Epic Universal Podcast

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Epic Universal Podcast episodes

November 01, 2024Monsters Unleashed! Epic Universe Animatronics & Holiday Magic at Universal Orlando (Ep. 23)
In this episode of Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the jaw-dropping Classic Monsters animatronics coming to Epic Universe, with exclusive insights on Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, and more.

Discover Universal Orlando’s must-see holiday festivities, from Grinchmas magic to exclusive Holiday Tour perks.

Pricing tiers and annual pass options for Epic Universe

Hotel updates: Stella Nova and Terra Luna resort details

Universal's permanent horror attraction and what to expect in Vegas

Holiday offerings at Universal Orlando, including exclusive tours and Grinchmas
More Wicked!

Get ready to be thrilled and enchanted by what’s in store this season at Universal!

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36 min
October 25, 2024Pricing Revealed for Epic Universe & Hitchcock’s Haunted Legacy of Universal (Ep. 22)
In Episode 22 of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the latest details about the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open in May 2025.

They dive into ticket pricing strategies, hotel deals, and how Universal is setting the stage for an unforgettable guest experience.

Highlights include:
Epic Universe ticket pricing and vacation packages breakdown.
Key details on the hotels launching alongside Epic Universe.
A spooky look back at Universal Studios Florida’s former haunted attractions.
The story behind Universal's original Halloween events, including Beetlejuice's Graveyard Tours.
A tribute to the iconic Alfred Hitchcock attractions and their eerie impact on Universal's history.

Get ready for an episode packed with news, travel tips, and spooky Universal nostalgia!

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40 min
October 18, 2024Epic Universe Opening Date and the Birth of Toothsome's Chocolate Empire (Ep. 21)
In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into breaking news about Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open May 22, 2025. They discuss the potential impact of this new park and how long they've known about this announcement.
Additionally, the hosts continue their fascinating exploration of the history behind Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Jim reveals the story of how Universal could have secured the theme park rights to Willy Wonka, but instead created their own steampunk-inspired chocolate factory that has become a fan favorite.
Highlights include:
Discussion of the confirmed Epic Universe opening date.
New Offerings at Universal Studio Hollywood’s FanFest event.
Insights into Toothsome Chocolate Emporium's creation and Universal's choice to move away from a Willy Wonka theme.
How Universal cleverly developed its own chocolatier, Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome, and her robotic sidekick Jacques.

Whether you're curious about upcoming theme parks or love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is packed with must-know info for

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48 min
October 11, 2024The Sweet Origins of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: A Universal Creation (Ep. 20)
In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off by discussing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles touring show and the impact of Hurricane Milton on theme parks.
But the main feature of this episode dives into the origins of one of Universal’s most beloved dining experiences—Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

Highlights include:
The latest Epic Universe Construction Photo Drop by @bioreconstruct
The Harry Potter-themed Hershey Chocolate Collection
How the closure of NBA City paved the way for Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
The fascinating backstory of how Universal almost created a Willy Wonka-themed restaurant.
Whether you're curious about theme park history or just love chocolate, tune in to discover the story behind The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

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36 min
October 04, 2024Looney Tunes and Six Flags: The Story Behind the Characters That Almost Made It to Universal Orlando (Ep. 19)
In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating tale of how the Looney Tunes almost became part of Universal Orlando’s second gate.

A listener question sparked a deep dive into the history of these iconic characters and their long-standing presence at Six Flags.

Jim uncovers the intricate details behind Universal’s interest in the Looney Tunes, and the potential licensing challenges that ultimately led to a different path for Universal.

Also in this episode:
Eric’s family trip to Hershey Park’s Dark Nights and what it taught him about Halloween Horror Nights.
Updates from New York Comic Con about Universal’s Epic Universe panel.
Honoring Dame Maggie Smith with a special tribute.
A look at the new Harry Potter experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fan Fest Nights.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Universal Studios Hollywood? Jim and Eric NEED YOUR HELP!

Get ready for a nostalgic dive into theme park history, character licensing, and some fun behind-the-scenes insights!

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35 min
September 27, 2024Why Does Toon Lagoon Exist? Exploring Universal’s Most Unusual Theme Park Area (Ep. 18)
In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating and perplexing world of Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

They unravel the mystery behind this quirky theme park area and explore why Universal chose to dedicate an entire land to classic comic strip characters.

From the backstory of its creation to the impact it has on park guests, Jim shares insider stories and industry insights that shed light on the often-overlooked Toon Lagoon.

Highlights include:
The origins of Toon Lagoon and the vision behind its development.
How the park navigated licensing and character rights for this unique area.
Behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of water rides like Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
The lasting influence (or lack thereof) of Toon Lagoon on Universal’s theme park strategy.

Whether you’re a fan of splash-filled adventures or curious about the decision-making that goes into building a theme park land, this episode offers a deep dive into one of Universal’s most unusual creations.

Tune in and discover the story behind Toon Lagoon!

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47 min
September 20, 2024Universal's Cartoon World That Never Was & A Look Ahead at Wicked Attractions (Ep. 17)
In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive deep into Universal Studios' unbuilt Cartoon World, a project meant to pave the way for Islands of Adventure.

Jim shares fascinating insights into the concept's early stages and how it evolved into what fans know today.

Highlights include:
Jim's stories about the behind-the-scenes development of Cartoon World and its transformation into Islands of Adventure.
How Warner Brothers and Universal nearly partnered for a superhero and Looney Tunes theme park.
The hidden history behind Universal’s decision to bring Dr. Seuss and Dudley Do-Right into Toon Lagoon.
A fun discussion on the replacement of Hello Kitty with the new Wicked experience and how Universal is preparing for the movie’s release.

Join us for this in-depth discussion on the park that could have been and its impact on the theme park landscape we enjoy today!

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45 min
September 13, 2024Discovering Diagon Alley: A Complete First-Timer's Experience (Ep. 16)
In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take listeners on a magical journey through Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

As Eric recounts his family's first experience, Jim provides insights into the park's history.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
The Magic of Diagon Alley: Hear about the awe-inspiring entrance through the famous brick wall, along with the unique sound effects that bring this experience to life,
Dragon Tales: Discover the story behind the fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon perched on Gringotts, and how it adds to the immersive world of Harry Potter.
Escape from Gringotts: Eric shares his family’s reactions to this thrilling ride, while Jim provides insider info about the ride's unique storytelling elements and how it ties into Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
Interactive Wands: Learn about the wand-purchasing experience at Ollivanders and the magic of spell-casting throughout Diagon Alley, including Jim's insights into how this feature evolved since opening.
Dining and Shopping: From butterbeer obsession to British fare at the Leaky Cauldron, Eric recounts the best eats and shops in Diagon Alley.
Bonus News: Tune in for a brief news update about the opening of a Hello Kitty Cafe at Universal CityWalk, plus a listener's message about their personal experience with the Star Trek Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Join us for a first-timer's take on Diagon Alley, enhanced by Jim’s expert commentary on the history and creation of this immersive theme park land.

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44 min
September 06, 2024Revisiting the Lost Star Trek Experiences at Universal Studios (Ep. 15)
In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into various Universal Studios topics, from Halloween thrills to lost Star Trek adventures.

Here’s what you can expect:
Halloween Horror Nights 2024: We kick off the episode discussing the latest news from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Squishmallows and Wicked Collaboration: Jim and Eric talk about Universal’s marketing collaboration with Squishmallows for the upcoming Wicked: Part One movie, where exclusive Glinda and Elphaba plush toys will be available.
Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic Ride: They discuss the upcoming ride at Universal’s Epic Universe based on Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry of Magic, featuring behind-the-scenes filming with Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge.
The Return of Death Eaters at Diagon Alley: Eric explains how the Death Eaters will return to Diagon Alley during Halloween Horror Nights, creating an immersive, dark arts experience for visitors.
FanFest Nights: A listener question sparks a deep dive into Universal’s newly announced FanFest Nights, an after-hours event celebrating sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime fandoms. Could Star Trek make a comeback at the parks during this event?
Revisiting the Lost Star Trek Experiences: The featured discussion of the episode takes us back in time as we explore Universal’s forgotten Star Trek attractions. From live-action stage shows to immersive experiences, we cover what made these attractions memorable and why they disappeared.
Could Star Trek Return to Universal Parks?: With the rise of Star Trek in popular media, we speculate on whether Universal might revive the franchise for future theme park experiences.
News About Upcoming Episodes: If you are wondering when Eric is going to review his first trip to Universal, we give you BIG news at the end of the show.

We want to hear from you! What franchise are you most excited about for Universal’s FanFest Nights? Or is there a franchise you wish Universal would bring to life at the parks?
Let us know by leaving a comment or messaging us on social media. Your input might just be featured in a future episode!

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38 min
August 23, 2024The Difference Between Disney & Universal’s Destination Resorts (Ep. 14)
Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about viewership for the Summer Games in Paris. They then take a look at how Universal Pictures’ recent releases have been doing at the domestic box office

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

When was Epic Universe originally supposed to open up in Orlando

In what year does NBCUniversal’s deal with the IOC for the US broadcast rights for the Olympics run out

Which classic silent horror film is Universal Pictures remaking
How many spots on the Top 10 box office chart for 2024 do Universal Pictures releases
occupy
For how many years now has the Broadway musical version of “Wicked” been presenting performances at NYC’s Gershwin Theatre

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56 min

About Epic Universal Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill have a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. They share news of the day as well as behind-the-scenes stories in a breezy, conversational style. Better yet,…