Universal Studios Hollywood Fan Fest 2025 Features Back to the Future, Star Trek & More

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2024 saw Universal Studios Hollywood unveil a sneak peek of their upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights, which will be making their debut at the park from April through May.

This spring, Universal Studios Hollywood is set to debut a unique, immersive event tailored for die-hard fans. It’s an after-hours celebration that will feature iconic franchises such as Back to the Future, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, One Piece, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

This week, NBC Insider was among the initial media outlets granted early access to Universal Fan Fest Nights’ concept art, demonstrations, exclusive merchandise, and samples of upcoming event food. Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Studios, guided the media through their years-long project, likening Fan Fest to a fusion of “Halloween Horror Nights and Comic-Con.

If you’re not a devoted fan of this particular subject, it won’t offer activities like cosplaying, special photo sessions, character interactions, immersive experiences, or opportunities to socialize with fellow fans.

In April and May of 2025, there will be several opportunities to attend Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Specifically, these nights are scheduled for the following dates: April 25 – 27; May 2 – 4, 9 – 11 and 16 – 18. These events require a separate ticket for admission.

Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley

One distinctive characteristic of Universal Studios Hollywood is that it encompasses an operational filming set, where movies, TV shows, and advertisements are shot day by day, including some iconic productions from Universal Pictures such as the Back to the Future trilogy. For the Universal Fan Fest Nights, the authentic Hill Valley backlot that appeared in all three films will be transformed into a 1955 Hill Valley at Courthouse Square. Visitors will have the opportunity to follow Marty McFly’s footsteps and immerse themselves in what his hometown looked like when his parents were teenagers. The experience will be interactive, with attractions such as a singing Texaco station attendant, a replica of the Enchantment Under the Sea prom, meetings with Doc Brown and his time-traveling DeLorean, following different characters’ storylines in the Square (including Einstein the dog!), and even encountering the storm that hits the Clock Tower.

In this location, you’ll find unique, “Back to the Future” themed meals and sweets available for purchase. Additionally, keep an eye out for authentic 40th anniversary merchandise related to “Back to the Future”, such as license plates, t-shirts, and even a mini Hoverboard bag!

Super Nintendo World: Let’s Go, Yoshi

This year, Super Nintendo World at the theme park is commemorating its two-year anniversary, and a fresh addition to this zone will be unveiled only during Universal Fan Fest Nights. The focus of this expansion is everyone’s beloved character, Yoshi! For the first time ever, guests can interact with Yoshi as a meet-and-greet character within the land. Moreover, there will be a Yoshi-themed scavenger hunt where participants must locate five vibrant Yoshi eggs to unlock an exclusive encounter with a different colored Yoshi.

In addition, enjoy drones showcasing Super Mario characters illuminating the night sky. Indulge in a Yoshi-themed pasta or Green Apple Melon Smoothie. Alternatively, pick up some Yoshi themed merchandise such as a green jacket, mini bags, and more at the 1Up Factory store.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Magical Creatures

At Universal Fan Fest Nights, visitors can expect fresh adventures in Hogwarts, as we introduce the Los Angeles premiere of the enchanting light projection show, “Hogwarts Always.” This immersive experience will guide guests through a student’s year at Hogwarts using graphics, special effects, and a musical score by John Williams from the iconic “Harry Potter” films.

You’ll encounter various enchanting beings as you explore the village, such as a Niffler, a young dragon, and a unique creature known as the Occamy, which often wraps itself around its keeper.

Dungeons & Dragons, Star Trek and anime favorites

For enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in their beloved universes, there’s an exciting lineup of interactive storytelling experiences ahead. These immersive tales, crafted in collaboration with licensors, offer a chance to step inside the stories themselves.

For instance, Star Trek: Red Alert offers a unique opportunity to explore the actual bridge from the final season of Star Trek: Picard, as well as a Transporter Room experience. In another universe, fans of Dungeons & Dragons can join forces on a collective quest, battling a monster created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, specifically the Xanathar beast. For anime aficionados, the fun continues with the chance to explore areas inspired by popular series like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, first introduced at Universal Studios Japan.

These themed zones will also offer exclusive food and merchandise options for purchase, allowing fans to take a piece of the experience home with them.

A Universal Fan Fest Nights ticket grants you entry to every fan zone as well as operation of designated rides throughout the night. Keep an eye on @UniFanFestNights on Instagram for the latest news and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses!

Visit the Universal Studios Hollywood site for various Universal Fan Fest Night ticket choices, beginning January 29, 2025.

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2025-01-31 19:47