By Charly SHELTON

When it comes to immersive themed entertainment, Universal Studios has been upping its game in recent years. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter took the muggle world by storm with its intricate and incredible themed design. Then Super Nintendo World. And all reports from Epic Universe, the new theme park at Universal Orlando Resort, say it is the best park yet. And now, that same immersion and attention to detail is pointed toward a temporary festival throughout the park. It’s similar to Halloween Horror Nights – just substitute the horror for nerdom. Running select nights through May 18, Fan Fest Nights opens the gates after dark for a celebration of beloved film and TV properties that, while they may not have their own rides, definitely have massive fanbases.

While Dungeons & Dragons and “Star Trek” made strong showings, it was the “Back to the Future” experience that really stole the show. Guests are transported via studio tour tram to Courthouse Square – yes, the actual Hill Valley courthouse from the films – where Doc, Marty and a whole cast of 1955 townsfolk spring to life around you. Scenes from the movie play out in real time, actors interact with the crowd and it all culminates in that iconic lightning strike. It’s a full-on time-travel simulation, complete with the warm nostalgia of clock towers, poodle skirts and a time-traveling DeLorean.

That’s not to say the other offerings are lacking. Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep turns a soundstage behind Transformers: The Ride into a fog-shrouded realm of fantasy where adventurers guide guests past magic items and through taverns. A life-sized Xanathar the Beholder looms from the shadows – a jaw-dropping moment for any D&D fan who’s had to face him in the game – and a dragon attack sequence sells the stakes with a blast of fire and fury. Star Trek: Red Alert, meanwhile, invites fans aboard the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D in an interactive tribute to Starfleet past and present. It’s theatre-meets-theme-park with a heavy dose of sci-fi love.

Of course there’s a One Piece fan zone with characters to interact with and new fantastic beasts visiting in The Wizarding World, and even a scavenger hunt in Super Nintendo World leading to a meet-and-greet with Yoshi. But the real draw, as with any good theme park, is standing in a place you never thought you’d visit for real. Watching lightning strike the clock tower as a DeLorean lights up the main drag. Or staring a Beholder in its many eyes, trying not to wet your cloak. These are the experiences that have lived only in my mind for so long and now are realized in a physical space. That’s what’s so fun about this – and theme parks overall (when done well).

For longtime fans and new ones alike, this is an easy recommendation. Whether you grew up with these fandoms or discovered them recently, Fan Fest Nights invites you into the story – no ride required. Just remember to pace yourself on the cocktails (I didn’t) – and don’t miss the lightning strike.