Universal Fan Fest Nights has been announced at Universal Studios Hollywood. Check out the full lineup here and get ready to be as excited as I am! This new, after-hours event will feature immersive experiences, exclusive menu items, and new photo ops, as well as the chance for fans to cosplay as their favorite characters (subject to Cosplay Costume Guidelines). Yes, you read that right my friends: This event is all about the fans, so you’ll be able to cosplay at the theme park!
With nights dedicated exclusively to fan favorite sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime franchises, I’m beyond excited to see what iconic costumes fans end up crafting and recreating. There is no greater joy than walking into a fan convention or event and coming across ten different versions of my favorite character just casually hanging out. I live for that kind of thing.
From recreating faithful movie replicas of a costume to really letting your own personality shine through, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get into character! Whether this is your hundredth time cosplaying or your first, here are some basic rules you should keep in mind before putting your costume together for Universal Fan Fest Nights.
What is “Cosplay,” Anyway?
The term “cosplay” — a combination of the words “costume” and “play” — originated in Japan. It is when a fan dresses up in a character’s makeup and costume. Usually the fan role plays as well, picking up on the character’s quirks and mannerisms. Although cosplaying was popularized by manga and anime fans, it is by no means exclusive to those genres. Anybody can express their creativity and passion for a franchise by cosplaying.
For the official list of Universal cosplay rules, check them out here.
Leave Your (Real) Swords at Home
Most of the fantasy characters I know and love wield swords, axes, and lances. They carry bows and arrows, or large magical staffs. They are on dangerous quests carrying war hammers and daggers. They also don’t have to go through a security checkpoint before entering the theme park. But you do.
All weapons and items that can be used as weapons — including but not limited to sticks, knives, swords, clubs, explosives, and firearms — are strictly prohibited at the theme park at Universal Fan Fest Nights.
That said, some prop weapons are permitted. If you do bring in a prop weapon, it cannot have sharp edges or be functional as a weapon. For example, a bow without the string is okay, provided that it meets all other Cosplay Costume Guidelines. A hollow plastic or foam sword and cardboard shield may be okay, too. However, anything that resembles a firearm is not allowed. That includes sci-fi and fantasy guns. For more details, check out the official Cosplay Costume Guidelines here. Note that the Guidelines are subject to change without notice and Universal’s interpretation and enforcement of the Guidelines is final.
Keep in mind that you’re not really going into battle here. You’re simply getting on some rides and taking lots of great pictures!
Do get creative with some foam and cardboard and make your props and accessories fun!
Don’t bring real weapons, realistic looking prop weapons, any item that might be used as a weapon, or any object that resembles a firearm whatsoever.
Immerse Yourself in Your Favorite Movies, Shows and Games
We want fans to enjoy themselves. That includes putting on a red puffer vest and constantly checking your watch. But it does not include performing or interacting with guests as if you work at the park. You also cannot wear clothes or carry accessories that may create confusion that you work for Universal or are part of emergency response.
And if you have a service animal with you, sorry, they cannot be in costume.
Do recreate a character’s costume and have fun being a fan in community in accordance with the Cosplay Costume Guidelines.
Don’t wear clothing or accessories identified with Universal Studios, law enforcement, security, firefighters, emergency responders or the military.
Dress for a Family-Friendly Crowd
This event is intended for fans of all ages. Inappropriate costumes will not be permitted inside the theme park. That includes (but is not limited to) gruesome, gory, or indecent clothing, makeup, and accessories. We want to see characters before they fight in battle, and also fully clothed.
Do wear shoes, shirts, and keep it family-friendly!
Don’t bring in fake blood, gory or gruesome clothing or props, realistic prop weapons, or any clothing that depicts them.
Watch out for your Hats, Hoods, and Helmets
I get it, you want to look like a certain pirate wearing a hat made of straw. And yes, there are fantasy characters that wear cloaks and helmets. You, too, are allowed to bring these in as long they meet all Cosplay Costume Guidelines and you’re willing (and able) to remove them before boarding certain rides and attractions. Make sure your entire costume can fully fit into ride vehicles and won’t interfere with the lap bars or other restraints. In other words, keep those capes, hats, and accessories properly secured at all times. See an attractions attendant for details.
Do leave certain bulky accessories in designated lockers, with members of your party who aren’t riding an attraction, or at home.
Don’t wear any head covering that fully or partially obscures your face, including costume masks and facial coverings, unless required for religious or medical reasons.
Paint Yourself to Perfection
Masks and coverings that fully or partially obscure your face are not permitted (unless required for medical or religious reasons). We want to be able to see you having fun. But painting your face is allowed!
From small, partial markings on your forehead, to a work of art that covers your entire face, we want to see it all. Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages will not be served to guests whose face painting covers more than one-half of the face, applied vertically. Universal reserves the right to refuse to serve alcohol to anyone if we are unable to verify the identity of the guest, in our sole discretion, in accordance with state law.
Do paint your skin and show off those artistic skills!
Don’t cover your face with a mask, bandana, or blindfold.
Let Us Put on the Show
Universal Fan Fest Nights is going to be full of all kinds of jaw-dropping effects full of lights, sounds, and smells. Please make sure your costume doesn’t include any of that.
To create a safe environment for everyone, costumes are not allowed to include special and atmospheric effects such as balloons, smoke, fog, sounds, or any powered or other special effects. Costumes cannot be oversized or include stilts or oversized elements like long trains and veils. We don’t want to fall or trip anyone!
Do make sure your costume stands out without disrupting the event.
Don’t wear anything that includes a special or atmospheric effect.
Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is all about celebrating in a community of fans just as passionate as you. So put on your best costume and get ready to enjoy your favorite franchises!
If you’re looking for the official list of Universal cosplay rules, check them out right here.
Must be 21+ with valid Photo ID to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
Which Universal Fan Fest Nights character are you planning on dressing up as? Let us know in the comments below.
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