On April 25th, Universal Studios kicked off Fan Fest Nights. Ticketholders were able to look forward to dining their way through the event’s interactive and immersive experience inspired by such marquee worlds as Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more!
As you initially make your way through the park and encounter Star Trek, there’s Quark’s Cafe where you could dine on an Andorian Redbat Sandwich and chase it down with a blue Andorian Ale. However, if you really wanted to get the night started with just a drink, 10 Forward Bar was also available. There was also a fun photo opportunity where you could get a picture sitting in the Captain’s chair on the bridge of the Enterprise. The photographer had a lot of fun ideas for those who weren’t sure how to pose. The simple “Live long and prosper” Spock hand gesture would suffice.
To truly get the Star Trek experience, you entered Star Trek: Red Alert, where a building was transformed into the Enterprise-D. Fans could walk through the ship’s different decks from the docking bay and sickbay, and then take a turbolift to the bridge and witness how the Enterprise crew handled a red alert from a possible alien threat. If you can’t ever be in the year 2364 and actually step on board the Enterprise, this was the next best thing.
See Also: Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” Conjures Up a Good Time
Next up, for all those One Piece fans, a section of the park was themed and full of your favorite characters. The animated show characters were brought to life to take pictures with; you could line up for anyone from Monkey D. Luffy to Nami. The costuming and cosplay actors were spot on for photo opportunities.
If you want to sit down for a bit, you can also watch Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed at the DreamWorks theater.
Towards the back lot was Dungeons and Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep. As you entered the world, characters would take you through your quest. There was a flying dragon, very well done, a shop full of weapons, a dark forest, and a room full of treasures, everything a fan of the game would want. Your quest would end with Xanathar, a massive animatronic creature. After all this, it did leave room for more food, where you could head to The First Roll Tavern and try a Beholder’s Brew Fondue.
The big spectacle for the night was Back To The Future. The normal studio tram tour took you to 1955 and down to the clock tower. Actors dressed as Marty, Biff, Lorraine, George, and Doc Brown would greet you. There were many different photo opportunities, like the DeLorean with Einstein, a real dog that was very obedient and patient. They also recreated the fire burning tracks and a spinning license plate with OUTATIME stamped on it. To top off everyone’s experience, actors recreated scenes from the movie, from George and Lorraine’s first kiss at Enchantment Under The Sea, Marty’s guitar solo, to a final movie scene projection on the clock tower where Doc helps Marty get back to the future!
Mel’s Diner was also available to finish your night with plenty of themed food from The Flux Capacitor Patty Melt or the Doc Brown Chicken Pot Pie, and wash any of those down with The Time Traveler’s Milkshake.
There were also special interactions with Wicked characters, Elphaba and Glinda. Additionally, theme park favorites, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, offered special additions and introduced characters and interactive elements.
Universal Fan Fest is open on select nights, and tickets are on sale through May 18th.
For more information, visit their website.
