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

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/fanfest-2026-hits-hollywood-while-epic-universe-gets-a-reality-check-with-chris-cox-ep-101
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/fanfest-2026-hits-hollywood-while-epic-universe-gets-a-reality-check-with-chris-cox-ep-101.md
Podcast: [The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663)
Published: 2026-05-01T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM5138337349.mp3?updated=1777553087
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM5138337349.mp3?updated=1777553087
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/episodes/fanfest-2026-hits-hollywood-while-epic-universe-gets-a-reality-check-with-chris-cox-ep-101
Duration seconds: 4121

## Resource

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…

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