Universal Studios Hollywood is once again outmaneuvering Disney when it comes to delivering massive themed entertainment at a reasonable price. Enter Fan Fest Nights, an all-new immersive event that takes the best of Halloween Horror Nights but trades out the terror for something even bigger—sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime adventures brought to life.
But here’s the real shocker: it’s insanely affordable.
Universal Plaza in Universal Studios Hollywood – YouTube, DocumentDisney
Unlike Disney’s overpriced after-hours events, Universal is offering Fan Fest Nights tickets starting at just $74—a fraction of what Disney charges for seasonal events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party or Oogie Boogie Bash. More on that later, but for now, let’s get into the Universal Fan Fest Nights details.
Step Into Hill Valley with Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley
One of the biggest highlights of the event is Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley, a dream come true for fans of the iconic franchise. Guests will board the Fan Tram, taking them to Courthouse Square, which will be fully transformed into 1955 Hill Valley.
And this isn’t just a photo op—the entire town will be alive with actors portraying Marty, Doc, Biff, and more. You might even be approached by an old woman asking you to save the clocktower!
Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) attempts to make repairs on the Hill Valley Clocktower in Back To The Future – YouTube, MovieClips
The experience features multiple live performances each night, including the legendary moment when lightning strikes the clock tower, sending Marty back to the future in a live-action recreation of the film’s climactic scene. The Enchantment Under the Sea Dance will also be recreated, complete with Marty rocking out on stage to Johnny B. Goode.
From classic props to interactive moments, this alone feels worth the price of admission.
Star Trek: Red Alert – A Fully Interactive Sci-Fi Adventure
For Star Trek fans, Star Trek: Red Alert is a next-level, immersive experience reminiscent of the haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights, except instead of moving in a continuous line, guests will be pulsed through in small groups to experience an unfolding story.
The adventure takes place aboard the USS Enterprise, when an otherworldly threat invades, forcing guests to navigate some of the most legendary locations in Star Trek history. This includes the sick bay, control room, turbo lifts, and even the bridge of the Enterprise itself.
The bridge of the Enterprise in Star Trek: Picard
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And this isn’t just any set—it’s the actual bridge set from the final season of Star Trek: Picard. To top it off, guests will even get to experience a transporter effect, making this a must for Trek fans.
Dungeons and Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep Brings a Fantasy Icon to Life
Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep is a group-driven immersive story that brings guests face-to-face with Xanathar, the legendary beholder.
This will be a 12-foot-tall animatronic built by the iconic Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. That means it will be nothing short of breathtaking. It should be noted that Disney is currently making plans to bulldoze Jim Henson’s legacy with the closure of MuppetVision 3D, so it’s nice to see Universal working with the legendary creator’s company.
Fantastic Creatures Arrive in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World is expanding for Fan Fest Nights with Fantastic Creatures, featuring magical beasts never before seen in the park.
The adorable niffler and baby dragon from Universal Studios Japan are making their way to Hollywood, but the real showstopper is the occamy, a brand-new creature debuting exclusively at this event.
The Hogwarts Always Harry Potter projection show in Universal’s Island’s of Adventure – YouTube, Attractions Magazine
In addition, Universal is bringing the Hogwarts Always projection show from Orlando, adding an extra layer of magic to the experience. Fans of Harry Potter will also find exclusive themed foods, with the standout dish from the media preview being a rich, flaky meat pie and a deliciously spiced chicken curry.
Super Nintendo World Welcomes Yoshi and a Drone Show
For the first time ever, Yoshi will be making appearances at Super Nintendo World. Not only will guests be able to meet the beloved character, but there will also be a scavenger hunt to collect five colorful Yoshi eggs, unlocking the chance to meet a different colored Yoshi depending on the final egg found.
Concept art for Super Nintendo World at Universal’s Epic Universe
Super Nintendo World will also feature a massive drone show, lighting up the sky in a way never before seen at the park. And of course, new food items will be added, including Yoshi’s Fettucine Alfredo and Yoshi’s Apple Melon Smoothie.
Universal is Undercutting Disney on Price—By A Lot
Fan Fest Nights isn’t just an exciting new event—it’s also proof that Universal continues to offer premium experiences without charging premium prices.
To compare: Disney’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party in Walt Disney World costs between $169 and $219 per person for one night. Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash is between $134 and $189 per night.
Mickey and Minnie ride in on their float for the ABC Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, Credit: La Reina Creole
Meanwhile, Universal’s Fan Fest Nights starts at just $74—a fraction of Disney’s pricing while delivering massive, immersive experiences featuring Back to the Future, Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, Harry Potter, and Nintendo.
For those wanting more than one visit, Universal also offers the Ultimate Fandom Pass for just $249, covering multiple nights—meaning guests could attend three or more nights for the cost of just a single night at Disney’s events.
Concept art for Super Nintendo World at Universal’s Epic Universe
Universal is proving once again that you don’t need to break the bank to get top-tier entertainment. Fan Fest Nights is shaping up to be a must-attend event, and at this price point, it’s very accessible.
Tickets are on sale now, and if the demand for Halloween Horror Nights is anything to go by, they won’t last long.
Are you planning to attend Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below!
