Why Universal Fan Fest Nights Sets a New Standard For Theme Park After-Hours Events
Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood are officially raising the bar for after-hours theme park events. Running select nights from April 25 to May 18, 2025, this separately ticketed event brings together fans of sci-fi, fantasy, anime, and gaming for an unforgettable evening. After attending opening night, we can confidently say that Universal has created a new gold standard that Disney and others will have to follow.
Here’s why Universal Fan Fest Nights is now the best after-hours event in theme parks:
🎟️ 1. Ticket Pricing and Options
Unlike other theme park events that lock you into one expensive ticket, Universal Fan Fest Nights offers flexibility. General admission starts at just $74 on select nights, and guests can upgrade to options like Express Pass, Unlimited Express, VIP packages, and more. This tiered pricing makes the event accessible, whether you're looking for a casual night or an all-access experience.
Pro Tip: Book early — some nights and add-ons are selling out fast!
⏰ 2. Maximum Value for Your Money
While Disney’s after-dark events like Oogie Boogie Bash or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party run about 4-5 hours, Universal Fan Fest Nights delivers a full 7 hours of fun (7 PM to 2 AM)! More time means you get way more rides, entertainment, and immersive experiences, making it one of the best return-on-investment after-hours events available today.
🎬 3. Truly Unique Experiences
Forget typical parades and fireworks — Universal Fan Fest Nights bring the movies to life. They recreated Hill Valley from Back to the Future on the very same studio lot where it was filmed, featuring live actors and interactive street performances.
From chatting with Doc and Marty to exploring Star Trek: Red Alert, Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep, and the One Piece Grand Pirate Gathering, the night was packed with world-class immersive experiences. You don’t just see the fandoms — you live them!
🍴 4. Themed Food and Drinks
While the food during opening night wasn’t perfect, we had fun trying the themed cocktails and snacks scattered throughout the park. At events like these, you’re here for the atmosphere and attractions, not a Michelin-star meal — and Universal delivered on vibe and fun!
🎢 5. Universal's Big Win Over Disney
As travel bloggers and longtime theme park fans, we’ve attended countless Disney After Dark events on both coasts. But honestly? Universal Fan Fest Nights blew them away in terms of value, entertainment hours, and immersive experiences.
With costs rising and fewer perks at Disney events, Universal is making it hard to justify the Disney premium. Add the upcoming Epic Universe grand opening, and Universal is positioning itself as the theme park brand offering real value across all budgets.
We traveled from Austin, Texas, and paid full price for Fan Fest Nights, the hotel, flights, and park admission. We still felt that the event was worth it. If you’re a fan of theme parks, pop culture, and fandom experiences, this is a can’t-miss event.
Disney needs to pay attention: fans are looking for value, and Universal Studios Hollywood just showed the world how it's done. If you are interested in theme park travel, Abed is a Travel Advisor and can help you plan and book your trip. We love theme parks and would love to be your go-to resource. Let us do all the heavy lifting. Contact us here or email therandomrecess@gmail.com with your request and any details you may have. We’d love to earn your business.