Universally Epic Podcast

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor count down to 2026 with their top 5 Universal happenings coming in the new year.  Also, a Halloween Horror Nights Christmas Speculation map has popped up online! Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, le...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor exchange virtual Christmas gifts.  Also, the podcast receives a gift from Universal Orlando Resort! Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let the Universally Epic Podcast team help you at no additional...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss the closing of single rider on a very popular Universal Orlando attraction.  They also share some new park hours coming to Universal Studios Florida starting January 5, 2026. In the last part of the episode, Taylor quizzes Jim with Universal trivia. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss the opening weekend for Zootopia 2 and how it compares to the numbers for Wicked For Good over the last two weekends.  They aslo discuss the lengthy refurbishment of a fan favorite restaurant.  And finally, the holidays are officially here and Jim and Taylor share some of the unique holiday food offerings at Universal Orlando Resort. Jim Klein and Tay...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast.  They share all of their favorite moments and episodes from the past year.  Thank you to all of our listeners for following the show over the past year. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to pla...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor wrap up the Halloween Horror Nights season with the announcement of “House of the Year”, “Scare Zone of the Year”, and “Production of the Year”.  They also discuss the recently filed permit for a 150,000-square-foot building headed to Epic Universe.  Finally, Christmas at Universal is great; however, Jim and Taylor share their Blue Sky ideas for what could po...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss the ins and outs of Universal Orlando’s 2026 ticket package, which leads into a discussion about the lengthy refurbishment of Volcano Bay starting in 2026.  In the second half of the episode, they discuss a unique experience in Holiday Harbor Nights at Portofino Bay Hotel.  Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel a...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss the Wicked For Good Experience at Universal Studios, Orlando International’s major renovation plans, Universal is testing out a single attraction express pass offering, but it comes at a price, and they go over all the lands coming to the Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.   Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and tr...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss Taylor’s trip to Universal Orlando on the podcast's first ever trip report. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let the Universally Epic Podcast team help you at no additional cost to you....

In this week’s episode, Jim tries to hold down the fort as Taylor is on vacation in Universal Orlando.  Lonely Jim discusses the reopening of Stardust Racers, the dates for the holidays at Universal Orlando, an indepth look into Rock the Universe packages (even if you do not go for the music the prices are great!), and finally the dates for 2026 Mardi Gras have been released. Jim Klein and Taylor...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss the rumor of Mythos closing in 2026 and play a game of “This or That,” which ends up with more laughs than expected.  Please excuse the first 10 minutes as we had difficulties with the recording. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to pla...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss the tragic and unfortunate news of a man who passed away shortly after riding Stardust Racers at Universal’s Epic Universe.  This episode is a far departure from the show's normal, light-hearted nature.  Jim and Taylor find this news to be very uncomfortable to discuss and provide only the current facts of the situation, without imposing any opini...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss the current list of attraction refurbishments with dates, including a very lengthy closure for one attraction.  They also discuss all the awards Universal Orlando received at Amusement Today’s 2025 Golden Ticket Awards, the potential demise of the Lost Continent, and the process of obtaining a free souvenir at Halloween Horror Nights this year. Jim Kl...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor catch up on a whole bunch of news, which includes deathly afraid necklaces, updates to Express Pass, Halloween hotel lobbies, and opening times for all the houses at HHN.  Then, they finally discuss all the food options at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights.  Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic f...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor deep dive into the backstory of Halloween Horror Nights' most unique house this year, WWE Presents: The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks.   Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let the Universally Epic P...

In this week’s episode, Rip Ride Rockets closes, Taylor will be getting her HHN pizza at a new location, and that always playful clown Art just doesn't want to stay in his house.    Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let the Universal...

In this week’s episode, our resident Halloween Horror Nights expert, Taylor, gives her best tips and tricks for making the most of your Halloween Horror Nights experience.  Jim and Taylor also discuss a major operational change for this year's event.  Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency....

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor run through all of the houses, scare zones, and shows that will be at Halloween Horror Nights 34 all in one quick episode.  HHN 34 is shaping up to be one of the best events ever! Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Or...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss 2026 Universal Orlando Resort Vacation Packages and some great news concerning Epic Universal in 2026.  They also discuss the Epic Universe expansion rumors that have been swirling around social media. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss all of the recent Halloween Horror Nights announcements.  They also jump back in time to HHN 16 and relive some of the great happenings of the event. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let th...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss all of the recent Halloween Horror Nights announcements.  Is Jim coming around to Halloween Horror Nights?  Listen in to find out! Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let the Universally Epic...

In this week’s episode, Taylor reviews Jurassic World Rebirth.  Also, Jim and Taylor blue sky some ideas for new walk around and meet and greet characters in the parks. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let the Universally Epic Podcast t...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss Universal’s release of the live-action version of How To Train Your Dragon.  Also, Jim chaperoned a class field trip with his son to a local amusement park, Adventureland on Long Island. Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your ne...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss recent Halloween Horror Nights announcements, including Jason Universe and El Artista, the first original house announcement for 2025.  Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel agency. Ready to plan your next Universal Orlando vacation, let the Universally...

In this week’s episode, Jim and Taylor discuss recent Halloween Horror Nights announcements, including ticket types, recent house announcements, and what it is like to be a first-time HHN party goer.  Also, they provide a first timers guide to Universal Orlando.  Jim Klein and Taylor Franklin are certified Universal specialists and travel agents with The Magic for Less Travel, a U-Preferred travel...