Epic Universal Podcast

By Jim Hill Media Podcast NetworkSociety & Culture News Entertainment News History Places & Travel

Epic Universal Podcast episodes

May 15 The Disney Decision That Cost Them Steven Spielberg (Ep. 103)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack the surprising behind-the-scenes fallout that pushed Steven Spielberg away from Disney and deeper into Universal’s orbit, while also covering major changes coming to Universal Orlando. Plus, the duo explores the lost Casper dark ride that almost became Universal’s answer to Haunted Mansion.
NEWS
• Universal may finally be testing Epic Universe’s long-rumored “open hub” concept for convention guests visiting Celestial Park
• Mythos Restaurant at Islands of Adventure is officially set to close in 2027 as Lost Continent transformation plans move forward
• Rumors intensify that the Mystic Fountain may soon disappear from Islands of Adventure
• Hot Dog Hall of Fame at CityWalk is reportedly closing, with Joey Fatone’s restaurant concept expected to take over the space
• Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show delivers an emotional final performance before its temporary closure and refresh
• Universal and UCF launch a new themed entertainment leadership program focused on training the next generation of park creatives
• New details emerge about Shrek’s role inside Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas as Shrek 5 merchandise plans begin surfacing
FEATURE
• The untold story of how Steven Spielberg’s relationship with Disney soured after Roger Rabbit and Dick Tracy
• Why Universal’s early theme park struggles pushed Spielberg to become more deeply involved with Universal Studios Florida
• The fascinating history of the canceled Casper dark ride that nearly became Universal’s version of Haunted Mansion
• How Men in Black: Alien Attack ultimately replaced the planned Casper attraction
HOSTS
• Jim Hill
X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia
Instagram: @JimHillMedia
Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Eric Hersey
X/Twitter: @erichersey
Instagram: @erichersey
Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
UnlockedMagic.com
If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World, be sure to visit Unlocked Magic and save today: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=epicjhm
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
53 min
May 08 Casper and the Universal Walkthrough That Almost Became a Ride (Ep. 102)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the surprising legacy of 1995’s Casper, from its groundbreaking CGI effects to the Universal Studios attraction that almost happened. They also cover new Harry Potter Butterbeer snacks, surprisingly cheap Grand Helios hotel rates during Halloween Horror Nights, and what’s next for Universal’s classic Horror Makeup Show.
NEWS
• Universal’s Grand Helios Hotel is showing unexpectedly low rates during the opening week of Halloween Horror Nights, sparking speculation about Epic Universe strategy.
• Universal officially closes the Horror Makeup Show on May 12 for a rumored refreshed version of the long-running attraction.
• Permits filed for Thunder Falls Terrace renovations fuel more rumors about major changes coming to Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent area.
• Harry Potter Butterbeer treats arrive at Cinnabon locations nationwide, including Butterbeer-inspired cinnamon rolls and frozen drinks.
• Jim and Eric debate Butterbeer-flavored Goldfish, Hershey’s Kisses, and even Butterbeer Peeps.
FEATURE
• Why 1995’s Casper remains one of the most important CGI films ever made.
• The surprising connection between Casper and Universal Studios Florida’s early walkthrough attractions.
• How Steven Spielberg’s Casper nearly spawned a major Universal theme park ride.
• The long, complicated history of cancelled Casper sequels and reboot attempts.
HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: ⁠@JimHillMedia⁠ | X: ⁠@JimHillMedia⁠ | Website: ⁠JimHillMedia.com⁠• Eric Hersey - IG: ⁠@erichersey⁠ | X: @erichersey | Website: ⁠strongmindedagency.com⁠
FOLLOW• Facebook: ⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠• Instagram: ⁠JimHillMedia⁠• TikTok: ⁠JimHillMedia⁠
PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - ⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠
SPONSORPlanning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and now Express Passes with ⁠Unlocked Magic⁠.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
49 min
May 01 FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down Universal’s ambitious FanFest 2026 event at Universal Studios Hollywood, from interactive Scooby-Doo mysteries to One Piece stunt shows and the Wizarding World’s Forbidden Forest expansion. Then, Chris Cox joins the show to share his first-ever visit to Epic Universe, offering a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and why Isle of Berk may be the park’s biggest success story. From cutting-edge attractions to operational growing pains, it’s a wide-ranging conversation about where Universal is thriving - and where it still has room to grow.
NEWS
• FanFest 2026 launches at Universal Studios Hollywood with limited-night immersive experiences
• Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters walkthrough blends classic animation with horror icons
• Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience expands using existing attraction spaces
• One Piece stunt show debuts with strong fan response and anime-style action
• Dungeons & Dragons walkthrough returns, leveraging Jim Henson creature work
FEATURE
• Chris Cox visits Epic Universe for the first time, one year after previews began
• Helios Hotel access proves a major advantage for convenience and park immersion
• Super Nintendo World delivers interactive gameplay, but Mario Kart divides opinions
• Donkey Kong coaster struggles with downtime and long Express Pass waits
• Isle of Berk stands out as the park’s most complete and family-friendly land
• Ministry of Magic impresses visually, but its ride and stage show feel underdeveloped

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and now Express Passes with Unlocked Magic.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 9 min
April 24100 Episodes In, Still Sneaking Into Universal (Ep. 100)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate their 100th episode of the Epic Universal Podcast with listener reviews, a surprise surprisingly heartfelt message from the Broadway cast of Wicked, and a look at the latest developments at Epic Universe. They break down how new facial recognition technology may shape guest flow, explore what annual passes could mean for crowd levels, and recap Universal’s recent CinemaCon reveals. Then Jim delivers a standout story tracing how Walt Disney’s early, unauthorized visits to Universal Studios helped inspire the creation of Disneyland.
NEWS
• Epic Universe confirms facial recognition will be used to manage land capacity
• Ongoing speculation about annual passes and attendance strategy for Epic Universe
• Universal previews upcoming films at CinemaCon including Disclosure Day and The Odyssey
• Universal Orlando Resort rolls out special Mother’s Day dining experiences
FEATURE
• The origin story of Herbie Ryman’s iconic Disneyland concept artwork
• Walt Disney’s early ambitions as a live-action filmmaker in Hollywood
• How Walt secretly explored Universal’s backlot using a fake business card
• The influence of Universal Studios’ layout on Disneyland’s design philosophy
• Roy Disney’s surprisingly calm contingency plan if Disneyland failed
HOSTS
Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia

Eric Hersey – X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey
FOLLOW
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

YouTube: @jimhillmedia

TikTok: @jimhillmedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia⁠
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey - ⁠https://strongmindedagency.com⁠
SPONSOR Save on your next Universal or Disney vacation with and enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and Express Pass options.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. ⁠https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
59 min
April 17 Pay-Per-Ride Comes to Epic Universe and the Long Goodbye to Lucy: A Tribute (Ep. 99)
A new à la carte Express Pass option has Universal fans debating the future of line-skipping, while fresh surveys hint at bigger strategic shifts in Hollywood and Orlando. Jim and Eric break down what a single-ride upcharge could mean for guest spending and park flow, plus what face-scanning tech might signal for Epic Universe’s nighttime plans. Then, inspired by a listener suggestion, they take a deep dive into the surprisingly rich history of Lucy: A Tribute - the long-running attraction that once occupied prime real estate at Universal Studios Florida.
NEWS
• Universal begins testing a single-ride Express Pass option, allowing guests to skip lines for select attractions at a per-ride price
• Early reactions to the pay-per-ride model and how it compares to Disney’s Lightning Lane system
• Face recognition scanners appear at Epic Universe portals, fueling speculation about crowd control and nighttime access
• New surveys suggest Universal may adjust operating hours at Hollywood, possibly ahead of major attraction demand
• Universal explores offering discounted annual passes to Disney passholders to boost cross-park loyalty
FEATURE
• The origin story of Lucy: A Tribute and how Lucie Arnaz partnered with Universal to preserve her mother’s legacy
• Why the attraction lasted decades longer than originally planned at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida
• The role of I Love Lucy in early theme park competition between Universal and Disney-MGM Studios
• How Lucy Ricardo became a beloved walkaround character - and why Universal recently retired her
HOSTS
• Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia
• Eric Hersey – X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Save on your next Universal or Disney vacation with and enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and Express Pass options.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
55 min
April 10 How Universal Transformed the Upper Lot to Build The Wizarding World (Ep. 98)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey race through breaking Universal news before Eric hits the road, covering everything from a surprising park entry tech failure to visible demolition at Islands of Adventure. They also dig into new developments around Epic Universe expansion plans and international park oddities. Then, in honor of a major milestone, Jim walks through the complex, multi-year transformation that brought The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood.
NEWS
• A temporary entry system failure at Universal Studios Florida raises questions about reliance on facial recognition and fingerprint ticketing
• Demolition begins in Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, with walls up around the former Sinbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury area
• New land clearing near Epic Universe sparks speculation, though Universal calls it routine site prep
• Celestial Park fountain drained as nighttime show development continues at Epic Universe
• Universal Studios Japan adds Peanuts characters to its 25th anniversary celebration with a new live show
FEATURE
• The 10-year anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood
• Why Hollywood’s version took longer to build than Orlando and Japan
• How Universal used the project to justify a $1.6 billion overhaul of the park’s Upper Lot
• Behind-the-scenes look at how Springfield USA and Hogsmeade were designed to visually block each other for immersion
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and now Express Passes with Unlocked Magic.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
50 min
April 03 Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed, news-heavy episode as they break down a wave of updates from across Universal Parks and beyond. From Epic Universe expansion permits and annual passholder strategy to Halloween Horror Nights reveals and new Vegas experiences, this episode is wall-to-wall news. If you’ve been waiting for a full download on everything happening at Universal right now, this is the episode.
NEWS
• Super Mario Bros. Galaxy opens with massive box office projections, signaling strong synergy with Universal’s theme park strategy
• Universal FanFest expands with new experiences, including a Scooby-Doo and classic monsters walkthrough and a One Piece live stunt show
• Jurassic Park walkthrough experience quietly opens at Universal Hollywood, featuring iconic characters and interactive elements
• Universal Hollywood introduces a new all-day dining pass, raising questions about guest spending and in-park strategy
• Epic Universe expansion permits reveal new land development, including a briefly leaked “future attraction”
• Universal begins hiring for nighttime show roles, hinting that Epic Universe entertainment is moving closer to launch
• New Epic Universe annual passholder surveys explore multi-year passes and limited-access tiers
• Universal continues to balance demand with controlled attendance as Epic Universe prepares for opening
• Halloween Horror Nights 35 announced with Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow returning in a shared house
• New “Scream Early” ticket offers guests early access to select houses before the event officially begins
• Universal offers discounts to returning Premium Scream Night guests after last year’s mixed debut
• Rumors swirl about a potential Fortnite-themed Halloween Horror Nights house
• Universal Horror Unleashed introduces discounted “Freddy Cat” tickets for non-house access experiences
• New seasonal overlay “Feaster Grievings” brings a horror-themed Easter event to Las Vegas
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and Express Passes with Unlocked Magic
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
50 min
March 27 Universal Horror Unleashed Review: Inside Universal’s Year-Round Vegas Horror Experiment (Ep. 96)
A first-hand review of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, as Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore Universal’s bold attempt to bring Halloween Horror Nights to a permanent, year-round venue. Recording from the Luxor, the duo walks through their entire experience - from navigating Area 15 to stepping inside each house, scare zone, and live show. Eric takes on his very first full-scale Universal horror event, while Jim offers behind-the-scenes insight into how these scares are created and why they work so well. The result is a detailed, honest review of what may be the future of Universal’s horror business.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Full review of Universal Horror Unleashed, including location, layout, and how it compares to traditional Halloween Horror Nights
• Texas Chainsaw Massacre house breakdown and why it’s a brutal first experience for newcomers
• Scarecrow: The Reaping and how Universal balances original concepts with established horror IP
• How “boo holes,” misdirection, and 90-second pulsing create a more intense, personal scare experience
• Interactive elements including roaming characters, tarot readings, themed bars, and the Jack the Clown live show
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr
March 20 First Time at Universal Studios Hollywood - Does It Live Up to the Hype? (Ep. 95)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey record on-location from Universal Studios Hollywood as Eric experiences the park for the very first time. From the iconic tram tour to Super Nintendo World, WaterWorld, and a close-up look at the new Fast & Furious coaster, they break down what surprised them most about Universal’s original park. Plus, how Hollywood compares to Orlando and what’s next for this evolving destination.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Eric’s first-ever visit to Universal Studios Hollywood and how it compares to Universal Orlando
• The world-famous Studio Tram Tour - what still works, what feels dated, and the impact of recent changes
• A closer look at the new Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster and why it could be a game-changer for the park
• WaterWorld stunt show review - why this decades-old attraction still delivers
• Super Nintendo World Hollywood vs. Epic Universe - key differences in scale, immersion, and experience
• Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash - an underrated dark ride that deserved better timing
• CityWalk Hollywood impressions and the ongoing transformation of the resort
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: StrongMindedAgency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1 hr 1 min
March 13 Fast & Furious Hits the Brakes on the Studio Tour (Ep. 94)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey look at the past and future of Universal’s Fast & Furious presence in the parks, just as Universal Studios Hollywood prepares to debut its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster. Along the way, they discuss the franchise’s surprising influence on theme park attractions, why the original tram-tour finale is closing, and what the next era of Universal expansion looks like - from Osaka to Texas. They also break down several recent Universal news stories, including a new parade at Universal Studios Japan and the latest developments at Universal Orlando.
NEWS
• Universal Studios Japan announces a 25th anniversary parade featuring Pokémon, Mario Kart characters, Sesame Street, and the Minions.
• Universal Orlando removes its self-service ticket kiosks as mobile ticketing becomes the preferred guest option.
• Luke Combs’ Category 10 live-music venue is coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando.
• New concept footage highlights Jurassic World and SpongeBob lands at the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Texas.
• Pteranodon Flyers at Islands of Adventure will remain closed through May 14, 2026.
FEATURE
• A preview of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift and the new ride vehicles debuting at Universal Studios Hollywood.
• How the Fast & Furious film series evolved from street racing into a global blockbuster franchise.
• The behind-the-scenes challenge of completing Furious 7 after the death of Paul Walker.
• Why the Fast & Furious Supercharged tram-tour finale is closing and what comes next for the attraction space.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: StrongMindedAgency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
SPONSOR
Planning your next Universal or Disney trip? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum-level earmarked travel agency, they specialize in planning unforgettable vacations to Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
48 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,…