Universal Fan Fest Nights - Coming 2025

[Viator]

I know i repeatedly see this one but this one is likely not going to happen. the yearly USJ show happens once a night and is 90 minutes long which is part of the reason why its an upcharge event with a strict no cameras allowed policy. (when you buy your ticket, it literally states any footage or video will lead to banning from the park permanently and civil charges for any damages realized/unrealized.)

the nature of this event seems to go against that with people encouraged to film

Asking this--but is similar elements in place for USJ when it comes to the 4D Cinema shows? Considering USH has allowed filming for Jujutsu Kaisen, I wonder if that could be a step forward to differentiate things (I also think your assuming it would be the same exact show as it is in Osaka; when it would need to be changed regardless to cater to localizing and translating (and maybe even dubbing over).

 

[quinnmac000]

Asking this--but is similar elements in place for USJ when it comes to the 4D Cinema shows? Considering USH has allowed filming for Jujutsu Kaisen, I wonder if that could be a step forward to differentiate things (I also think your assuming it would be the same exact show as it is in Osaka; when it would need to be changed regardless to cater to localizing and translating (and maybe even dubbing over).

the 4D shows you aren't supposed to film but at USJ know they let a lot of influencers film for content (usually only their reactions and they are forced to sit in the back of the theater). For the One Piece Premier Show...they don't let any influencers film; only professional media during the first night and only certain parts of the actual show. Only at the end are the general public allowed to take photos.

The reason why I am assuming it will be the same show as Osaka is production costs and development costs. Universal likely pays most of these costs and the show is a new show every year. Because of how the story is created, it is unlikely Universal can shorten the show without cutting all the necessary fan moments which made the One Piece Premier Show such a popular event with the high guest satisfaction rating.

But I actually am happy you asked this question because there is something they could bring to USH next year from Japan for One Piece with no issue and that would be Sanji's Restuarant Dinner show. That allowed photos to be taken and posted.

 

[mccgavin]

The reason why I am assuming it will be the same show as Osaka is production costs and development costs. Universal likely pays most of these costs and the show is a new show every year. Because of how the story is created, it is unlikely Universal can shorten the show without cutting all the necessary fan moments which made the One Piece Premier Show such a popular event with the high guest satisfaction rating.

I still think Universal will bring One Piece to the Waterworld stage here, but it won't be on the scale of Japan's version. I don't think it's that big of an issue, as the vast majority of visitors have never been to USJ, and this show would be just one part of Fan Fest Nights as a whole.

I'd imagine it would be something similar in scope to The Purge: Dangerous Waters, and could be something they repeat without changes for multiple years if they desire to.

 

[Wesker69]

I was told a lot of merch has been "sold out" & their restock is a bit delayed. Not sure what exactly, but yea.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I was told a lot of merch has been "sold out" & their restock is a bit delayed. Not sure what exactly, but yea.

lol

The event ends this weekend so hopefully not too delayed, lol

 

[viking_wizard_eyes]

So this was pretty fun! Went this past weekend. Not sure that I have anything novel to say, I pretty much agree with everyone here on the strengths and weaknesses, although I liked the Star Trek stuff a bit more and the BTTF stuff a bit less. I was kinda worried heading in because A) This isn't a haunt event, and B) I'm not a "fandom" or cosplay person. Like, I'm clearly into nerdy things but I'm not a "nerd culture" person at all -- in fact the whole thing kinda makes me cringe. There were times when it felt like an anime convention and I just wanted to gtfo.

But the scope and creativity here is just so impressive and it was a lot of fun to experience. I had a blast. Loved the Wizarding World additions and the Nintendo stuff. Dungeons and Dragons was amazing. The food we had didn't blow me away but I liked the effort regardless.

Still kinda TBD if it's a thing I do every year -- it'll all depend on lineups. I imagine BTTF is a lock to return, but as much as I enjoyed it, I'm not sure I absolutely need to experience it again. My hope is Universal leans a bit more on their own catalogue for future iterations. Having an E.T. or Jurassic experience on the scale of BTTF or Dungeons and Dragons would be amazing (although maybe Jurassic gets too close to HHN).

I also think there are some operational things they can adjust. Like I don't think it needs to go so late. People were clearing out by 11pm. Maybe that's because it was the night before Mother's Day, but either way it was super dead pretty early, at least compared to HHN. I don't think they should really even view this as a "springtime HHN," either, which is how it felt from a logistics standpoint. The more they can carve this into its own thing, the better it will be.

 

[Jerroddragon]

So this was pretty fun! Went this past weekend. Not sure that I have anything novel to say, I pretty much agree with everyone here on the strengths and weaknesses, although I liked the Star Trek stuff a bit more and the BTTF stuff a bit less. I was kinda worried heading in because A) This isn't a haunt event, and B) I'm not a "fandom" or cosplay person. Like, I'm clearly into nerdy things but I'm not a "nerd culture" person at all -- in fact the whole thing kinda makes me cringe. There were times when it felt like an anime convention and I just wanted to gtfo.

But the scope and creativity here is just so impressive and it was a lot of fun to experience. I had a blast. Loved the Wizarding World additions and the Nintendo stuff. Dungeons and Dragons was amazing. The food we had didn't blow me away but I liked the effort regardless.

Still kinda TBD if it's a thing I do every year -- it'll all depend on lineups. I imagine BTTF is a lock to return, but as much as I enjoyed it, I'm not sure I absolutely need to experience it again. My hope is Universal leans a bit more on their own catalogue for future iterations. Having an E.T. or Jurassic experience on the scale of BTTF or Dungeons and Dragons would be amazing (although maybe Jurassic gets too close to HHN).

I also think there are some operational things they can adjust. Like I don't think it needs to go so late. People were clearing out by 11pm. Maybe that's because it was the night before Mother's Day, but either way it was super dead pretty early, at least compared to HHN. I don't think they should really even view this as a "springtime HHN," either, which is how it felt from a logistics standpoint. The more they can carve this into its own thing, the better it will be.

I went night one and did everything (with the exceptions of seeing the Blue Yoshi and occamy)

It took all night but also like you said your not into meet and greets but I had to wait twice over 40 mins for One piece and Pink Yoshi

So I hope the event stays open later mainly because the time required to do everything and Per TM's I've talked to they want this event to be able to be done in one night or at least thats the goal

IF they can get a bigger budget and add another fan zone and WW show, that should help cement it in as a yearly event.

As for having ET and Jurassic as more of a focus that would be great....but could see them also pushing these for summer events. Like feels like the Summer events might high light Universal IPs and Fan fest is mostly for IP's Universal wont have on normal days...kinda like HHN

 

[Wesker69]

So I hope the event stays open later mainly

It would never get extended past 2am. Not even HHN gets that privilege.

Being a separately ticketed after hours event was one of the biggest flaws for this, but whatever.

 

[Jerroddragon]

It would never get extended past 2am. Not even HHN gets that privilege.

Being a separately ticketed after hours event was one of the biggest flaws for this, but whatever.

They said people were leaving at 11 PM...so I was just saying keep the event until 2 AM

3 AM would be insane and would not want to make cast have to do another hour

 

[captainmoch]

If this event returns next year, and I certainly hope it does, then I imagine Back to the Future, Wicked, and One Piece would all return (as well as obviously Mario and Potter). Back to the Future could easily be an upgraded version of 1955 or a new makeover with 1985 or 2015. Wicked could get something as simple as the meet & greets (perhaps adding additional ones for characters like Fiyero) or as elaborate as a walk-through with musical elements. One Piece has definitely proven its popularity in Hollywood and could get a heavily modified/shortened version of the Waterworld show. Mario could just do another character takeover and meet & greet with Donkey Kong, Daisy, or Wario. Potter could get... uh, I dunno, a Buckbeak meet and greet? Another projection show? lol

As for new IPs, the past 4D shows at Osaka are a safe place to look: Sailor Moon, Godzilla, and Neon Genesis Evangelion all seem popular enough in the west to justify bringing over. Chainsaw Man would've been my top choice, but that film is so heavily tied to Halloween Horror Nights that I'm not sure it'd work. You could do more meet and greets in the vein of One Piece with Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, or Dragon Ball. The real question is what the walkthrough experiences would be, and if there are any other 80s' or 90s' IPs to balance the more modern anime ones. I doubt Star Trek or Dungeons & Dragons would return, but perhaps they could work with Viacom again and do a Ninja Turtles walk-through/show? If we're sticking in the tabletop or RPG world, then Baldur's Gate, Cyberpunk, and Fallout have potential.

I really do hope this event was successful enough to become a recurring thing. The wait times were never super high, but on my Saturday visit the event was decently crowded; not HHN-levels, but surely enough to make a profit. This same type of event with slightly more budget and capacity would appeal personally to me a bit more than HHN, even, and it's a great oppurtunity to test the waters with new IPs in theme park environments.

 

[Jerroddragon]

If this event returns next year, and I certainly hope it does, then I imagine Back to the Future, Wicked, and One Piece would all return (as well as obviously Mario and Potter). Back to the Future could easily be an upgraded version of 1955 or a new makeover with 1985 or 2015. Wicked could get something as simple as the meet & greets (perhaps adding additional ones for characters like Fiyero) or as elaborate as a walk-through with musical elements. One Piece has definitely proven its popularity in Hollywood and could get a heavily modified/shortened version of the Waterworld show. Mario could just do another character takeover and meet & greet with Donkey Kong, Daisy, or Wario. Potter could get... uh, I dunno, a Buckbeak meet and greet? Another projection show? lol

As for new IPs, the past 4D shows at Osaka are a safe place to look: Sailor Moon, Godzilla, and Neon Genesis Evangelion all seem popular enough in the west to justify bringing over. Chainsaw Man would've been my top choice, but that film is so heavily tied to Halloween Horror Nights that I'm not sure it'd work. You could do more meet and greets in the vein of One Piece with Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, or Dragon Ball. The real question is what the walkthrough experiences would be, and if there are any other 80s' or 90s' IPs to balance the more modern anime ones. I doubt Star Trek or Dungeons & Dragons would return, but perhaps they could work with Viacom again and do a Ninja Turtles walk-through/show? If we're sticking in the tabletop or RPG world, then Baldur's Gate, Cyberpunk, and Fallout have potential.

I really do hope this event was successful enough to become a recurring thing. The wait times were never super high, but on my Saturday visit the event was decently crowded; not HHN-levels, but surely enough to make a profit. This same type of event with slightly more budget and capacity would appeal personally to me a bit more than HHN, even, and it's a great oppurtunity to test the waters with new IPs in theme park environments.

Yeah with rumors of BTTF have some cut backs it would be great to see it come back with everything they have ready for this attraction (like showing the car go back in time)

One Piece and Wicked I agree should be back. I would assume Wicked at least might have the new costumes for the characters and like you said just add another character meeting with them and most people will be happy with that and a walkthrough of sometime would be great or even just an area themed to Wicked like the French street.

Hopefully we get the One Piece Water World show

Like you said Nintendo and HP can add more characters to come

I think the only kinda weak area is Video games....Like we got Yoshi but thats really it unless you count D&D which I at least don't view as much as Video games

I doubt we get this but Halo would be a great replacement for Star Trek and can allow a better use of the small space if you can have some aliens attack you, I think that can add the extra spice the attraction needs.

I also hope the plaza gets more meet and greets....besides the band the rest of the space feels like a waste of space. I didn't see many people really there when the band was not going

 

[Jerroddragon]

This is an insane deal 69-84 bucks for after 2 PM Fan Fest Ticket.

Universal Fan Fest Nights- Universal Studios Hollywood - From $69 - Universal City | Groupon

Universal Studios Hollywood Fan Fest Nights Admission, Select Nights April 25 - May 18 Up to 47% Off

www.groupon.com

 

[ParkExplorer9513]

These are the same prices listed on the Universal website, what's the difference? XD

 

[Jerroddragon]

These are the same prices listed on the Universal website, what's the difference?

The Groupon ones are 69-84....so a 30-40 dollars difference

 

[DarkMetroid567]

This is an insane deal 69-84 bucks for after 2 PM Fan Fest Ticket.

Universal Fan Fest Nights- Universal Studios Hollywood - From $69 - Universal City | Groupon

Universal Studios Hollywood Fan Fest Nights Admission, Select Nights April 25 - May 18 Up to 47% Off

www.groupon.com

I loved FFN so this kinda worries me. Groupon is big “not selling well” energy.

 

[Wesker69]

The only "good deal" for the event was the multi-night ticket (if you actually went more than one night).

And it's the final weekend, they'll try anything to get bodies into the park... anything except proper advertising

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

Chainsaw Man would've been my top choice, but that film is so heavily tied to Halloween Horror Nights that I'm not sure it'd work.

They should just show it at HHN then. Judging by Jujutsu Kaisen's wait times, it could help ease crowding in the upper lot during Hollywood's HHN season.

The real question is what the walkthrough experiences would be, and if there are any other 80s' or 90s' IPs to balance the more modern anime ones

My main problem with the event was actually the lack of balance between the 80s IPs and the modern IPs. Star Trek, D&D, and BTTF get the elaborate walkthroughs and role playing experiences while Wicked, One Piece, and Mario are relegated to meet-n-greets and overlays. Something like Wicked should get probably get a walkthrough over something like Star Trek, which they didn't really capitalize on this year.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I loved FFN so this kinda worries me. Groupon is big “not selling well” energy

Could be many thing

Honestly, I think money wise this would also be smart to do with HHN as well, especially for Thursdays. Once they get you int he door they open up a ton of wars to make money

For example the carnival games for BBTF always have a line and could be wrong but it looks like they sold out of many of the BBTF stuff animals and now people are paying just to get generic animals. Most of the Anime merch sold out, the lines for the One piece restaurant is long ALL night both nights I went and JJK snack station also always has a line

Sure making the money upfront is nice but USH is no stranger to deals, the APs are much cheaper then Disneylands like insanely cheaper and pretty sure the top AP is still on 50 dollars on sale. USH has the buy one ticket get one free right now.

Also last time I went there were a good amount of express people....must have gotten it before the event because they are not needed by Star Trek had a good amount of them when I went at EA and even at 9:30 PM. And so did D&D when I went to that for EA as well. Along with the fact most reviews online from both people and vloggers is two thumbs up. I would not be worried

 

[mccgavin]

Star Trek, D&D, and BTTF get the elaborate walkthroughs and role playing experiences while Wicked, One Piece, and Mario are relegated to meet-n-greets and overlays.

Wicked seems like it was a very last-minute addition, possibly to make up for the drone show getting cut, and Mario already has an entire land in the park dedicated to it. The Yoshi meet & greet serves as something guests can do in the land during the event, similar to the Potter offerings. It's better to prioritize walkthroughs for properties you cannot normally experience at the park.

As for One Piece, I agree they should've done more for it. It feels like the creative team may have underestimated the draw it would have.

 

[Wesker69]

Wicked seems like it was a very last-minute addition

It was something that should've been present in the park when they actually had the Hollywood/Dine overlay to promote the film.

It was dumb for it to be an offering at FanFest instead of just regular day-ops like the other parks. But still hilarious that they used the characters months after the movie came out.

As for One Piece, I agree they should've done more for it. It feels like the creative team may have underestimated the draw it would have.

Of course they underestimated... they didn't pay attention to the years of anime inclusion at Universal Japan. Also, the fact that they failed to take into account that AnimeExpo (a local nerd convention) brings in an obscene amount of fans every year.

The park is located in a state that has several nerd conventions (large & small) throughout the year. There is no excuse for them underestimating the anime hype. Unfortunately though, this event probably wasn't exactly created by those within the fandom. it was simply just a filler cash-grab due to not having anything else to offer currently.