Universal’s Fan Fest Nights: Fandoms Unite for an Epic New Adventure

Are you ready to see what happens when Halloween Horror Nights and Comic Con collide? Universal Studios Hollywood’s all-new Fan Fest Nights event has finally landed. The after-hours event transports fans into the worlds of their favorite fantasy, sci-fi, gaming, and anime. And what an amazing night it was with short waits on rides, new fan fest experiences, fun food and beverages, and some very tempting merchandise.

With a Halloween Horror Nights-style format (sans horror) and elaborate experiences, it’s sure to delight fans of all kinds… and we’ve got all the details on the event running select nights April 25–May 18, 2025.

Fan Fest Experiences

The inaugural after-hours event kicked off on April 25th with experiences inspired by some of the most beloved franchises in pop culture.

“The two goals of Fan Fest Nights were to be ‘fan first’ and to be authentic,” said Stephen Siercks, Senior Director, Entertainment Production, Universal Studios Hollywood. “We wanted to service the people who have such fandom for these genres, and we wanted to create [experiences] in a uniquely Universal way.”

Here’s what fans can expect to experience at the all-new event:

Star Trek: Red Alert

It wasn’t just Star Trek fans who were excited to experience Star Trek: Red Alert, a collection of Star Trek cast members also boarded the Enterprise D on the event’s opening night.

Star Trek: Red Alert was created by Universal in collaboration with teams at Paramount and the Star Trek franchise (every scenic piece was pulled from reference material from the original series or directly from set drawings) and bases its storyline on the “Picard-era” Starfleet Museum where guests are invited to tour the Enterprise NCC-1701-D from “The Next Generation.”

“It was the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate the latest with the legacy,” Siercks said. “We’re using the in-world context of Picard to celebrate some of the legacy aspects of the brand with ‘The Next Generation’ version of the Enterprise.”

Rather than a typical Halloween Horror Nights experience where guests move through at a constant pace (what we often refer to as a “conga line”), when guests enter Star Trek: Red Alert, they’ll be grouped into “teams” and will experience the attraction in that group.

It’s also about 10-12 minutes, which is longer than a typical Halloween Horror Nights haunted house.

“In each room, you’ll get some ‘dwell time’ so the scene plays out around you before you continue moving forward,” Siercks said. “We’re calling it a story-based pulse attraction.”

The experience begins as guests board a shuttle to the Enterprise for their exclusive tour. As they enter the shuttle bay, guests are met by a guide who will lead them on their tour of the iconic ship.

Suddenly, an otherworldly entity breaches the craft, forcing them to venture further into the ship, including authentic recreations of the sick bay, the engineering room, and the turbolifts.

Easter Egg Alert: In the corner of the sick bay is a replicator manifesting Earl Grey tea, which, as Star Trek fans will know, is Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s favorite beverage.

As the ship is thrust into Red Alert, guests find themselves on the bridge. However, dear Star Trek fans, this is not just a recreation of the bridge of the Enterprise NCC-1701-D; this is an actual film-used version of the set.

“As part of the Picard series in season 3, they did a ‘throwback’ portion of the series where they did a full meticulous recreation of the bridge set,” Siercks explained.

“Through our great partnership with Paramount, we’re able to use that same set, so giving our guests access to something like this is really unique and reinforces that authenticity pillar of the event.”

Star Trek: Red Alert is located inside the former Walking Dead space on the Upper Lot.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep

Get your party together for an epic quest! DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep will take guests on a fully immersive story-based walk-through experience based on the massively successful role-playing game. While this experience is dark and has some potentially scary moments, it’s all delivered with a light-hearted and comedic tone, which makes it appropriate for almost all ages.

The 10- to 12-minute story-based attraction begins in a pre-show space that celebrates the world of Dungeons & Dragons. But, when the lights dim, a Dungeon Master announces that guests must join the Harpers (a heroic spy network) to recover the Dragon Staff, which has been stolen by legendary beholder Xanathar.

“If you are a casual fan of Dungeons & Dragons, it’s a quest-style adventure,” Siercks said. “But if you’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, you’ll get that much more out of it based on the characters, the environments, there’s tons of Easter eggs around. It’s really playing to all fans of the brand.”

As the Dungeon Master is explaining the adventure ahead, the experience transitions from “playing the game” to being “in the game” – and specifically in the Curious Past Shop – where we meet characters who will guide us through the quest.

“In each of the scenes, there’s a bit of interactivity that happens,” Siercks explained. “So guests are asked to cast spells or engage with the set and the scene as it progresses, so creating an interactive experience along the way.”

As guests move through the rooms, they begin to see signs of the approaching Xanathar’s lair (including his emblem), but first they need to tame a mimic character and solve a puzzle using the runes around the room. But don’t worry, this isn’t an escape room, the show keeps going.

Once inside Xanathar’s treasure-filled lair, they come face-to-face with the beholder himself, who’s been brought to life by the legendary Jim Henson Creature Shop.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep is located inside Sound Stage 15 on the Lower Lot near Transformers.

Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley

Bob Gale, co-creator, co-writer, and co-producer of “Back to the Future” (1985) and its sequels was right on time for opening night.

The Studio Tour “Fan Tram” takes guests all the way to 1955 for Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley.

Universal promised that the experience would look something like the clip below, and we think they nailed it!

The original film location from the 1985 blockbuster, Back to the Future will be available to “free-roam” during Universal Fan Fest Nights, and even the gas station attendants from the movie clip above will be hurrying out to service cars before breaking into song.

“Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley is exciting because…we’re actually bringing our guests to the place where it happened,” Siercks said. “They’ll get to explore Hill Valley like Marty did for the time in 1955, so we’re doing a full celebratory recreation of Court House Square. It will bring the space to life in a way that guests have never been able to experience it before.”

Back to the Future fans will definitely want to spend some time posing for photos with props and characters, but the movie’s pivotal Enchantment Under the Sea Dance will also be in full swing with a live band (and even surprise performances from Marty).

And don’t miss the recreation of the Clock Tower lightning strike that sends Marty McFly back to the future multiple times each night!

The Back to the Future experience is exceptional and worth the cost of admission. Once dropped off at Courthouse Square, take your time enjoying the various shows, character interactions, games, photo opportunities, and the big moment when Marty goes… BACK TO THE FUTURE!!!

Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed

The Jujutsu Kaisen voice cast joined fans on opening night of Universal Fan Fest Nights.

Inspired by the popular manga and anime, Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed is a 4D film that will play in the DreamWorks Theater during Universal Fan Fest Nights.

Initially produced for Universal Studios Japan, the show follows high school student Yuji Itadori after he accidentally becomes the host of a powerful curse and joins Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses.

“We’re really excited to be celebrating anime as part as the event,” Siercks said. “It’s a great partnership with us and the Universal Studios Japan team because they develop anime content seasonally, so we’ve been able to get feedback from them as to what would resonate.”

One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering

While Universal Halloween Horror Nights has “scare zones,” Fan Fest Nights will have “Fan Zones,” including One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering, based on perhaps the most popular manga of all time and an anime boasting over 1000 episodes and counting.

This “fan zone” is a series of character meet and greets and photo opportunities in the fictional world of pirates. Guests can expect appearances from the Straw Hat Crew, including Monkey D. Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. Quite the opposite of a scare zone.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Additions

During Universal Fan Fest Nights, three new magical creatures will be available to meet in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including a Niffler, a baby dragon (that first appeared at Universal Studios Japan), and the grand Occamy.

We also spotted an Occamy with its handler wandering around the land. But be careful if you have pets with you… the Occamy is hungry.

The light projection show that first debuted at Universal Studios Orlando, Hogwarts Always, will illuminate Hogwarts Castle, taking guests on a whimsical journey through a year at the school.

We had a WONDERFUL time enjoying the magical creatures, minimal crowds, and delightful projection show in the Wizarding World. Catch Hogwarts Always and a brief walk through the upper lot with Dusty, Sam, and Eric. Don’t miss this:

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Let’s Go, Yoshi

The fan-favorite Nintendo character, Yoshi, will make his Universal Studios Hollywood debut during Universal Fan Fest Nights!

UPDATED 4/24/25 – As a result of regulation changes, the drone moments originally planned for Super Nintendo World as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights will not take place.

In addition to a meet-and-greet in Super Nintendo World, Yoshi is also hosting a scavenger hunt to locate five Yoshi eggs throughout the land.

Guests wanting to participate in the Yoshi hunt will pick up a headband and will be giving a sticker for each egg they find.

When completing the hunt, guests will receive a special reward… an opportunity to meet several different colored Yoshi.

Yoshi has lots of fans!

The Witches of Wicked

The wonderful witches of Wicked, Elphaba and Glinda, will make their West Coast theme park debut during Universal Fan Fest Nights.

Elphaba and Glinda will greet guests at the theme park’s existing Wicked photo op near the main entrance.

Fan Fest Nights Block Party

Because fans love to celebrate their fandom together, Fan Fest Nights will feature a “Block Party” in Universal Plaza, with trivia, cosplay contests, and more.

“One of the things that we’re excited about for Fan Fest Nights that’s a little different than Halloween Horror Nights is that we’re looking to celebrate the fans,” Siercks said. “We know that fans of these genres celebrate as a community, so we’re creating space for them around the park… and hopefully, it will be a space where they want to keep coming back to throughout the night.”

Universal Fan Fest Nights Food

Universal Fan Fest Nights ticket holders can look forward to dining their way through the event’s interactive and immersive experiences with menu items themed to the worlds of Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World.

The Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass will allow guests to sample six items: two eligible entrée items and four eligible side, snack, dessert, or beverage items (eligible menu items will be designated by a Dining Pass logo on the menu boards).

The Dining Pass will be available for purchase at two kiosks and participating restaurants (redeemable at participating food and beverage locations only; additional restrictions apply).

Star Trek: Red Alert Food

Quark’s Cafe at Hollywood & Dine

• Klingon Targ Legs: Charsui honey pork wings served with kimchi fried rice
• Tribble Truffle Trio: A trio of chocolate truffles topped with coconut

• Andorian Red Bat Sandwich: Herb marinated chicken breast on a bao bun with garlic aioli, charred red onion and arugula served with Andorian Tuber Root
• Vulcan Fritters: Fried mushroom fritters served with hummus and dusted with a Redspice Vulcan logo

• Bajoran Hasperat: Slow-cooked spicy pork, gochujang, pickled vegetables with sriracha mayonnaise

• Cardassian Dog: Hot Cheeto covered Korean-style Corn Dog with Yamok sauce, made with smoked gouda, nacho cheese, gochujang and jalapenos
• Orion Spice Funnel Cake: Matcha dusted funnel cake topped with matcha icing, whipped cream and Orion spice crumble

10 Forward Bar at Laemmle Courtyard

• Klingon Bloodwine: A popular Klingon wine
• Andorian Ale: Originated on the planet Andoria, this blue colored alcoholic beverage is made with gin, blue Curacao, lemonade, lemon / lime soda and garnished with blue vanilla cake frosting and pop rocks, served in a shot glass

• Plomeek Tea: This refreshing beverage features hibiscus iced tea, fresh raspberries and garnished with mint sprig
• Bajoran Ale: A traditional Quark cocktail served with and without alcohol. With alcohol, cocktail features tequila, mezcal, pineapple and lime juice, ginger and simple syrup, bitters and soda water, and garnished with ginger candy. The mocktail version includes non-alcoholic spirits, ginger ale and orange juice and garnished with ginger candy
• Kanar: A popular Cardassian liquor made with aged rum, pomegranate juice, black cherry syrup, lemon juice and soda water and garnished with a black cherry fruit gummy candy

• Orion Hurricane: Served on the USS Enterprise, this strikingly green beverage is made with coconut, pineapple and lime rum, melon liquor, lime juice, green apple syrup, soda water and edible glitter and garnished with a silver dusted dehydrated lime slice
• Ceti Eel Margarita: Inspired by the Ceti Eel that enters the body via the ear and wraps itself around the cerebral cortex, this cocktail features vodka, lime juice, agave, pineapple juice, jalapeno syrup and bitters and garnished with electric fire dust and a gummy Ceti Eel

• Romulan Ale: This drink features vodka, blue Curacao, lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon lime soda and bitters and garnished with blue rock candy
• Tea, Earl Grey, Cold and Hot: A cocktail twist on Captain Picard’s favorite available both cold and hot, features bourbon, Earl Grey tea, honey syrup and lemon juice and garnished with a dehydrated lemon slice
• Chateau Picard: A French Bordeaux wine inspired by the Picard family vineyard, Chateau Picard

“Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley” Food

Mel’s Diner

• Outatime Cookie: Chocolate malt cookie with crunchie pieces and chocolate pieces and garnished with edible flame colored icing
• Flux Capacitor Patty Melt: All-beef patty, sweet caramelized onions, American cheese and Thousand Island dressing served on a Flux Capacitor branded sourdough
• Time Traveler’s Malt Shake: Vanilla ice cream, blue raspberry sauce and whipped cream topped with blue and silver sprinkles with a cherry on top

The Time Machine: Pastrami melt with Swiss cheese and cabbage slaw served on toasted sourdough

Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken pot pie dusted with crispy cheddar cheese flakes

Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep Food

The First Roll Tavern at Jurassic Cove

• Hunter’s Mark: Marinated beef, arugula and cheese served on a ciabatta roll
• Beholder’s Brew Fondue: Rosemary and onion tavern loaf served with creamy beer fondue
• Traveler’s Rations: Dried fruit, hardtack, cheese and dried meats
• Fireball: Spicey chocolate brownie with a strawberry, chili and lime filling and topped with pop rocks
• Gelatinous Cube: Blue raspberry gummy filled with candy bones and sugar weapons
• The Eldritch Blast: A neon green cocktail made with vodka, apple and kiwi syrup, lemon juice, lemon / lime soda, edible green glitter, edible electric dust, kiwi popping boba and a mint sprig
• Red Dragon’s Breath: A cherry red cocktail made with tequila, dragon fruit syrup, lime juice, jalapeno, and hibiscus ginger beer served over dry ice
• Goodberry: A brick red cocktail made with white rum, blackberry syrup, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and soda water and garnished with candy
• Charm Person: A golden yellow cocktail made with spiced rum, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, honey and mango syrup and garnished with habanero, chili and lime and a tamarind infused straw
• Beholder’s Blueberry Shandy: Draft beer, lemonade and blueberry syrup and garnished with blueberries
• Beholder’s Brew: Draft beer

“One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering” Food

Sanji’s Galley at Cocina Mexicana

• Franky’s Cola Barbacoa: Shredded beef tacos topped with pickled onion, jalapeno and cilantro served with a side of tortilla chips

• Luffy’s Meat on a Bone: Braised ribs topped with mole, sesame seeds and cilantro
• Zoro’s Torta: Grilled shrimp with chile lime crema, cabbage slaw and avocados with a side of tortilla chips
• Sanji’s Chicken Adobo: Marinated chicken simmered in a blend of chili and garlic served over Spanish rice, refried beans and cotija cheese brow
• Straw Hat Crew Nachos: Tortilla chips layered with Caribbean jerk chicken, queso, pineapple salsa and cilantro
• Pirate’s Plunder Chips and Dip: Tortilla chips served with a trio of dipping sauces
• Chopper Cupcake: Vanilla sponge cake filled with crispy cotton candy pieces, topped with cotton candy frosting and chocolate cookie antlers
• Devil Fruit Concha: Sweet bread roll with ginger pineapple filling

• Namie’s Tangerine Breeze: Tasty orange beverage made with tangerine and lime juice, honey syrup and club soda, garnished with a tangerine slice and mint sprig
• Nico Robin’s Tropical Iced Tea: Black iced tea, pineapple juice, coconut water and honey, topped with a pineapple wedge, pineapple frond and fresh raspberries
• Thousand Sunny Donut: Donut filled with mango, chili and lime, emblazoned with an edible Thousand Sunny emblem (also available at Voodoo Doughnut)

“Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed” Food

Re-themed DreamWorks concession cart

• Yuji’s Chocolate Brownie: Vanilla and Chocolate churros coated in vanilla and chocolate icing, sprinkles and printed token

• Nobara’s Strawberry Hammer Smash: A frozen strawberry beverage with sweet and spicy chili and lime rim and garnished with a fresh strawberry
• Ten Shadows Churro: Chocolate and cream sandwich cookie drizzled with vanilla frosting atop a powdered sugar churro drizzled with chocolate frosting
• Sukuna Cursed Crunch: Red velvet cookie with white chocolate chips

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Fan Fest Event Food

A three-course meal served at the Three Broomsticks (reservations required and can be made via the free official Universal Studios Hollywood app).

Guests may choose one menu item from each of the following categories:

Appetizers:

Hogwarts Cornish Pasty

• Gryffindor: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with red pepper chutney
• Slytherin: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with cilantro and mint chutney
• Hufflepuff: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with mango chutney
• Ravenclaw: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with blueberry chutney

Entrees:

• Sunday Roast: Herb-crusted roast, served with roasted vegetables, potato puree, onion gravy and Yorkshire pudding
• Curry Chicken: Served with steamed rice, charred red onion and yogurt drizzle
• Fish and Chips: Fresh beer battered cod, served with chips, smashed peas and grilled lemon
• Toad in the Hole: Vegan Yorkshire pudding with plant-based sausage, served with roasted vegetables, potato puree and onion gravy

Desserts:

• The Golden Snitch: Vanilla sponge cake, chocolate mousse and orange marmalade topped with honey tuille wings.
• The House Cup Trifle: Pineapple, kiwi, strawberries and blueberries layered with a vanilla orange sponge cake and vanilla bean pastry cream

Magic Neep Cart (Reservations not required)

• Hogwarts Meat Pie: Puff pastry filled with braised beef, potatoes, peas, onions and carrots

• Hogwarts House Churro:
  • Gryffindor: Churro rolled in cherry sugar and topped with vanilla icing
  • Slytherin: Churro rolled in green apple sugar and topped with vanilla icing
  • Hufflepuff: Churro rolled in pineapple coconut sugar and topped with vanilla icing
  • Ravenclaw: Churro rolled in blue raspberry sugar and topped with vanilla icing

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream counter (Reservations not required)

• Niffler’s Bounty Ice Cream Cone: Caramel soft serve served in a chocolate waffle cone, topped with a chocolate gold coin and edible pearls
• The Pygmy Puff Sundae: Vanilla soft serve served in a blueberry waffle cone, topped with cotton floss

“Super Nintendo World: Let’s Go Yoshi” Food

At Toadstool Cafe, guests can enjoy two Yoshi themed items prepared by Chef Toad:

• Yoshi’s Smoothie (Apple Melon): Bursting with the flavors of green apple and honeydew melon with a touch of milk for creaminess and topped with whipped cream, honeydew melon syrup and a mint sprig
• Yoshi’s Fettuccini Alfredo: Pesto alfredo sauce, grilled chicken, broccoli and mushrooms topped with Yoshi Egg bread

Select restaurants at Universal CityWalk will also celebrate Universal Fan Fest Nights with a specialty themed food and beverage items, available during the run of the event. These include Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and Voodoo Doughnut.

Universal Fan Fest Merchandise

There’s a collection of Universal Fan Fest merch as well as franchise-specific items for the event.

Trekkies can take home an adorable Tribble and a variety of branded clothes.

There’s even a proper Starfleet visitor uniform for your cosplay needs.

Dungeons and Dragons fans can take home some role-playing merchandise for their next campaign with maps, potions, and bags.

The Wizarding World merchandise is all inspired by the adorable fuzzy magical creatures.

With items inspired by all three Back to the Future films, there’s a lot to love from the Back to the Future merchandise.

The Jujutsu Kaisen merchandise has a focus on black and white wolves.

Merchandise for the Straw Hat Crew focuses on novelty items based on the individual characters.

There’s even a full Luffy outfit complete with straw hat, red jacket, and blue bag.

Some new Yoshi gear is coming to Super Nintendo World for the event.

Universal Fan Fest Nights Tickets Available Now!

Tickets are on sale now for Universal Fan fest Nights with a variety of ticket options. These will look familiar to fans of Halloween Horror Nights, including a season pass that includes admission to all event nights.

• General Admission: General Admission ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
• Universal Express: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
• Universal Express Unlimited: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including unlimited express access (per day) to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
• After 2PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day General Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
• After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express: Daytime admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day, plus one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction during the event.
• 2-Night General Admission: 2-Night General Admission access to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Blockout dates apply to second visit.
• Ultimate Fandom Pass: General Admission pass to enjoy up to all event nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights. No blockout dates on return visits. Does not include early event access.
• Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 5:30pm (subject to change) to select Universal Fan Fest Nights in-world experiences prior to event opening. A Universal Fan Fest Nights admission ticket must be purchased separately.
• Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour: Enjoy VIP treatment of the event, including a shared, expertly guided walking tour of the in-world experiences, rides and attractions, as well as a gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room and complimentary valet parking.
• Pass Member Special Pricing:  Pass Members can take advantage of special online Pass Member pricing on General Admission tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights when visiting on select nights.

And… just a tip… We spotted Fan Fest tickets discounted on Groupon. At less than $75 per person for a 7 hour event with access to rides, entertainment and Fan Fest, that’s a tremendous value!

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Our thanks to Samantha Davis-Friedman, Dusty Sage, Eric Low, Anthony Hays, Scott Attula, and the MiceChat crew for their contributions to this article. We had a great time sharing Fan Fest with all of you.