First Time at Universal Studios Hollywood - Does It Live Up to the Hype? (Ep. 95)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 20 March 2026

⏱️ 58 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hi everyone, this is Eric, and before we get into this episode, we wanted to take this time to acknowledge our sponsor, which is Unlocked Magic.
0:08.3	If you're planning a trip to Universal Orlando or even Walt Disney World, check out Unlocked Magic.
0:13.5	They offer real discounts up to 12% off of theme park tickets.
0:17.6	With over 10 million in ticket sales, Unlocked Magic is the best option for the biggest
0:22.6	savings. Go ahead and visit Unlockedmagic.com and save today. Also, Jim and I recorded this episode
0:29.2	while we were in the actual park, so you might hear some general ambiance and probably even Bart
0:34.9	Simpson rapping. Our apologies if the quality is a bit rough.
0:39.2	But now, let's get on with the show.
0:41.3	Welcome back to the Epic Universal podcast with Eric Hersey.
0:46.6	And folks, this is Entertian writer Jim Hill,
0:49.9	and you are in for a treat because we are reporting on location.
0:55.6	In fact, what is our location right now?
0:58.4	We're just at the edge of Springfield, USA?
1:01.6	Yeah, we're just almost inside.
1:04.3	We see Radioactive Man here, and then there's also a treehouse of horror,
1:08.7	which looks like 36, if my remnant was a correct.
1:12.2	But we're actually looking right outside of the Fast and Furious Hollywood Drift,
1:16.0	new show building.
1:16.6	Yes, and all day long, we have been watching cars make their way around the track.
1:23.9	But that's cool.
1:26.0	But what's really special about this week's show is
1:28.4	this is the very first time Eric Hersey has been to Universal Hollywood.
	...

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