Why Raptor Encounter Works (and Triceratops Didn’t) (Ep. 51)

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today.

• The rise and fall of Triceratops Encounter, and why it never worked as a headline attraction

• How Raptor Encounter succeeded by being visible, fast, and built for social sharing

• Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe livestream and new Peacock documentary The Epic Ride

• Mega Movie Summer kicks off at Universal Hollywood with Jaws props and Jurassic World meet-and-greets

• Listener feedback: how to hack your Cabana Bay stay, plus an update on walk-around characters at Toothsomes

Whether you're into classic Jurassic nostalgia or watching how Universal adapts its strategy, this episode is all about learning from the past to create blockbuster experiences.

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