By Charly SHELTON

Universal Studios Hollywood has gone full-on “Wicked” this season, bringing the magic of Oz to life along with a lot of fun. With the highly anticipated “Wicked” movie hitting theaters this weekend, the park has sprinkled a little Emerald City magic across its Upper Lot and CityWalk – perfect for fans of the iconic musical and those who just love a bit of whimsy.

First up is the Feature Presentation store, which has transformed into a “Wicked” paradise. The shelves are packed with everything from Spirit Jerseys inspired by Shiz University to Strawberry/Matcha (pink and green) candy bars, souvenir T-shirts from Munchkinland, and many more dazzling trinkets that would make Glinda proud. It’s the kind of store where you can’t help but pick up a little something, like the coolest pajamas (that feature the Wizard’s mechanical face) that feel like they were stolen from a swanky hotel in The Emerald City. It’s as much about shopping as it is about feeling like you’re part of the story. There’s also a pop-up at the UNIVRS Store in CityWalk that has a lot of the same merchandise but the one inside the park is really the place to be.

Of course, my favorite aspect of any festival is always the food. Hollywood & Dine has a slightly-themed menu that feels like it might be from a quick-service restaurant in an Oz amusement park – not a super far reach, thematically, from what the actual restaurant is but the food itself is pretty solid. Funnel cake, corn dog, bacon cheeseburger – much of the standard fare that you’d find on the menu any other time. But now it’s a Funnelest Cake and a Drizzmatic Corn Dog. It’s not bad, it’s fine food. But it feels like the low-point in an otherwise clever and fun tie-in movie promotion festival. The best food tie-in actually has a great name – The Ozmopolitan. Beyond that, the food is a bit of a let-down inside the park.

But if you head to The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at CityWalk the limited-time milkshake, the Ozitively Pink & Green Shake – half strawberry and half key lime, served side-by-side in the cup – is fun, interesting and colorful enough to feel straight out of Glinda and Elphaba’s closet.

And also in CityWalk, or inside the park, Starbucks is getting in on the celebration. The “Been There” series of mugs extends into Oz with three new mugs – Shiz University, The Emerald City and Munchkinland. These are only available in Universal parks, making for another extra-special tie in. The specialty “Wicked” drinks – Elphaba’s Cold Brew and Glinda’s Pink Potion – are two specialty drinks that are available at Universal and in select stores nationwide. The Elphaba cold brew is the best thing of the entire celebration, even if it’s not officially from Universal, and it’s the best drink I’ve ever had from Starbucks.

Beyond the food and merch, there’s a photo op inside the park where you can step into a scene inspired by the movie and screen-used costumes are on display at Universal Cinemas for when you go see the film. 

Overall, this is a fun tie-in for the park and CityWalk, a little something special to add on to your day. What Universal has done here is create a celebration of “Wicked” that feels playful and connected without trying too hard. It’s a mix of fun details and bigger locations that will leave you humming “Defying Gravity” as you head out into the park. 

For fans of “Wicked,” or anyone just looking for a fun experience before seeing the new film, it’s as much of a no-brainer as Scarecrow.

To see my full review of all the food I tried and a look at everything across the celebration, scan the QR code or find me on YouTube at @Zipahdeedoodad.