Lanyards make an easy and cheap gift and are a great way to carry your hotel key, admission, Express Pass, and MyUniversalPhotos card. Universal sells its lanyards online and at the resort for $15 plus tax, but cheaper lanyards can be found at other online stores. Don’t forget to purchase a clear plastic holder as Universal’s lanyards do not come with the holder.
Wands are a must for any witch or wizard worth their weight in galleons. Universal also sells wands that make fun accessories for guests in the parks and cool collectibles at home. Additionally, the interactive wands work inside the parks to trigger special effects around the two Wizarding World lands. Wands are sold in the theme parks, CityWalk, Universal hotels, and online. There are three types of wands available: the classic replicas, the first generation of interactive wand that activates windows around the lands, and a second generation interactive wand that links up with the Universal Orlando app and track quests. Wizards who would like the wand to choose the wizard at Olivanders will prefer a Universal Orlando gift card for the price of a wand with tax, which at the time of this post is $90.52 for the second-generation wand.
Does your gift receiver prefer Nintendo games to Harry Potter movies and books? Then pick up a Power Up Band, which allows them to play games throughout the land, track their coin collections, and find hidden stamps. Bands are only sold at on-site Universal Orlando Studio Stores, in the parks and hotels, and inside Super Nintendo World. If you aren’t visiting soon and can’t pick up a band as a gift, then consider a gift card that covers the cost of the band ($47.93 with tax).
Bacini with Unofficial Guide.
We’ll toot our own horn a little bit: The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando and a Touring Plans subscription are great gifts for first-time and seasoned guests. For those unfamiliar, The Unofficial Guide is the premier guidebook to Universal Orlando, featuring reviews of the hotels, restaurants, rides, shows, and attractions. The Guide starts at $19.99 and is available where all books are sold.
The perfect complement to the Unofficial Guide is a Universal Orlando Touring Plans subscription. Priced at $10.97 per year, subscriptions include an up-to-date crowd prediction calendar, customizable touring plans, and full use of our Universal Orlando Lines app. Touring Plans subscriptions can be purchased online.
(photo by Michael Carelli)
Expand your favorite fan’s wardrobe with shirts based on Universal Orlando attractions and events! Universal sells dozens of t-shirts at the resort and online, but we also love the unique shirt designs from The Lost Bros and Magical Me Supply Co.
Touring Plans loves bags – they are perfect for holding water bottles, ponchos, portable batteries, snacks, and even a wand. While there are many bag styles for various needs, I find the sling-style bags the best for theme park touring. They are lightweight, comfortable to wear, and small enough to fit inside Universal’s free lockers.
Similar to Disney’s PhotoPass, Universal’s MyUniversalPhotos service provides free in-park photography and on-ride photos. MyUniversalPhotos is available in one-day and multi-day packages for all guests and year-long packages for annual passholders. Photo packages are available for purchase online or in the park.
For fans who watch Defunctland and Expedition Theme Parks on YouTube, retro Universal Studios Florida merch will be right up their alley. Jackets (above), t-shirts, mugs, glassware, and more featuring retired attractions and the old logo are available at the online Universal Orlando store.
(photo by Mike Sperduto)
Let your friend or family member take a break from the thrill rides and relax at the Mandara Spa in Loews Portofino Bay Resort. Spa services include massages, facials, body wraps, acupuncture, aromatherapy, salon services, and much more. A full list of offerings and prices are online; gift cards and appointments can be purchased online or by calling 407-503-1244.
Give the gift of year-long access to the parks with a Universal Orlando Annual Pass. Passes are available in a multitude of options based on blackout days, perks, and the addition of the Volcano Bay water park. Not just for a full year of admission, APs offer discounts on merchandise, food, drinks, and hotels! Passes start at $425 and are available online.
Universal Orlando is ripe with a multitude of events beyond the ubiquitous Halloween Horror Nights. Hard Rock Live in CityWalk frequently features touring musical acts, comedians, and other performers. Portofino Bay hosts Harbor Nights, a fun evening of food, drinks, and live music located in the iconic Portofino harbor. Royal Pacific is the home to Jake’s Beer Dinner, which offers unique beers from around the country paired with food, and the Wantilan Luau offers a full buffet and tropical entertainment each Saturday. At the Hard Rock Hotel are the Velvet Sessions, an intimate concert experience featuring up-and-coming and famous touring acts. All these experiences can be purchased online.
What are some of your favorite Universal Orlando gifts you have given or received? Leave them in the comments below!
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