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Universal Studios Hollywood debuting new event featuring 'Star Trek,' Dungeons & Dragons and more

Aug. 26, 2024
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3 min read
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood debuting new event featuring 'Star Trek,' Dungeons & Dragons and more
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For years, Universal Studios Hollywood has immersed theme park fans into the world of their favorite films, TV shows and video games. Visitors can see how movie magic is made on the backlot Studio Tour, fly over Hogwarts Castle on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and race to the finish line on Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge.

Related: Thrills for all ages: The best rides at Universal Studios Hollywood

Now, Universal Studios Hollywood will bring new fandoms to life in a whole new way during the first-ever Universal Fan Fest Nights event taking place next spring. According to the park's press release, this separately ticketed after-hours event will bring "the most compelling worlds of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Anime to life."

Universal has already announced a few of the franchises guests can look forward to. So far, fans can expect experiences inspired by "Star Trek," "Back to the Future" and Dungeons & Dragons. Additional experiences will be announced closer to the event.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Universal has not yet shared exactly what guests will be able to experience during Universal Fan Fest Nights but did reveal the event will include "immersive in-world experiences" and "engaging celebratory activations," including everything from "live entertainment to cosplay," allowing guests to celebrate their favorite movies and games among hundreds of other like-minded fans.

Universal also promised a lineup of themed food, drinks and merchandise designed specifically for this event.

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Though Universal is keeping details close to the vest, we do know the event is being put on by the creators of Halloween Horror Nights. This annual event is one of the country's premier horror events, with movie-quality haunted houses based on original concepts and pop culture favorites.

Universal Studios Hollywood backlot Studio Tour. UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

“For decades, Universal Studios Hollywood has been a leader in creating and executing innovative special events that are consistent with our brand,” Scott Strobl, executive vice president and general manager of Universal Studios Hollywood, said in the press release. “From our esteemed Halloween Horror Nights event to this all-new Universal Fan Fest Nights experience, we are thrilled about how this breakthrough program will continue to elevate the guest experience in an all-new way.”

Official dates have not yet been announced, but guests can sign up to learn more and be notified when tickets go on sale on Universal's website.

Related reading:

Featured image by UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.