UniversalParksBlog News for March 15th, 2026
This week’s Universal Park Blog news includes welcome updates for Sailor Moon fans and Fraidy Cats.
We’ve got plenty of news to cover, so let’s get right to it!
Sailor Fan Fest
Image: Universal
We’re just five weeks away from Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Currently, we have reason to believe this is going to be an annual event, providing a spring calendar companion to everyone’s favorite, Halloween Horror Nights.
Deadline
Since we’re only in year two of this after hours ticketed event, the activities are still in their infancy.
Universal is adding more new experiences this year to appeal to a wider array of fans.
Universal
We’d previously learned about a new immersive experience that sounds absolutely brilliant.
We’re getting a Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters collaboration that Universal describes as “the ultimate mystery mashup.”
Image: Universal
According to the description, guests will “become an extra in a move gone wrong, as the iconic Universal Monsters are unleashed.”
Honestly, that doesn’t sound any worse than what we read while doomscrolling every day, but this one sounds a lot more fun since it’s fiction.
Credit: Universal
As a fan of Scooby-Doo AND Universal Monsters, this one’s right in my wheelhouse, but my wife would knock me out of the way to sprint to the other experience Universal just announced.
I’m happy to introduce Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, a new show featuring “Moon Cosmic Power Makeup!”
Image: Princess Naoko Planning
I have three Sailor Moon figurines in my household, but I have no idea what any of this means.
My wife just laughed for 20 seconds when she heard about it, so it must be amazing.
Image: Princess Naoko Planning
The most important part is that Sailor Moon fans “get to spend an enchanting time with Super Sailor Moon and her Sailor Guardians.”
I don’t know what any of that is, but I understand that ticket sales spiked within minutes of people finding out on TikTok. Draw your own conclusions.
About Fan Fest Nights
Image: Princess Naoko Planning
I’m having a lot of fun with this, but let’s acknowledge the truth about Universal Fan Fest Nights.
This was a great idea last year that has only gotten better since then.
Universal
On select dates from April 23rd to May 16th, fans can relish unique experiences involving characters from the following brands:
- Dungeons & Dragons
- One Piece
- Sailor Moon
- Scooby-Doo
- Super Nintendo World
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The one drawback this year is that Star Trek is no longer on the menu, presumably because Paramount is under new ownership.
So, we may have already seen the last of that brand. Sorry, Trekkies.
Image: Universal
We’ve got one other thing that’s new this year, and it’s terrific for fans of Super Mario World. You can hang out with Yoshi.
Actually, I’m checking my notes, and you can hang out with FOUR Yoshis.
Photo: Theme Park Insider
So, pick your favorite color from light blue, pink, purple, and yellow, and take a picture with the appropriate dinosaur.
My gamer wife tells me that there’s a new Yoshi game coming out around the same time, but I suspect this is more for promotion of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.
Photo: Paste Magazine
Still, the biggest deal is the Sailor Moon tie-in, which includes an all-original Japanese CG anime short film.
If you’ve wanted to watch Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe, you’re in luck.
Universal
If you could care less, join me in enjoying the absurdity of that title. But please don’t tell my wife I said that.
Universal Miscellany
Photo:mynintendonews.com
The Yoshi news doesn’t end there for obvious reasons.
As I just mentioned, the second Mario animated movie will be released in a couple of weeks.
Attractins magazine
So, Universal Studios Hollywood guests can hang out with Yoshi.
Alas, I have no idea what color this particular Yoshi is, so you’ll just have to accept potluck.
Image: Universal
In ride news, we have a few things to discuss, starting with another Universal Studios Hollywood attraction.
The World-Famous Studio Tour has just modified the King Kong portion to remove the 3D elements.
Image: Universal
This has become a trend with theme park experiences over the past year.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT just did the same thing. The reason why involves motion sickness.
Image: Universal Studios
Some people find the 3D elements a bit too immersive, and it makes them sick.
At Universal Orlando Resort, we have a couple of other attractions currently down for maintenance.
OC Register
I’d previously alerted you about Stardust Racers at Universal Epic Universe.
That ride closed for maintenance three weeks ago and will apparently remain offline into April.
Universal
I don’t currently have a return date, but my expectation is that one will be available by my next update.
For that matter, it’s possible the ride reopens by then.
At Universal’s Islands of Adventure, we had another unexpected closure since the last time we spoke.
Pteranodon Flyers will apparently stay closed from now through mid-May.
Photo: Universal
As a reminder, this ride was recently down for the body of a year, so it may be showing its age a bit.
Hopefully, Universal will have it humming in time for the Memorial Day rush.
Universal Miscellany Part 2
Image Credit: Universal
In better Universal news, Volcano Bay Nights will return on May 3rd and continue on select nights.
Tickets for this year’s event are $99 plus tax per person, and please remember that you get a souvenir cup as part of your purchase. To a larger point, it’s just a fun hang.
Photo: Universal Volcano Bay
Back to Islands of Adventure, you should know that the Muddy Jurassic Park Jeep is now available for photo ops.
It’s exactly what it sounds like.
Photo: entertainmentrocks.com
You stand by the jeep and pretend that you’re being chased by Velociraptors.
(Yes, I know it’s a different dinosaur in this scene. I just like velociraptors.)
Photo: David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG
The final big story this week is the Fraidy Cat ticket for Universal Horror Unleashed.
Right now, you can buy these tickets for $19 plus tax, but they’ll be $29 after that.
Universal
Basically, you buy your way into the building in Las Vegas to drink, dine, and shop. However, you don’t get to visit the various Houses.
Believe it or not, many people have been asking for this, so I expect it to sell well.
Universal
Finally, in a story I’ll discuss more next week, Universal just announced additional details about Universal Kids Resort.
The most recent focus is on the Shrek and Trolls themed areas, and I just need to mention that there is an interactive indoor experience called King Trollex Techno Dance Party.
So, I guess that’s where I’ll be… even though I’ve never seen a Trolls movie.
Seriously, we’ll discuss the big news more in the next Universal Parks Blog update.
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Feature Photo: Princess Naoko Planning
