UniversalParksBlog News for April 10th, 2026
In the latest batch of UniversalParksBlog News, we’ve got a Fan Fest Nights surprise!
We’ll also discuss Nintendo and a dining pass this week. So, you won’t want to miss the news!
Harry Potter and the What???
Photo: Warner Bros
I often think of Universal Studios theme parks as the Houses That Harry Potter Built.
That’s funny when you remember that Universal Orlando Resort was open for 20 years before Potter debuted.
Image: Universal
And Universal Studios Hollywood’s history arguably goes back to the 1910s.
So, I may be giving The Boy Who Lived a bit too much credit…but I stand by it.
PhotoLjapancheapo.com
Tourists flock to these theme parks for the Harry Potter experiences.
Universal officials will test that theory again in a few days when Fan Fest Nights 2026 begins.
Photo: Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood (USH) will host the first date on April 23rd.
With less than two weeks to go, Universal officials are revving up the hype machine for this year.
Photo: Universal
And we just learned something that can, should, and will sell tickets.
Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff will allow guests to roam the dangerous woods beyond Hogwarts Castle.
Photo:businessinsider.com
You may remember this area from the books as a home to many centaurs.
Hagrid also kept a secret in these woods, although it eventually came to light.
Photo: people
The mystical nature of the Forbidden Forest has already proven popular among Potter fans.
This experience has appeared in 15 different cities and counting, currently residing in Shenzhen, China.
One of our Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure ride photos.
During Fan Fest Nights, fans can embark on a Universal Studios variant of the same premise.
Since guests are paying $40+ per person for the standalone version, it’s a bargain for this event!
Photo: Theme Park Insider
You’re getting this same experience as a part of your ticket, and it’s definitely something you should do.
What Is the Forbidden Forest?
As the name implies, Search for the Hippogriff sends you looking for one of these creatures.
A Hogwarts professor sends you on an interactive adventure through the darkened woods.
Universal’s official site just revealed details about this quest, and it sounds thrilling.
“Curiosities hide behind every corner of the Forbidden Forest; even without a magical creature in sight, every inch feels completely alive.”
Universal
In fact, the forest contains “eight-legged creepy-crawlies, magical plants who seem to have minds of their own, and so much more.”
As for the quest itself, here’s what you’ll experience during your visit to the Forbidden Forest:
Universal
“With your fearless professor, face magical creatures, challenging spells, and tests of courage to help aid the lost Hippogriff.”
Yeah, this sounds amazing, and it’s reason enough to attend the event.
Image: Universal
While I’m a bit salty that we’re not getting Star Trek this year, the Forbidden Forest is an acceptable substitute.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering! You DO use magic, which means yes, you’ll use your wand!
Universal
Finally, you’ll have a viable excuse to break out that wand you splurged to buy.
Mine is collecting dust on a bookshelf right now, but I’m pretty sure its spells still work.
If you don’t have a wand yet, head to Ollivanders to buy one before Fan Fest Nights 2026!
The New Dining Pass
Universal
Here’s some news I wasn’t expecting this week. The Universal Studios Hollywood Dining Pass is here!
This version of a theme park dining plan just debuted at USH last week.
Universal
According to Universal, “The new Dining Pass serves up a menu of curated items, including two eligible entrées and four eligible side, snack, dessert or beverage at participating in-park food and beverage locations.”
So, that’s two entrees and then a combination of four beverages, snacks, and sides each day.
Universal
You can purchase the Dining Pass at the park or online at this link. Universal says:
“The Dining Pass may be redeemed at participating food and beverage locations within Universal Studios Hollywood on the selected visit date.
Photo: Insideuniversal.net
“All eligible menu items are clearly identified by the Universal Studios Dining Pass logo displayed on the corresponding dining location menu boards. Restrictions apply.”
Universal Miscellany
Universal Studios Hollywood announces its first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift” will join the theme park family in 2026.
We’ve had a first look at Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift this week as well.
The ride carts are fascinating because they resemble one of four different souped-up cars.
Image: Universal
Your vehicle will mimic one of a “Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-Y, Nissan Skyline GT-R, (or) Toyota Supra.”
Even better, these car styles aren’t imaginary. Your vehicle will tear down the track.
Photo: Universal
Hollywood Drift will reach a top speed of 72 miles per hour, making it a true thrill ride.*
Based on the parcel of land available, there’s a chance this ride will only last for a minute, though.
That’s speculative based on early reports of the track layout. So, we’ll keep an eye on it.
Finally, the other big news this week is that Universal Studios picked the perfect collaboration.
In case you haven’t heard, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is currently wrecking the box office.
After just 12 days in theaters, it’s already the number one movie of 2026.
Universal
The Mario and Nintendo brands are so hot that articles like this are appearing.
Anecdotally, the crowds at Super Nintendo World have been a bit larger lately.
Photo: Nintendo.co/jp
Since we’ve had Spring Break and Easter lately, it’s hard to quantify how much of that is due to the film, though.
So, this is a story we’ll track throughout April, as the movie will dominate all month.
Photo: Universal Japan
*= Universal officials have indicated that the ride is still in testing. So, the ride may have a lower max speed.
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Feature Photo: Universal
