February 20, 2026

The Direct-to-Video Dinosaur That Made a Billion (Ep. 91)

54 minutes

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.

• What the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop timeline tells us about how long a Florida tunnel project could realistically take.

• New details on Epic Universe’s 53,000-square-foot event facility - a permanent structure designed to host 1,200 to 1,400 guests, likely targeting convention and corporate buyouts.

• Early Park Admission at Epic Universe adjusted again, now including eight attractions across multiple lands through March 31 - a key planning note for upcoming visitors.

• Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas launches its official website with a 2026 opening window, while hotel bookings remain unavailable.

• Shrek’s Swamp Splash Pad quietly removed from DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida less than a year after opening.

FEATURE

• Why The Land Before Time became a billion-dollar home video franchise for MCA Universal - despite its famously troubled production.

• How Universal’s direct-to-video dinosaur sequels influenced Disney’s decision to release The Return of Jafar straight to VHS.

• The surprising connection between Jurassic Park’s 41-inch height requirement and the creation of the Land Before Time Adventure Show at Universal Studios Hollywood.

• A look back at Fievel’s Playland in both Florida and Hollywood - and why those family-friendly dinosaur experiences mattered in the 1990s theme park wars.

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 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

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