Survey Says: Epic Universe May Join Universal’s AP Lineup (Ep. 76)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 7 November 2025

⏱️ 56 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a newly surfaced Universal guest survey that hints at Epic Universe joining the resort’s Annual Pass lineup — and what that could mean for crowds, pricing, and park strategy. Plus, Jim shares a real-life road trip saga straight out of a Hallmark movie, and the guys unpack Universal’s latest headlines from Orlando to Hollywood. NEWS A listener-sent Universal survey suggests Epic Universe may soon be included in AP tiers. Comcast’s Q3 results show a 19% jump in theme park revenue, driven by Epic’s first full quarter. The Burning Blade Tavern’s fire effect goes dark — and fans dub it “The Invisible Blade.” Jim explains why Spider-Man still appears in Universal marketing — thanks to a contract clause requiring 20% Marvel representation in Islands of Adventure ads. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz return for a brand-new Mummy sequel, proving Universal’s monster legacy isn’t dead yet. FEATUREJim continues his deep dive into Universal’s ill-fated Dark Universe — the studio’s ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe. From Dracula Untold to The Mummy (2017), discover how even A-list stars and big budgets couldn’t resurrect the undead franchise. Hosts Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com PatreonSupport Epic Universal and other Jim Hill Media shows at patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow UsFacebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer CreditsEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — where you can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including after-hours events. Visit UnlockedMagic.com today and tell them Eric and Jim sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:45.3	Welcome back to the Epic Universal podcast.
0:48.8	I'm entertainment writer Jim Hill, and this is the podcast where we cover the latest universal news, rumors, and history.
0:57.3	And as always, I'm joined by my co-host, Eric Hersey.
1:01.3	How are you doing today, Eric?
1:03.7	Jim, that is not the question.
1:05.1	That is, how are you doing today?
1:07.2	Are you still, like, are you out of breath from running around?
1:10.5	I hear that you have
1:12.1	somewhat of an epic tale yourself that happened over the last 24, 48 hours.
1:16.5	All right. Well, indulge me here, folks. I will try to keep this as short as possible.
1:23.1	But, yeah, it's been an interesting, let's say 36 hours.
1:29.6	Okay, long series short, my lovely bride, Nancy, she for months now has been planning on going on the Hallmark cruise.
1:42.1	In fact, she did it last year, so enjoyed it, as soon as the next sailing became available.
1:47.6	She, you know, booked a cabin and made plans with all of her friends online, and our friend
	...

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