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Xanathar and Sylgar Make Their Universal Studios Hollywood Debut at Fan Fest Nights
Roll for initiative, because Dungeons & Dragons is casting a powerful spell on Universal Studios Hollywood!
Universal just unveiled a first look at Xanathar, the legendary beholder himself—and yes, his beloved pet goldfish Sylgar is floating right alongside him. These iconic characters will take center stage during the all-new “DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Secrets of Waterdeep” in-world experience, debuting exclusively during Universal Fan Fest Nights, which kick off April 25 and run on select nights through May 18, 2025.
Related: Universal Studios Hollywood Invites Fans to Cosplay at Fan Fest Nights
This jaw-dropping version of Xanathar isn’t your average monster under the bed. Universal Studios teamed up with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop—yes, that Jim Henson—to bring this many-eyed menace to life with full articulation and a whole lot of personality. The result? A larger-than-life, wildly detailed creation that feels like it leapt straight from a campaign map into our world.
What’s the quest? Guests will join the Harpers, a secretive spy network, in an immersive quest to stop Xanathar’s sinister schemes and save the magical city of Waterdeep. This exclusive adventure is tailor-made for fans of D&D, fantasy roleplay, and good ol’ dungeon-diving action.
But that’s just one roll of the D20…
Fan Fest Nights will also feature immersive experiences and character encounters across the entire park—drawing from fandom favorites like Star Trek, Back to the Future, Jujutsu Kaisen, One Piece, and more. You might even run into Wicked’s Elphaba and Glinda for a magical meet-and-greet. Plus, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ are getting special character enhancements just for this event.
Related: First Ever Wizarding World of Harry Potter Popcorn Bucket Coming to Universal Hollywood & Orlando
And yes, cosplay is absolutely encouraged. Whether you’re coming as a bard, barbarian, or full-blown wizard, this is your time to shine.
Event-goers can also sink their teeth into themed food curated by Executive Chef Julia Thrash, snag exclusive merch, and ride select attractions like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Forbidden Journey, Revenge of the Mummy, and more—making Fan Fest Nights a full-on epic campaign across the park.
🎟️ Tickets are on sale now for the inaugural event running April 25–27, May 2–4, 9–11, and 15–18. So grab your party, prep your spell slots, and get ready to go on a quest like no other—Xanathar is watching…👁️🐟
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