Universal’s Fan Fest Nights: A Must-See for Star Trek and Back to the Future Fans!

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Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are two theme parks that any enthusiast should make a point to visit whenever possible, but it’s common knowledge that there is one event Universal puts on that marks the peak of its year – Halloween Horror Nights. Each year, a range of franchises, which aren’t typically part of the park, receive their own unique and chilling experiences.

Regrettably, during the eight months when HHN isn’t operating, there hasn’t been anything comparable to it – that is, until now! Let’s welcome Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fan Fest Nights.

Previously, Universal Studios Hollywood unveiled a fresh post-hours ticketed affair titled Fan Fest Nights for the upcoming year. Although they mentioned iconic series such as Star Trek, Back to the Future, and Dungeons & Dragons, we remained uncertain about what the event would entail.

Now, it’s been confirmed that Fan Fest Nights will share a similar format with Halloween Horror Nights, as various sections of the park will be dedicated to different franchises. These areas will either offer immersive walk-through experiences or serve as hangout spots for guests. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Star Trek: Red Alert

Star Trek is among the most prominent franchises globally, yet it lacks a substantial theme park presence. However, Star Trek: Red Alert seems to be what fans have been craving for. It promises an opportunity for fans to experience being on the bridge of the Enterprise itself.

In this immersive experience, visitors will journey through an attraction akin to an HHN house, set within the timeframe of “Star Trek: Picard.” You’ll find yourself exploring a reimagined Starfleet museum, as depicted in “Picard” Season 3. As you meander through the exhibit, an extraterrestrial menace erupts, propelling you through iconic sets like a refurbished Enterprise-D bridge from “Picard.” To conclude your adventure, you’ll exit by beaming out—a special effect Universal is hinting at, which we can hardly wait to witness in action!

Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley

It’s astonishing that “Back to the Future” remains so well-loved in modern times, given it hasn’t had any sequels or reboots. One possible explanation for its enduring appeal might be due to the fact that Universal Parks consistently keep the franchise fresh. You can encounter the DeLorean and interact with Doc Brown at Universal Orlando, while the original Hill Valley Clocktower set is still a regular feature on Universal’s Studio Tour each day.

In the heart of Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley, I’ll have the privilege to experience the main attraction – a meticulously crafted set that serves as the epicenter. The “Fan Tram” ride will escort us to this magical realm, revealing a faithful replica of 1955 Hill Valley. Here, we’ll encounter characters, immerse ourselves in the music, and so much more. Typically, visitors don’t get to roam around the backlot like this, making this experience truly unique and memorable.

Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets Of Waterdeep

In simpler terms, Dungeons & Dragons traditionally requires players to use their creativity, however, with Secrets of Waterdeep, that might not be as crucial because it’s more like an interactive attraction where guests become members of the Harpers, a spy network, and work together to thwart Xanathar, a gangster beholder. The most exciting part is probably encountering Xanathar himself, as he will be made real by creations from the Jim Henson Creature Shop.

Excited as a long-time D&D game moderator who has incorporated Xanathar in my sessions, I can hardly contain my anticipation for his onscreen debut. It feels like the most promising follow-up to Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, that I’m expecting.

One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering

Among the thrilling aspects of Halloween Horror Nights lies the allure of scarezones – vast, themed areas designed for visitors to explore freely at their convenience. Here, they can interact with characters, take photos, or just soak up the atmosphere. Similarly, One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering will breathe life into the famous anime, providing an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the pirate world.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed

At Fan Fest Nights, you’ll have the chance to watch another highly anticipated anime – “Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed”. Until now, this film has only been available for viewing at Universal Studios Japan. However, during Fan Fest Nights, the Dreamworks Theater (usually showing a 3D Kung-Fu Panda movie) will be screening this well-loved movie experience instead.

Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

As a movie connoisseur, let me share my excitement about Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fan Fest Nights! It’s not just about novelty; even the old favorites are joining the fun. The enchanting realm of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be open during this event, offering guests a unique opportunity to encounter some of Newt Scamander’s beloved magical creatures, such as a Niffler, a baby dragon, and the grand Occamy.

Moreover, the captivating Hogwarts Castle projection show, which made its debut at Universal Orlando Resort last year, will now grace the West Coast Park with its presence for the first time. This promises to be an unforgettable experience, transporting us back to the magical world of Hogwarts!

Super Nintendo World: Let’s Go, Yoshi

At Universal Studios Hollywood, the latest arrival is Super Nintendo World. Though many popular characters from the Super Mario universe can be spotted there, one notable exception is Yoshi. Despite having his own attraction at Universal Studios Japan and being planned for Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World, space constraints have prevented him from appearing in Hollywood.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be making my grand entrance during Fan Fest Nights! You’ll have a chance to meet me up close and personal for some unforgettable interactions. There’s also a fresh new game on offer, where you’ll join the hunt for Yoshi eggs. And get ready to be amazed, as there will be celebratory drone displays lighting up the night sky!

Food And Merchandise

Absolutely, a theme park isn’t just about rides; it’s essential to offer various dining and shopping experiences as well. For each novelty at Fan Fest Nights, we’ve planned unique themed food and souvenirs to enrich the fan experience.

Each week from April 25th through May 18th, Fan Fest Nights will take place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The event is happening now, so grab your tickets while you can! If this event turns out to be a hit, we can expect it to grow even bigger and more spectacular in future years, just like Halloween Horror Nights did before it.

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2025-02-03 02:39