Nostalgia continues to play a bigger role at Universal than many fans expected. While the resort keeps expanding with new lands and attractions, it has also made room for the characters, stories, and memories that helped build its reputation over the years.
That trend is showing up again with another throwback-inspired release. Guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort can now enjoy one of the park’s most recognizable characters, adding another chapter to the resort’s growing appreciation for its history.
Classic Universal Favorites Are Getting More Attention
The past year has shown that Universal isn’t focused only on what’s coming next. Even as Epic Universe has introduced entirely new experiences, Universal Studios Florida has continued honoring the attractions and characters that longtime visitors still remember fondly.
Retro-inspired events have become a familiar sight across the resort. Tribute-style offerings and anniversary celebrations have looked back at the attractions and entertainment that helped establish Universal Studios Florida as a destination for movie fans.
That same approach has carried over into live entertainment. Parade celebrations have blended classic Universal icons with newer franchises, creating experiences that appeal to both longtime visitors and first-time guests.
Universal has also embraced its history through merchandise. Recent collections have featured vintage logos, classic artwork, and retro-inspired designs that celebrate the resort’s earlier years instead of focusing exclusively on newer intellectual properties.
That continued focus on nostalgia has set the stage for another familiar face to return to the spotlight.
E.T. Receives a New Collectible
Universal Orlando Resort has introduced a brand-new E.T. Shoulder Buddy, giving one of its most beloved characters another collectible for fans to enjoy.
The plush is small enough to sit on a guest’s shoulder using a magnetic attachment, making it easy to wear while exploring the parks.
Its design captures one of E.T.’s most recognizable appearances. The character wears his signature red hoodie while extending his glowing finger, recreating a memorable moment that longtime fans will instantly recognize.
The release feels especially fitting because E.T. remains closely connected to Universal Studios Florida. E.T. Adventure continues to welcome guests decades after its opening, making the attraction one of the park’s best-known experiences.
Instead of introducing another collectible tied to a newer franchise, Universal once again turned to one of the characters most closely associated with its history. It’s another example of how the resort continues to celebrate the properties that helped define its identity.
New ET shoulder buddy available for $25. @UniversalORL pic.twitter.com/45YaFwzrRz
— Inside Universal (@insideuniversal) August 7, 2026
Fans Already Have Their Eyes on What’s Next
Universal’s growing appreciation for classic properties has also fueled conversations about another major change coming to Universal Studios Florida.
Fast & Furious – Supercharged is preparing to close permanently. Universal has confirmed that August 16 will be the attraction’s final day of operation before it officially closes on August 17.
The company has not revealed what will replace the attraction, leaving plenty of room for fan speculation.
Several longtime Universal properties continue appearing in those discussions. Among the names mentioned most often are Back to the Future (1985), Ghostbusters (1984), and Twister (1996), all of which have longstanding ties to Universal’s history.
For now, though, those remain rumors. Universal has not announced a replacement attraction or confirmed what the large show building will eventually become.
Even so, it’s easy to see why fans continue connecting those ideas to Universal’s recent direction.
Looking Ahead While Honoring the Past
Universal continues investing in the future with major attractions and entirely new experiences, but it hasn’t forgotten the characters that helped make the parks special in the first place.
The new E.T. Shoulder Buddy may be a relatively small release, yet it reflects a much larger trend. Through entertainment, merchandise, and celebrations of classic attractions, Universal has continued finding ways to keep its history front and center.
With speculation continuing about future attraction replacements and more retro-inspired offerings arriving throughout the resort, nostalgia remains an important part of Universal’s identity. The latest E.T. collectible simply gives longtime fans one more reason to celebrate a character that continues to hold a special place inside Universal Studios Florida.
