Universal Releases E.T. Shoulder Buddy and Confirms Fast & Furious Ride Will Close
The pocket-sized, magnet-attaching plush highlights a broader retro merchandise push that is driving fan talk about potential classic-IP replacements for the soon-to-close attraction.
Overview
- Universal Orlando began selling a new E.T. Shoulder Buddy in the parks on Friday, a magnet-attaching plush of E.T. in a red hoodie that social posts show is priced at $25.
- The shoulder buddy is designed to sit on a guest’s shoulder with a magnetic clip and recreates E.T.’s glowing finger look linked to the long-running E.T. Adventure ride.
- Universal has confirmed that Fast & Furious – Supercharged will end operations with August 16 as its final day to ride and an official closure on August 17.
- The company has not announced a replacement for the Fast & Furious show building and fans are speculating about legacy properties such as Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, and Twister, which remain unconfirmed rumors.
- The E.T. release fits into a sustained nostalgia strategy at Universal that includes retro-themed events, vintage-style merchandise, and parade pairings of old and new characters, a mix that could shape future attraction choices and fan engagement.