Photos by Tharin White
The gargoyles that once sat atop the Universal Studios Florida archway had a new home outside of the previous version of the Universal Legacy Store. It’s a shame that this iconic moment is not returning.
Entrance to The Universal Legacy Store in 2021.
Photo by Tharin White
The new look
For many theme park enthusiasts, the original Legacy Store branding carried a sense of prestige and nostalgia. Its use of gold accents, subdued palettes, and art-deco-inspired styling echoed Universal Pictures’ classic Hollywood roots and gave the store an elevated museum-meets-boutique identity.
The new version takes a sharply different direction. Instead of elegant metallics and cinematic restraint, the refreshed shows:
Bright teal and orange neon tones
Thick retro striping
A playful script “Legacy” treatment
Strong 1980s-inspired graphic energy
New Universal Legacy Store entrance.
Photo by @MagicCityMayhem Mikey
To some fans, it feels energetic and modern. To others, it resembles the aesthetic of the UNIVRS store that once stood within Universal Studios Florida rather than a true continuation of the Legacy Store identity.
But the doors are not yet open, perhaps feelings will change once inside the new store.
Our video below takes you through what the Legacy Store originally offered.
It could work
There is also a strong case to be made for the redesign. The brighter neon palette, bold striping, and energetic typography may be intentionally designed to stand out within the lively nighttime atmosphere of Universal CityWalk.
New Universal Legacy Store entrance.
Photo by @MagicCityMayhem Mikey
The refreshed look also aligns with current retail and lifestyle branding trends that favor vibrant, highly shareable aesthetics. Rather than functioning as a museum-like tribute, the new identity positions the Legacy Store as an active, contemporary shopping destination.
Tom Whalen, the artist featured in the store’s upcoming merchandise collections, is a highly regarded illustrator and graphic designer known for his bold, retro-inspired style that blends mid-century commercial art, pop culture iconography, and modern screen-print aesthetics. He has built a strong following through officially licensed artwork for major franchises including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Universal Monsters, Back to the Future, and Jaws.
His involvement suggests Universal is aiming for artist-driven exclusives rather than standard souvenir products.
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