Universal reveals new ‘Harry Potter’ Forbidden Forest attraction coming
A walkthrough Forbidden Forest attraction will debut at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Hollywood for a limited time.
The as-yet-unnamed walkthrough attraction will be part of Universal Fan Fest Nights, happening select dates from April 23 – May 16, 2026, at Universal Studios Hollywood near Los Angeles, Calif.
Universal revealed the new Forbidden Forest experience on Jan. 15, 2026, saying:
This new, unique, walk-through experience will take guests into the depths of the Forbidden Forest in search of a lost Hippogriff. With guidance from a Hogwarts Professor, they will encounter magical creatures and familiar beasts as they face a series of obstacles which will require the guests to summon their bravery and spell-casting skills to help a Hippogriff in need.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
During the inaugural Universal Fan Fest Nights season in 2025, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter hosted meet & greets with various magical creatures, but the encounters weren’t part of a broader attraction or narrative. Will these same fantastic beasts be part of the new Forbidden Forest adventure? Time will tell.
Universal Fan Fest Nights is an after-hours event celebrating different pop-culture fandoms. Tickets start at $74.
Other activations for Universal Fan Fest Nights 2026 include a new Scooby-Doo walkthrough attraction on the backlot, a new “One Piece” show in the Water World amphitheater, a new version of last year’s Yoshi celebration in Super Nintendo World, and the return of the walkthrough “Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of the Waterdeep.”
Photo by Blake Taylor
Over on the east coast, guests at Universal Islands of Adventure can already visit the Forbidden Forest while riding Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. The attraction does not exist on the west coast.
Photo courtesy of Universal
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