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Universal Fan Fest Set to Unveil Never-Before-Seen Character!

Universal Studios Hollywood is gearing up for an exciting new event, and it’s bringing some incredibly rare character experiences along with it! The theme park recently announced its first-ever Fan Fest Nights, a hard-ticketed after-hours event that promises to celebrate some of the biggest and most beloved franchises in entertainment history.

Guests stuck on Harry Potter ride Universal Studios Hollywood
Credit: Universal

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The event, which will take place on select nights in April and May 2025, will feature exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities, themed dining, prop exhibits, and other special experiences designed to immerse guests in the worlds of Back to the Future, Harry Potter, Super Mario Bros., Star Trek, and more.

While the entire event is shaping up to be a must-visit for Universal fans, one particular announcement has sent the internet into a frenzy: the official debut of Yoshi as a meet-and-greet character in Universal Studios Hollywood’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.

Yoshi Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood
Credit: Universal

Yoshi Joins the Fun in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

For years, fans of the Super Mario Bros. franchise have been clamoring for Yoshi to receive a bigger presence in the parks. While the beloved green dinosaur has made parade appearances at Universal Studios Japan, he has never been available for a personal meet-and-greet experience—until now.

According to Universal, Yoshi will be meeting guests during Fan Fest Nights, marking the first time the character has had a dedicated character experience at any Universal park outside Japan.

The celebration doesn’t stop with just the meet-and-greet. Universal will also introduce exclusive Yoshi-themed merchandise and special menu items inspired by the character.

Mario in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
Credit: Universal

Some of the new food offerings include Yoshi’s Apple Melon Smoothie and Yoshi Fettuccine Alfredo — a fun and flavorful way to celebrate the occasion.

More to Explore at Universal’s Fan Fest Nights

In addition to the debut of Yoshi, Fan Fest Nights will feature several other unique experiences for guests to enjoy:

  • A special Back to the Future experience where fans can meet characters from the iconic franchise and explore the world of Hill Valley.
  • A Harry Potter experience featuring a Niffler encounter, a rare interactive element that has only been available at Universal Studios Japan.
  • A scavenger hunt across the park, in which guests can search for five colorful Yoshi eggs. Those who collect all five will have the opportunity to meet a different colored version of Yoshi, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" logo on a starry blue background. A Niffler, a furry creature, sits atop a pile of gold coins with Hogwarts Castle in the background on the right.
Credit: Universal

Event Dates and Ticket Details

Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fan Fest Nights will take place on the following dates:

  • April 25, 26, 27
  • May 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18

Tickets for the event officially went on sale on January 29, 2025, with pricing ranging from $74 to $84 per person. The event will kick off at 7 p.m. each night, giving guests several hours to enjoy the exclusive entertainment and experiences.

With Universal Studios Hollywood continually expanding its entertainment offerings, Fan Fest Nights is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events the park has ever hosted. The inclusion of Yoshi as a meet-and-greet character is a major milestone for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and a long-awaited treat for fans of the franchise.

Will you be attending Fan Fest Nights? What part of the event are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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