Epic Universal with Eric Hersey

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the various ways to park-hop at the Universal Orlando Resort. They then talk about how Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating its 60th anniversary Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When did Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first begin operates at IOA How much did “Kung Fu Panda 4” earned over its opening weekend in North America When did Hot Butterbeer go from being a seasonal thing at the Universal Parks to becoming a beverage you could get all year round How much did NBCUniversal spend to acquire Dreamworks Animation back in 2016 Which Disney Imagineer designed the original Glamour Tram for Universal Studios Hollywood back in 1964 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the change that’s reportedly in the works for “Skull Island: Reign of Kong.” They also talk about the Universal Monsters Tribute Store that just opened at CityWalk out in Hollywood Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When – according to Vin Diesel – will the “grand finale” of the “Fast & Furious” film series finally arrive in theaters Which Epic Universe attraction was being tested after dark late last week How much longer is the Peter Jackson version of “King Kong” than the original (which was released to theaters back in 1933) Which Disney Legend helped build the “King Kong Encounter” for the Universal Tram Tour back in the mid-1980s What was the one thing that Thierry Coup said that he regretted about his career in themed entertainment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Universal-related trailers that aired during Super Bowl LVIII. They then pivot to talking about that 7-minute-long Epic Universe video that debuted online last week Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Universal theme park offered its Guests the opportunity to view a trimmed down version of the Broadway musical, “Wicked” Why are fans of the Harry Potter films really going to want to check out the “House of Minalima” at Universal CityWalk Where in the still-under-construction Dreamworks Land at Universal Studios Florida can you find an over-sized spider Which two attractions were previously staged in the USF show building that currently houses “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon” How could Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games potentially impact the Universal theme parks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Jim Hill & Eric Hersey kick off a brand-new show which offers a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. Highlights include an interview with Carson Luter from Universal Creative about “Villain Con Minion Blast” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How did the 24 films that Universal Pictures released in 2023 do at the worldwide box office Which character from an Alfred Hitchcock film is paid tribute to in “Villain Con Minion Blast” What’s significant about the name Universal choses for its Texas park project, at least from a SEO perspective Which Marvel-themed attraction just closed at Universal Studios Japan What’s the secret to racking up a big score on “Villain Con Minion Blast”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how difficult it’s been to keep up with Universal Orlando’s rapidly changing COVID-related safety policies. They then discuss NBC Sports’ concerns about the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the eight-week-long promotional campaign Universal Pictures has put together to hype the June release of “F9.” They then talk about Comcast’s new marching orders when it comes to the Universal Parks & Resorts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how California’s theme parks are readying to re-open. They then discuss how the delay in the production of “Fantastic Beasts” may impact Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill first talk about how this year’s Mardi Gras celebration at the Universal Orlando Resort is different from years previous. They then talk about Universal Pictures’ plans for a movie version of “Wicked,” the long-running Broadway musical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking back at last year’s “Universal Christmas” event. They then list some of the new food & entertainment offerings which debuted this past weekend at the 2020 edition of “Holidays at Universal Orlando” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill discuss how the Universal Parks & Resorts are now transitioning from terror to tinsel. They then take a look at why “Fast & Furious 9” now seems to be taking the slow lane to theatrical release Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what happened to Fabio when “Apollo’s Chariot” opened at Busch Gardens Williamsburg back in March of 1999. They then continue their series about the horror films that launched Universal Classic Monsters, “Dracula” & “Frankenstein.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what’s different about the Universal Orlando Resort’s decision to close its Volcano Bay water theme parks for the winter. They then look back at the film (or should we says films) that actually launched the Universal Classic Monsters franchise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about those two Halloween Horror Nights houses that opened at Universal Studios Florida this past weekend. They also talk about the “Casper the Friendly Ghost” attraction that Universal Creative planned but never built. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill look back at the Summer of 2020 and discuss how the Universal Orlando Resort responded to the COVID-19 challenge. They also talk about how UOR has tweaked its ticketing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start things off by discussing whether Southern California’s theme parks will actually be open again by August 1st or will we see another coronavirus-related postponement. They then talk about how “The Bourne Stuntacular” one-ups the indoor stunt how that preceded t, “Terminator 2-3D: Battle Across Time” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices