One of the most unique things that Universal Studios Florida does is play host to the Tribute Store. These highly themed shops pop up around the year during special events in the park. The Holiday Tribute store is no exception to this idea of a cohesive shopping experience.
This year’s store is themed around storybooks, particularly Holiday storybooks. As an author myself, I could not wait to step inside and see what this version of the store had to offer. I was not disappointed and found the little details and themed elements extra special.
What’s often so great about these stores is that there is plenty to see and do without even purchasing anything. So while it would be fun to highlight some of the unique merchandise offered, let’s instead take a look at the details that make for a great Tribute Store experience.
1. The Facade
This year’s store features a stunning entrance complete with stacked books and a blurb about the store’s lore. It’s a bookstore come to life and everyone is invited to enjoy the holiday magic inside. This facade is an immediate attention grabber.
2. Photo Opportunities
Typically the Tribute Store features one or two photo opportunities. This year includes the chance to create a Christmas card with an artistic view of Hogsmeade, pose with nutcrackers, and take aesthetic pictures with large storybook backgrounds.
3. Interactive Elements
A super unique inclusion this year was the addition of interactive panels spread throughout the store. To help bring the storybooks to life, stations set up throughout the walkthrough sections invite guests to touch, listen, smell, play or taste. This was especially fun for those not shopping, as we wanted to find them all.
4. Bookish Details
As an avid reader and writer, I had an absolute blast looking for all the little details surrounding books. Since that is, of course, the theme for this store, everywhere I looked there was something creatively attached to the theme. There were tables and walls built from book spines and pages, giant book displays and book-themed merch. We also appreciated that real tangible books from multiple properties were being sold. It really tied the whole thing together.
5. Earl the Squirrel Everything
For those not familiar with Universal lore, the creation of Earl the Squirrel was born out of a true story. One year, a squirrel stowed away inside the park’s Christmas tree and ate a bunch of the wiring for the lights. Visitors and Team Members would spy him throughout the day, and he became quite popular. Universal decided to name him and create an icon. Earl the Squirrel and his gal pal Pearl, have become staples of Universal, especially during the Holidays.
Earl is the star of this year’s Holiday Store. His story is shared on the walls and in the displays throughout. He even released a book at the beginning of the season and will indulge in occasional book signings. Unfortunately, “The Tale of Earl the Squirrel” was sold out during our visit but it was still the best thing we saw.
This year’s Holiday Tribute Store was quaint and felt perfectly cozy for the Holidays. These stores keep getting better and better and we cannot wait to see what Universal has in store for Mardi Gras and beyond!
You can shop the Tribute Store online at the Universal Orlando Resort website.
About the Author:
Elora Maxwell is a writer based out of Missouri. She writes mostly fiction novels, but also loves to write about her travel experiences in her free time. She enjoys parks that provide great food and even greater roller coasters. Her dream is to one day be on a social media team for a theme park.
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