Epic Universal Podcast

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

5.0 (6)
Places & Travel
Updated Biweekly

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, listeners of this podcast are regularly invited to offer their input / join the conversation. So, get ready for some Epic fun.

1d ago

From Rainforest Cafe to Hot Dog Hall of Fame with Steven Schussler

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a very Oz-heavy opening, from new Wicked-adjacent publishing news to the limited reopening dates for North Carolina’s Land of Oz. Then they unpack the latest Halloween Horror Nights announcements, Universal Studios Hollywood’s new security setup, and the early reactions to Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. The episode wraps with a fond farewell to CityWalk Orlando’s Hot Dog Hall of Fame and a deep dive into Steven Schussler, the Rainforest Cafe creator whose themed-dining imagination helped shape restaurants at Disney, Universal, and beyond. NEWS • Land of Oz tickets go on sale as the park prepares for its limited 2026 September operating dates. • Halloween Horror Nights adds the original house Madlands: Caged Cannibals to the Orlando lineup. • H.R. Bloodengutz returns with a new Halloween-focused haunted house and plenty of old-school HHN lore. • Universal Studios Hollywood shifts security screening to new perimeter hubs around CityWalk. • Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas faces early online criticism ahead of its July 1 opening. FEATURE • Eric shares his last visit to Hot Dog Hall of Fame before the CityWalk favorite closes in July. • Jim looks back at Steven Schussler’s path from Rainforest Cafe to T-Rex, Yak & Yeti, The Boathouse, and Hot Dog Hall of Fame. • The hosts explain how themed dining, oversized ambition, and a house full of animatronic animals helped reshape restaurants at Disney and Universal. 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 Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save on theme park tickets and select after-hours event tickets. 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

56 min
Jun 19

Stranger Things and The Goblins of Hopkinsville

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a packed Epic Universal Podcast covering the newest Halloween Horror Nights reveal, fresh Epic Universe developments, and more chatter from Universal Orlando and Hollywood. Eric shares impressions from his Helios Grand Hotel stay, while Jim digs into the latest Universal news from Stranger Things to the United Kingdom resort. Then Jim uses Steven Spielberg’s new UFO movie Disclosure Day as a launchpad for the strange story of Night Skies, the terrifying alien film that nearly became E.T. NEWS • Stranger Things returns to Halloween Horror Nights with a new house tied to the final season of the Netflix series. • Jim and Eric weigh whether Stranger Things or Sinners will be the marquee Halloween Horror Nights draw this year. • Epic Universe prepares to debut Universal’s Celestial Goodnight, a nighttime spectacular with fireworks, fountains, and music. • A major new Dark Universe permit points to a 71,000 square foot structure, fueling speculation about Universal Monsters expansion. • The hosts discuss Universal United Kingdom Resort rumors, including possible James Bond, Back to the Future, Paddington, and Lord of the Rings connections. FEATURE • Jim traces the road from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to the abandoned Night Skies project. • The feature explores the real 1955 Hopkinsville, Kentucky UFO incident that inspired Spielberg’s scarier alien concept. • Jim explains how Melissa Matheson helped transform Night Skies into E.T. while Spielberg was filming Raiders of the Lost Ark. • The story also covers Rick Baker’s unused alien designs, Columbia’s rejection of E.T., and why Disney passed on the project. 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 Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save up to 12% on theme park tickets, with Express Pass options now available for even more savings. 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

1h 3m
Jun 5

Everything Keeps Catching Fire: Universal’s Backlot Blazes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a busy Universal news week, from Universal Kids Resort pricing and seasonal operations to new rotating experiences planned for Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. They also check in on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Mega Movie Summer, including Wicked meet-and-greets, Minions menu items, Fast and Furious teases, Jaws treats, and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey getting some serious backlot synergy. Then Jim digs into the surprisingly fiery history of Universal Studios Hollywood, tracing nearly a century of backlot blazes, rebuilds, and close calls. NEWS • Universal Kids Resort in Frisco now has a July 1 grand opening date, with one-day tickets, two-day tickets, annual passes, and resort packages revealed. • Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas appears to be leaning into a year-round event calendar, with rotating seasonal experiences planned through 2027. • Universal Studios Hollywood’s Mega Movie Summer includes The Odyssey props, Minions meet-and-greets, Fast and Furious food, Jaws-themed treats, and Wicked photo opportunities. • Jim and Eric speculate that all the Fast and Furious activity at Universal Hollywood may point to Hollywood Drift getting closer to opening. FEATURE • Jim walks through the major fires that have hit Universal Studios Hollywood, from brush fires in the 1930s and 1940s to suspected arson on the lower lot. • The episode revisits the devastating 1990 fire that destroyed portions of New York Street, Courthouse Square, classic cars, and parts of the tram tour. • Jim explains how the 2008 backlot fire destroyed the King Kong Encounter and led to King Kong 360 3D becoming part of the Studio Tour. • The conversation also touches on Universal’s repeated rebuilding efforts, its water-pressure problems, and why so much of the backlot is more recreation than original movie history. 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 Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Epic Universal listeners can save up to 12% on theme park tickets and now purchase ExpressPass through UnlockedMagic.com. 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

58 min
May 29

The Canadian Simulator Ride That Changed Theme Parks Forever

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the first major Halloween Horror Nights announcement for 2026, dig into Universal’s quiet decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass, and discuss what’s going on with Universal Kids Resort in Texas after a series of accidental leaks. Then Jim looks back at the creation of Back to the Future: The Ride and the forgotten Canadian simulator attraction that helped inspire it, all while tracing the career of visual effects legend Doug Trumbull. NEWS • Universal officially announces a Sinners haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood, inspired by the Oscar-winning vampire film set in 1930s Mississippi • Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood tickets go on sale with RIP Tours, Frequent Fear passes, and premium add-ons already available • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is quietly removed from Universal Orlando’s Express Pass lineup beginning July 1 • Universal’s Mega Movie Parade return is delayed until June 5 as operational adjustments continue behind the scenes • Universal Orlando prepares a Steven Spielberg Summer Tribute Store featuring Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and the upcoming Disclosure Day film • Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas accidentally leaks July opening details and early ticket pricing online FEATURE • Jim revisits the origins of Back to the Future: The Ride on its 35th anniversary • The forgotten Tour of the Universe attraction inside Toronto’s CN Tower helped inspire Star Tours and Universal’s simulator rides • Visual effects pioneer Doug Trumbull’s work on 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters, and Blade Runner shaped the future of theme park attractions • Behind-the-scenes stories from Trumbull’s Massachusetts rope mill studio where the Back to the Future ride film was created • Why Universal originally planned an entirely different Back to the Future ride experience before switching to the Biff Tannen storyline 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 - Save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, now including Express Pass options: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=epicjhm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49 min
May 22

How The Wiz Changed Michael Jackson’s Career Forever

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the surprising Universal Pictures history behind Michael Jackson’s breakout acting role in The Wiz, exploring how the 1978 musical helped launch one of the most important creative partnerships in pop culture history. Along the way, they also cover new Epic Universe character reveals, Halloween Horror Nights rumors, and what’s next for Universal Orlando’s evolving parks. NEWS • Universal officially unveils Captain Cacao, the oversized bear mascot coming to Celestial Park at Epic Universe • Rumors swirl around a possible Ozzy Osbourne-themed house for Halloween Horror Nights 35 • Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp at DreamWorks Land temporarily closes for refurbishment through July • Listener theories continue about a possible Zelda-themed replacement for Mythos at Islands of Adventure • Universal fans debate whether Volcano Bay’s retired “Spirit of the Volcano” effect could inspire a new home for Mystic Fountain FEATURE • The surprising story behind how Michael Jackson landed the role of the Scarecrow in Universal’s 1978 film version of The Wiz • How The Wiz introduced Michael Jackson to legendary producer Quincy Jones during filming in New York City • Why Universal and Motown took a massive creative gamble adapting Broadway’s urban retelling of The Wizard of Oz • Behind-the-scenes stories involving Diana Ross, Richard Pryor, Ray Bolger, and the original casting plans for the film • How Michael Jackson’s performance in The Wiz helped pave the way for Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad 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 - Save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including Express Pass options, when you book through 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

54 min
May 15

The Disney Decision That Cost Them Steven Spielberg

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

52 min
May 8

Casper and the Universal Walkthrough That Almost Became a Ride

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 1

FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox

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 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

1h 9m

See All (155)

out of 5

6 Ratings

Always Epic

Apr 14

lombardi98

Always loved Jim Hill and his team, best insider info in the business, my favorite source since I first got into podcasts. I love the concept of talking to someone deep in the Disney relm and getting their perspective on opening up to the world of Universal.