The return of the Universal Legacy Store: What’s new inside this CityWalk destination (PHOTOS)
As Universal Orlando continues to evolve, The Universal Legacy Store is returning! Reopening on Friday, April 24, 2026, we will be there to see what’s new and whether the revamped Legacy Store lives up to its legacy.
Universal Orlando Resort is bringing back the Universal Legacy Store to CityWalk, but the newly revealed branding has already sparked a split reaction among longtime fans. Most recently, this space contained the Epic Universe Preview Center, and fans are eager to see the new Legacy Store with hopes for heaps of nostalgia.
The revamped Legacy Story reopened this morning and we were there for the ribbon cutting! This new store will feature exclusive retro merchandise and larger-than-life photo ops inspired by beloved Universal Studios Florida attractions and films from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment, including “E.T.,” “Jaws” and “Back to the Future,” as well as Universal Monsters.
Before we take a peek at the new look, let’s look backward. Here are photos of the previous (and original) version of the Universal Legacy Store back in 2021.
The gargoyles that once sat atop the Universal Studios Florida archway had a new home outside of the previous version of the Universal Legacy Store. It’s a shame that this iconic moment is not returning.
Photo by Tharin White
The new look
For many theme park enthusiasts, the original Legacy Store branding carried a sense of prestige and nostalgia. Its use of gold accents, subdued palettes, and art-deco-inspired styling echoed Universal Pictures’ classic Hollywood roots and gave the store an elevated museum-meets-boutique identity.
The new version takes a sharply different direction. Instead of elegant metallics and cinematic restraint, the refreshed shows:
- Bright teal and orange neon tones
- Thick retro striping
- A playful script “Legacy” treatment
- Strong 1980s-inspired graphic energy
Photo by @MagicCityMayhem Mikey
To some fans, it feels energetic and modern. To others, it resembles the aesthetic of the UNIVRS store that once stood within Universal Studios Florida rather than a true continuation of the Legacy Store identity.
New photo opportunities
The new Universal Legacy Store now has oversized, immersive photo opportunities that guests can actually step into rather than simply pose beside. Each display uses large layered cutouts, dimensional props, and bold retro artwork that turns classic Universal properties into walk-through backdrops.
The “Back to the Future” scene features a life-size DeLorean bursting out in front of the Hill Valley clock tower, giving guests the chance to stand beside the time machine as if they’ve entered the movie.
The “Jaws” installation recreates Amity Island imagery with a massive shark lunging from the wall beside the Orca, surrounding guests in the scene for dramatic photos.
A colorful “Universal Monsters” area uses oversized character art and theatrical staging so visitors can stand among Frankenstein’s Monster, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, and more.
Interestingly, the new neon-heavy branding exists alongside many holdover design elements from the former Epic Universe Preview Center. The muted navy walls, gold accent lines, darker flooring, and refined cashwrap fixtures remain in place, creating a noticeable contrast between the loud new graphic identity and the more understated premium finishes left behind from the previous space. That blend can feel visually inconsistent, almost like two store concepts layered together.
Blind boxes take over the former Epic Universe model space
One of the biggest changes inside the store is the central area where the Epic Universe model once stood. That prime floor space is now dominated by shelves of collectible blind boxes and mystery merchandise.
Blind boxes are sealed packages where buyers do not know which specific figure, pin, keychain, or collectible design is inside until they open it, adding an element of surprise and repeat-purchase appeal for collectors hoping to complete a set.
Universal has stocked the area with anime-inspired collectibles, Minions items, and other mystery assortments, signaling a stronger push into trend-driven collectibles.
Related story: Toy Story 5 blind boxes
Nearby, the new Jaws merchandise collection showcases Tom Whalen’s colorful artwork across apparel and accessories. Guests can find graphic tank tops and shirts featuring the stylized shark design, matching drinkware, art prints or posters, and additional themed apparel. The line feels more boutique and artist-collaboration driven than standard park merchandise, giving longtime Jaws fans something more collectible than a typical logo tee.
Photo by @MagicCityMayhem Mikey
If you’re curious to compare, our video below takes you through what the Legacy Store originally offered.
It could work
There is also a strong case to be made for the redesign. The brighter neon palette, bold striping, and energetic typography may be intentionally designed to stand out within the lively nighttime atmosphere of Universal CityWalk.
Photo by @MagicCityMayhem Mikey
The refreshed look also aligns with current retail and lifestyle branding trends that favor vibrant, highly shareable aesthetics. Rather than functioning as a museum-like tribute, the new identity positions the Legacy Store as an active, contemporary shopping destination.
Tom Whalen, the artist featured in the store’s upcoming merchandise collections, is a highly regarded illustrator and graphic designer known for his bold, retro-inspired style that blends mid-century commercial art, pop culture iconography, and modern screen-print aesthetics. He has built a strong following through officially licensed artwork for major franchises including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Universal Monsters, Back to the Future, and Jaws.
His involvement suggests Universal is aiming for artist-driven exclusives rather than standard souvenir products.
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