The experience had many photo-op areas, including taking pictures in front of a Back to the Future DeLorean. Actors portrayed Marty McFly, Doc, Biff, Lorraine, and many more as they interacted with guests and reenacted iconic moments from the film. (We got to show Biff the Almanac.) They even recreated the Enchantment Under the Sea with music from the film, including “The Power of Love.”

Fan Fest 2025 also brought in franchises like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Star Trek, Dungeons & Dragons, and more.

This year, Universal Fan Fest Nights is back, and it will debut on Thursday, April 23! What can fans expect in 2026? Popular franchises include Scooby-Doo, Universal Monsters, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, One Piece, Dungeons & Dragons, and Super Mario Bros. More franchises will be announced soon.

The limited event takes place after-hours and will have all-new innovative experiences, including ones in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.

Tickets for the second annual Universal Fan Fest are now on sale at the Universal Studios Hollywood site. The event runs from Thursday, April 23, on select nights, through Saturday, May 16. (12 nights only: April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 2026.)

Here are the details so far from Universal Studios Hollywood:

Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters

Mystery on the Backlot. This all-new, immersive walk-through adventure is designed to give guests the sensation of stepping into a live-action mystery with the Scooby-Doo gang and the Universal Monsters. Guests will travel to the destination via Studio Tour tram where they have a chance to walk along a movie studio backlot with Scooby-Doo himself and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy. The exciting escapade will challenge them to solve a mystery involving the most legendary Universal Monsters in cinematic history, including Frankenstein, Dracula, Bride of Frankenstein and Wolf Man, as they navigate portions of Universal’s world-famous outdoor film sets, from the cobblestone streets of Little Europe to the iconic Court of Miracles, the original filming locations for historic Universal horror films Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941).

ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show

ONE PIECE returns to Universal Fan Fest Nights, but this time as a live show extravaganza at the WaterWorld show venue. Inspired by the success of the Universal Studios Japan production, ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show will invite guests to a whirlwind performance featuring a cast of ONE PIECE fan-favorite characters. With action, comedy and chaos taking center stage, guests will be transported to the very heart of the world of ONE PIECE – enveloped in friendship, freedom and mayhem.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

This new, unique, walk-through experience will take guests into the depths of the Forbidden Forest in search of a lost Hippogriff. With guidance from a Hogwarts Professor, they will encounter magical creatures and familiar beasts as they face a series of obstacles which will require the guests to summon their bravery and spell-casting skills to help a Hippogriff in need.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

Colorful Yoshi Celebration. This year’s Universal Fan Fest Nights introduces a vibrant, multi-colored Yoshi celebration in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. This all-new adventure will welcome guests to explore the land, where they will have a chance to meet new, colorful Yoshis who can be found throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep

This fan-favorite immersive experience returns due to popular demand, along with some enhancements. Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D), this epic walk-through experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.

This engaging experience features the legendary beholder Xanathar, uniquely created by the masterful puppeteer, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.

Fan Fest 2026 will also have select theme park attractions open, including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Jurassic World—The Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride—3D, Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, and The Simpsons Ride.

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In addition to the haunted houses and Terror Tram, The Purge: Dangerous Waters is back, along with four Scare Zones. Halloween Horror Nights begins on Thursday, September 4. Tickets are available at https://www.halloweenhorrornights.com.

Here’s the full list and official descriptions of the haunted houses and attractions available at 2025’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood:

Five Nights at Freddy’s

Five Nights at Freddy’s is one of the most popular video game franchises that spawned a hit movie, making it Blumhouse’s highest-grossing movie to date. With the new haunted house inspired by the film, guests will have to survive the possessed animatronics.

Synopsis: Guests will follow in the footsteps of Mike, who was recently fired and desperate for work so that he can keep custody of his little sister, after he accepts a position as a night security guard in an abandoned themed entertainment center: Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria. The terror will start as guests navigate the corridors and learn that nothing at Freddy’s is what it seems when they encounter the supernatural and become lured into the black heart of an unspeakable nightmare.

The journey will bring guests face-to-face with full-scale replicas of the eerie characters from the film—Freddy Fazbear, Chica, Bonnie, Foxy, and Mr. Cupcake—as they stalk visitors through iconic scenes, including the security room and the showroom where the chilling characters performed. The larger-than-life characters for the haunted houses were created in collaboration with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, who also masterfully produced the animatronics and corresponding costumes for the fan-favorite film.

Fallout

Fallout is a huge video game franchise by Bethesda Game Studios, and the live-action series based on the game has become a hit with critics and fans, with season 2 on the horizon. The new haunted house will be inspired by the Prime Video series, which is set in the year 2296, 200 years after the nuclear destruction of civilization. There are state-of-the-art vaults, with many used as dark experiments, and above them is The Wasteland, which is filled with mutated animals and creatures.

Synopsis: In this terrifying haunted house, fans will encounter iconic scenes and characters that will put them into the frightening action of the popular series. The journey begins beneath the surface in Vault 33, where guests follow vault-dweller Lucy MacLean as she escapes a bloody massacre, only to discover an evil hidden secret. From there, visitors venture to the surface, where they must dodge attacks from Scavengers and Raiders, desperate survivors who will do anything to remain alive, as well as mutated cockroaches known as RAD Roaches. As guests travel through the hellish Wasteland, they will go through iconic locations like the Super Duper Mart and encounter The Ghoul, an ageless bounty hunter who has endured radiation exposure for centuries. Additionally, they will come face-to-face with a young squire named Maximus and gaze in awe at his T-60 armor. With frightful terrors at every turn of the eerily authentic haunted house, fans will question if they can ever escape the horrors of The Wasteland.

Terrifier

The Terrifier films are a few of the most disturbing horror films out there, and a fourth film is in the works. Art the Clown terrorizes his victims in the most gruesome and goriest ways. Now, the supernatural killer is getting his own haunted house at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights.

Synopsis: During Halloween Horror Nights, guests will experience an unfathomable level of gore as they try to escape becoming Art the Clown’s next victim. “Terrifier” is a grisly haunted house oozing with a new sense of terror that takes guests into Art the Clown’s gruesome Funhouse, which first appeared in Terrifier 2. Guests will be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells and dread of Art’s grotesque kills, gleefully displayed for all to see. As fans make their way through the claustrophobic corridors, they will encounter familiar faces, including Vicky and the Little Pale Girl, and witness iconic kills from the franchise. Chaos reigns at the Clown Café, terror festers in a revolting bathroom and holiday cheer turns deadly in a Christmas nightmare. Guests must escape Art’s twisted world—or become his next gruesome display.

Jason Universe

If we could name the holy trinity of horror villains out there, Jason would be one of the top three spots. The Friday the 13th franchise has spawned many movies and video games, and the killer will be having his own haunted house to stalk old and new fans.

Synopsis: “Jason Universe” will take Halloween Horror Nights guests on a vengeance tour throughout the summer camp to see where it all began, from the creaking floorboards of Jason’s ramshackle cabin to the decaying main lodge and the eerie forest that offers no refuge for his victims. Around every corner, fans will be inundated with infamous killer moments from Jason’s heinous homicidal career as he taunts and stalks his victims who learn too late that the legend is real.

WWE’s The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks

WWE has had its fair share of creepy wrestlers, including the Undertaker and Kane. Currently, the Wyatt Sicks is taking that spot with Uncle Howdy, aka Bo Dallas, as the group’s ring leader. The Wyatt Sicks was born out of Bo’s mind to honor his brother, Bray Wyatt. Their intro in the WWE was unsettling as they frightened WWE superstars, even “slaughtering” some of them. The group even had Main Event Jey Uso shaking.

Synopsis: Horror fans brave enough to travel through the light of the lantern will find themselves transported into the maniacal minds of The Wyatt Sicks, where each member reigns supreme within their own horrific domains. There, Uncle Howdy together with Ramblin Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard, Abby the Witch and Huskus the Pig will be waiting to take bloody retribution on a world that has abandoned them. Along the way, guests will be stalked by the eerie presence of The Fiend, Bray’s sadistic alter ego, who looms within the shadows and beckons them to let him in.

Poltergeist

Synopsis: Amazon MGM Studios’ supernatural cult horror classic Poltergeist will bring guests “into the light” only at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights event. Considered one of the “scariest films of all time” when it debuted in 1982, the haunted house will transport guests into nightmarish scenes with terrifying characters from the movie, including the iconic Freeling family home.

Scarecrow featuring music by Slash

Synopsis: At an abandoned Depression-era farm, vengeance takes root. Scarecrows are taking revenge on those who ravaged the land. The only harvest that will be reaped is you. Features an original score by Slash.

Monstruos 3: The Ghost of Latin America

Synopsis: One wails. One bites. One beguiles. La Llorona, La Muelona and La Siguanaba await in the dark. Three legends La Muerte wants you to meet, but you’ll wish you never did.

Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse

Terror Tram: Enter the Blumhouse is back at the historic Universal backlot. Guests will encounter iconic villains from the Blumhouse franchise including The Grabber from The Black Phone, the possessed from Exorcist: The Believer, M3GAN, The Purge killers, demons from Insidious, Blissfield Butcher from Freaky and Babyface Killer from Happy Death Day.

Purge: Dangerous Waters

Synopsis: “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” stunt show returns to the Waterworld venue, taking guests on a fiery, rocket-fueled adventure while they fight to survive the night.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood will be scaring guests on select nights starting on Thursday, September 4 and ending on Sunday, November 2.

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This will mark the West Coast theme park debut of Wicked’s Elphaba and Glinda. Due to Fan Fest Nights gaining popularity, more nights have been added with tickets selling out fast. Universal Fan Fest Nights begins on Friday, April 25, and will be available on select nights until Sunday, May 18, 2025. Here are the available dates: April 25-27; May 2-4, 9-11, and 15-18, 2025.

Elphaba and Glinda will be decked out in their film costumes, greeting guests at the existing Wicked-themed photo op. Located near the main entrance, guests will get to start the night off as they get to feel like they’re in the Land of Oz.

Universal Fan Fest Nights will allow guests to dress up as their favorite characters or in theme (subject to Cosplay Costume Guidelines). They can dance the night away at the block party and participate in interactive activations available all over the theme park including live entertainment and photo opportunities.

Guests will also have the chance to experience new activities at the popular themed lands including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.

For Universal Fan Fest Nights tickets, visit the Universal Studios Hollywood site.

Here are the different activations available:

Star Trek: Red Alert

Synopsis: Inspired by the Star Trek universe that has entertained millions of fans, this daring walk-through experience will boldly take guests on an immersive adventure aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D on a mission to prevent an interstellar threat. Guests will find themselves transported to the year 2403, just as an otherworldly entity wreaks havoc on the ship. As the chaos ensues, guests will venture further into the Enterprise, navigating familiar Star Trek environments, from the ship’s engineering room to transporter pads, to the soul of the Starship Enterprise, the bridge—an original set piece featured in the third and final season of Star Trek: Picard—in a desperate quest to stop the perceived danger and restore peace aboard the ship. Laden with special effects, audio-visual effects, multi-sensory activations and themed performers, this all-original experience will create an unforgettable, awe-inspiring moment that will elevate Star Trek fandom to new levels.

Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley

Synopsis: This nostalgic experience is based on the 1985 Back to the Future blockbuster movie and invites guests to time travel back to 1955 Hill Valley alongside the film’s iconic characters. Time travel begins the moment guests climb aboard the Studio Tour “Fan Tram” and venture towards Courthouse Square, the original filming location for this classic film located on Universal Studios’ world-famous backlot.

Brimming with authenticity, Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley will pay homage to this groundbreaking film by inserting guests into many familiar scenes with iconic props. From Hill Valley with the original Lyon Estate monuments to the Time Machine on display, guests will have the sensation of going back in time as they partake in the energetic recreation of the Enchantment Under the Sea dance and Hill Valley Festival plus experience a stunning recreation of the Clock Tower lightning strike, sending Marty back to the future multiple times each event night.

Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep

Synopsis: Inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D), this epic experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.

In creating this unique experience, Universal Studios Hollywood is collaborating with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create the legendary beholder Xanathar that will come to life within DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.

One Piece: Grand Pirate Gathering

Synopsis: This unique experience is inspired by the long-running global hit anime series, One Piece, from creator Eiichiro Oda, that follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Crew, including Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Sanji, on their quest to find “One Piece,” the legendary treasure of the former King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger. The Grand Pirate Gathering will transport guests into the series’ fictional world of pirates through an immersive and interactive experience, complete with iconic visuals and scenic environments that place fans at the heart of the action. Guests will also have time to enjoy uplifting meet and greet opportunities with different characters and as well as participate in themed interactive photo ops.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed

Synopsis: This anime experience, inspired by a widely popular Japanese manga and its anime adaptation, follows high school student Yuji Itadori after he accidentally becomes the host of a powerful curse and joins Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses. This epic adventure will be transformed into an exciting film-based experience, which first debuted at Universal Studios Japan.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Synopsis: Guests and fans will have a chance to further engage in the theme park’s immersive land with all-new magical creature interactions, including the opportunity to meet the Niffler, a Baby Dragon and grand Occamy. The centerpiece of the experience will feature the visually spectacular Hogwarts Always light projection show designed to take guests on a whimsical journey through a school year at Hogwarts. Weaving together unforgettable music and incredible moments of wizardry, Hogwarts Always will shine bright as it comes to life set against the majestic backdrop of Hogwarts Castle.

Super Nintendo World

Let’s Go, Yoshi—This exciting addition to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will mark the debut of beloved fan favorite Yoshi as a brand new meet-and-greet character within the land during Universal Fan Fest Nights. As part of Yoshi’s welcome to the land, guests will have a chance to interact with Yoshi as they engage in a scavenger hunt to locate all five colorful Yoshi eggs. After completing this original quest, guests will reap the benefit of a very special reward with the unique opportunity to meet a different colored Yoshi. Plus, guests will be treated to celebratory drone moments that will illuminate the night sky throughout the evening.

Wicked

This engaging meet and greet opportunity will feature the first-ever addition to Universal Studios Hollywood of the Elphaba and Glinda characters from Universal Pictures’ blockbuster movie.

Select Universal Studios Hollywood attractions will be available including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Jurassic World – The Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride and The Simpsons Ride.

Here are the ticket information:

• General Admission: General Admission ticket to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
• Universal Express: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
• Universal Express Unlimited: Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including unlimited express access (per day) to each in-world experience, ride and attraction. Does not include early event access.
• After 2PM Day/Night: Daytime General Admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day General Admission to Universal Fan Fest Nights.
• After 2PM Day/Night Universal Express: Daytime admission to the theme park after 2pm and same day to Universal Fan Fest Nights, including one-time (per day) express access to each ride, attraction and seated show during the day, plus one-time (per day) express access to each in-world experience, ride and attraction during the event.
• 2-Night General Admission: 2-Night General Admission access to Universal Fan Fest Nights. Blockout dates apply to second visit.
• Ultimate Fandom Pass: General Admission pass to enjoy up to all event nights of Universal Fan Fest Nights. No blockout dates on return visits. Does not include early event access.
• Early Access Ticket: Early access, beginning at 5:30pm (subject to change) to select Universal Fan Fest Nights in-world experiences prior to event opening. A Universal Fan Fest Nights admission ticket must be purchased separately.
• Fan Fest Nights VIP Tour: Enjoy VIP treatment of the event, including a shared, expertly guided walking tour of the in-world experiences, rides and attractions, as well as a gourmet dinner (alcoholic beverages excluded) in the private VIP dining room and complimentary valet parking.
• Pass Member Special Pricing: Pass Members can take advantage of special online Pass Member pricing on General Admission tickets to Universal Fan Fest Nights when visiting on select nights.

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On the plus side, for fans who want to experience an exhilarating ride, the Universal Studios parks are preparing for the new roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift. This will mark Universal Studios Hollywood’s first-ever, high-speed roller coaster, and it will be coming out in 2026.

You can check out the installation video of the upcoming roller coaster ride below:

There will be time for fans to experience the 3D ride one last time, with the closing date being March 10th. Cue “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth.

What’s going to take the place of the Fast & Furious 3D ride? Universal Studios is planning a new studio tour attraction, which will be announced soon.

The post The Fast & Furious 3D Ride Is Closing at Universal Studios Soon, with Roller Coaster Coming in 2026 appeared first on Nerd Reactor.

The film follows the Lamberts, a family trying to survive evil supernatural forces as their son is possessed by a demonic entity. The haunted house will follow the Lamberts as they are transported into “The Further,” the ethereal location where ghosts and demons reside in.

Insidious: The Further will feature the iconic red door and creepy figures including The Red-Faced Demon, the grim KeyFace, Bride in Black, and the Man Who Can’t Breathe. The maze will have guests go from red door to red door as they must escape from the evil creatures.

Tickets are now available to purchase at https://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/.

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Back in 1964, tourists were invited to experience the behinds-the-scenes magic of Hollywood movies at Universal City Studios. The red and white Glamor Trams had ruffled awnings, and they ran for five times a day for a two-hour experience from Monday through Friday, giving people a chance to see the making of Universal movie and television productions.

“The Studio Tour paved the way for the development of Universal Studios Hollywood and celebrating its 60-year milestone pays homage to its indelible impact,” said Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests. We are thrilled and honored to share our enthusiasm for its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way.”

The 60th Anniversary of the Studio Tour will include the “Earthquake – The Big One” attraction, which debuted in 1989. The underground disaster will be renovated with new technology and aesthetics.

What’s a Studio Tour without a visit to Courthouse Square, the iconic location used in the Back to the Future films. For the special event, the original DeLorean will be on display with a Doc Brown character nearby.

Jurassic Park fans are in for a treat with the Tyrannosaurus rex display used in the Jurassic World movie promotion.

The 1976 Runaway Train will be back, and the tram’s monitors will feature clips of the old Studio Tour attractions.

In partnership with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the original large scale replica of the Hollywood Sign can be viewed closely when guests step out of the tram. The official replica stands 10 feet tall, with the original standing at 45 feet.

The queue line will feature archival images and footage, exploring the history of the attraction.

The Studio Tour has seen a lot of changes with current technology being embraced including the Fast and the Furious and the King Kong attractions. The modern ride is 60-minutes long, which makes me wish for the old days of a two-hour experience.

Today, there’s news of Disneyland’s plan to replace the gas-powered cars at Autopia. Universal Studios Hollywood also has plans to go greener with plans to convert its 21 diesel-hydraulic engines with electric trams while also lessening the noise created by the diesel-hydraulic engine.

Guests will get to purchase themed merchandise and memorabilia, along with enjoying themed food and beverages for the Studio Tour 60th anniversary, curated by the theme park’s Executive Chef Julia Trash. The merchandise includes 60th anniversary popcorn bucket shaped as the Glamor Tram, Glamor Tram-themed pillows, blankets, backpacks, jackets, tops, tee shirts, hats, mugs, keychains, salt and pepper shakers, chocolates and candies.

Retro-stryle food and drinks include:

• Hollywood & Dine, located on the Upper Lot of the theme park, will serve up BBQ Brisket Sandwich, BBQ Cheeseburger, BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Summer Strawberry Salad, BBQ Corn Dog and Film Reel Cookie Sandwich.
• Mel’s Diner, also located on the Upper Lot, will feature such favorites as Mel’s Classic Burger, Beyond Meat BBQ Cheeseburger, Chili Cheese Dog, Tuna Melt, Chicken Caeser Salad, as well as two entrees that harken back to iconic mid-century TV dinner style platters: the Meatloaf Combo and Fried Chicken Combo.
• Studio Scoops ice-cream parlor on the Lower Lot will whip up tasty treats in honor of the theme park’s signature attractions.
• City Snack Shop standalone outdoor food cart, located on the Upper Lot, will be transformed into a Glamor Tram and serve up a selection of treats emblematic of the 60-year celebration, including the Glam Tram Cookie, Film Reel Cookie Sandwich, Giant 60th Pretzel, 60th Celebration Cookies and Banana Breath Popcorn.

Featured image courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood.

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Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” turns the village of Hogsmeade into a winter wonderland complete with themed decor, lights, garlands, and wreaths. Guests will get to experience holiday a capella performances from the Frog Choir, visit village shops, drink Hot Butterbeer, or enjoy the festivities at Three Broomsticks. Instead of lighting up the Christmas Tree, Hogwarts Castle will light up via “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” including imagery and music from the Harry Potter film series.

Grinchmas

Grinchmas has a themed show, “Grinchmas Who-bilation,” with new daytime performances featuring the Who-ville’s musical sensation, Who-Bee Doo-Wop group. There’s the 65-foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree with ornaments and LED lights in Universal Plaza with nightly tree lighting ceremony and snowfall. As for photo opportunities, there’s Grinch and Max, a story time with Cindy-Lou Who, and the Who-ville post office. Guests can make paper ornaments at the themed craft area.

Drinks will be available such as the Winter Martini, Apple Cheer Martini, and Hot Apple Cider, available in both non-alcoholic and alcoholic versions for guests aged 21 and older. Treats include Who-ville Spiral Croissant, Dumpit to Crumpit Treat, Who-bilicious Cinnamon Roll, 2 Sizes Too Small Cupcake, Heart Grew 3 Sizes Sugar Cookie and the Grinch Heart Lemonade.

Merchandise

With Christmas just right around the corner, Universal Studios Hollywood has gift-giving merchandise available from their popular rides, attractions and lands including Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World – The Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash.

Check out the top gifts list from Universal Studios Hollywood:

• Super Nintendo World merchandise includes the six different collectible Power-Up Bands (Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and more), character plush toys, apparel, headbands, and Reversable Super Star and ? pillow.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Collector Edition Wand, adult and youth Christmas-themed sweatshirts, interactive snowy owl plush toy, crew neck fleece sweatshirts from the four different Houses, commemorative holiday ornaments and decor, decorative pins, mugs, scarves, scented candles, themed frames, cozy sleepwear and Honeydukes’ sweets.
• Grinchmas has Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas merchandise including spirit jerseys, totes, Grinchy ornaments, green faux-fur keychains and adorned hats, gloves and scarves, colorful tumblers and pajamas.
• Jurassic World – The Ride merchandise includes T. Rex Cutie Plush, assorted masks, bubble wand and canteen.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Minion and Fluffy the unicorn plush toys, backpacks and Minion googles.
• The Secret Life of Pet: Off the Leash – plush toys, pajamas and “Adopt a Pup” collection featuring Max, Snowball, Duke, Gidget, Buddy, Daisy, Mel, Princess and Pickles.
• The Simsons Ride merchandise includes Pink donut pillow, character plush toys and apparel.

For more information, you can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.

Featured image courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood

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Halloween Horror Nights will terrorize Universal Studios Hollywood on Thursday, September 7th. Attendees can expect eight haunted houses, three original scare zones and the signature Terror Tram.

The Purge: Dangerous Waters

The Purge: Dangerous Waters will introduce open water to the film franchise. Here’s the synopsis for the live show set on the WaterWorld attraction.

Synopsis: “It’s a race against time when a politician and his entourage escape to an island to avoid The Purge. Sanctuary is fleeting when the island is quickly overrun by Purgers and the hunt is on. Located in the WaterWorld venue and featuring adrenaline-filled action sequences, stunts, spectacular lighting and laser effects, high fall fire burns and massive explosions, The Purge: Dangerous Waters celebrates an evening of anarchy without thought of punishment or fear of retribution.”

Blumhouse: Behind the Screams

Blumhouse: Behind the Screams is a mixture of an exhibit and character encounters with displays of authentic film props and costumes and surprises.

Synospsis: “Blumhouse: Behind the Screams is an original concept that showcases a selection of Blumhouse horror films, including the highly anticipated films Five Nights at Freddy’s and The Exorcist: Believer, and fan-loving hits like M3GAN and The Black Phone. This unique experience breaks the fourth wall and invites guests to explore these films as they step through the silver screen for an up-close look at authentic film props, costume displays and terrifying character encounters.”

Here are the titles and description of the three scare zones:

• “El Terror de las Momias” is a Latin-themed scare zone and an extension of the “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” haunted house that takes guests on a desperate attempt to escape an ancient army of unearthed mummies.
• Located on New York Street, the “Toyz” scare zone dares guests to play in the toy box of terror where a wicked toymaker used dark magic to bring his evil toys to life.
• A welcome wagon of “Ghostz,” featuring a horde of blood-soaked, chainsaw-wielding ghosts, gather at the entrance to Halloween Horror Nights to rattle nerves.

The list of haunted houses also includes popular properties. Check them out and their description from Universal Studios below:

• “The Last of Us” is based on Naughty Dog and Playstation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game.
• “Stranger Things 4” transports guests to Hawkins, Indiana where they will face off against the evil Vecna in the fourth season of Netflix’s original series.
• “The Exorcist: Believer” features a terrifying new chapter as Chris MacNeil fights a nefarious demonic force which has possessed two girls.
• “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” expands on the Universal Monsters legacy with horror icons The Invisible Man, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Phantom of the Opera and The Hunchback of Notre Dame coming together for the first time ever in a chilling new story.
• “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” features the infamous slasher doll and his best kills throughout the series and films.
• “Evil Dead Rise” brings guests to a new twisted tale in the Evil Dead franchise, based on the 2023 box office hit.
• “Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America” includes Latin American folklore’s most terrifying ghosts and creatures.
• “Holidayz in Hell” takes visitors on a petrifying trip through a series of psychotic seasonal celebrations.
• “Terror Tram…The Exterminatorz” puts guests on the world-famous Universal backlot and in the middle of an insect uprising led by the devious Larry Larva whose goal is to exterminate humans from the Earth. Horror fans will also walk along the Jupiter’s Claim set from Nope where they will encounter The Tethered from Us in an epic crossover from two of director Jordan Peele’s epic blockbusters.

For Halloween Horror Nights info and tickets, visit Universal Studios Hollywood’s website.

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The three newly announced mazes are inspired by Universal’s very own horror franchise: The Exorcist, Child’s Play and Universal’s Monsters. The Exorcist: Believer is an upcoming horror film from director David Gordon Green (2018’s Halloween), and Universal Studios is bringing the film to life with its haunted maze. Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count will be based on the USA & SYFY series, and Universal: Unmasked is inspired by Universal’s iconic monsters.

Halloween Horror Nights begin at Universal Orlando Resort on Friday, September 1 – November 4, and at Universal Studios Hollywood Thursday, September 7 – October 31.

You can purchase tickets at https://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/.

Check out the details for each of the newly announced mazes below for Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood:

The Exorcist: Believer

Synopsis: Inspired by Universal Pictures’ terrifying new horror film from Blumhouse and Morgan Creek Entertainment (in theaters Friday, October 13), “The Exorcist: Believer” haunted house will unleash an entirely new level of terror to Halloween Horror Nights. In this new chapter, guests will be transported to a bustling street market in Haiti, where an innocent purchase of a strange folk doll with three eyes leads to the opening of a demonic portal, the awakening of sinister spirits and the subsequent disappearance of two 12-year-old girls in the U.S. The girls are found three days later with no memory of what happened to them. After the girls begin to exhibit unsettling behavior, it soon becomes clear that only an exorcism can save them – and everyone who comes in contact with them, including unwitting guests, is suddenly at risk of losing their souls.

Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count

Synopsis: Inspired by the hit USA & SYFY series and cult classic films, “Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count” casts this killer doll as the star of his very own haunted house for the first time. A true sadistic killer, Chucky has been mired in the agony of disrespect he feels from his peers at not being taken seriously. Thus begins his quest to turn his haunted house into a living slaughterhouse by killing every person who enters.

Universal Monsters: Unmasked

Synopsis: Lurking sixty feet beneath the bustling streets of the City of Lights, the dank Catacombs of Paris house a much darker secret. . . The all-new haunted house “Universal Monsters: Unmasked” takes guests down into the infamous burial grounds where every corner and crevice overflows with millions of skeletal remains and even more sinister secrets. Deep within the Catacombs, Universal’s most notorious creatures – The Phantom of the Opera, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Dr. Jekyll and his deranged alternate personality Mr. Hyde, and Dr. Jack Griffin, aka The Invisible Man – also lie in wait as they bide their time and seek vengeance against guests after the opening of the Catacombs to public visitation. These desperate and dangerous fiends have become filled with a rage toward guests navigating the twisted tunnels of their underground labyrinth home. It is here, in the darkness, where they hunt these trespassers and where the sounds of guests’ screams will go unheard.

The Last of Us

Synopsis: The Last of Us haunted houses on both coasts will propel guests into a world of carnage and mayhem as they follow in the footsteps of the game’s protagonists, Joel and Ellie, who endure a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into various forms of a new threat known as the Infected. As guests encounter the Infected – Runners, Stalkers and Clickers – along with The Hunters, a band of hostile humans, they will need to navigate the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone, including iconic locations from the video game such as the creepy and desolate The Hotel Grand and a labyrinth of dark and dank tunnels, in a desperate attempt to escape and survive.

Musician Slash is working with Universal Studios Hollywood on an original score for Universal Monsters: Unmasked.

Stranger Things

Synopsis: The “Stranger Things” haunted house mirrors the mind-bending twists and supernatural terror of Season 4, immersing guests in a heart-pounding experience alongside valiant characters from the series, including Eleven, Max, Eddie and more. Guests will find themselves on the front line of Vecna’s deadly attacks on the citizens of Hawkins while traveling through iconic scenes, including the notorious Hawkins Lab, the enigmatic Creel House and Vecna’s chilling mindscape. Along the way, guests will confront their deepest fears and come face to face with otherworldly creatures like demobats and even Vecna himself. In a race against the clock, guests find themselves in the ultimate showdown within Vecna’s blood-red Mind Lair, striving to escape and save mankind from his deadly curse.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort features five new original haunted houses and five scare zones. Check out what guests can expect below:

Dr. Oddfellow: Twisted Origin

A demented, late-night circus led by an evil ringmaster and notorious icon looking for human souls to fuel his dark intentions.

Dueling Dragons: Choose Thy Fate

A horrific twist to a frightening, yet familiar tale and sinister battle between Fire and Ice.

YETI: Campground Kills

Blood-soaked campgrounds deep in the trenches of mountains where vicious, bloodthirsty monsters have returned with a vengeance.

The Darkest Deal

Selling their souls for fame where they quickly learn a deal can be more than they bargained for.

Bloodmoon: Dark Offerings

A colonial cult looking to slaughter those who dare refuse to worship the Bloodmoon.

Scare Zones

Universal Orlando Resort will feature five scare zones with Dr. Oddfellow and the scare actors out in full force. Check out the official description below:

• Come face to face with the devious legend who is promising immortality for those who dare to enter “Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror”
• Cower in fear as the signs of the zodiac come to life in “Dark Zodiac” where Dr. Oddfellow uses his power to transform the zodiac signs into horrifying horoscope creatures
• Venture into the “Jungle of Doom: Expedition Horror” where Dr. Oddfellow’s twisted and bizarre experiments combine elements of nature and animals to create vicious jungle creatures looking to satisfy their cravings
• Attend a music festival crashed by bloodthirsty vampires let loose by Dr. Oddfellow in “Vamp ’69: Summer of Blood”
• Stumble upon Dr. Oddfellow’s crates and cages that once housed monsters of all kinds who have escaped in pursuit of chaos in “Shipyard 32: Horrors Unhinged”

More experiences and themed food will be available. Here’s what to expect:

• Guests can enjoy the all-new disturbingly entertaining show, “Nightmare Fuel Revenge Dream,” that features a new dreamer confronting the creature that’s been turning her dreams into nightmares.
• While shopping the latest Halloween Horror Nights merchandise and treats in an all-new Tribute Store, guests can enter a mysterious NYC Comic Book Shop and experience the “Tribute to Terror” by stepping into the pages of this original, terrifying, horror comic book.
• Guests can enjoy a drink at the Red Coconut Club as it will once again transform to the Dead Coconut Club donning a new theme and menu.
• When guests want to take a bite out of the horror, they can enjoy a monstrous menu of all-new food & beverage items, including Bloody Campground Poutine, El Pastor Torta and Sour Apple Pie Funnel Fries, in addition to returning fan-favorites like Pizza Fries.
• New this year, Peacock’s Halloween Horror Bar will feature themed libations within an ominous nightclub vibe, photo opportunities, and more.
• For those dying to experience this year’s “killer” food & beverage before the event even opens, Taste of Terror will offer guests an exclusive preview of select items that will be featured at Halloween Horror Nights select nights from August 10 through August 26. For more information and to purchase tickets to Taste of Terror, click here.

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