Podcasts about Dark universe

In 2004 Universal attempted the impossible, recreate the success of The Mummy reboot from 1999 using the classic monsters of old. At it turns out that was impossible and would continue to be so until The Invisible Man in 2020. Over the next four weeks we're going to take a look at a series of movies that each tried to start their own Dark Universe incorporating classic movie monsters. This week it's Van Helsing starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale which pits Gabriel Van Hesling against a really bizarre version of Dracula. Thanks for watching our Caravan Of Garbage reviewSUBSCRIBE HERE ►► http://goo.gl/pQ39jNHelp support the show and get early episodes ► https://bigsandwich.co/Patreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesJames' Twitter ► http://twitter.com/mrsundaymoviesMaso's Twitter ► http://twitter.com/wikipediabrownPatreon ► https://patreon.com/mrsundaymoviesT-Shirts/Merch ► https://www.teepublic.com/stores/mr-sunday-movies The Weekly Planet iTunes ► https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-weekly-planet/id718158767?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 The Weekly Planet Direct Download ► https://play.acast.com/s/theweeklyplanetAmazon Affiliate Link ► https://amzn.to/2nc12P4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2022, Dylan Roth and Dalton Deschain set out to finish writing the Dark Universe that began and ended with Universal's 2017 remake of The Mummy. Three years and 29 scripts later, they're embarking on a whole new journey, leaving the realm of fan fiction behind to write, workshop, and perform an entire new universe of imaginary movies on their podcast. You are now entering... THE POD UNIVERSE. This episode was sponsored by three independent creative projects: PV Guide - Ditch the algorithm with PV Guide, featuring recommendations, reviews, and interviews from former Polygon senior curation editor Pete Volk. Forget the robots: Find what to watch next with a human touch. Vampirocene by merritt k. - When viral pop star Janie Mack "comes out" as a vampire, most people think it's just a play for attention. But when she launches a new movement to stop climate change, people start listening... Bloodbound by Chase McPherson - Bloodbound is a gripping saga of identity, resilience, and redemption—where every choice could save two worlds… or doom them both. Learn more at byChaseMcP.com for direct links to your favorite online book retailers. Want to promote your art on our show? Look us up at thepoduniverse.com for details. CHAPTERS 00:00:00 - What is the Pod Universe? 00:38:00 - Sponsor: PV Guide 00:40:15 - Slate Reveal, Part 1 00:58:52 - Sponsor: Vampirocene 01:01:11 - Slate Reveal, Part 2 01:14:03 - Sponsor: Bloodhound 01:19:28 - Pod People teaser trailer

In this week's episode, I look at what goes into a successful theme park, and compare it to the process of creating a compelling story. This coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragontiarna series at my Payhip store: FALLDRAGON25 The coupon code is valid through September 8, 2025 (please note the shorter expiration date). So if you need a new ebook this fall, we've got you covered! TRANSCRIPT 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 266 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller and today is August 29th, 2025, and today we are considering if theme parks are like writing. Before we get into this topic, we'll have Coupon of the Week and then a progress update on my current writing projects. This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebooks in the Dragontiarna series at my Payhip store, and that coupon code is FALLDRAGON25. And as always, we'll have the coupon code and links in the show notes for this episode. This coupon code is only valid through September 8, 2025. That's only one week, so if you want to use it, act now. And if you need a new ebook for fall, we have got you covered. Now an update on my current writing projects. I am 63,000 words into Blade of Flames, the first book in my new epic fantasy Blades of Ruin series, and I think 63,000 words puts me about almost two thirds of the way through. I think the book will end up being between 90,000 and 100,000 words, so hopefully we are on track to have that out before the end of September. I'm also 5,000 words into Cloak of Worlds, which will be the 13th book in the Cloak Mage series. And if all goes well, I think that will probably be out in October, towards the end of October, maybe a Halloween book. In audiobook news, recording is still underway for Shield of Power (that will be excellently narrated by Brad Wills); we're coming up on the end of that, so should have some good news on that before too much longer. Recording is underway for Ghost in the Siege, and that will be excellently narrated by Hollis McCarthy. So that is where I am at with my current writing and audiobook projects. Some good progress this week. 00:01:53 Main Topic: What Epic Universe Can Teach Us About Creating Memorable Characters Now on to our main topic this week: are theme parks like writing and what theme parks can teach us about creating memorable characters and settings. I have to admit, this is an unusual topic for me because I am not really a theme park person. I have several family members who are interested in the history of Disney Corporation, so I've picked up some through osmosis, but that's essentially it. This topic was suggested by my podcast transcriptionist, and it was an interesting idea, so I thought we would go with it. I don't really know all that much about theme parks. As I mentioned, I'm not really in the target audience and I'm not in the sort of demographic where I would watch, for example, someone's four hour live stream through the latest Disney attraction or whatever. Though I did watch the video that Jenny Nicholson put out last summer about her experience with the Star Wars “hotel”, and I think that was interesting as a piece of essentially documentary journalism depicting a tale of sort of corporate greed and cost cutting and how that can lead to inevitable failure. But that is a bit of a tangent from our main topic, which is whether or not writers can learn anything from theme parks. I did pick up enough through osmosis from the history of Disney to know that in the early days before the Disney Corporation became as sort of corporatized and cost cutting as is now, that when they built a new attraction, the attraction had to be able to tell a story, like there was some sort of a story that needed to be told or an essential narrative that needed to be followed through the layout of the attraction so the guests, if they were paying attention, would be told a story. So apparently the big news in the theme park universe this year is that Universal opened a new theme park called Universal Epic Universe in Florida in May 2025. The park is built on a central hub, which then divides out into five intellectual property based lands like Super Nintendo World with all of the Mario characters. What's interesting is that two of the five lands in the theme park are directly based on content that began as book series, the How to Train Your Island- Isle of Berk (which was originally written by Cressida Cowell) and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic, which was originally written by J.K. Rowling. One other land, The Dark Universe, draws heavily on the Frankenstein story, which was originally written by Mary Shelley (among other creatures like Dracula, who as a character originated in Bram Stoker's novel in the 19th century). Now, what does this have to do with writing? I mean, for most writers, the idea of becoming popular enough that people build theme parks based on your characters is probably a bit unrealistic as a career goal. However, I think there are lessons that can be learned there for writers about holding the interest and compelling readers. All three of the intellectual properties we discussed previously were more often known for their movie adaptations than the books they were originally based upon. But we can learn what makes memorable characters and settings in the book series and how a theme park would draw upon a beloved book series to generate ticket, merchandise, and food sales. I think it is both fair to say and a profound understatement that books, movies, and theme parks are wildly different kinds of art forms. However, the fundamental principles of storytelling, of world building do seem to apply across all three. So let's take a look at some of those principles. Part I: Creating Fictional Worlds Memorably People like distinct and creative worlds that make them feel immersed in something beyond mundane reality, even if that reality is not safe, easy, or pleasant. In all three stories that inspire these theme parks, the main character faces something that no one has before. Harry Potter readers can imagine that they're an owl delivery letter away from arriving at a new school full of friends, magic, and danger. How to Train Your Dragon lets readers soar through the air while rescuing a lovable dragon from a dark fate. Dragon riders are considered to be a special group of people in this world. Frankenstein allows us to imagine a world where humans are powerful enough to have power over life and death itself, though in the grand tradition of science fiction and horror, this always goes horribly wrong. After all, creating an artificial life form did not end particularly well for Victor Frankenstein in the first book. And where this comes into theme parks is that readers want to find a way to be included in the fictional world. In Harry Potter, readers can imagine which house they're sorted into based on personality traits. By choosing a house in the Hogwarts school or magic wands whose components reflect their personalities, they feel more included in the story because they know where they would belong in it. Many, many, many young adult series since then have tried to include some sort of factions or special lands or organizations in their stories for this reason, but it never seems to land quite as well as it did in the Harry Potter series. Though to be honest, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry seems like it would be immediately shut down if any sort of educational authority or ministry of education or department of education ever investigated it because it (laughs) is not a well-run school. In How to Train Your Dragon, dangerous dragons are not only faced, they're befriended and protected. Something frightening becomes a chance to feel powerful and help others. And readers often enjoy reading about dark creatures or villains like Frankenstein's monster because it makes the real world seem more secure or stable by comparison or because they feel like misfits or outcasts and can sympathize with these characters. Now, for writers, specific world building details often are very distinct things that readers remember, sometimes even more than the plot. For myself, that's worked advantageously with several of my different settings where some of the distinct details of the Cloak Games settings or the Half-Elven Thief settings stick in people's minds. For the examples we're talking about here, some readers might remember a biting textbook, a flying broomstick, or what's on the Hogwarts banquet table more than they remember the plots of the individual Harry Potter movies or books. Now for the theme parks, Universal Studios capitalizes on this and makes money by creating merchandise and food items from those moments in the books, and they give visitors an opportunity to buy a nice cold glass of Butterbeer or a t-shirt from their Hogwarts house. And that feels more special than buying a pair of, for example, Mickey Mouse ears because they have a preexisting connection with Harry Potter, and though it's extremely unlikely that any of us will end up owning a theme park, as writers, don't be afraid of adding details like that, very specific details like that to the world building because it does help create a distinctive atmosphere and help the readers connect with the story. Part II: Investing Audiences in Your Characters Now onto part two, investing audiences in your characters. It's a good idea to find a way to make the readers root for your characters. Harry Potter and Toothless the dragon both begin as scrawny, unloved, and unimpressive, but they rise in the face of danger to become brave and important. When characters team up in a structured way, such as Dumbledore's Army or the creation of the Berk Training Academy, it gives the readers a chance to imagine how they could join the main characters and be part of the group. It's also important to remember a character doesn't have to be likable to be memorable, though obviously this often works better for villains. For example, Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter is a very memorable character, even though she's totally unsympathetic and unlikable because she represents a sort of bureaucratic, pettiness, and evil that we inevitably all have to deal with at some point in our lives, whether in school or dealing with various bureaucracies (whether government or corporate) as we get older. Frankenstein's creature likewise isn't always likable, though he is sympathetic because he didn't ask to be created. His creator mistreated him. He tried to fit into human society and totally failed. So while he does many morally reprehensible things like for example, murdering Victor Frankenstein's bride to be, nonetheless he retains an element of sympathy because if he's a monster, it's because Victor Frankenstein created him to be a monster. Even when his decisions aren't ideal or are quite bad, his loneliness and curiosity are still deeply relatable. Part III: Adapting To Grow With Your Audience Now, Part III, adapting to grow with your audience/adding new characters to an existing world or an interconnected series. Don't be afraid to age up your characters and change them across a series. In Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragons, the characters age through series and face new and more complex challenges. Watching characters change is a great way to make them feel more lifelike and give them new complexities. I was reminded of that very recently with the publication of Ghost in the Siege, where I believe that is the 34th novel with Caina as the main character. Obviously she has changed and grown quite a bit since that first book all those years ago and some part of the plot was Caina coming to terms with how much she's changed and how much she's changed as a result of what she's had to do to save people she cares about, which is kind of an interesting comparison to the fact that I found it a bit challenging to write the book just because Caina has changed so much from her original start in trying to find a way to write that while remaining true to the character. Given how well the book has been received (thanks, everyone!), I think I might have landed on the mark for that one. If you want to continue in the world and write another series in the world, it's usually a good idea to include some carryover characters between the series. I've done that a lot with Frostborn, Sevenfold Sword, Dragontiarna, Dragonskull, and Shield War, where some characters continue over between the series. In the theme park, for example, in the Dark Universe, Dr. Victoria Frankenstein continues the work of her ancestor, Victor Frankenstein. That can also help to remind readers why they like the series so much by bringing back favorite characters. Returning to favorite locations in the series is a way to keep fans engaged, as long as it makes sense or fits the story. Give your books emotionally satisfying, not necessarily happy conclusions. Give them a chance to say goodbye to characters in places they've come to care about. Remember, the ending doesn't have to be happy. It doesn't have to be sad. It can be a bit of both. But what is important above all else is that the ending provides emotional resolution to the emotional conflicts and stakes raised within the story. Anything else and the readers will feel cheated. And now the conclusion. Fortunately, your readers won't have to wait in line for two hours to experience your characters the way that Epic Universe visitors must. But it's a testament to strong writing that people are willing to pay very large sums of money to do that, especially in Florida where the heat and the extreme humidity are constant, especially in summer. It's proof that well-developed settings, memorable characters, and immersive plots are important to readers and go a long way. Although you and I will probably not ever be theme park owners and I do not plan to ever go to Florida and go to Epic Universe, you can learn from how they build and maintain the relationship between their intellectual properties and their paying guests. Remember that you want compelling characters, a good story, and a satisfying conclusion. So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes at https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave your review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.  

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with another packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, diving into the latest Universal news, fan reports, and theme park history. Highlights this week include: Firsthand impressions of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, thanks to listener John T. – from house walkthroughs to surprisingly short wait times. A look at Universal Orlando's new “Deathly Afraid” necklace option at Halloween Horror Nights and the debate it's sparked online. News from the West Coast, including the Slash Bar pop-up at HHN Hollywood and the arrival of Chainsaw Man. Updates on the new Museum of Antiquities Tribute Store packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans. Breaking down NBC's Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe TV special and Steven Spielberg's surprising connection to Dark Universe. Jim kicks off a new multi-part feature on the history of Dueling Dragons and whether Disney's never-built Beastly Kingdom really influenced Universal's iconic coaster. As always, Jim and Eric mix news, rumors, and personal stories—including Eric sending his son off to college and Jim recalling how he helped break Disney's Animal Kingdom news decades ago. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom and Jenny discuss the latest entry in Universal’s “Dark Universe,” Leigh Whannell’s take on the Wolf Man character. Audio version: Video version: Please support us on Patreon! Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram. Also check out Jenny's horror channel, The Scare Salon, and her true crime channel, Crime Immemorial. … Continue reading Movie Time: Wolf Man (2025)

This week our pals Glen and Rebecca take us along to explore the Lands of Epic Universe – including the innovative Nintendo Land, the alluring Dark Universe, the heartwarming Isle of Berk from ‘How to Train Your Dragon,' and the magically engaging world of Harry Potter. Featuring: Reach Momma and Auntie Judy for trip planning – TravelinTiaras@gmail.com Contribute to the show at www.patreon.com/geekinonwdw Show tshirts available at our Teepublic store Email me at curt.stone@GeekinOnWDW.com

This month's episode of the bonus pod, Are You Afraid of Dylan & Dalton? is free for everybody, and there's even a video version available on our YouTube channel! Become a Patron at Patreon.com/DylanAndDalton to get access to the whole series and all future episodes. (Most of them are just audio, but we've been doing more video episodes lately!) This month's Studio Mandate, selected by one of our Patrons, is "Harry and the Hendersons!" How will Dylan & Dalton reimagine this 1987 family film into a canonical chapter in our bootleg Dark Universe? We've got movies to review, including the head-to-head superhero blockbusters Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman! PLUS: It's the final installment of our first movie exchange series, "Treks Education" and "The Dalterion Collection." Dalton completes their mandated watchthrough of the entire Star Trek film series with 2016's Star Trek Beyond, while Dylan watches one last prestige picture in "The Wicker Man!" What did they think? Click on through to find out. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Intro! 00:02:59 - Bev Check 00:05:45 - Dylan & Dalton At Da Movies 00:06:04 - 28 Years Later 00:07:45 - Presence 00:08:43 - Final Destination: Bloodlines 00:11:51 - Interview with the Vampire 00:13:49 - Eddington 00:18:03 - Oh, Hi! 00:21:20 - Fantastic Four: First Steps & Superman 00:28:17 - Studio Mandate: Harry & the Hendersons 00:37:32 - Our pitch for Harry & the Hendersons 00:49:37 - Dylan guest stars on Original Podcast Do Not Steal 00:51:47 - What's next after Treks Education & The Dalterion Collection? 00:55:46 - Treks Education - Star Trek Beyond 01:07:07 - Dalton's final Star Trek rankings 01:13:21 - The Dalterion Collection - The Wicker Man

PTR and the returning Chelsea Rebecca (Dead Meat) don capes and cloaks and little half masks to travel undetected through Epic Universe's new monster-themed land. Do they enjoy the dyed food and gentleman monsters?  "⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Michael Graves Causeway" episode is up at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/PodcastTheRide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW PODCAST: THE RIDE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/PodcastTheRide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/podcasttheride⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BUY PODCAST: THE RIDE MERCH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.teepublic.com/stores/podcast-the-ride⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PODCAST THE RIDE IS A FOREVER DOG PODCAST ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foreverdogpodcasts.com/podcasts/podcast-the-ride⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The episode James has been waiting for is finally here. We hope it doesn't SUCKKKKK BLEGHHHHHH VAMPIRE NOISES.Hear all about the best ride at Epic Universe, some spooktacular meet and greets, and a land built entirely out of aura.Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, review, comment, share, and do the mash.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/cticketpodCHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE:https://youtube.com/@cticketpod?si=ig6ODv0zvbaXuFPhFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@cticketpodINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/cticketpod/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/CTicketPodEMAIL US:cticketpod@gmail.comMERCH AVAILABLE NOW!https://www.teepublic.com/user/the-c-ticket-podcastThe C-Ticket Podcast: It's not the best theme park podcast, but it's probably somebody's favorite!Hosted by Nick D'Ambrosia and James PerlasMusic:Delightful D Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

In this week's episode, the team discusses their full experience after visiting Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe. With so much to say regarding our opinions, tips, tricks, do's, and don'ts, this is one you will not want to miss if you plan on visiting Epic Universe any point soon!This episode is the 2nd of two parts, with this episode containing anything and everything involving Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and Dark Universe. We also give our full attraction rankings for Epic Universe. In episode 76, we discussed our experience inside Celestial Park and Isle of Berk!So sit back, relax, and hope you enjoy our episode featuring Jarrett, Piper, Jake Lindsey, and Jacob!Remember, if you enjoy what you hear, and want more content, or just want to support the show, why not do both?! Head to patreon.com/wtmhpodcast to join our Magic Mafia today!Support the show

You didn't think we'd go radio silent for August, did you? While we toil away at the next phase of our show, we'll be keeping the party going by releasing a few of our favorite bonus episodes — usually exclusive to our Patreon — onto the main feed. Enjoy! Sign up at Patreon.com/DylanAndDalton to enjoy more goofy nonsense like this. Originally published to Patreon on February 16th, 2025. On this episode, D&D stray from the path and grant one Patron's wish: to create a Dark Universe version of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods! Dalton has an unexpected reaction to one of Trek fandom's least favorite features, and Dylan auditions Audition! Heads up that we will be FULLY spoiling Audition. PLUS: The hosts try to agree on when the last good Marvel movie was. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Intro and Dylan's Makeover 00:02:34 - Bev Check 00:07:42 - Dylan & Dalton At Da Movies - Babygirl, Flow, Emilia Perez, The Brutalist, Captain America: Brave New World 00:18:52 - When was the last good Marvel movie? 00:23:54 - Studio Mandates - Into the Woods 00:54:33 - Treks Education - Star Trek: Insurrection 01:08:37 - Dalton's updated Trek rankings 01:12:12 - The Dalterion Collection - Audition FULL SPOILERS

It is a pleasure to welcome actor Jacob Skidmore to The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.Jacob is one of Hollywood's next breakout stars thanks to his starring turn as AJ in the popular Netflix series, Trinkets. He also provided the English dubbing voice for Mark in Boom Boom Bruno and Alex in Viaje de fin de curso: Mallorca.  Recently, Jacob starred as Sebastian Bousman in SKILL HOUSE. Written and directed by Josh Stollberg (Spiral: From the Book of Saw), SKILL HOUSE is a horror thriller that delivers a chilling commentary on the dark side of influencer culture, taking the audience on a shocking, unfiltered journey through the dangerous obsessions with fame. Bryce Hall, Hannah Stocking, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Neal McDonough, Gunner Burkhardt, Paige VanZant, and Rumer Willis also star in the film.Beyond his work in film, Jacob is deeply passionate about LGBTQ representation and inclusion in entertainment, using his platform to advocate for more diverse, authentic storytelling that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. As Hollywood continues to evolve, Jacob is committed to being part of the movement pushing for meaningful change—both on-screen and behind the scenes.On this episode of The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Jacob Skidmore previewed SKILL HOUSE, described the “dark side of influencer culture,” and reminisced about filming Trinkets. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

Last week we took you on a journey exploring the amazing thrills of Universal’s Epic Universe and diving into the colorful worlds of Super Nintendo World and Dark Universe. This week we’re taking you even deeper. Get ready to step into the enchanting Ministry of Magic—where wizardry and secrets await—and set sail to the legendary […]

Halloween Horror Nights Orlando announced two "all-new street experiences - "Mel's Die-In Zombies," featuring zombie carhops, and "Club Horror," featuring undead DJs. While we've seen 'street' shows in prior years, they're not typically announced and this could mean a stronger entertainment for this year's event. Also: The Texas Haunters Convention is this weekend; Summerween Spurs Creativity and Spooky Vibes Before Fall Celebrations; Applications Now Open for the Haunted Attraction Association's Award Winning Haunts Program; "Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition" to Feature Halloween Horror Nights & Dark Universe; Official Teaser Released for Stranger Things: Season 5. Read more here.

This episode continues a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and enjoy new Disney experiences like Tiana's Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This episode is Part 3 of our Universal Epic Universe day. We discuss our second visit to Dark Universe, including our encounter with Elias the Hunter, dinner at the Atlantic, the fountain show, and our final thoughts on Epic Universe. What did you think of our adventures? Let us know at show@magicourway.com or call at 815-669-4226, or slide into our social media DMs. Every thought and opinion will forever be welcome on this Disney fan podcast. This is show #586.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Chad Pennycuff (My DVC Points Podcast), we're diving deeper into Universal Orlando's brand-new theme park: Epic Universe — and there's so much more to explore! After attending the Grand Opening event for media, I share my insight on the parks along with Chad's an Orlando local and "theme park junkie."This episode covers:

Ever wondered what it would be like to stroll through a classic monster movie? Or race alongside Mario and friends? This week, we’re unlocking the secrets of Epic Universe’s Dark Universe and Super Nintendo World! We’ll tell you what to expect, what not to miss, and how to make the most of your visit! Sandy […]

In the final episode before the big relaunch, Dylan & Dalton take one last look at the film that started it all, 2017's The Mummy, and try and figure out what they'd do differently if they'd been able to start the Dark Universe totally from scratch. Then, at long last, we answer as many fan questions as possible before closing Death's Door for good. PLUS: A clip from this month's new episode of the bonus pod, in which we pitch a Dark Universe horror-western based on a forgotten Universal flick, Curse of the Undead. Become a subscriber at Patreon.com/DylanAndDalton to listen to all of our bonus episodes, plus join our lovely Discord community. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Intro & why we're remote this week 00:04:04 - Reflecting on Hell on Earth 00:19:12 - Dylan & Dalton watch The Mummy (2017) AGAIN. 00:31:01 - How would we have done the Dark Universe? 00:54:00 - Clip from the Bonus Pod 00:55:53 - Fan questions: Process 01:30:23 - Fan questions: Hypotheticals 01:42:01 - Fan questions: Semantics 01:46:46 - Fan questions: Kudos

This episode continues a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and enjoy new Disney experiences like Tiana's Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This episode is Part 2 of our Universal Epic Universe day. We discuss our first visit to Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and the Battle at the Ministry, The Blue Dragon restaurant, Dark Universe, Isle of Berk, Flora Taverna, and Hiccup's Winged Gliders. What did you think of our adventures? Let us know at show@magicourway.com or call at 815-669-4226, or slide into our social media DMs. Every thought and opinion will forever be welcome on this Disney fan podcast. This is show #585.

In this week's episode, the team discusses their full experience after visiting Universal's newest theme park, Epic Universe. With so much to say regarding our opinions, tips, tricks, do's, and don'ts, this is one you will not want to miss if you plan on visiting Epic Universe any point soon!This episode will be split up into two parts, with this episode containing anything and everything involving Celestial Park, and Isle of Berk. Our 2nd part of the episode, we will discuss our experience at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and also give you each of our attraction rankings from last to first!So sit back, relax, and hope you enjoy our episode featuring Jarrett, Piper, Jake Lindsey, and Jacob!Remember, if you enjoy what you hear, and want more content, or just want to support the show, why not do both?! Head to patreon.com/wtmhpodcast to join our Magic Mafia today!Support the show

Louie recently got back from a trip to Epic Universe (Orlando, Florida) and finally got to check out the highly anticipated Dark Universe, the new land themed around the Universal Monsters. He shares his thoughts on the attractions, food, merch, and more in this episode, along with deciding if it lived up to the legacy of these iconic characters from horror history.   Support Haunted Hangover over on Patreon and gain early access to episodes, exclusive bonus content, and more: https://www.patreon.com/HauntedHangover31   Check out the video versions of our episodes over on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/Hauntedhangover   Official Site: https://www.hauntedhangover.com Official Store: https://hauntedhangover31.bigcartel.com/   Follow us on all social media platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hauntedhangover Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/hauntedhangover Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HauntedHangover31 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hauntedhangover

This episode continues a series of shows retelling stories from our June 2025 podcast trip. Danny, Eli, and Kevin traveled down to Central Florida to say goodbye to MuppetVision 3D, have an Epic day, and enjoy new Disney experiences like Tiana's Bayou Adventure and the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. This episode is Part 1 of our Universal Epic Universe day. We discuss Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, The Blue Dragon restaurant, Dark Universe, and Monsters Unchained. What did you think of our adventures? Let us know at show@magicourway.com or call at 815-669-4226, or slide into our social media DMs. Every thought and opinion will forever be welcome on this Disney fan podcast. This is show #584.

Back in April, Dylan & Dalton sat down to decide how to end their Dark Universe. This is the entire story break meeting in which the two hosts determined how to make their two separate visions for Dark Legion: Hell on Earth into one cohesive story. IN TWO WEEKS: One last look back through Death's Door, before venturing out into a new frontier... TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Planning 00:22:46 - Field of Nightmares Deleted Post-Credits Scene 00:25:12 - Planning Continued 00:59:13 - The Ending

Have you ever considered the lighter side of dark matter? Comedy has proved an unexpectedly succesful way to engage people with science - as today's guest knows first-hand. Astrophysicist Catherine Heymans is a Professor at the University of Edinburgh and the current Astronomer Royal for Scotland. She's spent her career studying dark matter and dark energy: the mysterious ingredients that make up an estimated 95% of our cosmos, but which we still know surprisingly little about. Using increasingly powerful telescopes, both on earth and in space, Catherine has spent years building detailed maps of dark matter - even to the extent of capturing rare images of this mysterious cosmic component.On top of her research achievements, she's committed to making science accessible to all; not least by taking an astronomy-themed comedy show to the Edinburgh Festival and beyond. In conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Catherine talks about her passion for sharing the joys of astrophysics - and reveals how health challenges over the last few years have forced her to readdress her career, her ambitions and even her sense of self... Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor

Andy and Martin open the crypt of Universal Classic Monsters to discuss the modern prometheus, the monster of Frankenstein! In anticipation of Guillermo Del Toro's upcoming adaptation of the original novel, the duo discuss the history of Frankenstein on film and focus on a few of their favorite takes on the story.

Three years ago, we resurrected the Dark Universe. Now, we're ending it. It's the finale to the Death's Door Saga, and this era for our podcast. We're so grateful to everyone who's been with us for this journey, and we're so excited to embark on a new one. In two weeks, as always, we'll post the complete story break session we recorded before writing the script to Dark Legion: Hell on Earth, then one more episode to wrap up our Dark Universe experiment. After that? A blank page... TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Start 00:02:43 - Act Three 01:17:29 - Credits 01:22:19 - Post-Credits Scene 01:23:47 - Discussion And now, a bunch of credits and acknowledgments, which may contain spoilers. STARRING Julian Ames as Larry Talbot Ella Dawson as Jennifer Halsey Dalton Deschain as Nick Morton & Victor Frankenstein Anique Evans as Marya Zaleska and Emily Abe Goldfarb as The Master, Henry Jekyll, and Eddie Hyde Jenna Kass as Caroline Clerval Tyler McCall as Carol's Mother Victoria McNally as Angela Rachel Millman as Gwen Conliffe Sarah Norcross as Evelyn O'Connell and Young Carol Sam Paxton as Arm Demon & Carol's Father Dylan Roth as Dracula & Rick O'Connell Steph Salo as Carol Laemmle Joe Stando as Jack Griffin Frankie Starker as Ahmanet Andy Webb as Dr. Chapman and Chris Vail Kendra Wells as Hunter Marin And Patrick Willems as David MUSIC Original score by Dylan Roth Includes themes from "The Mummy" by Jerry Goldsmith, "The Mummy Returns" by Alan Silvestri, "The Mummy" by Brian Tyler "DESTROYA" by My Chemical Romance "Love Never Dies" by Andrew Lloyd Webber "Stork & Owl" by TV on the Radio "We're the Dark" by Dylan Roth

We continue our deep dive into EPIC UNIVERSE, Universal's newest park that opened in Orlando, Florida on May 22, 2025. Host Jessica Gardner, along with correspondents Doug Perry, Gerik Gooch, returning guest Brichette Reid, and first-time guest Gregory Golub break down the must-see park's worlds, mind-blowing innovations, and everything you need to know. Whether you're trip-planning or just Celestian-curious, this two part episode is your front-row seat to the future of immersive entertainment. Worlds Featured in Part 2 - Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic, How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk   1:00 - Dark Universe 23:24 - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic 1:06:40 - How To Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk 1:23:00 - Is Epic Universe good for kids?  1:30:00 - Overall thoughts and Advice      Podcast Episode Team Host: Jessica Gardner Producers: Derek Perry and Doug Perry Editors: Bob Randolph and Derek Perry Correspondent: Gerik Gooch Production Manager: Corey Wooten

It's Act Two of our massive saga-ending crossover, and this time, we'll see you in Hell. Only one episode left in the Death's Door Saga, coming in just three days... There are some MAJOR SPOILERS in the cast credits below, so most of this description is going to be us warning you to stop scrolling. Last chance to avoid cast spoilers. Okay, here we go. FEATURING THE VOICES OF... Julian Ames as Larry Anique Evans as Marya Abe Goldfarb as Jekyll & Hyde Jenna Kass as Caroline Tyler McCall as Mother Victoria McNally as Angela Sarah Norcross as Evelyn and Girl Sam Paxton as Father Joe Stando as Jack Frankie Starker as Ahmanet Andy Webb as Dr. Chapman Kendra Wells as Hunter and Patrick Willems as David TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Start 00:06:03 - Act Two 00:38:25 - Discussion 00:44:15 - Act Two Continued 01:28:01 - Discussion

What if there were a place where you could portal back to the wonder you felt as a kid? Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida, is a real-life, tangible immersion into worlds you couldn't actually visit...until now.  Epic Universe is more than a nostalgic journey through the past. It's your passport into a world where the impossible comes to life right before your very eyes!What You'll Learn: 2:36 What's special about Orlando's Super Mario Land3:26 Donkey Kong's US debut7:09 A fun and furious Viking flight in Isle of Berk9:17 Why Celestial Park is the place to be after dark10:57 Monster transformations at Dark Universe17:40 A visit to Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic20:52 The most technologically advanced ride at the parkToday, host Angie Orth is on location at Epic Universe, bringing you firsthand accounts of what it's like to visit the places we once thought were just make-believe. She interviews the people behind the making of these whimsical lands, learning how they came to life and the inspiration behind the magic. You'll experience the childlike wonder of worlds like Nintendo's Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country. You'll dig into the viral Mac N' Cheese Cones on the Isle of Berk (but you might have to share with the fire-breathing dragons). You'll take a 7 million star-lit journey through Celestial Park. You'll go deep into the monstrous underworld of Dark Universe, then grab a Butterbeer at the Ministry of Magic. Guests Featured:Andrew Padua, Creative Director for Super Nintendo WorldAnthony Armenia, Universal ProductsAnitra Pritchard, Senior Manager of Show Direction, Casting, and Creative SupportChristopher Colon, Executive Sous Chef, Research & Development Cathy Fisher, SVP of Parks Global MerchandisePete Carcillo, Senior Creative Director of Dark UniverseGary Blumenstein, Senior Director of Creative DirectionConnect with:Universal Epic UniverseWhat are YOU most excited to experience at Epic Universe? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaa-auto-club-enterprisesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprises

On this episode we bring you our review of Epic Universe, beginning with Celestial Park and Dark Universe, which includes an interview with Peter Carsillo. Join us in The Producers Club Follow us: LINKTREE   

Looking for daily inspiration?  Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning.   Tired of outdated systems holding your attraction back? Gatemaster believes technology is part of the experience, transforming every touchpoint into an opportunity. Imagine seamless online booking, effortless mobile ordering, and data-driven insights at your fingertips. Ready to revolutionize your guest journey and maximize revenue? Power your attraction with Gatemaster. Discover the future at Gatemaster.com. When a new theme park opens, it's more than a ribbon-cutting—it's a generational milestone. With the debut of Universal's Epic Universe, the attractions industry sees its most significant park opening in the United States in over two decades. In this episode, Matt and Josh talk about the immersive design, emotional resonance, operational innovations, and friction points of Epic Universe—reflecting on their respective visits and unpacking the guest experience from both a fan and professional perspective. A Landmark for the Industry “This is the newest major theme park to open, not just in Central Florida but the largest new theme park to open in the country in the last quarter century.” Matt and Josh reflect on how Epic Universe represents a once-in-a-generation event. The sheer scale, technology, and artistic vision mark a pivotal point for theme park development. From Celestial Park's community-like aesthetic to the themed portals, the park feels intentional and deeply considered. The duo also draws parallels between industry advancements and their personal excitement as fans, recognizing that few other sectors experience a $7 billion innovation that also thrills millions of people. Immersion and Emotional Connection “The second I walked through the portal into Nintendo, I felt like I was spit out through the green pipe and I was right in my childhood.” Josh and Matt compare their emotional connections with the IPs represented in Epic Universe's lands. Josh describes how Super Nintendo World transported him back to childhood, while Matt—less attached to the brand—found the land visually stunning even though it was less personally engaging. Both agree that attractions like Stardust Racers and Monsters Unchained push boundaries in guest immersion. Matt praises how Dark Universe's street character Eigor connects thematically to the ride experience, blurring the line between streetmosphere and narrative continuity. Operational Wins and Friction Points “It was the most seamless locker experience I've ever had... until it wasn't.” While Epic Universe delivers next-gen technology like facial recognition lockers and mobile food ordering, not every implementation is flawless. Josh describes a frustrating locker bay issue that caused a substantial delay. Similarly, Matt notes mobile ordering hiccups and virtual queue limitations, particularly for the Ministry of Magic ride. However, both highlight excellent guest service, including a team member in the Isle of Berk who delivered proactive communication and compassion amid uncertain show schedules. The Re-experience Factor “It's a park that is absolutely re-experiencable... you get that repeat visitation feeling.” Matt and Josh both emphasize Epic Universe's lasting impact. It's not just a one-time visit—it's a park that demands exploration over time. With hidden details, evolving guest flow strategies, and high emotional engagement, Epic Universe offers a compelling case study in how to merge immersive storytelling with thoughtful operations. Matt and Josh applaud the Universal team for crafting a park that has already made history.   Have you visited Epic Universe?  Let us know your thoughts!   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team:   Audio and Video editing by Abby Giganan   To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)  

Here we are, at the end of the line. The final chapter in the Death's Door Saga is being divided into THREE parts. This is Act One, with all of our usual preamble, fan predictions, and some big announcements. Act Two will be released on Thursday, June 19th, and Act Three arrives on Sunday, June 22nd. After that? Oh, we'll get there. But for now... FEATURING THE VOICES OF... Anique Evans as Emily Abe Goldfarb as The Master Sarah Norcross as Evelyn O'Connell Patrick Willems as David and Sam Paxton as Arm Demon TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Cold Open 00:03:23 - Discussion 00:07:38 - Big announcement! 00:11:09 - Fan predictions 00:20:41 - Director Choice 00:21:50 - Act One 00:48:32 - Discussion 01:01:26 - Act One Continued 01:25:03 - Discussion

Join us as we dive into the exciting new attractions at Universal's Epic Universe in Orlando with EriK, covering Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, and more. Taren then highlights Disneyland's 70th Anniversary Celebrations, featuring new shows, parades, merch, and food offerings. Don't miss out on the inside scoop of these major theme park updates! ---------------- Support the show! Come watch us on ⁠⁠⁠Twitch!⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to us on ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Join everyone over on our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon page⁠⁠⁠ Visit us on Etsy for the ⁠⁠⁠coolest Disney-inspired shirts⁠⁠⁠ Come check out the ⁠⁠⁠Discord group⁠⁠⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we took a dive into Universal's dark universe with the werewolf movie that started it all The Wolf Man, the 1941 black and white classic about a creepy man who gets even creepier.Tune in next week when our movie will be... Teen Witch. -----Watch Emily, Jordan, and Matt every weekend on Good Mythical Weekend.Also watch Emily's show Emily, Have You Seen This? on Mythical Society!Jordan will be at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival on June 7th and 8th. The address is 50 Carlton Street in Toronto! 

Send us a textIn the series that takes place as TV prepares for his wedding, EstoBro welcomes back Producer Abz and Rob the Noob to the program. During TV's absence, EstoBro is happy to discuss baseball with his featured guests (2:00), delighted to hear that Rob supports the Detroit Tigers with his family lineage. The host also enables the 'secret project' the pair have been working on together, for Abz and Rob are preparing a new podcast project that EstoBro is delighted to hear about and share the news (9:00). The pair are working on a new podcast that focuses on the cult appreciation of 'bad movies' which delights EstoBro. The primary focus of the episode is the guests sharing their experience at the newest featured park of Universal Studios Orlando: Epic Universe (31:00). With the fourth newest park opening in May, EstoBro requests Abz and Rob share all the secrets of their first experience before the park became open to the public. The pair featured every new major feature: Super Nintendo World, the Dark Universe, Harry Potter's Ministry of Magic, and the Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon. With the show taking place in Florida, the three offer their best insights on how to navigate the parks as a local versus how a tourist would do so. A very insightful episode on the EstoBro TV Podcast.Theme song made by iamRavedadInteract with the Gents of the podcast on the following social media platforms:X (Formally known as Twitter) YouTube InstagramBlog/websiteJoin the Discord serverSubscribe to the official playlist of the podcast

This is a short preview of a Patreon bonus that just went up for Patrons, you can listen to full episode here, $5 tier or above get all bonus episodes. Listen to me roast Jesse for having soup on a beautiful summer day! https://www.patreon.com/posts/130296111?pr=true

In this episode, we continue our Epic Universe review with discussions of the Isle of Berk and Dark Universe sections of the park.

Epic Universe Review – Rides & Shows: Magical or Tragical? Universal's Epic Universe is the most anticipated theme park opening in years—but is it truly magical, or a tragical letdown? In this in-depth review, we dive into every land, ride, and show coming to Epic Universe in 2025. From Super Nintendo World to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, we break down the attractions and share our honest thoughts on whether they're must-dos… or skip-worthy. We'll explore: Themed lands: Celestial Park, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Ride-by-ride breakdowns Our verdict: Magical or Tragical? Whether you're planning a trip or just a theme park fan, this is your one-stop guide to everything Epic Universe! Don't forget to subscribe for more theme park reviews, tips, and deep dives! ___________________________________ Subscribe to our Patreon, a monthly subscription service that helps us continue to grow financially, at Patreon.com/ACoupleOfParkHoppers Follow us on all social media, including: Facebook.com/ParkHoppersShow Instagram.com/ParkHoppersShow X.com/ParkHoppersShow TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMRCu2BKR/ Download the Disney Magic And Beyond podcast, which is available EVERY WEEK on: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zdoeLH Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3hHWGZ3 …and anywhere else you find your favorite podcasts! Hit that SUBSCRIBE button under this video, and click that bell for a notification every time we release a new video! Until next time… we'll see you around the parks! #EpicUniverse #UniversalOrlando #ThemeParkReview #MagicalOrTragical

Epic Universe officially opens on this Theme Park Thursday! Jen and Frank bring in resident Universal Orlando, Monday Morning Monorail's Stephers, to chat about the FOMO they're having about Epic Universe! Get a vacation quote from Vasilia at ET Family Travel today!  *** Dillo's Diz 55 Gerard St. #987. Huntington, NY 11743 Affiliate Links Music & Themes produced by Matt Harvey. Feedspot's Top 25 Siblings Podcasts You Must Follow AND Top 100 Disney Podcasts You Must Follow. ONE STOP SHOP ALL THE @DillosDiz LINKS! DIllo's Diz Resort Guests: Theme Park Rob, Jeffers, Skipper Bob, Nathaniel Hardy, Louis and Dr. Val of #FigmentsInTime, Lee Taylor, Maz, Troy with the Disney Assembled Podcast, Judy Van Cleef, Ryan Alexander, PixieDustPhD, Tony Orgelfinger, Holly Maddock, Lexi Andrea, Adam Elmers, DCLDuo, Disney Assembled Question or Comment? We LOVE interacting with listeners! FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dillosdiz/ FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/dillosdiz FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/dillosdiz

Rachel had the opportunity to visit Universal Epic Universe with her family during the travel agent previews at the end of April 2025. This is part 3 of 3 episodes discussing her first-hand experience in Universal's new park. In this episode, we discuss the world of Dark Universe! Check out show #575 to hear about Super Nintendo World, and show #576 to hear all about Dark Universe. What questions do you have about Universal Epic Universe? We would love to hear from you. Let us know at show@magicourway.com or call at 815-669-4226 or slide into our social media DMs. Every thought and opinion will forever be welcome on this Disney fan podcast. This is show #577.

As we inch ever-closer to Dark Legion: Hell on Earth, journalist, streamer, and video producer Patrick Gill joins us to pitch a fresh, modern take on the cult classic monster movie C.H.U.D.! What compelled Patrick to rent this movie from the old mail-order Netflix? What does this high-end B-movie have in common with Jaws? How will Patrick, Dylan, and Dalton reimagine it to speak to modern New York? What, if anything, will "C.H.U.D." stand for this time around?   Timestamps:   00:00:00 - Start   00:02:18 - Welcome Patrick Gill!   00:05:27 - Why C.H.U.D.?   00:09:13 - Patrick's Dark Universe credentials   00:15:02 - C.H.U.D. Recap   00:39:17 - Patrick's pitch for a better C.H.U.D.   01:14:49 - Casting   01:25:30 - Plugs   01:26:41 - Patron Thanks   01:27:55 - Prevues of Coming Attractions

An EPIC month of episodes continues on Theme Park Thursday as Justin Monorail of the Monday Morning Monorail Podcast returns to chat with Jen and Frank about his one day preview of Universal Orlando's latest addition! *** Get a vacation quote from Vasilia at ET Family Travel today!  *** Dillo's Diz 55 Gerard St. #987. Huntington, NY 11743 Affiliate Links Music & Themes produced by Matt Harvey. Feedspot's Top 25 Siblings Podcasts You Must Follow AND Top 100 Disney Podcasts You Must Follow. ONE STOP SHOP ALL THE @DillosDiz LINKS! DIllo's Diz Resort Guests: Theme Park Rob, Jeffers, Skipper Bob, Nathaniel Hardy, Louis and Dr. Val of #FigmentsInTime, Lee Taylor, Maz, Troy with the Disney Assembled Podcast, Judy Van Cleef, Ryan Alexander, PixieDustPhD, Tony Orgelfinger, Holly Maddock, Lexi Andrea, Adam Elmers, DCLDuo, Disney Assembled Question or Comment? We LOVE interacting with listeners! FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dillosdiz/ FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/dillosdiz FOLLOW Dillo's Diz on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/dillosdiz

Here's our best tips for your first visit to Epic Universe, and this discussion is spoiler-free! We talk about the best time of day to do which rides, dining tips, little known secrets, and more!Related LinksMinistry Ride Virtual Line Tips: https://orlandoparkstop.com/news/theme-park-news/virtual-line-tips-for-harry-potter-and-the-battle-at-the-ministry-at-epic-universe/Epic Universe First Vlog Update: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAtG5oWoCVYOpening Ceremony Permits: https://orlandoparkstop.com/news/theme-park-news/epic-universe-grand-opening-permit-shows-drones-pyro-today-show-operations-and-celebrities/ Alicia Social Links: https://alicia.socialSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThemeParkStopSupport on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ThemeParkStop

We're taking you inside our day at the Epic Universe preview at Universal Orlando Resort! From racing through crowds to soaking in the immersive lands (and literal rain), we break down what worked, what didn't, and what truly surprised us about Universal's most ambitious park yet.You'll hear all about Super Nintendo World's rocky start to the day, the standout experiences in Dark Universe and Isle of Berk, and what it was like waiting in the incredible queue for Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge. We also share our thoughts on attractions like Monsters Unchained, the beautiful Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park, and our food stops at The Mead Hall, Burning Blade Tavern, and yes—even a a few slices from Pizza Moon.With real-world times, queue updates, and our honest reactions from the ground, this episode is your firsthand guide to what to expect during an Epic Universe preview—and what we're hoping improves before the grand opening.MEI-Travel – Expertise. Ease. Value.No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel, will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today!Follow Us on Social MediaFacebook GroupFacebook: @MainStMagicTwitter: @MainStMagicTikTok: @MSMPodcastInstagram: @MainStMagicVisit Us Onlinewww.MainStMagic.comwww.MainStreetShirts.comGet Dining Alerts!Find last-minute and hard-to-find Disney dining reservations with MouseDining.com! Get text and email alerts when popular theme park dining reservations open up. Get last-minute seating! Get the next table! Set your alerts now! Get the next reservation!Visit our Partnerswww.MSMFriends.com Thanks to TFresh Productions for our theme song

Hannah and Ryno are back at Universal Epic Universe for one MONSTER of a makeover. In this episode of the DIS Unlimited Universal Show these two horror loving hosts are reviewing both The Transformation Ticket: A Face Makeup Experience with Matching Accessories and The Experiment Ticket: A Face Makeup Experience from the Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience in Dark Universe. They walked in visitors and walked out true monsters! The Darkmoor Monster Makeup Experience is now on sale for guests visiting Universal Epic Universe, which officially opens May 22, 2025, and can be booked by a Dreams Unlimited Travel agent. Links:UO Fan WebsiteGet a FREE No-Obligation Quote on a Universal vacation from Dreams Unlimited Travel today!Important DIS links and more information!Support us and get exclusive content on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hannah and Ryno are at Universal Epic Universe and in need of a monstrously good meal. Inside of Dark Universe, they find themselves at the quick service dining hall, Das Stakehaus. According to the Universal Orlando Resort website, this location is themed to an old inn built over the ruins of ancient catacombs. You'll find vampire artwork and artifacts throughout, but most importantly food! Hear what this Dark Universe duo thought of their experience in this Universal Epic Universe dining review. Links:UO Fan WebsiteGet a FREE No-Obligation Quote on a Universal vacation from Dreams Unlimited Travel today!Important DIS links and more information!Support us and get exclusive content on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• Sponsored by BudDocs.org for medical marijuana licenses • BudDocs offers easy, same-day telemedicine appointments • Dr. Chanlatte curates BudDeals and dispensary discounts • Live from the JustCallMoe.com studio • Rauce joins the Friday Free Show • Rauce plugs “Good Sauce with Rauce and Joel” and their Fringe show • Recap of chaotic BDM $5 shirt-stuffing party at Hourglass Brewing • Koozie stuffing chaos and Tony Rage's Minecraft-style table slide • Tom stresses over organizing volunteer events • Vince Taylor arrives on wrong date after Tom typo • Vince left his sick mom, showed up in BDM gear, found only fishermen • “Getting Tommied” becomes shorthand for careless screwups • Tom offers to pay Vince's gas, Vince jokes about his 18-wheeler • Vince plugs his podcast and May 4 Star Wars brunch at Funny Bone • Tom & Dan join Temu affiliate program for cheap party gear • Tom orders tiny gardening shears from Temu, slow shipping • Dan never uses Uber Eats, agrees with Rauce that $5 is a solid tip • Uber Eats vs. old-school pizza delivery and tipping debates • Grocery bag strength becomes a pride topic • Ikea story: listener scans 59 items at self-checkout, gets mocked • Dan prefers real cashier interaction, jokes he brightens their day • Frustration over unpaid labor at self-checkout • Poop story from workplace where someone smeared it on a wall • Hot take: fondue sucks, Tom tips himself • Dan's daughter loves taquitos, nostalgia for junk food athletes • Temu bag delivery compared to opium ships • Song “Catch These Fizz” by Wet Leg played during break • StreamlineFlorida.com plug for mortgage help from Brian ZIML • Rauce & Joel's Fringe show titled “10 More Sketches” • Joke about flaunting past awards like Super Bowl rings • Tom wants to be a Kratos-style cool dad • Max learns card tricks on a camping trip • Tom teaches TikTok magic and finds comfort in math-based tricks • David Blaine nostalgia: 1997 special, studio visit after cursing • Listeners revealed levitation secret, Masked Magician reference • Magician Jeff Kaylor sells tricks to pros, Kostya Kimlat shoutout • Tooth Fairy talk leads to joke about Tooth Fairy porn • Celebrities like The Rock and Larry the Cable Guy played Tooth Fairy • Dan mentions hanging with a teen curious about podcasting • Teasers: cruise godmothers, Island Boys, Epic Universe • Song “Apocalypse Soon” by local band Debt Neglector • Fairvilla event plugs: Oral 101, Bootylicious Anal, Sex Toys 101 • Sanford Food Truck Fiesta judged by Angel and Brian Grimes • Dan forgets a studio visit, wears Crocs post-surgery • Dan hides when visitors knock unexpectedly • Student visits about radio but actually loves jazz and R&B • Dan recommends OrlandoBands.com and Ben Gardner • Internships: how Dan got his job after “Apple Annie” incident • Modern interns expect pay; Rauce says timing still matters • Dan jokes Tom's kids have no dreams, but offers help to listeners' kids • Dan says he has industry connections to make dreams come true • Rauce confirms Dan has Carrot Top in his phone • Dan compares himself to Willy Wonka of Orlando networking • Rauce visited Epic Universe three times, says it beats Disney • Highlights: Stardust Racers coaster, drink-around-the-universe • Praise for How to Train Your Dragon show and Dark Universe land • Dan wants to dress like Toad and ride Mario Kart drunk • Cruise guy Tony attends MSC christening with celebs • Drew Barrymore named godmother of the ship • Cruise godmother role explained: honorary, free cruise • Listener suggests D-Generation X crotch chop as dream fan moment • Tom dreams of catching an NFL pass • Dan shot on the Magic court thanks to Jeff Turner • Foo Fighters and Green Day inviting fans to play onstage discussed • Parenting efforts often go unnoticed until kids grow up • Moe DeWitt sponsors Rauce's podcast and Fringe show • Promo for Moe DeWitt Bowling Tournament (sold out) • Tease for April 19 BDM event with erotic magic and DJ Sharp ### **Social Media:**   [Website](https://tomanddan.com/) | [Twitter](https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive) | [Facebook](https://facebook.com/amediocretime) | [Instagram](https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive) **Where to Find the Show:**   [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682) | [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw) | [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Mediocre-Time-p364156/) **The Tom & Dan Radio Show on Real Radio 104.1:**   [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990) | [Google Podcasts](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s) | [TuneIn](https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Corporate-Time-p1038501/) **Exclusive Content:** [Join BDM](https://tomanddan.com/registration) **Merch:** [Shop Tom & Dan](https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/)