Universal Studios Hollywood is introducing a new after-hours event called Universal FanFest Nights, celebrating sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime. This inaugural event is scheduled for select nights from April 25 to May 18, 2025, specifically on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The dates are April 25-27, May 2-4, May 9-11, and May 16-18.

I got a sneak peek of the events, delicious food, and drinks inspired by our favorite fandoms! What you’re about to read are my genuine, no-holds-barred thoughts on everything I tried. As a foodie, I take pride in being honest, especially when it comes to helping others make the best choices before spending their hard-earned money.

But first,

CHECK OUT THE EXCITING DETAILS OF THE UNIVERSAL FANFEST NIGHTS EVENT!

  • Immersive Experiences: Guests can engage in walkthrough attractions and interactive experiences based on popular franchises such as Star Trek, Back to the Future, Dungeons & Dragons, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World.
  • Themed Entertainment: Enjoy live shows, meet-and-greets with beloved characters, and special projection displays that bring these universes to life.​
  • Exclusive Merchandise and Culinary Offerings: Discover unique merchandise and indulge in themed food and beverages inspired by various fandoms.​
  • Select Attractions: Experience popular rides and attractions that will be open during the event, including “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” and “The Simpsons Ride.” ​

LET’S DIVE INTO THE EATS AND DRINKS!

STAR TREK: RED ALERT

Quark’s Cafe at Hollywood & Dine

There are so many fun Star Trek offerings coming to Universal FanFest, and I got to try a few. Starting with the Klingon Targ Legs: Charsui honey pork wings served with kimchi fried rice. Then, the Vulcan Fritters: Fried mushroom fritters served with hummus and dusted with a Redspice Vulcan logo. Also, the Bajoran Hasperat: Slow-cooked spicy pork, gochujang, pickled vegetables with sriracha mayonnaise.

For dessert, the Tribble Truffle Trio: A trio of chocolate truffles topped with coconut. For my alcoholic beverage, the Kanar: A popular Cardassian liquor made with aged rum, pomegranate juice, black cherry syrup, lemon juice, and soda water, garnished with a black cherry fruit gummy candy. I also tried the Tea, Earl Grey, Cold and Hot: A cocktail twist on Captain Picard’s favorite, available both cold and hot, features bourbon, Earl Grey tea, honey syrup, and lemon juice, garnished with a dehydrated lemon slice. You can grab the last one at the 10 Forward Bar at Laemmle Courtyard.

Let’s discuss the food and beverage items I was able to get my fingers on and try! I’m going to start with my favorite, the Vulcan Fritters (Vegetarian). The hummus was rustic and flavorful, and the fritters shocked me when I learned they were vegetarian! 8/10.

The Kanar and Tea, Earl Grey, Cold were my favorite cocktails of the evening. A lot of the time at events like this, or theme park cocktails in general, they’re sugar bombs. I was pleasantly surprised by how balanced and refreshing both cocktails were. I give the Kanar an 8/10 and the Tea, Early Grey, a 9/10.

Also, I was able to try a mini version of the Bajoran Hasperat, and for those who have the cilantro soap gene, you’ll want to stay away. If you’re worried about spice, the gojuchang is very subtle. That said, the sriracha mayo is delicious and did a lot of the heavy lifting. 6/10. As for the Klingon Targ Legs, the pork nibblets were very sweet, but good. They had a bit of a teriyaki vibe. However, the Kimchi Rice was incredibly bland, which was confusing because look at it! 3/10.

If you like coconut and super sweet, you’ll love the Tribble Truffle Trio. The Truffles had a great creamy texture and strong tasty flavors (chocolate, butterscotch, coconut). But they were WAY too sweet for my liking. A mini warning, there is a crunchy surprise in the center of each. So, don’t be scared – it’s not your tooth. 7.5/10.

IF YOU want More Star Trek Food Options

  • Andorian Red Bat Sandwich: Herb marinated chicken breast on a bao bun with garlic aioli, charred red onion, and arugula served with Andorian Tuber Root
  • Cardassian Dog: Hot Cheeto covered Korean-style Corn Dog with Yamok sauce, made with smoked gouda, nacho cheese, gochujang, and jalapenos
  • Orion Spice Funnel Cake: Matcha dusted funnel cake topped with matcha icing, whipped cream, and Orion spice crumble
  • Klingon Bloodwine: A popular Klingon wine
  • Andorian Ale: Originated on the planet Andoria, this blue colored alcoholic beverage is made with gin, blue Curacao, lemonade, lemon/lime soda, and garnished with blue vanilla cake frosting and pop rocks, served in a shot glass
  • Orion Hurricane: Served on the USS Enterprise, this strikingly green beverage is made with coconut, pineapple, and lime rum, melon liquor, lime juice, green apple syrup, soda water,r and edible glitter garnished with a silver-dusted dehydrated lime slice

There are even more drink options at the 10 Forward Bar at Laemmle Courtyard

  • Chateau Picard: A French Bordeaux wine inspired by the Picard family vineyard, Chateau Picard
  • Plomeek Tea: This refreshing beverage features raspberry hibiscus iced tea, fresh raspberries, and garnished with a mint sprig
  • Bajoran Ale: A traditional Quark cocktail served with and without alcohol. With alcohol, it’s a cocktail that features tequila, mezcal, pineapple and lime juice, ginger and simple syrup, bitters, and soda water, and garnished with ginger candy. The mocktail version includes non-alcoholic spirits, ginger beer and orange juice, and garnished with ginger candy
  • Ceti Eel Margarita: Inspired by the Ceti Eel that enters the body via the ear and wraps itself around the cerebral cortex, this cocktail features vodka, lime juice, agave, pineapple juice, jalapeno syrup and bitters, and is garnished with electric fire dust and a gummy Ceti Eel
  • Romulan Ale: This drink features vodka, blue Curacao, lemon juice, simple syrup, lemon/lime soda and bitters, and is garnished with blue rock candy

BACK TO THE FUTURE: DESTINATION HILL VALLEY

Mel’s Diner

There are a lot of fun, Diner-esque options for the Back to the Future fans! Very on brand. Sadly, there weren’t too many options for us to try, but what we were able to try was yummy! I was able to dive into a mini version of The Time Machine: Pastrami melt with Swiss cheese and cabbage slaw served on toasted sourdough. Also for dessert, the Outatime Cookie: Chocolate malt cookie with crunchie pieces and chocolate pieces, and garnished with edible flame colored icing.

Let’s talk about the couple of food items I was able to try! Starting with The Time Machine. I’m a sucker for a pastrami sandwich. The mini bite was delicious, fatty, and had good ratios, which is tough to do with a bite. I can’t wait to try the full-size version! 8.5/10.

The Outatime Cookie has super cook theming! I love the look, the fire tire marks, but the top is fondant which I hate, and it’s very thick. Taste-wise I’d probably give it a 6 or 6.5, bumping it up a bit because I love the design.

More Back to the Future Food and Beverage offerings

  • Flux Capacitor Patty Melt: All-beef patty, sweet caramelized onions, American cheese and Thousand Island dressing served on a Flux Capacitor branded sourdough.
  • Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie: Chicken pot pie dusted with crispy cheddar cheese flakes
  • Time Traveler’s Malt Shake: Vanilla ice cream, blue raspberry sauce, and whipped cream topped with blue and silver sprinkles with a cherry on top

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: SECRETS OF WATERDEEP

The First Roll Tavern at Jurassic Cove

As an avid Dungeons and Dragons fan, as well as player, I was super stoked for the themed FanFest Nights offerings. This table also had my favorite dish of the night, the Beholder’s Brew Fondue: Warm tavern loaf served with creamy beer fondue. I also tried the Traveler’s Rations: Dried fruit, hardtack, cheese and dried meats. To drink, I tried The Eldritch Blast: A neon green cocktail made with vodka, apple and kiwi syrup, lemon juice, soda water, edible green glitter, edible electric dust, kiwi popping boba and a mint sprig.

The Dungeons and Dragons table had my favorite item of the night with the Beholder’s Brew Fondue. I could’ve eaten an entire pot of the cheese. 10/10 no notes.

I love a quick snack like the Traveler’s Rations. It’s nice to eat in line or on the go. This pack had a lovely assortment of cheese, crackers, and meats. Beware that there is a honeycomb that can and will leak if turned sideways. 7.5/10. The Fireball is really fun and inventive. It is also actually kinda spicy, which helps balance how sweet it is. 7.5/10

The Eldritch Blast was also surprisingly not overly sweet. This beverage is perfectly fantasy themed from the green glittery color to the popping boba! 8/10.

MORE DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS EATS.

  • Hunter’s Mark: Marinated beef, arugula and cheese served on a ciabatta roll
  • Gelatinous Cube: Blue raspberry gummy filled with candy bones and sugar weapons
  • Red Dragon’s Breath: A cherry red cocktail made with tequila, dragon fruit syrup, lime juice, jalapeno, and hibiscus ginger beer served over dry ice
  • Goodberry: A brick red cocktail made with white rum, blackberry syrup, lavender syrup, lemon juice, and soda water, and garnished with buzz rock candy
  • Tasha’s Caustic Brew: A golden yellow cocktail made with spiced rum, elderflower liqueur, mango and lime juices and habanero, garnished with habanero chili and lime rim and a tamarind infused straw
  • Beholder’s Blueberry Shandy: Draft beer, lemonade and blueberry syrup, and garnished with blueberries
  • Beholder’s Brew: Draft beer

ONE PIECE: GRAND PIRATE GATHERING

Sanji’s Galley at Cocina Mexicana]

One Piece Fans are in for a treat! I had a chance to try the Franky’s Cola Barbacoa: Shredded beef tacos topped with pickled onion, jalapeno and cilantro served with a side of tortilla chips. At first, I was worried about the huge slice of pickled red onion, but it was the perfect foil to the barbacoa. The pineapple stars are also a cute addition. 8.5/10

I also tried Luffy’s Meat on a Bone: Braised ribs topped with mole, sesame seeds and cilantro. I didn’t get to try the rice and beans. Also, sadly, there was no mole on it, so it was just a meat bone. Going off of that, it was flavorful, and before knowing it was missing anything, I said, “It just needs a sauce”. 7/10

For Dessert, we had the Devil Fruit Concha: Sweet bread roll with ginger pineapple filling. I found it a little dry, but if you enjoy concha’s you’ll like this one. 7/10

MORE ONE PIECE FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS

  • Zoro’s Torta: Grilled shrimp with chile lime crema, cabbage slaw and avocados with a side of tortilla chips
  • Sanji’s Chicken Adobo: Marinated chicken simmered in a blend of chili and garlic served over Spanish rice, refried beans and cotija cheese brow
  • Straw Hat Crew Nachos: Tortilla chips layered with Caribbean jerk chicken, queso, pineapple salsa and cilantro
  • Pirate’s Plunder Chips and Dip: Tortilla chips served with a trio of dipping sauces
  • Chopper Cupcake: Vanilla sponge cake filled with crispy cotton candy pieces, topped with cotton candy frosting and chocolate cookie antlers
  • Nami’s Tangerine Breeze: Tasty orange beverage made with tangerine and lime juice, honey syrup and club soda, garnished with a tangerine slice and mint sprig
  • Nico Robin’s Tropical Iced Tea: Black iced tea, pineapple juice, coconut water and honey, topped with a pineapple wedge, pineapple frond and fresh raspberries
  • Thousand Sunny Donut: Donut filled with mango, chili and lime, emblazoned with an edible Thousand Sunny emblem. This treat will also be available at Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

JUJUTSU KAISEN: HUNGER OF THE CURSED

Re-themed DreamWorks concession cart

I love that Universal FanFest Nights is celebrating multiple Animes! On top of One Punch, they’re also celebrating JuJutsu Kaisen! This batch is all about the desserts!

I was able to try the Sukuna Cursed Crunch: Red velvet cookie with white chocolate chips. While the royal icing is crack-your-teeth hard and tastes a bit too much like food coloring, the red velvet cookie itself is pretty great in flavor and texture. It doesn’t taste dried out like the Back to the Future one did. I’ll give it an 8/10

  • Ten Shadows Churro: Vanilla and chocolate churros coated with vanilla and chocolate icing and topped with sprinkles
  • Yuji’s Chocolate Brownie: Caramel swirl brownie with vanilla buttercream
  • Nobara’s Strawberry Hammer Smash: A frozen strawberry beverage with sweet and spicy chili and lime rim and garnished with a fresh strawberry

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

Last but not least, we got a sneak peek into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s three-course meal served at the Three Broomsticks™! Reservations are required and can be made via the free official Universal Studios Hollywood downloadable app. Guests may choose one menu item from each of the following categories:

Appetizers: 

  • Hogwarts Cornish Pasty
    • Gryffindor: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with red pepper chutney
    • Slytherin: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with cilantro and mint chutney
    • Hufflepuff: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with mango chutney
    • Ravenclaw: Potato and pea Cornish pasty with blueberry chutney

Entrees:

  • Sunday Roast: Herb-crusted roast, served with roasted vegetables, potato puree, onion gravy and Yorkshire pudding 
  • Curry Chicken: Served with steamed rice, charred red onion and yogurt drizzle
  • Fish and Chips: Fresh beer battered cod, served with chips, smashed peas and grilled lemon
  • Toad in the Hole: Vegan Yorkshire pudding with plant-based sausage, served with roasted vegetables, potato puree and onion gravy

Desserts:

  • The Golden Snitch: Vanilla sponge cake, chocolate mousse and orange marmalade topped with honey tuille wings.
  • Hogwarts™ House Cup Trifle: Pineapple, kiwi, strawberries and blueberries layered with a vanilla orange sponge cake and vanilla bean pastry cream 

I had a chance to try a few of the 3 course dinner offerings. Let’s gab! The Hogwarts Cornish Pasty is a fantastic idea, cute with theming, but the execution needs some work. The shape of the pasty doesn’t allow for a decent amount of filling. So, you’re left with a dry, empty pastry. I did try all 4 Hogwarts house-inspired chutneys. My favorites are the Hufflepuff Mango and the Ravenclaw Blueberry. The Slytherin cilantro/mint was just a mouthful of herbs. If there was more oil mixed in, it could’ve been good. The Gryffindor Red Pepper Chutney tastes like roasted red pepper. Nothing too special. 3/10

I was able to try two of the entrees, the Curry Chicken and the Toad in a Hole (vegetarian/vegan). The Curry Chicken was fine. It kinda reminds me of the Trader Joe’s frozen Indian food. I don’t mean that as a dig. I buy those all the time when I have the craving and don’t wanna fork over the money for the real thing. 6/10

The Vegan Toad in a Hole was also one of my favorite options of the evening. The flavor of the vegan Yorkshire pudding is outstanding! I also really liked the plant-based sausage. I actually questioned if it was real meat or not. 9.5/10

The Hogwarts™ House Cup Trifle is my favorite dessert I’ve had a chance to try. It’s not overly sweet, and the fruit options representing the houses are some of my favorites. It’s perfectly light and fluffy. 9/10

MORE HARRY POTTER FOOD AND BEVERAGE UNIVERSAL FANFEST OFFERINGS

Magic Neep Cart (Reservations not required)

  • Hogwarts Meat Pie: Puff pastry filled with braised beef, potatoes, peas, onions and carrots
  • Hogwarts House Churro 
    • Gryffindor: Churro rolled in cherry sugar and topped with vanilla icing
    • Slytherin: Churro rolled in green apple sugar and topped with vanilla icing
    • Hufflepuff: Churro rolled in pineapple coconut sugar and topped with vanilla icing
    • Ravenclaw: Churro rolled in blue raspberry sugar and topped with vanilla icing 

Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream counter (Reservations not required)

  • Niffler’s Bounty Ice Cream Cone: Caramel soft serve served in a chocolate waffle cone, topped with a chocolate gold coin and edible pearls
  • The Pygmy Puff Sundae: Vanilla soft serve topped with cotton floss

UNIVERSAL FANFEST NIGHTS TICKET AND DATE INFO

The event runs from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on event nights.

Ticket Information:

Tickets are sold separately from regular park admission. Pricing varies by date:​

  • Sundays (April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18): $74 per person plus tax​
  • Fridays and Select Sundays (April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16): $79 per person plus tax​
  • Saturdays (April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17): $84 per person plus tax​

Additional ticket options, such as multi-night passes and VIP experiences, are also available.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the official Universal Studios Hollywood website.