Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 - Speculation & Rumors

[Viator]

Just to set expectations, my guess is they will keep basically everything that was there this year - Back to the Future, Dungeons and Dragons, Star Trek. Each may get tweaks/improvements based on (pretty consistent) guest feedback (changes to Trek story, more characters/scenes in BTTF to spread out crowds, better audio mixing in D&D, etc.)

I would anticipate at least one additional "major" attraction to help fill out the slate. Part of me suspects this will be an anime experience of some kind given the overwhelming reaction to this year's limited offerings.

I think it’s dependent on one thing: will Orlando join us for 2026.

If so, then I think while there might be a few “staple” IPs, I wouldn’t be shocked if the majority is new.

 

[Jerroddragon]

but that wasn’t the case when it relaunched right? it’s that it had movie IP and a focus on high quality sets. I think @Clive is probably right that the first couple years will be about recouping investment.

So, we’ll see how word of mouth affects crowds for next year. If that works, it’ll be interesting to see what they do for a prospective year three.

I mean, kind of.....we are rumored to get some houses back but I think more houses are new vs old and even the old ones many sound like ones from not last year

Plus HHN theme is fear, and this is a fan fest.....kinda thought the point was every year to do something new and get new fandoms to come in the park which they are going to try with Anime....

The event ended, so for sure want to hear more but I also want the event to become a hit and not sure if the same attractions/IP's every year will do that but we will have to find out

 

[viking_wizard_eyes]

I'm sure the creative teams would love to develop completely new experiences each year, but... with what money? They need a return on investment for the stuff they already paid for. I suspect this event will evolve similarly to the earliest years of the Horror Nights relaunch, where we see a fair amount of repeats along with a new marquee experience or two per year and differing street entertainment (to your point, more characters and mini shows). I could see Waterworld happening next year, though, especially now that they have so much evidence that One Piece does gangbusters.

Also, many of the people who worked on this also work on HHN, right? If so, seems like money would need to go into hiring manpower before it went into creative development, because that's a massive undertaking for folks to pull double duty. I don't think the company really has the infrastructure to make this a novel experience year over year. Definitely feels like it's going to take a bit of time to get this event "on its legs," so to speak.

 

[Viator]

Personally speaking I see Fan Fest Nights if HHN is “Fear”, then FFN is “Celebrate”.

Celebrating what we have and what we share with others, while allowing stories and storytellers to shine bright. I think if FFN is going to need to be taken seriously, then they can’t rest on their laurels.

HHN certainly didn’t. When they moved to 2007, they increased the output of experiences quite considerably, with staples present but the majority was new. Jumping from two to four walkthroughs, adding an additional show, and additional scarezones ontop of the package. I imagine they’d follow a similar trend with Fan Fest Nights, with DnD maintaining with enhancements and changes to allow something unique compared to before (like when they pumped Nightmare into Asylum).

 

[Jake S]

I mean, kind of.....we are rumored to get some houses back but I think more houses are new vs old and even the old ones many sound like ones from not last year

that’s not what i said, though. i said when horror nights relaunched in 2006 (and fully relaunched in 2007) we got repeats in 2008. that’s the stage this event is at. it’s not a fully mature event like horror nights is.

 

[Viator]

that’s not what i said, though. i said when horror nights relaunched in 2006 (and fully relaunched in 2007) we got repeats in 2008. that’s the stage this event is at. it’s not a fully mature event like horror nights is.

Then by that definition, wouldn’t it be more likely that we’d see repeats more when they get to the third year out in 2027?

Assuming if Orlando joins us, then I can’t imagine they would want to directly repeat the lineup ver batem.

 

[Jake S]

Then by that definition, wouldn’t it be more likely that we’d see repeats more when they get to the third year out in 2027?

I mean, no. Because the launch of this event was more like 2007 than it was like 2006. And there’s no indication this event is coming to Orlando; it’s possible, I suppose, but I don’t think it’s likely for 2026.

 

[Michael S]

Then by that definition, wouldn’t it be more likely that we’d see repeats more when they get to the third year out in 2027?

Assuming if Orlando joins us, then I can’t imagine they would want to directly repeat the lineup ver batem.

I think it’s safe to say that Fan Fest won’t follow the same trajectory as HHN. Very different animals. Idk why we are speculating and comparing the two, tbh.

 

[DTH]

See, something like Ghostbusters, Stranger Things, even This Is The End is perfect for this. Glad it's coming back, I just hope they expand their reach in the types of IPs they bring in.

 

[Legacy]

FWIW - I doubt you’re going to see Orlando join in the fun for a while. Orlando already has a daytime parade, a nighttime show, Mardi Gras, HHN, and the holiday parade. HHN builds already take (essentially) 12 months from prep to strike, taking up most of the available space. The A&D team already manages multiple events during the year. Adding another one will likely require expanding the team.

Hollywood has way more flexibility for something like this than Orlando. If Hollywood proves it can be massively profitable, then Orlando will try to figure it out.

 

[Jaden]

What are the odds of acquiring Toho’s Godzilla for the event? I’d love to see that Shub Godzilla vs Evangelion show come to Fan-Fest.

 

[cloudrider]

In terms of anime I'd love some Chainsaw Man or Cowboy Bebop (the latter is less likely I feel).

Like others I expect (or I suppose HOPE) they will go all out on Mario stuff given the new movie on the horizon especially. Whether it be bringing more characters like Bowser and/or DK or just more focus on Nintendo in general.

 

[highdefrex]

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of The Fast and the Furious. Coupled with Hollywood Drift's opening, I could see a bit of Fan Fest devoted to celebrating the IP, like having some of the photo op cars out around the ride (ones not included in the queue, assuming there will be). Nothing fancy since the ride is the obvious draw, but the anniversary going hand-in-hand with the ride opening is an easy and effortless little marketing thing for them to capitalize on for the event.

 

[chris.g]

If they dont bring back BTTF, what are the chances Universal does Grease? The IP/ rockabilly niche in LA is very culturally appealing.

 

[ladiesman217]

If they dont bring back BTTF, what are the chances Universal does Grease? The IP/ rockabilly niche in LA is very culturally appealing.

Would actually love to see this and wouldn't be impossible since it's a Paramount film and Uni and Paramount have been good buddies for a while now. Biff's car is practically Greased Lightning so they can just give it a good wrap and that'd be ready to go. The characters would actually be a ton of fun to interact with, especially if you have the T-Birds doing their shenanigans and 'bullying' people in a similar manner to Biff and Skinhead. Plus, they can still have a little stage and just reenact some of the songs from the prom section of the film. It'd honestly be pretty great and wouldn't exactly be a super costly change since it'd just be light set dressing changes and new, relatively basic, outfits for the characters.

 

[Wesker69]

2026 marks the 25th anniversary of The Fast and the Furious. Coupled with Hollywood Drift's opening, I could see a bit of Fan Fest devoted to celebrating the IP, like having some of the photo op cars out around the ride

Bring back the "Pit Crew Dancers" and I'm in.

If they dont bring back BTTF, what are the chances Universal does Grease? The IP/ rockabilly niche in LA is very culturally appealing.

Grease 2 or no deal!