Epic Universal Podcast

Latest Episodes:

How Transformers Replaced Murder, She Wrote at Universal Studios (Ep. 72) Oct 10, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey crack open the story behind how Transformers: The Ride 3D bulldozed its way into Universal Studios Florida—literally replacing the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater. Along the way, they cover everything from Universal’s new Fanta horror crossover to coaster policy changes, Simpsons rumors, and a surprising Zelda connection inside Epic Universe.

The real story of how Transformers: The Ride 3D took over the former Murder, She Wrote soundstage
Universal and Blumhouse’s spooky soda collab with Fanta, featuring Chucky, Megan, and Freddy Fazbear
Stardust Racers reopens after a fatal accident—with new resort-wide safety standards
The Simpsons’ uncertain future at Universal and what Matt Selman really meant
Hints of Zelda inside Epic Universe and what that could mean for Universal’s next land

From Fanta cans to fighting Decepticons, Jim and Eric uncover how Universal keeps reinventing its parks - sometimes by demolishing a mystery and building a blockbuster.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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What Other IPs Could Be Coming to Universal’s Fan Fest 2026? (Ep. 71) Oct 03, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a leaked Universal survey that hints at the future of Fan Fest in Hollywood. From Scooby-Doo teaming up with Universal Monsters to the possibility of Pokemon Go and Sailor Moon activations, the lineup could be one of the most surprising yet. And in the second half, the guys rewind to explore the retro roots and hidden details of Cabana Bay, Universal Orlando’s massive value resort.

Marvel Zombies and Fangoria’s bold Halloween crossover at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Survey leaks teasing Scooby-Doo, Pokemon Go, One Piece, and more for Fan Fest 2026
How Sailor Moon could bring anime fandom to the DreamWorks Theater
The Simpsons movie sequel and its impact on Universal’s theme park rights
Cabana Bay’s history, retro theming, and how it reshaped Universal’s hotel strategy

Universal’s future IP plans meet its nostalgic past in a packed episode that covers both zombies and neon retro vibes.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
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Cabana Bay and the Resort Boom at Universal Orlando (Ep. 70) Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

This week, Jim and Eric tackle a tough headline out of Epic Universe as a guest tragedy forces the closure of Stardust Racers. From what happened to what comes next, they break down the details and share insights on ride safety across the theme park industry. Later in the show, listener Ernesto sparks a deep dive into the origins of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and how mid-century modern design shaped its creation.

The latest on the Stardust Racers accident and Universal’s response
How often serious injuries really occur at theme parks
Why part of DreamWorks Land has already been torn out just months after opening
Rock the Universe ticket deals and what they include
The mid-century modern inspiration behind Cabana Bay and Universal’s hotel expansion

A mix of news, history, and design deep-dives - all in one episode.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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From Dueling Dragons to Zelda Rumors: What’s Next for Lost Continent? (Ep. 69) Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Universal has filed demolition permits for nearly five acres of Islands of Adventure, and Jim and Eric break down what that could mean for the Lost Continent. The main feature of this week’s episode dives into the history of Merlinwood, the rise and fall of Dueling Dragons, and how Harry Potter reshaped the park. Could Zelda be next to take its place?

Wicked toys hit Target shelves months before the movie release
A 10-month closure looms for Jurassic Park River Adventure in Orlando
Hidden Halloween Horror Nights stay-and-scream space revealed near Minion Blast
Meet Hamikuma, the bizarre “bite bear” mascot from Universal Studios Japan
Dueling Dragons, Merlinwood, and the long road from Lost Continent to Harry Potter

Universal fans love to speculate, and this week’s stories offer plenty of fuel. From refurb rumors to the history of Lost Continent and the possibilities for its future, Jim and Eric keep you entertained from start to finish.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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How Universal Snatched Rocky & Bullwinkle from Disney (Ep. 68) Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey are back with a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast. From award-winning attractions to behind-the-scenes stories that almost made it to the big screen, this week covers a lot of ground:

The new Jaws: Memories of Martha’s Vineyard book and the Academy Museum’s Jaws exhibition
Remembering production designer Stuart Craig and his lasting impact on the Wizarding World
Fresh rumors about a Harry Potter land in Universal’s upcoming UK park
Epic Universe’s big wins at the Golden Ticket Awards, including Monsters Unchained and Dark Universe

Universal’s new interactive Backlot Club membership and trivia game
The history of Islands of Adventure’s early plans, from Jurassic Park concepts to Dudley Do-Right’s rushed debut

Plus, Jim shares the long-lost Jurassic Park “baby Triceratops” and “T-Rex river chase” scenes that never made the original film, and how they eventually resurfaced decades later.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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Who Stole It Better? Disney, Universal, and the Battle of Borrowed Rides (Ep. 67) Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a loaded episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, blending Halloween Horror Nights buzz with theme park history and rumors.

Opening weekend reactions to HHN 2024, including Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and the controversial “deathly afraid” lanyards
RIP Ride Rockit demolition updates and Ghostbusters speculation for Universal’s front gate
Could Back to the Future replace Fast & Furious? The latest whispers from insiders
The Tooniversal deal that almost brought Looney Tunes and DC to Universal — and how its failure led to the Lost Continent
Who really stole what? Disney borrowing from Knott’s, Universal borrowing from Disney, and the chain of “borrowed” ideas that shaped Dueling Dragons

From HHN news to the “battle of borrowed rides,” Jim and Eric serve up insider scoops, history, and plenty of banter.

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Deathly Afraid Necklaces and the Origins of Dueling Dragons (Ep. 66) Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with another packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, diving into the latest Universal news, fan reports, and theme park history.

Highlights this week include:

Firsthand impressions of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, thanks to listener John T. – from house walkthroughs to surprisingly short wait times.
A look at Universal Orlando’s new “Deathly Afraid” necklace option at Halloween Horror Nights and the debate it’s sparked online.
News from the West Coast, including the Slash Bar pop-up at HHN Hollywood and the arrival of Chainsaw Man.
Updates on the new Museum of Antiquities Tribute Store packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans.
Breaking down NBC’s Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe TV special and Steven Spielberg’s surprising connection to Dark Universe.
Jim kicks off a new multi-part feature on the history of Dueling Dragons and whether Disney’s never-built Beastly Kingdom really influenced Universal’s iconic coaster.

As always, Jim and Eric mix news, rumors, and personal stories—including Eric sending his son off to college and Jim recalling how he helped break Disney’s Animal Kingdom news decades ago.

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Vegas Goes Scary: Universal Horror Unleashed and Jaws the Revenge (Ep. 65) Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with another packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast. This week, they cover everything from nostalgic movie anniversaries to Universal’s latest projects, before diving deep into the troubled history of Jaws: The Revenge.

Universal’s fall movie lineup, including The Breakfast Club’s 40th anniversary and Casper’s big-screen return
The abandoned “Casper” haunted ride concept with interactive bed vehicles
A first look at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas and early guest reactions
Farewell to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and what could be replacing it
Team Members now able to use comp tickets for Epic Universe admission
The full behind-the-scenes story of Jaws: The Revenge – from rushed production to its infamous reception

From shark sequels to theme park closures, Jim and Eric connect Universal history, news, and wild industry trivia in their signature style.

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The Orlando Theme Park That Made Jaws 3D Possible (Ep. 64) Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, starting with a surprising WWE–Disney streaming deal and ending with a behind-the-scenes look at the wild production of Jaws 3D. From scare zones to SeaWorld, this week’s show has it all.

WWE’s $1.625 billion ESPN+ deal and what it means for fans and streaming
Newly announced scare zones for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood, including murderous clowns, giant crows, and Latin American witch legends
First look at the Five Nights at Freddy’s haunted house and why Jim thinks the animatronics could be terrifying
Changes to Universal Orlando’s Stay and Scream early entry for HHN
Details on Volcano Bay Nights after-hours events in September and October
The 3D movie craze of the early 1980s and how it led to Jaws 3D
The SeaWorld connection – and how Universal almost owned it years before opening in Orlando

From horror nights hype to theme park “what ifs,” Jim and Eric share history, rumors, and personal takes in their signature mix of trivia and banter.

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Charting the Future of Epic Universe with Parklore’s Brian Krosnick (Ep. 63) Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast featuring news from Universal Orlando, Hollywood, and Las Vegas - plus a deep-dive interview with Brian Krosnick, the creative force behind Parklore.

First, the guys pay tribute to Rip Ride Rockit as its closure looms, reminisce about secret soundtracks, and preview this year’s Behind the Screams tours for Halloween Horror Nights, including the new WWE-themed haunted house and Fallout-inspired attractions. They also discuss the exclusive lights-on walkthroughs for pass members and the eerily immersive new Horror Unleashed experience opening in Las Vegas.

Then, Jim and Eric sit down with Brian Krosnick for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about his background in education, immersive museums, and how that experience led to creating Parklore - a site known for in-depth ride histories, creative full park build-outs, and innovative data visualizations that reimagine how we think about theme parks.

Saying goodbye to Rip Ride Rockit and the hidden music menu
A breakdown of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights tours
A peek inside Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
Lights-on Fallout walkthrough coming to Universal Hollywood
Road paving and construction updates at Epic Universe
An interview with Brian Krosnick of Parklore
Behind the scenes of theme park storytelling, museum design, and speculative builds
How Parklore's visualizations are changing the way we view our favorite parks

Stick around to learn how theme park history, storytelling, and smart design combine to create immersive experiences - and how fans like Brian are helping shape the conversation about where it’s all headed.

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