If there’s one thing theme park fans know by now, it’s this: loyalty is currency. And Universal Orlando is spending it wisely.
For the month of May, Universal is gifting its Annual Passholders with two exclusive items—a Stardust Racers button and a special Jaws magnet—and while they may not cost anything to grab, their value goes way beyond the price tag.
These aren’t generic giveaways. They’re thoughtful, highly themed, and deeply rooted in Universal history. And maybe that’s the point. Disney has spent the last few years shifting its focus toward its biggest IPs and newest tech. Meanwhile, Universal is turning passholder perks into a celebration of fandom, not a transaction.
Let’s talk about the Stardust Racers button first. It’s sleek, it’s spacey, and it’s totally on-brand for the upcoming Epic Universe coaster. With two tracks—Pulsar and Photon—and a top speed of 62 mph, the ride promises thrills. But what really makes this button hit home is the subtle tribute to Dueling Dragons, a fan-favorite coaster from years past. Including that reference shows Universal understands its fanbase in a way that feels genuine, not manufactured.
The UOAP Stardust Racers button and Jaws magnet are now available! Passholders can pick these up at the Tonight Shop and the UOAP Lounge! pic.twitter.com/v805mRK64G
— HHNSpeculationMatt (@SpeculationMatt) May 1, 2025
This button is also part of a series. That’s right—Universal is rolling out five different designs, each tied to a different themed land inside Epic Universe. It’s smart marketing, sure. But it’s also a savvy way to bring guests back multiple times this month.
And then there’s the Jaws magnet—equally detailed and just as nostalgic. Even though the original Jaws ride is gone, the film’s legacy remains alive and well at Universal. Whether it’s through Tribute Stores, parade floats, or special merch, Universal keeps feeding that connection. The magnet’s clever design—a life ring with a shark bite—is exactly the kind of detail that collectors love.
Plus, there’s no catch. You don’t have to attend a specific after-hours event or book a special vacation package. You just walk into the UOAP Lounge or The Tonight Shop during Bonus Benefits dates and walk out with your goodies. Done.
It all signals a deeper shift in how Universal wants to be seen. Not just as the action-packed park with thrill rides, but as a place that genuinely appreciates its fans. And while Disney fans still enjoy plenty of magic, some are starting to notice the different approach Universal is taking—and they like it.
With Epic Universe getting closer, these kinds of gestures are doing real work. They’re building excitement. They’re generating goodwill. And they’re reminding everyone that sometimes, the best rewards are the ones that come with no strings attached.
In this new era of theme park competition, Universal isn’t just keeping up. It’s leading with fan-first energy—and fans are noticing.
