Episodes

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into breaking news about Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open May 22, 2025. They discuss the potential impact of this new park and how long they've known about this announcement. Additionally, the hosts continue their fascinating exploration of the history behind Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Jim reveals the story of how Universal could have secured the theme park rights to Willy Wonka, ...

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off by discussing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles touring show and the impact of Hurricane Milton on theme parks. But the main feature of this episode dives into the origins of one of Universal’s most beloved dining experiences—Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Highlights include: The latest Epic Universe Construction Photo Drop by @bioreconstruct The Harry Potter-themed Hershey Chocolate Collection How the clo...

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating tale of how the Looney Tunes almost became part of Universal Orlando’s second gate. A listener question sparked a deep dive into the history of these iconic characters and their long-standing presence at Six Flags. Jim uncovers the intricate details behind Universal’s interest in the Looney Tunes, and the potential licensing challenges that ultimately led to a different path for Universal. Also i...

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating and perplexing world of Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They unravel the mystery behind this quirky theme park area and explore why Universal chose to dedicate an entire land to classic comic strip characters. From the backstory of its creation to the impact it has on park guests, Jim shares insider stories and industry insights that shed light on the often-overlooked Toon Lagoon....

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive deep into Universal Studios' unbuilt Cartoon World, a project meant to pave the way for Islands of Adventure. Jim shares fascinating insights into the concept's early stages and how it evolved into what fans know today. Highlights include: Jim's stories about the behind-the-scenes development of Cartoon World and its transformation into Islands of Adventure. How Warner Brothers and Universal nearly partnered for a s...

n this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take listeners on a magical journey through Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. As Eric recounts his family's first experience, Jim provides insights into the park's history. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect: The Magic of Diagon Alley: Hear about the awe-inspiring entrance through the famous brick wall, along with the unique sound effects that bring this experience to life, Dragon Tales: Discover the story b...

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into various Universal Studios topics, from Halloween thrills to lost Star Trek adventures. Here’s what you can expect: Halloween Horror Nights 2024: We kick off the episode discussing the latest news from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. Squishmallows and Wicked Collaboration: Jim and Eric talk about Universal’s marketing collaboration with Squishmallows for the upcoming Wicked: Part One movie, where exclusive G...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about viewership for the Summer Games in Paris. T hey then take a look at how Universal Pictures’ recent releases have been doing at the domestic box office Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: When was Epic Universe originally supposed to open up in Orlando In what year does NBCUniversal’s deal with the IOC for the US broadcast rights for the Olympics run out Which classic silent horror film is Universal Pictures rema...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing the info that got shared about Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park They also look back at how Universal’s hit movie from 1975 was turned into a theme park attraction Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: In what Central Florida theme park was much of “Jaws 3D” shot If you’re looking to replicate Butterbeer at home, what beverage do you need to stock up on first According to Disney, when did Universal Cre...

Eric Hersey returns from the Universal Orlando Resort and gives Jim Hill a brief glimpse of what he & his family experienced down in Central Florida. Eric & Jim then take a look at the Rock’s first film role Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Why you should go straight to the Trolls Trollercoaster as soon as Universal Studios Florida opens for the day How much was Dwayne Johnson paid to appear in “The Mummy Returns” What’s the origin story for Seven Bucks Productio...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing box office projections for “Despicable Me 4.” They then wrap up their series about the would-be “Van Helsing” film franchise Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Who replaced Al Pacino as the voice of El Macho in “Despicable Me 2” How many floats there are supposed to be in USF’s new daytime parade Who was supposed to star in the “Van Helsing” reboot that was proposed back in 2012 When Passholder Appreciation Days ...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what Universal Parks & Experiences has just revealed about Epic Universe’s next land. They also continue the tale of USH’s efforts to get more monsters into that theme park In this episode, listeners will learn about: Where’s the best place to stand in Universal Studios Florida to view “CineSational: A Symphony Spectacular” On which coast did the “Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” show first debut Why did Stephen Sommers pass u...

Eric and Jim continue their look back at how USH kept trying to build a successful show around the Universal Classic Monsters

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the media preview that was recently held for Universal Studios Florida’s reimagining Kidzone area. They then look back at the “Pink Panther” film series Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Where did Duffy AKA the Disney Bear initially exclusively sell on Disney World property back in 2002 Why is the new entrance sign for USF’s “E.T. Adventure” attraction deliberately designed to look like something you associate with...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest “Despicable Me 4” trailer. They then review what Universal Parks & Experiences just revealed about Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What new variety of Butterbeer-based treat is now available for purchase at the Universal Parks Why was “Yoshi’s Adventure” reportedly not built as part of Phase One of Universa Studios Hollywood’s “Super Nintendo World” What show is ...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the tram accident that happened this past weekend at Universal Studios Hollywood. They then take a close look at the perks annual passholders will be able to enjoy at the Universal Orlando parks starting in May. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Universal horror classic got transformed from a silent film to a sound picture in 1929 Why did Universal Studios Florida push back the opening of “Twiste...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the M3gan horde became the break-out hit at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights. They also discuss Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova & Terra Luna resorts Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What role did Michael Eisner play in setting Paramount Pictures’ “King Kong” remake in motion back in the mid-1970s Why did Universal Pictures insist that certain scenes in “M3gan” be reshot Why did Universal Studios Hol...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by taking a look back at the “How to Train Your Dragon” film franchise. They then pivot to discussing the latest land to be unveiled for Epic Universe Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which character did Wayne Brady almost get heat stroke playing at a Disney Park How many different movie studios have released “How to Train Your Dragon” films over the past 14 years What was especially cool about the “Casper the Frie...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the various ways to park-hop at the Universal Orlando Resort. They then talk about how Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating its 60th anniversary Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When did Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first begin operates at IOA How much did “Kung Fu Panda 4” earned over its opening weekend in North America When did Hot Butterbeer go from being a seasonal thin...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the change that’s reportedly in the works for “Skull Island: Reign of Kong.” They also talk about the Universal Monsters Tribute Store that just opened at CityWalk out in Hollywood Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When – according to Vin Diesel – will the “grand finale” of the “Fast & Furious” film series finally arrive in theaters Which Epic Universe attraction was being tested after dark late last week ...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Universal-related trailers that aired during Super Bowl LVIII. They then pivot to talking about that 7-minute-long Epic Universe video that debuted online last week Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Universal theme park offered its Guests the opportunity to view a trimmed down version of the Broadway musical, “Wicked” Why are fans of the Harry Potter films really going to want to check out the...

Jim Hill & Eric Hersey kick off a brand-new show which offers a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. Highlights include an interview with Carson Luter from Universal Creative about “Villain Con Minion Blast” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How did the 24 films that Universal Pictures released in 2023 do at the worldwide box office Which character from an Alfred Hitchcock film is paid tribute to in “Villain Con Minion Blast” What’s significant about th...

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill discuss NBC Sports’ concerns about the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill talk about Comcast’s new marching orders when it comes to the Universal Parks & Resorts