Universal Fan Fest Nights has returned to Universal Studios Hollywood for a second year, and it’s clear Universal’s creative team took guest feedback to heart following the event’s 2025 debut, with expanded experiences, a new immersive walk through, a new live show, and character interactions that blur the line between themed attraction and interactive storytelling.
“At its core Universal Fan Fest Nights is ‘fan first’ and authentic,” said Universal’s senior director of entertainment (and the executive producer of Fan Fest Nights), Stephen Siercks. “We want to celebrate the fans that have an affinity for these genres, and continue to build a legacy of delivery authentic experiences that are Uniquely Universal.”
The 2026 lineup builds on what worked last year, mixing all-new concepts with returning favorites and larger-scale productions, including ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show in the WaterWorld arena, Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot and the Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Fan Fest Nights runs on select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, as a separately ticketed, after-hours event. All in-world experiences included with admission.
What Is Universal Fan Fest Nights?
Universal Fan Fest Nights is not Halloween Horror Nights… and that’s the point.
Instead of scares, this event focuses on fandoms: sci-fi, fantasy, anime, gaming, and classic franchises. The emphasis is on immersive walk-throughs, cosplay-friendly environments, live shows, interactive characters, and experiences that feel closer to themed entertainment showcases than haunted houses.
“It’s very exciting for us to build on the legacy of Halloween Horror Nights and continue building on the new legacy of Fan Fest Nights,” Siercks said.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event, Fan Fest Nights 2026 is focused on three pillars: Celebrating new fandoms, immersive and interactive experiences, and bringing back fan favorites.
NEW! Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot
This is the headline new experience, and it’s arguably the most “Universal” concept on the slate.
“This is the ultimate mystery mash-up, bringing together two iconic brands,” Siercks said. “We’ve got the legacy of the Universal Monsters meeting the nostalgia of Scooby Doo. And this is something only we can do here at Universal Studios Hollywood, not only in terms of the way in which the story is being told, but where we’re telling it: A brand new area of the Universal backlot.”
Guests board the Studio Tour tram and are transported to the backlot, where they’ll step into a live-action mystery alongside Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred. But this isn’t just a walk-through… it’s structured as a movie shoot gone wrong.
If you’ve been on the studio tour, you’ve probably seen the massive 50-by-200-foot Universal Monsters mural painted by street artist Tristan Eaton. Well, that mural has an important role to play in this experience.
During the ride, guests learn they’ve been cast as extras in a fictional monster movie, but when they arrive at the mural, they learn that a mysterious figure known as the “Phantom Director” has taken over. Through a choreographed lighting and audio sequence—both onboard the tram and on the mural—the Phantom Director unleashes the classic Universal monsters, who start wreaking havoc on the movie set.
But help is on the way as the Mystery, Inc. gang arrives to solve the mystery… but, of course, they can’t do it alone.
From there, the experience becomes interactive. Armed with a detective manual, guests work with the Mystery Inc. gang to follow clues, explore the sets, and ultimately identify which of the four suspects is the culprit behind the sabotage.
“In order to do this, we’re going to have to meet different characters and go on different missions around the Little Europe area,” Siercks explained. “But it’s a non-linear experience, so you can do it any way you want.”
Each Scooby Doo character has a “headquarters,” where they’ll share information to help solve the mystery. But each of the Universal monsters—Frankenstein’s Monster, Bride of Frankenstein, Dracula, and Wolf Man (a brand new meet-and-greet character) are also roaming throughout the area (scare zone-style), controlled by the Phantom Director with a “glow.”
Occasionally, the Phantom Director calls upon a monster who goes into a trance and takes over the set.
There are also fun interactions between the monsters and the gang.
On opening night, guests (including us) were instructed to follow the clues and solve the mystery—and many people were taking copious notes in their mystery manual.
We’re sharing a few clues here, but we don’t want to spoil the fun!
Once guests think they’ve solved the mystery, they head to the grand finale “reveal moment” where the Phantom Director is unmasked, just like the last few minutes of every Scooby Doo episode.
“The entire experience in Little Europe is as if you were able to live through a real-life Scooby Doo episode that’s happening in real time,” Siercks said.
But unlike the cartoon, there’s not only one ending. The experience changes, with four different endings (and a different culprit) rotating each night.
Our Thoughts on this interactive Scooby Doo mystery?
The setting is iconic. Guests are able to wander through the historic Little Europe and the Court of Miracles sets, original filming locations for Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941). The blend of real Hollywood history and immersive storytelling is exactly what makes this concept work.
Compared to last year’s Back to the Future experience, Mystery on the Backlot allows fans to explore at their own pace. And, unlike last year’s “living play” structure, where small scenes were scattered across a large open area—often resulting in a stampede of guests moving from scene to scene—the layout of the Little Europe sets allows the show moments to be clearly defined, and the task of solving the mystery ensured that no character interactions were missed.
Even if you don’t want to actively participate in solving the mystery, the interactions with the Scooby gang and monsters are worth taking the ride to the backlot.
NEW! Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff
This all-new experience sends guests into the Forbidden Forest on a mission to locate a lost Hippogriff, encountering magical creatures along the way. What’s notable about this experience is that it’s the largest single seasonal content addition in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter since it opened at Universal Studios Hollywood almost 10 years ago.
This 12-minute, story-based walk-through experience takes guests on an adventure into the Forbidden Forest, guided by a Hogwarts professor. Along the way, they encounter magical creatures and obstacles, including Cornish Pixies (who are vexing the Monster Book of Monsters, an Acromantula, a not-so-helpful Centaur, and Devil’s Snare, so they’ll definitely need to have their wands at the ready.
The culmination is finding Fleetwing, the lost Hippogriff, a magical winged creature that plays an important part in the Harry Potter books and movies.
For this all-new experience, Universal has introduced a massive puppeted creature with a wing span of 20 feet—and it’s very impressive.
“This is where the engagement really takes center stage because the Hippogriff is going to be interacting with us,” Siercks said. “it’s one of my dreams to have been able to bring this hippogriff to life.”
This is a must-do for Harry Potter fans who dream of being invited on a Wizarding World-style adventure. The professor also encourages participation, enlisting guests to call out which spell is needed, and of course, awarding house points in return. I also earned five points for Hufflepuff for helping to soothe the Monster Book of Monsters.
The “finale moment” with Fleetwing is not simply a “find and seek” resolution, but requires one final participatory spell to release him from the Devil’s Snare.
The wooded Forbidden Journey extended queue is also the perfect location as the switchbacks facilitated several magical reveals (we recommend doing this after dark), but on opening night the standby queue swelled to two hours, so be prepared to wait.
NEW! Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe
An all-new 180-degree experience in the DreamWorks Theatre (home to Kung Fu Panda Adventure during the day) is a special CGI anime presentation featuring Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon.
In the story, Super Sailor Moon must stop a mysterious enemy attempting to steal the Legendary Silver Crystal during a grand ball at Moon Palace. Guests watching the show are encouraged to join in and support Sailor Moon as she confronts the villain and restores peace to the kingdom.
“It’s so exciting for us to be able to continue expanding the genre of anime as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights,” Siercks said. “There’s not a more direct connection to anime and fandom than Sailor Moon herself.”
Bringing this anime production to Hollywood also reinforces Universal’s growing focus on anime and Japanese pop culture at Fan Fest Nights. Along with the expanded presence of ONE PIECE, the event continues to grow in appeal to anime fans, alongside its sci-fi and fantasy offerings.
EXPANDED! ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show
ONE PIECE returns in a full-scale show, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show, which takes over the WaterWorld venue with a production inspired by the wildly popular version at Universal Studios Japan. Expect action, over-the-top energy, and a large cast of fan-favorite characters.
The show involves the Straw Hat crew as they search for rare seeds with special attack powers… but someone else also bursts onto the scene: Buggy. Like the park’s WaterWorld stunt show, Grand Pirate Show features comedy, stunts, and pyrotechnics.
Last year’s ONE PIECE meet-and-greet was incredibly popular and proved there’s real demand for anime representation. Turning a character opportunity into a purpose-built show is the perfect evolution.
In addition to the Grand Pirate Show, fans can participate in the Grand Pirate Gathering, featuring character meet-and-greets outside the WaterWorld arena. Hollywood & Dine has been transformed into Sanji’s Galley, offering themed food and beverages, and a ONE PIECE-themed bar in the Laemmle Courtyard, creates a “ONE PIECE zone” on the Upper Lot.
Thoughts
Last year, the popularity of the ONE PIECE meet-and-greet created congestion on the already tight Upper Lot, so moving the Straw Hat Crew to the WaterWorld area was a very smart (and appreciated) choice.
The show itself is high-energy, and each character has a moment to shine, with typical WaterWorld-style watercraft entrances, high-flying stunts, and plenty of pyro—and even non-ONE PIECE fans will enjoy the experience. And for guests familiar with the WaterWorld show, this is a soak-free experience.
ENHANCED! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Colorful Yoshi Celebration
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD gets a Fan Fest Nights overlay with a multi-colored Yoshi celebration, including a super cute “musical moment” and character meet-and-greet opportunities with five different Yoshis (green, blue, pink, yellow, and purple) scattered throughout the land.
In addition to meeting the Yoshis, guests can participate in a new activity to solve clues and decode a secret password. When they figure it out, they receive an exclusive photo op with “two very special characters together.”
This experience is light on narrative but heavy on visual appeal, and it’s clearly designed for photos, interaction, and expanding character variety beyond the standard green Yoshi. It also reinforces how central Super Nintendo World has become to Universal’s event strategy.
RETURNING! DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep
This was one of the breakout hits of Fan Fest Nights 2025, and it has returned with some fun enhancements.
Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, the walk-through experience places guests inside the city of Waterdeep, joining the Harpers to stop a plot by the infamous beholder Xanathar. The centerpiece remains the Xanathar figure, created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, which was one of the most talked-about elements of last year’s event.
The basic storyline remains the same, but Siercks says, be on the lookout for new touches.
“Those experiencing it for the first time will get a chance to see all the thrills and immersion that brought this experience such high praise last year,” Siercks said. “But those who had the opportunity to experience it last year should look for changes that enhance the interactivity and engagement…. there may even be a new puzzle or two that you have to solve as you venture into Waterdeep.”
BONUS! Jurassic World: A Journey Through the Eras Exhibit
Located behind Revenge of the Mummy on the Lower Lot, a new walk-through exhibit features vehicles and props from the movies, including several full-sized dinosaurs.
NOTE: This experience is not exclusive to Fan Fest Nights and is also available during regular park operating hours.
And John Hammond reminds us that they spared no expense.
Fan Fest Nights Food & Beverages
Special themed food and beverages are available throughout the park.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Scooby Doo x Monsters:
ONE PIECE:
Dungeons & Dragons:
Super Nintendo World:
Fan Fest Nights Merch Collections
Event Dates, Tickets & Access
Event dates: April 23–25; May 1–3, 7–9, 14–16, 2026
Select attractions operate during the event, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge (which closes at 10:15 p.m.), Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World – The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, and more.
Tickets:
- Universal Fan Fest Nights General Admission starting at $74.99 per person (does not include daytime theme park admission)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights 2-Night General Admission starting at $129 per person (does not include daytime park admission)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights After 2pm Day/Night starting at $114 per person (after 2 pm theme park admission with same-day Fan Fest Nights admission)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal Express starting at $144 per person (event admission with one-time access to select in-world experiences, rides, and attractions)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal Express Unlimited starting at $174 per person (event admission with unlimited access to select in-world experiences, rides, and attractions)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights After 2 PM Day/Night Universal Express starting at $204 per person (one-time express access)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights Ultimate Fandom Pass starting at $199 per person (admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights for up to all event nights)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour starting at $350 per person (includes event admission)
Add-Ons:
- Universal Fan Fest Nights Early Access Ticket starting at $20 per person (early access to select in-world experiences starting at 6 pm; separate event admission for same date required)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal Express Add-On starting at $70 per person (one-time access to select in-world experiences, rides, and attractions; separate event admission for same date required)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour Add-On starting at $271 per person (separate event admission for same date required)
- Universal Fan Fest Nights Dining Pass at $64.75 per pass (includes 2 eligible entrees and 4 eligible side, snack, dessert or beverage items; valid on selected date during event hours only. Separate event admission for same date required)
Final Thoughts on Universal Fan Fest Night
Fan Fest 2026 is a strong follow-up to last year’s debut, with a mix of new experiences and returning favorites across the park.
The Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters backlot mystery stands out as one of the most ambitious additions, combining the Studio Tour with a more interactive, story-driven format. The expanded anime presence is also notable, with ONE PIECE moving into a large-scale show and Sailor Moon joining the lineup in the DreamWorks Theatre.
Returning experiences like DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, along with new additions in the Wizarding World and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, round out an event that offers a wide range of styles and fandoms to explore.
Are you ready to experience Universal Fan Fest Nights? Which fandoms are pulling you in? And which would you like to see added in the years ahead?
My thanks to Brian Pinsky for the incredible photos and for keeping me safe from the monsters.
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