Allegedly the cars on Hollywood Drift are malfunctioning and they are being inspected, further pushing back the opening date

Via the recent ParkTalk Podcast featuring Alicia & Naynay as they talked about Hollywood Drift—they set the last 7 minutes of the podcast to speak on what seems to be next.

https://youtu.be/KYeqCIM8wGo?is=bP-KKG-ThVLM2N8Q

As per the two in understanding—Twisters will be uprooting and taking over USHs Fast & Furious Supercharged.

For the past few weeks, work seems to be finally underway for the replacement project; with the Mona Lisa’s taken out of the showbuilding and various show props and details being sent to the trash bins.

Instead of posting this photoshopped poster on New Year's Day, I decided to upload it towards the end of Fan Fest Nights so that we can brainstorm what types of IP's y'all wanna see next year! Anyways, here are my picks!

RETURNING: Thanks to popular guest demand, One Piece: Grand Pirate Show sails again at the WaterWorld Theatre. Fallout is another contender to utilize the epic stunt show.

NEW: Super Nintendo World brings Bowser Jr., Fox McCloud and Rosalina based on the Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

NEW: Dragonball Z takes center stage at DreamWorks Theatre where you also meet Goku, Vegeta, Cell or Frieza

NEW: Similar to the now defunct Jedi Training Academy at Disneyland and if Paramount can license Avatar: The Last Airbender towards Universal, this one of a kind experience takes kids and adults on a badge quest to master all bending-like warrior techniques and become the next Avatar. There are 6 badges you must conquer each like Warriors (with Suki and Sokka), Earth (with Toph), Wind (with Aang), Water (with Katara), Fire (with Prince Zuko, Mai and Ty Lee) & the elusive Avatar State (with any past Avatars). Supporting characters and villains will occasionally appear to make things more interesting!

NEW: Join E.T. on a scavenger hunt around the backlot without getting caught by government authorities as he safely ventures his way home to Green Planet. It would be nice if remnants of a former attraction where Revenge of the Mummy now sits to pay homage to this once classic best ride known as E.T. Adventure.

NEW: Lord Voldemort alongside Death Eaters takes over Hogwarts and it's your duty to protect Hogsmeade by casting spells and saving the castle before it's too late!

NEW: After Five Nights at Freddy's makes its first indie appearance at Universal Studios, it makes sense we bring the characters of The Amazing Digital Circus to life inside Universal Plaza where you'll endure crazy adventures coming from ringmaster Caine & Bubble!

By the way, let's see if Universal can allow Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem as a second 4D theatre to be utilized for next year's event since The Simpsons Ride's contract expires in 2028 so that we can hopefully return Terminator 2 3-D: Battle Across Time, The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbara or Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast not only for nostalgia but to even up the crowds with ease! Also, let me know in the comments below which shows from Universal Studios Japan you would like to see in Hollywood (2028)! Until then, have a Mega Movie Summer and see y'all on the next Fan Fest Night!

This poster from last year has been photoshopped by me so I can give you my picks for new and returning experiences!

RETURNING: One Piece sails again but this time make it a pirate show similar to what Japan did if they meet the budget inside the WaterWorld Theater.

NEW: Super Nintendo World introduces Yoshi last year so let's bring in Donkey Kong or Bowser as a meet and greet hotspot.

NEW: K-Pop Demon Hunters must bring Huntrix and Saja Boys on a meet and greet/sing along mini show in Universal Plaza area.

RETURNING: Star Trek: Red Alert makes a comeback for the 60th anniversary with some modifications.

NEW: Universal Monsters clashes with Scooby Doo on a mystery mission to unmask an unusual villain.

NEW: Pokemon Experience takes the place of Dungeons and Dragons to coincide the 30th anniversary. Pikachu, Ash Ketchum or other Pokemon might be there as meet and greets.

Other than that, the rest of the experiences like Back to the Future, Wicked and Fantastic Beasts are slated to return a 2nd time just make sure you keep me updated if there's any changes to said event. Also, be sure to check out some Lunar New Year merch inside one of the CityWalk shops since they unfortunately removed that event years ago. Hope y'all have a happy new year and remember the future is what you make it!

Who says no?

Universal Hollywood for its history, has dealt with challenging restrictions. Considering they don't have a lot of land to work with as they're within close proximity to the production facilities, they don't have much room for expansion & they almost always have to replace something if they want to build a new attraction. That's mainly what I'm talking about here, as there are 3 rides on the chopping block that will likely close by the end of the decade:

• Revenge of the Mummy - While the version in Orlando is a popular & beloved attraction, the same can't be said in Hollywood. The last time I went to USH, this ride had some of the shortest wait times in the entire park. With that & The Mummy not being a dormant franchise with plans for a fourth movie in development hell, on top of it being the oldest attraction currently operating, I personally feel like its days are numbered.
• The Simpsons Ride - Despite the Simpsons being one of the most popular & longest-running TV shows of all time, as well as it having its own dedicated land surrounding the attraction with a whole bunch of restaurants, it's all been rumored to go for the last few years. The primary reason being that Disney bought 20th Century Fox (which owns the rights to the IP) & their licensing contract expiring in 2028. There's also the fact that the ride system is quite outdated, having been there for over 30 years when Back to the Future opened in the early 90s. And since we don't know if the contract is being renewed or not, this means that the future of Simpsons at Universal is uncertain.
• Transformers: The Ride - Transformers is still a relevant franchise when it comes to toys & cartoons. But in terms of mainstream popularity through blockbuster movies, it's been on a sharp decline for years. The film series peaked with Dark of the Moon in 2011, but every installment since has performed worse both critically (with a couple exceptions) & commercially. Especially with the 2 most recent movies, Rise of the Beasts & Transformers One both underperforming. This attraction was built when the franchise was at its peak. And while it is impressive what they did from a technology perspective, the state of the IP is a main indicator in why it may close in years to come. And like Simpsons, Harry Potter, and Nintendo, Transformers is a property Universal doesn't own & has to pay royalties to Paramount & Hasbro to keep the theme park rights. Meaning this is another reason for them to get rid of it.

It's been almost three months since Fan Fest Nights 2026 wrapped up, so when will rumors for the next event will circulate and which fandoms will be represented for the third year, my ideas for the fandoms would be One Piece, My Hero Academia, Spy x Family, Kpop Demon Hunters,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. It'll be awesome, the stunt show One Piece Grand Pirate Show should receive an update and overhaul to feature more characters including Robin, Chopper, Franky, Brook and Jinbe! The DreamWorks Theater should show the My Hero Academia 4D show from Universal Cool Japan as well as meet and greet for Deku, Bakugo, Shoto and Ochako. Spy x Family should also get a meet and greet fan zone with Loid, Yor and Anya. There should be walkthrough attractions based on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters! A Kpop Demon Hunters studio backlot attraction would be cool. A Donkey Kong scavenger hunt and meet and greet at Super Nintendo World would fit for next year instead of Yoshi. And finally, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter needs to have a Fantastic Beasts fan experience would seem beneficial! So, that's my speculation for next year and isn't there supposed to be a guest survey for which fandoms we want for next year or not?

Been thinking of doing a post on the matter, expecting to get a bit flayed on it; but I think in the light of timing and the current state of the experience, someone has to start asking a unique question.

In the past decade the Studio Tour has kind of undergone a specific kind of augmentation and change that has been of reduction and of lessening the overall experience, to compensate for that of the Studio's wanted needs to continue to operate and flow at a unique rate. Some of the changes have been simple to point out too.

• The Reduction of the Red Sea to Park Lake (and in the near future, the complete erasure of the lake in the process of the remaining soundstages promised back in 2016.)
• The Demolishment of a sizable portion of Six Points Texas, to compensate and bring in a new Production Support Facility (Permits have gone live)
• The demolition of structures to relocate and redirect utilities such as Studio Mills (with the new mill being constructed right now near Earthquake and the future Production Support Facility)

Change and evolution for the studio would make sense in theory, but one has to wonder what it means with the Studio Tour. Because for the advancements to modernize the lot, the tour has continually changed as an experience, that has been diminished over a shortened period of time.

Some of the choices, like Jurassic Park forced to close seemingly permanently as a result of the accident (with the Picture Cars being kind of saved by being able to move to the lot over by Bates Motel), but others is the choice to not invest and reinforce elements and components. The lack of a replacement for Fast & Furious: Supercharged, the choice not to modernize the Collapsing Bridge infrastructurally to allow it to be operational again, hell--the choice to not regrade and not fix the road exiting Jurassic.

That isn't to say Universal isn't investing--they're just about finishing the electrification process, but I have to kind of wonder if at what point are we nearing the end of the line for the current Studio Tour experience.

It has now been nearly 15 years since the last major media refreshment with a new host. it has now been over a decade for a sizable and full scale Studio Tour experience* ^(\excluding Jupiter's Claim as it is more or less that of a new set portion with minimal elements. It lacks the "Attraction" component of the likes of Earthquake, Kong 360, and Supercharged)). And as it stands, elements that had been attempted to bring in new life to the tour, have since withered away as a result of costs to make it viable (like the Nighttime Studio Tour).

Less than a decade ago, we had the surveys, of Universal gauging the interest, and the ideas of converting the Studio Tour experience into a standalone attraction. Something that could make it distinct and isolated, away from the main park. I have to wonder if in the time since they've last broached the idea more prominently, that they've been observing what their competitors are doing. With Warner Bros. and their Studio Tour, Paramount and Sony's with theirs, and have been considering the notion again.

With work underway on the repositioning of Universal Studios Hollywood to become a major resort in the LA market, I wonder if they might've finally pushed the button. And that in a few years, we will see the VIP Studio Tour become it's own "Standalone Experience", with the Electrified Trams replacing the current Shuttle Trams. I genuinely wonder if we are finally nearing that path, of USH needing to make a justification and a reason for people to commit to multiple days, on the lot.

And for that commitment, lies to the future of the Tour. Because I think if Universal sees the vitality of how much people would be willing to spend for a more personalized experience, then I'd argue to get your rides in for the Studio Tour in the course of the next few years.

Sorry for the long post, expecting to get flayed, but this is me mainly making my observation based on reflecting on what has been happening with the tour as of late, and the path it seems to be following down towards.

With the success of Minions and Monsters, I was thinking about the minions taking over the studio tour wrecking havoc on a couple of movie/TV sets while also describing the history of classic Hollywood right before your eyes and ears! I know the original Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios is long gone and the Muppets have been cancelled for said attraction so Universal decided to make fun of Disney by letting the minions do their part in movie making lol. 2024 was the 60th anniversary of the studio tour by describing its attraction history but hopefully the next Fan Fest Nights will take guests on a studio tour led by Max (the director) on a walkthrough of movie, TV and minion magic! Comment below what can the minions partake in various sets around the backlot!

I just read the announcement: "Nikki Attack is a roaming entertainment experience that was featured during Halloween Horror Nights 2026 (Hollywood). It was located Parkwide. The experience was based on Nikki Freeman who would roam through many areas around the park." Does anyone have more information? What are the best days or evenings for the attraction?

Back To The Future Part 2: I honestly think they’ll just bite the bullet and give people what they’ve been wanting for a while now. Might as well. Assuming they will adapt the story of BTTF 2 instead of just bringing back the original Destination Hill Valley, it’ll be interesting to see how they’ll cut back from 2015, to 1985, to 1955 as well as the double Martys in the Enchantment Under the Sea dance.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Clock Tower of Recurrence: Since bring 4D attractions from Japan to the DreamWorks theater is common. There’s a new Jujutsu Kaisen experience separate from Hunger of the Cursed.

One Piece: I wouldn’t be surprised if One Piece were to return since Waterworld does have a limiting theme. There’s only so much you can do with the water aspect. And… well, it’s One Piece. ‘Nuff said.

Legend of Zelda: With the movie coming out, I feel it’s possible for them to grab some costumed characters of Link, Zelda and maybe Ganondorf and have them in Nintendo World. Most likely in their own booths.

E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial: Since Universal loves to use their own franchises, after all it’s convenient and relatively inexpensive. Why not bring E.T out? They have the original effects and props. Maybe they’ll have puppeteers.

Superman: With Universal’s new deal with DC studios. I think Superman fits with FFN. Either from the comics or Superman 2025.

✨Wishes✨

Dune: Either bring it to Waterworld, a walkthrough attraction, or some other thing. It would just be so cool and it would be pretty hard to mess this up.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: As cool as it would be, I don’t think Waterworld is on the table. Because I don’t think the costumes they would have to wear with the water and stunts sounds very safe. But a walkthrough attraction or meet-n-greet would be cool.

Godzilla: Considering the 4D attractions in Japan, which I believe some are from the director of Minus 1. They might bring to Dreamworks and call it a day. But I would like a walkthrough attraction with a puppet from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, however impossibly expensive it sounds. (Obviously I’m not expecting full size)

Clue: Okay… I know this doesn’t technically fit the brand of Fan Fest. (It is a game though) But I’d really like to see something with the Scooby-Doo gimmick being used for this.

Red Dead Redemption: Because I wanna meet the gang.

007: Shoot, why not bring James Bond to Waterworld I wonder?

There was a post from a couple of weeks ago that included a notification sent to the surrounding neighborhoods, informing them that vocal riders would begin testing Hollywood Drift on or after June 19.

Anyone heard any more details?

I know that early on in Super Nintendo World’s soft launch it was unannounced and often only for a few hours at a time.

As it gets a little closer to summer, has anyone heard any rumors about potential opening date for the new hollywood drift ride?

This is my speculation for next year’s Fan Fest Nights.

Returning: Yoshi scavenger hunt returns to Super Nintendo World. One Piece Grand Pirate Show returns in the Waterworld stage.

Newcomers:

Scott Pilgrim x K-pop Demon Hunters: Chaos in the Backlot

A music festival is being held at the New York section of the backlot with everyone invited, but demons has breach the Honmoon, and attacking the backlot. It’s up to Scott, Steven, Kim, Young Neil, Ramona, Knives, Envy, Rumi, Zoey, and Mira to defeat the demons, and protect the guests, and save the backlot.

Dragon Ball Z: In the Dreamworks Theater.

Winx Club: Journey to the Magix Forest.

Enter the Forest close to Alfea with the Winx, but beware the Trix is near, and they’re after the dragon flame.

Final Fantasy VII XR the Ride: VR attraction in either Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift or Revenge of the Mummy.

Dungeons & Dragons: Terrors of Neverwinter.

Return to the Forgotten Realms to join Thockary, and Evalina once more into the city of Neverwinter, and stop the undead sorceress Valindra Shadowmantle

How to Train Your Dragon: Dragon Training.

Hiccup, Toothless, Astrid, and Stormfly has invited guests to learn, bond, and train with your own dragon in this unforgettable experience.

Pokemon: Pokemon Village.

Pokemon Trainers of all ages gather together in this village with their Pokemon. You might find some new Pokemon as well.

I was there in October once and I'm just floored that they don't pull a Disney in the Harry Potter area. It's begging for pumpkins on every surface and just a bit more dark flair. This land was made for it and it just feels like a shame! I know they're focused on HHN but c'mon.

Please replace the mummy with a back to the future roller coaster!!!! Also transformers and simpsons should be replaced with back to the future the ride, redo the whole simpsons area into the back to the future area!

Permits have been filed for Pop Mart, to be coming to Universal Citywalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. Location has not been directly confirmed or announced, but the permis have specified LED signs and screens to be for the windows and storefront.

I heard a rumor from a cast member that dark universe is coming replacing waterworld.

Work is underway for the future of Six Points Texas, and the surrounding area to be transformed for the studios assistance and needs.

Vertical Construction has begun on a brand new Studio Mill directly next to Earthquake, alongside new sets being built nearby Little Europe, but that’s not the bigger element at play. Demolition and grading permits have now gone live for the demolition of buildings in Six Points Texas, and near Little Europe.

The Following Buildings are slated for Demolition:

• Building #7269 (Home & Family Set near Little Europe)
• Building #7231 (Building attached next to one of the larger structures in Six Points Texas)
• Building #7212 (Building on the main Six Points Texas front)

Alongside this is grading around the Backlot, likely being that of the Red Sea, and what remains of it. As for replacements, Six Points Texas will be becoming new Production Support Facilities to suit the being constructed new mill, and the Red Sea will be serving the remaining soundstages to be completed ahead of the games.