In this Halloween episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig up the spooky story of Universal’s Dark Universe - the ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe that never rose from the grave. From The Mummy’s box office stumble to the Wolfman’s cursed production, the duo unpacks how a failed film series still inspired one of Epic Universe’s most anticipated lands. Along the way, they discuss park attendance stats, ticket changes, and a few frightfully fun surprises.

2024 Themed Entertainment Association attendance report reveals Universal’s shifting rankings

Why Universal paused 3-Day Annual Pass sales and what it means for Epic Universe access

The rise and fall of The Mummy reboot and the costly chaos behind The Wolfman

Inside Universal’s forgotten plans for Creature from the Black Lagoon and Dracula Untold

How the ashes of a movie misfire gave life to Epic Universe’s monster-filled Dark Universe land

Even the monsters couldn’t scare away Jim and Eric’s curiosity—hear the full tale of how Universal’s cinematic dream turned into a theme park triumph.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate Back to the Future Day by revealing how one of cinema’s most iconic moments, the lightning strike finale, was born from a Universal Studios budget cut. Plus, the duo unwrap the latest holiday news from Universal Orlando and Hollywood, discuss a controversial new “pay-per-ride” Express Pass test, and share updates from the Wicked movie preview at the parks.

Universal’s 2024 holiday celebrations at Orlando and Hollywood

Super Nintendo World’s first-ever holiday overlay and exclusive merch

Why Universal is testing single-ride Express Passes and what it could mean for guests

Michael J. Fox’s new memoir and his first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

How a budget cut led to Back to the Future’s unforgettable lightning strike finale

Even 40 years later, Back to the Future proves that great ideas and great movies are timeless.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the big “what if” shaking up Hollywood - what happens if Comcast makes a play for Warner Bros. Discovery? From potential streaming mega-mergers to a theme park fan’s ultimate fantasy lineup, the guys imagine a world where Harry Potter meets Batman on the Universal backlot.

Why Warner Bros. turned down Paramount’s $49 billion offer

How a Comcast–Warner Bros. deal could reshape Peacock, Max, and the entire streaming landscape

The massive IP library that could hit Universal Parks—from DC heroes to Looney Tunes and Lord of the Rings

The official reveal of Universal Kids Park in Texas and its new themed lands

A nostalgic look back at Universal’s Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater and Angela Lansbury’s legacy

Big brands, bigger rumors, and even bigger possibilities.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey crack open the story behind how Transformers: The Ride 3D bulldozed its way into Universal Studios Florida—literally replacing the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater. Along the way, they cover everything from Universal’s new Fanta horror crossover to coaster policy changes, Simpsons rumors, and a surprising Zelda connection inside Epic Universe.

From Fanta cans to fighting Decepticons, Jim and Eric uncover how Universal keeps reinventing its parks - sometimes by demolishing a mystery and building a blockbuster.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a leaked Universal survey that hints at the future of Fan Fest in Hollywood. From Scooby-Doo teaming up with Universal Monsters to the possibility of Pokemon Go and Sailor Moon activations, the lineup could be one of the most surprising yet. And in the second half, the guys rewind to explore the retro roots and hidden details of Cabana Bay, Universal Orlando’s massive value resort.

Marvel Zombies and Fangoria’s bold Halloween crossover at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Survey leaks teasing Scooby-Doo, Pokemon Go, One Piece, and more for Fan Fest 2026

How Sailor Moon could bring anime fandom to the DreamWorks Theater

The Simpsons movie sequel and its impact on Universal’s theme park rights

Cabana Bay’s history, retro theming, and how it reshaped Universal’s hotel strategy

Universal’s future IP plans meet its nostalgic past in a packed episode that covers both zombies and neon retro vibes.

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This week, Jim and Eric tackle a tough headline out of Epic Universe as a guest tragedy forces the closure of Stardust Racers. From what happened to what comes next, they break down the details and share insights on ride safety across the theme park industry. Later in the show, listener Ernesto sparks a deep dive into the origins of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and how mid-century modern design shaped its creation.

The latest on the Stardust Racers accident and Universal’s response

How often serious injuries really occur at theme parks

Why part of DreamWorks Land has already been torn out just months after opening

Rock the Universe ticket deals and what they include

The mid-century modern inspiration behind Cabana Bay and Universal’s hotel expansion

A mix of news, history, and design deep-dives - all in one episode.

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Universal has filed demolition permits for nearly five acres of Islands of Adventure, and Jim and Eric break down what that could mean for the Lost Continent. The main feature of this week’s episode dives into the history of Merlinwood, the rise and fall of Dueling Dragons, and how Harry Potter reshaped the park. Could Zelda be next to take its place?

Wicked toys hit Target shelves months before the movie release

A 10-month closure looms for Jurassic Park River Adventure in Orlando

Hidden Halloween Horror Nights stay-and-scream space revealed near Minion Blast

Meet Hamikuma, the bizarre “bite bear” mascot from Universal Studios Japan

Dueling Dragons, Merlinwood, and the long road from Lost Continent to Harry Potter

Universal fans love to speculate, and this week’s stories offer plenty of fuel. From refurb rumors to the history of Lost Continent and the possibilities for its future, Jim and Eric keep you entertained from start to finish.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey are back with a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast. From award-winning attractions to behind-the-scenes stories that almost made it to the big screen, this week covers a lot of ground:

The new Jaws: Memories of Martha’s Vineyard book and the Academy Museum’s Jaws exhibition

Remembering production designer Stuart Craig and his lasting impact on the Wizarding World

Fresh rumors about a Harry Potter land in Universal’s upcoming UK park

Epic Universe’s big wins at the Golden Ticket Awards, including Monsters Unchained and Dark Universe

Universal’s new interactive Backlot Club membership and trivia game

The history of Islands of Adventure’s early plans, from Jurassic Park concepts to Dudley Do-Right’s rushed debut

Plus, Jim shares the long-lost Jurassic Park “baby Triceratops” and “T-Rex river chase” scenes that never made the original film, and how they eventually resurfaced decades later.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a loaded episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, blending Halloween Horror Nights buzz with theme park history and rumors.

Opening weekend reactions to HHN 2024, including Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and the controversial “deathly afraid” lanyards

RIP Ride Rockit demolition updates and Ghostbusters speculation for Universal’s front gate

Could Back to the Future replace Fast & Furious? The latest whispers from insiders

The Tooniversal deal that almost brought Looney Tunes and DC to Universal — and how its failure led to the Lost Continent

Who really stole what? Disney borrowing from Knott’s, Universal borrowing from Disney, and the chain of “borrowed” ideas that shaped Dueling Dragons

From HHN news to the “battle of borrowed rides,” Jim and Eric serve up insider scoops, history, and plenty of banter.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with another packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, diving into the latest Universal news, fan reports, and theme park history.

Highlights this week include:

Firsthand impressions of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, thanks to listener John T. – from house walkthroughs to surprisingly short wait times.

A look at Universal Orlando’s new “Deathly Afraid” necklace option at Halloween Horror Nights and the debate it’s sparked online.

News from the West Coast, including the Slash Bar pop-up at HHN Hollywood and the arrival of Chainsaw Man.

Updates on the new Museum of Antiquities Tribute Store packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans.

Breaking down NBC’s Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe TV special and Steven Spielberg’s surprising connection to Dark Universe.

Jim kicks off a new multi-part feature on the history of Dueling Dragons and whether Disney’s never-built Beastly Kingdom really influenced Universal’s iconic coaster.

As always, Jim and Eric mix news, rumors, and personal stories—including Eric sending his son off to college and Jim recalling how he helped break Disney’s Animal Kingdom news decades ago.

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