Epic Universal Podcast

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
  • 4.6 (112)
  • Places & Travel
  • 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. 

  1. 15h ago

    The Invisible Man's Hollywood History Comes Out of Hiding

    Jim Hill is back from Universal Orlando with firsthand reports from Wicked's Oztacular celebration at CityWalk and the after-hours Epic Universe Nights event. He and Eric Hersey discuss surprisingly short ride wait times, the magic of seeing Dark Universe after dark, and Earl the Squirrel's big Thanksgiving Day Parade debut. Then, inspired by a memorable encounter in Darkmoor, Jim pulls back the curtain on Universal's 1933 classic The Invisible Man, exploring director James Whale's complicated Hollywood career, Claude Rains' unforgettable performance, and the ingenious special effects that helped launch a monster movie franchise. NEWS Wicked's Oztacular takes over Universal CityWalk with Glinda and Elphaba meet-and-greets, LEGO displays, and a few confusing signs. Epic Universe Nights delivers nighttime access, remarkably short attraction waits, complimentary snacks, and a spectacular Celestial Goodnight fountain show. Universal introduces Florida resident single-day Epic Universe tickets, with some surprising differences in pricing and availability compared to annual passholder offers. Earl the Squirrel prepares for his balloon debut in the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade before heading to Universal Studios Florida for the holidays. Jim checks out CityWalk's new Fat One's and Five Guys locations while Eric previews their new eight-part Patreon series exploring professional wrestling and theme park history. FEATURE A nighttime encounter with the Invisible Man in Dark Universe leads to a look back at Universal's groundbreaking 1933 horror classic. How director James Whale went from Frankenstein and The Old Dark House to casting Claude Rains in The Invisible Man. The practical effects, elaborate camera tricks, and painstaking frame-by-frame work that made an invisible character believable nearly a century ago. How Universal reinvented the Invisible Man through sequels, comedies, wartime adventures, and Abbott and Costello crossovers. HOSTS Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.com Eric Hersey - X/Twitter and Instagram: @erichersey | https://strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @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 Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations can help take the guesswork out of your getaway. Their travel professionals work with you one-on-one to find the right hotel, theme park tickets, and extras to fit your budget, priorities, and travel style. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com and mention that the Epic Universal Podcast sent you. 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

    The Invisible Man's Hollywood History Comes Out of Hiding

  2. Oct 23

    How Shrek 4-D Became the Secret Sequel to Shrek

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey head back to Far Far Away to uncover how Universal's Shrek 4-D became an unlikely bridge between the first two Shrek movies. Jim reveals the creative challenges behind Shrek 2, the surprising connection to a shelved Disney animated project, and why Universal may be preparing to give its favorite ogre a much bigger theme park presence. Plus, the latest Universal Orlando holiday announcements, a troubling incident at Stardust Racers, and some monstrous Halloween surprises at Universal's resort hotels. NEWS Universal Orlando reveals its 2026 holiday lineup, including Snoggletog at Epic Universe, Super Nintendo World decorations, Grinchmas, and the return of the Macy's Holiday Parade. Could Shrek 5 bring updated characters to Universal's holiday parade, and is the Dronkey balloon being retired? A falling overhead fan at Stardust Racers raises new questions about the roller coaster's troubled first year. Universal Orlando's resort hotels embrace Halloween with Universal Monsters at Royal Pacific, alien invasions, zombie rockers, and the return of the Pumpkin Lord. Jim prepares for Universal's Oz-Tacular celebration and an after-hours visit to Epic Universe, while discovering that Buc-ee's might just be a theme park without rides. FEATURE How DreamWorks struggled to develop Shrek 2 after exhausting the story possibilities of William Steig's original 32-page children's book. Why Jeffrey Katzenberg gave Universal Creative a tiny window between Shrek and Shrek 2 to develop Shrek 4-D, and how the attraction became a clever continuation of the original film. Jim shares the surprising story of a Disney animation project inspired by The Frog Princess and its alleged connection to Shrek 2's development. With Shrek 5 arriving in 2027 and a Donkey spinoff planned for 2028, could Universal Orlando eventually build a full-fledged Shrek dark ride? HOSTS Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - https://jimhillmedia.com Eric Hersey - X/Twitter and Instagram: @erichersey - https://strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @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? Be Our Guest Vacations takes the guesswork out of your vacation with free, personalized trip planning. Their travel professionals help you choose the right hotel, park tickets, dining reservations, and extras to fit your budget and travel style. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com and tell them Jim and Eric sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the creation of Shrek 4-D, the behind-the-scenes history of Shrek 2, and the latest Universal Orlando holiday and theme park news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Shrek 4-D Became the Secret Sequel to Shrek

  3. Oct 16

    How Mike Myers Changed Shrek Forever

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey continue the story of Shrek, following the difficult decisions DreamWorks faced after the death of original star Chris Farley. Jim explains how Mike Myers came aboard and why a new voice for the ogre also led to a change for Princess Fiona. They also discuss Blumhouse joining Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show, lower prices at Horror Unleashed, and holiday plans on both coasts. Plus, a look at the early attempt to bring Wicked to the screen. NEWS • A new Glinda novel sparks a look back at Demi Moore’s early Wicked movie plans and the creative talent involved.• Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show prepares for a Blumhouse reimagining, raising questions about the balance between modern scares and classic monster history.• Eric rounds up Universal Orlando refurbishments and clarifies that Animal Actors on Location remains open until its announced November closure.• Horror Unleashed lowers selected Las Vegas ticket prices for November and December, while Jim and Eric check in on plans for Chicago.• Hollywood adds Merry Minions to its holiday lineup, and a licensing report hints at Snoggletog in Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk; the hosts caution that Orlando’s plans still need official confirmation. FEATURE • DreamWorks considers ways to finish Chris Farley’s version of Shrek before ultimately recasting the lead role.• Jim compares the challenge with other productions that had to continue after losing a performer, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Furious 7.• A chance meeting at the Saving Private Ryan premiere brings Mike Myers into Shrek’s story, changing the ogre’s personality and the balance of the cast.• Cameron Diaz replaces Janeane Garofalo as Fiona, and Shrek’s eventual success sets up a sequel and a future in Universal’s theme parks. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | 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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a Universal getaway? The travel professionals at Be Our Guest Vacations can work with you one on one to find the right hotel, park admission, and extras for your budget, priorities, and travel style. Mention that Eric and Jim at the Epic Universal Podcast sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Shrek’s recasting reshaped the film, plus Universal’s horror attractions, refurbishments, and holiday plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    How Mike Myers Changed Shrek Forever

  4. Oct 9

    The Shrek That Almost Was: Chris Farley and DreamWorks’ Early Gamble

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey catch up on Universal news, from a Wicked celebration at CityWalk to the closure of Po Live in DreamWorks Land. They also look at the international push for Shrek 5 and wonder whether more Shrek could return to Universal’s holiday parade. Then Jim traces DreamWorks Animation’s rocky early years and the version of Shrek that nearly starred Chris Farley, with a very different cast and creative direction. NEWS • Halloween Horror Nights’ 35th anniversary brings a commemorative coin to the public, and Jim previews his upcoming Orlando visit.• CityWalk Orlando’s free Oz-tacular Spectacular celebrates Wicked on October 24 with characters, costumes, and a Yellow Brick Road dance party.• Po Live closes in DreamWorks Land, prompting discussion of the area’s future and speculation about Universal’s wider plans.• Universal builds an international campaign for Shrek 5, while Eric asks whether Shrek’s holiday parade presence could make a comeback. FEATURE • Jim revisits Antz, The Prince of Egypt, and The Road to El Dorado as DreamWorks searches for its first breakout animated hit.• Jeffrey Katzenberg’s rivalry with Disney helps set the stage for Shrek’s irreverent approach to fairy tales.• Steven Spielberg’s early Shrek plans included hand-drawn animation and a proposed Bill Murray and Steve Martin pairing.• Chris Farley, Eddie Murphy, and Janeane Garofalo form an early Shrek cast before Farley’s death leaves the production facing a painful decision. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | 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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a Universal getaway? The travel professionals at Be Our Guest Vacations can work with you one on one to find the right hotel, park admission, and extras for your budget, priorities, and travel style. Mention that Eric and Jim at the Epic Universal Podcast sent you. 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

    The Shrek That Almost Was: Chris Farley and DreamWorks’ Early Gamble

  5. Oct 2

    The Dark Origins of Halloween Horror Nights

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal news, from Mardi Gras 2027 dates and a new Five Guys at CityWalk to Halloween Horror Nights collectibles, surveys, and seasonal offerings at Universal Kids Resort. They also tour the Academy Museum’s new horror exhibition before Jim traces the surprisingly tragic origins of Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The story goes back to the park’s short-lived 1986 event, an accident involving scare actor Paul Ribald, and the long road that eventually led Universal to revive the event in Hollywood. NEWS • Universal Orlando announces Mardi Gras 2027 dates, running February 6 through March 27. • Five Guys replaces the former Burger King Whopper Bar at Universal CityWalk Orlando. • Halloween Horror Nights 35 rolls out a series of limited-edition collectible magnets featuring Lil' Boo, Stranger Things, Hamikuma, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Ozzy Osbourne, Sinners, and more. • A new Halloween Horror Nights guest survey asks fans to rate scares, entertainment value, repeatability, and even how "Instagrammable" the scare zones are. • Universal Kids Resort in Frisco introduces a Gold Annual Pass and prepares for its first Halloween season. FEATURE • Jim traces Universal Studios Hollywood's first Halloween Horror Nights event back to October 1986, years before the version most fans recognize today. • The original Terror Tram featured classic Universal Monsters, scare actors across the backlot, and one of Universal Hollywood's earliest attempts at a large-scale Halloween event. • Jim recounts the fatal accident involving 20-year-old Universal employee Paul Ribald, who was struck by a moving tram while performing as a zombie. • Following the tragedy, Universal put its Hollywood Halloween event on hold, with later revivals placing strict safety limits on how scare actors could interact with the trams. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @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 Plan your next Universal getaway with Be Our Guest Vacations. Their travel professionals can help with hotels, park admission, and the details that make your Universal vacation easier to plan. Mention the Epic Universal Podcast when you reach out. 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

    The Dark Origins of Halloween Horror Nights

  6. Sep 25

    Abbott & Costello’s Final Act, Plus Felix the Cat’s Universal Future

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey catch up on the latest Universal news, from King Kong’s temporarily modified return at Islands of Adventure to fresh progress on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in Orlando. They also look at Universal’s surprisingly deep catalog of classic characters, including Felix the Cat, and new clues surrounding Universal’s planned UK resort. Then Jim concludes the story of Abbott and Costello with a look at the personal tragedy, professional tensions, health struggles, and Hollywood twists that shaped the comedy team’s final years. NEWS • Skull Island: Reign of Kong reopens at Islands of Adventure while its giant Kong animatronic remains hidden for maintenance. • Construction walls and rerouted pathways appear near Toon Lagoon, reviving discussion about how Universal could eventually reuse that part of Islands of Adventure. • Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in Orlando reaches the pull-through testing stage, while the Hollywood version gets a special Halloween Horror Nights ride add-on. • Universal’s plans for 2027 and beyond spotlight Shrek 5, How to Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World, Universal Monsters, and the unexpected return of Felix the Cat. • New information surrounding Universal’s proposed UK resort points toward six themed areas, with properties such as Paddington, Back to the Future, Jurassic World, Wizarding World, and Minions among the possibilities. FEATURE • Jim concludes the story of Abbott and Costello by examining how Lou Costello’s health problems and personal tragedies affected the legendary comedy team. • The unusual production history of Fireman Save My Child reveals how Buddy Hackett and Hugh O’Brian stepped in after Costello became ill. • A tragic 1943 radio broadcast became one of the most remarkable moments of Lou Costello’s career after the death of his infant son. • Jim traces the growing tensions between Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, their eventual reconciliation, and the creation of the Lou Costello Jr. Youth Foundation. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @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 your next Universal getaway? Be Our Guest Vacations can help take the guesswork out of choosing the right hotel, tickets, and trip extras, whether you are headed to Epic Universe or Universal Studios Hollywood. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com and let them know the Epic Universal Podcast sent you. 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

    Abbott & Costello’s Final Act, Plus Felix the Cat’s Universal Future

  7. Sep 18

    What’s Going On With King Kong at Islands of Adventure?

    Jim and Eric dig into a busy week of Universal news, from unexpected trouble with the King Kong animatronic at Islands of Adventure to fresh signs of expansion behind Dark Universe at Epic Universe. They also check out Universal Monsters collectibles at Sonic, a new CityWalk hot dog destination, and The Traitors taking over part of Universal’s Great Movie Escape. Then Jim continues the story of Abbott and Costello, revealing how Lou Costello’s push to change the comedy team’s financial arrangement helped set the stage for serious tensions behind the scenes. NEWS • The King Kong animatronic at Skull Island: Reign of Kong is damaged during maintenance, leaving questions about when the attraction will fully return. • New construction behind Dark Universe fuels speculation about Epic Universe’s first major post-opening expansion. • Fat One’s Hot Dogs and Italian Ice prepares to open at Universal CityWalk with Joey Fatone on hand for the festivities. • The Traitors brings themed décor to Universal’s Great Movie Escape as NBCUniversal promotes the series across CityWalk. • Sonic celebrates Halloween with a Universal Monsters Wacky Pack collection featuring Frankenstein, Dracula, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more. FEATURE • Jim explains why Universal eventually honored Abbott and Costello with their own building on the studio lot. • Lou Costello pushes to change the team’s traditional salary split after their films become enormous hits for Universal. • Abbott and Costello tour the country selling more than $85 million in war bonds during World War II. • A devastating 1943 phone call sets the stage for the troubled final chapter of the comedy team’s story. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @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 your next Universal getaway? Be Our Guest Vacations can help you choose the right hotel, tickets, and extras, whether you’re visiting Epic Universe in Orlando or heading west to Universal Studios Hollywood. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com and mention that the Epic Universal Podcast sent you. 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

    What’s Going On With King Kong at Islands of Adventure?

  8. Sep 11

    Abbott and Costello Meet Universal History

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey start with the latest Universal news, including a new Wicked live-to-film concert tour, Epic Universe performance commentary from Comcast, Rock the Universe 2027, and fresh developments involving Harry Potter. They also look at Universal Pictures crossing the $4 billion mark at the worldwide box office and what recent hits could mean for the parks. Then Jim digs into the remarkable Universal history of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, from helping keep the studio afloat during World War II to the monster-filled movies that gave the comedy duo a second wind. NEWS • Wicked Part One in Concert brings the Universal film to venues including Radio City Music Hall with a live symphony orchestra. • Comcast CFO Jason Armstrong discusses Epic Universe attendance, guest satisfaction, and the park's long-term performance. • Rock the Universe returns to Universal Studios Florida in January with two nights of Christian music performances. • Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues leaning into the original film cast with familiar Wizarding World faces taking the Broadway stage. • Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi plans new Harry Potter areas inspired by Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Castle, and the Forbidden Forest. • Universal Pictures becomes the first studio of the year to cross $4 billion at the worldwide box office. FEATURE • Jim traces how Abbott and Costello went from burlesque and radio to becoming two of Universal's most valuable stars. • The duo's rapid-fire production schedule helped generate crucial box office revenue for Universal during the World War II era. • Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein unexpectedly revitalized their film career and launched a run of "meet" movies involving Universal Monsters and other screen icons. • Later films offer a fascinating glimpse at the Universal backlot, including locations audiences would eventually recognize from productions such as Back to the Future. • Jim also spotlights a young Henry Mancini, whose early work at Universal included music for Abbott and Costello films before his celebrated Hollywood career. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | 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 Universal getaway? The travel professionals at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you choose the right hotel, tickets, and extras for your trip to Universal Orlando Resort, Epic Universe, or Universal Studios Hollywood. 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

    Abbott and Costello Meet Universal History
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4.6
out of 5
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About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    173
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jim Hill Media 2026
  • Show Website
    Epic Universal Podcast

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