Universal Studios’ Fan Fest Nights Are About To Get More Awesome

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Frankly speaking, theme parks don’t really appeal to me. I didn’t have many memorable childhood experiences in them, so there’s no nostalgic allure. While I can enjoy rides and rollercoasters, they’re not something I’m passionate about. Moreover, the interactions with actors dressed as characters feel awkward to me, and it’s hard for me to believe that they’ve come off the screen into reality. Even though I understand why others might enjoy it, theme parks have never been high on my list of preferred activities. Given that Los Angeles has numerous theme parks like Disneyland, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Knott’s Berry Farm, and LEGOLAND, I could easily visit whenever I want, but the urge is never strong.

Generally, it takes something exceptionally exciting to entice me to a theme park, but this week, my curiosity was piqued by the announcements about Universal Fan Fest Nights coming up in the spring at Universal Studios Hollywood. On Tuesday, I attended a sneak peek event for media, giving us an early look at the various attractions and offerings that will be available during the event. I left feeling quite impressed, especially by what was presented for two specific properties: Star Trek and Back to the Future. Not everything being planned appealed to me, but I was definitely blown away by what was displayed for these two franchises.

Star Trek: Red Alert Promises An Immersive Journey Inside The Enterprise-D

Although the concept of complete immersion has faced some setbacks in theme park circles following the incident with the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel, I must admit that the proposals for Universal Fan Fest Nights for Trekkies/Trekkers have managed to leave me quite impressed. The upcoming event, Star Trek: Red Alert, seems to offer a unique opportunity to step into the world of this beloved science-fiction series, and the team at Universal Studios is going the extra mile with their creative approach, which is truly commendable.

At the designated area of the park, guests will travel timewards (to be precise, the Picard epoch of the series) and wind up at the Starfleet Museum. The pièce de résistance of this museum is none other than the Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The Next Generation, a sight to behold. Unlike merely gazing at it through a screen, visitors will have an opportunity to step aboard this legendary vessel and explore significant areas. The journey commences at the shuttle station, then proceeds to the infirmary (or sick bay) and command center, followed by a turbolift ride. The climax of the adventure is exploring the bridge, the highlight of the tour.

For some enthusiasts, merely stepping onto the bridge of Enterprise-D might be thrilling enough, however, it’s significant to highlight that this space wasn’t constructed exclusively for Universal Fan Fest Nights. Instead, the actual set used in the filming of Paramount+’s series “Star Trek: Picard,” where the cast from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” reunited in its third season, will be on display. This added layer of authenticity isn’t necessary for the event (they could have simply created another replica), but I appreciate that it is there.

I’m equally intrigued by the hints given about the conclusion of the Star Trek: Red Alert adventure. Leaving the Enterprise-D is promised to involve guests transporting back to Earth using the iconic transporters from the series, yet the method they will use to achieve this effect remains a secret for now. As someone new to theme parks, I can’t guess how they’ll pull it off, but my interest is certainly sparked!

Courtyard Square Will Return To 1950s Glory In Back To The Future: Destination Hill Valley

Universal Studios Hollywood stands out because its theme park shares borders with the very lot where numerous timeless films were shot, and I’m utterly captivated by how Universal Fan Fest Nights effectively leverages this fact. It’s thrilling enough to witness recreations of sets from movies like “Back to the Future,” but what makes it exceptionally exciting is doing so in the very same locations where those iconic scenes were originally filmed.

At Universal Fan Fest Nights, attendees are given the chance to experience the role of Marty McFly, as portrayed by Michael J. Fox, in Back To The Future: Destination Hill Valley. This immersive setup allows visitors to walk through Courthouse Square as it was in the 1950s, with vintage storefronts, classic cars, a pretend gas station, and “Mr. Sandman” by The Chordettes playing in the background via speakers.

Beyond providing additional scenic elements such as the Enchantment Under The Sea Dance location and Doc Brown’s pet Einstein, the most captivating disclosure was the reenactment of the climax from Back To The Future, where a lightning bolt during a storm hits the clock tower to power up the DeLorean for time travel. Similar to the transportation effects in Star Trek: Red Alert, I am intrigued to discover the behind-the-scenes secrets that make this on-screen magic a reality in the physical world.

Get ready for an exciting chance to explore a variety of worlds, including those based on “Dungeons & Dragons”, “One Piece”, “Jujutsu Kaisen” and more! Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood are set for this spring (April 25-27, May 2-4, May 9-11, and May 16-18). Tickets for the special event, with prices starting at $74 for one or two days, can be purchased from the official website now. Here’s hoping it delivers on its immense promise, as not only does it look fantastic to someone like me who doesn’t frequent theme parks often, but I’m also intrigued by what they might achieve in future years.

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2025-01-30 23:38