It’s Passholder Preview at the Tribute Store For Halloween Horror Nights – Let’s Go Inside
Our Universal Parks Blogger Melissa is at Universal Studios in Orlando today where she’s doing something utterly spooktacular. There is a special pass-holder event today taking us inside the Tribute Store, the iconic merchandise spot that has just been given a spooky Halloween makeover. As anyone who’s been to the tribute store will tell you, this isn’t merely a shop. It’s an event. With Halloween Horror Nights kicking off you can bet that the Tribute Store is filled with chills and thrills!
The Tribute Store opened exclusively for passholders today (August 30th) beginning at 11 am.
Before we go in, let’s take a minute to marvel at the Tribute Store shop windows which are a treasure trove of awesome collectibles.
In the first window, you’ll see everything from a vintage Frankenstein figurine to those horrible plastic Halloween masks you used to wear as a child.
My favorites are the old Monster magazines!
Also, note the vinyl record featuring an array of spooky sounds and haunted melodies.
We also spotted some Tribute to Terror comic books. We bet Eddie Munson would love these!
There’s even a mannequin sporting a Tribute Store t-shirt with a rather ominous-looking (Cryptkeeper!? ) behind him.
We’re also slightly envious of those vintage books each having a scary theme.
You also can’t have a monster exhibit without paying homage to Vincent Price.
The second window display features more plastic masks and a Make-Your-Own Frankenstein figurine collection.
Fun signs in the Tribute Store front window warn us that this is a Vampire Free establishment.
This Halloween Horror Nights Mystery Game is a must-have!
This next display could make any comic book lover jealous!
But that’s enough window shopping for today. Let’s head inside to check out the “Hallway of Frights!”
The Tribute Store at Universal actually features several rooms that are made up depending on the season.
Above is a look at the room themed after a character called “The Ripper.”
This section of the Tribute Store takes us to Whitechapel London for an ominous adventure bringing us face-to-face with a well-known mass murderer.
This area was designed to look like the seedy underbelly of Victorian London where Jack the Ripper roamed the streets.
The artwork was done in a comic book style which gave a detailed rundown of this evil figure.
According to the Tribute Store…rather than being a mere man, Jack the Ripper has monster-like qualities.
As you can see from the image below, he almost takes on a werewolf-like appearance.
The ambiance in this room was fantastic with dark walls and creepy windows.
The windows were even backlight in unsettling hues of green and red to give the entire Tribute Store room an eerie glow.
As you can see from these images, the Universal Studios passholder crowd definitely turned up to be among the first to check out the Tribute Store transformation.
You could even get a close-up look at the Ripper himself!
Just check out those creepy red eyes.
He is standing in the darkness, knife in hand!
The signs around the Ripper figure highlight his most creepy qualities.
We love this extra little bit of context that really brings the stories being told at the Tribute Store to life!
While here we did have time to check out some of the merchandise.
As you can see the items above were inspired by Eddie Munsun including a jean jacket and Hellfire Club backpack.
The next room takes on more of a Mid-Century Modern feel as we’re confronted by a rather demonic-look bartender!
Our bartender is wearing a vintage button-down shirt and lighting gives him an almost slimy look.
From the speech bubble, it looks like he wants you to “Pay Up!”
However, from the look of this patron, that seems unlikely!
The spooky diner theme continues throughout the second room.
Here’s another dearly departed guest sitting at a booth in the diner.
Our guest is definitely looking a little worse for wear!
One thing that this patron has in common with the other guest sitting at the bar is the spilled chocolate milkshake. I wonder if it is a clue.
Just behind our booth guest is a jukebox.
If you take a look you’ll notice that this prop has been carefully curated.
You’ll find lots of classics including Good Vibrations, La Bamba, Mr. Sandman, and more!
In a cool touch, there is a display in the area that gives the impression that you are standing outside of the retro diner.
Notice the abandoned motorcycle sitting out front.
Again, the comic book pages give us some insight into this scary scene.
We don’t want to give too much away but this story definitely has that spooky Twilight Zone Twist!
Below is a look at some more Halloween Horror Nights merchandise.
This section was obviously inspired by Chucky from Child’s Play!
There was everything you needed here for the perfect Chucky costume including t-shirt and overalls.
Here’s a look at the Chucky popcorn bucket. Eek!
Look at the Creepy Chucky face mask!
And in a fun twist…here are some frightfully delightful Hello Kitty finds.
You can even take your favorite monster friends home with you thanks to the Monster Machine.
For $8 you can get a figurine of Frankenstein, The Bride, and more!
In this area was a little snack shop serving up a cute array of Halloween Treats.
Popcorn Balls, Whoopie Pies, S’mores and more can be found on the menu.
There’s also a display case showcasing these goodies!
Also in the Diner area is a Halloween Collection celebrating the Universal Studios Screamers.
This includes Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and more! With artwork done in a cool cartoonish style, these not-so-spooky items are among my favorites
You can celebrate your Halloween Visit with a stop at the Tribute Store’s medallion-making machine!
Guests can choose one design or get one of each. This year’s medallions include Vecna and the Hellfire Club Logo.
There’s also Chucky!
Lastly is this scary Halloween pumpkin.
Each of the medallions retails for $5.00 or you can get all 4 for $15.
You can get a look at these shiny trinkets on the shelves below.
Next we come up to a spooky newsstand.
Guests are greeted by stacks of newspaper with some rather uncomfortable stains.
Also, the guy behind the counter doesn’t look so great!
Another room is done in a Detective Noir style.
The comic book theme continues but in this room it’s only hues of black and white.
Given those tentacles, we’d guess that something scary lurks nearby!
There’s also a comic book-style cutout of a ghoul leaning on a walking stick.
Along the walls, you’ll find Halloween Horror Nights merchandise.
How does this poster tie into the story?
Finally, the tentacled creature comes out of hiding!
Merch in this area includes Halloween Horror Nights t-shirts and tote bags as well as some pretty amazing Halloween masks.
We love the dark, detective noir theming of this room.
Here’s another image of this floating fiend with ferocious eyes!
We don’t want to give too much away but be sure to read the comics during your visit to find out more regarding the detective and the creatures in question.
It looks like the monster was summoned using this ancient relic!
Vintage props add to the atmosphere including this trashcan and suitcases.
You’ll even find a vintage payphone.
This room also features a Private Investigator’s office door.
Occasionally we’re surprised by a shadowy knock!
We’ve got some merchandise from the hit video game turned series The Last of Us.
This includes t-shirts and tumblers.
The montone elements in the detective’s office are so fun to photograph so have your cameras at the ready!
Atop the filing cabinet, you’ll also find some interesting props including newspaper headlines and an empty booze bottle!
We love the re-salvaged Finnegan’s sign hanging from the ceiling!
Even more Halloween Horror Night merchandise lines the shelves here.
You’ll find t-shirts, hoodies, magnets and more!
Moving on we come to a spooky scene featuring a couple of large looming skeletons and some rather petrified gravediggers.
Something wickedly is definitely coming this way!
These towering skeletons definitely take center stage.
There are also some toppled gravestones.
They are all backlit to give them a creepy glow.
I love the circus theme of the Oddfellows merchandise.
Those looking for something more cute than grisly will want to be on the lookout for this adorable Crow hoodie and pumpkin mini backpack.
Also, note the cute little pumpkin pillows.
As seen in the front window display you’ll also find retro-style comic books!
These would be perfect for the retelling of Halloween Ghost stories.
In between the racks of merchandise, a scene between our gravediggers plays out!
There really are incredible details everywhere you look!
This room has the theme of “Grave Consequences.”
A glowing ominous figure leads the way.
We think you’ll agree that the employees who designed this year’s Tribute Store Halloween Makeover have absolutely undone themselves.
Don’t miss your chance to check out the incredible rooms at the Tribute Shop for Halloween Horror nights.
The Tribute Store will be open during each Horror Night which begins on September 1st.
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