The Best & Worst Merchandise at Epic Universe: A Complete Guide
From interactive wands to generic t-shirts, we review the must-have souvenirs and the skippable cash grabs at Universal's new park.
ORLANDO, FL – A trip to a theme park isn't complete without a good souvenir, and at Universal's Epic Universe, the merchandise is often an attraction in itself. The park's five immersive worlds are filled with unique shops offering a dizzying array of products. But not all souvenirs are created equal. After a thorough review of the park's retail offerings, this is your complete guide to the best and worst merchandise at Epic Universe.
Let’s start with the absolute must-haves, the items that are so integral to the park experience that they transcend mere souvenirs. In this category, the "Generation 2" Interactive Wands from the Ministry of Magic and the Power-Up Bands from Super Nintendo World are the undisputed champions. These items are not just things you buy; they are keys that unlock a deeper level of interaction with the park itself. The wands allow you to cast spells and create real magical effects, while the bands allow you to play mini-games and collect digital coins. They are brilliantly designed products that enhance your day, making them well worth the premium price.
Beyond the interactive items, the park excels at offering unique, story-driven merchandise that you simply cannot find anywhere else. The Isle of Berk is a standout in this category, with its incredible "adoptable" baby dragons. These highly detailed, articulated puppets are a marvel of toy design, allowing kids and adults alike to take home their very own baby dragon. Similarly, the shops in Dark Universe offer wonderfully macabre items, such as replica lab equipment from Dr. Frankenstein's experiments and eerie, monster-themed home decor, all of which feel like they were pulled directly from the world of the story.
The Ministry of Magic also offers a fantastic range of unique items, from high-end wizarding robes to magical pastry-themed kitchenware from the land's French patisserie. The quality and creativity of these land-specific items are a highlight of the park, allowing guests to take home a piece of the story, not just a piece of the park.
Unfortunately, not all merchandise reaches this high bar. The primary area of disappointment is in the more generic, park-wide branding. The t-shirts, hats, and keychains that simply feature the "Epic Universe" logo often feel like a creative afterthought compared to the highly themed items found within the portal worlds. While functional, these items lack the unique storytelling and immersive quality that make the other merchandise so special. They are the definition of a generic, skippable cash grab.
Similarly, while the character plush toys are plentiful, the quality can be inconsistent. The plush Yoshis and Toads in Super Nintendo World are excellent, but some of the other character plushies feel less inspired and a bit overpriced for what they are. It’s an area where it pays to be a discerning shopper.
For those on a budget, there are still fantastic options. The best budget-friendly souvenirs are often the consumables. The unique, themed candy from Super Nintendo World, like the Super Mushroom or Fire Flower gummies, are a great, affordable treat. Likewise, a set of themed postcards from one of the lands or a collectible medallion are excellent ways to get a high-quality souvenir for under $20.
In conclusion, the merchandise at Epic Universe is a tale of two strategies. The land-specific, story-driven items are some of the best and most creative theme park souvenirs ever made, while the generic, logo-based items are often uninspired. Our advice is to focus your souvenir budget inside the portal worlds. The best merchandise at Epic Universe is the kind that feels like an artifact from another world, a tangible piece of the story you can take home with you.
The conversation about park strategy is always evolving. If you enjoyed this deep dive, join our community of passionate insiders by subscribing for free. You'll get more articles like this, plus breaking news and analysis, delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now and never miss a beat.