Hello, fellow movie enthusiasts! Just in case you missed it, Universal Studios Hollywood has recently debuted the very first
“Fan Fest Nights”
(imagine it as the combination of Halloween Horror Nights and Comic-Con), and everyone is eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the main feature, which is undoubtedly the most talked-about attraction at this event: ”
Back to the Future
: Destination Hill Valley.”
This incredibly immersive experience occurs at Universal Studios’ backlot within Courthouse Square, the VERY spot where they shot the famous Clock Tower scene (among others) in
Back to the Future
And there’s a complete narrative arc featuring characters you can engage with and follow along. Essentially, you have the experience of being “inside” it all.
Back to the Future
for a night, and it’s SO. FUN.
If you decide to attend (or cannot make it but still want to check out) these events, here are some of the top picks:
Back to the Future
Details, hidden surprises, and some truly amazing things I encountered during Fan Fest Nights. Take a look…
1.
To start with, even before boarding the tram headed for the backlot, you’ll catch a glimpse of things to follow as you encounter the woman from Hill Valley’s Preservation Society near the Clock Tower. Make sure to pick up one of her distinctive blue “Save the Clock Tower” pamphlets!
2.
To get you even deeper into the experience of being fully immersed in Hill Valley, the usual tram tour video has been substituted with a special segment featuring Doc Brown. He guides you to engage in activities such as observing, interacting, and most importantly, avoiding any potential paradoxes.
3.
Upon arriving at the backlot, if your timing is fortunate, you might catch sight of Marty walking into town, much as he does in the film! Feel free to engage with him and all the other performers.
4.
And perfectly replicated versions of the Lyon Estates billboards and signage greet you well before reaching Courthouse Square.
5.
SURE, once you actually set foot in Courthouse Square, you immediately get whisked away to 1955. Keep an eye out for various delightful touches throughout that pay homage to the movie.
6.
One of the first things you might observe could be Biff’s Ford Super De Luxe Convertible.
7.
Also parked at the gas station is Doc Brown’s 1949 Packard Custom 8 Victoria Convertible.
8.
Near the front, you will find a reproduction of the “Re-Elect Mayor ‘Red’ Thomas” sign.
9.
And, naturally, the conspicuous “Welcome to Hill Valley” sign that Marty passes by in the movie.
10.
Ruth’s Frock Shop is where Lorraine finds her dress for the “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance.
11.
If you take a closer look at the stores, you’ll notice many fantastic Easter eggs. For instance, the jeweler’s shop features a sign that reads: Timeless Classics (~timeless~, as in forever? Get it?!).
12.
Plus, the stationery shop offers some cool sci-fi books that perfectly match their theme, like
A Man Returns
(Marty’s objective is to go back to 1985!)
The Traveller Hailing from Orange County
(time TRAVEL!), and
That’s What She’s Drinking
* By Tony Lindas, who serves as the Manager of Props and Placemaking at Universal Studios Hollywood.
13.
When visiting the real estate agency, you will find listings for properties across Hill Valley, such as some homes for sale on roads named “S. Hill Valley Circle” and “N. Courthouse Drive.”
14.
Sadly, we won’t find Lou’s Café here; instead, there is a thematically styled place called “Valley Diner & Cafe.”
15.
as well as a “Hill Valley Hotel.”
16.
However, at Roy’s Records, you won’t find “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” but they do have an attractive turntable displayed in the window for purchase.
17.
Moreover, there’s a toy store featuring some entertaining elements in the display window, such as this train setup that closely resembles the one from
Back to the Future Part III
.
18.
Additionally, keep an eye out (way up top) for a playful “Hill Valley High School” sign perched above the “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance floor…
19.
…along with the panthers that have been placed atop the Clock Tower over at Courthouse Square (also situated very high up).
20.
Now, let’s get into the big aspects. As I pointed out earlier, this is an entirely immersive experience. Hence, attendees are invited to come dressed in costume as
BTTF
Characters. Plus, you have the opportunity to engage with the actors portraying these roles as often as desired!
21.
Sure, you could assist George McFly in thinking of a witty remark for Lorraine.
22.
You could request a photograph from Biff (though there’s a high chance he might be unkind to you, as we all know, he tends to act like a bully).
23.
You can discuss the details of time travel with Doc.
24.
Plus, naturally, you can chat with Marty and assist him in figuring out how on earth he’s going to return to 1985!
25.
For your information, several significant events occur during your visit, and the entire storyline runs in approximately a 1-hour cycle. So, if you miss any key event, you can stay around and catch it again shortly afterward.
26.
For instance, you might notice Marty attempting to dodge his mother Lorraine’s amorous overtures.
27.
Or observe Marty and Doc as they lay out their strategy to send Marty back to the future.
28.
You can see Strickland being his usual self.
29.
Plus, you might catch Marty performing onstage alongside Marvin Berry and the Starlighters at the “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance.
30.
However, undoubtedly, the highlight is the reconstruction of the Clock Tower lightning strike. Just so you know, though, you won’t witness an actual DeLorean/Time Machine driving through during this recreation. What you will experience instead is a fantastic projection and light show synchronized with the music that brings the scene back to life. It’s quite impressive indeed.
31.
They have also included impressive special effects to depict the lightning hitting the tower and subsequently traveling through the wires along Marty’s route.
32.
There’s an incredibly awesome photo opportunity set up featuring the famous flaming road and spinning license plate* which operates around the clock. So feel free to capture your pictures anytime you like!
Here’s me (as Jennifer! LOL), so you can get an idea of how it appears:
33.
However, fear not—you can have your Time Machine experience with this alternative top-notch photo opportunity that similarly features EINSTEIN.
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