Everything Keeps Catching Fire: Universal’s Backlot Blazes (Ep. 106)
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
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SUPPORT
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PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
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