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Epic Universal Podcast

Epic Universal Podcast

By: Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
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About this listen

 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 2026 Politics & Government Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary World
Episodes
  • Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97)

    Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97)
    Apr 3 2026
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed, news-heavy episode as they break down a wave of updates from across Universal Parks and beyond. From Epic Universe expansion permits and annual passholder strategy to Halloween Horror Nights reveals and new Vegas experiences, this episode is wall-to-wall news. If you’ve been waiting for a full download on everything happening at Universal right now, this is the episode. NEWS • Super Mario Bros. Galaxy opens with massive box office projections, signaling strong synergy with Universal’s theme park strategy • Universal FanFest expands with new experiences, including a Scooby-Doo and classic monsters walkthrough and a One Piece live stunt show • Jurassic Park walkthrough experience quietly opens at Universal Hollywood, featuring iconic characters and interactive elements • Universal Hollywood introduces a new all-day dining pass, raising questions about guest spending and in-park strategy • Epic Universe expansion permits reveal new land development, including a briefly leaked “future attraction” • Universal begins hiring for nighttime show roles, hinting that Epic Universe entertainment is moving closer to launch • New Epic Universe annual passholder surveys explore multi-year passes and limited-access tiers • Universal continues to balance demand with controlled attendance as Epic Universe prepares for opening • Halloween Horror Nights 35 announced with Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow returning in a shared house • New “Scream Early” ticket offers guests early access to select houses before the event officially begins • Universal offers discounts to returning Premium Scream Night guests after last year’s mixed debut • Rumors swirl about a potential Fortnite-themed Halloween Horror Nights house • Universal Horror Unleashed introduces discounted “Freddy Cat” tickets for non-house access experiences • New seasonal overlay “Feaster Grievings” brings a horror-themed Easter event to Las Vegas 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 Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and Express Passes with Unlocked Magic If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Universal Horror Unleashed Review: Inside Universal’s Year-Round Vegas Horror Experiment (Ep. 96)

    Universal Horror Unleashed Review: Inside Universal’s Year-Round Vegas Horror Experiment (Ep. 96)
    Mar 27 2026
    A first-hand review of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, as Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore Universal’s bold attempt to bring Halloween Horror Nights to a permanent, year-round venue. Recording from the Luxor, the duo walks through their entire experience - from navigating Area 15 to stepping inside each house, scare zone, and live show. Eric takes on his very first full-scale Universal horror event, while Jim offers behind-the-scenes insight into how these scares are created and why they work so well. The result is a detailed, honest review of what may be the future of Universal’s horror business. HIGHLIGHTS • Full review of Universal Horror Unleashed, including location, layout, and how it compares to traditional Halloween Horror Nights • Texas Chainsaw Massacre house breakdown and why it’s a brutal first experience for newcomers • Scarecrow: The Reaping and how Universal balances original concepts with established horror IP • How “boo holes,” misdirection, and 90-second pulsing create a more intense, personal scare experience • Interactive elements including roaming characters, tarot readings, themed bars, and the Jack the Clown live show 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 If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • First Time at Universal Studios Hollywood - Does It Live Up to the Hype? (Ep. 95)

    First Time at Universal Studios Hollywood - Does It Live Up to the Hype? (Ep. 95)
    Mar 20 2026
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey record on-location from Universal Studios Hollywood as Eric experiences the park for the very first time. From the iconic tram tour to Super Nintendo World, WaterWorld, and a close-up look at the new Fast & Furious coaster, they break down what surprised them most about Universal’s original park. Plus, how Hollywood compares to Orlando and what’s next for this evolving destination. HIGHLIGHTS • Eric’s first-ever visit to Universal Studios Hollywood and how it compares to Universal Orlando • The world-famous Studio Tram Tour - what still works, what feels dated, and the impact of recent changes • A closer look at the new Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster and why it could be a game-changer for the park • WaterWorld stunt show review - why this decades-old attraction still delivers • Super Nintendo World Hollywood vs. Epic Universe - key differences in scale, immersion, and experience • Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash - an underrated dark ride that deserved better timing • CityWalk Hollywood impressions and the ongoing transformation of the resort 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 If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
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