This summer, we are being kind and rewinding to the 1980s at Universal Studios Florida! Beginning May 24, The Tribute Store Plaza shopping mall is going retro, complete with Mega Video Rental, Mega Castle Arcade, and Tribute Theatre.
In preparation for the exciting array of offerings that begin this summer, The Tribute Store Plaza features props, photo ops, and merchandise from classic films such as Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, and Shrek. Shop ‘till you drop with new collections full of apparel, accessories, home goods, and more themed to these cinematic classics, including a colorful new Shrek assortment, an E.T. outdoors-inspired line, Ghostbusters out-of-this-world goods, and Jaws nautical merchandise.
But wait, there’s more! Universal Orlando Resort has revealed that later this summer, the Tribute Store will also feature interactive bubble wands inspired by Trolls, Minions, and Jurassic World. These aren’t just any bubble wands – they’re designed to interact with each other and with select floats during the Universal Mega Movie Parade, premiering July 3.
For now, let’s fast-forward to what this summer’s Tribute Store has to offer!
Universal Studios Florida is blasting back to the past, and we’re rolling back the prices too! Snag your discounted admission to Universal Orlando Resort here and soak up a summer full of exciting offerings.
What is The Tribute Store Plaza?
Since its debut during Halloween Horror Nights 2015, Universal Studios Florida’s Tribute Store has become a cherished tradition. This limited-time retail location not only tells an overarching, original story but also scatters hidden Easter eggs throughout – always an exciting find for fans. It’s also become the go-to spot for exclusive event-specific merchandise.
Year after year, the concept has grown and developed, including variations with seasonal celebrations such as the Holidays at Universal, Mardi Gras, and summer. The store now alternates between the Hollywood and New York areas of Universal Studios Florida, each time presenting either original concepts or licensed properties, like this summer’s iteration at The Tribute Store Plaza.
Inside The Tribute Store Plaza
In a facade that evokes a hometown strip mall, signs for The Tribute Store Plaza’s shops – Mega Video Rental, Mega Castle Arcade, and Tribute Theatre – are prominently displayed outside, offering hints of what’s to come inside.
As we step into The Tribute Store Plaza, we’re instantly transported back to the nostalgic Friday nights at Blockbuster. Amidst the shelves brimming with apparel, toys, and accessories, you can browse through an eclectic mix of classic horror flicks and beloved sci-fi masterpieces. The walls are a tribute to cinema itself, adorned with movie posters and promotional cutouts of Ghostbusters and E.T. Looking for a new camera, TV, or VCR? Meet Mr. Tape, the store’s mascot, who guarantees daily sale prices on vintage tech that’s as good as new.
As shoppers wander further, they’ll find themselves stepping into an arcade where every detail is meticulously crafted. Though the arcade games are currently out of order, the space doesn’t lose any of its charm, complete with the iconic confetti carpet reminiscent of classic arcades. Here, you’ll find a tribute to the beloved Dueling Dragons attraction from Islands of Adventure and its return to last year’s Halloween Horror Nights event. Around you, merchandise from beloved franchises like Shrek and Jaws fills the shelves, ranging from apparel and plush toys to lunch boxes.
Care for an onion cheesecake? Fear not – it’s actually key lime flavored. The arcade isn’t just for games; it houses a bakery display featuring delicious sweets themed after the films that have taken over this merchandise store. Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Hoverboard Funfetti Cupcake – $7.00
- Pinocchio Cookie Dough Cone – $8.00
- E.T. In a Basket Trifle Cake – $18.00
- E.T. Dipped Apple – $13.00
- Outatime Chocolate Brownie – $7.00
- Amity Island Trifle Cake – $10.00
- Jaws Red Velvet Cake Pop – $10.00
- E.T. Vanilla Cake Pop – $10.00
- Shrek Chocolate Cake Pop – $10.00
- Jaws Cake Roll – $7.00
- Onion Cheesecake – $13.00
- Donkey Waffle S’More – $7.00
- Fiona Swamp Cake Pop – $8.00
- Summer Fireworks Fudge – $4.95
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge – $4.95
- Banana Chocolate Fudge – $4.95
- Back to the Future Sugar Cookie – $6.00
- Gingy Sugar Cookie – $6.00
- Jaws Sugar Cookie – $6.00
- E.T. Sugar Cookie – $6.00
Next, step into the Tribute Theater, designed to mimic a movie cinema from the golden era of the 1980s. Look above to see elaborate displays celebrating timeless classics like Ghostbusters, E.T., Jaws, and Back to the Future – films that defined a generation.
At eye level, browse through merchandise from these iconic movies. Don’t miss the larger-than-life photo ops, a star from the Walk of Fame, and the classic red velvet ropes lining the checkout area.
What’s coming to Universal Orlando Resort in Summer 2024?
The Tribute Store Plaza’s nods to flicks like Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Jaws, and Shrek sets the stage for an unforgettable summer at Universal Orlando Resort.
Get ready – starting June 14, you can step into DreamWorks Land to become fully immersed in the world of Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek. That same day marks the launch of two spectacular new nighttime shows. Hogwarts Always at Islands of Adventure details a year at the famous wizarding school with the help of projection mapping technology. Meanwhile, Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular transforms the Universal Studios lagoon into a spectacle of music and light, providing the perfect finale to your day.
Mark your calendars for July 3, when the Universal Mega Movie Parade makes its grand debut. Set to be the largest parade in the park’s history, it will feature 13 brand-new floats and nearly 100 performers, making it a must-see event this summer!
Discuss this summer’s Tribute Store with 170,000+ other Universal die-hard fans in our Orlando Informer Community on Facebook and snag discounted theme park admission here. Be sure to follow Orlando Informer on TikTok, Threads, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, tips, and more at Universal Orlando, Walt Disney World, and other Orlando attractions.
