Epic Universal Podcast – Aztec Dancers, Mariachis, Tequila, and Ceremonial Sacrifices?! (Ep. 45)

Launch Date: April 4, 2025

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with extra Epic Universe updates, rumors, and retro enjoyable. From the Universal Portal Tour and Specific Move costs to Ghostbusters hypothesis and a throwback to Universal’s 1968 Mardi Gras occasion – this episode covers all of it.

Eric’s Shock Journey to Universal Throughout Blackout Dates

Eric and his household had been gifted a last-minute timeshare journey to Central Florida for Easter week. Sadly, their Energy Passes are blacked out through the precise dates they’ll be there, leaving them with solely April 12 and 13 to squeeze in a go to.

Jim’s Delayed Go to to Epic Universe

Jim shares that Nancy is scheduled for hip surgical procedure on Might 20 – simply two days earlier than the park opens. With flying and lengthy drives off the desk throughout restoration, Jim is probably going suspending his first Epic Universe go to till September, probably throughout IAPA.

Epic Universe Portal Tour Coming to 5 Cities

Universal’s hype-building marketing campaign hits the street with immersive Portal Tour setups that includes Kronos Tower photograph ops, props, characters, and a collectible passport. Stops embody:

Orlando, FL – April 6 at Lake Eola Park
Atlanta, GA – April 13 at Atlantic Station
Philadelphia, PA – April 20 at Penn’s Touchdown
New York, NY – April 27 at Flatiron Plaza
Chicago, IL – Might 4 at Pioneer Court docket

Allow Filed for Rip Trip Rockit Demolition

Universal filed a allow labeled “Mission 902” that hints at demolition and reconstruction on the Rockit website. Whereas no official affirmation has been made, the language within the allow strongly suggests a significant change is coming.

Ghostbusters Attraction Rumors

Fan hypothesis is swirling round a possible Ghostbusters-themed attraction changing Rip Trip Rockit. Reddit and discussion board posts point out a vertical structure and the opportunity of reusing the New York backlot theming for a ghost-busting shooter or darkish experience. Jim and Eric talk about the probability – and whether or not Quick & Livid is the extra life like possibility.

Monster Make-up Expertise Now Bookable at Epic Universe

The Darkish Universe land is providing company the possibility to turn out to be a basic Universal Monster utilizing actual prosthetics and particular results make-up. At $149.99, the bundle contains the transformation, a collectible lanyard, themed field, and photograph ops.

Credit score: Universal

Jim questions whether or not this expertise will final or endure the identical destiny as previous makes an attempt like Disney’s Pirates League. Eric compares the time and cash dedication to face portray and Bippity Boppity Boutique.

Specific Move Pricing and Trip Listing Revealed

Universal confirmed the pricing tiers and eligible rides for Epic Universe Specific and Specific Limitless. Costs begin at $89.99 and might improve on peak days. Eligible rides embody:

Stardust Racers
Mario Kart: Bowser’s Problem
Curse of the Werewolf
Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

Drone Present Uncertainty for CineSational

Following an FAA suspension tied to a drone incident in Orlando, Epic Universe’s deliberate drone parts – together with flying dragons over Isle of Berk – could also be delayed or canceled completely.

Jim notes that Disney encountered related drone setbacks, with examples just like the Quinjet mission and Fantasyland dragon. Operational challenges and authorized constraints usually floor these high-tech spectacles.

Historical past Phase: Mardi Gras in Mexico (1968)

Jim walks by means of the historical past of Universal’s 1968 after-hours “Mardi Gras in Mexico” occasion – a daring experiment in leisure that included Aztec princesses, tequila tastings, and aerial performers.

The occasion featured:

A recreated Mexican village market
A sacrificial princess stage present
The Papalanta Flyers – performers who dive from a 100-foot pole as a ritual

Jack Benny’s Vault and the Creature Picture-Op

Universal initially deliberate a walkthrough attraction primarily based on comic Jack Benny’s vault, full with gags from his TV present. When the vault idea was scrapped, they changed it with a photo-op that includes the Creature from the Black Lagoon. The phantasm used a curtained window and well-timed motion for a sensible leap scare.

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