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Universal’s Epic Universe Debuts Immersive Retail Experiences

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UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT SHARES A FIRST LOOK AT THE EXPANSIVE COLLECTION OF ALL-NEW MERCHANDISE AND INCREDIBLE RETAIL EXPERIENCES AT UNIVERSAL EPIC UNIVERSE,OPENING ON MAY 22, 2025.

March 12, 2025

The Unique Assortment of New Products and Retail Experiences Will Celebrate the Immersive Worlds of Epic Universe Including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD,
How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe

Universal Orlando Resort is revealing the must-have array of merchandise that guests can purchase during their visit to the groundbreaking Universal Epic Universe theme park, officially opening on May 22, 2025. Available at 20-plus immersive retail locations throughout the theme park, guests can shop a unique assortment of new and popular merchandise that ranges from apparel to headwear to collectibles and more inspired by the imaginative worlds of Epic Universe – including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk and Dark Universe.

“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, Global Parks Merchandise & Retail Officer, Universal Destinations & Experiences. “We are thrilled to bring fan-favorite worlds to life and give guests the chance to bring home a piece of their adventures with them.”

Here is a closer look at some of the exciting merchandise collections that will be available at Epic Universe when it opens later this year:  

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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic
Within Place Cachée in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, guests will discover an expansive assortment of merchandise inspired by 1920s wizarding Paris, the Fantastic Beasts films, the British Ministry of Magic and much more. At Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique, guests will find an all-new collection of interactive wands that will bring to life new experiences and magic – including some that are exclusive to Epic Universe – and wand accessories with a Parisian twist.

In Les Galeries Mirifiques, guests will find wizarding gear and memorabilia including 1920s-era wizarding robes complete with berets and neck ties, messenger bags with wand holders as well as jewelry and accessories representing each of the four Hogwarts houses. Fantastic Beasts fans will even be able to take an interactive Niffler home with them.

Guests can also explore the Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo, where they will find the Métro-Floo collection, a variety of items featuring the Time-Turner, and the British Ministry of Magic collection – featuring apparel and wand accessories such as a wand stand and wand holder harness that don the wizarding authority’s well-known emblem.

Guests looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can indulge in délicieux, giftable sweets and treats from potions to Chocolate Frogs and beyond in the French confectionary shop, K. Rammelle.

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SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Fans can team up and celebrate their favorite Nintendo characters with an extensive variety of merchandise inspired by beloved characters like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and more. The 1-UP Factory and Mario Motors stores feature character hats and headbands themed to Chef Toad, Bowser Jr., Princess Peach and more; character plush like Mario, Luigi and Donkey Kong; a Mario Kart collection and a colorful Yoshi collection. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD also offers food and beverage accessories like the light-up Super Star Popcorn Bucket, 1-UP Mushroom Sipper and Super Mushroom Sipper.

At Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy in Donkey Kong Country, guests will be able to shop for merchandise that will be available for the first time at Epic Universe such as a banana-shaped fanny pack inspired by Donkey Kong’s favorite food. Other items guests can find at Funky’s Fly ‘n’ Buy include a gigantic Donkey Kong coffee mug, a Diddy Kong ticket holder and more.

Guests can also purchase Power-Up Bands throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD inspired by popular characters Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Toad, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to gear up for interactive play. With a Power-Up Band, guests can enhance their play throughout SUPER NINTENDO WORLD by experiencing interactive activities, winning digital keys, collecting digital coins and stamps, tracking their score, checking their ranking and more.

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How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
Guests can immerse themselves in all the Viking vibes with a vast selection of merchandise, including apparel and collectibles inspired by the beloved characters, attractions and more in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Signature items found throughout the world and in the Toothless’ Treasures retail location include blind-box collectible dragon toys, apparel, and plush inspired by the larger-than-life dragons in Berk; a chance to adopt-a-dragon via a crossbody egg carrier that holds a plush dragon; and a Toothless collection that features a popcorn bucket, zip-up jacket, wings, masks, plush headbands and more.

Those looking to become a Viking themselves can gear up at Viking Traders with an array of cosplay attire featuring helmets, masks, shirts, shields and swords. Rustic swag fit for the most impressionable dragon trainers can also be found at Hiccup’s Work Shop.

How to Treat Your Dragon invites guests to satisfy their sweet tooth with treats such as mystery chocolate dragon eggs featuring trading cards in dragon house-themed packaging and even sheep marshmallows, for the most honorable Viking chiefs.

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Dark Universe
As they step into the ominous world of Darkmoor, guests will discover an incredible collection of apparel, accessories, home decor, toys, and collectibles inspired by the legendary Universal Monsters like Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Wolf Man, Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.

Guests of all ages wanting to take their fandom to the next level can visit the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience and become fashionably monstrous with elaborate face paint, as well as shop for an extensive assortment of cosplay attire in Pretorius’ Scientific Oddities, located adjacent to the makeup experience, to complete their looks. More details will be revealed soon on how guests can choose their destiny and transform into their favorite Universal Monster with this all-new experience.

Aspiring monsters can also take home the terror with commemorative merchandise like the Bitty Monsters collection – complete with apparel, headwear, collectible figures, and plush.  The spine-tingling experiences throughout Darkmoor also inspired all-new collections themed to Frankenstein Manor – home to Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, Dr. Pretorius, The Burning Blade Tavern, and Curse of the Werewolf. Guests can find these and other eclectic items at Pretorious’ Scientific Oddities as well as The Manor Storehouse and Guild of Mystics retail locations in Dark Universe.

Additional Retail Experiences in Celestial Park
Guests will also be able to purchase Universal Epic Universe branded merchandise to commemorate their visit to the new theme park, including apparel and accessories for the entire family, home décor, collectible souvenirs, glowing wands and headbands, a light-up popcorn bucket, and items from the Epic Universe Grand Opening collection.

These and more items can be found in unique retail locations within Celestial Park including Other Worlds Mercantile  a bustling marketplace full of majestic treasures where all of the worlds come together; Moonship Chocolates & Celestial Sweets  where guests can find a selection of sweets and treats; and Various Emporia – which houses three smaller shops –Sensorium Emporium, North Star – Wintry Wonders and Lens Flair. Guests can also find the Nintendo Super Star Store in Celestial Park, which carries an assortment of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD merchandise as well as other Nintendo franchise merchandise.

Guests can purchase the all-new merchandise at Universal Epic Universe when it grand opens on May 22, 2025, with select items available now at shop.universalorlando.com. For more information about Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.

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About Universal Orlando Resort 
Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

Universal Orlando Resort is home to three, soon-to-be four, exhilarating theme parks that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and – opening on May 22, 2025 – Universal Epic Universe. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eleven hotels that offer something for every style and budget: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel (opening May 22, 2025), Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort (opening March 25, 2025), Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites.

Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.

About Universal Epic Universe – Opening on May 22, 2025
Universal Epic Universe is a radically transformational theme park experience that will fully immerse guests in beloved cross-generational stories that empower them to be the epic heroes of their adventures. Located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current offerings, Epic Universe will feature breathtaking, multi-sensory environments, impeccable design and innovative technology throughout – creating an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment. Guests will explore five spectacularly themed worlds, an array of unique dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, and so much more. Epic Universe will also be adjacent to three new Universal hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, – including sister properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the majestic Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – which is located at the theme park. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.

Press Releases

Palace Pride 2026 Is Turning Ocean Drive Into Miami Beach’s Most Joyful Stage

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If there is one place in Miami Beach that knows how to make Pride Month feel larger than life, it is The Palace.


June 6, 2026

This June, the legendary Ocean Drive hotspot is going all in with Palace Pride 2026: Center Stage, Open Arms, a month-long celebration packed with drag, dining, nightlife, community moments, celebrity appearances, and the kind of sidewalk-to-stage energy that has made Palace one of South Florida’s most beloved LGBTQ+ institutions.

For decades, Palace has been more than a restaurant or bar. It is the kind of place where brunch becomes a performance, a walk down Ocean Drive turns into a front-row seat, and visitors quickly understand why Miami Beach does Pride with its own unmistakable rhythm. Locals know it. Tourists find it. And once you have seen a Palace queen command the room, the street, and everyone’s attention in one glittering moment, you get it.

This year’s Pride Month lineup brings that energy into full color.

One of the month’s biggest highlights lands on Tuesday, June 9, when Latrice Royale comes to Palace for a special evening tied to the release of Stop! That! Train!, a new feature film connected to the RuPaul’s Drag Race universe. For fans of drag, pop culture, and campy cinematic chaos, this is one of those nights that feels tailor-made for Palace. Latrice has long been loved for her humor, warmth, presence, and unmistakable star power, making her appearance a major moment in an already packed June calendar.

But Palace Pride 2026 is not built around one night alone. The venue’s signature weekly programming will keep the celebration rolling with favorites like DollHouse Mondays, Spill the Tea Tuesdays, Wayback Wednesdays, Noche Latina Thursdays, Drag Madness Fridays, Drags Gone Wild Saturdays, and A Palace Affair Sundays. In other words, there is no “quiet night” at Palace this month. Every day has its own flavor, its own crowd, and its own reason to show up.

The June programming also reflects the deeper role Palace plays in Miami Beach’s LGBTQ+ community. Alongside the performances and parties, the month will include moments centered on community connection, LGBTQ+ artists and entrepreneurs, local organizations, chosen-family gatherings, Juneteenth celebrations honoring Black queer excellence, Stonewall remembrance, and collaborations with LGBTQ+ businesses.

That balance is part of what makes Palace special. Yes, it is glamorous. Yes, it is loud. Yes, brunch can absolutely turn into a full production. But underneath all the sparkle is something more meaningful: a space where people gather, celebrate, feel seen, and bring their full selves to the table.

Palace is also embracing Miami’s global audience this June with Pride Global Nights, a new initiative designed to welcome international visitors through queen-led programming, multilingual moments, and globally inspired entertainment. With Miami Beach already serving as a magnet for travelers from around the world, Palace is using Pride Month to turn that international energy into a celebration of culture, connection, and community.

And because it would not be Palace without something delicious in hand, guests can also expect expanded food and beverage offerings throughout the month. Think elevated cocktails, new menu items, brunch favorites, seasonal specials, and plenty of reasons to make a reservation that starts as “just one drink” and somehow becomes an entire afternoon.

This June, Palace Pride 2026 is bringing together everything the venue does best: the performances, the cocktails, the community, the camp, the glamour, and the open-arms welcome that has made Palace a Miami Beach landmark.

Whether you are a local, a tourist, a drag superfan, a brunch loyalist, or just someone looking for a Pride Month celebration with real heart, Palace is ready to give you a seat, a show, and probably a reason to stay longer than planned.

For reservations and the full Pride Month calendar, visit The Palace Bar & Restaurant or follow @palacesobe on Instagram.

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Classic Miami Grill Burgers Get Six-Dollar Spotlight

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Miami Beach’s Biggest Culture Festival Locks In Dates and Lineup

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The Miami Takeover Announces Its Return To Miami Beach July 24-27, 2026 For The Largest & Boldest Cultural Beach Festival of The Summer.

In Collaboration With The City of Miami Beach Tourism and Culture Department and The Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). (more…)

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TOP 5 FLYWEIGHTS REMATCH IN MUST-SEE META APEX MAIN EVENT

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TOP 5 FLYWEIGHTS (#2) MANEL KAPE AND (#5) KYOJI HORIGUCHI REMATCH IN MUST-SEE META APEX MAIN EVENT.

FEATURED BOUT: (#15) FARID BASHARAT vs ETHYN EWING.

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Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU Bring the Amazonia Experience to Miami Swim Week

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Miami Swim Week is about to get even more immersive. On Sunday, May 31 at 2:00 PM, designer Lila Nikole will present The Golden Standard: Amazonia Experience at Tequila Town in Miami, debuting a new collaboration with Platinum FUBU during one of fashion’s biggest weekends in South Florida.


May 15, 2026

Inspired by the richness and mystique of the Brazilian rainforest, the presentation moves beyond the traditional runway format and into a cinematic, multi sensory experience where fashion, storytelling, music, and visual artistry come together in one space.

Known for her bold and culture driven design aesthetic, Lila Nikole transforms the venue into what organizers describe as a living narrative filled with character led moments and immersive visual storytelling. The event will also introduce a limited edition Lila Nikole x Platinum FUBU collection, marking a new chapter for both brands.

“This collaboration is incredibly personal for me,” says Lila Nikole. “Growing up in Queens, FUBU was more than a brand, it was a cultural force that shaped my earliest connection to fashion and identity. To now partner with a label that played such a pivotal role in my journey feels truly full circle.”

The collection reimagines Platinum FUBU’s iconic legacy through Lila Nikole’s creative lens, blending the brand’s signature identity with a modern, luxury focused perspective.

The event also coincides with the continued expansion of Platinum FUBU, the designer driven evolution of the iconic label known for its premium materials and fashion forward silhouettes.

Adding to the atmosphere, Miami based cultural partner Miamibloco will feature Bateria Saideira, described as the largest Rio style samba percussion orchestra in the United States. Music throughout the experience will also include sounds by DJ Dinero and DJ Trauma.

Rather than separating guests from the presentation, the experience is intentionally designed to feel intimate and barrier free. Attendees will move throughout the space while engaging directly with the craftsmanship, textures, and details that define both Lila Nikole’s aesthetic and Platinum FUBU’s luxury direction.

Event Details

What: The Golden Standard: Amazonia Experience by Lila Nikole in collaboration with Platinum FUBU
When: Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Where: Tequila Town, 4710 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33142

 

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Inaugural Dwight Stephenson Arc Broward Golf Classic

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Voices for Children Marks 15 Years with Its Biggest Gala Yet

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4th ANNUAL: SOUTH FLORIDA WING BASH 

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The Sauciest Night of the Summer Returns as South Florida Wing Bash Brings the Heat to South County Regional Park.
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