Guests become movie extras in Scooby-Doo meets the Universal Monsters experience at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Hollywood is bringing together two iconic franchises in a brand-new interactive experience that places fans directly inside the story. Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot invites guests to become part of an original live-action adventure debuting exclusively during Universal Fan Fest Nights.
The limited-time event runs select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, transforming the legendary Studio Tour backlot into an immersive world filled with suspense, humor, and classic movie magic.
Guests will step into the role of “extras” on the set of a fictional monster movie before a mysterious villain known as the Phantom Director interrupts production by unleashing some of cinema’s most legendary creatures.
Guests Become Part of the Mystery
The interactive story begins aboard the famous Studio Tour trams, transporting guests onto historic filming locations that have appeared in Universal’s classic horror films. Along the way, visitors encounter beloved members of Mystery Inc. — Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, and Fred — as they attempt to uncover the identity of the Phantom Director.
As chaos unfolds, guests must follow clues using a Mystery Manual to help solve the case and restore order to the fictional production. The experience combines theatrical storytelling with real-world exploration of famous backlot environments, including Little Europe and the Court of Miracles, locations tied to classic films such as Frankenstein (1931) and The Wolf Man (1941).
Fans can also enjoy photo opportunities with the Mystery Machine, the Scooby-Doo gang, and legendary monsters including Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, and the Wolf Man.
Universal Fan Fest Nights Celebrates Fandom
Universal Fan Fest Nights is a separately ticketed after-hours event celebrating fandom across multiple franchises through immersive storytelling experiences, live entertainment, themed food, exclusive merchandise, and cosplay opportunities.
Alongside Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters, the event will feature several additional fan-focused attractions spanning popular entertainment properties.
Additional Experiences Include
ONE PIECE: Grand Pirate Show brings the popular anime franchise to life through an action-packed live performance filled with fan-favorite characters.
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Miracle – Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe offers a subtitled CG anime short film experience inside DreamWorks Theatre, featuring Super Sailor Moon battling a powerful new enemy.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Forbidden Forest: A Search for the Hippogriff invites guests into a magical walkthrough adventure featuring mythical creatures and spell-casting challenges.
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Colorful Yoshi Celebration introduces a vibrant themed experience where guests can meet colorful Yoshis throughout the Mushroom Kingdom.
Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep returns with enhancements, allowing fans to join the Harpers on an adventure to stop Xanathar, a legendary beholder brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.
Event Dates and Ticket Information
Universal Fan Fest Nights will take place across 12 select nights: April 23–25, May 1–3, May 7–9, and May 14–16, 2026.
Ticket options include General Admission, Universal Express, After 2PM Day/Night tickets, VIP experiences, and multi-night passes, offering fans flexible ways to explore the event.
Guests attending Universal Fan Fest Nights will also have access to select theme park attractions including Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jurassic World — The Ride, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Revenge of the Mummy, The Simpsons Ride, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Read our Theme Park Guide.
A Mystery Worth Solving
Scooby-Doo Meets The Universal Monsters blends nostalgic characters with modern immersive storytelling, allowing fans to actively participate in the mystery rather than simply watch it unfold. By combining beloved animation icons with legendary horror film monsters, Universal Studios Hollywood continues expanding its interactive event offerings for audiences seeking unique fan-driven entertainment experiences.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
