Universal Orlando is getting a little bit more ‘Wicked’. See new experience based on upcoming musical

Oz is coming to Orlando in October.

Universal Studios Orlando resort has announced its upcoming immersive “Wicked” experience, showcasing items from the upcoming movie and offering themed dining options based on the musical.

The first trailer for the highly anticipated “Wicked” two-part movie musical made its debut earlier this year during Super Bowl Sunday, featuring Boca Raton native Ariana Grande as one of the leads. Here's what to know about Universal's new experience and how you can see it, as well as details about the musical movie coming out this November.

What is 'Wicked: The Experience' at Universal Orlando?

Universal Orlando is transforming its former UNIVRS store, along with a few adjacent retail locations, into "Wicked: The Experience." Officials describe the new event as stepping into the world of Wicked, detailing immersive and one-of-a-kind experiences for fans.

"This exclusive, one-of-a-kind experience will whisk guests along the yellow brick road and into a variety of iconic Wicked locations from Shiz University to the Emerald City," Universal officials shared in a press release.

They note that the film's costumes and props will also be on display to help parkgoers become "immersed in spectacular scenic and theming that will recreate some of the most memorable moments of the film."

What 'Wicked' merchandise, treats will be at Universal Orlando?

Fantabulous-themed dining experiences will be found in CityWalk, including Voodoo Doughnuts, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen.

In addition to the sweet treats, a variety of merchandise will be available at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood and at both Universal Citywalk locations.

“The ‘Wicked’ logo will don many items from hats and totes to notebooks and mugs, perfect for fans to show their Wicked pride as they dance through life,” Universal shared.

“Those looking for even more products can find a variety of offerings, including beautiful fashion dolls from Mattel, Funko Pops! of fan-favorite characters, LEGO sets featuring the Land of Oz, Loungefly bags as well as cosplay and prop replicas from The Noble Collection.”

How long will 'Wicked: The Experience' last at Universal Orlando?

The Wicked event will open in late October. An end date for the experience has not been revealed but it should go past the film's opening in late November.

Is 'Wicked: The Experience' free? See prices for Universal tickets

While the experience itself doesn't cost any extra money, it housed inside the Universal Studios theme park, so you'll need a ticket. Here are the prices for a single ticket to Universal’s three theme parks, as of September 2024:

• Universal Studios or Islands of Adventure: $139
• Volcano Bay:  $80

There are discounts available for Florida residents on annual and seasonal passes.

How much is it to park at Universal Studios Orlando?

According to its website , the rates for Universal Orlando's parks are seasonal and may vary by day:

• Regular Parking: $32
• Prime Parking: $50 to $60
• Prime Upgrade: $18 to $28
• RV/Bus Parking: $42

The website does note they offer free Regular Parking for matinee movie showings from 11 a.m. through 6 p.m. with purchase of two or more Universal Cinemark matinee tickets. They also allow free parking after 12 a.m. during the Halloween Horror Nights event.

Watch the trailer for the 'Wicked' movie below:

What is 'Wicked' about?

Based on Gregory Maguire‘s acclaimed 1995 novel, "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," it seeks to re-imagine the Land of Oz.

According to the New York Theatre Guide , the show is about two young witches: Elphaba, whose skin is green, and Glinda, who is blonde and beautiful.

"They dislike each other at first but soon form an unlikely bond. The musical follows them from their girlhood friendship and explains how Elphaba became the Wicked Witch and Glinda became the Good Witch," the guide explains.

When is the first 'Wicked' movie being released? Why is 'Wicked' movie two parts?

Wicked will be coming out on the day before Thanksgiving on Wednesday, Nov. 27. It will be directed by Jon M. Chu.

The film was originally slated to be released in December 2021, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the release was pushed back until this year. The second movie is said to come out on Nov. 26, 2025.

Upon hearing that the movie was being split into two parts, many fans of the original play were confused. Especially since most of the iconic songs, such as "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," were in Act I.

During an interview with Collider last year, musical composer for the movie, Stephen Schwartz, who also co-wrote the music and lyrics to the original Broadway show, shared why Wicked needed to be split into two parts.

"Most of it has been shot. We ultimately decided to do two movies because we couldn't get it all crammed into one movie without, we felt, really compromising the story," he said. "We thought no one wanted to sit for four hours and see one movie [laughs], so it got divided into two movies. But yeah, most of it has been shot."

Native Floridian nabs lead 'Wicked' role. Who is Ariana Grande playing?

Grande is playing the role of "Glinda, the Good Witch."

This role has been a dream for Grande. Before her debut album "Yours Truly," had come out, Grande was featured on MIKA's "Popular Song," which incorporated elements of the song "Popular," which is the solo that Glinda performs in the stage musical.

It's even documented in past interviews with the popstar. In an video over a decade ago , an interview asked Grande which of the stage production's two lead roles she'd want to play.

Grande didn't hesitate before she answered "Glinda, for sure."

The rest of the cast for 'Wicked' looks like:

• English actress and singer Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
• "Bridgerton" star Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
• Character actor Jeff Golfblum as The Wizard
• Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madamn Morrible
• "SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical" star Ethan Slater as Boq
• "Saturday Night Live" castmember Bowen Yang as Pfannee
• "The Greatest Showman" star Keala Settle as Miss Coddle
• Marissa Bode as Nessarose
• Bronwyn James as ShenShen
• Aaron Teoh as Avaric
• Colin Michael Carmichael as Professor Nikidik

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Universal Orlando is getting a little bit more ‘Wicked’. See new experience based on upcoming musical