On this episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal Orlando updates before turning to a deep-dive tribute to Jay Stein — the visionary who transformed Universal’s backlot tour into a spectacle factory and helped define the studio’s signature “JayBang” style of themed entertainment.

NEWS

FEATURE — A TRIBUTE TO JAY STEIN

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

Patreon

Enjoying the show? Your support helps us bring more insider history, analysis, and interviews to the feed. Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

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Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

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Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey trace the ambitious — and ultimately ill-fated — vision for Universal’s Dark Universe, from the scrapped sequel to The Mummy to Tom Cruise’s push to reinvent himself as the studio’s modern Van Helsing.

NEWS

FEATURE

HOSTS

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

PATREON

Love the show? Support more insider stories, deep dives, and history of themed entertainment at:
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

FOLLOW US

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

PRODUCTION

Edited by Dave Grey

SPONSOR

Unlocked Magic — Save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including discounts on after-hours events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Start planning at UnlockedMagic.com.

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a newly surfaced Universal guest survey that hints at Epic Universe joining the resort’s Annual Pass lineup — and what that could mean for crowds, pricing, and park strategy. Plus, Jim shares a real-life road trip saga straight out of a Hallmark movie, and the guys unpack Universal’s latest headlines from Orlando to Hollywood.

NEWS

A listener-sent Universal survey suggests Epic Universe may soon be included in AP tiers.

Comcast’s Q3 results show a 19% jump in theme park revenue, driven by Epic’s first full quarter.

The Burning Blade Tavern’s fire effect goes dark — and fans dub it “The Invisible Blade.”

Jim explains why Spider-Man still appears in Universal marketing — thanks to a contract clause requiring 20% Marvel representation in Islands of Adventure ads.

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz return for a brand-new Mummy sequel, proving Universal’s monster legacy isn’t dead yet.

FEATURE
Jim continues his deep dive into Universal’s ill-fated Dark Universe — the studio’s ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe. From Dracula Untold to The Mummy (2017), discover how even A-list stars and big budgets couldn’t resurrect the undead franchise.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

Patreon
Support Epic Universal and other Jim Hill Media shows at patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — where you can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including after-hours events. Visit UnlockedMagic.com today and tell them Eric and Jim sent you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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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Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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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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Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

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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.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey

Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

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