UniversalParksBlog News for February 9th, 2025
At Universal Studios, Fan Fest Nights preparations are underway, Mardi Gras has begun, and Epic employees can get their coffee fix.
We’ve got lots of fun updates in the latest UniversalParksBlog News!
Fan Fest Nights News
Image: Universal
This spring, Universal Studios Hollywood unveils its latest after-hours ticketed event.
Fan Fest Nights sounds so phenomenal that Universal Orlando Resort fans are already jealous, even though it hasn’t started!
Image: Universal
As previously discussed, Fan Fest Nights marries several popular brands at one festive event.
You can get your fix of Dungeons & Dragons, Star Trek, Back to the Future, Super Mario, Jujutsu Kaisen, and One Piece, among others.
Image: Universal
The first three properties are the major brands at the event, and I didn’t even mention Harry Potter, which will have a presence.
Fan Fest Nights promises to reinvent springtime celebrations at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Now, we just learned more about the festivities, which begin on April 25th, 2025.
For starters, tickets are now on sale for the event, with general admission pricing starting at $74 per person.
Universal
For $99 more, Universal park guests can purchase the Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal Express.
This pass guarantees “one-time express access” for “each in-world experience, ride, and attraction.”
Photo:unofficialuniversal.com
Alternatively, for $203, you can go all-in by buying the Universal Fan Fest Nights Universal Express Unlimited.
This one costs $30 more than the basic version. It empowers guests to unlimited express access for all the attractions, experiences, and rides.
So, I’d argue that if you’re buying an Express pass, you should just spend the extra money for the unlimited option.
You are taking a slight risk in that we have no idea how long the various waits will be or whether this pass is even needed.
Still, “in for a penny, in for a pound” applies. And we know that the experiences should be spectacular.
What Universal Has Announced
Photo: Patrick Connolly / Orlando Sentinel
I’m quite confident that some of the Fan Fest Nights plans are tenuous and/or not finalized yet.
My basis for this is that Universal has already surveyed some of the early buyers to gauge their expectations for the event.
Photo: Universal Studios Japan
While I think that’s a good move on Universal’s part for an untested new premise, it…doesn’t instill confidence.
Universal’s biggest consideration is which of the seven brands appeals to customers the most.
Image: Universal
Think of the survey as, “Why did you buy these tickets?” The information should help Universal with future planning.
However, there’s still plenty of planning to be done for the first event, too.
Universal Orlando Resort, UOR
Universal just confirmed several experiences, starting with a Yoshi character greeting.
That’s a first for any Universal Studios park, although I can’t help but wonder how much of a conversationalist Yoshi is.
Photo: Theme Park Insider
Oh well, if the conversation gets awkward, just bump Yoshi. That little dinosaur scatters the instant anything touches it in the video games.
There will also be a Yoshi-based egg scavenger hunt and a few quick “drone moments” celebrating the character.
Photo:mynintendonews.com
With Back to the Future, guests will enter 1955 Hill Valley High and experience the Under the Sea Dance.
I presume it’ll include a blistering rendition of Johnny B. Goode, but that’s just me speculating.
You can also meet various Back to the Future characters. Please don’t be the thousandth person to say, “Hello, McFly?”
Overall, this event sounds spectacular, and you can experience it in less than three months!
Speak with an agent at Let’s Adventure Travel to learn your best booking options for Fan Fest Nights.
Happy Mardi Gras!
Universal Orlando
The bead economy has officially opened for 2025! And the adult beverages are already overflowing at Universal Orlando Resort.
So far, this year’s event has done very well, partially because Universal ponied up for T-PAIN to appear.
Photo: Universal
That concert proved so popular so early that Universal was letting people know early in the day that it was already sold out.
Last night, the Jonas Brothers appeared, and both acts are warming up for the best of the bunch, Foster the People on March 1st. You heard me.
Photo: Universal
Seriously, where did Universal get its Mardi Gras concert budget this year? Color me impressed.
In case you missed it, our Kristin Sabol posted an ultimate foodie guide for the event.
Let’s just say that if you leave Mardi Gras with an empty belly, it’s your own fault.
Of course, you may leave the parks to get some grub. If you do, make sure to visit the Red Coconut Club!
Universal has given the place its Mardi Gras overlay of the Cursed Coconut Club, which I consider a destination location.
Universal Miscellany
Universal
Let’s start with some Universal Epic Universe news. Park officials have confirmed a Donkey Kong meet and greet!
Also, the Starbucks at Celestial Park is now open, I swear. You may wonder why, but there’s an obvious answer.
Photo: Universal
The new Epic Universe employees need their coffee fix. Plus, the early opening gives Starbucks a chance to work out the kinks.
Speaking of which, as the link above indicates, this news comes from the Universal Orlando Team Members Instagram account.
Image: Universal Studios
You should start following this account to learn all sorts of Epic Universe news.
For example, here’s a picture of the Team Member costumes for the Vikings of Berk. There’s some Mardi Gras stuff, too.
Photo: Universal
In refurbishment news, Universal is currently cycling through its various water rides, as it typically does during the winter.
Right now, Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges has closed for refurbishment. It’s expected to return in mid-March.
Source: Universal Orlando
Finally, while we’re discussing social media accounts, Bioreconstruct has (partially) migrated to Blue Sky.
They’ve captured several recent images of Epic Universe ride testing. Some YouTube sites have this stuff as well.
Photo: Universal
So, this is an extremely exciting time for Universal Studios fans.
The time has almost arrived! This spring is gonna be incredible!
Photo: Universal
PS for movie fans: there’s a Dog Man character greeting right now if you have fallen in love with the hit movie.
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Feature Photo: Universal Orlando
