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    Universal Studios Hollywood Hosts Virtual Studio Tour Auditions from April 23 through May 14, 2025

    How Universal Studios Hollywood Creates Career Launching Pads
    for Aspirational Studio Tour Guides; A Peek Into this Coveted Job
    as the World-Class Entertainment Destination Hosts Open Call Auditions for
    Studio Tour Guides on the Heels of Its Milestone 60 Year Legacy of Moviemaking Magic
     
    Virtual Open Call Auditions from April 23 to May 14;
    Submit Applications via www.USHjobs.com
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    Universal City, California, April 22, 2025 – Hollywood, California…for most, it’s a city in Southern California; for others, it’s a mystifying, untouchable, elusive place where hopeful entertainment industry novices come to follow their dreams. While there are no easy answers in how to “make it in Hollywood” or how to land that perfect job, perseverance is key and becoming a Studio Tour Guide at Universal Studios Hollywood may be a beacon in guiding some career paths.
     
    The role of a Studio Tour Guide is to entertain and educate the millions of guests visiting Universal Studios Hollywood’s world-renowned, behind-the-scenes Studio Tour attraction, which recently marked a milestone 60 years of moviemaking magic. The Studio Tour is the genesis of Universal Studios Hollywood, the original theme park in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio.
     
    Studio Tour Guides roles are desirable positions that require many adaptable skills and are teeming with a host of opportunities. Gregarious and curious, with an interest in and knowledge of the entertainment industry, and dynamic storytellers with an appreciation for the Studio Tour, are a few of the attributes in the making of a Studio Tour Guide.
     
    If becoming a Studio Tour Guide has been a bucket list dream, now is the time as Universal Studios Hollywood is hosting virtual open call auditions from April 23 through May 14, 2025.  Applicants will need to submit a self-taped audition that includes a brief self-introduction, toplining relevant experience with emphasis on public speaking, performance or customer engagement and reading a passage from the official Studio Tour script.
     
    In-person call-backs and next steps will follow once the casting team has reviewed all submissions.
     
    Please visit www.USHjobs.com to learn more and to submit a self-taped audition.
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    Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts a First Look Photo of Legendary Beholder Xanathar

    *FIRST LOOK PHOTO ALERT*
      
    Universal Fan Fest Nights Debuts a First Look Photo of Legendary Beholder Xanathar
    from the All-New DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep In-World Experience
    at Universal Studios Hollywood
     
    Universal Fan Fest Nights Kicks Off on Friday, April 25 and Continues Select Nights Through Sunday, May 18; Visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to Purchase Tickets Now
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    Universal City, California, April 17, 2025 – Universal Studios Hollywood debuts a first look at the legendary beholder, Xanathar, and his beloved pet goldfish, Sylgar, as they will appear in the all-new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep in-world experience at Universal Fan Fest Nights, kicking off on Friday, April 25.
     
    Tickets are on sale for the inaugural event which takes place: April 25-27; May 2-4, 9-11 and 15-18, 2025.
     
    Universal Studios Hollywood collaborated with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop to create this spectacular, larger-than-life, fully articulated Xanathar. For over 40 years, Jim Henson’s Creature Shop has been a world-renowned innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation.
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    The all-new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep in-world experience is inspired by the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game™, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D) from Hasbro and its Wizards of the Coast division. This epic experience will welcome guests and fans to partake in a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore the fantastic world of D&D. Guests will join the Harpers—a heroic spy network—to foil a plot by the legendary beholder Xanathar and save the city of Waterdeep.
     
    Launching exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Fan Fest Nights will feature all-new, uniquely curated experiences inspired by sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime, along with an enticing menu of themed foods created by Universal Studios Hollywood Executive Chef Julia Thrash, all-new merchandise and cosplay. 
     
    Guests will really go there as they tap into their inner fandom and join forces with their favorite characters while sharing their enthusiasm with like-minded fans. They will also have a chance to participate in cosplay while experiencing such renowned favorites as Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE and Jujutsu Kaisen, as well as special meet and greet opportunities with Wicked characters, Elphaba and Glinda. Additionally, theme park favorites, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ will offer special additions and introduce character and interactive elements during the event.
     
    All in-world experiences and activations will be included every event night for guests to enjoy when they attend Universal Fan Fest Nights (subject to change).
     
    Adding to the adventure, guests will be able to experience select theme park attractions during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.
     
    For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.
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    Summer Starts Early at Knott’s Soak City as the Water Park Launches Its Summer Season May 17

    2025 Also Marks Soak City’s 25th Anniversary
    Dust off your swimsuit! Knott’s Soak City in Buena Park opens May 17, welcoming guests to 15-acres of watery fun. Adventurous guests are invited to experience more than 20 exhilarating speed, tube and body slides; catch a wave at Tidal Wave Bay, a state-of-the-art wave pool where the surf crests over four feet high or dare to take a rip-roaring raft ride on The Wedge. For those who want to chill out, they can float down Sunset River, a 1,780-foot, slow-moving waterway that is one of the longest lazy rivers in the country. And over at Gremmie Lagoon, little swimmers can jump and splash around on an interactive water-filled playground.
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    The best way to enjoy all the fun at Knott’s Soak City and all of Knott’s Seasons of Fun is with a 2025 Season Pass. Get unlimited visits, food, and merchandise discounts, plus so much more! For more information about Knott's Berry Farm, visit knotts.com or download the Knott's Berry Farm app. A Gold Season Pass includes admission to both Knott's Berry Farm and Knott's Soak City Waterpark.

    ​Open Select Dates, May 17 through September 7
    • Saturday/Sunday – May 17-18; Sept. 6-7                 
    • Saturday/Sunday/Monday – May 24-26
    • Daily – May 30 to Aug. 11
    • Friday/Saturday/Sunday – Aug. 15 to Sept. 1
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    Storm King Comics to bring John Carpenter to Midsummer Scream

    Storm King Comics Brings Horror Master John Carpenter to Midsummer Scream This August
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    Filmmaker to Make Exclusive Saturday Appearance as World's Largest Halloween Convention
    Spotlights Horror Comics August 15-17 in Long Beach
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    LOS ANGELES – Storm King Comics, the award-winning graphic novel publisher founded by film producer Sandy King, will headline Midsummer Scream's 2025 "Horror Comic Books" theme when the world's largest Halloween and horror convention returns to the Long Beach Convention Center from August 15-17, 2025.

    Highlighting Storm King's major presence, legendary director, composer, and Storm King collaborator John Carpenter (Halloween, They Live, The Thing, Escape from New York) will make a highly anticipated appearance. Carpenter will be in attendance on Saturday, August 16th only, signing autographs for fans. Each autograph fee will include a copy of John Carpenter Presents George A. Romero’s THE AMUSEMENT PARK, an all-new graphic novel based on the unique film, from Storm King Comics and the George A. Romero Foundation.

    John Carpenter will be joined by Sandy King, founder and editor of Storm King Comics. King, a renowned producer with credits including Vampires, In the Mouth of Madness, Village of the Damned, They Live, Body Bags, Ghosts of Mars and the TV limited series Suburban Screams, heads the publishing company, which brings together top-tier talent from film, novels, and comics.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome horror legend John Carpenter, Sandy King and Storm King Comics to Midsummer Scream for the first time,” said David Markland, co-founder and executive director of Midsummer Scream. “Their presence, especially with this year’s theme focused on horror comic books, is a dream pairing. John Carpenter’s appearance in support of Storm King Comics as it launches its latest graphic novel makes this an unforgettable addition to our celebration of horror in all its many forms.”

    In addition to Carpenter, Storm King Comics will bring additional artists and creators to their show floor booth throughout Midsummer Scream, where Sandy King will be available during the weekend to meet with fans.

    The theme “Horror Comic Books” will be seen throughout the event’s programming, partnerships, and key art. Inspired by vintage horror comic book covers by Bernie Wrightson, this year’s official poster is designed by D.W. Frydendal (White Wolf Games’ The World of Darkness series, The Haunted Mansion (comic) from Slave Labor Graphics, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Evil, and Creepy from Dark Horse Comics) and represents everything Midsummer Scream is about – haunted houses, a creepy creature, and trick or treating!

    Joining the comic celebration, local favorite "Revenge Of" (comic shop and horror pinball arcade) will host horror comic creator signings all weekend and provide pinball machines for attendees to play.
     
    Midsummer Scream welcomes over 50,000 fans and features 300+ exhibitors. The show will include many of its popular features such as the expansive "Hall of Shadows" haunt zone, live entertainment, and numerous panels covering horror films, TV, and major attractions like Halloween Horror Nights, Paramount Scares, and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group.

    Passes for Midsummer Scream now on sale at midsummerscream.com. Follow us on Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook at @midsummerscream for regular updates on guests, presentations, and other special activations.

    About Storm King Comics
    Storm King Comics, formed in 2012 as a division of Storm King Productions, is headed by writer/producer and editor Sandy King. Along with her husband, director John Carpenter, King focuses on bringing the best writers from the worlds of comics, movies and novels together to bring their special brand of horror and sci-fi entertainment to comics. Their flagship comic book title John Carpenter’s Asylum has become a global fan favorite, followed by the award-winning annual anthology, John Carpenter’s Tales for a HalloweeNight, and the monthly anthology series, John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction. More recent additions to the Storm King brand are Storm King Comics Dark & Twisted, John Carpenter’s Night Terrors, and John Carpenter Presents Storm Kids, introducing horror and sci-fi to younger audiences.
     
    About Midsummer Scream
    Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror community as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and non-stop spooky fun!
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    Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Welcomes Its First Guests at Universal Orlando Resort

    HE SPECTACULAR NEW UNIVERSAL HELIOS GRAND HOTEL, A LOEWS HOTEL, WELCOMES ITS FIRST GUESTS AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT
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    Located at the New Universal Epic Universe Theme Park, Helios Grand Hotel is the Crown Jewel of Universal Orlando’s Collection of Hotels, Offering Guests a Majestic Respite Between the Excitement and Fun at the Theme Parks ​
    Orlando, Fla. (April 16, 2025) – Today, Universal Orlando Resort welcomes its first guests to its newest hotel, Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – a majestic 500-room Mediterranean-inspired escape overlooking the brand-new theme park, Universal Epic Universe. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, the new hotel joins Universal Orlando’s Signature Collection and features bright, inviting and warm guest rooms and suites - including How to Train Your Dragon-themed Kids’ Suites, delicious dining options, a spectacular rooftop bar, entertaining amenities and a dedicated entrance into Epic Universe.
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    Located at Epic Universe, Helios Grand Hotel blends immersion and relaxation to create a hotel stay like no other and puts guests steps away from the excitement of the new theme park. Guests can enjoy a host of incredible amenities such as a variety of dining options, including Flora Taverna, Aurora Market and Lotus Lagoon; a resort-style zero-entry pool, a hot tub and well-appointed poolside cabanas; fitness center, game room, and fan-favorite merch from the Universal Studios Store. Guests will also enjoy food and beverage options from the top floor at Bar Helios, featuring stunning views into Epic Universe.

    Helios Grand Hotel guests can also take advantage of a dedicated entrance to Epic Universe that is accessible from the hotel lobby (valid theme park admission required) as well as theme park benefits that are exclusive to Universal hotel guests – including Early Park Admission to select Universal theme parks – which will expand to include Epic Universe beginning May 23, 2025 - up to one hour before the park opens (valid theme park admission required), complimentary shuttle bus transportation to the theme parks and Universal CityWalk, and more.

    For more information about Universal Helios Grand Hotel and to book a reservation, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Helios.
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    About Universal Orlando Resort
    Universal Orlando Resort is an award-winning theme park destination that welcomes all to truly be themselves while enjoying world-class attractions that redefine theme park experiences. Here, a multitude of authentically thrilling, exciting and spontaneous adventures await – each inviting guests to embark on whatever vacation they crave while igniting their full range of emotions like never before – from the awe of walking the streets of Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the rush of adrenaline that takes over when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor in Jurassic Park to the wide-eyed joy of seeing an entire slice of cake atop a delectable milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen. 

    Universal Orlando Resort is home to three, soon-to-be four, exhilarating theme parks that boast some of the most innovative and immersive experiences ever created – Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and – opening on May 22, 2025 – Universal Epic Universe. Guests can also relish in exciting dining and entertainment at the Universal CityWalk entertainment complex and enjoy incredible accommodations and magnificent theming across eleven hotels that offer something for every style and budget: Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, Universal Stella Nova Resort, Universal Terra Luna Resort, Universal Aventura Hotel, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, and Universal Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites & Dockside Inn and Suites. 

    Universal Orlando Resort is a part of Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal. 

    About Universal Epic Universe – Opening on May 22, 2025
    Universal Epic Universe is a radically transformational theme park experience that will fully immerse guests in beloved cross-generational stories that empower them to be the epic heroes of their adventures. Located just a few miles from Universal Orlando’s current offerings, Epic Universe will feature breathtaking, multi-sensory environments, impeccable design and innovative technology throughout – creating an entirely new level of experience that will forever change theme park entertainment. Guests will explore five spectacularly themed worlds, an array of unique dining, shopping and entertainment experiences, and so much more. Epic Universe will also be adjacent to three new Universal hotels, co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, - including sister properties, Universal Stella Nova Resort and Universal Terra Luna Resort, and the majestic Universal Helios Grand Hotel, a Loews Hotel – which is located at the theme park. For more information about Universal Epic Universe, visit www.universalorlando.com/epicuniverse.

    About Loews Hotels & Co
    Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Co is rooted in deep heritage and excellence in service. The hospitality company encompasses branded independent Loews Hotels and a solid mix of partner-brand hotels. Loews Hotels & Co owns and/or operates 27 hotels and resorts across the U.S., including eleven hotels at Universal Orlando Resort with three new hotels that opened this year as part of their partnership with Comcast NBC Universal. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews Hotels portfolio features properties grounded in family heritage and dedicated to delivering unscripted guest moments with a handcrafted approach. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com.
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    All-New Merchandise and Cosplay Attire Take Center Stage at Universal Fan Fest Nights

    All-New Merchandise and Cosplay Attire Take Center Stage at Universal Fan Fest Nights as Universal Studios Hollywood Readies for Its All-New After Hours Event, Featuring Immersive, In-World Fandom Experiences Inspired by Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE, Jujutsu Kaisen As Well As The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
     
    Visit Universal Fan Fest Nights to Purchase Tickets Now;
    Event Begins Friday, April 25 and Continues Select Nights Through Sunday, May 18;
    Universal City, California, April 15, 2025 – Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes guests and fans attending Universal Fan Fest Nights to wear their fandom as this first-ever event brings to life the worlds of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming and anime with all-new interactive and immersive in-world experiences inspired by Star Trek, Back to the Future, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, ONE PIECE and Jujutsu Kaisen as well as theme park favorites, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™.

    Guests and fans can Really Go There, dressed to the nines in their favorite fandom attire (subject to Cosplay Costume Guidelines) as well as enjoy a wide selection of cosplay-inspired accessories, apparel and themed merchandise. Guests, whose fandom extends to several of the in-world experiences, can even choose to attend multiple event nights to don a different themed look each visit.

    Tickets for Universal Fan Fest Nights are now on sale. Click here to purchase tickets and for full Terms and Conditions. Event dates are: April 25-27; May 2-4, 9-11 and 15-18, 2025.

    While there is no better way to experience Universal Fan Fest Nights than to transform into a favorite character, there are Cosplay Costume Guidelines that all attending guests will need to adhere to if they choose to participate in costume attire.
    A complete list of the Cosplay Costume Guidelines for Universal Fan Fest Nights is available here. Highlighted examples include:
    • Guests may not create a false impression that they work for Universal or any emergency personnel.
    • Guests may not wear any covering that fully or partially obscures a person’s face, including costume masks and facial coverings, except for religious or medical reasons.
    • Face painting, both full and partial, is permitted, provided that to facilitate identification at any Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal CityWalk Hollywood owned venue, alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests if face painting covers more than one-half of the face, applied vertically.
    • Prosthetic makeup that conceals any part of the face, other than the forehead, is not permitted.
    • No weapons of any kind or items that could be used as a weapon are permitted.
    • Costume accessories, weapons and props may be permitted if they are made of soft, lightweight material, do not have any sharp edges, are nonfunctional and otherwise adhere to the Cosplay Costume Guidelines.
    • No special or atmospheric effects, including but not limited to balloons, smoke, fog, sound effects.
    • No oversized costumes, veils, long trains or stilts.
    • Costumes may not interfere with security screenings and cannot measure more than 25” in width and/or 80” in height.
    • Service animals may not wear or be part of a costume.
    • Guests must be fully clothed, including shirts and shoes.
    • For safety reasons, some costumes may not be permitted on certain rides, shows or attractions. Costumes and capes must fit within the interior of a ride vehicle. Costume accessories which are not permitted on rides, shows and attractions can be secured in lockers.
    To continue celebrating Universal Fan Fest Nights and to keep the fandom alive once guests leave the event, extensive collections of all-new merchandise will be available, themed to each of the exciting in-world experiences. From memorable collectibles and take-home mementos to an array of apparel and accessories to enhance cosplay looks, Universal Fan Fest Nights merchandise will offer an exciting shopping experience for fans.
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    Select items can be personalized to “Make It You-niversal,” from engraving and embossing to embroidery and embellishment at the Universal Studio Store inside the theme park and at select locations within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
    At a glance, here’s a sampling of the unique collections for each experience that will be available for purchase at the Universal Studios Store and throughout select locations during the event.

    Star Trek: Red Alert – Fans can outfit themselves in preparation to board the U.S.S. Enterprise-D with exclusive, new Starfleet-themed jackets, t-shirts, badges and more. Tribbles will be aplenty with a shoulder pal, plush keychain and a clutch bag while the creepy crawly Ceti eels are available in earring form, sure to complete any Star Trek fan’s fashion.
    Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley – The timeless film from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and guests can amp up their looks with themed apparel, including Marty McFly’s signature puffer vest, metallic rainbow hat and more. Commemorative souvenirs include drinkware, pins, magnets and a license plate.
    DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secret of Waterdeep – Fans can gear up for this exciting all-new quest with a treasure trove of new merchandise, including a Paladin-inspired lace-up hoodie, bag of holding and exclusive playing mat, with something unique for every Wizard, Rogue and Fighter.
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    ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Gathering – Fans can celebrate the series and commemorate this special experience with an exclusive collection of ONE PIECE merchandise, including a Monkey D. Luffy-inspired hoodie, signature straw hat and lunch bag, as well as a Chopper-inspired hat, backpack and youth tank top. Other take-home mementos, from keychains to pins and lanyards, will be available for purchase.
    Jujutsu Kaisen: Hunger of the Cursed – The fandom of Jujutsu Kaisen comes to life with a variety of products featuring the Divine Dogs, including larger-than-life plush hats with both twins as well as a dual-colored zipper hoodie and keychains. Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro and Satoru Gojo fans can bring home their favorites with a t-shirt, mug, tote and keychains.
    The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter extends to an all-new Collector’s Edition Interactive Wand, available exclusively at Universal Studios Hollywood, as well as the first-ever The Wizarding World of Harry Potter popcorn bucket inspired by the iconic Time-Turner. Magical creature fans are in for a treat with a fluffy new collection of perfectly pink Pygmy Puff merchandise, a plush Occamy and an interactive Niffler plush.
    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Let’s Go Yoshi – Nintendo fans can celebrate with an extensive array of colorful, new merchandise themed to Yoshi, including apparel, accessories, bags, souvenirs, home goods and stationery.
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    Universal Fan Fest Nights is exclusive to Universal Studios Hollywood. All in-world experiences and activations will be included every event night for guests to enjoy when they attend Universal Fan Fest Nights (subject to change).

    Adding to the adventure, guests will be able to experience select theme park attractions during the event, including “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge,” “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™,” “Flight of the Hippogriff™,” “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” “Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride” and “The Simpsons Ride™”.

    For more information visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com and Universal Fan Fest Nights, follow @UniFanFestNights on Instagram, visit Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and X.
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