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Universal Fan Fest Nights: Tickets, IPs & Hotels
Universal Fan Fest Nights is held in spring at Universal Studios Hollywood, mostly from late April to mid-May. However, this is an after-hours event, only open on certain weekends/specific dates.
Although it's already ended this year, learning about the tickets, experiences, food & drink is helpful for your adventure next year. Read on!
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How to Buy Universal Fan Fest Nights Tickets?
Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours event. Regular daytime general admission tickets or Annual Passes won’t get you in—you must buy a dedicated event ticket.
I recommend you buy evening tickets from the official website. If you are a Universal Studios Pass Member, you can get exclusive discounts when purchasing specific screenings through your member account. 👉 Universal Studios official website
After the nights, what's next?
Since the event ends late at night (usually until the early hours of the morning), I strongly recommend booking a hotel near Universal Studios (Universal City or the Hollywood area) for one night.
Of course, I also suggest you book your regular daytime tickets and Los Angeles flights/car rentals together on Trip.com.
What Are the Most Popular IPs at Universal Fan Fest?
Missed the 2026 event? No worries. You can always look forward to the Universal Fan Fest bringing you unique surprises.
Three things to look forward to in the coming years
1. More Japanese Anime IPs
From One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen in 2025 to the high-energy One Piece stunt show and Sailor Moon 3D theater experience in 2026, Universal is clearly leaning harder into anime fandom.
Looking ahead to 2027 and beyond, fans are expecting even more major Japanese anime properties—possibly attractions that were previously exclusive to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), such as Demon Slayer or Attack on Titan.
Sailor Moon, Universal Fan Fest Nights | Credit: From Mouseinfo
2. Immersive Backlot Experience
In 2026, Universal brought classics like Scooby-Doo and the Universal Monsters into Hollywood’s iconic Backlot areas.
Using real working movie sets as immersive walkthrough environments—combined with nostalgic American IPs—has quickly become one of the signature strengths of the event.
Scooby-Doo, Universal Fan Fest Nights | Credit: From Mickey Visit
3. “Ticketing & Survival Guide” Rules that Never Change
The 2 PM combo ticket usually offers the best value, while the Early Access add-on can save you a huge amount of waiting time.
Reading guides like this now helps you get familiar with the ticketing system and park strategy before next year’s tickets go on sale.
What to Eat and Drink at Universal Fan Fest Nights?
Where to eat?
Restaurant / Location | Featured IP | Signature Food & Drinks | Budget | Fan Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sanji’s Galley (Lower Lot, near WaterWorld) | One Piece | • Luffy’s Meat-on-the-Bone • Straw Hat Bento | $20–35 | ★★★★☆ — The giant meat-on-the-bone is a fan favorite for photos, and the portions are surprisingly filling. Long lines, but most guests say it’s worth it. |
DreamWorks Plaza Sweets (Upper Lot, DreamWorks Plaza) | Sailor Moon | • Moon Scepter Churro • Tuxedo Mask Parfait | $8–15 | ★★★☆☆ — Beautiful presentation and highly Instagrammable, though some guests find the desserts overly sweet. Better for photos than flavor. |
The Dragon’s Hoard Tavern (Upper Lot, fantasy-themed tavern) | Dungeons & Dragons | • Potion of Healing Cocktail • Dragon Fire Turkey Leg | $12–25 | ★★★★☆ — The glowing ice-cube drinks are especially popular at night. A must-visit for fantasy fans, tabletop gamers, and cocktail lovers. |
💡 Tips
- It’s a good idea to budget at least $30–40 per person for food and drinks.
- If there’s something you really want to try, grab it early as soon as you enter the park.
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Amusement Park
Night View
Must-try
Credit: From Foodkagechris, Youtube
Top 1: Luffy’s Meat-on-the-Bone — Around $18
A real-life version of the giant bone-in meat that Luffy is always seen devouring in the anime. It’s essentially a juicy meat patty wrapped in thick-cut bacon and coated with smoky BBQ sauce.
Fan Review:
“I expected standard theme-park food, but it was actually super juicy and satisfying. Highly recommended!”
Scooby-Doo Mystery Van | Credit: From Discover Universal
Top 2: The Mystery Machine Milkshake — Around $12
A blue-and-green vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream and Scooby-Doo cookies, inspired by the iconic Mystery Machine van.
Fan Review:
“A fun, old-school American-style dessert. Definitely on the sweet side, but kids and nostalgic fans absolutely love it.”
Best drink
Potion of Healing (Dungeons & Dragons Specialty Drink) — Around $16 (alcoholic) / $12 (non-alcoholic)
A sweet-and-tart specialty drink flavored with cranberry and dragon fruit, served with a collectible glowing ice cube (“Glow Cube”) that guests can take home.
Fan Review:
“Walking around the park with this at night looks incredibly cool. It’s refreshing, not overly sweet, and easily one of the most popular souvenir cups of the event.”
Practical Tips for Universal Fan Fest Nights
- The 2 PM Combo Ticket usually offers the best value.
- Spending an extra $20 for Early Access is absolutely worth it.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD often closes earlier, around midnight.
- Check showtimes in the official Universal app as soon as you enter the park.
- Popular items like Luffy’s Meat-on-the-Bone often sell out before 8 PM.
- Masks and metal prop weapons are strictly prohibited inside the park.
- Most limited-time event food booths do not support mobile ordering.
- Bring a fully charged portable power bank — you’ll use your phone constantly.
- Starting in the Lower Lot before heading to the Upper Lot is usually more efficient.
- Ride wait times often drop significantly after midnight, especially near closing time.
🔥 Top Hotels for Fan Fest Nights
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FAQs about Universal Fan Fest Nights
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