Lights, camera, action. Universal Studios Hollywood transports guests to its iconic movie studio backlot via Studio Tour trams as part of Universal Fan Fest Nights’ all-original “Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot,” an adventure blending theatrics, suspense, humor and an interactive, live-action whodunit.
Tickets are now on sale for Universal Fan Fest Nights, a limited 12-night event running April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9 and 14-16, 2026.
In this immersive experience, guests board the Studio Tour as “extras” in a fictional monster movie. The production is derailed when a mysterious villain, the Phantom Director, unleashes the Universal Monsters — Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, the Bride of Frankenstein and the Wolf Man — halting filming and plunging the set into chaos.
Armed with a Mystery Manual, guests team up with Scooby-Doo, Fred, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy to uncover the Phantom Director’s identity. Along the way, they explore Universal’s outdoor film sets, including Little Europe and the Court of Miracles, both known for their roles in classic films such as “Frankenstein” (1931) and “The Wolf Man” (1941). By following clues, guests work to solve the mystery and restart production.
Photo opportunities with the Mystery Inc. team, the Universal Monsters and the Mystery Machine add to the experience.
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event celebrating fandom through immersive, interactive experiences created by the park’s entertainment team in collaboration with industry experts. The event features themed worlds, live entertainment, character interactions, cosplay, photo opportunities and specialty food, beverages and merchandise.
The event also includes a lineup of experiences available each night:
- “ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show” takes over the WaterWorld venue with a live-action performance featuring fan-favorite characters in a high-energy mix of action and comedy.
- “Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe,” a Japanese-language CG anime short, screens at DreamWorks Theatre with subtitles, following Super Sailor Moon as she battles a new enemy.
- “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Forbidden Forest: A Search for the Hippogriff” is a walk-through experience where guests venture into the forest to find a missing Hippogriff with help from a Hogwarts professor.
- “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD — Colorful Yoshi Celebration” introduces a vibrant experience featuring multicolored Yoshis throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
- “Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep” returns with enhancements, inviting guests to join the Harpers in a mission to stop the beholder Xanathar. The creature is brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Tickets are available in multiple tiers, including General Admission, Universal Express, Universal Express Unlimited, After 2 p.m. Day/Night options, a two-night pass, the Ultimate Fandom Pass, early access tickets and a VIP tour experience. Pass members can also access special pricing on select nights.
Select attractions will also be open during the event, including “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” “Flight of the Hippogriff,” “Jurassic World — The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Transformers: The Ride 3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride.”
