Epic Universal Podcast

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
  • 4.6 (112)
  • 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. 

  1. 6d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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?

  4. 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

  5. Sep 4

    Universal’s Star Trek Adventure Beams Back Into the Spotlight

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack a packed week of Universal news before celebrating Star Trek’s 60th anniversary with a look back at Universal’s surprising history with the franchise. They discuss the closure of Animal Actors on Location, new developments surrounding Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Nights at Epic Universe, and a major expansion opportunity for Universal Studios Japan. Then Jim revisits Universal Studios Hollywood’s Star Trek Adventure and explains how an ambitious transporter effect later found a second life at Islands of Adventure. NEWS • Universal Studios Florida’s Animal Actors on Location will permanently close on November 2, opening up a potentially valuable redevelopment site. • Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift prepares for its September 16 opening at Universal Studios Hollywood as questions remain about neighborhood noise mitigation. • Universal Nights at Epic Universe adds more dates after strong demand for the limited-capacity after-hours event. • Halloween Horror Nights gets underway at Universal Studios Hollywood, including new haunted houses, Terror Tram experiences, and the expanding mythology of Hamikuma. • Universal Studios Japan could gain roughly 15 acres through the acquisition of neighboring Nippon Steel property, creating room for a major future expansion. FEATURE • Star Trek celebrates 60 years since the original NBC series premiered on September 8, 1966. • Universal Studios Hollywood’s Star Trek Adventure gave guests the chance to perform inside recreated Enterprise sets and take home their own VHS souvenir. • Paramount’s limited theme park licensing deal helped bring Star Trek experiences to both Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida. • The transporter illusion developed for Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas shared some remarkable stagecraft DNA with Poseidon’s Fury at Islands of Adventure. 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 Orlando Resort adventure? The travel professionals at BeOurGuestVacations.com provide personalized concierge service to help with resort stays, theme park tickets, and special extras. Be sure to 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

    Universal’s Star Trek Adventure Beams Back Into the Spotlight

  6. Aug 28

    Tim Curry’s Legendary Transformation in Ridley Scott’s Legend

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey round up the latest Universal news, including Halloween Horror Nights rehearsals, Hamikuma’s arrival in Orlando, Dufftoberfest in Springfield, and new developments tied to Fast & Furious on both coasts. They also look at Universal Studios Hollywood’s new backlot photo experience and what may be ahead for The Simpsons during Halloween Horror Nights. Then Jim remembers Tim Curry with the story behind Ridley Scott’s Legend, from its Disney-inspired origins to Curry’s demanding transformation into the Lord of Darkness. NEWS • Halloween Horror Nights rehearsals suggest Sinners and Stranger Things could be among the event’s biggest draws. • Hamikuma, Universal Japan’s zombie bear mascot, makes his way to Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando. • The Deathly Afraid necklace returns for HHN 2026 with a 35th anniversary design. • Dufftoberfest brings seasonal Duff Beer back to Springfield, U.S.A., while Simpsons Halloween offerings hint at more to come. • Universal continues work on Fast & Furious attractions while Hollywood adds a new backlot photo experience. FEATURE • Jim looks back at Tim Curry’s performance as Darkness in Ridley Scott’s 1986 fantasy Legend. • Scott originally envisioned the film as an elaborate live-action fantasy inspired by the mood and imagery of classic Disney animation. • Curry’s Darkness makeup involved extensive prosthetics, massive horns, stilts, and hours in the makeup chair each day. • The production went through multiple cuts and different musical scores before developing a cult following in the years after its release. 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 vacation with Be Our Guest Vacations. Their travel professionals provide personalized concierge service for resort stays, theme park tickets, and special extras throughout Universal Orlando. Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com and mention the Epic Universal Podcast. 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

    Tim Curry’s Legendary Transformation in Ridley Scott’s Legend

  7. Aug 21

    Stranger Things Comes Full Circle at Halloween Horror Nights

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey trace the unlikely journey of Stranger Things from the Duffer Brothers' rejected pitch to one of Netflix's defining franchises - and a recurring Halloween Horror Nights favorite. They revisit how Universal translated Hawkins and the Upside Down into elaborate haunted houses, why the creative partnership worked so well, and how those early attractions helped prove that fans wanted to physically step inside Netflix's worlds. Then Jim and Eric bring the story up to the present with Netflix House in Philadelphia and the latest Stranger Things experience headed to Halloween Horror Nights 35. FEATURE • How Matt and Ross Duffer turned their original Montauk concept into Stranger Things after a string of network rejections. • Why the show's mix of Stephen King, Steven Spielberg, John Carpenter, 1980s nostalgia, and breakout young performers became a cultural phenomenon. • How Stranger Things first came to Halloween Horror Nights in 2018, with the Duffer Brothers giving Universal extensive creative access. • The painstaking work behind recreating Hawkins, the Byers house, the Upside Down, and the Demogorgon for Universal Orlando and Hollywood. • Why the 2019 and 2023 Stranger Things houses evolved differently on each coast rather than becoming simple clones. • Jim and Eric's visit to Netflix House at King of Prussia and its immersive Stranger Things experience. • How Netflix expanded Stranger Things into touring experiences, live theater, permanent attractions, and other extensions beyond the streaming series. • What Halloween Horror Nights 35 could represent as one of the final major theme park celebrations of Hawkins and its characters. 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 Orlando Resort vacation? The travel professionals at BeOurGuestVacations.com offer personalized concierge service to help with resort stays, theme park tickets, and special extras for your Universal adventure. Be sure to 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

    Stranger Things Comes Full Circle at Halloween Horror Nights

  8. Aug 14

    How Universal’s Prop Plaza Turned a Lunch Stop Into Theme Park History

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal news before tracing the surprisingly humble origins of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Prop Plaza. They cover Art the Clown taking over the Terror Tram, new Halloween Horror Nights experiences, Fast & Furious coaster construction on both coasts, and Universal Hollywood’s efforts to address neighborhood noise concerns. Then Jim tells the story of MCA executive Albert Dorskind, the struggling Universal commissary, and how a simple tourist lunch stop helped set the stage for the modern Studio Tour. NEWS • Art the Clown from the Terrifier films takes over the Terror Tram at Universal Studios Hollywood for Halloween Horror Nights 2026. • Nikki from Obsession is set to roam Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood as a surprise character encounter. • Universal Hollywood introduces daytime Unmasking the Horror lights-on tours through select Halloween Horror Nights houses. • Additional sound barriers are being installed near Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift as Universal responds to neighborhood noise concerns. • Track installation is now complete on the new Fast & Furious coaster under construction at Universal Studios Florida. FEATURE • How MCA executive Albert Dorskind transformed Universal’s money-losing studio commissary by inviting Hollywood sightseeing buses onto the lot. • Why tourist demand convinced Universal that visitors wanted more than lunch - they wanted to see how movies and television were made. • How the success of the original 1964 Universal Studio Tour led to the creation of Prop Plaza as a midway stop for food, restrooms, props, and entertainment. • From giant Land of the Giants props and a coin-operated Model T to early stunt performers and the A-Team van, Prop Plaza became an early blueprint for interactive Universal attractions. 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 a Universal vacation? The travel professionals at BeOurGuestVacations.com can work with you one-on-one to build a trip around the hotel, tickets, and extras that matter most to you. Whether you are headed to Universal Orlando Resort, Epic Universe, or Universal Studios Hollywood, 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

    How Universal’s Prop Plaza Turned a Lunch Stop Into Theme Park 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
    169
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jim Hill Media 2026
  • Show Website
    Epic Universal Podcast

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