Episodes

  • Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58)

    Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58)
    Jul 4 2025
    In this explosive Fourth of July episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey ride the rails of ghostly New England folklore and land in the middle of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights house reveals. From Norwegian monsters and homicidal dolls to the surprise announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, this episode is packed tighter than a holiday fireworks box. Then, Jim takes us on a moonshot-level deep dive into Apollo 13—the real mission, the Ron Howard film, and how a $25 model rocket and a bottle of Avian became movie magic. Along the way, they cover: The “Ghost Train” of New Boston, New Hampshire Universal’s new horror experience heading to Chicago All the newly announced HHN houses (creepy dolls, cursed villages, and more) Pizza Moon’s controversial to-go box policy Jim’s breakdown of Apollo 13, its real-life mission, and the making of the film Whether you’re into horror houses or lunar modules, this episode has something for every theme park nerd, history buff, and movie geek. 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
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57)

    Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57)
    Jun 27 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey welcome Universal Creative’s Mike Aiello for a special episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws and his own 30-year journey with the parks. From working as a teenage skipper on the iconic attraction to helping shape Halloween Horror Nights and Epic Universe, Mike shares stories of theme park transformation, Spielberg fandom, and why he always tries to sneak Bruce the Shark into his projects. Plus, Jim and Eric cover the latest on Halloween Horror Nights 34 and the mysterious Vegas haunt getting ready to open. • Mike Aiello’s origin story—from hard hats at Mel’s Diner to Universal Creative• What it was like to skipper Jaws the Ride 88 times a day• How a scareactor role led to decades of Halloween Horror Nights magic• Halloween Horror Nights’ gothic theme and original house reveals• The new “cool zone” inside the old Sinbad Theater• Why Jaws still scares—and what Spielberg got right by leaving it alone From creative tributes to personal milestones, it’s a heartfelt and fang-filled conversation with one of Universal’s biggest fans turned insider. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    47 mins
  • How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved Universal (Ep. 56)

    How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved Universal (Ep. 56)
    Jun 20 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey step up to the plate with the unbelievable true story of how a simple comedy sketch—Who’s on First—helped pull Universal Studios back from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way, they cover the box office power of How to Train Your Dragon, a surprising coaster IP twist, and the last remaining piece of the Jaws ride hiding in plain sight. Abbott & Costello’s rise from burlesque to box office saviors How Who’s on First became a studio-saving sensation Fast & Furious coaster car reveal—and Orlando’s unexpected pivot The Dragon’s Father’s Day box office fire and epic synergy New Halloween Horror Nights house starring Jason Voorhees A mysterious old bathroom with Jaws-sized history From the backlot to the ballfield, it’s one of the most unexpected—and most entertaining—episodes 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
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    52 mins
  • Slime, Slapstick, and the Secret History of Nickelodeon Studios (Ep. 55)

    Slime, Slapstick, and the Secret History of Nickelodeon Studios (Ep. 55)
    Jun 13 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TV—and what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this summer’s biggest park updates, movie tie-ins, and a few theme park throwbacks that might be making a comeback. Why Nickelodeon built a studio in Orlando—with 13 years of free rent The slime geyser, baked beans, and septic trucks of Double Dare Universal’s latest Ghostbusters tribute sparks ride rumors Megan hordes, Wicked meet-and-greets, and summer movie tie-ins FanFest returning in 2026—and the dream of bringing it to Orlando Blue Man Group’s history with Nick’s old soundstages The episode wraps with a nostalgic tribute to the Nickelodeon generation and the unexpected ways its legacy still echoes through the Universal parks. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    59 mins
  • Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien Film, and the Birth of E.T. (Ep. 54)

    Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien Film, and the Birth of E.T. (Ep. 54)
    Jun 6 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots. How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T. Rick Baker’s original designs for a much scarier alien crew Why the Bigfoot suit in Harry and the Hendersons almost wasn’t eligible for an Oscar John Lithgow’s role in reshaping the script (and the heart) of the film The connection between Predator, Harry, and Universal Studios Hollywood Why the movie’s emotional ending still holds up after 38 years Also in this episode: a new Wicked trailer drop, Hagrid’s joins Express Pass, Rip Ride Rockit gets a closing date, and Halloween Horror Nights adds Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy’s to the mix. 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
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    57 mins
  • Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney (Ep. 53)

    Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney (Ep. 53)
    May 30 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lasting impact on themed entertainment. How Disney turned down Spielberg’s offer—and why it shaped his long-term partnership with Universal The story behind Amazing Stories and its role in Spielberg’s attempt to build a brand beyond film Why Harry and the Hendersons was seen as a potential franchise—and why it never became the next E.T. Remembering Ed Gale and his roles in Howard the Duck, Child’s Play, and more Universal’s Jaws 50th anniversary celebrations and evolving How to Train Your Dragon film updates This episode blends nostalgic storytelling with industry insight, spotlighting how one filmmaker’s dream to become the next Walt Disney changed the theme park world forever. 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
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    54 mins
  • Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage, Celebrity Sightings, and the Ghost of Universal Escape (Ep. 52)

    Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage, Celebrity Sightings, and the Ghost of Universal Escape (Ep. 52)
    May 23 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park. Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous branding misfire that nearly doomed it: Universal Studios Escape. Coverage breakdown of Epic Universe’s grand opening, from live broadcasts to opening portal ceremonies Celebrity sightings include Shigeru Miyamoto, Danny Elfman, Warwick Davis, Tony Baxter, and Cody Rhodes Ygor and the monsters steal the spotlight - again -on national TV Early first-day reviews highlight light crowds, limited medallion merch, and a rough start for Battle at the Ministry Jim shares the wild history of Universal’s 1999 park expansion, including Seagram’s chaotic E-Zone plans and the “Universal Studios Escape” branding blunder How Islands of Adventure overcame early stumbles to become a flagship park - and how Epic Universe is already avoiding those same mistakes With one park officially launched and another history lesson unpacked, this episode celebrates the present while learning from the past. 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
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    52 mins
  • Why Raptor Encounter Works (and Triceratops Didn’t) (Ep. 51)

    Why Raptor Encounter Works (and Triceratops Didn’t) (Ep. 51)
    May 16 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today. The rise and fall of Triceratops Encounter, and why it never worked as a headline attraction How Raptor Encounter succeeded by being visible, fast, and built for social sharing Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe livestream and new Peacock documentary The Epic Ride Mega Movie Summer kicks off at Universal Hollywood with Jaws props and Jurassic World meet-and-greets Listener feedback: how to hack your Cabana Bay stay, plus an update on walk-around characters at Toothsomes Whether you're into classic Jurassic nostalgia or watching how Universal adapts its strategy, this episode is all about learning from the past to create blockbuster experiences. 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
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    51 mins