Universal Fan Fest Nights - Coming 2025

[Wesker69]

Is it 3D in Japan?

Because Shrek 4D was 3D in the parks, but released 2D on DVD. While Shrek was designed for 3D gimmicks, I can't see JJK being the same since it's also not the same animation style

 

[TheUniC6]

Is it 3D in Japan?

Because Shrek 4D was 3D in the parks, but released 2D on DVD. While Shrek was designed for 3D gimmicks, I can't see JJK being the same since it's also not the same animation style

The Cinema 4D at Osaka still uses 3D glasses IIRC.

 

[BriefCasey]

Well tbf, it is a theme park attraction so the envrionment is a little different from watching a standard feature film or television. Its supposed to be "immersive". Text on screen might take some people out of the moment. Especially since this is also supposed to be a 3D film, so it might be extra distracting since its not in 3D.

Yeah, and even then, I don't think the quality of dubs these days should be discredited. This isn't the 90s anymore where dubs often changed a lot more of the script because they thought we wouldn't get some things at all (i.e. Pokemon and the "jelly filled donuts"), and they often do their best to keep the meaning while still remaining understandable for a western audience.

Anyways, I know everyone is different with this stuff and how well they can read subs and keep watching, but this is probably why sub and dub should rotate in time intervals; it would please both crowds and maybe add a smidge of re-rideability if someone chooses to (but perhaps that would run the risk of wait times being a bit more inflated). I didn't think the sub vs dub argument would find it's way here though.

 

[Jerroddragon]

Yeah, and even then, I don't think the quality of dubs these days shouldn't be discredited. This isn't the 90s anymore where dubs often changed a lot more of the script because they thought we wouldn't get some things at all (i.e. Pokemon and the "jelly filled donuts"), and they often do their best to keep the meaning while still remaining understandable for a western audience.

Anyways, I know everyone is different with this stuff and how well they can read subs and keep watching, but this is probably why sub and dub should rotate in time intervals; it would please both crowds and maybe add a smidge of re-rideability if someone chooses to (but perhaps that would run the risk of wait times being a bit more inflated). I didn't think the sub vs dub argument would find it's way here though.

I love the idea but I feel like would somehow mess things up

If we can't get dubs whatever but if they do Dub them, its not like Sub people wont show up

I will say even if this was dubbed. Its fine, like I'm happy it came so I got into the anime but even if Dubbed and even in 3D it would just be ok

Its a Filler anime adventure and hope we see One Piece take over WW next year. I think that would be really fun and think would work well to keep once piece around but also allow other animes to take over Fan Zone area

 

[Pacific]

Is it 3D in Japan?

Because Shrek 4D was 3D in the parks, but released 2D on DVD. While Shrek was designed for 3D gimmicks, I can't see JJK being the same since it's also not the same animation style

Looking at the footage, it [JJK] was defintely made with stereoscopicy in mind.

 

[HalfGlass]

So overall thoughts…Fan Fest really is for FANS, and if you’re not a diehard, there’s very little here for you outside of walk on rides.

To start with the good - I adore Back to the Future, and the set dressing, shows and character meet and greets were all excellent (though the 45 min event cycle was too short in my opinion and the movie projected on the building was murky). That alone made it worth it for me, but only because I literally live and breathe the trilogy.

I also am a big Trekkie, but found the entire Red Alert attraction to be completely lackluster and sloppy.

I know basic stuff about D&D and like what I know, but I thought that whole walkthrough (save for the animatronic one eyed thing) to be a waste of time.

And finally I don’t like anime, so those things did nothing for me.

So here lies the problem. I doubt anyone is a true top 10% fan of all 5 major properties at the event. Unlike HHN, where you can still enjoy the houses and scares without knowing the movies some are based on, this event requires you to truly love what they present. Because even though it’s the first year, it does feel like HHN on a budget, but without any of the thrills.

Best comparison I can make is that outside of BttF, which benefits from having the set in the backlot, these all feel like free “activations” you would see at San Diego Comic Con. A distraction, that I’m sure some people will drool over, but most will go “oh, ok”.

So I ask myself, if they do this again next year, and BttF isn’t there and are forced to build everything from the ground up, will it even be remotely worth it? And the answer is unequivocally no, unless the crowds stay low and you can walk on rides like we did last night.

 

[Jaden]

Seeing BTTF makes me wish it came back for next year but this time using the Old Western sets for BTTF 3.

A duel showdown between Marty and Mad Dog.

The festival where you can dance and get a photo-op with the clock.

The shed where Doc keeps the DeLorean.

Buford getting angry at guests when you call him Mad Dog.

Ugh, the potential this has makes me wanting more.

 

[kingcooger]

Okay, so I guess I have to ask some questions:

1) if you have 2pm entry, how early can you line up for the Yoshi meet and greet?

2) how many eggs are there in the egg hunt?

3) do you need a power band for the egg hunt?

4) are the different color Yoshi’s only for those who completed the egg hunt?

5) is the completion of the egg hunt line separate from the main Yoshi line?

6) where exactly is the Wicked meet and greet?

7) what food items are tasty/worth the cost?

8) what attractions close at what times?

Thank you all for your help!

 

[Wesker69]

3) do you need a power band for the egg hunt?

No

4) are the different color Yoshi’s only for those who completed the egg hunt?

Yes. Blue or Pink Yoshi

6) where exactly is the Wicked meet and greet?

Front of the park next to the Studio Store

8) what attractions close at what times?

If you mean the actual event related ones, those stay open until close. Regular rides are a different thing

 

[Jerroddragon]

So overall thoughts…Fan Fest really is for FANS, and if you’re not a diehard, there’s very little here for you outside of walk on rides.

To start with the good - I adore Back to the Future, and the set dressing, shows and character meet and greets were all excellent (though the 45 min event cycle was too short in my opinion and the movie projected on the building was murky). That alone made it worth it for me, but only because I literally live and breathe the trilogy.

I also am a big Trekkie, but found the entire Red Alert attraction to be completely lackluster and sloppy.

I know basic stuff about D&D and like what I know, but I thought that whole walkthrough (save for the animatronic one eyed thing) to be a waste of time.

And finally I don’t like anime, so those things did nothing for me.

So here lies the problem. I doubt anyone is a true top 10% fan of all 5 major properties at the event. Unlike HHN, where you can still enjoy the houses and scares without knowing the movies some are based on, this event requires you to truly love what they present. Because even though it’s the first year, it does feel like HHN on a budget, but without any of the thrills.

Best comparison I can make is that outside of BttF, which benefits from having the set in the backlot, these all feel like free “activations” you would see at San Diego Comic Con. A distraction, that I’m sure some people will drool over, but most will go “oh, ok”.

So I ask myself, if they do this again next year, and BttF isn’t there and are forced to build everything from the ground up, will it even be remotely worth it? And the answer is unequivocally no, unless the crowds stay low and you can walk on rides like we did last night.

While I'm not against them adding more ways for people to have fun

I see lots of people be like "I've never seen One Piece....JJK, Star Trek....BTTF etc"

This was announced 6 months ago, I feel like its more then enough time to watch these shows and movies and become fans

This is a fest for Fans, and would not want it watered down because some people don't want to go watch the shows and movies all of which are easily available Via buying from Apple/amazon or watching on streaming services

One Piece is HUGE but you can watch the netflix show or first Epsodes of the anime to become a fan

This is event is bringing in what you bring and the when I went everyone loved the BTTF, Once Piece, Wicked, Yoshi (besides the line)

So love hearing what someone thinks who didn't love it but. I would love to hear what they can do to make it for you or is it just not an even for you like how HHN is not for everyone?

 

[Wesker69]

Had a coworker go during opening weekend. He said it was fun/"okay". Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Which i think is fair for an event like this

I've got two other coworkers going different days. Another one that wants to go. Honestly, despite being anti-group, I almost wish we had planned to go together lol

I believe one of my knotts friends is going Friday. Although, he's naively easily impressed, so he'll love it regardless lol (also he went through TCM last year with his eyes closed ....but yet he's a KSF scareactor of 5 years)

IF Universal plans to bring this back again, they need to advertise it better, not rely on "free media"/influencers.

 

[Jerroddragon]

IF Universal plans to bring this back again, they need to advertise it better, not rely on "free media"/influencers.

I agree on this 100%

I know they don't do them but they also need Paper Maps for this. It just helps a lot to high light things better

Also the Plaza needs show times on the App and you need Sign's pointing you to the Plaza with show times and maybe even TM's yelling and telling you whats coming in the Plaza like how they shout out Water World is about to start and that show is 30 years old and they still push people to go see it

 

[HalfGlass]

While I'm not against them adding more ways for people to have fun

I see lots of people be like "I've never seen One Piece....JJK, Star Trek....BTTF etc"

This was announced 6 months ago, I feel like its more then enough time to watch these shows and movies and become fans

This is a fest for Fans, and would not want it watered down because some people don't want to go watch the shows and movies all of which are easily available Via buying from Apple/amazon or watching on streaming services

One Piece is HUGE but you can watch the netflix show or first Epsodes of the anime to become a fan

This is event is bringing in what you bring and the when I went everyone loved the BTTF, Once Piece, Wicked, Yoshi (besides the line)

So love hearing what someone thinks who didn't love it but. I would love to hear what they can do to make it for you or is it just not an even for you like how HHN is not for everyone?

It’s not that it’s not for me. I love sci-fi, I love fantasy, I love action. They’re my favorite genres. Like I said, I adore Star Trek yet found the attraction to be entirely underwhelming, and that’s one of the major headliners for the event.

The problem is that this event requires more than just having seen the show to get the references. It requires you LOVING the show or movie enough to care about standing in long lines for photo ops and going through a budget walkthrough of those properties and finding some semblance of joy from it.

HHN, as long as you like haunted houses you’ll have fun, regardless of the year or IPs. This is so niche, and because it’s so niche, I can’t see it getting the budget it needs to ever become big enough to make attractions that appeal to the masses.

 

[Jonathan]

The problem is that this event requires more than just having seen the show to get the references. It requires you LOVING the show or movie enough to care about standing in long lines for photo ops and going through a budget walkthrough of those properties and finding some semblance of joy from it.

I disagree. I know exactly nothing about D&D and had an absolute blast with the experience. I went with two different groups over the weekend and everyone knew nothing and came away loving it. I’m not a huge Trek fan (seen the movies and a little bit of the TV series’), and I agree it’s underwhelming, but still enjoyed walking the sets. JuJutsu Kaisen is another property I wasn’t familiar with up until a few days before the event.


Same can be said for me regarding HHN. I enjoy going through the houses even if I’ve never seen the IP, as long as it’s entertaining, I’ll have a good time.

 

[highdefrex]

Just to chime in: If you're someone that's not into meet-and-greets and that sort of stuff, like me, that's sort of one of the ways I feel you're at a huge disadvantage with what's available at the event. As I said in a previous post, I'm not into One Piece (or anime in general) or Wicked or Yoshi, so therefore all that's at the event "for me" would be BTTF, Star Trek, and D&D. And that's the thing -- I barely know anything about D&D, but I'm looking forward to it anyway because at least there's an experience that serves as something for me to engage with the IP more than just "stand in a long line and take a picture with some character."

So taking One Piece as an example -- I don't care. I'm not going to watch the anime, read the manga, watch the Netflix show. I know without a doubt that it's not for me. That said, I'm not upset that it's at the event, because people who are fans deserve it. But if -- like others have referenced -- there was a One Piece live show in the WaterWorld arena or something, I'd happily watch it and engage with that IP, because it's something to actually do and/or experience.

Conversely, I love Back to the Future. Love it. But if all that was offered at the event was meet-and-greets with Doc and Marty, then it'd be no different than how I view Wicked or One Piece at the event -- I'm not standing in line for god knows how long just to take a picture with them. I love that, instead, Universal turned what could've been reduced to that to a living experience out on the backlot.

All this is to say, I prefer experiences (walk-throughs, shows, whatever) regardless of whether or not I'm familiar with any given IP or not. It's why, in the rare times something comes to HHN that I'm unfamiliar with, I can still enjoy and engage with it because at least it feels like something of a reward, for lack of a better word. If Fan Fest had a bunch of IPs I love -- Jurassic Park, Jaws, ET, etc. -- and they were all represented with nothing but meet-and-greets, I'd be no less disappointed than I would be that there's a bunch of IPs I don't know/care about being represented by nothing but meet-and-greets simply because that sort of thing doesn't appeal to me personally.

TL;DR: I'm not into Wicked at all, therefore I'm not waiting in a line to meet the Wicked characters, but have a Wicked walk-through with sets and props, and I'd go through it. That's what I'd want more of going forward with the event in years to come; experiences for people like me to engage with IPs in conjunction with photo ops and meet-and-greets for the diehard fans.

 

[Jerroddragon]

It’s not that it’s not for me. I love sci-fi, I love fantasy, I love action. They’re my favorite genres. Like I said, I adore Star Trek yet found the attraction to be entirely underwhelming, and that’s one of the major headliners for the event.

The problem is that this event requires more than just having seen the show to get the references. It requires you LOVING the show or movie enough to care about standing in long lines for photo ops and going through a budget walkthrough of those properties and finding some semblance of joy from it.

HHN, as long as you like haunted houses you’ll have fun, regardless of the year or IPs. This is so niche, and because it’s so niche, I can’t see it getting the budget it needs to ever become big enough to make attractions that appeal to the masses.

Its a Fan fest Fan=fanatic

I understand it wont be for everyone but if you didn't even try and watch the anime's, D&D movie and so on then yes I would assume you'd enjoy it less.

Star Trek is something I'm kinda into but the attraction wasn't that great not because it required knowledge the plot and some effects were just not as impressive as they could have been.
D&D I can't help you there the level of detail is as high if not more then HHN and the effects used were great, they had some amazing lightening and the puppet is just...dam its cool. Along with the actors were clearly having fun so I had fun

JJK its a side quest and while you can like the jokes I also think like Star Trek its good/fine but yes could have been more

Yoshi is cute and should not need much lore, Wicked is based off a 20+ year old play based on the Oz books so hopefully you know them and One Piece has an anime and live action show and yes would be a good idea to watch the shows to enjoy the characters more but they also just looked cool.

HP had 3 new meet and greets and while its nice to see the films, most people will know what a dragon is and we got one of the best castle shows with 4 different endings.

BTTF is just great with or without knowing the film, you get to walk courthouse square which costs way more then 70 bucks normally and it was very well dressed up and had lots of places to grab a photo, now you can take it beyond that and take to the characters but even without this is an amazing area with live music, performs and a projection show.

I am pretty critical but for me this event was great and along the way found a new anime to watch which was a win...kinda excited to see next year's line up and maybe something new will make its way into my life. This is not to mention we had a live band that had some pretty great set lists from movies, and TV shows to classic songs and what not, the only issue with the plaza area is they need to TELL people about it. Also most rides were walk on's and for guests who dont come offer must be nice

I would love to hear your ideas on how to make this better because for me its just make both houses into the level of D&D, Give us another live show like One Piece at WW and find a way to make meet and greets go quicker along with the food lines and to me....I'm in love.

HHN is still my favorite event of the year but this after hours event rocked, if you can find another event at 70 bucks with this much to offer plaseeeeeeee tell me because I want to go to it.

 

[chris.g]

I will say something I particularly am irked about with including anime at the event is the fans of (insert anime here). I am no anime fan by any means and still think the inclusion of One Piece is very cute, and while I agree it should be an experience and not limited to a M&G - its representation is a big thing in terms of it being at Universal.

Despite this, all I see online when it comes to videos of the event is "UGH! Why is X picking his nose with his INDEX finger and not his PINKY!" or "X would NEVER interact with Y this way, this event is RUINED!" and I just roll my eyes and tell myself what's the point of Universal even trying to bring these properties to life when its own FAN BASE will be disappointed in it. Although I will say they are probably just a loud minority, it is a very common criticism I'm seeing from shared videos on socials.

It's almost the opposite of HHN, where fans are happy to see an IP they care about included at all, but if it's anime it's all or nothing. Just wondering if this is something Universal is going to adjust expectations for in the future.

 

[ladiesman217]

Despite this, all I see online when it comes to videos of the event is "UGH! Why is X picking his nose with his INDEX finger and not his PINKY!" or "X would NEVER interact with Y this way, this event is RUINED!" and I just roll my eyes and tell myself what's the point of Universal even trying to bring these properties to life when its own FAN BASE will be disappointed in it. Although I will say they are probably just a loud minority, it is a very common criticism I'm seeing from shared videos on socials.

It's almost the opposite of HHN, where fans are happy to see an IP they care about included at all, but if it's anime it's all or nothing. Just wondering if this is something Universal is going to adjust expectations for in the future.

It's really funny that you mention this because I had a similar moment with BTTF. It sorta bugged me a bit that Marty wasn't wearing his dance suit when he got on stage to play Johnny B. Goode but when I saw the exact movements the actor was making, down to the literal forehead wipe right before he begins his solo, I nerded out like crazy.

Really really hope they bring the BTTF experience back next year, even if it's the same exact thing. BUT I'm also hoping they bring it back as the 2015 or 1885 version because it'd be just as great, if not better, than the 1955 version.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I will say something I particularly am irked about with including anime at the event is the fans of (insert anime here). I am no anime fan by any means and still think the inclusion of One Piece is very cute, and while I agree it should be an experience and not limited to a M&G - its representation is a big thing in terms of it being at Universal.

Despite this, all I see online when it comes to videos of the event is "UGH! Why is X picking his nose with his INDEX finger and not his PINKY!" or "X would NEVER interact with Y this way, this event is RUINED!" and I just roll my eyes and tell myself what's the point of Universal even trying to bring these properties to life when its own FAN BASE will be disappointed in it. Although I will say they are probably just a loud minority, it is a very common criticism I'm seeing from shared videos on socials.

It's almost the opposite of HHN, where fans are happy to see an IP they care about included at all, but if it's anime it's all or nothing. Just wondering if this is something Universal is going to adjust expectations for in the future.

lol

I've seen this on video I post with the One piece characters...people arguing about an actors race or something off...so stupid to me

 

[HalfGlass]

Its a Fan fest Fan=fanatic

I understand it wont be for everyone but if you didn't even try and watch the anime's, D&D movie and so on then yes I would assume you'd enjoy it less.

Star Trek is something I'm kinda into but the attraction wasn't that great not because it required knowledge the plot and some effects were just not as impressive as they could have been.
D&D I can't help you there the level of detail is as high if not more then HHN and the effects used were great, they had some amazing lightening and the puppet is just...dam its cool. Along with the actors were clearly having fun so I had fun

JJK its a side quest and while you can like the jokes I also think like Star Trek its good/fine but yes could have been more

Yoshi is cute and should not need much lore, Wicked is based off a 20+ year old play based on the Oz books so hopefully you know them and One Piece has an anime and live action show and yes would be a good idea to watch the shows to enjoy the characters more but they also just looked cool.

HP had 3 new meet and greets and while its nice to see the films, most people will know what a dragon is and we got one of the best castle shows with 4 different endings.

BTTF is just great with or without knowing the film, you get to walk courthouse square which costs way more then 70 bucks normally and it was very well dressed up and had lots of places to grab a photo, now you can take it beyond that and take to the characters but even without this is an amazing area with live music, performs and a projection show.

I am pretty critical but for me this event was great and along the way found a new anime to watch which was a win...kinda excited to see next year's line up and maybe something new will make its way into my life. This is not to mention we had a live band that had some pretty great set lists from movies, and TV shows to classic songs and what not, the only issue with the plaza area is they need to TELL people about it. Also most rides were walk on's and for guests who dont come offer must be nice

I would love to hear your ideas on how to make this better because for me its just make both houses into the level of D&D, Give us another live show like One Piece at WW and find a way to make meet and greets go quicker along with the food lines and to me....I'm in love.

HHN is still my favorite event of the year but this after hours event rocked, if you can find another event at 70 bucks with this much to offer plaseeeeeeee tell me because I want to go to it.

See that’s the thing. I saw the new D&D movie three times, I loved it! And outside of that I know a little from playing Baulder’s back in the day. So yeah, I have some context. Yet, I thought the D&D house was so underwhelming. It should at least be “oh that’s cool” since I typically love fantasy storytelling. So my answer is, the walkthroughs won’t cut it, and unless it’s more interactive like BttF was, with activations happening in the street and the food/bars being more than just a kiosk with a sign overlay, it’s just not worth the price of admission.

One other thing was the noise pollution. In HHN houses, it’s not as obvious from neighboring rooms since it’s so loud. In this, you’re supposed to be hearing dialogue between characters and you can hear what’s going on in the next scene. I get it’s sort of a test run as it’s the first time they’re doing this, but the immersion went out the door for me.

I made the SDCC comparison before and that’s what this felt like for everything but BttF. I could pay $80 for a full day pass and experience multiple of these types of things, and have access to panels and the showroom floor. If I was a passholder or local who has easy access to the park and spent money on this, I’d be pissed. Luckily, I was visiting from out of town so it was worth it to get on the rides, but if you can do those any time, the value decreases significantly.

I know it’s “Fan” Fest, and I’m glad you had a blast. Unfortunately, the two people I was with felt the exact same way I did. I shouldn’t have to be a super fan of all the properties to get something out of them.

It sounds like we’re just going to have to agree to disagree on this one.