From SpongeBob to Slime: The Story of Nickelodeon at Universal (Ep. 43)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Society & Culture, Places & Travel

4.8 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 21 March 2025

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive deep into the surprising and nostalgic story of Nickelodeon’s presence at Universal Studios Florida—from green slime to dark rides and beyond. Plus, they share the latest updates on Epic Universe and more theme park buzz. Highlights include: Nickelodeon at Universal Studios Florida: How a rent-free deal brought Nick Studios to Orlando and made Double Dare, the Slime Geyser, and Nick-themed attractions part of theme park history. Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast & SpongeBob Square Store: The rise (and fall) of Nick’s attraction presence in the park—and what stayed behind. SpongeBob in Las Vegas: Eric’s review of the new dark ride at Circus Circus and the surprising quality of this family-friendly experience. Epic Universe Parking Lot Names Revealed: Eric and Jim break down the new themed lot sections like Monster, Gamer, and Hero. Universal Hollywood’s Free Parking Updates: What new perks mean for Gold and Platinum passholders—and why free parking hours don’t always make sense. Rumors of Universal’s ‘Mega Movie Summer’: Alicia Stella uncovers a new trademark hinting at a possible new event or seasonal promotion. Rankin/Bass & Classic Media Catalog: Jim unpacks the forgotten goldmine of IP (like Rudolph, Casper, and Rocky & Bullwinkle) that Universal owns but rarely uses. From ‘90s nostalgia to Epic Universe speculation, this episode is packed with trivia, theme park deep dives, and classic Nickelodeon vibes! 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

Transcript

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0:45.1	Welcome back to the Epic Universal Podcast.
0:48.5	I'm entertainer writer Jim Hill, and this is the podcast where we cover the latest universal news, rumors, and history.
0:58.3	And as always, I'm joined by Eric Hersey, who, it's the 21st.
1:06.0	It's the first day of spring.
1:07.8	What are you doing?
1:09.3	Oh, listen, Jim, I think we're already in baseball season. I go from one kid's sport to the next. I saw a meme the other day that was saying one kid is like one kid. Two kids is like five kids. And then three kids is like three thousand four hundred kids, a tornado and a donkey. that's how i feel that literally is how i feel
1:29.5	having three kids in different sports like my goodness so we we are now in baseball season so that's
1:35.2	where my springs go in spring training uh how about but i'm excited that it is uh not necessarily
1:40.5	the 14 years of winter that it seemed like this year. And it's finally.
1:47.5	So how are you, what are you planning for this spring, Jim?
1:49.6	How are you feeling with a little bit more daylight?
1:55.1	Well, I love your, your stories about being a dad with that many kids. I mean, my ex and I, Michelle, we only had the one.
1:58.4	We had the lovely Alice, who by the way, turned 31 earlier this
2:03.5	week. And what's the old cliche? God only gives you as much as you can handle. And I have to say,
2:13.1	I don't think God looked at myself and my ex-Michel and said, no, no, no.
2:20.0	Alice sort of redefined ease of use.
2:24.2	She was a great toddler and a great teen.
2:28.1	And maybe when she gets into her 40s, she'll become challenging.
2:32.0	But no, great kid and certainly, I love that
	...

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