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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick off a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast while preparing for an upcoming trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. Along the way, they dig into current park news, new Wizarding World treats, and construction updates affecting CityWalk. The back half of the show dives deep into the surprising origin story of the Fast & Furious franchise and how it eventually made its way into Universal’s theme parks.
NEWS
• King Kong 360 3D on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour temporarily closes for refurbishment through March 14, meaning some guests may miss the massive Peter Jackson–inspired attraction sequence featuring Kong battling V-Rex dinosaurs.
• Sidewalk and infrastructure construction is underway at Universal CityWalk Hollywood near the security checkpoint as the resort continues repositioning its entrance and preparing space for a future on-site Universal hotel.
• Butterbeer Season expands across Universal parks worldwide, bringing themed treats like butterbeer waffles, cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, candy apples, and new merchandise including Butterbeer spirit jerseys.
• Wizarding World snack lineup grows with new Hogwarts house-themed “ice lollies” (popsicles) available at Diagon Alley’s Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Counter and the Hopping Pot area.
• Jim and Eric discuss planning tips for first-time visits to Universal Studios Hollywood, including how the CityWalk layout and security process differ from Universal Orlando.
FEATURE
• The unexpected origin of the Fast & Furious franchise, inspired by a 1998 Vibe magazine article about illegal street racing in New York City.
• How the first film’s $38 million budget turned into a $200+ million worldwide hit and launched one of Universal’s most valuable film franchises.
• Why Vin Diesel initially refused to return for the sequel despite a $25 million offer and how the franchise nearly shifted direction without its biggest stars.
• The surprising role Universal Home Entertainment played in pushing for additional sequels after massive DVD and VHS sales.
• Early theme park integration of the franchise, including the short-lived Fast & Furious Extreme Close-Up Experience on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour.
• How that stunt demonstration used early KUKA robotic arm technology, which later powered Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
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 theme park vacation? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you plan the perfect trip to Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. Get started today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast.
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
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack Universal’s latest ticketing survey, the studio’s continued confidence in Wicked, and the surprising Epcot-inspired expansion that reshaped Universal Studios Hollywood in the late 1980s.
NEWS
• Universal tests “Make it a week you’ll never forget” messaging in a new survey, hinting at a major push to reposition Universal Orlando Resort as a full-week destination
FEATURE
• Why Universal executives studied EPCOT’s World Showcase before expanding the Hollywood upper lot
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Epic Universal listeners can take advantage of a limited-time ticket offer: get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to secure this special offer and start planning your next Universal vacation.
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
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into Universal’s latest infrastructure plans, unpack Epic Universe updates, and then travel back to the late 1980s to reveal how The Land Before Time quietly reshaped the home video industry.
NEWS
• Universal’s Shingle Creek Transit and Utility CDD votes to begin negotiations with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to potentially build an underground transportation system connecting Epic Universe to the rest of Universal Orlando Resort.
FEATURE
• Why The Land Before Time became a billion-dollar home video franchise for MCA Universal - despite its famously troubled production.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Right now, Epic Universal Podcast listeners can get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort - including access to Epic Universe, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida. You can also add Universal Express directly through UnlockedMagic.com to skip the regular lines at most participating attractions and maximize your park time. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to lock in that 7-for-5 ticket offer and customize your Universal Orlando vacation today.
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
Jim and Eric kick things off with breaking news from Universal’s Fan Fest - yes, there are now multiple colored Yoshis roaming around. From there, they dig into Universal’s bold Mummy 4 release date, Wicked’s Peacock debut, Mardi Gras madness in Orlando, and that Epic Universe Super Bowl ad that’s clearly aimed at changing everything. Then in the back half, Jim dives into the surprisingly complicated history of The Land Before Time - from Spielberg’s creative notes to 14 installments and those rare Littlefoot walk-around characters at Universal Studios Hollywood.
NEWS
• Mummy 4 gets a prime summer release date - Universal slots the Brendan Fraser-led sequel for May 19, 2028, signaling major confidence in the franchise’s return.
FEATURE
• The Land Before Time’s surprising origin story - How Steven Spielberg partnered with Don Bluth after The Secret of NIMH and reshaped a dinosaur tale to be less terrifying for kids.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
SPONSOR
Planning your next adventure? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations are a Platinum Level Universal and Disney travel agency, offering concierge-level planning for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast.
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
Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with a mix of snarky social media, surprising Super Bowl ads, and listener-driven questions before pivoting into a deep historical dive. From Universal’s well-timed trolling of Disney to a fascinating look at a Middle East theme park that almost happened, this episode blends breaking news with one of those long-form Universal history lessons Jim is known for.
NEWS
FEATURE
HOSTS
FOLLOW
SUPPORT
PRODUCTION CREDITS
SPONSOR
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
This week, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey connect the dots between an MTV-inspired TV phenomenon and one of the most ambitious nighttime stunt shows ever staged at a Universal theme park. From Brandon Tartikoff’s “MTV Cops” brainstorm to exploding boats on Universal Studios Lagoon, the guys unpack how Miami Vice helped shape theme park history - even when Universal Florida was not allowed to use the name.
NEWS
FEATURE
HOSTS
FOLLOW
SUPPORT
PRODUCTION CREDITS
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
This week, Jim and Eric shift from breaking Universal news into a fascinating look back at how the company perfected the art of staged chaos. From the official confirmation of a Fast & Furious coaster to high winds halting Epic Universe testing, the conversation eventually lands on the wonderfully cheesy, sometimes dangerous, and always ingenious Jay Bangs that defined the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour for decades.
NEWS
FEATURE
HOSTS
FOLLOW
SUPPORT
PRODUCTION CREDITS
SPONSOR
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
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off with a generational pop culture moment before diving headfirst into a packed episode of Universal news, park planning, and studio history. From a newly announced Rockford Files reboot to freshly released 2026 event calendars, this episode covers what Universal fans need to know now - and then takes a long, fascinating walk through some nearly forgotten corners of the Universal backlot. Along the way, listeners get travel talk, awards season chatter, and one of those deep historical pivots that only this show can deliver.
NEWS
FEATURE
For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS
FOLLOW
PRODUCTION CREDITS
SPONSOR
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
Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with listener-driven updates and fresh speculation from the Universal parks beat, before pivoting into a deep historical dive on one of the strangest and most memorable effects ever staged on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour. Along the way, there is discussion of low-crowd horror experiences, a surprising Spielberg-themed survey, and a heartfelt remembrance of a YouTube pioneer who helped shape modern theme park fandom.
NEWS
FEATURE
HOSTS
FOLLOW
SUPPORT
PRODUCTION CREDITS
SPONSOR
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
Recording on New Year’s Eve for a show that drops just as 2026 begins, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a full slate of Universal news, rumors, and unexpected updates before shifting into a classic Jim Hill history lesson. The episode starts in the present with major developments at Universal Orlando and ends in the late 1960s on the Hollywood backlot, tracing how one clever Tram Tour gag eventually led to one of Universal’s most iconic fire-based attractions.
NEWS
FEATURE
HOSTS
FOLLOW
SUPPORT
PRODUCTION CREDITS
SPONSOR
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
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