For years, Scooby-Doo fans have shared the same frustration whenever Universal teased new events or nostalgia-driven additions. The franchise always felt like a perfect fit for the parks, yet it never seemed to get the full attraction treatment. Scooby-Doo remained oddly absent while other classic and modern IPs took center stage. At this point, many fans had simply accepted that it wasn’t going to happen.
That’s why Universal’s latest announcement feels so unexpected.
Universal Studios Hollywood has officially unveiled a brand-new Scooby-Doo attraction experience as part of its returning Fan Fest Nights event in 2026. Not a small cameo. Not a quick photo op. But a full, story-driven attraction that places Scooby and the gang right in the middle of a chaotic mystery — the kind fans have been imagining for decades.
The experience, titled Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot, transforms the iconic Universal backlot into a movie production gone completely wrong. Classic Universal Monsters have escaped, the set is in disarray, and guests are recruited to help Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, and the rest of the gang solve the case before everything spirals further out of control.
Rather than relying on screens or passive scenes, the attraction is designed as an immersive walkthrough. Guests move through detailed sets, encounter characters, and become part of the unfolding story. It’s playful, slightly spooky, and built around the idea of feeling like you’ve stepped inside a living Scooby-Doo episode.
What’s especially notable is how naturally Scooby-Doo fits into Universal’s monster legacy. Pairing the franchise with icons like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Wolf Man doesn’t feel forced — it feels overdue. The tone strikes a balance that works for families, longtime fans, and even adults who grew up watching Scooby-Doo but still appreciate classic horror imagery.
The Scooby-Doo experience is also just one part of a much larger Fan Fest Nights lineup. Universal is clearly positioning the event as something distinct from Halloween Horror Nights. Instead of scares, Fan Fest Nights leans into fandom, immersion, themed food, and interactive storytelling.
Other experiences coming to Fan Fest Nights include a large-scale ONE PIECE water stunt show, a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter adventure through the Forbidden Forest, a Dungeons & Dragons storyline set in Faerûn, and expanded celebrations inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. Several major rides will also remain open during the event, giving guests a strong mix of attractions and limited-time experiences.
But even among all of that, Scooby-Doo stands out.
This isn’t just another seasonal overlay. It feels like Universal testing the waters for something fans have wanted for a long time. If the response is as strong as expected, it’s easy to imagine Scooby-Doo finally earning a permanent presence in the parks.
For now, though, the unthinkable has happened. Scooby-Doo is back at Universal — not quietly, not temporarily, but in a way that feels meaningful. After years of waiting, fans finally get to solve the mystery alongside him.
