9 Best Souvenirs to Buy at Universal Orlando

Are you up for a little retail therapy?

I sure hope so, because today we’re checking out the 9 BEST souvenirs to buy at Universal Orlando. So grab a pen and paper (or the Notes app on your phone) and get ready to make your Universal Orlando wish list!

Heads up: we’re starting with something you’re going to want to pick up the minute you hit Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure…

1. Interactive Wand

Are you a wizard who is ready to let your wand CHOOSE YOU? Okay, well, maaaaybe your letter from Hogwarts hasn’t arrived just yet. (I still check for mine every day!) But that doesn’t mean you can’t cast spells of your own at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal… you just need a little help from an INTERACTIVE WAND!

The reason you’ll want to pick one up immediately is because of the whole “interactive” aspect of these special wands. You see, after your wand chooses you* (and after you pay $63.00 in muggle money for it), you’ll receive it in a box and also receive a double-sided map of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.

Simply follow that map to any of the designated magical spots. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see a golden marker embedded in the ground pointing towards the location designated on the map (it’s usually a window display).

Next? Direct your wand towards the display and cast your spell by making the appropriate motions (as denoted on the ground marker) with your wand arm!

THAT’s why you want to make purchasing your wand a top priority: so you can use it throughout your trip! Apparate over to Ollivanders Wand Shop in Diagon Alley or Dervish and Banges or the Owl Post in Hogsmeade. There is also a Wands by Gregorovitch cart in Diagon Alley, as well as a cart near the entrance to Hogwarts in Hogsmeade.

*Okay, don’t worry — you can actually choose your own wand. Options are MANY and include — but are by NO means limited to — replicas of the wands of Harry, Professor Dumbledore (The Elder Wand), Luna Lovegood, Professor Snape, He Who Shall Not Be Named, and MANY more beloved (or feared) characters.

Or you may choose a wand that’s not directly tied to a character. Perhaps a Laurel and Phoenix Feather or Black Walnut and Dragon Heartstring might do quite nicely?

Now, if you DO indeed want to see a wand choose its wizard, don’t miss the interactive wand buying experience at Ollivanders or Dervish and Banges.

During these experiences, one wizard is “chosen” to try out wands, as the wandkeepers bring to life a moment similar to when Harry got his wand. (Purchasing a wand is not required, though, if you already have one — but the immersive show is a must-see for Harry Potter fans!)

Oh, and before we move on… Hermione asked me to remind you that it’s “Wingardium LeviOsa… NOT LevioSA!”

Click HERE for a Comprehensive Guide to the Interactive Wands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

2. Hogwarts Robe

Sure, you could walk around Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley in your muggle wear. OR you could wear your very own Hogwarts Robe as you cast your spells!

You can pick your House’s robe: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin. (HERE’S TO YOU, my fellow HUFFLEPUFFS!) Both Youth and Adult sizes are available, and either size is $139.00.

Underneath? We recommend moisture wicking wear for those hot days. But believe me, you will NOT be alone donning a robe in 90 degree heat. And it’ll be TOTALLY WORTH IT.

Check Out A First Timer’s Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios HERE

3. Postcard from Owl Post

Yes, you’ll be very busy casting spells, drinking Butterbeer, and dialing up the Ministry of Magic from a telephone booth outside of King’s Cross. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have time to drop a postcard or two to your friends and family filling them in on all of your magical adventures. And that’s where Owl Post in Hogsmeade comes in!

Come ready with addresses stored in your phone. Why? Because you can mail your postcard directly from Hogsmeade where it’ll be stamped with a special Hogsmeade postmark!

P.S. And if someone you know deserves a Howler…

… well, you can pick up one of those, too, while you’re at it!

Find the Harry Potter Details Even the Experts Miss at Universal Orlando HERE

4. Universal Character or Attraction Mug

We know… we’ve chatted a lot about what you can pick up in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But there’s so much more to explore, like Jurassic Park, Super Hero Island, and Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure, along with The Simpsons, and the BRAND NEW Minion Land in Universal Studios.

What better way to remember your Universal adventures than with a MUG featuring your favorite character or attraction???

Do I own more mugs than can possibly fit in my tiny cabinet? Yes. But did I simply HAVE to pick up the Mr. DNA mug to commemorate my very first ride on the VelociCoaster?

ALSO YES.

Find mugs in every section of both parks for around 20 bucks apiece, and you won’t regret it. (Or at least, I don’t.)

5. T-shirt

It’s a classic souvenir: the T-shirt. But it’s a classic because there’s seriously one for everybody no matter what they love most about Universal!

Plus, it can’t hurt to have something a little lighter than your Hogwarts Robe to wear around CityWalk in the evenings.

T-shirts are also go-to souvenirs to remember any special event you may attend at Universal, like Mardi Gras or Halloween Horror Nights.

Be ready to drop anywhere from $25.00 – $40.00 on a new tee.

6. Plush

Say it with me! “AWWWWW….”

“So CUUUUUTE!”

“How sweet!”

“HUH?”

Who doesn’t love a PLUSH?! And I say it doesn’t matter how young or old you are. Everyone needs a little stuffie pal. I got my sister an E.T. plush just last Christmas since she will forever have a soft spot in her heart for everyone’s favorite Extra-Terrestrial.

Though you’ll find everything from Minions to dinos around the parks, an especially great spot to pick up a plush is the Magical Menagerie in Diagon Alley.

Here’s where Harry Potter fans will find Pygmy Puffs, Cornish Pixies, Unicorns… or maybe your very own Crookshanks or Hedwig.

Most plush toys fall around $20.00 to purchase.

Take a full FULL TOUR of the NEW Bake My Day Store in Minion Land!

7. A Lanyard

Lanyards can definitely be used for fun purposes, like wearing and displaying collectible pins around the parks.

But guess what? They can also come in VERY HANDY at Universal.

You see, many major attractions at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure require guests to store their belongings in a locker before riding.

Having a lanyard to keep your park ticket with you on the ride is super helpful, because you’ll need to keep your ticket while you ride to access your locker again to pick up your stuff after.

Lanyards run around $13.00 – $15.00.

Find a Complete List of Rides You Can’t Carry Bags On at Universal Orlando HERE

8. Keychain

I seriously think you can never go wrong with a keychain. It’s a great little souvenir that’s not too bulky or terribly expensive, and it’s also a practical piece that you’ll use pretty much every day.

And since you use your keys every day, that will give you daily opportunities to relive your vacation memories!

Find ’em in merchandise locations all over Universal for around $12.00.

9. Souvenir Sipper or Popcorn Bucket

Check it out!

Fun, right?!

Not only is this totally cute Minion taking a selfie… he also holds your POPCORN!

Even better, he’s just ONE of the several amazing Popcorn Buckets that make their debut from time to time at Universal. Get a load of the Grinch Popcorn Bucket from the holiday season!

You’ll also likely find Souvenir Sippers up for grabs. Now, the sippers and buckets pictured below are from the new Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Hollywood.

But it gives you an idea of some you might find in Universal Orlando, as well! Keep your eyes peeled for sippers and buckets at Popcorn Stands around the parks. A Sipper may run you around $18.00, and a Popcorn Bucket can be around $29.00. 

Here’s Your Complete Guide to Universal’s Super Nintendo World!

So tell me… what’s going first on YOUR Universal wish list?

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