Scott Strobl, Universal Studios Hollywood’s executive vp and general manager, tried not to sound overzealous as he described to a group of press what to expect from the Los Angeles park’s newest special event, Fan Fest Nights. “Here’s the way to think about it,” he told the crowd. “If you know and love the immersion we create with the IPs at Halloween Horror Nights, it’s like if Halloween Horror Nights and Comic-Con had a baby.”

For 12 nights, during the four consecutive weekends between April 25 and May 18, fans of sci-fi, anime, fantasy and gaming will be able to celebrate popular properties through a series of activations and attractions spanning every corner of the park. “Fan Fest is a total park takeover, so guests will be able to experience each and every genre, each and every piece of content throughout the event, every single night of the event,...