Epic Universal Podcast

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
  • 0,0 (0)
  • LUGARES E VIAGENS
  • QUINZENALMENTE

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. Fast & Furious Hits the Brakes on the Studio Tour

    -1 DIA

    Fast & Furious Hits the Brakes on the Studio Tour

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey look at the past and future of Universal’s Fast & Furious presence in the parks, just as Universal Studios Hollywood prepares to debut its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster. Along the way, they discuss the franchise’s surprising influence on theme park attractions, why the original tram-tour finale is closing, and what the next era of Universal expansion looks like - from Osaka to Texas. They also break down several recent Universal news stories, including a new parade at Universal Studios Japan and the latest developments at Universal Orlando.  NEWS • Universal Studios Japan announces a 25th anniversary parade featuring Pokémon, Mario Kart characters, Sesame Street, and the Minions. • Universal Orlando removes its self-service ticket kiosks as mobile ticketing becomes the preferred guest option. • Luke Combs’ Category 10 live-music venue is coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando. • New concept footage highlights Jurassic World and SpongeBob lands at the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Texas. • Pteranodon Flyers at Islands of Adventure will remain closed through May 14, 2026. FEATURE • A preview of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift and the new ride vehicles debuting at Universal Studios Hollywood. • How the Fast & Furious film series evolved from street racing into a global blockbuster franchise. • The behind-the-scenes challenge of completing Furious 7 after the death of Paul Walker. • Why the Fast & Furious Supercharged tram-tour finale is closing and what comes next for the attraction space. 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 SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning your next Universal or Disney trip? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum-level earmarked travel agency, they specialize in planning unforgettable vacations to Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. 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

    47 min
  2. Fast & Furious: From Street Racing Article to Universal Attraction

    6/03

    Fast & Furious: From Street Racing Article to Universal Attraction

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick off a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast while preparing for an upcoming trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. Along the way, they dig into current park news, new Wizarding World treats, and construction updates affecting CityWalk. The back half of the show dives deep into the surprising origin story of the Fast & Furious franchise and how it eventually made its way into Universal’s theme parks.  NEWS • King Kong 360 3D on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour temporarily closes for refurbishment through March 14, meaning some guests may miss the massive Peter Jackson–inspired attraction sequence featuring Kong battling V-Rex dinosaurs. • Sidewalk and infrastructure construction is underway at Universal CityWalk Hollywood near the security checkpoint as the resort continues repositioning its entrance and preparing space for a future on-site Universal hotel. • Butterbeer Season expands across Universal parks worldwide, bringing themed treats like butterbeer waffles, cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, candy apples, and new merchandise including Butterbeer spirit jerseys. • Wizarding World snack lineup grows with new Hogwarts house-themed “ice lollies” (popsicles) available at Diagon Alley’s Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Counter and the Hopping Pot area. • Jim and Eric discuss planning tips for first-time visits to Universal Studios Hollywood, including how the CityWalk layout and security process differ from Universal Orlando. FEATURE • The unexpected origin of the Fast & Furious franchise, inspired by a 1998 Vibe magazine article about illegal street racing in New York City. • How the first film’s $38 million budget turned into a $200+ million worldwide hit and launched one of Universal’s most valuable film franchises. • Why Vin Diesel initially refused to return for the sequel despite a $25 million offer and how the franchise nearly shifted direction without its biggest stars. • The surprising role Universal Home Entertainment played in pushing for additional sequels after massive DVD and VHS sales. • Early theme park integration of the franchise, including the short-lived Fast & Furious Extreme Close-Up Experience on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour. • How that stunt demonstration used early KUKA robotic arm technology, which later powered Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. 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 SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning your next theme park vacation? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you plan the perfect trip to Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. Get started today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast. 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

    46 min
  3. Universal Wants to Be Your Week-Long Vacation

    27/02

    Universal Wants to Be Your Week-Long Vacation

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack Universal’s latest ticketing survey, the studio’s continued confidence in Wicked, and the surprising Epcot-inspired expansion that reshaped Universal Studios Hollywood in the late 1980s. NEWS • Universal tests “Make it a week you’ll never forget” messaging in a new survey, hinting at a major push to reposition Universal Orlando Resort as a full-week destination • Guest perception questions compare park counts at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, signaling confidence in the four-park narrative • Wicked crosses $1.2 billion globally across its two films, as NBCUniversal leadership confirms interest in expanding the Oz universe • Universal Studios Hollywood named the official theme park partner of the LA 2028 Olympic Games • Jurassic Park and Jurassic World props spotted backstage in Hollywood, fueling speculation about possible additions to Fan Fest • All the Books You Can Read in Seuss Landing quietly closes, raising questions about retail strategy inside Islands of Adventure FEATURE • Why Universal executives studied EPCOT’s World Showcase before expanding the Hollywood upper lot • The creation of “Streets of the World,” a $75 million expansion designed to let guests walk through detailed movie-quality sets • How Parisian cafés, Sherlock Holmes’ 221B Baker Street, and even an Animal House façade briefly brought film environments to life • The surprising ways these sets were actually used in production, including scenes for Beverly Hills, 90210 • How character encounters and celebrity lookalikes helped this area function like a Disney-style themed land • Why much of this expansion eventually gave way to newer attractions like The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash 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 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. Epic Universal listeners can take advantage of a limited-time ticket offer: get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to secure this special offer and start planning your next Universal vacation. 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

    47 min
  4. The Direct-to-Video Dinosaur That Made a Billion

    20/02

    The Direct-to-Video Dinosaur That Made a Billion

    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

    54 min
  5. From American Tail to Littlefoot – Don Bluth and Spielberg’s Unlikely Alliance

    13/02

    From American Tail to Littlefoot – Don Bluth and Spielberg’s Unlikely Alliance

    Jim and Eric kick things off with breaking news from Universal’s Fan Fest - yes, there are now multiple colored Yoshis roaming around. From there, they dig into Universal’s bold Mummy 4 release date, Wicked’s Peacock debut, Mardi Gras madness in Orlando, and that Epic Universe Super Bowl ad that’s clearly aimed at changing everything. Then in the back half, Jim dives into the surprisingly complicated history of The Land Before Time - from Spielberg’s creative notes to 14 installments and those rare Littlefoot walk-around characters at Universal Studios Hollywood. NEWS • Mummy 4 gets a prime summer release date - Universal slots the Brendan Fraser-led sequel for May 19, 2028, signaling major confidence in the franchise’s return. • Wicked heads to Peacock - Universal’s Broadway juggernaut begins streaming March 20, keeping the contractual Wicked mention streak alive. • Universal Mardi Gras 2026 begins - Over 40 international food booths, live concerts, and the debut of Prince Gator at Universal Orlando. • Volcano Bay goes cashless - Starting February 25, the water park transitions to card-only transactions. • Epic Universe Super Bowl commercial - A sibling rivalry story spotlights Stardust Racers and positions Universal Orlando as a multi-day destination experience. FEATURE • The Land Before Time’s surprising origin story - How Steven Spielberg partnered with Don Bluth after The Secret of NIMH and reshaped a dinosaur tale to be less terrifying for kids. • Scenes cut for being “too scary” - Nearly 10 minutes were removed before the 1988 theatrical release of The Land Before Time. • From theatrical hit to direct-to-video empire - Universal ultimately produced 14 installments, with the final entry arriving in 2016. • Rare Universal Studios walk-around characters - Littlefoot and Sarah once appeared in the parks - and Jim wants proof from listeners who remember them. 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 Planning your next adventure? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations are a Platinum Level Universal and Disney travel agency, offering concierge-level planning for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast. 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

    55 min
  6. When Universal Tried to Build a Theme Park in the Desert

    6/02

    When Universal Tried to Build a Theme Park in the Desert

    Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with a mix of snarky social media, surprising Super Bowl ads, and listener-driven questions before pivoting into a deep historical dive. From Universal’s well-timed trolling of Disney to a fascinating look at a Middle East theme park that almost happened, this episode blends breaking news with one of those long-form Universal history lessons Jim is known for. NEWS • Universal Orlando trolls Disney following the closure of Dinosaur with a pointed Jurassic Park social post • Xfinity debuts a Super Bowl ad reuniting the original Jurassic Park cast, directed by Taika Waititi • Universal explores walkaround Jurassic Park characters including John Hammond, Ian Malcolm, and Dennis Nedry • Ongoing fan speculation around the Oz-tacular Spectacular trademark and where a Wicked-themed show could land • Listener questions about Epic Universe character appearances, including the elusive Donkey Kong meet-and-greet FEATURE • A detailed history of Universal Studios Dubailand - the ambitious Middle East park that was announced, partially built, and ultimately abandoned • How the Great Recession stalled Universal’s international expansion plans • Why Universal quietly walked away from Dubailand after nearly a decade • How this abandoned project connects to Universal’s renewed interest in the Middle East and a possible Saudi Arabia theme park 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 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 Be Our Guest Vacations Are you planning your next Universal or Disney adventure? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum level Authorized Vacation Planner, they offer top-tier concierge service for Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min
  7. Miami Vice Goes to the Theme Park

    30/01

    Miami Vice Goes to the Theme Park

    This week, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey connect the dots between an MTV-inspired TV phenomenon and one of the most ambitious nighttime stunt shows ever staged at a Universal theme park. From Brandon Tartikoff’s “MTV Cops” brainstorm to exploding boats on Universal Studios Lagoon, the guys unpack how Miami Vice helped shape theme park history - even when Universal Florida was not allowed to use the name. NEWS • Universal announces a global Pokémon theme park expansion tied to the franchise’s 30th anniversary • Early speculation on where Pokémon could land stateside, including Lost Continent and Simpsons real estate • Universal files a trademark for “OZTACULAR SPECTACULAR,” fueling Oz land rumors for the rumored UK park • First public look at the Universal Kids Resort model ahead of its Frisco, Texas opening • Reactions to Wicked: Part Two being shut out of this year’s Academy Award nominations FEATURE • How Miami Vice evolved from “MTV Cops” into a pop culture juggernaut • Why Universal Studios Hollywood repurposed its A-Team stunt show into the Miami Vice Action Spectacular • The borrowed mine cart chase that directly inspired Disney-MGM’s Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular • Why Universal Studios Florida’s lagoon show became Dynamite Nights instead of Miami Vice - and how long it ran 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 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 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

    55 min
  8. Fast & Furious Revs Up and the Strange Art of Faking Disaster at Universal

    23/01

    Fast & Furious Revs Up and the Strange Art of Faking Disaster at Universal

    This week, Jim and Eric shift from breaking Universal news into a fascinating look back at how the company perfected the art of staged chaos. From the official confirmation of a Fast & Furious coaster to high winds halting Epic Universe testing, the conversation eventually lands on the wonderfully cheesy, sometimes dangerous, and always ingenious Jay Bangs that defined the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour for decades. NEWS • Universal officially confirms a Fast & Furious coaster to replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit • Universal Orlando’s latest emotional ad sparks debate over nostalgia versus party vibes • High winds stall testing on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers coaster • Mystery concrete and launch tubes hint at a future nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe • A noticeable rise in lawsuits across major theme parks raises industry concerns FEATURE • Why Universal’s Tram Tour illusions were internally known as Jay Bangs • Collapsing bridges, rockslides, spinning tunnels, and other classic disaster effects • How films like Jaws helped push Universal toward attractions tied to contemporary hits • The fine line between thrilling guests and accidentally pelting them with wet Styrofoam “rocks” 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 Planning your next theme park adventure? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations help you plan a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast. 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

    56 min
Ver tudo (141)

Sobre

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. 

Informação

  • Autoria
    Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
  • Anos em atividade
    2018 - 2026
  • Episódios
    141
  • Classificação
    Para todos
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Jim Hill Media 2026
  • Site do programa
    Epic Universal Podcast

Mais de Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Talvez também goste