FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down Universal’s ambitious FanFest 2026 event at Universal Studios Hollywood, from interactive Scooby-Doo mysteries to One Piece stunt shows and the Wizarding World’s Forbidden Forest expansion. Then, Chris Cox joins the show to share his first-ever visit to Epic Universe, offering a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and why Isle of Berk may be the park’s biggest success story. From cutting-edge attractions to operational growing pains, it’s a wide-ranging conversation about where Universal is thriving - and where it still has room to grow.

NEWS
• FanFest 2026 launches at Universal Studios Hollywood with limited-night immersive experiences
• Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters walkthrough blends classic animation with horror icons
• Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience expands using existing attraction spaces
• One Piece stunt show debuts with strong fan response and anime-style action
• Dungeons & Dragons walkthrough returns, leveraging Jim Henson creature work

FEATURE
• Chris Cox visits Epic Universe for the first time, one year after previews began
• Helios Hotel access proves a major advantage for convenience and park immersion
• Super Nintendo World delivers interactive gameplay, but Mario Kart divides opinions
• Donkey Kong coaster struggles with downtime and long Express Pass waits
• Isle of Berk stands out as the park’s most complete and family-friendly land
• Ministry of Magic impresses visually, but its ride and stage show feel underdeveloped

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

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
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