How Universal Transformed the Upper Lot to Build The Wizarding World (Ep. 98)
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey race through breaking Universal news before Eric hits the road, covering everything from a surprising park entry tech failure to visible demolition at Islands of Adventure. They also dig into new developments around Epic Universe expansion plans and international park oddities. Then, in honor of a major milestone, Jim walks through the complex, multi-year transformation that brought The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood.
NEWS
• A temporary entry system failure at Universal Studios Florida raises questions about reliance on facial recognition and fingerprint ticketing
• Demolition begins in Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, with walls up around the former Sinbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury area
• New land clearing near Epic Universe sparks speculation, though Universal calls it routine site prep
• Celestial Park fountain drained as nighttime show development continues at Epic Universe
• Universal Studios Japan adds Peanuts characters to its 25th anniversary celebration with a new live show
FEATURE
• The 10-year anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood
• Why Hollywood’s version took longer to build than Orlando and Japan
• How Universal used the project to justify a $1.6 billion overhaul of the park’s Upper Lot
• Behind-the-scenes look at how Springfield USA and Hogsmeade were designed to visually block each other for immersion
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
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• 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
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