As Universal Studios’ Epic Universe theme park gears up for its grand opening, excitement is building among fans eager to dive into the park’s newest offerings. From thrilling attractions to unique food and drink experiences, there’s no shortage of magic awaiting visitors. However, amid all the anticipation, one thing has caught many by surprise: the overwhelming demand for the park’s exclusive merchandise.
While fans are eagerly awaiting the opening of Epic Universe, they’re now facing a challenge they didn’t expect — the merchandise has already sold out.
Related: Planning a Trip to Epic Universe? These Are the Rides with the Longest Waits
The park’s most popular merchandise items, some of which feature characters and themes that are unique to Epic Universe, have already flown off the shelves. As with any highly anticipated theme park, exclusive merchandise is often one of the most sought-after items, giving fans the chance to bring a piece of the magic home.
However, as reports have been circulating, some of the most in-demand items have sold out months before the park has even opened to the public. The early sellouts have left many fans disappointed and wondering how this could happen before the park has even officially opened its doors.
While merchandise shortages at theme parks are not uncommon, this early sellout has caused quite a stir. Fans who had planned to purchase exclusive items, such as limited edition plush toys and themed apparel, are now finding themselves scrambling to find a way to get their hands on these coveted items.
A tweet, shared by an insider, revealed the shocking news that the Captain Cacao plush — one of the most anticipated and beloved characters in Epic Universe — had already sold out.
Captain Cacao, a charming character from the park’s new Celestial Park, is featured prominently in promotional materials and has become an instant fan favorite.
BREAKING: Rumors are swirling that Captain Cacao plushies have sold out until August/September at the earliest 😬😬😬
THE PARK ISN’T EVEN OPEN YET 😂😂😂
BREAKING: Rumors are swirling that Captain Cacao plushies have sold out until August/September at the earliest 😬😬😬
THE PARK ISN’T EVEN OPEN YET 😂😂😂
(📸- @SpeculationMatt ) pic.twitter.com/AuBZvR0QCn
— Wallin Ballin (@wallin_ballin) April 19, 2025
The demand for the plush has been so high that the park’s merchandise team is now scrambling to replenish stock, but it may not be available again until late summer — months after the park’s official opening.
The Captain Cacao plush was expected to be one of the best-selling items from the Epic Universe merchandise lineup. Featuring the adorable chocolate bear with a heart-shaped patch on his chest, it quickly became a symbol of the park’s whimsical new area.
Fans who were hoping to grab one of these plushies on opening day are now faced with the reality that the item is sold out, and no restocks are expected until much later in the year. This news has left many fans frustrated, as they were hoping to bring home a piece of the park’s magic.
Related: Universal Pulls Popular Merchandise from Epic Universe Amid Surging Demand
While the sellout is frustrating, it also underscores just how much demand there is for Epic Universe merchandise. Disney and Universal parks have always been known for their exclusive, limited-edition merchandise, but the speed at which this particular item sold out shows just how popular the park is even before its grand opening.
Tickets for Epic Universe are now on sale and the park officially opens on May 22.
Were you hoping to snag a Captain Cacao plush or other exclusive Epic Universe merchandise? Have you experienced a sellout of your favorite park item before? Share your thoughts and frustrations in the comments below!
