Shows / The Universal Family Podcast
The Universal Family Podcast
We are a family that loves all things Universal Orlando! We spend a lot of time together reminiscing about our favorite parts of Universal and debating what could make it better. From best bathroom to best ride queue, best team member uniform or best popcorn booth... we each have an opinion and hope you will enjoy listening to us debate, reminisce and ponder what makes Universal Orlando the REAL "Happiest Place On Earth."
Episodes
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #228 - HHN | Dream | Houses
Well, HHN is sadly over, but we have one last HHN episode for you as we delve into our dream HHN future houses. Listen as we discuss our Extended Family's…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #227 - News | KI HH | Trip Recap
Tayan and Zene went to Halloween Haunt at Kings Island, and they've come back to tell the tale! Also, we discuss a little bit of news--and we all saw the same…
The Universal Family PodcastBONUS: A Spooky Encounter
We mentioned the haunted bakery in episode 225 and now it’s time for the full story! Join us as we recount our spooky experience in this bonus episode…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #226 - HHN | Game | &Chat
Whoa! Tayan created a most triumphant game based on HHN history, and we are super pumped to play it. Join us as we learn the game, learn a lot about HHN, and…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #225 - HHN | House | Rankings
We didn't get to go to HHN, but some of our Extended Family did! Join us to hear Judson and Lindsay's house rankings and how they compare to our own…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #224 - Fam Updates | Universal Expedition | Philly
In this week's episode, we're joined by Cooper Family Member Jamie, who recaps her visit to the Universal Studios Theme Parks: The Exhibition! You'll also get…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #223 - Random | Topic-o-Matic | Bubble
Join us this week as we pop the "topic-o-matic bubble" and select random Universal topics to discuss. Visit UFpodcast.com to contact us and find us on…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #222 - HHN| Houses | Hypelist
Since we aren't going to HHN this year, we've watched all the videos of house walk-throughs we could find. Join us for our hypelist / rankings of houses we'll…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #221 - Surprise | Nightshades | HHN Food
Join us as Bryan gets the most exciting surprise Universal gift from our listeners! And we talk to Ashley of The Nightshades, the HHN opening night band! We…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #220 - Ride | Trip | Game
Join Tayan and Zene as they play the Ride Trip Playlist game Laura and Bryan made for them, all based on Universal Orlando rides! Listen as Tayan and Zene try…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #219 - Ride | Trip | Playlist
This week Laura and Bryan are on the road, and they made a playlist for Tayan and Zene, all based on Universal Orlando rides! Listen as we come up with this…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #218 - Restaurant | Façades | TierList
Today we're tierlisting Universal's restaurant façades at Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, AND Epic Universe. To be clear, we're not tiering the menu…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #217 - Universal | Core | Memories
Today we're joined by a few of our fellow Universal Orlando fans who have been going to Universal since way back in the day to share our deepest core memories…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #216 - Family | Game Night | Hats On!
It's Universal Extended Family Game Night, and we're playing a brand new game: Universal Hats On/ Hats Off. Answer the "right" answers to these Universal-y…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #215 - News | Hollywood Drift | Storytime
What do Ozzy, BttF AI slop, twisty cars, and FROGS have in common? Find out on this week's episode, as we dive into Universal news (and unrelated storytime)…
The Universal Family PodcastBONUS: On The Road With Tayan & Zene
Hop in the Extended Family van and buckle up as you join Tayan, Zene, and their pals on their road trip to Busch Gardens VA…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #214 - Busch Gardens | Trip | Recap
The kids are back from their epic vacation--not an "Epic" vacation, but just the regular adjective. Listen as they recount their trip to Busch Gardens…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #213 - Future | Theme | Parks
In this episode, we pontificate on the future of theme parks as we review a recent article in Forbes: "What Universal Kids Resort Reveals About The Future Of…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #212 - 4th of Jaws | Express Pass | Ep
Join us on this ep while the kids are on vacation. It's just the two of us this week, reflecting on our umpteenth watchings of Jaws and other random topics…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #211 - Top 5 | Universal Things | Game
This week we're playing the Top 5 Universal Things game that Tayan and Zene popularized in their UFP Episode 187 takeover. Listen as we try to guess what "the…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #210 - Season 4 | Universal | Family | Awards
It's the end of Season 4 of the Universal Family Podcast, and as always, we've decided to award ourselves! Please join us and our host TIM for the 4th annual…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #209 - Kids | Resort | Updates
The Universal Kids Resort deep in the heart--clap! clap! clap! clap!--of Frisco, Texas, is almost open to the public. Listen as we critique the critiques of…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #208 - Universal | Mount | Rushmore
This week on the Universal Family Podcast, we’re building the “Mount Rushmore” of Universal Orlando favorites. We carve Universal's best rides, queues, and…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #207 - Universal | UK | & Patents
This week, we show off our horrendous knowledge of UK geography and nomenclature as we tell you everything we know about the upcoming Universal UK Resort. We…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #206 - Epic | Restaurant | Ranking
This week, we rank restaurants at Epic Universe, based on the menu, vibe, and quality. You'll be surprised which one we collectively decide is the best! Visit…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #205 - Universal | This | & That
On this episode of The Universal Family Podcast, we’re catching up on all kinds of recent Universal happenings, from park changes and new experiences to some…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #204 - Epic | Universe | Q&A
After a long detour, we eventually arrive at the actual topic of this week’s episode: helping a real family plan for a great one-day trip to Epic Universe…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #203 - Mythos | Hot Dogs | HHN
Listen as we break down the brand-new HHN speculation map, react to Joey Fatone’s Fat Ones replacing Hot Dog Hall of Fame, and mourn the soon-to-be end of…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #202 - Attraction | Upgrade? | Outrage?
Upgrade or OUTRAGE?! 🎢 We’re time-traveling through Universal Orlando’s biggest ride replacements—from Jaws to Diagon Alley and Kongfrontation to…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #201 - News | Legacy Store | Food
Who's ready for some Universal news? Some is old news, and some is quite fresh. The Legacy Store is back, with a brand new vibe--and new merch. There's a new…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #200 - Family | Game Night| 200th Ep!
It's our 200th episode! We can't believe we made it this far, and we're bringing our friends and extended Universal Family in to help celebrate. Join us for…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #199 - Universal | Foods | GMM
It's almost our 200th episode! For this one though, listen as we listen and critique Rhett and Link's takes on Universal Studios foods compared to the park…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #198 - Universal | MASH/VIEU | Game
Join us as we brave one bee, discuss some Epic annual pass inquiries, and then play a totally retro game themed to Universal. All you Gen Xer girls out there…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #197 - MIB | Watch | 'n Ride
It's been too long, folks! We are so excited to share this Watch n Ride episode with you of one of our very favorite Universal movies and rides: Men in Black!…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #196 - March | Brackets | Ride Moments
It's March, and you know what that means--March brackets! This year, we're pitting Universal's best ride moments head-to-head until one moment reigns supreme!…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #195 - Universal | Family | Game Night
Come on in, have some cereal and pretzels, and enjoy Universal Family Game Night! Tonight, we're joined by some of our Extended Family members, Schepps and…
The Universal Family PodcastBONUS: Bryan & Laura Live From Epic.
Join Bryan and Laura as they hang out and chat LIVE from Epic Universe. To hear the full episode become an extended family member. Visit…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #194 - Epic | Recap | Voodoo & Toothsome
Bryan and Laura had a spectacular day at Epic Universe, in addition to a bonus evening at Universal Studios, in which we were able to do just about everything!…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #193 - Trip | Recap | Voodoo & Toothsome
In this episode, we recap the final day of our recent trip to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, including an impromptu breakfast at Voodoo Donuts and…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #192 - Trip | Recap | & Boring
Listen as we re-discuss the Boring Company's involvement in creating a transportation system for Universal Studios, recent expansions announced for Epic…
The Universal Family PodcastBONUS: UFP's Fast and Furious Last Ride (hopefully)
This one’s for the extended FAMILY. We went live as we rode Fast & Furious: Supercharged for the LAST time (hopefully). Join us from the queue all the way…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #191 - Trip | Recap | Mardi Gras
It's time for our first trip recap episode of 2026! Listen as we relive the first day of Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando, from best (and worst) eating spots to…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #190 - Live | Mardi Gras | Food
Beads were flying, forks were fearless, and we recorded straight from Universal’s Mardi Gras opening weekend to try nearly every new food booth item. Hear the…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #189 - Mardi Gras Food | Trip | Preview
Listen as we prepare for our trip, remember our dearest Catherine O'Hara, review Mardi Gras preview foods, aaaaand continue to discuss the efficacy of theming…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #188 - News | Pokemon | Furious
The family is back together, and we have some new and some old news to discuss. Find out what we think of the Fast and Furious coaster, the Pokémon…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #187 - UFBrothers | Takeover | List Game
The Universal Family Brothers have taken over the podcast! We're excited to share this special episode in which Tayan and Zene host the pod solo! or duo…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #186 - Listener | Q&A | NYC Trip
We are "on the road again," answering some listener questions. We're also on our way back from an epic (not Epic) trip: New York City! Listen as we catch you…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #185 - Universal | Pastry | Chef
This week, we have a guest! Please join us in welcoming Briane--a CIA-trained pastry chef straight from the Universal Orlando Production Kitchen! Visit…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #184 - Buffett| Birthday | Christmas
Today is a special day--it's not only Christmas, but it's also the birthday of a very special guy who has a very special piece of himself at Universal: Jimmy…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #183 - Holiday | Universal | Madlib
It's time for our annual Universal Holiday Madlib, and this year some of our extended family made them too. Listen as we flex our brains to fill in these…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #182 - Universal | Naughty| Nice
It's the holidays, and Universal has been nice--and also naughty! Listen to us as we declare what Universal has done naughty this year and what it has done…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #181 - Universal | Restaurant | Tier List
In this episode, the Universal Family attempts the impossible: tier-list ranking every restaurant at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure… while arguing…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #180 - News | Holidays| Theas
It's the holiday season at Universal Orlando, and we are talking about all the things... decor at Epic, holiday merch, & food. Join us as we also recap Wicked…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #179 - Epic | Trip | Recap (cont)
Listen as we recap the rest of our trip to Epic Universe! Visit UFpodcast.com to contact us and find us on socials. Please add The Universal Family Podcast…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #178 - Epic | Trip | Recap
Listen as we recap our trip to Epic Universe! Visit UFpodcast.com to contact us and find us on socials. Please add The Universal Family Podcast to your…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #177 - Universal | Trip | Recap
Last week, we recapped the HHN part of our trip; next week, you'll hear about the Epic Universe part of our trip. THIS week, listen as we recap the Universal…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #176 - HHN | Trip | Recap
Join us as we end the spooky season with a recap of our trip to Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights! We review and rate the houses, discuss the new Epic…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #175 - Live | From | Universal
We went to Epic Universe, Universal, Islands of Adventure, and HHN! In this episode, we're live from the road and from the parks. Listen to us try many HHN…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #174 - HHN | Planning | Expectations
We are headed to HHN, but only for one night! and no Express Pass. Needless to say, no RIP tour either. How ever will we manage? Listen as we think through…
- The Universal Family Podcast
UFP #173 - Register | Complaint | Universal
"Helloo, I wish to register a complaint. Hello, miss?..." Even though we love Universal as much as any family could, we do have some complaints. Join us as we…