LET’S ROLL! It’s time to step into a magical world with Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep during 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights. We had the chance to interact in real life with special characters and experiences inspired by “the World’s Greatest Roleplaying Game.” The fun continues with themed dining and shopping opportunities, too.

With hosted tickets, we were given access to the park to uncover all the fun for ourselves. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep for 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.

The Experience

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (or D&D for the pros) is an iconic tabletop role-playing adventure game that comes to life with a one-of-a-kind interactive experience. One part traditional maze type experience, one part escape room, you’ll venture deep into the lore of Waterdeep, encounter a larger than life figure of Xanathar the Beholder (brought to life by the real life wizards at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop), and help defeat the evil forces trying to overtake the city.

Video

Check out just some of the magic that happens for Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep with our video below.

  • Critical Failure! This video must be lost somewhere in the Bag of Holding. Check back soon.

What to Know

Head to the Lower Lot to the right of the Transformers: The Ride 3D attraction and you’ll be guided backstage towards an actual soundstage where the world of D&D has been crafted.

  • The Dungeons & Dragons: Secrets of Waterdeep experience lasts approximately 15-minutes and runs continuously throughout the evening.
  • Your journey starts in a contemporary space outfitted as the ultimate D&D game room, you’ll find both game boards and game pieces as well as toys and collectibles before you are given your briefing for today’s mission. Like magic, the world of Dungeons and Dragons will literally open up before your eyes and the adventure carries forth from there. You will quickly find out that you are joining the the Harpers — a heroic spy network — to help foil a plot by the legendary Xanathar the Beholder and save the city of Waterdeep.
  • Join Throckery and Evalina to find the rod of absorption, escape the fire-breath of Tiamat the Queen of Evil Dragons, recover the Dragonstaff of Ahghairon, and make it out alive!

Quick Tips

  1. This is an interactive experience where your participation is welcome. Interact with the characters, answer their questions, and help solve the puzzles to advance.
  2. Pay close attention to the instruction given by the characters so you can follow along and help.
  3. Arriving earlier? If you make this experience (and the adjacent Yoshi offerings in Super Nintendo World) an early part of your evening then there will be no need to return to the Lower Lot later in the evening.
  4. Arriving later? If you visit after 10pm, waits should be lower and the amount of people put into the experience with you should be considerably smaller than at the beginning of the night.
  5. Don’t be a p’tak. Immerse yourself into the world, don’t try to take the characters out of theirs by talking about the movies or show.

Dining

After a night of conquests and adventures, you’ll be ready for some sustenance and libations. The fan-favorite “First Roll Tavern” makes its return to the Lower Lot. Nosh on Cockatrice Hot Wings, Dragon Egg Cheesecake, Gelatinous Cube, Ranger’s Mark sandwich and Beholder’s Brew Fondue as well as a selection of themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

MORE INFO: MENU: 2026 DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Food and Drink at Universal Fan Fest Nights

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Shopping

Of course, you can expect there to be a magical selection of merch. A treasure cache of new items can be discovered, joining similar items that debuted last year are even more legendary gear to bolster your party’s questing inventory. Highlights include a color-changing healing potion water bottle, Waterdeep tray, a black hoodie with dragon imagery and another one in maroon, a Xanathar tee, and a purple cloak gaming Snuggie. Plus, there’s several adorable keychains featuring Xanathar and an owl. Speaking of the owl merch, there’s a giant plus available, too. You can also get your hands on a most epic spell book bag to keep your look in theme and also functional. There’s also a water deep dice tray and a tin of mints shaped like a dice.

MORE INFO: MERCH RUN: Dungeons and Dragons items at Universal Fan Fest Nights

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See it for Yourself

Universal Fan Fest Nights takes place at Universal Studios Hollywood on select dates from April 23 through May 16, 2026.

Event dates include April 23-25; May 1-3, 7-9, and 15-16. The event will begin each event night at 7pm and tickets are now available for purchase.

Check out our in-depth guides and coverage with everything you need to know!

MORE INFO: Check out all MouseInfo coverage for Universal Fan Fest Nights

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