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The 27-Year Idea: Uncovering the Surprising Origins of CityWalk (Ep. 80)
Jim kicks off this week’s show with a wild winter travel saga involving airport shutdowns, missing donuts, and a 3 a.m. pickup run that somehow beats the incoming snowstorm. From there, he and Eric dive into a new Universal survey aimed squarely at teens, explore construction movement in Lost Continent, and track down the long-missing Monsters Café icons now hiding backstage in Dark Universe. They also unpack the Grinch’s sudden takeover of holiday marketing before shifting into a deep-dive feature on the long, winding, neon-lit creation of Universal CityWalk Hollywood—a project Lou Wasserman first dreamed up nearly three decades before it opened.
NEWS
• Teen-focused Universal survey hints at interest in genre preferences, event awareness, and horror-driven engagement.
• Activity in Lost Continent sparks renewed speculation about future land plans and potential tie-ins to Wicked’s box office momentum.
• Classic Monsters Café statues resurface behind Dark Universe, raising questions about their next life in the parks.
• McDonald’s unveils a Grinch meal, highlighting the odd licensing divide between animated, live-action, and promotional designs.
• Universal updates its disability access program, shifting to a more streamlined digital Attractions Assistance Pass.
FEATURE
• How Lou Wasserman’s 1966 idea evolved into the modern, open-air entertainment district known as CityWalk.
• Why Universal insisted CityWalk be “not a mall,” but a curated neighborhood blending neon art, unique shops, and LA culture.
• The surprising role of historic neon, UCLA programming, and an 18-screen movie palace in shaping the development.
• Early expansions, closures, and how CityWalk continues to evolve ahead of Universal Hollywood’s third on-site hotel.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey
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
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by the DVC Rental Store. Planning a 2026 trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Save 10 percent or more on deluxe accommodations at:
UnlockedMagic.com
UnlockedMagic.com
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
View all episodes
By Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
4.7
13791,379 ratings
Jim kicks off this week’s show with a wild winter travel saga involving airport shutdowns, missing donuts, and a 3 a.m. pickup run that somehow beats the incoming snowstorm. From there, he and Eric dive into a new Universal survey aimed squarely at teens, explore construction movement in Lost Continent, and track down the long-missing Monsters Café icons now hiding backstage in Dark Universe. They also unpack the Grinch’s sudden takeover of holiday marketing before shifting into a deep-dive feature on the long, winding, neon-lit creation of Universal CityWalk Hollywood—a project Lou Wasserman first dreamed up nearly three decades before it opened.
NEWS
• Teen-focused Universal survey hints at interest in genre preferences, event awareness, and horror-driven engagement.
• Activity in Lost Continent sparks renewed speculation about future land plans and potential tie-ins to Wicked’s box office momentum.
• Classic Monsters Café statues resurface behind Dark Universe, raising questions about their next life in the parks.
• McDonald’s unveils a Grinch meal, highlighting the odd licensing divide between animated, live-action, and promotional designs.
• Universal updates its disability access program, shifting to a more streamlined digital Attractions Assistance Pass.
FEATURE
• How Lou Wasserman’s 1966 idea evolved into the modern, open-air entertainment district known as CityWalk.
• Why Universal insisted CityWalk be “not a mall,” but a curated neighborhood blending neon art, unique shops, and LA culture.
• The surprising role of historic neon, UCLA programming, and an 18-screen movie palace in shaping the development.
• Early expansions, closures, and how CityWalk continues to evolve ahead of Universal Hollywood’s third on-site hotel.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey
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
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by the DVC Rental Store. Planning a 2026 trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Save 10 percent or more on deluxe accommodations at:
UnlockedMagic.com
UnlockedMagic.com
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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