Universal Studios Is Launching A "Fan Fest Nights" For The First Time, And I Am So, So, So, So Ready To Geek Out

Buzz Feed

30-01-2025

If you're a fan of Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights (like yours truly) and ALSO geeky culture (also like yours truly), then I have wonderful news for you. Universal Fan Fest Nights is a new, limited-time, seasonal event that's launching on April 25 (exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood), and it's basically going to be Halloween Horror Nights meets Comic-Con.
From the creators of Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature all-new, uniquely curated, and immersive experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime throughout the park on select nights from April 25 to May 18, 2025. And here's exactly what you can expect:
First off, there's " Star Trek: Red Alert," a fully immersive walk-through experience where you'll get to actually walk onto a screen-used set.
What it is: Inspired by the Star Trek universe, this daring walk-through experience will boldly take guests on an immersive adventure aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. You'll go on a mission to prevent an interstellar threat and be transported to the year 2403, just as an otherworldly entity wreaks havoc on the ship. As the chaos ensues, you'll venture further into the Enterprise, navigating familiar Star Trek environments, from the ship's engineering room to transporter pads to the soul of the Starship Enterprise, the bridge — an original set piece featured in the third and final season of Star Trek: Picard — in a desperate quest to stop the perceived danger and restore peace aboard the ship.
Next (and the one I'm most excited about), is " Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley," which will take you to the Universal backlot courthouse square where they actually filmed the movie!
What it is: This nostalgic experience is based on the 1985 Back to the Future blockbuster movie and invites guests to time travel back to 1955 Hill Valley alongside the film's iconic characters. Time travel begins the moment guests climb aboard the Studio Tour 'Fan Tram' and venture towards Courthouse Square, the original filming location for this classic film located on Universal Studios' world-famous backlot. Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley will pay homage to this groundbreaking film by inserting guests into many familiar scenes with iconic props. From Hill Valley with the original Lyon Estate monuments to the Time Machine on display, guests will have the sensation of going back in time as they partake in the energetic recreation of the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and Hill Valley Festival, plus experience a stunning recreation of the Clock Tower lightning strike, sending Marty back to the future multiple times each event night.
Then there's "Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep," another walk-through experience, this time featuring an original creation from Jim Henson's Creature Shop.
What it is: Inspired by the World's Greatest Roleplaying Game™ (Yes, this is actually trademarked!), Dungeons & Dragons, this epic experience will welcome you to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. You'll join the Harpers — a heroic spy network — to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep. In creating this unique experience, Universal Studios Hollywood is collaborating with the iconic Jim Henson's Creature Shop to create the legendary beholder Xanathar that will come to life within DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep.
Now, for anime fans, there's " One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering," which will be one of the "Fan Zone" experiences (think of it like the "Scare Zones" during HHN).
What it is: This unique experience is inspired by the long-running global hit anime series, One Piece, from creator Eiichiro Oda, which follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew, including Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji, on their quest to find 'One Piece,' the legendary treasure of the former King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger. The Grand Pirate Gathering will transport guests into the series' fictional world of pirates through an immersive and interactive experience, complete with iconic visuals and scenic environments that place fans at the heart of the action. Guests will also have time to enjoy uplifting meet-and-greet opportunities with different characters and as well as participate in themed interactive photo ops.
...and also " Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed," a film-based experience.
What it is: This anime experience, inspired by a widely popular Japanese manga and its anime adaptation, 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. This epic adventure will be transformed into an exciting film-based experience, which first debuted at Universal Studios Japan.
And if you're as obsessed with Super Nintendo World as the rest of, well, the world is, you'll be VERY excited to hear you'll finally get a chance to meet Yoshi during the fest at Super "Nintendo World: Let's Go, Yoshi!"
What it is: "Super Nintendo World: Let's Go, Yoshi" is a fun addition to Super Nintendo World. It will mark the debut of beloved fan favorite Yoshi as a brand new meet-and-greet character within the land during Universal Fan Fest Nights. As part of Yoshi's welcome to the land, you'll have a chance to interact with Yoshi as you engage in a scavenger hunt to locate all five colorful Yoshi eggs. After completing this original quest, you'll reap a special reward with the unique opportunity to meet a different colored Yoshi!!! And look out for celebratory drone moments that will illuminate the night sky throughout the evening.
Finally, even The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is getting some fun new additions for Fan Fest.
What it is: During the event, you'll have a chance to further engage in this immersive land with all-new magical creature interactions, including the opportunity to meet the Niffler, a Baby Dragon, and grand Occamy. There will also be a new (to Hollywood) "Hogwarts Always" light projection show designed to take you on a whimsical journey through a school year at Hogwarts.
And, of course, there will be a ton of NEW food (and merch) during the event. Here's a look at just a few of the tasty treats you can try...
Like this almost-too-cool-to-eat "Outatime Cookie" from Back to the Future:
These savory and very logical "Vulcan Fritters" from Star Trek:
This adorable "Chopper Cupcake" from One Piece:
And this fierce "Yuji Cupcake" from Jujutsu Kaisen:
This savory and magical "Hogwarts Meat Pie" from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
And this suuuuuper cute "Yoshi's Apple Melon Smoothie" from Super Nintendo World:
And here's a quick video to get a look at even more treats:
@crystalrodraws
Taste testing at the Universal Fan Fest Nights food and merch preview!! #universalfanfestnights #supernintendoworld #harrypotter #startrek #backtothefuture @Universal Studios Hollywood
♬ Walking Around - Instrumental Version - Eldar Kedem
@crystalrodraws
So, if you're ready to geek the heck out, visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to purchase tickets NOW. The event's dates are April 25-27, May 2-4, 9-11, and 16-18, 2025.