Expecto pandemonium! Hogsmeade Village in Wizarding World of Harry Potter is part of the magic during 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights. We had the chance to check out the immersive Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff walkthrough plus soak in the magical atmosphere 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 Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff for 2026 Universal Fan Fest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The Experience
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to life in a whole new way with Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff which has you forge ahead on a daring nighttime mission where you will encounter everything from pixies, owls, and spiders to the infamous Monster Book of Monsters as you flex your magic skills to help recover the missing Hippogriff.
Video
Check out just some of the magic that happens for Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff with our video below.
- Mischief Managed! The Marauder’s Map shows no sign of this video. Check back soon.
What to Know
Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on the Upper Lot, the experience unfolds in the natural spaces outside of Hogsmeade in the Forbidden Forest.
- The Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff experience lasts approximately 15 minutes and runs continuously throughout the evening.
- When your evening on the Hogwarts grounds goes awry, you’ll venture into the Forbidden Forest and face thrilling challenges, encounter magical creatures, and put your spell skills to the test. With guidance from a Hogwarts Magical Creatures professor, guests will embark on an exciting walk-through adventure within the Forbidden Forest where they will encounter an array of magical creatures and familiar beasts.
Quick Tips
- This experience is quite popular, if it is a priority for you, make sure to hit up this experience early in the evening.
- This is an interactive experience where your participation is welcome. Interact with the professor, answer their questions, and help to keep the story moving ahead.
- Pay close attention to the instruction given by the professor so you can follow along and help.
- Don’t be a mountain troll. Immerse yourself into the world, don’t try to take the characters out of theirs by talking about the movies, books, or show.
Dining
Find an enchanting array of fare including special items just for the evening. Head over to the Three Broomsticks for traditional British pub fare, including Scotch Eggs, Welsh Rarebit, Toad in the Hole, Curry Chicken, Classic Sunday Roast and Classic English Fish and Chips. For a sweet treat, don’t miss the new Three Broomsticks Dessert Flight or the Hippogriff Brown Sugar & Oat Trifle.
MORE INFO: MENU: 2026 WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER Food and Drink at Universal Fan Fest Nights
Shopping
Of course, you can expect there to be an enchanting selection of merch. There’s no short supply of Harry Potter, Magical Creature, or Wizarding World items around the entire property but just for the event, a magical assortment of new items have also apparated into the park. Highlights a new Forbidden Forest Spirit Jersey and ringer tee plus plenty of of magical creature merch including plush of the mighty Hippogriff.
MORE INFO: MERCH RUN: Forbidden Forest: Search of the Hippogriff items at Universal Fan Fest Nights
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
