Latest Universal Orlando Accusations Has Guests Furious

Universal Orlando Resort is being accused of using AI-generated artwork within its decor for its Holiday overlay at CityWalk. How bad are the images? Let’s find out.

AI Artwork Allegedly Appears in Universal Orlando’s Holiday Decor

Something about this year’s holiday transformation at Universal Orlando has guests doing double-takes — and not because of the twinkling lights or Earl the Squirrel’s growing list of festive shenanigans. Instead, it was a single moment of confusion from guests touring the updated Green & Red Coconut Club that sparked an unexpected debate.

Why did some of the new “family portraits” feel… different, almost like they didn’t come from the same creative team fans have come to love? And what, exactly, tipped off so many eagle-eyed visitors?

That mystery unraveled faster than a string of Christmas lights — but not before raising a bigger question about theme park creativity in the age of emerging technology.

A Curious Detail Hidden in Plain Sight

During this year’s holiday overlay at CityWalk, several guests touring the re-decorated Green & Red Coconut Club were struck by three particular pieces of artwork displayed upstairs on Earl the Squirrel’s “family portrait” wall. The images were large, cleanly framed, and themed around — what else — squirrels celebrating the holidays in snowy, whimsical environments.

At first glance, they seemed harmless, if a bit quirky. But as more guests spent time inside the fan-favorite venue, some noticed details that didn’t quite match Universal’s usual artistic fingerprints. Features appeared slightly stylized, textures felt subtly inconsistent, and backgrounds evoked a familiar digital sheen many audiences have learned to recognize.

That’s when the conversation began shifting online.

Fans Spot Something Unexpected in the Decor

The earliest widespread attention came from X user van_more_, who pointed out that the squirrel portraits contained visual patterns associated with AI-generated imagery.

Shortly after, theme park personality and X user AliciaStella identified two of the same images being sold online through Temu as holiday porch flags — strongly suggesting the pieces originated from a mass-produced digital source rather than custom in-house artwork.

AI generated art at Universal Red Coconut Club :/ https://t.co/TQOIzb7YZl

— van 🏳️‍⚧️ (@van_more_) November 21, 2025

None of this confirms Universal itself created the images using AI. It’s possible the pieces were purchased from a third-party vendor, as theme parks often mix handcrafted decor with commercially acquired seasonal items. However, the discovery still prompted a wave of discussion among fans about where the line should be drawn in themed entertainment design.

The first one looks like it could be AI to me, but the other two I could only find online as porch flags for sale. pic.twitter.com/i0XbAcglzG

— Alicia Stella (@AliciaStella) November 22, 2025

A New Frontier for Theme Park Creativity?

What’s fueling the conversation isn’t simply the presence of alleged AI art — it’s the broader implications. Universal Orlando is known for its immersive storytelling and handcrafted aesthetic, especially in spaces like the Green & Red Coconut Club, where fans expect an intentional blend of humor, nostalgia, and themed detail.

So when decor appears to be sourced from AI-assisted commercial production, guests begin asking: does using AI diminish the artistry of seasonal overlays, or is it just the natural evolution of cost-effective design?

The debate mirrors similar discussions happening across the entertainment industry. As AI-generated visuals become increasingly accessible, businesses large and small are experimenting with them, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unknowingly through third-party suppliers. In this case, guests weren’t upset as much as they were surprised — and curious about what it means for future holiday overlays.

Universal Has Not Publicly Commented

As of now, Universal Orlando has not issued a statement regarding the origin of the squirrel portraits or whether the artwork was knowingly sourced from AI-based creators. The decor remains installed as part of the 2025 holiday overlay, and guests visiting CityWalk can view the portraits upstairs inside the Green & Red Coconut Club.

Until any official clarification is given, most of the conversation remains centered on guest reactions, the online detective work that uncovered the art’s possible origins, and the broader conversation about how theme parks will navigate AI-assisted creativity moving forward.

A Growing Conversation Among Fans

Whether visitors feel amused, disappointed, or indifferent, one thing is clear: the discovery has turned a normally lighthearted holiday overlay into a surprise flashpoint for a rapidly evolving artistic landscape.

The Green & Red Coconut Club has always been a quirky, ever-changing seasonal experience — but this year, it may also be a glimpse into how technology will quietly shape the decor and storytelling of future theme park seasons.

If you’ve visited the club this year, did the portraits stand out to you? And does AI-assisted artwork affect your experience of Universal’s holiday offerings?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments and on social media.