Epic Universal Podcast

By: Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Eric Hersey & Jim Hill have a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. They share news of the day as well as behind-the-scenes stories in a breezy, conversational style. Better yet, listeners of this podcast are regularly invited to offer their input / join the conversation. So, get ready for some Epic fun.
    Copyright Jim Hill Media 2025
    Show more Show less
Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Universal India Rumors, Tribute Store Props, and the Rise and Fall of Triceratops Encounter (Ep. 50)

    Universal India Rumors, Tribute Store Props, and the Rise and Fall of Triceratops Encounter (Ep. 50)
    May 9 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast by exploring Universal’s rumored expansion into India and taking a deep dive into one of Islands of Adventure’s most ambitious—and short-lived—attractions: Triceratops Encounter. Along the way, they talk tribute store props, Epic Universe operations, and what happens when Florida weather shuts everything down. Universal India theme park rumors emerge just hours after Disney announces a new park in Abu Dhabi Is the India story a strategic leak or a real expansion plan? Jim breaks down the global pattern Eric reacts to his family visiting the Universal tribute store without him—and the props they spotted from past Tribute Stores Annual Passholder discounts and exclusive merch deals return as Epic Universe ramps up Epic Universe extends park hours—what it means for nighttime crowds and show readiness What happens when it rains? A long list of outdoor attractions go down at Epic Universe The ambitious animatronic detail, design goals, and operational struggles behind Triceratops Encounter Why the attraction was built, how Universal trained for “high touch” interactions, and what ultimately led to its seasonal closure This episode blends the international future of Universal Parks with one of its most fascinating stories from the past—and sets the stage for the next chapter in Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic Park area. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr
  • Epic Universe Ticket Drama, TapuTapu Retires, and Triceratops Encounter Origins (Ep. 49)

    Epic Universe Ticket Drama, TapuTapu Retires, and Triceratops Encounter Origins (Ep. 49)
    May 2 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the recent uproar over Epic Universe preview ticket availability—and why Universal quietly opened the gates to everyone. Then they dive into the surprising retirement of Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu system and the fascinating history behind the short-lived Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe preview tickets go public, frustrating some Annual Passholders What low crowds and Disney discounts might reveal about this summer’s Orlando tourism outlook Universal’s guest survey tactics—and how they’re targeting Disney’s “seamless” brand language Volcano Bay announces the retirement of TapuTapu and a five-month closure for overhaul Universal Hollywood FanFest reactions and Drew Taylor’s tip for avoiding long lines The box office power of Wicked, Despicable Me, and Universal’s 360-degree promo strategy The history of Triceratops Encounter and how a 1960s Easter special led to one of Universal’s biggest animatronic swings Whether you’re here for the latest theme park headlines or the long-forgotten stories behind Universal’s creative gambles, this episode is packed with insights, speculation, and a few dinosaurs along the way. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Epic Universe First Impressions: Experiencing Battle at the Ministry & Monsters Unchained (Ep. 48)

    Epic Universe First Impressions: Experiencing Battle at the Ministry & Monsters Unchained (Ep. 48)
    Apr 25 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey share Eric’s full first impressions after visiting Epic Universe—just 27 days before its grand opening. From ride reviews to immersive lands, they explore how Universal’s newest park lives up to the hype. Plus, they discuss Annual Passholder perks, new cosplay merch, and Universal’s latest theme park innovations. Eric shares his thoughts after previewing Epic Universe for the first time New Dungeons & Dragons animatronic debuts at Universal Studios Hollywood, created in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Passholder perks, merch discounts, and alcohol restrictions tied to the Monster Makeup Experience Fan Fest Nights merch preview includes Star Trek, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more Universal’s $2B economic impact for Florida and $11B national impact highlighted by new reports This episode combines park preview excitement, detailed ride analysis, and big-picture context for Universal’s most ambitious project yet. Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 6 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup

What listeners say about Epic Universal Podcast

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
No Reviews are Available