Rick returns with a full recap of Universal Studios Hollywood FanFest 2026 Opening Night, breaking down the experience from start to finish after attending with Salina during their anniversary trip.

Building off last year’s coverage (Ep.113 with Lore), this episode dives into how FanFest has evolved in Year 2—from larger-scale attractions and stronger theming to heavier crowds and tougher time management.

Rick walks through the night chronologically, covering major experiences like Dungeons & Dragons, the highly immersive Scooby-Doo x Universal Monsters, the standout One Piece live stunt show and themed area, and the atmospheric Harry Potter Forbidden Forest walkthrough—sharing what worked, what didn’t, and what’s actually worth your time.

He also breaks down the FanFest Dining Pass, reviewing multiple food items, calculating real value, and giving honest feedback on quality vs cost. Additional insights include merch improvements, meet-and-greet experiences, and why it’s nearly impossible to do everything in one night.

Whether you’re planning to attend or just curious if FanFest is worth it, this episode delivers a real, unfiltered perspective on what to expect—and how to approach it.

Final takeaway: FanFest 2026 is bigger and better—but only if you go in with a plan.