About this episode

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss Halloween Horror Nights announcements, Universal's changes, and the history of Back to the Future: The Ride.

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the first major Halloween Horror Nights announcement for 2026, dig into Universal’s quiet decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass, and discuss what’s going on with Universal Kids Resort in Texas after a series of accidental leaks. Then Jim looks back at the creation of Back to the Future: The Ride and the forgotten Canadian simulator attraction that helped inspire it, all while tracing the career of visual effects legend Doug Trumbull. NEWS • Universal officially announces a Sinners haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood, inspired by the Oscar-winning vampire film set in 1930s Mississippi • Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood tickets go on sale with RIP Tours, Frequent Fear passes, and premium add-ons already available • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is quietly removed from Universal Orlando’s Express Pass lineup beginning July 1 • Universal’s Mega Movie Parade return is delayed until June 5 as operational adjustments continue behind the scenes • Universal Orlando prepares a Steven Spielberg Summer Tribute Store featuring Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and the upcoming Disclosure Day film •…

People in this episode

Host: Jim Hill

Guest: Eric Hersey

Topics covered

• theme parks
• Halloween Horror Nights
• Universal Studios
• visual effects
• Back to the Future
• attractions
• Universal Kids Resort

Keywords

• Halloween Horror Nights
• Universal Orlando
• Back to the Future
• Doug Trumbull
• theme park attractions
• Hagrid's removal
• Universal Kids Resort

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Universal, Universal Kids Resort, Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Orlando, Universal Studios

Books & works: Back to the Future: The Ride, Sinners, Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, Disclosure Day

Places: Texas, Toronto

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