Great Scott! I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since theaters were blessed with the cinematic masterpiece that is “Back to the Future.” No matter how many new movies come out each year, this one still reigns as one of my favorite films of all time.
Originally released on July 3, 1985, “Back to the Future” follows the story of teenager Marty McFly who travels back to 1955 in an automobile-turned time machine, built by his erratic scientist friend, Emmett “Doc” Brown. What business does he have in 1955 besides, you know, accidentally preventing himself from ever being born? Only time will tell!
You might be wondering what any of this has to do with Universal. Let’s go back to the past for a moment, to the days when Back to the Future: The Ride ruled the east and west coasts at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood. Although the ride is long gone, it still lives on in both our hearts and our summer theme park celebrations.
One of the many ways we’re taking on Summer at Universal in Orlando and relishing Universal Mega Movie Summer in Hollywood is by honoring the 40th anniversary of “Back to the Future.” What better way to do so than with exclusive, limited-time food and merchandise offerings coupled with immersive theming around the parks? Trick question — there isn’t one! It’s time for less talking and more showing.
Want to know more about Universal Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood? Read our blog about it right here. If you’re visiting Universal Orlando Resort, check out our round-up of summer offerings here!
Exclusive “Back to the Future” 40th Anniversary Merch
Who’s ready to strut some new merchandise that looks strikingly similar to what the people of 2015 were wearing in “Back to the Future Part II”? That — coupled with a few 40th anniversary-themed classics, of course — is the best way to kick off this momentous occasion, if you ask me.
Forty years is a major milestone for a timeless classic such as “Back to the Future,” and you can show the world just how much it means to you with a Back to the Future 40th Anniversary License Plate. If you love the look of our “OUTATIME” license plate, let this limited-edition one take you back 40 years where it all began.
I promised futuristic wears, and I’m here to deliver. Channel your inner Marty McFly by donning the Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Hat. This iridescent, rainbow-colored cap with a flat brim is the perfect, stylish piece of headwear to protect your face from the sun and look cool while doing so.
As soon as I watched Marty race away on a hoverboard in “Back to the Future Part II,” I knew I had to have one of my own. Now, I finally can (sort of) thanks to the Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Hoverboard zipper pouch. I can’t ride it, but I can rock it — and you can, too!
Maybe you live in a state where there’s no room for vanity license plates on your car, or maybe you’re more into showing off your fan status through your apparel. Either way, this Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Tank is calling your name. This white muscle tank features the beloved “OUTATIME” license plate design on the front and pairs perfectly with all the other new merchandise coming your way these next few months.
It’s far from cold this summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look McFly in the new Back to the Future 40th Anniversary Puffer Vest. This vibrant orange wearable zips open and closed in the front and features a retro “Back to the Future” logo on the back. Wearing this, you’ll look like you came straight from 1985 — in the best way possible, of course!
All merch available while supplies last.
“Back to the Future” 40th Anniversary Food & Beverages
I know what the future has in store: insanely good food and beverages! Luckily for you, both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood have whipped up a variety of must-try delights that you need in your life.
Because this is a summer celebration, you’re going to need a cold, sweet treat (or two) to cool you down. Head straight to Schwab’s Pharmacy in Universal Studios Florida to try the newest handcrafted shakes themed to “Back to the Future.”
On the left is a strawberry lover’s match made in heaven: Wake Up Juice. This milkshake is blended with strawberry ice cream, a strawberry topping drizzle, and topped with whipped cream, strawberry crumbs, and a hint of cayenne to wake you up!
To the right is its chocolatey partner-in-crime, the Rock & Roll Shake. Made with rocky road ice cream, this shake is blended with milk chocolate and marshmallow cream. It’s topped off with whipped cream, chocolate crumbs, and a tasty chocolate guitar.
All of these offerings are available through July 31, so get ‘em while they’re hot (or cold)!
If you’re at Universal Studios Hollywood, hit up Mel’s Diner for a slew of delicious, “Back to the Future”-themed eats and drinks. Savor a Flux Capacitor Patty Melt, which is an all-beef patty topped with melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and thousand island dressing while served on Flux Capacitor-branded sourdough buns. The Time Machine Melt is another savory treat made with pastrami, Swiss cheese, and cabbage slaw on toasted sourdough with a “SPEED LIMIT 88” sign on top. Both dishes are served with a side of salted fries.
When all you need is a quick pick-me-up, Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie is here to save the day. This classic chicken pot pie offers a cheesy twist as its crust is dusted in crushed corn-cheese puffs. Cleanse your palate with something sweet like the OUTATIME Cookie. This chocolate malt cookie is made with chocolate chips and topped with flaming tire tracks and an “OUTATIME” license plate candy.
If you’re searching for something to sip on, then look no further. The Time Traveler’s Milkshake is made with sweet vanilla ice cream and blue raspberry sauce while topped with whipped cream, blue silver sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry.
Cocktail lovers, we’d never forget about you. You must try the Flux Capacitor, a bubbly drink made with lemon-lime soda, blue curaçao, and passionfruit juice. And I can’t go without mentioning Hollywood’s own spiked Wake Up Juice, which is made with vodka, triple sec, peach nectar, orange and pineapple juices, and club soda.
Exciting “Back to the Future” Experiences and Photo Ops
New food and merchandise is always a thrill, but let’s not forget where you are: a theme park! Nothing rings in the excitement of celebrating 40 years of “Back to the Future” quite like becoming one with the movies during your time at either Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Hollywood. And trust, we’ve got quite a few things in store on both coasts to make your time at our theme parks worthwhile.
Did you know “Back to the Future” was literally filmed at Universal Studios Hollywood? Before it was the theme park we know it as today, Universal Studios Hollywood was exclusively as it sounds: a movie studio — which, if you’ve taken a ride on The World-Famous Studio Tour, you already knew that. But for those of you who are new here and want in on all the fun, this is a pretty cool fact! Now, we don’t just film the movies — we ride them.
During your 60-minute ride around the backlot, you’ll come across the set used to depict the iconic Hill Valley Courthouse and clock tower. While this attraction is available year-round, sightseeing during the 40th anniversary of the film it’s featured in will hit harder than it ever has before.
In addition, you can snap photos next to the Time Machine and meet your favorite characters such as Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and even Doc’s furry friend, Einstein! This is all happening on the Upper Lot near Mel’s Diner. There’s also a “Back to the Future” themed photo op at the exit of the Studio Tour.
Over at Universal Orlando Resort, you’ll want to do more than just pick up a couple milkshakes from Schwab’s Pharmacy — you’re going to want to get some photos in front of it, too! Through July 31, we’ve transformed this retro shop into a “Back to the Future”-themed diner. You’ll find the door and windows clad in the flashiest “Back to the Future” graphics known to man, making your dining experience that much more exciting.
Itching for more photo ops? While sporting your newfound merchandise, get a few pics in front of the franchise’s two time machines. And while you’re roaming the Hollywood section of Universal Studios Florida, be on the lookout for the crazed Doc Brown himself, who’s always looking for an excuse to photobomb!
If you’re visiting Universal CityWalk in Orlando this summer, you can get your fill of “Back to the Future” fun at Universal’s Great Movie Escape. Be transported into the film itself with the Back to the Future: OUTATIME escape room. You and your friends must find a way to foil Biff’s plans to sabotage the timeline before — you guessed it — running outatime.
Are you excited for Summer at Universal in Orlando? Read more about what we’ve got in store here. Traveling along the west coast and curious to see what Mega Movie Summer at Universal Studios Hollywood is all about? Get all the details you’ll need in our blog here.
How do you plan to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of “Back to the Future” at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Must be 21 or older with valid photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.