Universal Studios Hollywood has further detailed its upcoming Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot experience. This headlining experience is part of the upcoming Universal Fan Fest Nights, a limited-run event bringing fandom favorites to life after-hours.
The experience begins as guests board the iconic Studio Tour trams, whisking them away to the legendary backlot. In a meta-twist, guests are cast as “extras” in a fictitious monster movie—until the production is hijacked. A mysterious villain known as The Phantom Director unleashes The Universal Monsters – Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, The Bride of Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man – throwing the set into total chaos.
Equipped with a Mystery Manual at their disposal, guests will join forces with Scooby-Doo and his pals Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy in an attempt to uncover the Phantom Director’s identity. Guests will explore Universal’s world-famous outdoor film sets at their leisure, including the cobblestone streets of Little Europe and the infamous Court of Miracles—the actual filming locations for the original 1931 “Frankenstein” and 1941 “The Wolf Man.”
Between solving clues, fans can snag social-ready photos with the Mystery Inc. team, Universal Monsters, and the Mystery Machine.
While the Mystery Inc. gang investigates the backlot, the rest of the park will be buzzing with immersive in-world experiences:
- One Piece: Grand Pirate Show – After massive success at Universal Studios Japan, the Straw Hat Pirates take over the WaterWorld stage for a live-action extravaganza filled with stunts, comedy, and high-seas mayhem.
- Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon the Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe – The DreamWorks Theatre will host a special subtitled screening of this CG anime short. Fans can watch Super Sailor Moon battle to protect the Legendary Silver Crystal in a high-energy cinematic experience.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Forbidden Forest – A new walk-through adventure leads guests into the dark woods to find a lost Hippogriff. With a Hogwarts Professor as a guide, you’ll encounter magical creatures and familiar beasts as you face a series of obstacles that will require you to summon your bravery and spell-casting skills to help a Hippogriff in need.
- Super Nintendo World: Colorful Yoshi Celebration – The Mushroom Kingdom is getting a splash of color. Guests can explore the land to find and meet a variety of multi-colored Yoshis making their Fan Fest debut.
- Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep – Back by popular demand with new enhancements, this walk-through lets fans join the Harpers (a heroic spy network) to foil the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed, after-hours event featuring live entertainment, cosplay, and curated food and merchandise. The event will run for 12 nights only, April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, 14-16, 2026. Tickets are on sale now, with a variety of ticket offerings available.
