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

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