At Universal Orlando Resort, there are four seasons: summer, Halloween, the holidays and Mardi Gras. While there are tons of annual traditions we look forward to each season, such as Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights and the Universal Mardi Gras Parade, one of our favorite seasonal offerings is the Universal Tribute Store. Much more than a merchandise location, the Tribute Store is an experience that must be seen to be believed. This Carnaval season, Universal Orlando has opened the doors to Cyrus T. Pavo's Legends of the Bayou Museum and Gift Shop where you can see with your own eyes the world famous Nusquam Nuisance! Keep reading to learn all about this incredibly immersive retail space.
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Location of the Universal Tribute Store
There are two locations in Universal Studios Florida where Universal Creative tends to set up shop: in between Revenge of the Mummy and Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon on the streets of New York and in between Schwab's Pharmacy and Mel's Drive-In on the streets of Hollywood. This time of year, you'll be able to find the Universal Tribute Store in Hollywood — right across from where the parade begins.
Theming of the Universal Tribute Store
If you've been to Halloween Horror Nights — or really on ANY Universal Orlando attraction — you know how impressive the team at Universal Creative is and how all-out they tend to go when it comes to theming. The Universal Tribute Store is no different. Once you step in the front door, you're completely immersed in another world, a different time period, etc.
For the Mardi Gras 2025 Tribute Store, Universal is transporting guests to the heart of the bayou. Enter the aforementioned museum and gift shop where the folklore of New Orleans and Louisiana is on full display. From statues and artifacts to newspaper clippings and photographs, the cryptid lore runs deep in the swamp and Cyrus T. Pavo is milking "sightings" of them for every cent they're worth. Be sure to check out the Wall of Mystery for up-close encounters that are sure to make your head spin!
As you make your way out of the gift shop through the back porch, you'll hear the sound of crickets, frogs and a very persistent bug zapper. Welcome to The Bayou where magick and moonlight fill the air. You never know who's watching through the cypress trees and Spanish moss. Eventually, though, you'll find your way to a dilapidated shack where a steaming pot of gumbo is brewing and a certain undead trickster is gathering ingredients for his next ritual.
Lastly, you'll come across the Cajun Fishing Village. Look up toward the stars where you'll spot a massive shine to King Gator but be sure to watch your feet, as well! The 25-foot-long gator is swimming around here somewhere ...
Must-Have Merch at the Universal Tribute Store
Whether you can't get enough of King Gator — or his adorable son, Prince Gator — need the perfect accessories to celebrate the season in style, want to make a deal with to Baron Ton-Ton or are just fearless enough to try some critter candy, the merchandise at the Mardi Gras Tribute Store is truly out of this world. From T-shirts to tumblers, badge reels to bottle openers, mugs to magnets and popcorn buckets to picture frames there are a plethora of ways to get in the Mardi Gras spirit. Of course, we can't froget to mention the shimmering and snazzy collection of beads and masks!
Easter Eggs at the Universal Tribute Store
Bar none, my favorite part of every Universal Tribute Store is all the cleverly placed Easter eggs that pay homage to park icons, memorialize former attractions, call back to past events and tease future offerings. Die-hard, eagle-eyed Universal fans may be able to spot these right away but, to more casual park-goers, these secret treats are hidden in plain sight.
- NOW OPEN Mega Video Rentals Nusquam Store #06 brochure — reference to Summer 2024 Tribute Store
- Cyrus T. Pavo is the wizard from the Mega Castle Arcade at the Summer 2024 Tribute Store
- Captain Victor Pavo piloted the P.S. Songbird riverboat, the setting of last year's Mardi Gras Tribute Store
- A "cursed coconut" hangs on the wall of the gift shop
- Gerg the Llama is featured on a brochure for the Wild Peacock and Llama Rehabilitation Center at the check-in counter
- "The Lost World" comic — reference to Jurassic Park
- Shark Jawline from Martha's Vineyard, (b. 1975) — the filming location of "Jaws" (and the year it was released)
- Wolf Man portrait and autograph hidden by the curtains behind the Loup-Garou
- A Haunted Sailor Doll from the P.S. Songbird
- Study on "New Directions in Parapsychological Research" by Egon Spengler — one of the main characters of "Ghostbusters"
- In The Incredible Yeti diorama in the Wall of Mystery, look to the left for a post-it note with a very cheeky call-out another famous theme park yeti
- In the first room, you'll see a scavenger hunt posted on the wall. Take a photo and see if you can find all the Grunch Road Monsters, tiny cryptid toys, plastic rats and more hidden throughout the store!
The Universal Mardi Gras Tribute Store has no set closing date but we expect it to disappear on March 30, 2025, at the end of the park's Mardi Gras celebration.
What room at the Universal Tribute Store are you most excited to see? Which merch are you planning on snagging? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Our Festive Guide to Universal Orlando Holiday Food and Drinks
Keep hopping!
