Episodes

Dec. 27, 2024

The End of Rip Ride Rockit and How Universal Become a “Coaster” Theme Park (Ep. 31)

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the upcoming closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and what it means for Universal Studios Florida’s future. Highlights include: The End of Rip …
Dec. 20, 2024

Universal Orlando Holidays: Not a Trip Report (But Totally a Trip Report) (Ep. 30)

n this festive episode of The Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the magic of Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings and share exciting park updates. Episode Highlights: Universal’s Holiday Magic: Eric …
Dec. 13, 2024

Meet Earl the Squirrel: Universal’s Unlikely Holiday Icon (Ep. 29)

In this festive episode of The Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into Universal’s holiday celebrations and exciting announcements. Episode Highlights: Earl the Squirrel’s Backstory: Discover how a mischi…
Dec. 6, 2024

Baking Against the Clock: Inside Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking (Ep. 28)

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey whip up a magical blend of Harry Potter-themed baking competition updates, exciting theme park developments, and behind-the-scenes stories from Univers…
Nov. 29, 2024

Wicked Takes Center Stage: From Book to Broadway to Big Screen and Beyond (Ep. 27)

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the latest Universal news, movie milestones, and fascinating theme park updates. Episode Highlights: The Magic of Wicked: From record-breaking …
Nov. 22, 2024

Wicked, Hitchcock, and Spielberg—Oh My! (Ep. 26)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the latest Universal news and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Episode Highlights: The Opening of Wicked in Theaters: Jim and Eric discu…
Nov. 15, 2024

What $2.50 Bought You on Universal’s First Tram Tour (Ep. 25)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a range of Universal-related stories, from unique events to fascinating history: Episode Highlights: Universal’s Garage Sale: Discover the detail…
Nov. 8, 2024

Exploring Minion Land: A First-Timer’s Adventure and a Historian’s Perspective (Ep. 24)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey share a first-time experience exploring Universal's Minion Land. Jim provides unique historical insights, connecting the new attractions to Universal’s …
Nov. 1, 2024

Monsters Unleashed! Epic Universe Animatronics & Holiday Magic at Universal Orlando (Ep. 23)

In this episode of Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the jaw-dropping Classic Monsters animatronics coming to Epic Universe, with exclusive insights on Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, and mor…
Oct. 25, 2024

Pricing Revealed for Epic Universe & Hitchcock’s Haunted Legacy of Universal (Ep. 22)

In Episode 22 of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the latest details about the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open in May 2025. They dive into ticket pricing strategies, hotel…
Oct. 18, 2024

Epic Universe Opening Date and the Birth of Toothsome's Chocolate Empire (Ep. 21)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into breaking news about Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open May 22, 2025. They discuss the potential impact of t…
Oct. 11, 2024

The Sweet Origins of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: A Universal Creation (Ep. 20)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off by discussing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles touring show and the impact of Hurricane Milton on theme parks. But the main feature of t…
Oct. 4, 2024

Looney Tunes and Six Flags: The Story Behind the Characters That Almost Made It to Universal Orlando (Ep. 19)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating tale of how the Looney Tunes almost became part of Universal Orlando’s second gate. A listener question sparked a deep dive i…
Sept. 27, 2024

Why Does Toon Lagoon Exist? Exploring Universal’s Most Unusual Theme Park Area (Ep. 18)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating and perplexing world of Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They unravel the mystery behind this quirky theme par…
Sept. 20, 2024

Universal's Cartoon World That Never Was & A Look Ahead at Wicked Attractions (Ep. 17)

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive deep into Universal Studios' unbuilt Cartoon World, a project meant to pave the way for Islands of Adventure. Jim shares fascinating insights into …
Sept. 13, 2024

Discovering Diagon Alley: A Complete First-Timer's Experience (Ep. 16)

n this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take listeners on a magical journey through Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. As Eric recounts his family's first experience, Jim provides insi…
Sept. 6, 2024

Epic Universal with Eric Herseu Ep 15: Revisiting the Lost Star Trek Experiences at Universal Studios

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast , Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into various Universal Studios topics, from Halloween thrills to lost Star Trek adventures. Here’s what you can expect: Halloween Horror Nights 20…
Aug. 23, 2024

Epic Universe with Eric Hersey Ep 61-14: The difference between Disney & Universal’s destination resorts

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about viewership for the Summer Games in Paris. T hey then take a look at how Universal Pictures’ recent releases have been doing at the domestic box office Throughout…
Aug. 2, 2024

#08c Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 60-13: Inside of “Ministry of Magic” at Epic Universe

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing the info that got shared about Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park They also look back at how Universal’s hit movie from 1975 was turned into a theme park attr…
July 26, 2024

Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 59-12: How Dwayne Johnson wound up playing the Scorpion King

Eric Hersey returns from the Universal Orlando Resort and gives Jim Hill a brief glimpse of what he & his family experienced down in Central Florida. Eric & Jim then take a look at the Rock’s first film role Over the course …
July 5, 2024

Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 58-11 : Get ready for the Universal Mega Movie Parade

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing box office projections for “Despicable Me 4.” They then wrap up their series about the would-be “Van Helsing” film franchise Throughout this episode, listeners will…
June 21, 2024

Epic Universal with Eri Hersey Ep 57-10 : Dark Universe celebrates Universal’s classic monsters

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what Universal Parks & Experiences has just revealed about Epic Universe’s next land. They also continue the tale of USH’s efforts to get more monsters into that t…
June 7, 2024

Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 56-9: How soon will the Simpsons decamp for Disney World

Eric and Jim continue their look back at how USH kept trying to build a successful show around the Universal Classic Monsters
May 24, 2024

Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 55-8: What sorts of snacks are served in DreamWorks Land

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the media preview that was recently held for Universal Studios Florida’s reimagining Kidzone area. They then look back at the “Pink Panther” film series Throughout …