Universal’s Most Dangerous Tram Scene and Why It Disappeared (Ep. 85)
Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with listener-driven updates and fresh speculation from the Universal parks beat, before pivoting into a deep historical dive on one of the strangest and most memorable effects ever staged on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour. Along the way, there is discussion of low-crowd horror experiences, a surprising Spielberg-themed survey, and a heartfelt remembrance of a YouTube pioneer who helped shape modern theme park fandom.
NEWS
• Fresh rumors swirl around a possible IT / Pennywise presence at Halloween Horror Nights, and why Warner Bros and Six Flags complicate the IP landscape
• Listener reports reveal low crowds but high-quality scares at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
• Early construction walls appear in Celestial Park at Epic Universe, hinting at future capacity expansion
• A leaked survey teases a potential Steven Spielberg and Amblin-themed tram-style attraction concept
• Reflections on the legacy of Adam the Woo and his impact on theme park history storytelling
FEATURE
• The forgotten history of Six Points, Texas on the Universal backlot and why it became underused
• How Jay Stein pushed Universal to add bold show scenes to the tram tour in the early 1970s
• The engineering and storytelling behind the Runaway Train effect and why it took five years to build
• Mr. T, The A-Team, and the brief but unforgettable era when a TV star nearly “crashed” the tram
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. Save on Disney and Universal tickets, including park hoppers and Lightning Lane options, by booking through UnlockedMagic.com.
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