Universal India Rumors, Tribute Store Props, and the Rise and Fall of Triceratops Encounter (Ep. 50)

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast by exploring Universal’s rumored expansion into India and taking a deep dive into one of Islands of Adventure’s most ambitious—and short-lived—attractions: Triceratops Encounter. Along the way, they talk tribute store props, Epic Universe operations, and what happens when Florida weather shuts everything down.

• Universal India theme park rumors emerge just hours after Disney announces a new park in Abu Dhabi

• Is the India story a strategic leak or a real expansion plan? Jim breaks down the global pattern

• Eric reacts to his family visiting the Universal tribute store without him—and the props they spotted from past Tribute Stores

• Annual Passholder discounts and exclusive merch deals return as Epic Universe ramps up

• Epic Universe extends park hours—what it means for nighttime crowds and show readiness

• What happens when it rains? A long list of outdoor attractions go down at Epic Universe

• The ambitious animatronic detail, design goals, and operational struggles behind Triceratops Encounter

• Why the attraction was built, how Universal trained for “high touch” interactions, and what ultimately led to its seasonal closure

This episode blends the international future of Universal Parks with one of its most fascinating stories from the past—and sets the stage for the next chapter in Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic Park area.

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