FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Places & Travel, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 1 May 2026

⏱️ 67 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down Universal’s ambitious FanFest 2026 event at Universal Studios Hollywood, from interactive Scooby-Doo mysteries to One Piece stunt shows and the Wizarding World’s Forbidden Forest expansion. Then, Chris Cox joins the show to share his first-ever visit to Epic Universe, offering a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and why Isle of Berk may be the park’s biggest success story. From cutting-edge attractions to operational growing pains, it’s a wide-ranging conversation about where Universal is thriving - and where it still has room to grow. NEWS • FanFest 2026 launches at Universal Studios Hollywood with limited-night immersive experiences • Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters walkthrough blends classic animation with horror icons • Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience expands using existing attraction spaces • One Piece stunt show debuts with strong fan response and anime-style action • Dungeons & Dragons walkthrough returns, leveraging Jim Henson creature work FEATURE • Chris Cox visits Epic Universe for the first time, one year after previews began • Helios Hotel access proves a major advantage for convenience and park immersion • Super Nintendo World delivers interactive gameplay, but Mario Kart divides opinions • Donkey Kong coaster struggles with downtime and long Express Pass waits • Isle of Berk stands out as the park’s most complete and family-friendly land • Ministry of Magic impresses visually, but its ride and stage show feel underdeveloped 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	Listen up.
0:01.0	Huh? That means you.
0:02.0	Yes, you. We know you're pointing at yourself. When it comes to Paddy Power Games, we've got a place made for all sorts. From the experts to the Drama Queens. It's me, the JC. The finance bros. Look at those stocks, lads. We'll stick with slots. It's what we're good at. And not forgetting you. Yes, you, the one listening.
0:40.1	Because at Paddy Power Games, we've got all sorts of games for all sorts of treacles. Eligibility rules in terms and conditions apply. Please gamble responsibly. 8 plus gamboloware.org. Hader, it's your big McDonald's hunger calling. And it's not just any kind of hunger. It's the kind that calls for big arch. Start with juicy beef, cheddar cheese and big arch sauce.
0:40.1	Oh, and don't forget those crissies. And it's not just any kind of hunger. It's the kind that calls for big arch. Start with juicy beef, cheddar cheese and big arch sauce.
0:42.2	Oh, and don't forget those crispy onions.
0:43.1	Hungry?
0:44.6	You are now.
0:48.5	Saved from 11 a.m. subject to availability.
0:50.0	Price and participation may vary.
0:52.3	Welcome back to the Epic Universal podcast.
1:00.4	I am entertainment writer Jim Hill, and this is the podcast where we cover the latest universal news, rumors, and history.
1:07.0	And as always, I'm joined by Eric Hersey here on our 101 podcast.
1:12.0	It doesn't sound quite as good when you say it like that, right?
1:17.0	Well, there's one more, you know, 101 is what we call it, so it'll be very educational. It's today.
1:18.6	Here we go.
1:19.8	For those of you who are math-challenged out there.
1:22.7	By the way, last week's show, we mentioned that the cast of Weekend on Broadway, was kind enough to wish us well for the 100th episode of this podcast, and we wanted to return the favor.
1:36.0	And again, again, we're contractually obligated to mention Wicked in every show.
1:40.5	But it turns out the folks on Broadway are actually taking part on this rather cool free public thing that's going to be happening at Rockefeller Center next month.
1:52.5	This is a month-long series of live performances called Road to Broadway.
1:58.2	And they start on May 14th and run through June 4th.
	...

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