Universal Studios' Fan Fest Evolves with Anime & Scooby-Doo

Universal Studios Hollywood's Fan Fest Nights is back for its second year, offering an expanded after-hours experience with greater emphasis on interactivity and anime franchises. The event, a spin-off of Halloween Horror Nights, has introduced new centerpiece attractions, including "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Forbidden Forest: A Search for the Hippogriff," which offers a guided walkthrough with a large puppet reveal. Another major addition is "Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot," a more participation-heavy mystery set on the backlot.

The event has significantly increased its anime offerings this year. "Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe" is now showing, alongside "Sailor Moon" character meet-and-greets and "One Piece" themed shows, merchandise, and food. This amplified focus on anime follows the success of similar elements from the previous year, hinting at future possibilities for anime-centric events.

Fan Fest Nights has evolved from its debut by refining its structure, moving towards more guided experiences than the aimless "Back to the Future" attraction of its first year. While still in a "test-and-adjust" phase, the event aims to improve kinks and potentially incorporate larger IPs in the future. The current run is scheduled for select nights between April 23 and May 16.