When “Back to the Future” first hit theaters in 1985, it became a worldwide cultural phenomenon. I can imagine puffer vest sales skyrocketing, and fans everywhere exclaiming, “Great Scott!” The movie became so beloved that it has been passed down through generations, proving how, ahem, timeless the story really is. I was first introduced to the franchise by my older brother, whose favorite Universal Studios Hollywood attraction will forever be Back to the Future—The Ride, may it rest in peace.
But how does a science-fiction movie about time travel garner such widespread popularity? It might be its cast of memorable characters, iconic soundtrack, or great visual effects. Whatever it is, “Back to the Future” is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and fans will get a chance to celebrate it during Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.
“Fan Fest Nights is really intended to be the ultimate immersive fan event,” says Stephen Siercks, senior director, entertainment production at Universal Studios Hollywood. “It focuses on the immersive experience where we do what we do best, and dropping our fans into the middle of these brands, into the worlds, and letting them explore.” To learn which movies, shows, books, anime and games will be part of Universal Fan Fest nights, check out our article on the topic.
For us, that means boarding the Universal Fan Tram (a.k.a the Studio Tour) and getting dropped off in the middle of the Universal backlot. Specifically, in Courthouse Square, right where “Back to the Future” was filmed. Welcome to Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley!
Step onto Courthouse Square and into movie history
Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley will transport us back in time, plutonium-free. Not only will we encounter Hill Valley the way Marty McFly did when he first stepped into 1955, but we’ll also be exactly where integral parts of the movie were filmed in the ‘80s. For Stephen, Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley is particularly exciting for this very reason. “When you think about moments that are uniquely Universal, you can’t get any better than this.” Stephen says.
The Universal backlot has been a stage for so many films throughout history. When you hop on The World-Famous Studio Tour, you’re able to see so many iconic sets, the most recognizable being Courthouse Square. This is where Marty basically invents the skateboard (as far as people back in the ‘50s are concerned) as he’s chased around by Biff, and where — spoiler alert — the clock tower is struck by lightning, sending Marty back to 1985. Because the Universal Studios backlot is part of a working movie studio, Courthouse Square has seen some changes. For Universal Fan Fest Nights, Stephen and his team have been working to make it look as it once did.
“We’re definitely making sure that we’re doing it in a way that does it justice to what it once was, but also celebrating the franchise in a fun and unique way.” Stephen says. To give us a taste of what we can expect from the experience, Stephen cites the scene in which Marty McFly first walks into downtown Hill Valley after going back in time to 1955. In it, “Mr. Sandman” plays in the background, the gas station service attendants rush out, and Marty is shocked to find himself in the past. Fans will be delighted to find themselves in a different time period, right inside the scene of a movie we all know and love.
“It’s amazing.” Stephen says, when asked about what it was like to work in Courthouse Square. “In doing some of the development work and doing the walkthroughs, you just feel the energy, you feel the history in the space when you’re there.”
Meet the Hill Valley Residents
Your favorite “Back to the Future” characters will be everywhere during this experience. Instead of your traditional theme park meet-and-greet, these characters will be playing out their own stories throughout the hour, recreating iconic scenes from the movie and interacting with each other. You are invited to watch them and participate, and take pictures along the way.
You’ll get the chance to say hello to Marty McFly, Doc Brown, and many more characters from “Back to the Future” all around Courthouse Square. You’ll also be able to meet Doc Brown’s trusted four-legged companion, Einstein!
But it’s not just characters you’ll meet here. You’ll get to experience iconic “Back to the Future” movie moments, too. While working to bring this movie to life, it was important for Stephen and his team to identify some of the most memorable scenes. Stephen says, “When recreating this experience, we really did want to pick out those essential moments, those essential environments, those essential characters that fans would recognize when stepping onto Courthouse Square.”
That means recreating the Enchantment Under the Sea dance. You know, one of the most pivotal moments in the first movie, where Marty’s parents share their first kiss and solidify Marty’s future existence? Yeah, that one.
The dance will spill out of the school gym and take over the town square. Watch the students dance to a live band before Marty takes the stage and introduces folks to some good, old-fashioned rock and roll. An “oldie” where he comes from, of course.
Then, experience the movie’s epic finale in real life. Watch as a storm descends over Courthouse Square, a bolt of lightning strikes the clock tower, and Marty McFly and his Time Machine are sent back… to the future!
Create Your Own Adventure
With so much to see and experience, no two visits to Hill Valley at Universal Fan Fest Nights will ever be the same. Not only are you free to roam around Courthouse Square and take in the sights and sounds of a different era, but you can also follow a character of your choosing to see what adventure they take you on. “Fans are going to be down there trying to soak it all up and pick a different storyline to follow, or a different moment to follow every time.” Stephen says.
The fun doesn’t stop there. You can also celebrate “Back to the Future” with new merchandise and exclusive food and beverage offerings that look like they came straight out of a 50’s diner, including:
- Time Machine Melt: Pastrami melt with Swiss cheese and cabbage slaw, served on toasted sourdough.
- Doc Brown’s Chicken Pot Pie: Cheeto-dusted chicken pot pie.
- Flux Capacitor Patty Melt: All beef patty with sweet caramelized onions, American cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, served on Flux Capacitor branded sourdough.
- Time Traveler’s Milkshake: Vanilla ice cream blue raspberry sauce, topped with whipped cream, blue and silver sprinkles, and a cherry.
- Outtatime Cookie: Chocolate malt cookie with Whopper pieces and chocolate chips (shown above).
You can get your hands on the above items at Mel’s Diner on the upper lot. Down in the Hill Valley experience itself, expect a themed snack cart serving up hot dogs, popcorn, churros and pretzels.
From exploring Hill Valley to meeting the characters and eating delicious, themed snacks, I’m sure the attention to detail that has gone into this event will not go unnoticed. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of this franchise. “I remember seeing the movie when I was growing up,” Stephen says. “And now, having a chance to see it with my family, as well as being able to pass on some of the iconic moments and characters and just the overall story—it is so multi-generational and fun and timeless. No pun intended.”
Come enjoy Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley at Universal Fan Fest Nights in Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s your density. I mean, destiny.
What are you excited to experience at Back to the Future: Destination Hill Valley? Let us know in the comments down below.