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The Latest Accusations Against Universal Orlando Have Guests Losing Their Minds

Is This the End of Originality as We Know It?

Universal Orlando Resort’s latest accusations have guests angry and frustrated at the theme park giant.

The entrance sign inside of Universal Orlando Resort, Universal CityWalk.
Credit: Universal

Universal Orlando Guests Notice Something Unusual in This Year’s Holiday Decor

For many fans, the return of Universal Orlando’s holiday season is a comforting tradition — the kind where familiar decorations, returning characters, and festive callbacks help usher in the most anticipated time of the year. But this season, some visitors walked into CityWalk’s Green & Red Coconut Club and felt a sudden tug of curiosity. Something about the décor looked just a little too perfect, too polished, too… unfamiliar. And once guests began comparing notes, a quiet observation quickly turned into a surprising discovery. Could one of Universal’s most beloved seasonal offerings contain artwork that wasn’t crafted by human hands?

That question, whispered at first, soon became part of the larger conversations happening online.

A group of people scream and smile while riding an indoor roller coaster with fiery special effects and dramatic lighting in the background, creating an intense and thrilling atmosphere.
Credit: Universal Studios Orlando

The Squirrel Portraits That Sparked a Mystery

Upstairs inside the Green & Red Coconut Club, Earl the Squirrel’s “family portrait” wall has become an expected highlight of the holiday overlay. Guests often linger, laugh, and point out their favorite eccentric relatives adorning the walls.

But among the comedic chaos are three new additions — larger portraits framed in simple black borders, each depicting a squirrel in a snowy holiday setting. These squirrels carry festive props like scarves, Christmas lights, Santa hats, and even antler accessories. On the surface, they blend into the quirky theme of Earl’s holiday world, yet for some guests, the images didn’t fully match the rest of the space’s handcrafted, intentionally retro design.

Textures looked slightly unfamiliar. Proportions appeared subtly stylized. And while many couldn’t immediately explain why the portraits felt different, they sensed something wasn’t quite in line with Universal’s typical art style.

Guests heading into Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort.
Credit: Universal

Online Fans Piece Together the Puzzle

The turning point came when X user van_more_ publicly questioned the origins of the portraits, suggesting the images bore signs of AI generation. Their post prompted others to examine the portraits more closely, and soon additional users chimed in with supporting observations.

AI generated art at Universal Red Coconut Club :/
@van_more_ on X

Then, X user AliciaStella uncovered what may be the biggest clue: two of the same squirrel images were being sold on Temu as holiday porch flags. This discovery implied the images weren’t unique, custom-designed pieces created specifically for Universal — instead, they appeared to be mass-produced digital artworks available on consumer marketplaces.

The first one looks like it could be AI to me, but the other two I could only find online as porch flags for sale. – @AliciaStella on X

This does not confirm that Universal intentionally used AI art. It’s possible the decor was purchased through a vendor who sources digital imagery without specifically disclosing whether that imagery is AI-assisted or not. However, the discovery was enough to ignite a broader conversation about how modern holiday décor is produced and the evolving role of AI in themed entertainment spaces.

A smiling cartoon beaver mascot wearing a red and black plaid hat and a green shirt stands in front of a decorated Christmas tree, creating a universal holiday scene with red garland and gold ornaments.
Credit: Universal

Why the Discussion Matters to Theme Park Fans

The core of the debate isn’t necessarily about these particular squirrel images. Rather, it’s about what their presence represents. Universal has built its reputation on immersive environments shaped by artists, designers, craftsmen, and storytellers. Fans who return year after year appreciate the intentional, hand-crafted charm of spaces like the Green & Red Coconut Club.

So when artwork bearing the hallmarks of AI generation appears — even unintentionally — it raises questions:

Is AI-generated décor the future of theme park seasonal overlays?
Does this shift diminish the artistry, or is it simply another modern design tool?
And how much control do major theme parks have over the sources of every decorative piece they purchase?

These are questions not just for Universal, but for the entertainment industry at large, as AI artistry becomes more common in commercial marketplaces.

A large, decorated Christmas tree stands outdoors near pastel-colored buildings in an epic universe of holiday cheer, with festive garlands and a clock visible on one charming facade beneath the partly cloudy blue sky.
Credit: Universal

Universal Has Not Commented on the Artwork’s Origin

At this time, Universal Orlando has not issued any official comment regarding the squirrel portraits or whether the images were knowingly sourced from AI-generated catalogs. The pieces remain part of the 2025 Green & Red Coconut Club seasonal overlay, and guests can view them throughout the holiday season.

Until further clarification is provided, the conversation continues to evolve among fans both in the parks and online — with many expressing curiosity more than frustration. Some see it as a harmless detail, while others view it as a pivotal moment in the industry’s changing creative landscape.

A mesmerizing Christmas tree lit up at Universal Studios Japan with colorful lights stands amid a crowd at night. Its ornate design is topped with a bright star. Surrounding buildings and a clock add to the festive atmosphere under a sky with beams of light.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

A New Holiday Debate for a New Era

Whether or not the artwork is AI-generated, one thing is undeniable: this year’s holiday season has introduced an unexpected talking point. What was meant to be a charming set of portraits on a family wall has become a catalyst for discussion, reflecting the new reality that technology is quietly influencing even the smallest corners of themed entertainment.

If you’ve visited the Green & Red Coconut Club this season, did you notice anything different about the portraits? And does AI-generated art — if used — change the way you see seasonal décor?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts with us.

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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