different destinies that will change them, and Oz, for good.

The film stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh (Everything Everywhere All at Once, Crazy Rich Asians) as Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Crashing) as Fiyero; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq; Marissa Bode, in her feature film debut, as Nessarose; and Emmy nominee and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic World franchise, The Grand Budapest Hotel) as The Wizard.  

The all-star cast includes Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) as Pfannee, Bronwyn James (Harlots) as ShenShen and Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) as a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle.

Directed by electrifying filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked Part Two is the second chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural spectacular.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), and by Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Academy Award® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. he Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

About Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX)
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences. Our portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment experiences. We use our rich collection of stories and franchises – from Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and more – to take people to places they couldn’t imagine while creating memorable and emotionally fulfilling moments for people of all ages. Learn more here.

Universal City, California, September 3, 2024 – Universal CityWalk rolls out a virtual pastel pink carpet to welcome the Hello Kitty® and Friends Cafe, serving a scrumptious selection of sweet treats and specialty beverages, and the Sanrio® Smile Shop, offering a variety of collectible merchandise featuring Hello Kitty®, Cinnamoroll™, Keroppi™, Kuromi™, My Melody™, Badtz-maru™ and Chococat™. Both venues open at Universal CityWalk on Friday, September 6, 2024.

The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe and the Sanrio Smile Shop are located adjacent to one another at the heart of Universal CityWalk and complement the Animation Studio Store located within Universal Studios Hollywood which features a wide selection of Hello Kitty merchandise including exclusive items only found at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, adorned with a giant signature Hello Kitty bow and framed by a pastel pink and white awning, will welcome guests to enjoy a unique, grab-and-go menu with the option to dine at any one of umbrella-covered tables located just outside the walk-up venue. The Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe is the first of its kind to open in Los Angeles.

The all-new Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe will offer a Sanrio-themed menu that presents an array of whimsical creations that include:

Desserts

• Hello Kitty® Mousse Dome – A red chocolate dome-shaped caked with cinnamon mousse, apple pie filling and cinnamon streusel
• Seasonal Mousse Domes – Seasonal dome cakes inspired by Hello Kitty’s friends crafted uniquely based on their personalities and composed of chocolate mousse and a delicious combination of fruit fillings and sponge cake
• Strawberry Cake – Vanilla sponge cake, strawberry jam and whipped white chocolate ganache
• Berry & Cream Churro – Berry stuffed churro with cream cheese frosting
• Birthday Cake – Confetti cake layered with white chocolate mousse topped with whipped white chocolate ganache
• Macaron Set – A set of raspberry, caramel, vanilla, pistachio and chocolate macarons
• Hello Kitty Cookie – A Hello Kitty-shaped sugar cookie topped with royal icing and rainbow sprinkles

Beverages

• Hello Kitty® Strawberry Green Iced Tea – Strawberry green tea, pink sugar rim with strawberries and mint
• My Melody™ Lemonade – Strawberry lemonade, yellow sugar rim, garnished with strawberries and a lemon wheel
• Kuromi™ Berry Iced Tea – Blackberry tea, purple sugar rim and served with blackberry and mint
• Tuxedosam™ Lemonade – Blue raspberry lemonade, pink sugar rim served and a lemon wheel
• Keroppi™ Matcha Latte – Frozen matcha latte topped with whipped cream and matcha powder
• Chococat™ Frozen Mocha – Frozen coffee, chocolate boba, whipped cream topped with chocolate sprinkles

The new Sanrio Smile Shop, located next to the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe, celebrates all things Sanrio and Hello Kitty. Guests are invited to embrace the cheerful spirit of Hello Kitty and her closest friends, Cinnamoroll, Keroppi, Kuromi, My Melody, Badtz-maru and Chococat, with a wide selection of themed collectibles perfect for enthusiasts and novice fans alike.  Iconic statement pieces in vibrant colors with iconic motifs will include such favorites as backpacks with Hello Kitty’s iconic bow, stylish Spirit Jersey®), embellished hats, specialty cups and mugs, collectible pins, t-shirts, plush toys, keychains, jewelry, phone cases, lanyards and much more.

Within the Sanrio Smile Shop, shoppers can also celebrate the charm of the Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe with an exclusive new line of curated merchandise that pays homage to the Cafe by offering guests the opportunity to bring home a piece of its super cute atmosphere. The all-new Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe-themed merchandise is only available at the Sanrio Smile Shop with additional products being added throughout the rest of the year.
The shop also features a dynamic in-store photo op spotlighting Hello Kitty and the Sanrio characters, a perfect shareable moment for fans to enjoy.

Hello Kitty continues to bring her message of friendship and kindness to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park where she meets with guests in a dedicated area adjacent to the Animation Studio Store which offers exclusive merchandise that celebrates her status as a global pop icon.  This year, in honor of her 50th anniversary, Hello Kitty also debuted a soft pastel pink flowy dress, embodying the perfect blend of timeless charm and elegance to commemorate her milestone moment as she poses alongside guests for memorable photo ops.

More information about Universal CityWalk and Universal Studios Hollywood is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com; like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter)
 
To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.