Casper and the Universal Walkthrough That Almost Became a Ride (Ep. 102)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Places & Travel, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 8 May 2026

⏱️ 48 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the surprising legacy of 1995’s Casper, from its groundbreaking CGI effects to the Universal Studios attraction that almost happened. They also cover new Harry Potter Butterbeer snacks, surprisingly cheap Grand Helios hotel rates during Halloween Horror Nights, and what’s next for Universal’s classic Horror Makeup Show. NEWS • Universal’s Grand Helios Hotel is showing unexpectedly low rates during the opening week of Halloween Horror Nights, sparking speculation about Epic Universe strategy. • Universal officially closes the Horror Makeup Show on May 12 for a rumored refreshed version of the long-running attraction. • Permits filed for Thunder Falls Terrace renovations fuel more rumors about major changes coming to Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent area. • Harry Potter Butterbeer treats arrive at Cinnabon locations nationwide, including Butterbeer-inspired cinnamon rolls and frozen drinks. • Jim and Eric debate Butterbeer-flavored Goldfish, Hershey’s Kisses, and even Butterbeer Peeps. FEATURE • Why 1995’s Casper remains one of the most important CGI films ever made. • The surprising connection between Casper and Universal Studios Florida’s early walkthrough attractions. • How Steven Spielberg’s Casper nearly spawned a major Universal theme park ride. • The long, complicated history of cancelled Casper sequels and reboot attempts. 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 PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - ⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠ SPONSORPlanning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and now 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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Right, home from work, walk the dog, kids are back.
0:05.0	Mom!
0:06.0	Up the stairs for something.
0:08.0	Ugh, back down, no idea what I went up for.
0:12.0	Mom, what's for dinner?
0:14.0	Chop, sizzle, done.
0:17.0	Hello Fresh can't slow life down, but it makes bringing everyone together around the table a whole lot easier.
0:22.6	So it's phones down, forks up.
0:24.6	Hello Fresh. Bring back dinner time.
0:27.6	Hello.
0:28.6	Heyder, it's your big McDonald's hunger calling, and it's not just any kind of hunger.
0:34.6	It's the kind that calls for Big Arch.
0:36.6	Start with juicy beef, cheddar cheese and big arch sauce.
0:40.3	Oh, and don't forget those crispy onions.
0:42.6	Hungry?
0:43.4	You are now.
0:46.6	Saved from 11 a.m. subject to availability.
0:48.7	Price and participation may vary.
0:50.0	Welcome back to the Epic Universal podcast.
0:52.8	I'm entertainment writer Jim Hill, and this is the podcast where we cover the latest universal news, rumors, and history. And as always, I'm joined by Eric Hersey, but, but, but here's the thing. We always talk about Wicked at the top of the show. And Eric and I were just talking before we get started here.
1:11.7	We got nothing, folks. I mean, you know, it finally happened. You know, we wound up in a
1:17.0	Wicked Free Week. But you have an idea, right, Eric?
	...

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