For years, fans have been saying the same thing every time Universal talks about nostalgia or classic IPs: Where is Scooby-Doo? The franchise has always felt like a perfect fit for the parks, blending mystery, humor, spooky vibes, and just enough camp to work for all ages. Now, Universal is finally answering that call in a big way.
Universal Studios Hollywood has officially unveiled a brand-new Scooby-Doo–themed attraction experience as part of its returning Universal Fan Fest Nights event in 2026, and it’s exactly the kind of concept fans have been hoping for. Instead of a simple meet-and-greet or a light overlay, this experience drops guests straight into a full mystery alongside Scooby, Shaggy, and the rest of the gang — with a monstrous Universal twist.
At the center of the experience is “Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot,” an interactive walkthrough set on the iconic Universal Studios Backlot. The story revolves around a movie production that’s gone completely off the rails, with classic Universal Monsters like Frankenstein’s Monster, Dracula, and the Wolf Man suddenly taking over the set. Guests don’t just watch the story unfold — they’re part of it, helping Scooby-Doo and the gang solve the mystery and save the production.
What makes this feel different from past seasonal offerings is how immersive it’s designed to be. Universal is leaning heavily into cinematic sets, character encounters, and story-driven moments that make guests feel like they’ve stepped into a Scooby-Doo episode brought to life. It’s spooky without being intense, playful without feeling childish, and clearly built to appeal to longtime fans as well as families experiencing Scooby-Doo together for the first time.
And yes, Scooby Snacks are part of the fun. The experience includes themed food options inspired by Scooby-Doo and the Universal Monsters, along with exclusive merchandise created specifically for Fan Fest Nights. Taken together, it feels less like a limited overlay and more like a proof-of-concept — testing just how much appetite there is for Scooby-Doo inside the parks.
Scooby-Doo Leads a Bigger Fan Fest Expansion
While Scooby-Doo is easily the most talked-about addition, it’s only one piece of a much larger Fan Fest Nights lineup. The after-hours event will run on select nights from April 23 through May 16, 2026, and is separately ticketed, with festivities beginning in the evening once the park closes to daytime guests.
Fan Fest Nights is designed to feel very different from Halloween Horror Nights. Instead of focusing on scares, the event celebrates fandoms, immersive storytelling, themed food, and interactive environments. The result is something that feels more like a pop-culture playground than a traditional seasonal event.
Other major experiences confirmed for 2026 include a large-scale ONE PIECE water stunt show inspired by Universal Studios Japan, bringing anime action to Hollywood in a way the park hasn’t really attempted before. There’s also a new adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where guests venture through the Forbidden Forest searching for a lost Hippogriff while encountering magical creatures and surprises along the way.
Fans of tabletop fantasy aren’t being left out either. A Dungeons & Dragons experience will bring Faerûn and Waterdeep to life, complete with an original storyline and larger-than-life characters. Meanwhile, SUPER NINTENDO WORLDwill lean into celebration mode, with Yoshis roaming the land and themed food and drinks adding to the atmosphere.
Not every attraction in the park will operate during Fan Fest Nights, but Universal has confirmed that a strong lineup of rides will remain open, including Jurassic World – The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Transformers: The Ride-3D, and several others.
Why Scooby-Doo’s Return Feels Significant
Scooby-Doo isn’t just another IP added to a seasonal event. For many fans, this is a long-overdue reunion. The franchise naturally fits Universal’s history, especially when paired with the studio’s legendary monsters. The combination feels intentional, blending lighthearted mystery with classic horror imagery in a way that works across generations.
It also feels like Universal is paying close attention to what fans have been asking for. Scooby-Doo has remained popular for decades, yet has largely been absent from major theme park experiences in recent years. Bringing the brand back in such a story-driven, immersive format sends a clear message that Universal sees value in leaning into its older, beloved properties — not just the newest blockbuster franchises.
There’s also an unmistakable sense that this could be a testing ground for something bigger. If Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters resonates the way many expect, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Universal explore more permanent Scooby-Doo offerings in the future.
For now, though, fans finally have what they’ve been asking for. Scooby-Doo is back in the parks, front and center, solving mysteries, running from monsters, and bringing a dose of playful chaos to Universal Studios Hollywood.
After years of anticipation, Universal didn’t quietly bring Scooby-Doo back. They gave him the spotlight — and a mystery worthy of the Backlot.
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