Epic Universal with Eric Hersey

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:

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!

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

n 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:

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.

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

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:

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! 

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

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

• For how many years now has the Broadway musical version of “Wicked” been presenting performances at NYC’s Gershwin Theatre

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

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing the info that got shared about Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park

They also look back at how Universal’s hit movie from 1975 was turned into a theme park attraction

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

• In what Central Florida theme park was much of “Jaws 3D” shot

• If you’re looking to replicate Butterbeer at home, what beverage do you need to stock up on first

• According to Disney, when did Universal Creative begin developing Epic Universe

• Which of the “Fantastic Beasts” movies is “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic” based on

• How much did Universal Pictures originally budget for the production of the first “Jaws” film? BONUS QUESTION: What did the Studio actually wind up spending on this Steven Spielberg movie

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

Eric Hersey returns from the Universal Orlando Resort and gives Jim Hill a brief glimpse of what he & his family experienced down in Central Florida.

Eric & Jim then take a look at the Rock’s first film role

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

• Why you should go straight to the Trolls Trollercoaster as soon as Universal Studios Florida opens for the day

• How much was Dwayne Johnson paid to appear in “The Mummy Returns”

• What’s the origin story for Seven Bucks Productions

• How does “Disney Dreams That Soar” stack up against the drone component of USF’s new nighttime show, “Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular”

• How did Comcast’s earnings for the second quarter of 2024 compare to that company’s earning for the same period in fiscal 2023

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

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing box office projections for “Despicable Me 4.”

They then wrap up their series about the would-be “Van Helsing” film franchise

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

• Who replaced Al Pacino as the voice of El Macho in “Despicable Me 2”

• How many floats there are supposed to be in USF’s new daytime parade

• Which long-awaited film sequel is “Wicked: Part One” now supposed to go head-to-head with

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

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what Universal Parks & Experiences has just revealed about Epic Universe’s next land. 

They also continue the tale of USH’s efforts to get more monsters into that theme park

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

• Where’s the best place to stand in Universal Studios Florida to view “CineSational: A Symphony Spectacular”

• On which coast did the “Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” show first debut

• Why did Stephen Sommers pass up the opportunity to make a third “Mummy” movie at Universal Pictures

• How is Voodoo Doughnuts getting in on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of USH’s Tram Tour

• Which Classic Universal Monster is rumored to be getting his own attraction as part of a future expansion of Darkmoor Village

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

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing Universal Orlando’s new Premium Scream offering.

They also continue their look back at how USH kept trying to build a successful show around the Universal Classic Monsters

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

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

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the media preview that was recently held for Universal Studios Florida’s reimagining Kidzone area. They then look back at the “Pink Panther” film series

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

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