The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

100 Episodes In, Still Sneaking Into Universal (Ep. 100)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate their 100th episode of the Epic Universal Podcast with listener reviews, a surprise surprisingly heartfelt message from the Broadway cast of Wicked, and a look at the latest developments at Epic Universe. They break down how new facial recognition technology may shape guest flow, explore what annual passes could mean for crowd levels, and recap Universal’s recent CinemaCon reveals. Then Jim delivers a standout story tracing how Walt Disney’s early, unauthorized visits to Universal Studios helped inspire the creation of Disneyland.

NEWS
• Epic Universe confirms facial recognition will be used to manage land capacity
• Ongoing speculation about annual passes and attendance strategy for Epic Universe
• Universal previews upcoming films at CinemaCon including Disclosure Day and The Odyssey
• Universal Orlando Resort rolls out special Mother’s Day dining experiences

FEATURE
• The origin story of Herbie Ryman’s iconic Disneyland concept artwork
• Walt Disney’s early ambitions as a live-action filmmaker in Hollywood
• How Walt secretly explored Universal’s backlot using a fake business card
• The influence of Universal Studios’ layout on Disneyland’s design philosophy
• Roy Disney’s surprisingly calm contingency plan if Disneyland failed

HOSTS

Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia
Eric Hersey – X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey

FOLLOW

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia⁠

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - ⁠https://strongmindedagency.com⁠

SPONSOR Save on your next Universal or Disney vacation with and enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and Express Pass options.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. ⁠https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Epic Universe vs. Walt Disney World: What’s Actually Worth Your Summer Vacation? (Ep. 14)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren and Eric revisit Universal’s Epic Universe one year after their first visit to see how the park experience has evolved and whether it’s still worth the cost and effort in 2026. From rising hotel prices and long wait times to the reality of Express Pass strategy, they break down what’s changed and what hasn’t. Then, they pivot to Disney’s aggressive summer push, exploring whether discounts, refreshed attractions, and new experiences are enough to keep guests from jumping ship. If you’re planning a summer trip, this episode helps you decide where your time and money should go.

HIGHLIGHTS

One year later: how Epic Universe’s crowds, pricing, and ride reliability compare to opening season
The real cost of visiting Epic, including Express Pass debates and “ghost room” hacks
Summer heat and park design: how Epic’s layout impacts comfort and touring strategy
Disney’s $99 room deals and summer promotions aimed at keeping guests on property
New vs. refreshed: Muppets coaster overlay, Buzz Lightyear updates, and Smugglers Run changes
Family trip planning dilemma: Disney vs. Universal for kids ages 7 to 10
Listener perspectives from Reddit and Facebook on whether Epic is “worth it” right now

HOSTS

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney Stores Return… Sort Of (Ep. 96)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack Disney’s latest retail experiment with pop-up stores, explore how movie theaters are turning merch into must-have experiences, and dig into the surprising origins of Disney fandom and collecting. From Pittsburgh store openings to high-fashion popcorn buckets, this episode connects the dots between Disney’s past and its evolving strategy to turn every experience into something you can take home.

NEWS
• Disney Store “comeback” revealed as limited-time pop-up retail experiences in select cities
• First pop-up location announced for Pittsburgh, with another coming to Paramus, New Jersey
• Disney partners with Go Retail Group to reduce overhead while testing physical retail demand
• Movie theaters lean into merch with The Devil Wears Prada 2 collectible bundles and fashion-themed popcorn containers
• Disney introduces “Infinity Vision,” a premium large-format theater experience to compete with IMAX availability

FEATURE
• How the 1970 MGM auction helped spark the rise of Disney collecting culture
• Roy O. Disney’s response: creating the Disney Archives to preserve company history
• The role of early guidebooks in shaping the Disneyana marketplace
• Celebrity collectors like Carrie Fisher and Michael Jackson driving up prices in the early 1980s
• Fan-driven events and communities laying the groundwork for modern Disney fandom

HOSTS
• Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia)
• Lauren Hersey (@laurenhersey2)

FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, they’ll help you lock in the best deals with expert support every step of the way.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Universal Orlando’s Deluxe Hotels - Are They Really Worth It? (Ep. 17)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Chris Cox make their case for (and against) Universal Orlando’s premier on-site hotels, breaking down whether the perks justify the price. From Express Pass math to surprisingly strong guest service, the conversation explores what truly makes these resorts “deluxe.” Jim Hill presides as judge, weighing arguments that range from practical savings strategies to opera singers on Italian-style balconies. If you’ve ever debated splurging on Portofino, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific, this episode lays it all out.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Why staying one night at a Universal deluxe hotel can be cheaper than buying Express Passes outright for a family of four
• Real-world pricing comparisons for Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific - and how rates fluctuate dramatically day-to-day
• A deep dive into American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts perks, including $100 credits, free breakfast, upgrades, and a game-changing 4pm checkout
• The value of proximity - walking paths, boat access, and how these hotels compare to Disney resort distances
• Guest service highlights, including concierge texting, repeat-guest recognition, and consistently strong staff experiences
• A full comparison of Universal’s three classic deluxe resorts - Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific - including theming, pools, dining, and overall vibe
• The surprising “hidden luxury” moments, like Portofino’s nightly opera performances and Hard Rock’s underwater pool music
• Pros vs. cons: premium pricing, limited Epic Universe proximity, and whether the deluxe label truly holds up against top-tier competitors

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forgotten Island Buzz, CinemaCon Shakeups, and a Very Strange Wonka Future (Ep. 355)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:10:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the biggest animation and industry stories coming out of CinemaCon 2026, including Drew’s early look at DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island. They also dig into a surprisingly strong box office weekend, Studio Ghibli’s return to theaters, and some truly unexpected developments in the world of Willy Wonka. Along the way, the two share insights on theatrical windows, upcoming animated projects, and what’s really happening behind the scenes in Hollywood animation.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Super Mario Brothers Galaxy nears $750M worldwide as the franchise crosses $2B total
• Pixar’s Hoppers continues a solid run, with digital and physical release plans coming soon
• Paramount commits to a 45-day theatrical window while Steven Spielberg pushes for longer exclusivity
• Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 lineup revealed, including Ponyo, Spirited Away, and anniversary screenings
• Warner Bros. Animation developing anime-inspired Scooby-Doo series Go-Go Mystery Magic
• Drew shares his spoiler-free reactions to DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island after CinemaCon screening
• Netflix’s Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory sets up a darker, heist-style Wonka story
• Updates on Disney Animation’s Hexed, including casting and creative changes

HOSTS
• Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia)
• Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored)

FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com - your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Plan smarter, save money, and make your next trip more magical.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hotels on Top of Attractions, Muppets at 60 MPH, and the Return of Deluxe Dining (Ep. 580)

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill sprint through a packed week of Disney and Universal news, from Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's Muppets makeover to the return of Walt Disney World's deluxe dining plan. Along the way, they dig into Universal's new day-of Express offering, answer listener questions about everything from BioReconstruct to Main Street nostalgia, and somehow still find room for pistachio-based trauma. In the main segment, Jim continues the fascinating story of Disney's ambitious "Live the Dream" concept for Disneyland's second gate, including the idea of building hotels directly on top of attractions.

NEWS

• Disney has officially brought back the deluxe dining plan for 2027, adding a higher-end option as the company looks for new ways to fill table-service restaurants.
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster reopens on May 26, 2026, with the Electric Mayhem taking over the ride and a set list that mixes classic rock with a few curveballs.
• Celebrity cameos for the reimagined coaster include Awkwafina, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Wayne Brady, Travis Barker, Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Trejo, Darren Criss, and Weird Al Yankovic.
• A rumor out of Adventureland suggests that completing A Pirate's Adventure may once again unlock a Lightning Lane for Pirates of the Caribbean.
• Universal Orlando has launched Universal Express Now, a smartphone-based, day-of skip-the-line option that sounds a bit like Lightning Lane's less patient cousin.

FEATURE

• Jim continues the history of Disneyland's "Live the Dream" project, a bold expansion concept tied to the resort's long-discussed second park.
• This chapter explores Disney's growing realization that hotels were a license to print money, especially after the company began operating its own resorts.
• The episode also connects that thinking to Anaheim's old "Disney cone" zoning rules, which helped protect Disneyland's sightlines from looming high-rises.
• Most intriguingly, Jim tees up the wildest part of the story: a version of Disneyland's future where hotels would have been built directly above attractions.

For this episode's show notes click here.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

• Today's episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, with discounted theme park tickets for Disney's newest and reopening attractions.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pay-Per-Ride Comes to Epic Universe and the Long Goodbye to Lucy: A Tribute (Ep. 99)

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

A new à la carte Express Pass option has Universal fans debating the future of line-skipping, while fresh surveys hint at bigger strategic shifts in Hollywood and Orlando. Jim and Eric break down what a single-ride upcharge could mean for guest spending and park flow, plus what face-scanning tech might signal for Epic Universe’s nighttime plans. Then, inspired by a listener suggestion, they take a deep dive into the surprisingly rich history of Lucy: A Tribute - the long-running attraction that once occupied prime real estate at Universal Studios Florida.

NEWS
• Universal begins testing a single-ride Express Pass option, allowing guests to skip lines for select attractions at a per-ride price
• Early reactions to the pay-per-ride model and how it compares to Disney’s Lightning Lane system
• Face recognition scanners appear at Epic Universe portals, fueling speculation about crowd control and nighttime access
• New surveys suggest Universal may adjust operating hours at Hollywood, possibly ahead of major attraction demand
• Universal explores offering discounted annual passes to Disney passholders to boost cross-park loyalty

FEATURE
• The origin story of Lucy: A Tribute and how Lucie Arnaz partnered with Universal to preserve her mother’s legacy
• Why the attraction lasted decades longer than originally planned at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida
• The role of I Love Lucy in early theme park competition between Universal and Disney-MGM Studios
• How Lucy Ricardo became a beloved walkaround character - and why Universal recently retired her

HOSTS
• Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia
• Eric Hersey – X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey

FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR
Save on your next Universal or Disney vacation with and enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and Express Pass options.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Worth the Wait? The Rides We Skip & How Much We Spend on Disney (Ep. 13)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Eric and Lauren dive into one of the most relatable Disney debates: which rides are actually worth the wait. Inspired by a road trip listen to a popular attraction-ranking podcast and a deep Reddit scroll, they compare their own “line tolerance” for fan-favorite rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Frozen Ever After. Then, the conversation shifts to the real cost of Disney vacations, breaking down what families are actually spending per day and where those dollars really go. It’s a mix of hot takes, practical planning, and a little financial reality check for Disney fans.

HIGHLIGHTS

Breaking down a March Madness-style bracket of the best theme park rides in America
Which Disney attractions are not worth a 60+ minute wait according to fans
The ongoing debate: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train vs. Slinky Dog Dash
Why Frozen Ever After is a must-do for some and a hard pass for others
How Reddit users really feel about wait times at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom
The surprising “$1,000 per day” rule for Disney vacations
Food budgets, Lightning Lane costs, and how quickly expenses add up
Hidden pre-trip costs like merch, outfits, and Amazon hauls

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muppets on TikTok, Disney Ducks in the Parks, and the $40 Billion Star Wars Merch Machine (Ep. 95)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a surprisingly chaotic Muppets merch rollout on TikTok Shop, explore the viral duck trend making its way into Disney parks, and break down the latest Star Wars Day merchandise strategy. Then, Jim dives deep into the history of the Star Wars licensing deal that changed Hollywood forever—and why it’s still considered one of the smartest (and most lopsided) deals ever made. From plush drops to billion-dollar gambles, this episode connects the dots between fandom, merchandising, and Disney’s evolving playbook.

NEWS
• Disney tests a Muppets merch comeback with a TikTok-first exclusive plush launch
• Fans report confusion and delays during the Muppets TikTok Shop rollout
• The viral “ducking” trend arrives at Disney parks with new collectible lines
• Disney Cruise Line draws boundaries on where guests can place or hide ducks
• Star Wars Day merch drops roll out weekly, building momentum toward May the 4th

FEATURE
• The origin of Star Wars merchandising and George Lucas’ unprecedented deal
• How 20th Century Fox underestimated toy licensing after past failures
• Why Star Wars has generated over $40 billion in merchandise sales
• The surprising connection between Disney musicals and Star Wars’ business model

HOSTS
• Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia
• Lauren Hersey – X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_

FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Lock in savings now for your next trip and take the stress out of planning.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Marvel Building a New Street-Level Saga? (Ep. 15)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Dan Graney dig into a week where Marvel quietly laid out the ingredients for something bigger, from Daredevil: Born Again’s turning point episode to new hints about Spider-Man, the Punisher, and the future of the MCU’s street-level storytelling. Along the way, they unpack surprising performance data, X-Men developments, and what might actually be driving Marvel’s next saga. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that connects Disney+, the big screen, and even the theme parks into one evolving strategy.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 signals a major tonal shift, with Kingpin’s story heading into darker territory
• Jon Bernthal’s Punisher return gains new weight, including creative input and ties to upcoming MCU projects
• Rumors of a Daredevil movie suggest Marvel may be building toward a street-level crossover event
• She-Hulk: Attorney at Law may have performed better than expected, despite online fan narratives
• The Avengers’ reduced presence raises questions about who is actually steering the MCU right now
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day reshoots hint at tonal adjustments as Marvel balances grounded storytelling with humor
• X-Men reboot details point to a more character-driven, long-term storytelling approach
• From Disney+ QR codes to podcasts, Marvel is experimenting with ways to deepen audience engagement

FOLLOW • Facebook: ⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠ • Instagram: ⁠JimHillMedia⁠ • TikTok: ⁠JimHillMedia⁠

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - ⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠

SPONSOR Unlock savings on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at ⁠UnlockedMagic.com⁠ - powered by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Save up to 12% and make your next trip more affordable.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pixar’s “Be Fri” Mystery, Netflix’s Animation Expansion & the Future of Theatrical Animation (Ep. 354)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim and Drew dig into a packed week of animation news, from the surprising cancellation of a promising Pixar project to Netflix’s growing global animation footprint. Along the way, they explore box office winners, long-gestating passion projects finally coming to life, and the evolving relationship between streaming, theatrical releases, and viral animation hits. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that highlights just how quickly the animation industry continues to shift.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Pixar’s canceled “Be Fri” project revealed - a female-led film that was deep into development before being shelved amid studio shifts and Disney+ strategy changes
• “Super Mario Galaxy” tops the box office while global competition heats up from international hits like China’s “Pegasus 3”
• Netflix expands its animation empire with a new Vancouver studio hub, joining Disney and Sony in a growing production hotspot
• Fathom Events brings viral hit “The Amazing Digital Circus” to theaters, highlighting the pipeline from YouTube to the big screen
• Brad Bird’s long-awaited “Ray Gunn” finally unveils first images after decades in development
• Warner Bros. and Netflix continue investing in YA and reimagined fairy tale animation, including “Steps” and new book adaptations
• One Piece grows into a full franchise push with new seasons, specials, and theme park experiences

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Planning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Save money and skip the stress with expert help from UnlockMagic.com, your go-to source for theme park tickets and deals.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muppets Take the Coaster & Disney’s “Live the Dream” Park Plan (Ep. 579)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a mix of Disney Parks news, listener questions, and a fascinating deep-dive into a forgotten concept for Disneyland’s second gate. They discuss Big Thunder Mountain’s updated height requirement, rumors around Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s Muppet makeover, and whether Disney might follow Las Vegas into immersive Sphere-style storytelling. Then Jim explores Disney’s ambitious “Live the Dream” project—an Imagineering concept that would have placed hotels directly inside a theme park.

NEWS
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens May 3 with a lowered height requirement, allowing more younger guests to ride
• Rumblings of a preview for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, including possible Electric Mayhem music
• Media event timing hints at a potential Memorial Day launch window for the updated attraction
• Discussion of how ride vehicles or track changes might support the new height requirement

FEATURE
• The origins of Disney’s “Live the Dream” concept for a second Disneyland park
• Dorothea Redmond’s vision of boutique hotel rooms built inside Magic Kingdom’s Main Street structures
• How early Imagineering explored placing full-scale hotel experiences inside theme parks
• The role of Walt Disney’s obsession with “visual intrusion” in shaping park design
• Why corporate decisions and risk aversion ultimately shelved these ambitious ideas

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
The Disney Dish News is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World tickets and plan your next trip at UnlockedMagic.com

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Universal Transformed the Upper Lot to Build The Wizarding World (Ep. 98)

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey race through breaking Universal news before Eric hits the road, covering everything from a surprising park entry tech failure to visible demolition at Islands of Adventure. They also dig into new developments around Epic Universe expansion plans and international park oddities. Then, in honor of a major milestone, Jim walks through the complex, multi-year transformation that brought The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood.

NEWS
• A temporary entry system failure at Universal Studios Florida raises questions about reliance on facial recognition and fingerprint ticketing
• Demolition begins in Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, with walls up around the former Sinbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury area
• New land clearing near Epic Universe sparks speculation, though Universal calls it routine site prep
• Celestial Park fountain drained as nighttime show development continues at Epic Universe
• Universal Studios Japan adds Peanuts characters to its 25th anniversary celebration with a new live show

FEATURE
• The 10-year anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood
• Why Hollywood’s version took longer to build than Orlando and Japan
• How Universal used the project to justify a $1.6 billion overhaul of the park’s Upper Lot
• Behind-the-scenes look at how Springfield USA and Hogsmeade were designed to visually block each other for immersion

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and now Express Passes with Unlocked Magic.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crocs, Figment, and the Book That Made Disney Take Control (Ep. 94)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren dig into a surprisingly packed week of Disney merch and history, from Crocs-inspired Minnie ears to rare Figment throwbacks and a new Little Golden Book celebrating Jim Henson. Along the way, they explore the shrinking footprint of Disney Stores - and the possibility of their return. Then Jim dives deep into the moment Disney stopped trusting outside publishers, revealing how one controversial biography changed the company’s approach to storytelling forever.

NEWS
• Disney and Crocs expand their partnership with customizable Mickey and Minnie ear headbands, featuring classic Crocs styling and interchangeable charms
• A rare Disney Store outlet sighting sparks discussion about the future of retail - including rumors of immersive store experiences returning in select markets
• New retro Figment and Dreamfinder shirts celebrate the original Journey Into Imagination attraction with vintage-inspired designs
• A Little Golden Book biography of Jim Henson arrives May 5, introducing younger readers to the creator of the Muppets and his legacy

FEATURE
• How Disney originally relied on outside publishers like Western Publishing to tell its stories
• The 1968 release of a controversial Walt Disney biography that damaged trust and reshaped the company’s publishing strategy
• Why Disney shifted to in-house publishing under Michael Eisner to control its narrative and protect Walt’s legacy
• The ongoing tension between historical accuracy and corporate storytelling, and how it still impacts Disney books today

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlock Magic - your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. Whether you're planning ahead for 2026 or heading to a major event like D23, Unlock Magic helps you save money and skip the stress. Visit UnlockMagic.com to start planning your next trip.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Utilidor Isn’t So Magical After All (Ep. 12)

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren and Eric go underground this week to unpack their unexpectedly viral TikTok and the surprisingly polarizing reactions to their utilidor-inspired basement. What started as a fun Disney homage quickly turned into a reality check from former cast members who know the tunnels all too well. Then, the conversation moves topside as they explore what it really costs to live near Walt Disney World, from Golden Oak luxury to the curious case of Celebration.

HIGHLIGHTS

A TikTok featuring their utilidor-themed basement sparks viral attention and unexpected cast member reactions
Former Disney cast members reveal the less magical side of the utilidor, including smells, noise, and daily operations
The surprising divide between Disney fan perception and cast member reality when it comes to backstage areas
A breakdown of Golden Oak living, including home prices ranging from $4M to $18M and steep HOA fees
Celebration, Florida examined as Disney’s original master-planned community, with mixed reviews from residents on charm versus “uncanny valley” vibes

For this episode’s full show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Epic Universe Express Pass Worth It? Cost, Wait Times & Strategy Guide (Ep. 16)

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Chris Cox take their case to the court as they debate whether Universal’s Epic Universe Express Pass is worth the hefty price tag. With an upcoming family trip on the line, Chris weighs cost versus convenience, while Len breaks down the math, ride reliability, and real-world touring strategy. Along the way, they explore downtime issues, queue trade-offs, and whether a VIP tour might actually be the smarter splurge. In the end, even the court has to admit: this one’s closer than it seems.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Express Pass pricing ranges from $210 to $360 per person, with per-ride costs that rival Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass
• The biggest benefit: near-guaranteed ability to experience all major attractions in a single day with shorter waits
• Major downside: high cost for families, especially when compared to adding an extra park day instead
• Ride downtime at Epic Universe is משמעותי, with top attractions averaging 45 to 110 minutes of daily closures
• Express Pass acts as “insurance” against breakdowns, reducing risk of missing headliner rides
• Early entry plus Express Pass creates an optimal strategy for repeat rides and a more relaxed touring pace
• Some experiences - including character meets like Toothless and select attractions - are not included in Express Pass
• Queue theming may be partially skipped with Express, raising the question of whether guests miss key storytelling elements

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mario’s Massive Opening, AI Animation Backlash, and the Mystery Disney Drone Show (Ep. 353)

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s Fine Tooning with a real-life animation-adjacent story involving Bob’s Burgers’ Eugene Mirman, before diving into a huge Easter weekend box office led by Nintendo’s latest animated hit. From Disney+ shorts and Netflix trailers to Broadway updates and AI controversy, this episode covers a wide swath of animation and industry news. Plus, the guys explore a lingering mystery involving Disney’s experimental drone shows.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Eugene Mirman, the voice of Gene Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, is involved in a serious electric vehicle accident in New Hampshire and shares a humorous recovery update
• The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie opens to a massive $372 million worldwide, outperforming expectations despite mixed reviews
• Pixar’s Hoppers continues its theatrical run with $332 million globally, while Project Hail Mary climbs to $420 million worldwide
• Disney+ debuts “Versa,” a visually ambitious animated short exploring grief and loss, alongside two new Short Circuit entries
• Netflix releases the trailer for Swapped, a new animated feature from Tangled co-director Nathan Greno
• Disney’s Hercules stage musical sets a closing date in London as speculation continues about a possible U.S. transfer
• WildBrain faces backlash for AI-upscaled episodes of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! airing on MeTV Toons
• A closer look at Disney’s evolving Short Circuit program and the final Disney work of legendary animator Mark Henn
• Updates on Disney theatrical projects including the live-action Tangled and the evolving Hercules film concept
• The growing use of AI in animation restoration and the debate over preserving original artistic integrity

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, get expert help securing the best ticket deals with no stress. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning your next theme park adventure.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Villains Land Hotels & Disneyland’s Golden Bathroom of Tomorrow (Ep. 578)

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Len and Jim follow the money, the zoning maps, and at least one imaginary contractor from 79 A.D. to figure out where new Magic Kingdom hotels might go—and whether you’ll one day be able to literally sleep inside Villains Land. Then Jim digs into one of Disneyland’s strangest early attractions: a fully gold-plated “Bathroom of Tomorrow” that proves Walt Disney could, in fact, make plumbing both educational and slightly terrifying. Along the way: after-2pm tickets, summer crowd tea leaves, and why your next Disney vacation might come with a side of afternoon thunderstorms and existential ride downtime.

NEWS
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin soft-opens at Magic Kingdom with updated gameplay and improved interactivity
• Walt Disney World introduces new after-2pm summer tickets with lower per-hour cost—but higher exposure to Florida’s daily thunderstorm roulette
• Summer 2026 discounts (tickets + hotels) hint at softer-than-expected demand and rising travel costs impacting attendance
• Deposition reveals Disney explored building one or two hotels near Magic Kingdom—raising big questions about location, zoning, and long-term expansion
• Universal quietly moves forward with demolition at Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent as speculation swirls (Zelda, anyone?)

FEATURE
• The real story behind Disneyland’s Bathroom of Tomorrow (1956–1960), designed by industrial legend Henry Dreyfuss
• Why everything in the exhibit was gold-plated—and why diamonds were, regrettably, ruled out
• How Walt Disney’s practical, farm-raised approach to plumbing influenced early park design (and yes, restroom priorities)
• The clash between Dreyfuss’s elegant bathroom design and Monsanto’s… “efficient” House of the Future facilities
• How Disney parks later became a real-world testing lab for product design—including a Polaroid camera shaped by guests fumbling with popcorn-greased fingers

For this episode’s full shownotes click here.
View transcript here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets—often below Disney’s direct pricing—at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97)

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed, news-heavy episode as they break down a wave of updates from across Universal Parks and beyond. From Epic Universe expansion permits and annual passholder strategy to Halloween Horror Nights reveals and new Vegas experiences, this episode is wall-to-wall news. If you’ve been waiting for a full download on everything happening at Universal right now, this is the episode.

NEWS
• Super Mario Bros. Galaxy opens with massive box office projections, signaling strong synergy with Universal’s theme park strategy
• Universal FanFest expands with new experiences, including a Scooby-Doo and classic monsters walkthrough and a One Piece live stunt show
• Jurassic Park walkthrough experience quietly opens at Universal Hollywood, featuring iconic characters and interactive elements
• Universal Hollywood introduces a new all-day dining pass, raising questions about guest spending and in-park strategy
• Epic Universe expansion permits reveal new land development, including a briefly leaked “future attraction”
• Universal begins hiring for nighttime show roles, hinting that Epic Universe entertainment is moving closer to launch
• New Epic Universe annual passholder surveys explore multi-year passes and limited-access tiers
• Universal continues to balance demand with controlled attendance as Epic Universe prepares for opening
• Halloween Horror Nights 35 announced with Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow returning in a shared house
• New “Scream Early” ticket offers guests early access to select houses before the event officially begins
• Universal offers discounts to returning Premium Scream Night guests after last year’s mixed debut
• Rumors swirl about a potential Fortnite-themed Halloween Horror Nights house
• Universal Horror Unleashed introduces discounted “Freddy Cat” tickets for non-house access experiences
• New seasonal overlay “Feaster Grievings” brings a horror-themed Easter event to Las Vegas

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and Express Passes with Unlocked Magic

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D23 Ticketing Turmoil and the Hidden History of Pressed Pennies (Ep. 93)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren dig into the latest updates surrounding the D23 Ultimate Fan Event, including confusing ticket tiers, pin lotteries, and the growing tension between traditional fans and influencer access. From membership strategies to collectible exclusives, they break down what you need to know before tickets go live. Then, in this week’s feature, Jim explores the surprisingly rich history behind pressed pennies—how a simple, low-cost souvenir became a staple of Disney parks and a quiet revenue powerhouse.

NEWS
• D23 Ultimate Fan Event ticketing rolls out with tiered access, giving paid Gold Members early purchase windows ahead of Disney+ subscribers
• Honda Center seating add-ons and limited availability raise concerns for fans trying to secure access to major presentations
• Random Selection Process (RSP) pins debut with unclear odds, limited quantities, and eligibility tied to higher-priced ticket packages
• Disney+ perk offers 20% off D23 Gold Membership upgrades, prompting fans to weigh whether paid tiers improve ticket chances
• Ravensburger announces a Disney Lorcana Championship Qualifier at D23, adding a competitive gaming element to the event

FEATURE
• Pressed pennies date back to early railroad experiments in the 1800s—but didn’t arrive in Disney parks until 1987
• Introduced during the Michael Eisner era, penny machines were designed as low-cost, high-margin additions to boost in-park spending
• Early machines debuted on Main Street, U.S.A., quickly proving successful and expanding across Disney parks worldwide
• Modern machines now use pre-made blanks instead of real pennies, reflecting the discontinuation of U.S. penny production

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. If you’re planning a 2026 trip—or heading to D23—visit UnlockedMagic.com to save on park tickets and simplify your planning.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

D23 Strategy, Legends Debate & The Rise of the Bourne Stuntacular (Ep. 11)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren and Eric break down everything you need to know about D23 2026—from the expanded week-long fan experience to the realities of membership tiers and ticket strategy. They also dive into this year’s Disney Legends class, unpacking fan reactions and notable “snubs.” Then, the conversation shifts to Universal, where an unexpected meme has thrust the Bourne Stuntacular into the spotlight. Finally, they explore underrated Disney park experiences that fans say deserve more love.

HIGHLIGHTS

D23 2026 expands into a full week of fan experiences leading up to the Anaheim Convention Center expo (August 14–16)
Breakdown of D23 membership tiers, including free, Gold Essential, Gold Choice, and Gold Complete options
Ticketing strategy insights, including Honda Center access and the challenge of securing premium experiences
Disney Legends 2026 class includes Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, and more
Fan reactions highlight debate over “snubs” like Hilary Duff, Raven-Symoné, and Selena Gomez
Why D23 is “Comic-Con for Disney fans” and who it’s really worth it for
The viral rise of Universal’s Bourne Stuntacular thanks to in-park signage and social media memes
How crowd behavior and visibility impact theme park show attendance
Reddit’s best underrated Disney World experiences, from resort boat rides to quiet pavilion corners
Personal hidden gems, including Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough and Main Street moments

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel’s Street-Level Strategy Takes Shape as Doomsday Looms (Ep. 14)

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack a pivotal week for Marvel, where shifting strategies across film and Disney+ suggest a more deliberate long-term plan. From the rising importance of street-level heroes like Daredevil and the Punisher to the competitive pressure building around Avengers: Doomsday, this episode connects the dots between release dates, character focus, and Marvel’s evolving storytelling approach. Along the way, they also explore what’s missing from the MCU - and why that might matter more than what’s already arrived.

NEWS
• Avengers: Doomsday faces growing competition, with major franchises positioning themselves for a crowded theatrical window
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day teaser surpasses 1 billion views, signaling massive audience anticipation
• Marvel adjusts long-term release calendar, pushing a 2028 film and staking out multiple 2029 dates
• DC accelerates its interconnected universe plans with new Green Lantern-focused teaser developments
• Ryan Coogler’s Sinners success highlights creative crossovers with Marvel’s stalled Blade project

FEATURE
• Marvel’s “street-level” strategy comes into focus with Daredevil, Punisher, and Spider-Man forming a connected narrative run
• Disney+ decisions (Daredevil Season 2, Wonder Man renewal) suggest strategy over pure viewership metrics
• The Punisher special, “One Last Kill,” anchors a darker, more grounded tone within the MCU
• Rumored deprioritization of legacy characters like Ant-Man signals a shift toward new focal points
• A shelved Damage Control series may still play a key role in introducing mutants to the MCU

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Unlock savings on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at UnlockedMagic.com - powered by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Save up to 12% and make your next trip more affordable.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Mario Galaxy Fever, KPop Demon Hunters Mania, and a Shifting Disney Villains Land (Ep. 352)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation, from Universal’s massive push behind Super Mario Bros. Galaxy to the continued global surge of KPop Demon Hunters. They also break down the latest box office winners, Pixar’s underappreciated Hoppers, and what’s really going on with Disney’s evolving Villains Land plans. Plus, a look at DreamWorks’ ambitious Forgotten Island and how live-action remakes keep reshaping animation’s future.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Super Mario Bros. Galaxy gears up for a massive $150–$165 million opening, with Universal deploying aggressive cross-promotion across NBC and its theme parks
• Project Hail Mary holds strong at No. 1 with $300 million worldwide, blending practical puppetry and VFX for its standout character Rocky
• Pixar’s Hoppers nears $300 million globally, continuing the studio’s tradition of dual-form character storytelling
• KPop Demon Hunters expands into a full franchise with a sequel planned for 2029, a global live tour in development, and continued music dominance
• Streaming windows tighten as films like Goat, Zootopia 2, and Search for SquarePants quickly transition to digital platforms
• Disney’s Villains Land plans shift toward a more playful, interactive tone, with concepts like an Ursula spinner and a Villains Funhouse coaster resurging
• DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island aims for bold, personal storytelling from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado
• Live-action remake strategy evolves with returning voice actors like Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett, while Moana continues to expand across film and parks

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, Unlocked Magic helps you secure great ticket deals with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Start planning your next adventure at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buzz Lightyear Gets a Major Upgrade, Plus How Disney Finally Acquired the Muppets (Ep. 577)

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Len shares a first-hand look at the newly updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, breaking down what’s changed and whether it improves gameplay. The show also covers Bluey’s wildly popular debut at Disneyland and the operational ripple effects already being felt. In the main segment, Jim unpacks the complicated series of business decisions, ownership changes, and industry shifts that ultimately led to Miss Piggy & pals making their home at the Mouse House.

NEWS

Len reviews the updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, including new handheld blasters that significantly improve aiming and gameplay
Enhanced laser visibility and dual-color targeting (red vs. green) make it easier to track shots and differentiate players
Targets are now digital with dynamic scoring tied to color and animation, increasing replayability and challenge
A new practice room at the start of the ride helps guests learn the updated system before gameplay begins
Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland sees overwhelming demand, forcing immediate changes to show operations and crowd management

FEATURE

Jim breaks down why Bear in the Big Blue House ended after four seasons despite its popularity
The financial collapse of EMTV and its impact on the Jim Henson Company’s ability to continue production
Which companies -- besides Disney -- was interested in acquiring the Muppets back in 2003
Why the Henson family ultimately decided that The Walt Disney Company should be Kermit & Co's "forever home"

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, offering discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets at prices lower than Disney’s direct rates.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Universal Horror Unleashed Review: Inside Universal’s Year-Round Vegas Horror Experiment (Ep. 96)

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

A first-hand review of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, as Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore Universal’s bold attempt to bring Halloween Horror Nights to a permanent, year-round venue. Recording from the Luxor, the duo walks through their entire experience - from navigating Area 15 to stepping inside each house, scare zone, and live show. Eric takes on his very first full-scale Universal horror event, while Jim offers behind-the-scenes insight into how these scares are created and why they work so well. The result is a detailed, honest review of what may be the future of Universal’s horror business.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Full review of Universal Horror Unleashed, including location, layout, and how it compares to traditional Halloween Horror Nights
• Texas Chainsaw Massacre house breakdown and why it’s a brutal first experience for newcomers
• Scarecrow: The Reaping and how Universal balances original concepts with established horror IP
• How “boo holes,” misdirection, and 90-second pulsing create a more intense, personal scare experience
• Interactive elements including roaming characters, tarot readings, themed bars, and the Jack the Clown live show

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Candy That Clicked: How Disney Turned Pez into a Collectible Empire (Ep. 92)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey break down Disney’s clever Pixar Merch Madness campaign and debate which franchise will dominate the bracket. They also dive into the overwhelming demand for Bluey in the parks, the rollout of new Bluey merchandise, and how Hannah Montana nostalgia is fueling a fresh wave of Disney consumer products. Then, Jim uncovers the surprising origin story of Disney Pez dispensers and how they became one of the company’s longest-running collectibles.

NEWS
• Disney launches a Pixar-themed “Merch Madness” bracket on Instagram, letting fans vote daily to determine future limited-release merchandise
• Early matchups show strong wins for Cars, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, with Ratatouille narrowly beating Up
• Bluey’s Best Day Ever debuts at Disneyland with overwhelming demand, long lines, and immediate operational adjustments
• Disney reevaluating Bluey show length after feedback that 40 minutes may be too long for younger audiences
• New Bluey merchandise arrives at Disneyland, including apparel and collectible figures designed for both kids and adults
• Hannah Montana’s 20th anniversary (“Hannah-versary”) sparks new merch across Disney Store, Amazon, and fashion collaborations

FEATURE
• Pez was invented in 1927 as a breath freshener alternative to smoking, with dispensers modeled after cigarette lighters
• Disney characters first appeared on unauthorized Pez dispensers in 1955, leading to a six-year negotiation before official licensing in 1961
• Early Disney Pez prototypes and discontinued designs are now highly valuable collector’s items, with some selling for thousands
• The brand shifted from adult breath mints to kid-focused candy after success with character dispensers and novelty designs
• Disney park-exclusive Pez items now include Haunted Mansion and Figment dispensers, along with themed display pieces like monorails
• Pez collecting remains a passionate hobby, with conventions like Pezamania and rare pieces driving a strong secondary market

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, visit UnlockMagic.com to lock in great deals and expert support.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Disneyland Magic to Universal Hollywood Thrills and Vegas Horror (Ep. 10)

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Eric and Lauren recap a whirlwind West Coast trip that somehow included perfect Disneyland weather, a near-lost family heirloom, a surprise ER visit, and a first-ever Universal Hollywood experience. From standout meals and parade magic to unexpected disappointments and unforgettable moments with friends, this special trip report covers it all. Plus, the highs and lows of taking the whole family to Vegas for a taste of Horror Unleashed.

HIGHLIGHTS

March at Disneyland delivers ideal hoodie weather, smaller crowds than summer, and a surprise overlap with Food & Wine Festival
Staying off-property at the Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance proves more affordable, spacious, and just as convenient as Disney hotels
Paint the Night parade lives up to the hype, while fireworks are a no-show thanks to Santa Ana winds
Plaza Inn emerges as the best meal of the trip, beating out expectations including Blue Bayou
A magical recovery story as a lost diamond ring is found in a hotel hot tub against all odds
First-time visitor reactions remind Eric and Lauren just how impactful Galaxy’s Edge still is for non-Disney regulars
Universal Studios Hollywood impresses with the Studio Tour, WaterWorld stunt show, and nostalgic charm despite smaller scale
A medical scare sidelines Lauren for part of the trip, leading to an unexpected visit to the hospital where Walt Disney passed away
Vegas Horror Unleashed delivers thrills, while the Sphere and Strip experiences offer mixed results for a family trip

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Case for Character Meals at Walt Disney World (Ep. 15)

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Are Disney World character meals a brilliant time-saving hack or an overpriced distraction from the parks? In this episode of The Case For, Len Testa and Chris Cox step into the courtroom to debate the true value of character dining at Walt Disney World. From princess breakfasts to Stitch sightings and dining plan math gymnastics, they weigh the food, the photos, and the fan-favorite interactions to decide if these meals are worth the reservation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Why character meals can be a strategic win for parents looking to combine dining, autographs, and air-conditioned downtime in one experience
• The real math behind Disney’s Dining Plan and how character meals can maximize value, especially during Free Dining promotions
• Top-rated options like Topolino’s Terrace vs. lower-rated but character-heavy experiences like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
• Resort character dining vs. in-park meals - which offers the more relaxed and rewarding experience?
• The pros and cons of Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey’s, Garden Grill, Hollywood & Vine, and ‘Ohana
• How Fantasmic dining packages can turn one reservation into a three-for-one strategy
• Why rare characters at meals could change the game entirely

HOSTS

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zootopia 2’s Billion-Dollar Run, Firefly’s Animated Comeback & A Trip Through LA’s Art Scene (Ep. 351)

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill returns from Los Angeles with stories from animation bookstores, gallery visits, and Pixar’s latest hit, while Drew Taylor dives into a packed week of industry news. From “Zootopia 2” nearing another major milestone to surprise revivals like “Firefly,” this episode covers the evolving animation landscape across film, TV, and streaming. Plus, the Oscars shake things up and new theatrical experiments blur the line between TV and cinema.

HIGHLIGHTS
• “Zootopia 2” continues its global box office dominance, closing in on another billion-dollar milestone as rumors swirl about a possible themed land at Disney California Adventure
• Pixar’s “Hoppers” shows strong legs in its third weekend, crossing $240 million worldwide and earning praise as one of the studio’s funniest recent releases
• The 98th Academy Awards make history as “KPop Demon Hunters” becomes the first non-Disney or Pixar animated film to win two Oscars
• An animated “Firefly” revival is officially in development, potentially arriving in 2027 - over 25 years after the original series debuted
• Netflix experiments with theatrical releases for TV animation as “Stranger Things: Tales from ’85” gets limited screenings ahead of its streaming launch
• Jim shares highlights from his LA trip, including visits to Stuart Ng Books and Gallery Nucleus, plus rare animation art finds and industry collectibles
• A closer look at Kickstarter success stories like “Clara & the Below” and what they signal about the future of independent animation funding
• New Disney+ series “Maul: Shadow Lord” expands the Star Wars animated universe, raising questions about connections to earlier film versions
• Drew discusses moderating a LAIKA-focused panel and reveals details about the upcoming “Art of Wildwood” book

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic - your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, their team can help you save money and plan smarter. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to learn more.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Piston Peak Clues and the Secret History of Bear in the Big Blue House (Ep. 576)

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack a newly discovered Disney patent that may hint at the ride system for Piston Peak, along with updates from Disneyland construction, Disney Cruise Line, and Epic Universe. They also dig into recent survey data revealing how Disney is tracking guest spending and behavior. Then, in the first installment of a new series, Jim explores how Bear in the Big Blue House became a key piece in Disney’s long pursuit of the Muppets and how that history connects directly to Bluey today.

NEWS
• A newly surfaced Disney patent suggests a possible trackless, free-range ride system for Piston Peak, featuring dynamic terrain elements like logs and geysers
• Cast Member previews begin for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin update at Walt Disney World
• Disneyland construction continues on the Coco attraction and new parking infrastructure near Harbor Boulevard
• Anaheim Transportation Network shutdown could impact 22,000 daily riders, with Garden Grove launching replacement shuttle service
• Disney Cruise Line announces the Disney Believe, with speculation about Galveston becoming a future home port

FEATURE
• The origin story of Bear in the Big Blue House and how it became a breakout hit for Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney block
• How Disney used its partnership with the Jim Henson Company to strategically position itself for a future Muppets acquisition
• The surprising role of Sesame Street ownership in derailing Disney’s early attempts to buy Henson
• Why Disney once considered acquiring Bear in the Big Blue House alone instead of the full Muppets library

Show Notes for this episode can be found here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
The Disney Dish is sponsored by Unlock Magic. Save on Walt Disney World tickets with exclusive discounts at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Time at Universal Studios Hollywood - Does It Live Up to the Hype? (Ep. 95)

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey record on-location from Universal Studios Hollywood as Eric experiences the park for the very first time. From the iconic tram tour to Super Nintendo World, WaterWorld, and a close-up look at the new Fast & Furious coaster, they break down what surprised them most about Universal’s original park. Plus, how Hollywood compares to Orlando and what’s next for this evolving destination.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Eric’s first-ever visit to Universal Studios Hollywood and how it compares to Universal Orlando
• The world-famous Studio Tram Tour - what still works, what feels dated, and the impact of recent changes
• A closer look at the new Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster and why it could be a game-changer for the park
• WaterWorld stunt show review - why this decades-old attraction still delivers
• Super Nintendo World Hollywood vs. Epic Universe - key differences in scale, immersion, and experience
• Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash - an underrated dark ride that deserved better timing
• CityWalk Hollywood impressions and the ongoing transformation of the resort

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: StrongMindedAgency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heat, Heroes, and Half-Built Avengers Campus (Ep. 13)

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Dan Graney finally record face-to-face from Anaheim, sharing a sun-scorched Disneyland trip, firsthand impressions of Avengers Campus, and a candid look at what’s working - and what’s not. From ride reactions to walkaround characters and future Marvel attractions, this vacation edition mixes on-the-ground observations with big-picture theme park thinking. Plus, Jim reports in from the Academy Museum and a surprising Marvel presence, while both weigh in on the evolving entertainment landscape beyond the parks.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Dan shares his updated take on Avengers Campus, including Web Slingers, character encounters, and why the land still feels incomplete without a true E-ticket attraction
• A brutally hot Disneyland visit reveals how extreme weather impacts guest experience, ride decisions, and character availability
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout continues to impress with its pre-show, even as the ride experience proves divisive
• Jim breaks down the long-rumored Avengers Campus expansion and why capacity challenges reshaped the original Quinjet ride concept
• A visit to the Academy Museum uncovers an unexpected Marvel Studios exhibit alongside classic film history, including props, costumes, and Hulk effects

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live Streamers, Snack Wars, and Disneyland Strategy Mistakes (Ep. 9)

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Eric and Lauren unpack a wild week in the Disney parks, from the growing debate around live streamers and park etiquette to Disney’s latest efforts to win back middle-class families. They also dive deep into the Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World snack showdown and share a costly lesson about choosing between Lightning Lane and Park Hopper. It’s a mix of park culture, planning strategy, and plenty of food opinions.

HIGHLIGHTS

A live streamer incident at Disneyland sparks a bigger conversation about safety, swatting risks, and whether live streaming should be restricted in the parks
The difference between respectful content creators and disruptive live streamers, including real guest and cast member frustrations
Disney’s new push to attract middle-class families with lower ticket options, discounts, and kid-focused experiences
Expanded low-tier ticket availability, summer promotions, and added value offerings across Disneyland and Walt Disney World
The ongoing value debate: breaking down cost-per-hour and whether Disney is still “worth it” compared to other entertainment
Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World snacks: why Lauren says Disneyland wins and Eric… just eats everything
Standout Disneyland snacks including the raspberry macaron, Matterhorn cream puff, and cheesy garlic pretzel bread
A Disneyland strategy mistake: skipping Lightning Lane leads to a $600 Park Hopper decision mid-day
Food & Wine Festival crowds at Disney California Adventure and how timing can completely change your park experience
The big planning question: Park Hopper or Lightning Lane at Disneyland - and why the answer isn’t so simple

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merch Madness at Disneyland’s 70th and Beyond (Ep. 91)

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey recap a whirlwind West Coast trip packed with Disneyland 70th anniversary finds, surprising merch hacks, and a few Universal curveballs. From deep discounts and rare pins to interactive collectibles and nostalgic throwbacks, this episode is a treasure trove for Disney shoppers and collectors alike. Plus, the duo ventures into Universal Hollywood and Vegas to compare how other parks are stepping up their merch game. It’s part shopping guide, part history lesson, and all Disney enthusiasm.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Disneyland 70th anniversary merch hits steep discounts, with select items marked down up to 40% as Disney begins clearing inventory ahead of summer crowds
• The “Key to Disneyland” experience delivers a surprise rare pin moment, with one ultra-rare piece reportedly reselling for hundreds on the secondary market
• A clever merch hack reveals a $17.99 customizable Disneyland hat alternative to a nearly identical $79.99 version
• Vintage-inspired Mouseketeer items, including a Mouse Guitar tribute, highlight Disney’s long history of merch driving major brand success
• Universal experiments with interactive shoulder characters tied to upcoming Super Mario releases, building on ideas Disney introduced years ago
• A hidden Universal “Take Two” outlet store offers discounted merch in CityWalk, echoing Disney’s character warehouse concept
• Vegas experiences like Area15 and the Sphere showcase immersive retail tied to entertainment, though not all merch resonates with guests

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic - the go-to place for some of the best deals on theme park tickets. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar, visit UnlockedMagic.com to lock in great prices and make your next vacation more affordable.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon Tindle on Ultraman, Lost Boys, and Animating the World of John Wick (Ep. 350)

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Animation writer-director Shannon Tindle joins Drew Taylor for a wide-ranging conversation about breaking into animation, developing new projects, and navigating Hollywood’s ever-changing animation landscape. Shannon reflects on his career from CalArts to DreamWorks and beyond, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from Ultraman Rising, Kubo and the Two Strings, and projects that never made it to the screen. He also discusses his upcoming animated John Wick prequel and how animation opens creative possibilities that live action can’t.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Shannon Tindle discusses how artists today can break into animation from anywhere in the world thanks to digital portfolios, social media, and global collaboration.

• The evolution from analog portfolios and paper storyboards to Cintiq tablets and fully digital pipelines - and how that shift changed how animation talent gets discovered.

• Shannon shares details about his unproduced Disney animated series inspired by The Haunted Mansion, which would have followed a young girl tracking down escaped ghosts from the attraction’s famous “999 happy haunts.”

• A second Disney concept explored a modern take on the Lost Boys from Peter Pan, imagining a diverse group of kids in today’s world and a girl challenging the group’s “no girls allowed” rule.

• Behind-the-scenes insights into developing Ultraman Rising, including how the project began as an original concept before becoming an official Ultraman film and how Japanese fans reacted to the finished movie.

• Shannon explains how his upcoming animated John Wick project will expand the franchise with stylized action sequences impossible in live action while also exploring the emotional origin story of John and Helen.

• The creative challenge of balancing large-scale action with quiet character moments - something Shannon sees as essential to preserving the tone that makes the John Wick films work.

• Stories from Shannon’s time at DreamWorks working alongside artists like Nico Marlet, Carlos Grangel, and Tony Siruno, and how collaborative studio environments sharpen artists’ skills.

HOSTS

• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

GUEST

• Shannon Tindle - IG: @shannon_tindle

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What It Really Took to Run The Great Movie Ride (Ep.575)

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

This week’s Disney Dish mixes a packed Walt Disney World news round-up with a deeply nostalgic trip through one of Disney-MGM Studios’ most beloved lost attractions. Jim and Len break down a wave of reopening dates, new discount strategy, annual passholder survey oddities, and a fresh round of listener questions before returning to Jim’s ongoing history of The Great Movie Ride. The main story this time shifts backstage, focusing on the cast members, timing, choreography, and split-second performance work that made the attraction feel so alive. It is part park operations deep dive, part oral history, and pure Disney nerd catnip.

NEWS

• Walt Disney World rolls out a cluster of reopening dates, including Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin on April 8, Soarin’ Around America and Bluey at Animal Kingdom on May 26, plus more returning offerings later this summer.

• Disney also unveils new summer and fall offers, including free dining and a 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket, signaling a coordinated push to fill rooms after the spring reopening window.

• Universal Studios Hollywood begins ride cycling Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, offering a first look at the drifting ride vehicle tech expected to influence the Orlando version.

• Disney names Thomas Mazloum chairman of Disney Experiences, setting off a broader leadership reshuffle across Disneyland, Parks International, and Consumer Products.

• A new annual passholder survey raises eyebrows by spotlighting Zootopia-themed offerings at Animal Kingdom, fueling more speculation about where Disney may lean with that IP in the future.

FEATURE

• Jim continues the history of The Great Movie Ride by focusing on the cast members who brought the attraction to life, from auditioning tour guides to the performers who earned the right to play the gangster and bank robber.

• The episode explores the ride’s hidden operational complexity, including synchronized tram timing, live performance beats, emergency exits, and the backstage choreography required to make two different versions of the attraction work at once.

• Jim also shares stories about effects changes, guest complaints, on-the-job mishaps, and the strong sense of community that kept former cast members emotionally attached to the attraction long after its 2017 closure.

• The result is a vivid look at why The Great Movie Ride was not just a ride system and a script, but a live performance machine that depended on timing, talent, and nerves.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

View transcript here.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com

• Len Testa - Website: TouringPlans.com

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews

• Instagram: JimHillMedia

• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

Our friends at Unlocked Magic have discounted theme park tickets starting at just one day of admission, with prices better than Disney’s. Get your Walt Disney World tickets now and see all the new and returning offerings opening soon.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fast & Furious Hits the Brakes on the Studio Tour (Ep. 94)

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey look at the past and future of Universal’s Fast & Furious presence in the parks, just as Universal Studios Hollywood prepares to debut its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster. Along the way, they discuss the franchise’s surprising influence on theme park attractions, why the original tram-tour finale is closing, and what the next era of Universal expansion looks like - from Osaka to Texas. They also break down several recent Universal news stories, including a new parade at Universal Studios Japan and the latest developments at Universal Orlando.

NEWS

• Universal Studios Japan announces a 25th anniversary parade featuring Pokémon, Mario Kart characters, Sesame Street, and the Minions.

• Universal Orlando removes its self-service ticket kiosks as mobile ticketing becomes the preferred guest option.

• Luke Combs’ Category 10 live-music venue is coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando.

• New concept footage highlights Jurassic World and SpongeBob lands at the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Texas.

• Pteranodon Flyers at Islands of Adventure will remain closed through May 14, 2026.

FEATURE

• A preview of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift and the new ride vehicles debuting at Universal Studios Hollywood.

• How the Fast & Furious film series evolved from street racing into a global blockbuster franchise.

• The behind-the-scenes challenge of completing Furious 7 after the death of Paul Walker.

• Why the Fast & Furious Supercharged tram-tour finale is closing and what comes next for the attraction space.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com

• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: StrongMindedAgency.com

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

Planning your next Universal or Disney trip? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum-level earmarked travel agency, they specialize in planning unforgettable vacations to Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more.

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Bad Guests, Good Influencers: Inside the Best and Worst of Disney Fandom (Ep. 8)

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Eric and Lauren take a look at two very different sides of the Disney parks experience. First, they dive into the strange, frustrating, and sometimes hilarious examples of bad guest behavior that cast members deal with every day. Then they flip the script and explore the world of Disney content creators - highlighting some of the nicest influencers in the community and breaking down how people actually turn Disney fandom into a career online.

HIGHLIGHTS

Weird guest behavior in the parks: From guests interrupting performances to someone walking into Animal Kingdom with an entire bag of hard-boiled eggs, Eric and Lauren share some of the strangest stories pulled from Disney fan forums.
Cast member frustrations: The duo discusses the kinds of guest behavior that drive cast members crazy - including entitlement over “pixie dust,” arguing about ride safety rules, spoiling character magic for kids, and hoarding limited-edition merchandise.
Guests behaving badly: Stories range from public arguments over reality TV in Disney restaurants to runaway scooters smashing trash cans - plus the uncomfortable reality of guests ignoring common courtesy in the parks.
The nicest Disney influencers: A Reddit deep dive reveals a surprisingly wholesome consensus about creators like Paging Mr. Morrow, while Lauren shares why Disney Dish co-host Len Testa stands out as one of the most beloved figures in the Disney fan community.
How Disney creators actually make money: Eric and Lauren explain YouTube monetization, sponsorships, Patreon communities, and the reality that many influencers still keep full-time jobs while building their Disney platforms.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Princess Running Shoes, Walt’s L.A. Tour, and the Long Road to Disney Springs (Ep. 90)

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into a mix of new Disney merch, fan experiences, and theme park history. They break down the newly revealed Disney Princess running shoes from Brooks, preview merchandise coming to EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival, and look at a premium new D23 tour that takes fans through Walt Disney’s Los Angeles. Then Jim returns with Part 2 of the story of how a struggling shopping area at Walt Disney World evolved from the Disney Village Marketplace into the sprawling Disney Springs destination we know today.

NEWS

• Brooks and runDisney unveil the 2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend shoe collection featuring Rapunzel, Belle, and Moana inspired designs - including braided laces, lantern motifs, and ocean themed colorways.
• Registration prices for the Disney Princess Half Marathon continue to climb, now landing between $259 and $269, adding to the debate around race merch availability and resellers.
• D23 launches the premium Walt’s Los Angeles Tour for Gold Members - a $1,999 guided experience visiting Walt Disney Studios, Imagineering, Walt’s former home, the Carolwood Barn, and ending with dinner at one of Walt’s favorite restaurants.
• A preview of EPCOT’s 2026 Flower & Garden Festival merchandise highlights new Orange Bird apparel, a retro inspired button down, Spike the Bee accessories, and Annual Passholder exclusives.
• Disney California Adventure prepares for the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, including new marketplace booths and the Sip and Savor Pass that lets guests prepay for festival items.

FEATURE

• Part 2 of the Disney Springs story: how Michael Eisner inherited the underperforming Walt Disney World Shopping Village in the 1980s.
• The creation of Pleasure Island in 1989 as Disney’s answer to Orlando’s Church Street Station nightlife.
• The evolution into Downtown Disney in the 1990s with additions like Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, LEGO Imagination Center, DisneyQuest, and Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba.
• Why Pleasure Island ultimately closed in 2008 - and the short lived Hyperion Wharf concept that almost replaced it.
• How a major rethink under Disney Parks leadership led to the massive Disney Springs redevelopment, expanding the complex to more than 150 shops and restaurants across four themed districts.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic. If a Disney or Universal trip is anywhere on your radar for 2026, the team at UnlockedMagic can help you secure great ticket deals with guidance from people who truly know the parks. Learn more and lock in your future trip at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

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The Case for CEO: Fire Mountain, Skyliners & a Villains Brunch (Ep. 14)

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

What would happen if Len Testa and Chris Cox were suddenly handed the keys to The Walt Disney Company? In this spirited session of The Case For, Jim Hill presides as the guys pitch their boldest, nerdiest, and occasionally unhinged ideas for the future of Walt Disney World. From resurrecting Magical Express to replacing Jungle Cruise with a Moana and Lilo & Stitch volcano coaster, nothing is off the table.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Should Disney bring back Magical Express and resort package delivery, possibly with paid expedited options to drive incremental revenue?
• Len proposes accepting international Annual Passes at domestic parks in 2026 to offset projected declines in overseas travel.
• A controversial pitch to replace Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise with a family-friendly Fire Mountain coaster themed to Moana and Lilo & Stitch.
• Extending the Skyliner to connect Animal Kingdom, Coronado Springs, All-Stars, and Blizzard Beach to increase resort occupancy and reduce bus demand.
• A Villains-themed breakfast at Be Our Guest as a test kitchen for the upcoming Villains Land.
• Chris suggests an AI-powered Memory Maker upgrade that auto-edits photos and creates shareable reels for guests.
• The long-lost Adventures Club, the future of the monorail system, airline luggage check-in at resorts, and even a “Need a Pee” line re-entry pass all make the docket.

HOSTS

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hoppers Leaps to Number One, The Wild Robot gets a Sequel, and Cartoon Lagoon Has New Projects Coming (Ep. 349)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor are back together after Drew's birthday escape to Palm Springs, and they've got plenty of animation news to talk about. Pixar has its biggest ever box office for an original film opening, Pete Docter's Wall Street Journal interview takes an odd turn but at least they have a musical on the way, and of course there are the Old Spice marketing tie-ins to the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie that want you to smell like Bowser.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Disney Legend Floyd Norman's screening and Q&A at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC has been postponed with no rescheduled date available as of yet

• Hoppers has the best opening for a Pixar original film yet with an 88 million dollar worldwide gross

• The first 40,000 fans through the gates on March 31st at the L.A. Dodgers game against the Cleveland Guardians will get an exclusive Yoshi bobblehead

• Drew drops an exclusive story about the upcoming sequel to The Wild Robot

• Cartoon Lagoon has a new film, Kindred Spirits, coming in 2028

• Jim and Drew discuss Pete Docter's recent interview with the Wall Street Journal and the reactions to it

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

Unlock Magic
Planning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Unlock Magic helps you secure the very best deals on theme park tickets, with expert support from people who truly know the parks. Visit unlockedmagic.com to start planning your next adventure.

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The Great Movie Ride, Carthay Circle, and the Cheesecake That Stole the Show (Ep. 574)

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss Villains Land expansion permits, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s refurbishment timeline, and how negotiations over the Chinese Theatre helped shape Disney’s use of Carthay Circle as a park icon. Plus, listener questions, MuppetVision’s future on Apple Vision Pro, and a standout cheesecake discovery at Walt Disney World.

NEWS

• Updated permits show Villains Land attractions expanding, with both the dark ride and coaster buildings increasing in size.

• Infrastructure work for Piston Peak and Villains Land is currently scheduled to be completed by December 2027.

• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has closed for refurbishment, with a possible Memorial Day reopening target.

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s refurbishment permit has been extended through August 31, 2026.

• Brian Henson says MuppetVision 3D is coming to Apple Vision Pro with selectable viewing seats.

• Len shares a rave review of the brulée Basque cheesecake at Bourbon Steak in the Walt Disney World Dolphin.

FEATURE

• Jim continues the history of The Great Movie Ride and Disney’s negotiations with theater owner Tedd Mann.

• The story explains why Disney insisted on calling the building simply the Chinese Theatre.

• Jim also details how the Carthay Circle Theatre eventually became the icon of Disney California Adventure.

• Early plans for the building included a ride, stage show, film attraction, and museum before it became a restaurant.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia | X: https://twitter.com/JimHillMedia | Website: https://JimHillMedia.com

• Len Testa - IG: https://www.instagram.com/len.testa | Website: https://touringplans.com

FOLLOW

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

The Disney Dish news is sponsored by our friends at Unlocked Magic. Looking for discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets - including hard-to-find 1- and 2-day options? Head to unlockedmagic.com to find deals that can beat Disney’s direct pricing.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
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Fast & Furious: From Street Racing Article to Universal Attraction (Ep.93)

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick off a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast while preparing for an upcoming trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. Along the way, they dig into current park news, new Wizarding World treats, and construction updates affecting CityWalk. The back half of the show dives deep into the surprising origin story of the Fast & Furious franchise and how it eventually made its way into Universal’s theme parks.

NEWS

• King Kong 360 3D on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour temporarily closes for refurbishment through March 14, meaning some guests may miss the massive Peter Jackson–inspired attraction sequence featuring Kong battling V-Rex dinosaurs.

• Sidewalk and infrastructure construction is underway at Universal CityWalk Hollywood near the security checkpoint as the resort continues repositioning its entrance and preparing space for a future on-site Universal hotel.

• Butterbeer Season expands across Universal parks worldwide, bringing themed treats like butterbeer waffles, cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, candy apples, and new merchandise including Butterbeer spirit jerseys.

• Wizarding World snack lineup grows with new Hogwarts house-themed “ice lollies” (popsicles) available at Diagon Alley’s Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Counter and the Hopping Pot area.

• Jim and Eric discuss planning tips for first-time visits to Universal Studios Hollywood, including how the CityWalk layout and security process differ from Universal Orlando.

FEATURE

• The unexpected origin of the Fast & Furious franchise, inspired by a 1998 Vibe magazine article about illegal street racing in New York City.

• How the first film’s $38 million budget turned into a $200+ million worldwide hit and launched one of Universal’s most valuable film franchises.

• Why Vin Diesel initially refused to return for the sequel despite a $25 million offer and how the franchise nearly shifted direction without its biggest stars.

• The surprising role Universal Home Entertainment played in pushing for additional sequels after massive DVD and VHS sales.

• Early theme park integration of the franchise, including the short-lived Fast & Furious Extreme Close-Up Experience on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour.

• How that stunt demonstration used early KUKA robotic arm technology, which later powered Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com

• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

Planning your next theme park vacation? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you plan the perfect trip to Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. Get started today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast.

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The Surprisingly Complicated Origins of Disney Springs (Ep. 89)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the latest Disney Springs news, from towering CrazyShakes and a savory new concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse to a possible interactive gaming venue taking over the old NBA Experience building. They also spotlight a subtle new Disney-inspired apparel brand before diving into the surprisingly complicated early history of Disney Springs. In part one of this deep dive, Jim traces the story all the way back to Walt Disney’s original EPCOT city plans and the unlikely beginnings of what eventually became Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district.

NEWS

• Black Tap CrazyShake pop-up arrives at Disney Springs with over-the-top milkshakes, including a Disney-exclusive Mickey-themed shake available for a limited 90-day run
• Six Ravens announced as a new savory concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse founder Steve Lewis, featuring “coffins” (old-school hand pies), smashed potatoes, and local beer
• Level 99 interactive challenge venue rumored for the former NBA Experience building, bringing 60 physical and mental challenge rooms plus food and drinks
• The Aerophile balloon ride at Disney Springs returns with a brand-new balloon, once again offering aerial views of Walt Disney World

FEATURE

• Why Disney Springs exists at all - and how its origins trace back to Walt Disney’s original EPCOT city concept in the 1960s
• The opening of the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in 1975 and why Disney initially designed it for residents, not tourists
• How the Empress Lily riverboat restaurant helped introduce Disney’s first-ever character dining experience in 1978
• Early resort expansion plans around the shopping village, including a proposed New Orleans Square-themed hotel district that never happened

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, the go-to place for some of the best deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 park trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you lock in great prices and plan ahead with confidence.
Visit: unlockedmagic.com

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Are Disney Villains Losing Their Edge? And What’s Behind the Olaf Outrage (Ep. 7)

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Eric and Lauren break down a massive week in the Disney Parks community, from the emotional final launch of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith to swirling speculation about Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land. They also react to Joe Rohde’s surprise book announcement and the passionate fan debate over Olaf taking over Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios.

HIGHLIGHTS

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith officially closed on March 2, drawing multi-hour waits as fans packed Disney’s Hollywood Studios to say goodbye to the 1999 launch coaster.
Fresh reporting suggests major creative shifts for Villains Land, including a possible Emperor’s New Groove coaster, a Maleficent boat ride E-ticket, and an Ursula-inspired flat ride.
Fans are divided over whether Villains Land should lean dark and intimidating or embrace a more whimsical, family-friendly tone.
Joe Rohde announces a new book, Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible, sparking renewed conversation about the most influential Imagineers of the modern era.
A new Olaf-hosted Animation Academy experience will use pre-recorded instruction from Disney Animation artists, prompting debate over the loss of live instructor interaction.

For this episode’s full show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

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A New CEO and a Different Marvel Strategy (Ep. 12)

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Jim Hill and Dan Graney zoom out and look at the chessboard. With Josh D’Amaro stepping into the CEO role and a noticeably restrained tone coming out of Disney leadership, the conversation isn’t about splashy announcements. It’s about positioning. From Avengers: Doomsday reshoots and Doctor Doom Oreo rollouts to Sony’s Spider-Man reset and Lucasfilm’s next theatrical move, this week felt less like checkmate and more like pieces quietly sliding into place.

HIGHLIGHTS
• A major executive profile previews Josh D’Amaro’s March 18 CEO transition and underscores how Parks and Experiences now drive the majority of Disney’s operating income.
• Disney leadership publicly tempers expectations around Marvel while privately expressing confidence in Avengers: Doomsday as a potential 2026 event film.
• Reports of three weeks of Doomsday reshoots in London raise the question: routine refinement or cause for concern?
• A premium screen showdown looms as Doomsday is currently slated opposite Dune: Part Three, which holds IMAX exclusivity opening weekend.
• Marvel lays groundwork for Doctor Doom across publishing and consumer products, including a coordinated comic relaunch and national Oreo promotion.
• Sony Pictures signals a “full-scale reboot” of its live-action Spider-Man villain universe, pivoting back toward hero-centered storytelling and deeper collaboration with Kevin Feige.
• A quick Star Wars temperature check, including internal reactions to The Mandalorian & Grogu marketing and early buzz around Star Wars: Starfighter.

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. Save up to 12% on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets with the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and start saving today at
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When you book, be sure to tell them Dan and Jim sent you.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Criterion Crowns KPop, Zootopia 2 Climbs Higher & Smiling Friends Signs Off (Ep. 348)

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s show a little early to accommodate Drew’s Palm Springs getaway, but that doesn’t slow down the animation news. From Netflix making a rare physical media play with KPop Demon Hunters to Zootopia 2 quietly becoming 2025’s biggest domestic hit, there’s a lot to unpack. They also look at Smiling Friends stepping away at its peak, new anime headed to theaters, and a wave of animation-themed events happening coast to coast.

HIGHLIGHTS

• KPop Demon Hunters lands a rare Criterion Collection physical media release after sweeping major awards, signaling a big win for Netflix animation.

• Zootopia 2 becomes 2025’s top domestic release and sees strong demand for its 4K Steelbook on launch day.

• Smiling Friends ends on its own terms, with two final episodes set to air April 12.

• Crunchyroll dates the next That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime movie for May 2026 as Season Four arrives this spring.

• Hulu’s upcoming animated comedy Swap Meet begins development at 20th Television Animation and Sony Pictures Television.

• Don Hahn’s Huz: Drawn to Life spotlights Disney animator Ron Husband and his legacy.

• Dana Terrace premieres The Knights of Guinevere pilot and plans a March panel and gallery event in Alhambra.

• Drawing Magic: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida opens in Orlando with a March 8 creators panel.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chinese Theater That Wasn’t the Icon (Ep. 573)

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim and Len explore how the most famous movie palace in Hollywood became the centerpiece of Disney’s Hollywood Studios… and somehow never its official icon. Along the way, Olaf teaches drawing lessons (to himself), Millennium Falcon gets a name that even Disney couldn’t commit to, Butterbeer achieves new levels of sugar density, Disneyland Paris flirts with character hotel makeovers, and Disney Cruise Line tries to figure out exactly how much of a discount it takes to get you off the couch.

NEWS

• Olaf hosts a new drawing experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including a wonderfully meta segment where Olaf learns to draw Olaf.

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run briefly adds “A New Mission” to its name before Disney quietly rethinks the branding.

• Universal’s Butterbeer Season returns with waffles, cream puffs, and what your cardiologist calls “concerns.”

• Joe Rohde releases “Floating Mountains,” blending travel stories and creative philosophy.

• Disneyland Paris surveys suggest Newport Bay Club rooms may soon feature aquatic Disney IP overlays.

• A Disney Cruise Line survey reveals how many clicks it takes before 30 percent off starts sounding persuasive.

FEATURE

The History of The Great Movie Ride – Part 2

• Why the Chinese Theatre replica sits in icon position but never officially became the park’s symbol.

• How Sid Grauman turned an earthquake, a tent, and a projector into a Hollywood empire.

• Walt Disney’s long affection for the Chinese Theatre, from Flowers and Trees to the Mary Poppins premiere.

• The subtle design tweaks that made Florida’s version taller, shinier, and occasionally slippery.

• How The Great Movie Ride building carried more history than most guests ever realized.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.⁠

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at prices better than gate rates by visiting UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Universal Wants to Be Your Week-Long Vacation (Ep. 92)

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack Universal’s latest ticketing survey, the studio’s continued confidence in Wicked, and the surprising Epcot-inspired expansion that reshaped Universal Studios Hollywood in the late 1980s.

NEWS

• Universal tests “Make it a week you’ll never forget” messaging in a new survey, hinting at a major push to reposition Universal Orlando Resort as a full-week destination
• Guest perception questions compare park counts at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, signaling confidence in the four-park narrative
• Wicked crosses $1.2 billion globally across its two films, as NBCUniversal leadership confirms interest in expanding the Oz universe
• Universal Studios Hollywood named the official theme park partner of the LA 2028 Olympic Games
• Jurassic Park and Jurassic World props spotted backstage in Hollywood, fueling speculation about possible additions to Fan Fest
• All the Books You Can Read in Seuss Landing quietly closes, raising questions about retail strategy inside Islands of Adventure

FEATURE

• Why Universal executives studied EPCOT’s World Showcase before expanding the Hollywood upper lot
• The creation of “Streets of the World,” a $75 million expansion designed to let guests walk through detailed movie-quality sets
• How Parisian cafés, Sherlock Holmes’ 221B Baker Street, and even an Animal House façade briefly brought film environments to life
• The surprising ways these sets were actually used in production, including scenes for Beverly Hills, 90210
• How character encounters and celebrity lookalikes helped this area function like a Disney-style themed land
• Why much of this expansion eventually gave way to newer attractions like The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Epic Universal listeners can take advantage of a limited-time ticket offer: get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to secure this special offer and start planning your next Universal vacation.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labyrinth at 40: From Box Office Bomb to Cult Classic (Ep. 88)

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren follow the winding path of Labyrinth as it turns 40, exploring how a film that underperformed in 1986 became one of the most beloved cult classics of the home video era - and how its legacy nearly intertwined with Disney in a much bigger way.

In this episode of I Want That Too, we connect the dots between Jim Henson’s ambitious fantasy film, its surprising international success, and the long road that led Disney to acquire the Muppets - but not Labyrinth. Along the way, we look at the massive 40th anniversary merch push and what it says about the power of nostalgia-driven consumer products.

NEWS

• Disney Consumer Products wins big at North America’s Toy Fair, taking home Doll of the Year for the American Girl Moana collection and Plush Toy of the Year for the interactive Stitch
• How upcoming theatrical releases - including The Mandalorian and Grogu, Toy Story 5, Moana (live-action), and Spider-Man: Brand New Day - are shaping Disney’s 2026 merchandise strategy
• A new Haunted Mansion wedding venue debuts at Disneyland as Disney Fairy Tale Weddings celebrates its 35th anniversary
• Disney unveils a 35th anniversary light-up wedding gown featuring 500 embedded lights and 35 programmable lighting effects
• Labyrinth kicks off its 40th anniversary celebration with anniversary screenings, a 60-city concert tour, new collectibles, and specialty footwear collaborations

FEATURE

• Why Labyrinth struggled at the box office in 1986 despite an A-team creative lineup that included George Lucas and David Bowie
• The international box office story that softened the blow - and helped build the film’s cult following
• How Labyrinth’s disappointing domestic performance factored into Jim Henson’s decision to sell his company
• The original 1989 Disney acquisition deal that would have given the Mouse the entire Henson film library - including Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal
• Why the Henson family ultimately retained key IP like Labyrinth, Fraggle Rock, and The Dark Crystal when Disney finalized its Muppets purchase in 2004
• The newly announced Labyrinth sequel in development at TriStar Pictures and what it signals about the brand’s enduring power

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, Unlock Magic helps you secure great ticket prices with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to lock in the best deals and make your next trip a little more magical.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Villains Land Goes Big, Avatar Plans in Question, and Is Animal Kingdom Worth the Price? (Ep. 6)

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Disney may be rethinking Villains Land at Magic Kingdom - and this time, bigger could truly mean better. Lauren and Eric unpack the rumor that Imagineers were told to go bold with budget becoming secondary, and what that might signal about Disney’s competitive strategy. They also break down the delayed closure of Monsters Inc. at Disney California Adventure, what that means for the proposed Avatar expansion, and whether Animal Kingdom’s attraction lineup justifies its ticket price. Plus, the rise of AI-generated meet-and-greet images and why they might be causing real-world confusion.

HIGHLIGHTS

A rumor suggests the original plans for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom were scrapped in favor of bigger, more ambitious concepts with budget reportedly becoming a secondary concern.
What this could mean for Disney’s long-term strategy as new leadership looks to make a defining creative statement.
Why Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue at Disney California Adventure may now stay open longer than expected.
How the potential delay impacts the proposed Avatar-themed expansion and why some fans question whether the IP fits the park.
A breakdown of attraction counts across Walt Disney World parks and the renewed debate over whether Animal Kingdom currently offers enough rides to justify a full-day visit.
How recent closures and construction projects are affecting crowd flow and guest perception at Animal Kingdom.
The surge of AI-generated Disney character meet-and-greet images online and how they may be misleading guests planning their trips.

For this episode’s full show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

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Lightning Lane Logic - Is Buying Time at Disney Worth It? (Ep. 13)

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa, Chris Cox, and Jim Hill return to the Court of the Disney World Resort to continue their spirited debate over Lightning Lane strategy at Walt Disney World. From extended grace periods and tier-unlocking tricks to pre-booking windows and rope drop insurance policies, this episode digs into the real-world math of saving time versus spending money.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The 119-minute extended grace period and how to use it to stack Lightning Lanes more efficiently
• Why tapping into your first Lightning Lane early unlocks tiers and expands your booking options
• Treating your first Lightning Lane as a “double early entry” strategy
• Hollywood Studios case study: Rope dropping Rise of the Resistance while stacking Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Tower of Terror
• The Magic Kingdom dilemma: More Lightning Lane attractions means more complexity, more refreshing, and more walking
• Why buying a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train single pass can simplify your entire Magic Kingdom touring plan
• Jungle Cruise vs. Peter Pan strategy and how early entry reshapes your day
• The hidden cost of Lightning Lane: Time on your phone versus time in the park
• When it makes sense to skip Lightning Lane at EPCOT or Animal Kingdom
• The surprising stat: Guests reallocating dining money to pay for Lightning Lane

HOSTS

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KPop Demon Hunters Sweeps the Annies While Toy Story 5 Steps Into the Spotlight (Ep. 347)

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed week in animation, from awards-season shakeups to shifting box office math and a first real look at Pixar’s next big sequel. Along the way, they spotlight a streaming acquisition that could become a Halloween favorite, a few strategic release-date moves, and close with a heartfelt remembrance of a behind-the-scenes legend whose work helped shape modern animation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• KPop Demon Hunters dominates the Annie Awards with 12 wins, including Best Feature, while Zootopia 2 goes home empty-handed despite its box office strength
• Corrected Presidents Day numbers boost GOAT’s opening and reshape its rivalry with Wuthering Heights in weekend two
• Pixar debuts the first official Toy Story 5 trailer, centering Jessie and introducing a toys-versus-tech conflict
• Sony begins development on an animated Venom project with Tom Hardy producing
• TMNT: Mutant Mayhem 2 moves its release date up by a month
• Netflix acquires I Am Frankelda, Mexico’s first stop-motion animated feature, for a fall debut
• A tribute to Jane Baer, whose career included Sleeping Beauty, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, and more

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, their team can help you secure great ticket prices and plan smarter. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

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Villains Land Reimagined: Bigger, Bolder, and Built to Be Loved (Ep. 572)

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Len reports on a behind-the-scenes rethink of Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Villains Land, with Imagineering now under pressure to deliver not just “like” but “love.” The guys also touch on Epic Universe’s revenue strategy, Universal’s aggressive 2026 ticket bundles, and what a Mayan archaeology conference might reveal about the future of Indiana Jones at Animal Kingdom.

NEWS
• Magic Kingdom reverses the second Disney Starlight parade route to ease Main Street exits.
• Universal debuts a 6- or 7-day ticket with Epic Universe access and a $300 hotel dining credit.
• Epic Universe updates Early Park Admission again, adding Battle at the Ministry and more Dragon experiences.
• Universal taps The Boring Company for a potential next-gen transportation system.
• “Project Atlas” is believed to be Shanghai Disneyland’s second gate.
• Villains Land concepts revisited post-holidays, with Imagineering asked to go bigger and bolder.
• The indoor dark ride is now positioned as the long-term Lightning Lane Single Pass anchor.
• Restaurant design shaped by fixed-price dining and per-cap revenue goals.
• Mayan mythology themes - bats, jaguars, owls - surface at an archaeology conference tied to Indy research.

FEATURE
• The 1992 debut of Disney’s Hotel New York at Euro Disneyland and Michael Eisner’s “architecture patron” era.
• How architect Michael Graves’ postmodern, Art Deco-inspired design celebrated early 20th-century Manhattan.
• Why the 561-room hotel closed in 2019 for a full reinvention into Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel.
• Inside the 2021 reopening: 350+ Marvel artworks, exclusive commissioned pieces, and Tony Stark’s wall of armor.
• The new coffee table book, Disney Hotel New York: The Complete Art Collection, and why it finally makes every piece viewable.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
The Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Save on Walt Disney World theme park tickets - often below Disney’s direct pricing - and get expert help planning your next trip. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning today.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

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The Direct-to-Video Dinosaur That Made a Billion (Ep. 91)

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into Universal’s latest infrastructure plans, unpack Epic Universe updates, and then travel back to the late 1980s to reveal how The Land Before Time quietly reshaped the home video industry.

NEWS

• Universal’s Shingle Creek Transit and Utility CDD votes to begin negotiations with Elon Musk’s Boring Company to potentially build an underground transportation system connecting Epic Universe to the rest of Universal Orlando Resort.
• What the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop timeline tells us about how long a Florida tunnel project could realistically take.
• New details on Epic Universe’s 53,000-square-foot event facility - a permanent structure designed to host 1,200 to 1,400 guests, likely targeting convention and corporate buyouts.
• Early Park Admission at Epic Universe adjusted again, now including eight attractions across multiple lands through March 31 - a key planning note for upcoming visitors.
• Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas launches its official website with a 2026 opening window, while hotel bookings remain unavailable.
• Shrek’s Swamp Splash Pad quietly removed from DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida less than a year after opening.

FEATURE

• Why The Land Before Time became a billion-dollar home video franchise for MCA Universal - despite its famously troubled production.
• How Universal’s direct-to-video dinosaur sequels influenced Disney’s decision to release The Return of Jafar straight to VHS.
• The surprising connection between Jurassic Park’s 41-inch height requirement and the creation of the Land Before Time Adventure Show at Universal Studios Hollywood.
• A look back at Fievel’s Playland in both Florida and Hollywood - and why those family-friendly dinosaur experiences mattered in the 1990s theme park wars.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Right now, Epic Universal Podcast listeners can get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort - including access to Epic Universe, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida. You can also add Universal Express directly through UnlockedMagic.com to skip the regular lines at most participating attractions and maximize your park time. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to lock in that 7-for-5 ticket offer and customize your Universal Orlando vacation today.

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Eisner Unfiltered, Disney’s AI Investment, Savannah Bananas & $449 Lightning Lanes (Ep. 5)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Michael Eisner returns to the Disney spotlight in a surprisingly candid, long-form interview that has fans buzzing. Lauren and Eric break down Eisner’s comments on park pricing, Bob Chapek, AI, and the future of Disney leadership - plus what it means in today’s theme park landscape. Then, the Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball back to Disneyland, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass sells out for seven straight days at Walt Disney World. Is Disney’s most expensive skip-the-line option here to stay?

HIGHLIGHTS

Michael Eisner sits down with Graham Bensinger for his most in-depth Disney interview in years, sharing candid thoughts on leadership transitions, pricing, and the modern company.
Eisner describes the Chapek era as “a marriage made in hell” while praising Bob Iger’s succession and leadership instincts.
Disney confirms a $1 billion AI investment and partnership with OpenAI, with plans to explore internal tools, advertising analytics, and controlled character licensing for AI-generated content.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass sells out for seven consecutive days at Magic Kingdom during Presidents Day week, with prices reaching up to $449 per person plus tax.
The Savannah Bananas return to Disneyland on March 26, bringing Banana Ball energy, cavalcades, and castle-front performances to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure.
The Bananas’ fan-first model, viral growth, and MLB stadium sellouts make them a natural marketing match for Disney’s experiential brand strategy.

For this episode’s full show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Main Street Replica That Sparked a Corporate Rift (Ep. 87)

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren dive into the late-80s Sears exclusive Disney World Town Square replica - the ambitious “starter set” that promised Main Street magic at home just as Disney Stores began popping up in malls nationwide.

Lauren’s Valentine’s gift to Eric sparks a deep dive into one of the most fascinating Disney retail experiments of the 1980s: the Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica. Jim explains how this surprisingly elaborate playset - complete with bendable Mickey and Minnie figures and optional upgrades like working streetlights and a smoking train - was born out of a major licensing deal between Sears and The Walt Disney Company. But when the first Disney Store locations began opening in malls, that partnership quickly unraveled.

NEWS

• A new Frozen 3 short is coming this October as part of Disney’s Frozen Fan Fest, with full theatrical release slated for November 2027
• Disney continues evolving its merchandising strategy for the Frozen franchise, leaning into more adult-focused collaborations and collectibles
• Bath & Body Works launches its 2026 Disney Princess fragrance collection featuring Aurora, Mulan, Rapunzel, Snow White, plus returning scents for Belle and Tiana
• New Disney “Blooms” plush flower stems debut at Disney retail locations in London, Times Square, and Downtown Disney, hinting at possible Flower & Garden synergy
• Josh D’Amaro outlines Disney’s long-term strategy blending immersive parks, digital platforms like Fortnite, and integrated retail experiences

FEATURE

• The 1988 Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica “starter set” and its expandable ecosystem of add-ons
• Optional upgrades included interior furniture packs, working streetlights, a smoking railroad train, trolley cars, tourists, and seasonal Christmas overlays
• Why the playset’s price was slashed 50 percent within a year - and how the rapid expansion of Disney Stores sparked a licensing rift
• How this short-lived partnership reshaped Disney’s retail strategy heading into the late 1980s and beyond

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar in 2026, head to UnlockedMagic.com to lock in great ticket prices with experts who know the parks and how to save you money.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel Skips the Super Bowl, Star Wars Plays Cute & AI Shakes Hollywood (Ep. 11)

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Marvel sits out the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade, Star Wars leans into nostalgia with a Grogu-powered parody, and an AI-generated Tom Cruise vs. Brad Pitt fight clip sends shockwaves through Hollywood. Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack what Disney’s marketing restraint really signals for Avengers: Doomsday, how The Mandalorian & Grogu is being positioned for theaters, and why a 15-second AI video may have just changed the rules of the game.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel breaks a 14-year tradition by skipping a Super Bowl spot for Avengers: Doomsday, signaling a long-term narrative strategy rather than a short-term hype spike.
• No Super Bowl presence for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, despite mounting online speculation and leaks.
• Disney pivots to nostalgia with a parody-style ad for The Mandalorian & Grogu, complete with Tauntauns and clear Clydesdale-inspired staging.
• The economics of Super Bowl advertising - including the staggering production and airtime costs behind the Jurassic Park-inspired Infinity commercial.
• Disney’s multi-year theatrical roadmap and how Sony’s Spider-Man releases help build runway toward Avengers: Secret Wars.
• Daredevil: Born Again undergoes a major creative reset after six completed episodes, with Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio reportedly pushing for tonal recalibration.
• Legal guardrails surrounding Sony’s Spider-Man film rights continue to restrict Kingpin’s potential big-screen appearances.
• A hyper-realistic AI-generated Tom Cruise vs. Brad Pitt fight ignites industry-wide concern from SAG-AFTRA and studio executives.
• What AI disruption could mean for blockbuster filmmaking, union protections, and the future of human performance.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: thehubbubbery

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Simpsons at 800: No Finale, Just More Springfield (Ep. 346)

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

As The Simpsons hits its 800th episode, Jim Hill takes a moment to appreciate how this once-scrappy Fox upstart became an animation institution that may never actually end. From the long-lost series finale concept where Homer and Krusty were secretly the same person to the show’s upcoming theatrical sequel and Disney’s long-term park plans, this week’s Fine Tooning looks at how Springfield keeps evolving. Plus, box office updates, Avatar sequel math, Matt Braly’s next move after Sony, and a wild Steven Spielberg phone call that changed animation history.

NEWS

• The Simpsons celebrates its 800th episode with “Irrational Treasure,” the 14th episode of Season 37, as the series eyes renewal through Season 40 and a second theatrical film set for September 3, 2027.

• Disney+ viewers can compare Season 1’s “Santa’s Little Helper” to the new milestone episode to see just how dramatically the show’s animation quality has evolved since 1989.

• Sony Pictures Animation’s Goat opens strong over Presidents Day weekend, reportedly close behind Warner Bros.’ Wuthering Heights, with final box office numbers still shifting.

• Zootopia 2 crosses $1.83 billion worldwide, becoming the ninth highest-grossing film of all time, though its upcoming March 3 home video release may slow its push toward $2 billion.

• Avatar: Fire & Ash reaches $1.46 billion globally, profitable but well below the franchise’s prior installments, raising questions about costs and expectations for Avatar 4 and 5.

• Matt Braly and Rebecca Sugar’s previously in-development Sony feature is shelved, but Braly launches a Kickstarter on March 13 for his indie gothic horror pilot Clara and the Below.

• The RiffTrax team raises nearly $1.9 million on Kickstarter for The RiffTrax Experiments, offering a hopeful blueprint for creator-driven animation crowdfunding.

FEATURE

• The behind-the-scenes story of how Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss were hired by Steven Spielberg to write The Land Before Time, following his surprise discovery of Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird.

• Spielberg’s now-legendary phone call to Freudberg, initially mistaken for a prank, ultimately led to a creative partnership that bridged Sesame Street and major animated feature filmmaking.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com

• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12% off. Unlocked Magic is run by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and save big.

Grab your tickets today at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you.

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The Knight in the Haunted Mansion to The Great Movie Ride Origins (Ep. 571)

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Len dig into multimodal transportation news, Epic Universe’s shifting early entry lineup, and a possible successor to Josh D’Amaro before launching a new series on the history of The Great Movie Ride - including how a live performer in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion helped inspire one of Disney-MGM Studios’ most ambitious opening-day attractions.

NEWS
• Universal selects The Boring Company to develop a resort-wide transportation system connecting parks and hotels
• Epic Universe quietly reshuffles early park admission offerings mid-month
• Natasha Rafalski emerges as a potential future leader of Disney Experiences
• Garden Rocks concert lineup shifts major acts to Friday through Monday dates
• Walt Disney World files permits tied to updates at Carousel of Progress

FEATURE
• How a live “Knight” performer inside Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion in 1985 influenced Michael Eisner
• The Main Street Cinema’s Phantom of the Opera stunt and its connection to Universal Studios’ early tram tour
• The risks and guest reactions that ended the Haunted Mansion live-performer experiment
• The origins of The Great Movie Ride’s ambitious blend of live actors and animatronics

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From American Tail to Littlefoot – Don Bluth and Spielberg’s Unlikely Alliance (Ep. 90)

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Eric kick things off with breaking news from Universal’s Fan Fest - yes, there are now multiple colored Yoshis roaming around. From there, they dig into Universal’s bold Mummy 4 release date, Wicked’s Peacock debut, Mardi Gras madness in Orlando, and that Epic Universe Super Bowl ad that’s clearly aimed at changing everything. Then in the back half, Jim dives into the surprisingly complicated history of The Land Before Time - from Spielberg’s creative notes to 14 installments and those rare Littlefoot walk-around characters at Universal Studios Hollywood.

NEWS

• Mummy 4 gets a prime summer release date - Universal slots the Brendan Fraser-led sequel for May 19, 2028, signaling major confidence in the franchise’s return.
• Wicked heads to Peacock - Universal’s Broadway juggernaut begins streaming March 20, keeping the contractual Wicked mention streak alive.
• Universal Mardi Gras 2026 begins - Over 40 international food booths, live concerts, and the debut of Prince Gator at Universal Orlando.
• Volcano Bay goes cashless - Starting February 25, the water park transitions to card-only transactions.
• Epic Universe Super Bowl commercial - A sibling rivalry story spotlights Stardust Racers and positions Universal Orlando as a multi-day destination experience.

FEATURE

• The Land Before Time’s surprising origin story - How Steven Spielberg partnered with Don Bluth after The Secret of NIMH and reshaped a dinosaur tale to be less terrifying for kids.
• Scenes cut for being “too scary” - Nearly 10 minutes were removed before the 1988 theatrical release of The Land Before Time.
• From theatrical hit to direct-to-video empire - Universal ultimately produced 14 installments, with the final entry arriving in 2016.
• Rare Universal Studios walk-around characters - Littlefoot and Sarah once appeared in the parks - and Jim wants proof from listeners who remember them.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

Planning your next adventure? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations are a Platinum Level Universal and Disney travel agency, offering concierge-level planning for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast.

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The Muppets Win the Ratings Game While Wonder Man Sneaks Up on Disney+ (Ep. 4)

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Disney is having a moment and this episode covers three very different reasons why. Eric and Lauren dig into the surprise ratings success of The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special, break down why Marvel’s Wonder Man quietly became a sleeper hit on Disney Plus, and wrap things up with a look at Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary and the popcorn bucket chaos that came with it. From broadcast TV demos to streaming strategy and park optics, this one moves fast and covers a lot of ground.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special delivers strong ABC ratings and wins the key 18–49 demo
Why those numbers matter to advertisers and what they could mean for a potential weekly revival
The Sabrina Carpenter bump and how celebrity guests factor into Muppets nostalgia and reach
Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro spotted at Disneyland and the symbolism of that park appearance
Marvel’s Wonder Man emerges as a sleeper hit with critics and viewers despite minimal marketing
Why a lower-budget, character-driven Marvel series may point to a smarter streaming future
Disney California Adventure turns 25 and sparks long lines thanks to a high-tech Ferris wheel popcorn bucket
The ongoing reseller debate and whether Disney should crack down harder on merch flippers

For this episode’s full show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The River That Never Flowed - EPCOT’s Lost German Cruise (Ep. 86)

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren kick off Super Bowl Sunday by diving into the biggest toy expo in the world and what it reveals about the future of Disney licensing. From LEGO’s new screen-free “smart” bricks to Formula One collaborations and a surprising resurgence of theme park trash can merch, this episode blends breaking toy news with classic Disney history - including the Epcot attraction that almost was.

NEWS

• Highlights from Germany’s massive Spielwarenmesse toy fair - and what it signals for global licensing trends
• LEGO unveils new Smart Play sets, including interactive Star Wars builds with light-and-sound “smart brick” technology
• A global Mickey and Friends x Formula One collaboration races toward 2026
• Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates 20 years of Push the Talking Trash Can with a talking collectible and shoulder plush
• Walt Disney World rolls out a sprawling line of vintage park map merchandise, from tumblers to Skyway-inspired planters

FEATURE

• The ambitious German River Ride once planned for EPCOT’s Germany pavilion
• How the attraction would have blended miniatures, cultural history, and even a surprise Snow White moment
• The financial realities of early EPCOT - and why World War II sensitivities may have sealed the ride’s fate
• The mural inside Biergarten that quietly marks where the attraction entrance was supposed to be

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW

• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you secure great ticket prices without the stress - all handled by experts who know the parks and how to save you money. Start planning your next adventure at UnlockedMagic.com.

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Listener Mailbag - Butterbeer, After Hours, and New Year’s Eve Crowds (Ep. 12)

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This session of The Case For lets Judge Jim Hill step out from behind the bench and into the mailroom as Len Testa and Chris Cox react to listener feedback from several recent cases. From after-hours events and dining plans to Butterbeer preferences, New Year’s Eve strategies, and park entrances, this episode is fueled entirely by audience opinions, polls, and personal experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Listener reactions to After Hours events, including strong praise for Jollywood Nights and whether these parties can replace a full park day
• Poll results and personal stories about the Disney Dining Plan, snack credits, and why many guests value stress-free spending over savings
• A deep dive into Butterbeer preferences, including frozen vs hot, Epic Universe crepes, and controversial takes on Blue and Green Milk
• Real-world feedback on New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World, from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT strategies to crowd survival stories
• A surprisingly passionate debate over the best park entrances, from Animal Kingdom’s Oasis to EPCOT’s International Gateway

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh D’Amaro Gets the Big Chair, Dana Walden Gets the Creative Keys at Disney (Ep. 345)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to Fine Tooning, where Drew Taylor and Jim Hill record on Super Bowl Sunday, dodge football talk, and instead zero in on animation news, box office bruises, and one of the biggest corporate shake-ups in Disney history. Along the way, there is chatter about Super Bowl trailers, art books you are not allowed to open yet, and why studios still love spending big bucks for 30 seconds of attention. Then the conversation turns serious as Disney’s future leadership comes sharply into focus.

NEWS
• Super Bowl 60 trailer watch, including expected spots for Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and whether Universal should hype the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie
• A rough North American box office weekend, with Send Help limping to number one and Zootopia 2 still padding its already massive worldwide total
• Angel Studios news, including a release date for Andy Serkis’ long-awaited Animal Farm
• GKIDS picks up a new original animated feature from Macross creator Shoji Kawamori
• Genndy Tartakovsky reportedly circling an animated Game of Thrones spin-off, plus a look at Netflix’s Stranger Things: Tales from ’85

FEATURE
• Disney announces its next era as Josh D’Amaro is named CEO, effective March 18, 2026
• A deep dive into D’Amaro’s path through Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and why Iger ultimately chose him
• Dana Walden promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, with oversight of Disney’s vast entertainment portfolio
• What this leadership pairing signals for Disney’s creative direction, corporate culture, and long-term strategy

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Just pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney’s New CEO and the Time Universal Forced Disney to Build Dinosaurs (Ep. 570)

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

A major leadership change headlines this week’s Disney Dish, as Disney officially names Josh D’Amaro its next CEO. Len and Jim break down what this move really means for the company, why Dana Walden’s new role matters just as much, and how this leadership shuffle could shape the future of Disney parks, entertainment, and creative decision-making. After a news-heavy first half, Jim then steps back in time to explain how Universal’s Jurassic Park strategy once forced Disney to rethink Animal Kingdom from the ground up.

NEWS
• Josh D’Amaro is named Disney’s next CEO, officially replacing Bob Iger
• Dana Walden remains with the company as president and chief creative officer, easing industry concerns
• Disney Parks earnings show strong spending but hint at softer attendance trends
• New permits reveal expanded ferry capacity at the Magic Kingdom ahead of major land expansions
• Disneyland-area bus service faces cancellation, raising guest transportation concerns

FEATURE
• How Universal’s Jurassic Park success pressured Disney in the 1990s
• Why DinoLand USA moved ahead of Beastly Kingdom in Animal Kingdom’s original plans
• How Disney used dinosaurs to counter Universal’s Islands of Adventure before it opened
• Why the Indiana Jones ride system became the foundation for Dinosaur the Ride

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - Instagram: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
The Disney Dish Podcast is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com from our friends at DVC Rental Store. If you’re looking for discounted Disney theme park tickets that can help boost your vacation budget, visit UnlockedMagic.com and start planning your next fairy tale adventure.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Universal Tried to Build a Theme Park in the Desert (Ep. 89)

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with a mix of snarky social media, surprising Super Bowl ads, and listener-driven questions before pivoting into a deep historical dive. From Universal’s well-timed trolling of Disney to a fascinating look at a Middle East theme park that almost happened, this episode blends breaking news with one of those long-form Universal history lessons Jim is known for.

NEWS
• Universal Orlando trolls Disney following the closure of Dinosaur with a pointed Jurassic Park social post
• Xfinity debuts a Super Bowl ad reuniting the original Jurassic Park cast, directed by Taika Waititi
• Universal explores walkaround Jurassic Park characters including John Hammond, Ian Malcolm, and Dennis Nedry
• Ongoing fan speculation around the Oz-tacular Spectacular trademark and where a Wicked-themed show could land
• Listener questions about Epic Universe character appearances, including the elusive Donkey Kong meet-and-greet

FEATURE
• A detailed history of Universal Studios Dubailand - the ambitious Middle East park that was announced, partially built, and ultimately abandoned
• How the Great Recession stalled Universal’s international expansion plans
• Why Universal quietly walked away from Dubailand after nearly a decade
• How this abandoned project connects to Universal’s renewed interest in the Middle East and a possible Saudi Arabia theme park

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Be Our Guest Vacations
Are you planning your next Universal or Disney adventure? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum level Authorized Vacation Planner, they offer top-tier concierge service for Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more.
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Disney Names a New CEO as Orlando Freezes & DINOSAUR Goes Extinct (Ep. 3)

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Lauren and Eric break down one of the busiest Disney news weeks in recent memory. From record-breaking cold temperatures in Central Florida to the emotional final day of DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A., there was no shortage of headlines. Add in a surprise character debut, a major Disney earnings call, and the official announcement of a new CEO, and this episode is packed wall to wall with news, context, and strong opinions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Record-breaking cold temperatures in Orlando, freezing pipes, closing water parks, and even icing over the Universal globe
DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A. officially close, with five-hour waits, cast member tributes, and the land vanishing from the app overnight
Humphrey the Bear makes his first-ever in-park appearance, delighting deep-cut Disney fans
Disney’s latest earnings call delivers strong Parks and Experiences results, just ahead of leadership changes
A new Disney CEO is officially named, with Bob Iger transitioning into a senior advisor role and a creative shakeup at the top

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eevee Goes to Sea While a Ferris Wheel Swings Back Into the Spotlight (Ep. 85)

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren break down Disney’s latest merch moves, where experiences become collectibles and collectibles become strategy. From an emotional towel animal turned cruise ship plush to popcorn buckets that literally demand attention, this episode covers how Disney is driving hype across price points. Then, in the feature, Jim digs deep into the long, misunderstood history of Disney California Adventure’s giant wheel and why it has always been more controversial than fans remember.

NEWS
• Disney Cruise Line introduces Eevee, the towel-animal-inspired plush debuting exclusively onboard starting February 8
• A new Pixar Pal-A-Round interactive popcorn bucket celebrates Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary with swinging gondolas and lighting effects
• EPCOT Festival of the Arts unveils an interactive Figment popcorn bucket, complete with removable, color-changing paintbrush
• Disney cracks down on resellers with all-sales-final policies at Character Warehouses and cast member stores
• High fashion meets fairy tales with the Victor & Rolf Cinderella collector doll, debuting during Paris Fashion Week

FEATURE
• The Pixar Pal-A-Round is not a Ferris wheel but an eccentric wheel, and that distinction matters
• Why Disney fans long believed Walt Disney hated Ferris wheels, and where that myth really came from
• From the Chicago World’s Fair to Disneyland’s State Fair, how spinning rides shaped Disney park design
• The behind-the-scenes reason icons like the Partners statue exist and what they were meant to prevent

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you lock in prices early, stress-free, and with expert guidance from people who know the parks inside and out. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning today.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel’s Quiet Confidence Era Begins with Wonder Man (Ep. 10)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Marvel didn’t roll out a red carpet this week. No hype cycle, no countdown, no spectacle. They just quietly released all eight episodes of Wonder Man - and Jim Hill and Dan Graney think that choice says a lot about where Marvel Studios is headed. In this episode, the conversation turns to trust, restraint, and why some of Marvel’s most meaningful moves right now are the ones they are making without fanfare.

NEWS
• Wonder Man drops all eight episodes at once, earning strong early reactions
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to be framed as a major tonal shift
• Daredevil: Born Again lines up a second season with Jessica Jones returning
• Avengers: Doomsday rumors swirl, including unresolved threads from Deadpool & Wolverine
• Marvel’s expanding consumer strategy, including a high-profile Marvel Oreo crossover

FEATURE
• Why Wonder Man is one of Marvel’s most intimate and character-first projects
• Simon Williams, mutants, and Marvel’s renewed comfort with narrative gray areas
• The Department of Damage Control and what it signals about a changing MCU
• Trevor Slattery, performance as survival, and why Ben Kingsley’s return works so well

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: TheHubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off, from the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From “Goat” to “Hoppers,” Why 2026 Is Shaping Up to Be the Year of Animated Animals (Ep. 344)

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week on Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick things off on Groundhog Day weekend by leaning into an appropriately animal-heavy episode. From Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming sports comedy Goat to Pixar’s sci-fi action comedy Hoppers, the guys break down why animated animals are having a moment and how recent box office and streaming successes are shaping what comes next. Along the way, there’s box office chatter, awards-season surprises, toy fair buzz, and a heartfelt remembrance of one of animation’s great voice talents.

NEWS
• Goat from Sony Pictures Animation lines up its February 13 release with NBA All-Star Weekend, and Drew shares what he learned talking directly with the filmmakers.
• Pixar’s Hoppers draws internal debate over its bold comedy, with Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton stepping in to defend Daniel Chong’s vision.
• Zootopia 2 continues its strong box office run, reinforcing why studios are doubling down on animal-driven stories.
• Streaming and awards updates include KPop Demon Hunters, Grammy nominations, and what dominated viewing charts in 2025.
• Big animation-adjacent headlines from the Nuremberg Toy Fair and the return of classic Looney Tunes shorts to Turner Classic Movies.

FEATURE
• A deeper dive into Goat, including the challenges of animating Roarball, the film’s underdog themes, and its sequel potential.
• Pixar’s Hoppers explained - its sci-fi premise, visual style, and how Mabel’s intense personality was shaped into a Pixar-friendly lead.
• Remembering Catherine O’Hara and her lasting legacy in animated film and television voice performances.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets - sometimes up to 12 percent off - by visiting UnlockedMagic.com. Unlocked Magic is run by the same team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and lock in serious savings.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fireworks Villains Win, Plus the Final Mad Dash to Open EPCOT (Ep. 569)

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim and Len unpack a packed Disney Dish that starts with theme park news and surveys before taking a deep dive into the frantic, sleep-deprived final months of EPCOT Center construction. Along the way, they translate Disney survey-speak, speculate on where Pokémon could land at Universal, and stumble onto what might be the most diabolically smart fireworks idea Disney has never tried.

NEWS
• Disney’s guest surveys decoded - What EPCOT and resort questions really reveal about future cuts, changes, and monetization
• Animal Kingdom and Disneyland food updates - Harambe Market speeds up its opening while Napa Rose returns with a $188 price tag
• Pokemon at Universal - Why Springfield, Lost Continent, or Epic Universe are all in play
• Cruise line discounts and CityWalk rethink - What Universal and Disney Cruise Line data gathering tells us about demand
• A subtle Josh D’Amaro change - Could a missing voice hint at bigger leadership news?

FEATURE
• Inside EPCOT’s construction crunch - From 4,000 workers to 10,000 almost overnight
• Why most builders had no idea what they were building - And how Disney fixed that problem
• The overnight concrete pours and brutal schedules - 75 straight days on the job in Florida heat
• How worker preview days helped push EPCOT across the finish line

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
• Be Our Guest Vacations - beourguestvacations.com
• DVC Rental Store - dvcrentalstore.com
• DVC Resale Market - dvcresalemarket.com
• Unlocked Magic - unlockedmagic.com

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miami Vice Goes to the Theme Park (Ep. 88)

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey connect the dots between an MTV-inspired TV phenomenon and one of the most ambitious nighttime stunt shows ever staged at a Universal theme park. From Brandon Tartikoff’s “MTV Cops” brainstorm to exploding boats on Universal Studios Lagoon, the guys unpack how Miami Vice helped shape theme park history - even when Universal Florida was not allowed to use the name.

NEWS
• Universal announces a global Pokémon theme park expansion tied to the franchise’s 30th anniversary
• Early speculation on where Pokémon could land stateside, including Lost Continent and Simpsons real estate
• Universal files a trademark for “OZTACULAR SPECTACULAR,” fueling Oz land rumors for the rumored UK park
• First public look at the Universal Kids Resort model ahead of its Frisco, Texas opening
• Reactions to Wicked: Part Two being shut out of this year’s Academy Award nominations

FEATURE
• How Miami Vice evolved from “MTV Cops” into a pop culture juggernaut
• Why Universal Studios Hollywood repurposed its A-Team stunt show into the Miami Vice Action Spectacular
• The borrowed mine cart chase that directly inspired Disney-MGM’s Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Why Universal Studios Florida’s lagoon show became Dynamite Nights instead of Miami Vice - and how long it ran

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: StrongMindedAgency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney’s CEO Race, Disneyland Handcrafted, & the COVID Experiences Fans Still Miss (Ep. 02)

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Lauren and Eric dig into the latest chatter surrounding Disney’s next CEO, unpack mixed reactions to a newly released Disneyland documentary, and explore why Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World struck a nostalgic chord. Along the way, they reflect on what quietly vanished during COVID and which experiences fans still hope might return.

HIGHLIGHTS

Online reaction to Disney’s CEO succession plan, including why Josh D’Amaro is the public-facing favorite and why some fans are wary of his park-era decisions.
A breakdown of Disneyland Handcrafted, its simultaneous release on Disney Plus and YouTube, and why reactions from fans and creators have been so divided.
Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World, complete with Polynesian Village Resort guest notices and why the collaboration makes sense for both brands.
A nostalgic look back at COVID-era losses across the parks, from tea rooms and spas to parades, shows, and interactive experiences that never returned.
The attractions, entertainment, and small Disney details fans are still salty about - and whether any of them could realistically come back.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pokémon Effect: Why Collectibles, Cookies, and Theme Parks Are All Chasing Pikachu (Ep. 84)

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into why collectibles are suddenly everywhere you look, from Disney merch shelves to grocery store cookie aisles and even inside theme parks themselves. This episode connects the dots between blind box culture, viral collectibles, and why companies like Disney and Universal are aggressively courting adult collectors and Gen Z fans. Along the way, the conversation builds toward a genuinely jaw-dropping realization about which media franchise quietly became the most valuable of all time.

NEWS
• Disney’s Zootopia 2 teams up with Pop Mart for blind box collectibles, tapping directly into the viral Labubu-style collector economy
• Why blind boxes, mystery packs, and “completionist” merch are suddenly Disney’s favorite strategy
• Disney Lorcana takes over EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts with a free scavenger hunt and highly coveted promo cards
• Marvel’s new color-changing Oreos turn cookies into collectibles, complete with QR codes, lore, and villains
• Universal Studios Japan confirms plans for a major Pokémon attraction, setting the internet on fire with speculation

FEATURE
• How Pokémon quietly became the highest-grossing media franchise in history
• Why gaming revenue now dwarfs movies and how that shift changed theme parks forever
• The real reason Universal wants Pokémon and why everyone else is chasing that level of success
• What Pokémon’s 30-year rise tells us about merch, media, and the future of themed entertainment

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for stress-free savings on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you unlock great prices with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Case for Lightning Lane (Ep. 11)

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

In this session of The Case Four, Judge Jim Hill presides over a lively and surprisingly practical debate about Walt Disney World’s Lightning Lane system. Len Testa and Chris Cox dig into what you really gain - and lose - when you pay to skip the standby line, weighing money, time, stress, and how much of your vacation you want to spend staring at your phone. Along the way, the court grapples with pie-related grievances, parenting realities, and whether Disney’s most premium option might actually make sense.

HIGHLIGHTS
• A plain-English breakdown of Lightning Lane Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass and how Disney complicates all three • Real-world math on paying to skip lines versus waiting with kids for hours • The mental load of Lightning Lane optimization and how much phone time it actually demands • Touring tactics like rope drop pairing, stacking, burner Lightning Lanes, and the 119-minute grace period • Why Lightning Lane Premier Pass might be the least stressful - and most honest - version of the system

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Last-Minute Fixes That Turned The Lion King into a Classic (Ep. 343)

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down a very strange January weekend for animation and the box office. Between a massive snowstorm shutting down hundreds of theaters, surprise Oscar nominations, and some heartfelt remembrances of animation legends, this episode covers a lot of ground. There is industry news, Disney history, and a few thoughtful detours along the way.

NEWS
• How a nationwide snowstorm shut down more than 400 theaters and dragged the North American box office down to just $58 million for the weekend
• Why Mercy managed to knock Avatar: Fire & Ash out of the top spot with a historically soft number one opening
• Zootopia 2 crosses $400 million domestically and gets a confirmed digital and physical release timeline
• Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Short, including why KPop Demon Hunters looks like the current front-runner
• A first look teaser for The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie introduces Yoshi ahead of its April release

FEATURE
• A deep dive into the legacy of Roger Allers and how The Lion King was reshaped in the final weeks before release
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Disney Animation’s most turbulent eras, including last-minute fixes that would never fly today
• Remembering restoration legend Ron Stark of S/R Laboratories and his quiet but essential impact on animation history

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Plan your 2026 Central Florida trip with confidence at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ten Thousand Workers, One Deadline: EPCOT’s Craziest Year (Ep. 568)

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week on the Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa cover a wide range of park news before diving headfirst into one of the most intense construction stories Disney has ever lived through. From Haunted Mansion permits and Animal Kingdom surveys to Hallmark cameras rolling at Walt Disney World, the first half sets the stage for a jaw-dropping look at how EPCOT was nearly derailed before it ever opened. Then Jim walks through the chaotic final year of EPCOT construction, when Disney threw manpower, money, and sanity at the calendar to make an October 1 deadline happen.

NEWS
• New construction permits near the Haunted Mansion spark speculation about queue changes and future guest flow into Villains Land
• Universal confirms a Fast & Furious spinning coaster will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Disney surveys reveal how much a re-themed attraction like Zootopia Better Zoo-Gether actually drives intent to visit
• Animal Kingdom questions hint at how Disney expects families to split up as thrill rides expand
• A Hallmark holiday movie films on location at Walt Disney World, including a surprise Jodi Benson cameo

FEATURE
• Inside EPCOT’s final year of construction, when the project ballooned to 10,000 workers on site
• How endangered woodpeckers, sinkholes, and shifting plans pushed EPCOT dangerously behind schedule
• Why Disney was forced to spend billions to meet a non-negotiable opening date
• Stories from the worksite that explain why veterans still describe it as chaotic, dangerous, and unforgettable

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by DVC Resale Market - get expert help buying or selling Disney Vacation Club points at DVCResaleMarket.com.
Also sponsored by DVC Rental Store - save on your next Disney vacation by renting points at DVCRentalStore.com.
Planning your next trip? Let Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details at BeOurGuestVacations.com.
And by Unlocked Magic, offering concierge-level Disney planning services at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fast & Furious Revs Up and the Strange Art of Faking Disaster at Universal (Ep. 87)

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim and Eric shift from breaking Universal news into a fascinating look back at how the company perfected the art of staged chaos. From the official confirmation of a Fast & Furious coaster to high winds halting Epic Universe testing, the conversation eventually lands on the wonderfully cheesy, sometimes dangerous, and always ingenious Jay Bangs that defined the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour for decades.

NEWS
• Universal officially confirms a Fast & Furious coaster to replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Universal Orlando’s latest emotional ad sparks debate over nostalgia versus party vibes
• High winds stall testing on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers coaster
• Mystery concrete and launch tubes hint at a future nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe
• A noticeable rise in lawsuits across major theme parks raises industry concerns

FEATURE
• Why Universal’s Tram Tour illusions were internally known as Jay Bangs
• Collapsing bridges, rockslides, spinning tunnels, and other classic disaster effects
• How films like Jaws helped push Universal toward attractions tied to contemporary hits
• The fine line between thrilling guests and accidentally pelting them with wet Styrofoam “rocks”

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Planning your next theme park adventure? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations help you plan a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney Afternoon Is Trending, “Real” Star Wars Returns, & #EpcotFArts (Ep. 1)

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Eric and Lauren break down the Disney stories fans are reacting to online this week, starting with a surprise blast of 90s nostalgia as the Disney Afternoon games creep back into the conversation. From there, they dig into Galaxy’s Edge loosening up its timeline rules to bring back original trilogy characters, plus the viral Evil Queen controversy that sparked a much bigger debate about character interactions. And because the internet cannot help itself, they close things out with the Festival of the Arts nickname that absolutely should not work, but somehow does.

HIGHLIGHTS

An ESRB listing sparks chatter that the Disney Afternoon Collection could be headed to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and why Disney adults are clearly the target audience
Why Disney continues to lean hard into nostalgia and how search trends and fan buzz often telegraph bigger strategy
Galaxy’s Edge expands beyond a single timeline at Disneyland, bringing back original trilogy characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker
The viral Evil Queen performer story and why Disney draws a hard line when a character interaction becomes bigger than the role itself
The rise of “#EpcotFarts”, the #FOA vs. #FArts debate, and why Disney seems perfectly fine letting the internet run with it

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

Eric Hersey – X: ⁠@erichersey⁠ | Instagram: ⁠@erichersey⁠
Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠@laurenhersey2⁠ | Instagram: ⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠

With special help from Dave Grey.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winnie the Pooh at 100: How Disney’s Most Gentle Icon Became a Merchandising Powerhouse (Ep. 83)

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

As Winnie the Pooh turns 100, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a deep dive into how Disney is kicking off a year-long centennial celebration and what the first wave of merchandise already reveals about the strategy behind it. From understated lifestyle apparel to a knit plush that collectors immediately zeroed in on, this episode explores why Pooh still resonates after a century. Then, Jim unpacks the surprisingly complex business history that transformed a simple bedtime story into one of Disney’s most carefully managed and profitable characters.

NEWS
• Disney officially unveils its Winnie the Pooh 100th anniversary branding, signaling a long runway of celebrations tied to Pooh’s literary origins
• The first wave of centennial merchandise drops, favoring subtle, wearable designs over loud anniversary graphics
• A limited-edition knit Pooh plush, capped at 7,500 units, becomes the early breakout collectible
• Key 2026 milestones line up, from Winnie the Pooh Day to major Disney animation anniversaries
• Publishers and museums outside Disney join in, reinforcing Pooh as a cultural and literary icon

FEATURE
• How A.A. Milne’s bedtime stories for his son evolved into a global phenomenon
• The pivotal role of licensing agent Stephen Slesinger in shaping Pooh’s commercial future
• Why Disney handled Winnie the Pooh differently than almost any other character
• How merchandising deals, lawsuits, and strategy shifts helped turn Pooh into a billion-dollar brand

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for great deals on theme park tickets. If Disney or Universal is on your travel radar for 2026, Unlocked Magic can help you lock in excellent prices with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Controlled Chaos and Smooth Transitions at Marvel and Lucasfilm (Ep. 9)

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Disney rarely tells you exactly what it’s doing anymore, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a plan. This week, Jim Hill and Dan Graney break down why Marvel’s latest marketing push feels chaotic on the surface yet deeply intentional underneath, and how that same philosophy is quietly reshaping Lucasfilm and Disney’s theme parks. From Avengers teases to Star Wars leadership handoffs, this episode is all about Disney learning how to move forward without hitting the reset button.

NEWS
• Why Marvel’s weekly “stories” for Avengers: Doomsday are designed to invite speculation rather than explain anything
• How long-running MCU callbacks from Brave New World and Quantumania may finally be paying off
• The Super Bowl factor and why Marvel may be training audiences to pay attention again
• Rumors pointing to Peggy Carter and the Fantastic Four playing larger roles than expected
• What Marvel’s confidence says about its post-multiverse strategy

FEATURE
• Kathleen Kennedy’s planned leadership transition and what it signals about Lucasfilm’s future
• Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan’s split creative-business model and why Disney favors it
• Galaxy’s Edge loosening its timeline rules to embrace Star Wars nostalgia
• How Marvel comics are being used to quietly “duct tape” Star Wars canon back together

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - IG: ⁠@thehubbubbery | YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Website: TheHubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off, from the same team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Learn more and book your tickets at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Mr. Magoo to Speedy Gonzales - How Animation History Keeps Repeating Itself (Ep. 342)

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Right in the thick of awards season, Drew Taylor and Jim Hill cover a wide swath of animation history and current events - from box office heavyweights and streaming announcements to the complicated legacies of mid-century cartoon characters. Along the way, they connect the dots between past controversies, present-day reappraisals, and how modern creators are recontextualizing classic animated icons.

NEWS
• Why Avatar: Fire & Ash remains unstoppable at the box office, holding the top spot for a fifth straight week
• Zootopia 2 climbs into the global Top 10 all-time, surpassing Inside Out 2 and Disney’s The Lion King remake
• A new Phineas & Ferb movie is officially in the works for Disney+, with a time-bending premise
• What’s next for Pixar’s Hoppers, following Drew’s recent trip to Emeryville
• Updates on How to Train Your Dragon 2, including Cate Blanchett’s return as Valka

FEATURE
• A deep dive into the rise and fall of UPA, from Mr. Magoo’s Oscar wins to the studio’s eventual collapse
• How changing cultural standards sidelined characters like Magoo, Cholly, and UPA’s Dick Tracy supporting cast
• The newly revealed documentary Animation Mavericks: The Forgotten Story of UPA and why it matters now
• Why Jorge Gutierrez developing a Speedy Gonzales movie could signal a long-overdue shift in how legacy characters are handled

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, where you can save up to 12 percent on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to let them know Drew and Jim sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Did Summer Vacation Disappear at Walt Disney World? Plus The Surprising History of the Sword in the Stone Ceremony (Ep. 567)

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into a deceptively simple question with big implications for trip planning: when exactly did “summer vacation” stop being peak season at Walt Disney World? Using years of hotel pricing data as a proxy for crowd demand, Len walks through what the numbers say - and the results may surprise longtime fans. Then Jim takes listeners on a deep historical tour of one of the parks’ most quietly beloved traditions, the Sword in the Stone ceremony, tracing its evolution across Disney parks worldwide.

NEWS
• Why Disney hotel pricing data suggests summer is no longer peak season at Walt Disney World
• A breakdown of how demand has shifted from summer to fall travel, especially October
• Updates on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishments and new cave effects
• Casting and timing details for the upcoming Bluey experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge timeline expansion, adding characters from across all Star Wars eras

FEATURE
• The full history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony, from Disneyland in 1983 to parks around the globe
• Why Imagineers were obsessed with The Sword in the Stone long before the ceremony debuted
• How budget cuts slowly transformed a full-scale show into today’s simpler experience
• The true story of the guest who actually pulled the sword completely out of the stone

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode of Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by our friends at DVC Rental Store. Save $50 or more per person on select multi-day Walt Disney World tickets and take the stress out of planning your next vacation. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for details.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tarzan Swings Back In, While the Universal Backlot Goes Up in Flames (Ep. 86)

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off with a generational pop culture moment before diving headfirst into a packed episode of Universal news, park planning, and studio history. From a newly announced Rockford Files reboot to freshly released 2026 event calendars, this episode covers what Universal fans need to know now - and then takes a long, fascinating walk through some nearly forgotten corners of the Universal backlot. Along the way, listeners get travel talk, awards season chatter, and one of those deep historical pivots that only this show can deliver.

NEWS
• NBC commits to a pilot for a Rockford Files reboot, prompting a look back at the original series and its Universal roots
• Universal’s awards season recap, including Golden Globes results and where Wicked did (and did not) land
• Universal Orlando releases its 2026 event calendar, including dates for Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and passholder perks
• The full Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnival concert lineup is revealed, sparking a game of “name your generation”
• Updates from Universal Hollywood on Fan Fest Nights, Butterbeer Season, and the long road toward Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift

FEATURE
• A listener letter sparks a deep dive into Universal’s forgotten Tarzan serials of the 1920s
• How Edgar Rice Burroughs’ dissatisfaction with early Tarzan films led to casting shakeups and lost silent-era movies
• The surprising connection between Tarzan, Universal’s backlot geography, and Jay Stein’s infamous tram tour gags
• A look at how Park Lake became home to submarines, parted seas, burning houses, and other classic Studio Tour illusions

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, a platinum-level earmarked travel agency providing top-tier concierge planning for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney Parks, cruises, and more. Start planning your next adventure at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention that the Epic Universal Podcast sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Tangled’s Live-Action Future Connects Back to 101 Dalmatians’ Past (Ep. 82)

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Disney’s live-action strategy, a surprisingly exclusive D23 merch sale, and a 65-year-old animated classic all collide on this episode of I Want That Too. Jim and Lauren break down why a new casting announcement for Tangled matters far beyond the movie itself, how Disney is quietly rewarding its most dedicated fans, and why 101 Dalmatians feels more relevant today than ever. Along the way, they connect the dots between animation history, modern merchandising, and the business decisions still shaping Disney in 2025.

NEWS
• Why the newly announced Tangled live-action leads are a smart, generation-spanning choice for Disney • How Disney’s live-action remakes reduce risk and supercharge future merchandise lines • The Twice Upon a Year Sale that most fans know - and the D23-only version many do not • Why D23 memberships are suddenly looking more valuable heading into a busy 2025

FEATURE
• How Sleeping Beauty’s box office failure nearly sank Disney animation • The technology shift that made 101 Dalmatians possible with a drastically smaller animation staff • Why Cruella de Vil became the template for Disney villains going forward • How a cost-saving experiment ended up saving Walt Disney Animation Studios

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic. Planning a future Disney or Universal trip? Lock in great ticket deals without the stress at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Best (and Worst) Disney Park Entrances Around the World (Ep. 10)

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

On this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, Jim Hill convenes court in a flooded courtroom to debate one deceptively big question - which Disney park entrances actually work best. With Len Testa mysteriously missing in action, Jim and Chris take listeners on a globe-spanning tour of arrival sequences, retail corridors, and first impressions, from rope-drop chaos to architectural storytelling. Along the way, they explore how Imagineering intent sometimes collides with real-world park operations and why those first few minutes inside the gates matter more than you think.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Why Disney’s park entrances function like the opening moments of a movie or stage show • The intentional slow reveal of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and why it frustrates rope droppers • How Main Street U.S.A. sets expectations differently in Anaheim vs. Walt Disney World • Tokyo Disneyland’s oversized walkways and the surprising impact of World Bazaar’s glass roof • The evolution of Disney California Adventure’s entrance from postcard concept to Buena Vista Street

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fire in the Ink & Paint Department – How “Banjo the Woodpile Cat” Lit a Fuse at Disney (Ep. 341)

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Right in the thick of awards season, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down to read the tea leaves on this year’s animation race while also digging into a pivotal - and often misunderstood - moment in Disney animation history. From Annie Award trends and box office signals to Don Bluth’s garage-era rebellion, this episode covers how a shortage of effects animation talent helped spark one of the biggest talent walkouts the studio ever faced.

NEWS
• Why KPop Demon Hunters and Pixar’s Elio leading the Annie nominations could matter as Academy voting begins
• The third Avatar film dominates the box office again as Zootopia 2 closes in on Lion King-level numbers
• GKIDS picks up Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom for a Halloween release
• Remembering composer Guy Moon and his legacy across The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, and more

FEATURE
• How shrinking FX animation departments in the 1970s quietly changed Disney’s films
• Why Don Bluth created Banjo the Woodpile Cat as a “training exercise pretending to be a movie”
• Ron Miller’s rejection of Banjo and how that decision helped trigger Bluth’s mass exit from Disney
• The ripple effects that delayed The Fox and the Hound, reshaped the studio, and helped set the stage for Disney’s 1980s reboot

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets - sometimes up to 12 percent off - at UnlockedMagic.com. When you book, please let them know Drew and Jim sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Runaway Boulder and a Crumbling Fairytale (Ep. 566)

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill is joined by mind reader and showman Chris Cox, who steps in for Len Testa and immediately finds himself in the middle of some very Disney-sized mishaps. From a runaway Indiana Jones boulder at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the surprisingly fragile roof of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the conversation explores what happens when iconic park moments go just a little too far. Along the way, Jim and Chris dig into forgotten ceremonies, cutback entertainment, and the Imagineering decisions that quietly shaped Disneyland over the decades.

NEWS
• A 400-pound boulder goes off track during a performance of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and what that means for show safety going forward
• The temporary removal of the iconic boulder scene and why Disney is famously cautious after incidents like this
• The Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk cuts back to a three-night schedule and what that signals about nightlife at the resort
• Listener mail on working New Year’s Eve at Disney parks and why January 1 might secretly be the best day to visit

FEATURE
• The long and surprisingly complicated history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony and how it really worked behind the scenes
• How Imagineer Kim Irvine subtly transformed Sleeping Beauty Castle over four decades without sparking guest outrage
• Why holiday overlays and anniversary bling eventually caused serious structural damage to the castle roof
• The 60th anniversary decorations that led to a six-figure repair and a full castle roof replacement

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Universal’s Most Dangerous Tram Scene and Why It Disappeared (Ep. 85)

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with listener-driven updates and fresh speculation from the Universal parks beat, before pivoting into a deep historical dive on one of the strangest and most memorable effects ever staged on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour. Along the way, there is discussion of low-crowd horror experiences, a surprising Spielberg-themed survey, and a heartfelt remembrance of a YouTube pioneer who helped shape modern theme park fandom.

NEWS
• Fresh rumors swirl around a possible IT / Pennywise presence at Halloween Horror Nights, and why Warner Bros and Six Flags complicate the IP landscape
• Listener reports reveal low crowds but high-quality scares at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
• Early construction walls appear in Celestial Park at Epic Universe, hinting at future capacity expansion
• A leaked survey teases a potential Steven Spielberg and Amblin-themed tram-style attraction concept
• Reflections on the legacy of Adam the Woo and his impact on theme park history storytelling

FEATURE
• The forgotten history of Six Points, Texas on the Universal backlot and why it became underused
• How Jay Stein pushed Universal to add bold show scenes to the tram tour in the early 1970s
• The engineering and storytelling behind the Runaway Train effect and why it took five years to build
• Mr. T, The A-Team, and the brief but unforgettable era when a TV star nearly “crashed” the tram

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Disney and Universal tickets, including park hoppers and Lightning Lane options, by booking through UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking Ahead to 2026: Why Disney’s Quiet Anniversaries Are About to Flood the Shelves (Ep. 81)

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick things off by looking ahead to what’s shaping up to be a massive 2026 for Disney merch fans. From milestone anniversaries Disney rarely shouts about to a packed slate of films and park changes, this episode breaks down why collectors should start paying attention now. And later in the show, Jim dives deep into a Disney history lesson about a beautifully ambitious animated film that failed spectacularly - and how that misfire accidentally paved the way for one of Disney’s most merch-friendly franchises ever.

NEWS
• Why 2026 is stacked with Disney anniversaries, including Disneyland’s 70th, DCA’s 25th, and multiple film milestones
• Major franchise birthdays like High School Musical (20), Cars (20), Zootopia (10), Moana (10), and 101 Dalmatians (65)
• How Pixar’s 40th anniversary and its long partnership with Disney could influence upcoming releases
• A look at 2026 movies driving merch, including Toy Story 5, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and live-action Moana
• Big park changes ahead, from Galaxy’s Edge updates to Disneyland Paris becoming Disney Adventure World

FEATURE
• Why Sleeping Beauty was one of Disney’s most expensive animated gambles - and why it failed at the box office
• How that failure led Disney to completely rethink animation budgets and storytelling
• The surprising connection between Sleeping Beauty’s loss and the creation of One Hundred and One Dalmatians
• How that pivot ultimately set the stage for decades of Cruella-driven merch success

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 | IG: @lauren_hersey_

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If Disney or Universal is anywhere on your 2026 radar, Unlocked Magic is a smart place to start. Their experts know the parks, the seasons, and how to help you plan without overpaying. Head to UnlockedMagic.com for great deals on theme park tickets and start planning your next trip.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Legacy Play: How Marvel Is Reopening Closed Chapters (Ep. 8)

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to Marvel Us Disney for the first episode of 2026, where Jim Hill and Dan Graney kick off the year by looking at how Marvel is embracing chaos, memory, and unfinished business. From carefully timed leaks and legacy character returns to the stories and creators who never quite got their final chapter, this episode connects Marvel’s current strategy to the people and moments that shaped it. Along the way, the conversation takes some thoughtful detours into Hollywood history, creator recognition, and one very famous Spider-Man movie that almost happened.

NEWS
• Marvel’s early-2026 rollout leans into controlled chaos, with Avengers: Doomsday teasers, overseas trailer ratings, and leaks that feel increasingly intentional
• The return of legacy characters like Steve Rogers, Thor, and the X-Men signals a broader strategy, not just nostalgia
• Why Marvel’s staggered teaser strategy may be quietly helping Avatar: Fire and Ash dominate IMAX screens
• Disney+ quietly drops all episodes of Wonder Man at once, adding it to the growing list of well-liked Marvel TV “orphans”
• A meaningful tribute to Jack Kirby in New York City highlights how recognition sometimes comes from community, not corporations

FEATURE
• The origin of James Cameron’s unmade Spider-Man film, including scripts, tone, and planned villains
• How Cameron’s darker, more adult take on Peter Parker clashed with a legal maze of rights and lawsuits
• Why this unrealized project still explains Spider-Man’s endless adaptability across reboots and eras
• How Marvel’s biggest “what ifs” continue to echo through today’s franchise decisions

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - Website: thehubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The End of Oscar Night on Network TV and the Rise of the 2026 Animation Arms Race (Ep. 340)

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Welcome back to Fine Tooning with Jim Hill and Drew Taylor, who is officially back behind the mic after a very eventful hiatus. Before diving into a mountain of animation news, the guys catch up on where Drew has been, why Burbank’s Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center has more Disney history than you might expect, and why this might be one of the biggest transition moments the entertainment industry has seen in decades.

NEWS
• The Academy Awards announce a major media shift, with the Oscars leaving broadcast television for YouTube beginning in 2029
• Awards season logistics break down, including nomination voting dates, announcement timing, and the March ceremony
• Box office check-in on Avatar: Fire and Ash crossing the billion-dollar mark worldwide
• Zootopia 2 becomes the highest-grossing film ever released by Walt Disney Animation Studios
• A huge year for global animation, with Ne Zha 2, anime theatrical releases, and Netflix hits reshaping the marketplace

FEATURE
• A comprehensive look at the major animated theatrical releases scheduled for 2026
• Pixar, Illumination, Disney, DreamWorks, Sony, Laika, and more line up an unusually crowded slate
• Why films like Toy Story 5, Hoppers, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and Coyote vs. Acme carry especially high expectations
• What shifting release strategies and streaming decisions may signal for animation’s future

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, where you can score real savings on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Unlocked Magic is run by the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. Planning a Central Florida trip in 2026? Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Patent That May Have Cracked Disney’s Encanto Ride - Plus the Secrets of Castle Care (Ep. 565)

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Welcome to the first Disney Dish of the new year, where Jim Hill and Len Testa kick things off with news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history and tech. This week, a newly published Disney patent sparks speculation about how the upcoming Encanto attraction may work, while Jim launches into a fascinating (and surprisingly hands-on) story about how Disney maintains, repairs, and periodically reinvents its iconic theme park castles. Along the way, there are transportation woes, glittering greenhouses, and more than a few once-in-a-lifetime Disney moments.

NEWS
• Disney reveals Buddy, a new helper character coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin when it reopens in 2026 • A newly filed Disney patent hints at holographic characters, with strong evidence pointing toward use in the upcoming Encanto ride • Imagineering files a new construction permit for the Haunted Mansion, likely focused on interior work • Updates on Glittering Greenhouses at EPCOT and extended holiday decorations at Disneyland • Changes to Disneyland perks, including the end of Early Entry and the rollout of a new California resident ticket deal

FEATURE
• Why Disney castles require constant repainting, roof repairs, and drainage fixes • The overlooked engineering challenges of maintaining structures built for 1950s deadlines, not 21st-century weather • How Imagineer Kim Irvine spent decades refining Sleeping Beauty Castle’s look, color palette, and functionality • The surprising amount of artistry that goes into making castle “bricks” look authentically imperfect

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Planning a Walt Disney World getaway? Our friends at Unlocked Magic offer discounted theme park tickets, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day tickets. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Affordable Housing to a House on Fire – Universal News and the Tram Tour’s Burning Past (Ep. 84)

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

Recording on New Year’s Eve for a show that drops just as 2026 begins, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a full slate of Universal news, rumors, and unexpected updates before shifting into a classic Jim Hill history lesson. The episode starts in the present with major developments at Universal Orlando and ends in the late 1960s on the Hollywood backlot, tracing how one clever Tram Tour gag eventually led to one of Universal’s most iconic fire-based attractions.

NEWS
• Universal Destinations and Experiences begins construction on Catchlight Crossings, a 1,000-unit affordable housing community near Universal Orlando
• What’s included in the development - retail, medical offices, community space, transportation hubs, and a tuition-free Bezos Academy preschool
• How Catchlight Crossings fits into Universal’s long-term Housing for Tomorrow initiative and who the community is designed to serve
• Rumor watch - could Stephen King’s It become a headline house at Halloween Horror Nights 2026, and how that would fit alongside Universal’s existing horror icons
• The planned reimagining of Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show is delayed, keeping the attraction open longer than expected
• Universal’s seasonal Backlot Club holiday card game wraps up and whether it could become a recurring collectible
• Wicked: For Good debuts as the most-watched PVOD title in the U.S. in a single day, with a breakdown of pricing and bonus features

FEATURE
• The surprising origins of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Burning House and why it was added to the Tram Tour in the early 1970s
• How Jay Stein, under Lew Wasserman’s direction, searched for cheap, repeatable, four-minute-resettable spectacle after the success of the Flash Flood
• A short-lived and controversial gorilla gag inspired by Tarzan that generated complaints from parents
• The evolution from jungle sight gags to the Snow Cottage, movie magic illusions, and the push to let guests feel heat instead of cold
• How the Burning House eventually paved the way for Backdraft and future flame-based Universal attractions

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Be Our Guest Vacations. From Universal Orlando and Hollywood to Disney parks, cruises, and beyond, their Platinum-level concierge service takes the stress out of vacation planning. Learn more at beourguestvacations.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney’s $4 Billion Bear: Why Duffy Rules Overseas but Still Baffles the U.S. (Ep. 80)

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0000

It’s the first episode of the new year, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in 2026 by digging into the annual Disney merch reset. From the surprisingly nostalgic look of next year’s dated park souvenirs to a brand-new Star Wars droid collector program, there’s a lot changing on shelves just as holiday decorations disappear overnight. Plus, Jim takes a deep dive into one of Disney’s most baffling merch success stories and why it still doesn’t quite translate stateside.

NEWS
• A first look at Disney’s 2026 dated park merchandise, including a color palette that feels straight out of vintage Walt Disney World road signage • Disney confirms Droid Factory Fridays, a new monthly Star Wars collector program kicking off January 2 • How Disney is using timed drops and bonus build incentives to keep Star Wars fans buying all year long • Valentine’s Day arrives overnight, with Sweethearts’ Nite at Disneyland and new couples-focused merch leading the charge

FEATURE
• Why Stitch dominated 2025 with billions in merch sales following the live-action film • The strange history of Duffy the Disney Bear, from U.S. failure to massive success in Asia • Disney’s new slow-and-steady strategy to finally make Duffy stick with American audiences • How Asian parks are going all-in on Duffy with restaurants, parades, shows, and anniversary celebrations

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If a trip to Disney or Universal is in your future, visit UnlockedMagic.com to score great ticket deals from people who truly know Disney travel.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Case for Disney World on New Year’s Eve (Ep. 9)

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Spending New Year’s Eve inside a Disney World theme park sounds like the ultimate “most magical place on Earth” flex - until you remember you’re doing it shoulder-to-shoulder with what feels like the population of a small nation. This week in the Court of the Disney World Resort, Len Testa argues the case for the marathon day, the once-a-year entertainment, and that surreal moment when Adventureland is blasting pop music. Chris Cox counters with big-city New Year’s trauma, crowd math, and the simple question of whether there’s a way to enjoy the fireworks without living inside a human corral for four hours. What does Judge Jim Hill have to say?

HIGHLIGHTS
• The reality of Disney World on New Year’s Eve - a 18-20 hour endurance event with lines for rides, food, bathrooms, and basically oxygen • Why rope-dropping on December 31 can feel weirdly peaceful - and why nobody leaves once the park hits peak capacity • The perks that actually are special: party props, unique entertainment, and a midnight fireworks show with countdown-style pyro (plus perimeter fireworks) • The “cheat code” option - watching the full dress rehearsal fireworks on December 30 from Bay Lake Tower (or another Magic Kingdom-area resort)

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fine Tooning Looks Back at 2025, From Disney’s AI Gamble to Animation’s Biggest Wins (Ep. 339)

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:05:00 -0000

As 2025 comes to a close, Jim Hill flies solo on this Drew-free edition of Fine Tooning to take stock of one of the biggest, strangest, and most consequential years the animation industry has seen in decades. From record-shattering box office runs and surprise streaming hits to uncomfortable conversations about AI and the future of creative labor, this episode connects the dots between where animation has been and where it appears to be heading next.

NEWS
• Why Disney’s $1 billion investment in OpenAI has the animation world divided and how a Jerry Beck-hosted editorial argues that Walt Disney might have embraced AI himself
• A year-end box office check-in including Zootopia 2, Avatar: Fire & Ash, and Angel Studios’ faith-based animated feature David
• Netflix confirms KPop Demon Hunters has been watched more than 500 million times worldwide and what that means for its sequel and merchandising future
• Major release-date shakeups for The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender and Pixar’s Gatto and why March releases are no longer considered box office poison
• A rundown of upcoming animation books, UPA retrospectives, and why supporting animation historians matters more than ever

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Unlocked Magic helps you save big on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Unlocked Magic is run by the same team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida vacation. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The $7 Million 3D Gamble That Saved Opening Day at EPCOT (Ep. 564)

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Len kick off the final Disney Dish of the year with holiday crowds, sold-out Lightning Lane Premier Passes, and one last lap through Jollywood Nights before pivoting into surveys, listener questions, and some unexpectedly nerdy math. Along the way, they remember a beloved Imagineer, dig into why Disney asks the survey questions it does, and break down the best times to roll the dice on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind if you are chasing that perfect song. Then Jim takes everyone deep into EPCOT history with the strange, expensive, and surprisingly high-stakes story of Magic Journeys, the 3D film that quietly kept opening day from turning into a full-blown disaster.

NEWS
• Lightning Lane Premier Pass prices hit record highs and still sell out across Walt Disney World during the holiday rush
• Jollywood Nights sticks the landing in its later years and may now be Disney World’s most popular hard-ticket holiday event
• A remembrance of legendary Imagineer Eddie Sato, including unrealized Mission Space concepts and behind-the-scenes stories
• Animal Kingdom survey questions raise eyebrows about shaded seating and what Disney might really be testing

FEATURE
• How Kodak sponsorships, lost 3D filmmaking knowledge, and a $7 million budget led to Magic Journeys
• Why Magic Journeys was one of the only EPCOT opening-day attractions that actually worked as planned
• Murray Lerner, improvisation, and the near-panic inside Imagineering as the film fell behind schedule
• The experimental reach-and-flinch moments that made Magic Journeys unforgettable and unrepeatable

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Start planning your 2026 Disney and Universal vacations with exclusive ticket discounts, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day Walt Disney World tickets. Tickets link directly to your My Disney Experience account, fast and easy. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save big.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Permits, Surveys, and Big Moves as Universal’s Next Era Points to Saudi Arabia (Ep. 83)

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This holiday week episode of the Epic Universal Podcast was recorded on Christmas Eve, which means Jim and Eric are juggling last minute shopping, customer service horror stories, and a surprisingly full slate of Universal news. From attractions closing sooner than expected to permits hinting at big changes in Islands of Adventure, this show looks both at what is ending and what might be coming next. They also zoom way out, from Epic Universe’s nighttime ambitions to the possibility of Universal’s next global park landing in a very hot climate.

NEWS
• The Horror Make-Up Show at Universal Studios Florida is officially closing January 4, with speculation swirling about what kind of reimagined experience might replace it.
• New permits tied to Intamin suggest real movement in the Lost Continent area at Islands of Adventure, fueling renewed talk of a possible Legend of Zelda attraction.
• Universal files trademarks for Celestial Goodnight, pointing strongly toward a nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe.
• Ongoing guest surveys hint that a FanFest-style separately ticketed event could be headed to Universal Orlando, featuring IPs like Lord of the Rings, Pokémon, Godzilla, and K-Pop Demon Hunters.
• Universal is reviewing bids for a long-term transportation system connecting Epic Universe with the original Universal Orlando campus.

FEATURE
• A Wall Street Journal report revives talk of a Universal Studios park in Saudi Arabia, likely financed by the Saudi government through a licensing deal.
• How this potential project echoes past international ventures like Dubailand, including what went wrong and what Universal may have learned.
• Why indoor, climate-controlled parks are the only viable model for the region and how this mirrors Disney’s recent Middle East strategy.
• What all of this says about Universal’s future, from regional parks like Universal Kids Resort to massive international expansions.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, a platinum-level earmarked travel agency specializing in Universal and Disney destinations. Get started on your next adventure at BeOurGuestVacations.com and let them know the Epic Universal Podcast sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How a Jim Henson Christmas Special Helped Point Pixar Toward Toy Story (Ep. 79)

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

It’s a Christmas Day edition of I Want That Too, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey wrap up the year with a festive mix of Disney merch news, pop culture crossovers, and a deep dive into Jim Henson’s long love affair with holiday specials. Along the way, the conversation connects some surprising dots between a largely forgotten Henson TV special and the early creative struggles that eventually led Pixar to Toy Story.

NEWS
• The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta closes out its Festive Features exhibit showcasing rare Jim Henson holiday puppets
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens early to handle crowds eager to see Taylor Swift Eras Tour costumes
• A new Disney Store Princess shirt sparks Swiftie speculation thanks to its lyric-inspired design
• Disney Store holiday merchandise drops to 50 percent off before Christmas, shifting end-of-year shopping strategies

FEATURE
• Why Jim Henson repeatedly turned to holiday specials as creative and financial anchors
• How A Christmas Toy reunited the Fraggle Rock team after the series ended
• The long-running fan theory connecting A Christmas Toy, Pixar’s Tin Toy, and Toy Story
• How Pixar’s abandoned holiday special pitch ultimately became a theatrical classic

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, from the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. If a Disney or Universal trip is anywhere on your wish list, UnlockedMagic offers great ticket deals handled by experts who know Disney travel inside and out. Visit UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel’s Leakiest Christmas Yet and Why Steve Rogers’ Baby Changes Everything (Ep. 7)

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Dan Graney ring in the holidays with a Marvel conversation that somehow involves hacked PayPal accounts, cardboard Star Wars memories, and one of the strangest trailer rollouts in studio history. As Marvel’s Doomsday marketing quietly unravels through shaky theater footage and strategically ignored leaks, the guys dig into what’s really going on behind the scenes - and why this controlled chaos may actually be the plan. Along the way, they unpack the emotional and narrative risks of bringing Steve Rogers back into the MCU, especially now that he’s apparently a dad.

NEWS
• Marvel’s Avengers: Doomsday teaser rollout goes sideways as multiple theater-only trailers leak online
• Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers quietly returns - with a baby - raising major Endgame continuity questions
• Marvel reportedly plans a rotating, four-week Doomsday teaser strategy tied to Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Sony clamps down fast on a leaked Spider-Man: Brand New Day teaser while Marvel lets its leaks breathe

FEATURE
• Why revisiting Steve Rogers’ Endgame ending is both risky and emotionally loaded
• How kids, legacy, and family may define the stakes of Doomsday and Secret Wars
• A wild theory: Is Steve Rogers immune to Doctor Strange’s Spider-Man memory spell?
• When leaks stop being accidents and start becoming the marketing strategy

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: The Hubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, where you can score real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets - sometimes up to 12 percent off. Run by the same team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, Unlocked Magic makes planning your next trip to Central Florida easier and more affordable. Tell them Jim and Dan sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How “The Small One” Became a Very Big Problem for Disney (Ep. 338)

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

With Drew Taylor sidelined by a nasty case of the Christmas crud, Jim Hill flies solo for this end-of-year edition of Fine Tooning. After a bit of seasonal vamping, Jim dives into animation news before kicking off the first half of a deep-dive holiday history lesson. This week’s episode sets the stage for a story that begins with a modest Disney featurette and ends up triggering one of the biggest upheavals in the history of Walt Disney Feature Animation.

NEWS
• Avatar: Fire & Ash dominates the global box office with a massive $345 million opening weekend.
• Angel Studios’ David surprises with a strong $22 million domestic debut, outperforming several major animated releases.
• Zootopia 2 continues its historic run, crossing $1.27 billion worldwide and exceeding the original film by more than $200 million.
• The Academy reveals its Best Animated Short shortlist, with notable inclusions and at least one eyebrow-raising omission.
• Adult Swim renews Haha, You Clowns for two additional seasons after an initially underestimated debut.

FEATURE
• The origins of Disney’s 1978 animated featurette The Small One and why the studio once believed it would become a perennial holiday classic.
• How Charles Tazewell’s mid-20th-century holiday stories caught Disney’s attention and lingered in development for nearly 15 years.
• Behind-the-scenes tensions at Walt Disney Feature Animation in the late 1970s, including the controversial decision to hand directing duties to Don Bluth.
• Why this seemingly small production planted the seeds for a massive creative and personnel shakeup soon to come.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Plan ahead for your 2026 Central Florida trip by picking your dates, grabbing your tickets, and letting the savings add up at UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney Destiny’s “Meet-and-Play” Feels Very Starcruiser-ish (Ep. 563)

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Sam from Sam’s Disney Diary joins Len and Jim to spill the (highly theatrical) tea on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny - where character “meet-and-greets” have evolved into full-on, semi-improvised encounters that can follow you across the voyage. Then Jim heads back to where Disney’s in-park 3D film history really begins, from the 1950s 3D Jamboree at Disneyland to the studio’s eternal talent for repurposing anything that is not nailed down.

NEWS
• Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour costumes will stay on display at Walt Disney Presents: One Man’s Dream through January 23, 2026
• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith plays its final riff on March 1, 2026 - with a “summer” reopen that is, as always, Disney-flexible
• The Muppet Show special with Sabrina Carpenter hits Disney+ on February 4 - and may be a stealth pilot for a bigger revival
• The Boathouse at Disney Springs lands as one of America’s top-grossing independent restaurants - fueled by sheer, glorious volume
• A reported FTC allegation about Pepsi + Walmart “pricing power” takes an extra twist once Len connects the dots to Disney’s current CFO talk about dynamic pricing

FEATURE
• Sam breaks down how Disney Destiny’s characters run “meet-and-play” moments - Pirates pub invites, Cruella’s improv songwriting, and other “be here later” surprises
• The ship’s hero-vs-villain throughline (hello, Loki) and why it feels like Disney quietly recycled some Galactic Starcruiser know-how
• The Haunted Mansion parlor sticks around - now with an in-app AR hunt to round up “escaped” ghosts
• Jim rewinds to Disney’s earliest 3D experiments, including Disneyland’s 1956-era 3D Jamboree and the studio’s short-lived 1950s 3D flirtation

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com

GUEST
• Sam Marraccini - IG: @samsdisneydaily | X: @SamsDisneyDiary | Website: SamsDisneyDiary.com Sam's Disney Diary+2X (formerly Twitter)+2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic - visit UnlockedMagic.com for special discounts on Disney theme park tickets for 2026.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manufacturing the Magic: Project Florida gets underway

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 16:39:00 -0000

In the 28th installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid

turn their attention to the Sunshine State. Which is where Walt, after an extensive land search, decides to build the East Coast version of Disneyland in the 1960s

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What are some of the shell company names that Disney used while purchasing pieces of property outside of Orlando
How did a plucky news maven figure out what Walt was up to in Central Florida
Why did Walt lie about Project Florida
What were the very first pieces of infrastructure that Walt Disney Productions built down there in those swamps off of I-4
What exactly was the Reedy Creek Improvement District

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Day Boris Karloff Walked Into the Commissary and Changed Hollywood (Ep. 82)

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with a very on-brand travel mishap from Jim’s latest Hallmark-fueled road trip, then pivot back to the stuff you came for - Universal news, theme park weirdness, and one surprisingly deep dive into how Frankenstein’s Monster became the pop culture template we all still recognize today. Along the way: Epic Universe breadcrumbs, a Vegas horror venue that might be scarier for its empty queue than its monsters, and why Boris Karloff’s dentures deserve their own credit line.

NEWS
• Universal’s proposed UK theme park clears another hurdle, with the project advancing in the approvals process and still targeting a 2031 opening
• Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas adds a holiday horror overlay, but reports suggest the venue can feel eerily empty even during a supposedly busy week
• A new “Galactic Expo” mural lands inside the Men in Black Alien Attack gift shop, packed with sci-fi Easter eggs
• A new Men in Black film is reportedly in development - and Jim has thoughts on what that could mean for the long-running attraction
• Universal’s latest “Whatever Makes You Happy” merch drop leans hard into 1980s nostalgia, mashing up brands that make Eric do a double-take

FEATURE
• Why Universal rushed Frankenstein (1931) into production after Dracula hit big - and how it helped the studio dig out of debt
• The behind-the-scenes moment when director James Whale spots Boris Karloff in the commissary and decides his face has “startling possibilities”
• The unglamorous reality of monster-making: punishing makeup sessions, 65 pounds of costume, and the physical toll that followed Karloff for years
• The lost-but-legendary Technicolor Frankenstein footage from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty that fans have been hunting for decades

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Be Our Guest Vacations - plan your next adventure with a platinum-level, earmarked travel agency offering concierge service for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Get started at beourguestvacations.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dynamic Pricing Raises Eyebrows as Disney Sing-Alongs Raise the Volume (Ep. 78)

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back for a very seasonal edition of I Want That To - and Jim’s latest “project” involves tracking down tiny reindeer snowmobiles to complete his Cars holiday display (because apparently Santa’s sleigh rules apply to Radiator Springs too). From there, the conversation jumps into Disney’s new “Find Merchandise” test inside My Disney Experience, the company’s eye-popping $1 billion investment in OpenAI, and why dynamic pricing is suddenly giving everyone Instacart flashbacks. Then Jim takes Lauren (and all of us) on a deep-dive into the origin story of Disney’s Sing-Along VHS line - including how a Max Fleischer Rudolph short ended up inside Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Songs tape.

NEWS
• Disney is testing a new “Find Merchandise” feature in the My Disney Experience app to help guests search for specific items and check availability at select locations (including World of Disney at Disney Springs).
• Disney’s reported $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI sparks a debate about guardrails, character usage, and curation, especially as AI-generated content gets easier to make (and easier to misuse).
• The latest Instacart dynamic pricing controversy raises alarms about different customers seeing different prices, prompting the big question: is Disney heading down a similar road with ticket pricing?
• Disney’s CFO signals dynamic pricing for domestic parks in 2026, with Jim and Lauren weighing the business upside against the guest-side pain of budgeting and “reading the room.”

FEATURE
• A surprisingly twisty history lesson on how Disney’s early VHS strategy helped create the Sing-Along Songs phenomenon - and why making kids sing along was (possibly) the point.
• The story behind Very Merry Christmas Songs (1988), including how it had to be assembled on a brutal retail timeline to hit shelves in early October.
• How Disney licensed (cheaply) a hand-drawn Max Fleischer Rudolph (1948) short originally made for Montgomery Ward store Santa lines - and why it looks better on YouTube than it did on VHS.
• Why this tape became a yearly tradition: the “one remaining VHS player” holiday background classic for tree-decorating season.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode of I Want That To is brought to you by our friends at UnlockedMagic.com, the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If you’re planning a Disney trip, they’ve got the best deals on Walt Disney World tickets - visit UnlockedMagic.com to grab the best ticket deals and make your next Disney trip just a little bit more magical.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snack Credits: A Fudge Judge Renders the Verdict (Ep. 8)

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Snack credits are either the best little “vacation cheat code” Disney ever slipped into the Dining Plan - or a spreadsheet-powered trap that turns your family trip into a competitive sport. This week in the Court of the Disney World Resort, Len Testa and Chris Cox argue whether snack credits are a smart way to stretch your Walt Disney World dollars, or just a confusing system that rewards the deeply committed and mildly deranged. Along the way, there is Starbucks math, Epcot festival strategy, and at least one Easy-Bake oven-related conflict of interest.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Why snack credits can be a secret weapon at EPCOT festivals - especially when you know which items creep up toward that $10 “sweet spot.”
• The maddening part of the Dining Plan - there is no consistent rule for what counts as a snack, so you’re stuck hunting for the logo like it’s a scavenger hunt.
• The “snack credit endgame” - realizing on your last day you have a pile of credits left, and suddenly you’re importing Rice Krispies treats through customs.
• Using snack credits for “breakfast” (because apparently cheesecake counts as dairy and eggs) and other vacation logic that only makes sense inside the Disney bubble.
• The philosophical divide - gaming the system for maximum value vs. enjoying the feeling that “past you paid for this,” so present you can just say yes and keep moving.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney’s 200-Character OpenAI Bet and a Detour Down the Yellow Brick Road (Ep. 337)

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill kick off this week’s show with a genuinely wild media landscape where holiday releases, awards season, and corporate maneuvering are all colliding at once. From a brewing battle over Warner Bros. Discovery to Disney’s latest tech-flavored swing, the first half is a rapid tour through what’s breaking (and what might be breaking next). Then Jim takes the wheel solo for a longer, history-packed trip over the rainbow, tracing how animation veterans, studio deals, and a certain pair of feuding cartoon animals keep finding their way back to Oz.

NEWS
• Netflix and Paramount Skydance are reportedly lining up competing bids for Warner Bros. Discovery, with the situation edging into hostile takeover territory
• Disney signs a three-year OpenAI licensing and investment deal, reportedly tied to short-form character content and platform experimentation
• Zootopia 2 clears the $1 billion worldwide mark, adding to a renewed “WDAS is back” narrative after recent holiday stumbles
• The trailer drops for Andy Serkis’ Animal Farm, with Seth Rogen voicing Napoleon and Angel Studios handling distribution
• A quick remembrance of animator Tony Benedict, whose career path traced the industry’s mid-century churn from Disney to TV animation

FEATURE
• Why Chuck Jones left Termite Terrace, briefly detoured to Disney, then later set up shop at MGM
• How Disney’s MGM licensing deal and the later Turner-Time Warner corporate shuffle complicated who “owned” what in the Oz rights maze
• The surprisingly effective mash-up of MGM legacies in Tom & Jerry and the Wizard of Oz (and why it was successful enough to inspire a return trip)
• A lightning round of other animated Oz side-quests, including costly misfires and international oddities

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Unlocked Magic - Get real savings on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12% off. Unlocked Magic is run by the same team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market, so you can pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and let them know Drew and Jim sent you.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why Disney Is Quietly Letting 3D Die in the Parks (Ep. 562)

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Construction at Animal Kingdom’s upcoming Encanto attraction is finally starting to pop above the fence line, and Jim and Len do what they do best - stare at aerial photos until they start seeing ride-height changes and possible “big thing” anchors. Then the show veers into a surprisingly tight math problem: is it actually cheaper for an American couple to fly to Japan and do Tokyo Disney than it is to do a weekend at Walt Disney World? (Spoiler: the internet is almost right, which is somehow worse.)

NEWS
• Aerial photos suggest the Encanto ride site at Animal Kingdom may include a ride-height change (and at least one very suspicious hole in the ground).
• Orange County tourist tax collections hit a new record for October, up 15 percent year over year - yes, people are still going to Orlando.
• Disney Cruise Line Port Canaveral numbers show strong October sailings - Disney Magic at 81 percent occupancy, Treasure and Wish at 89 percent.
• Hallmark and Disney team up for the first in-park holiday movie, “Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True,” arriving in 2026.
• Disney’s surprise AI headline: a reported $1 billion OpenAI investment tied to Disney characters appearing in Sora, and what Disney might really be building toward.

FEATURE
• Why Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (and its Paris counterpart) reportedly switched from 3D to 2D - guest comfort, visibility, and the ongoing cost of 3D glasses.
• The long history of Disney’s ever-changing 3D eyewear “story names,” from MuppetVision safety goggles to opera glasses and beyond.
• The wild near-miss: Avatar: Flight of Passage allegedly came close to becoming 2D, and how producer Jon Landau pushed back.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode’s Disney-ish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com - from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dracula Gamble That Built Universal’s Monster Empire (Ep. 81)

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

From queue changes to construction walls to nighttime lagoon testing, the parks offer plenty to parse this week. The guys then pivot from the Epic Universe lagoon to Universal’s classic monsters, using the buzz around Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein to explore how the 1931 film lurched into existence. Expect lost projects, studio pivots, and a Monster role Bela Lugosi famously refused.

NEWS
• VelociCoaster ends its single rider line, likely due to party sorting and load-efficiency issues.
• Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly shopping DC theme park rights to Universal, raising big questions for Marvel, Six Flags, and international parks.
• Removal of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit sparks speculation, though new construction-wall posters suggest general theming rather than a specific IP.
• Nighttime testing at the Epic Universe lagoon shows projection effects featuring a bird-or-dragon silhouette.
• Universal Studios Hollywood opens sales for FanFest Nights and a late-night New Year’s Eve event, prompting questions about noise control before Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift debuts.

FEATURE
• Guillermo del Toro’s long-gestating Frankenstein began as a Universal concept more than a decade ago.
• Jim walks through how Universal’s early monster era took shape under financial pressure following the 1929 crash.
• The studio acquired stage rights to Frankenstein after Dracula’s success, initially planning it for Bela Lugosi, who rejected the role.
• The episode ends as Universal begins hunting for a new star, eventually leading James Whale to discover Boris Karloff in the studio lunchroom.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, a platinum-level earmarked travel agency offering concierge planning for Universal, Disney, cruises, and more.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Disney Wants You to Shop This Holiday Season (Ep. 77)

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren ring in the holidays with a very merchy episode of I Want That Too, recorded just after Lauren’s family Polar Express adventure. From Disney Visa mailers and annual passholder calendars to Stitch-heavy gift guides, they dig into how Disney is trying to steer your holiday shopping.

• Disney’s “Home for the Holidays” Disney Rewards Insider issue and the surprise AP calendar reveal a full-court press of plush, Stitch, cruises, and watch-list marketing aimed at shaping your seasonal shopping.
• Stitchmas dominates both online and in-park displays, with plush, pajamas, and matching family sets claiming a massive share of holiday floor space.
• Disney Parks Blog releases multiple holiday gift guides spotlighting games, books, Frozen favorites, Zootopia tie-ins, and Lorcana must-haves for fans of all stripes.
• While Disney pushes big-ticket items like the $399 LEGO castle, Jim and Lauren highlight personal picks including Dick Van Dyke’s new book, Disney-branded Crocs, the Tokyo Disney Mickey gnome, and the classic monorail set.
• Despite limited Cars Land holiday merch in the parks, Jim notes stronger Cars Christmas selections at Kohl’s, Walmart, and BoxLunch, plus his near-purchase of Target’s leftover 2021 Winter Series die-casts.
• A listener tip confirms the red truck Mickey popcorn bucket sells out nightly at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, creating steep eBay markups.
• Looking ahead, Zootopia 2’s box office success is backed by a large retail program, while Pixar’s Hoppers gets a lighter rollout as Disney gears up for major Toy Story 5 merchandising.
• 2025’s Toy Story and Tangled anniversary lines show mixed traction, as Jim previews everything from collector dolls to Woody’s Clint Eastwood-inspired poncho look and recommends watching for Twice Upon a Year markdowns.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for top-tier deals on Disney and Universal trips, offering discounted tickets and planning tools to make your next Central Florida vacation even more magical.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Endgame Encore and the Multiverse Mess Hulk Made (Ep. 6)

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Avengers: Endgame heads back to theaters, the Road to Doomsday widens, theme park tectonics start shifting, and Hulk’s stair-related temper sets off an unintended butterfly effect across the entire MCU. Jim and Dan break down Marvel’s theatrical chess moves, assemble Sam Wilson’s emerging Avengers roster, and dive into a feature story where one very irritated green guy accidentally rewrites the multiverse. It’s a packed episode that swings from box office strategy to deep-cut timeline chaos.

NEWS
• Avengers: Endgame returns to theaters in September 2026 as a strategic warm-up for Avengers: Doomsday
• Dan unveils a new theory about the Endgame metal-pounding audio, suggesting the 2026 rerelease could reveal Doctor Doom forging his mask as a symbolic handoff from Tony Stark
• Early Doomsday lineup reveals Sam Wilson’s Avengers team, including Thor, Loki, Shang-Chi, Falcon, and Ant-Man
• Universal reportedly explores DC character licensing, creating the possibility of Marvel and DC living side-by-side in Orlando
• Rumor Corner: Destin Daniel Cretton may direct the first post–Secret Wars Avengers film; She-Hulk’s MCU future remains uncertain

FEATURE
• How one joke in Endgame – Hulk being forced to take the stairs – becomes the domino that creates the entire Multiverse Saga
• Loki’s escape, the TVA’s rise and fall, and the chain of events that leads to No Way Home, Wanda’s rampage, and Steve and Tony’s emotional finales
• Why Hulk’s bad stair day may be the secret narrative blueprint the Russos lean on for Avengers: Doomsday

HOSTS
• Jim Hill – IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney – YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
UnlockedMagic.com – Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes upwards of 12 percent off. Planning a 2026 trip? Choose your dates, grab your tickets, and enjoy the savings. And be sure to tell them Jim and Dan sent you.
Unlocked Magic

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Netflix Buys Warner Bros. Discovery and an Animated Trip Over the Rainbow (Ep. 336)

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Drew unpack one of the biggest industry shakeups in years as Netflix snaps up Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that reshapes everything from Adult Swim to the broader animation marketplace. Then the guys follow the yellow brick road into this week’s feature, exploring the strange, stop-and-start history of Hollywood’s many attempts to revisit Oz, from Disney’s abandoned visions to Filmation’s long-delayed Journey Back to Oz.

NEWS
• Netflix acquires Warner Bros. Discovery for $82.7 billion and what this lightning-fast deal could mean for Paramount, cable networks, and Adult Swim.
• How the sale compares to Disney’s 2017–2019 acquisition of Fox once you adjust for inflation.
• Industry chatter around the merger’s approval process amid concerns from competing studios.

FEATURE
• A colorful tour through Hollywood’s many post-MGM attempts to return to Oz.
• Disney’s near-miss projects, including the almost-produced “Rainbow Road to Oz.”
• Rankin/Bass, Chuck Jones, and the surprising number of animated Oz interpretations in the 1960s.
• Filmation’s turbulent decade-long journey to complete Journey Back to Oz, featuring Liza Minnelli, missing dialogue tapes, and recycled Sammy Cahn music.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — where you can save up to 12 percent on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets. Planning a 2026 trip? Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and let Unlocked Magic handle the rest. And don’t forget to tell them Jim and Drew sent you.
UnlockedMagic.com

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Burbank Backlot to Hollywood Studios - The Roy E. Disney Building’s Second Act (Ep. 561)

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Len and Jim race through a packed week of Disney and Universal updates before diving into how the Roy E. Disney Animation Building went from an architectural showpiece to the creative model for Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Magic of Disney Animation attraction.

NEWS
• Disney outlines major 2026 refurbishments, Bluey offerings on both coasts, and new character entertainment. • EPCOT confirms Flower & Garden dates, attraction reopenings, and steep winter hotel discounts for Visa cardholders. • Universal celebrates FIA honors while advancing a three-phase transit plan connecting its resorts and parks. • Listener questions lead to discussions on vacation packages, Tron Ares timing, and the rise of non-alcoholic beverage offerings. • Jim and Len break down New Year’s Eve crowd patterns, phased closures, and survival strategies for the busiest days of the year.

FEATURE
• Jim revisits architect Robert A.M. Stern’s Disney work, from Casting Center to Celebration to the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. • The building’s iconic exterior contrasts with an interior layout that frustrated traditional animation workflows. • Lasseter’s renovation sends teams to a former WDI fabrication site where films like Zootopia and Moana take shape amid industrial ambiance. • The redesigned building’s collaborative layout now inspires Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Magic of Disney Animation experience.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
The Disney Dish news segment is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com from DVC Rental Store, offering discounted 2026 Disney theme park tickets.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 27-Year Idea: Uncovering the Surprising Origins of CityWalk (Ep. 80)

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim kicks off this week’s show with a wild winter travel saga involving airport shutdowns, missing donuts, and a 3 a.m. pickup run that somehow beats the incoming snowstorm. From there, he and Eric dive into a new Universal survey aimed squarely at teens, explore construction movement in Lost Continent, and track down the long-missing Monsters Café icons now hiding backstage in Dark Universe. They also unpack the Grinch’s sudden takeover of holiday marketing before shifting into a deep-dive feature on the long, winding, neon-lit creation of Universal CityWalk Hollywood—a project Lou Wasserman first dreamed up nearly three decades before it opened.

NEWS
• Teen-focused Universal survey hints at interest in genre preferences, event awareness, and horror-driven engagement.
• Activity in Lost Continent sparks renewed speculation about future land plans and potential tie-ins to Wicked’s box office momentum.
• Classic Monsters Café statues resurface behind Dark Universe, raising questions about their next life in the parks.
• McDonald’s unveils a Grinch meal, highlighting the odd licensing divide between animated, live-action, and promotional designs.
• Universal updates its disability access program, shifting to a more streamlined digital Attractions Assistance Pass.

FEATURE
• How Lou Wasserman’s 1966 idea evolved into the modern, open-air entertainment district known as CityWalk.
• Why Universal insisted CityWalk be “not a mall,” but a curated neighborhood blending neon art, unique shops, and LA culture.
• The surprising role of historic neon, UCLA programming, and an 18-screen movie palace in shaping the development.
• Early expansions, closures, and how CityWalk continues to evolve ahead of Universal Hollywood’s third on-site hotel.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by the DVC Rental Store. Planning a 2026 trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? Save 10 percent or more on deluxe accommodations at:
UnlockedMagic.com

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zootopia 2’s Record Thanksgiving and Disney’s Long Love Affair With Talking Animals (Ep. 76)

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Fresh off the long Thanksgiving weekend, Jim and Lauren crawl out from under their leftover Pilgrim sandwiches to talk about Zootopia 2 absolutely owning the holiday box office, how that might shape Disney’s sequel strategy, and the must-have merch that is already slithering into the parks. They also dig into McDonald’s massive 70th anniversary Happy Meal promotion, Disney’s official holiday book guide, and a couple of doorstop tomes that are now living in the Hersey household. In the back half, Jim takes Lauren on a whirlwind tour through nearly 80 years of Disney’s talking-animal history - from Song of the South all the way to Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

NEWS
• Zootopia 2’s Thanksgiving opening pulls in a projected 156 million dollars domestically and around 400 million dollars overseas in just five days - more than half a billion total and one of the biggest Thanksgiving hauls ever.
• How those numbers stack up against Wicked for Good and last year’s Moana 2, plus why Universal probably is not panicking while it waits for the inevitable Wicked sing-along edition and a newly announced Galinda prequel novel.
• The debut of Gary the Snake - a gloriously weird Zootopia 2 sipper at Disneyland - and Jim’s crusade to track down Nog the snow seal pup plush that was gifted to Disney Television Animation staffers.
• McDonald’s 70th celebration Happy Meal, featuring 70 different Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and classic character toys with two figures per box - plus online grumbling over who made the cut (hello, Clarabelle) and who suspiciously did not (sorry, Cinderella).
• Disney Parks Blog’s holiday book guide, from deep-dive art and history titles like the X Atencio tribute and John Landau’s memoir to Moana’s “What if she stole the heart?” Twisted Tale, kid-friendly atlases, scratch-n-sniff adventures, and the giant Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks and Bring the Magic Home books currently threatening Lauren’s fingernails.

FEATURE
• A crash course in Disney’s history with anthropomorphized animals - starting with the animated sequences in 1946’s Song of the South and why so many artists remembered that era as their happiest time at the studio after returning from World War II.
• The rise and fall of the abandoned Chanticleer project, the “Roy’s Boys” money feud with Walt, and how that detour accidentally sent Mark Davis to Imagineering where he helped create icons like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
• How The Aristocats, Robin Hood, and even The Jungle Book paved the way for modern animal worlds - including the infamous animation recycling in Robin Hood’s “Phony King of England” sequence that sharp-eyed fans still spot today.
• The long development path from the shelved spy thriller Savage Seas, starring Jack Savage, to the fully realized animal metropolis of Zootopia - including John Lasseter’s notes, Jared Bush’s CIA family background, and the last-minute decision to swap Nick Wilde out for Judy Hopps as the true lead.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by our friends at UnlockedMagic.com - the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. If you are planning a trip to Central Florida to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, the Unlocked Magic crew has some of the best deals on tickets, so do yourself a favor and use UnlockedMagic.com to make your next vacation just a little more magical.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Case for Butterbeer: How Universal Won the Sip Heard ’Round the World (Ep. 7)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode of The Case For, Jim and Chris dive deep into the foamy, sugary mystery of Butterbeer – from its first mention in Prisoner of Azkaban to its billion-calorie domination of Universal’s theme parks. Along the way, they track the near-miss Disney deal, J.K. Rowling’s taste-testing power, and exactly why Len Testa is currently horizontal. It’s a sweet, strange, and slightly sticky journey through theme park history.

FEATURE
• How Butterbeer evolved from J.K. Rowling’s books to real-world theme park phenomenon
• Disney’s early plans for a Harry Potter mini-land – and how the deal slipped through their fingers
• Universal’s long development process, the top-secret taste test in Scotland, and why the drink became a runaway hit
• The many forms of Butterbeer across the Wizarding World, from frozen to fudge to the notorious cream puff

HOSTS
• Jim Hill – IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Chris Cox – IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zootopia 2 Runs Wild in China and Oz Takes Over the Holidays (Ep. 335)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim goes solo this week while Drew speeds back toward LA for an early press screening of “Avatar: Fire & Ash.” In the meantime, Jim catches us up on a very eventful week in animation news, from the monster launch of “Zootopia 2” in China to Disney Parks animatronics already slipping into B mode. He also spotlights new shorts, holiday specials, and takes a deep dive into the surprising Hollywood history behind “The Wizard of Oz.”

NEWS
• Zootopia 2 shatters expectations with a $156M domestic debut and a staggering $275M in China.
• Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia Land proves to be a major factor in the sequel’s overseas success.
• Early operational issues arise with the Clawhauser animatronic at Animal Kingdom’s new “Zoobetter Together” attraction.
• Plymptoons launches a TikTok account and announces a December studio art sale in NYC.
• Locksmith Animation debuts “Cardboard,” a touching new short drawing awards-season buzz.

FEATURE
• Jim traces the fascinating Hollywood history of “The Wizard of Oz,” from Disney’s thwarted attempt to acquire the rights to the abandoned “Rainbow Road to Oz.”
• How MGM’s 1939 classic became a television institution and shaped Disney’s musical ambitions.
• A preview of next week’s continuation on animated Oz adaptations of the 1960s and 70s.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, where you can save up to 12 percent on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets. Just pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. And when you do, please let the folks at Unlocked Magic know that Drew and Jim sent you.
Unlocked Magic

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sneaking Into Sam’s: Jim Finally Cracks the Grog Grotto Code (Ep. 560)

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0000

After a week wandering Walt Disney World with Len and Jim Shull, Jim goes solo this episode to share fresh Orlando observations, big theme park news, and the triumphant tale of finally getting inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto after a decade of trying. From Zootopia 2’s massive box office to the latest on dynamic pricing, Magic Kingdom expansion hints, and some curious choices around holiday traditions at the Grand Floridian, this one covers a lot of ground. And yes, there will be tiki mugs.

NEWS
• Disney officially announces that The World of Frozen opens at Disneyland Paris on March 29, 2026.
• CFO Hugh Johnston publicly confirms dynamic pricing expansions at Disney parks after a year of corporate pushback.
• Zootopia 2 posts a remarkable $556 million global opening weekend.
• Ongoing fan hunt for the hidden Joe Rohde at Zootopia Zoo Better Together—Jim Shull reveals where to look.
• Early visuals emerge around the Magic Kingdom expansion, with notable activity near Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way.

FEATURE
• The full saga of Jim’s 10-year quest to enter Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
• Why going late - very late - is the key to getting inside this tiny tiki temple.
• Comparisons between Trader Sam’s, the new Beacon Barrel in Adventureland, and The Perch at the Grand Floridian.
• Updates on this year’s missing Grand Floridian Gingerbread House and what might happen next.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, the same team behind the DVC Rental Store. If you're planning a trip to Central Florida and want discounted tickets to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando - often 10 to 12 percent less than elsewhere - visit UnlockedMagic.com.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Jim Carrey Survived Becoming the Grinch (Ep. 79)

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Eric unwrap a very different kind of holiday story this week: the wild, demanding, and downright unbelievable making of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Fresh from Jim’s trip to IAAPA and holiday visits to the Universal parks, the guys trace how the film’s production shaped today’s Grinchmas offerings, from the makeup performers wear to the version of Whoville Universal still uses. Along the way, they dig into this year’s seasonal additions, Wicked’s strong opening, and the latest rumblings from Epic Universe.

NEWS
• Universal Orlando and Hollywood launch their holiday seasons, including new decorations, Tribute Store theming, and Grinchmas updates
• Wicked for Good posts a massive opening weekend, powering Universal’s awards-season buzz
• Epic Universe construction heats up with a major new permit near the Ministry of Magic
• Butterbeer expands again with Coffee Mate creamers arriving nationwide soon

FEATURE
• The unbelievable true story of making the 2000 Grinch.
• The intense Hollywood bidding war that secured Dr. Seuss’s beloved book for Universal
• What Jim Carrey endured inside a full yak-fur bodysuit, yellow contacts, and nine-hour makeup sessions
• The military-level torture survival training Carrey received just to get through filming
• How Ron Howard, Rick Baker, and even Eddie Murphy tried to keep morale up on set
• And how all of this still influences the Grinch performers greeting guests at Universal today

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This week’s episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. Save on regular Disney theme park tickets and discounted after-hours event tickets when you book through UnlockedMagic.com. Lock in your winter plans while deals last!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Knotts, Chicken Little, and a Very Disney Thanksgiving (Ep. 75)

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren celebrate Thanksgiving with a whirlwind mix of Disney history, holiday nostalgia, and a merch-filled New York adventure. From Wicked-branded ice rinks and a Zootopia 2 takeover at JFK to Macy’s exclusive parade collection and a stop at the Harry Potter Store, Lauren brings back a suitcase full of stories. Jim then dives into the legacy of Don Knotts, his long relationship with Disney, and how he ended up voicing Mayor Turkey Lurkey in Chicken Little. A cozy, funny, and very seasonal edition of I Want That Too.

HIGHLIGHTS

Lauren’s NYC trip featuring massive Wicked and Zootopia 2 marketing across Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and JFK
Inside Macy’s Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade collection, plus Marvel arcade surprises
A butterbeer meetup at the Harry Potter Store and standout Potter merch finds
Jim’s holiday watchlist, including the debut of Prep and Landing: Snowball Protocol
A deep dive into Don Knotts’ Disney career and his final animated role as Turkey Lurkey

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: JimHillMedia
• TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by unlockedmagic.com, the trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Planning a Disney trip? They can help you secure the best deals on Walt Disney World tickets—sometimes as much as 12 percent off. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and be sure to tell them Jim and Lauren sent you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Russo Brothers Crash the Multiverse (Ep. 5)

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim and Dan return with a pre-Thanksgiving episode that mixes Orlando sidewalks, MCU speculation, and a defrosting turkey that may or may not be plotting its escape. They cover everything from Universal’s uneven holiday decorations to the unexpectedly emotional Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Chadwick Boseman. From there, the guys dive headfirst into Marvel’s latest rumblings, including Wonder Man’s very meta cameo and the increasingly loud whispers about the Russo Brothers shaping the MCU’s next storytelling era. It’s a lively one, recorded just days before the pie-and-TV marathon begins.

NEWS

Universal Orlando holiday observations, including the conspicuously undecorated Marvel Super Hero Island and a stellar Captain America meet and greet.
Updates on Black Panther 3, including casting buzz and the heartfelt Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring Chadwick Boseman.
Early discussion of Doomsday, Secret Wars, and shifting MCU release timelines.
New info on Disney Plus’ Wonder Man series and its unexpectedly meta Josh Gad connection.
The Avatar: Fire and Ash runtime reveal and how it ties into the first Doomsday trailer launch.

FEATURE

Why the Russo Brothers may return as creative architects of Marvel’s “Mutant Saga,” and what that means after the bumpy post-Endgame years.
How the MCU’s parliament is shifting strategy away from homework-heavy storytelling.
What the Russos must resolve as Marvel transitions out of the multiverse era and toward a unified, mutant-inclusive future.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com

FOLLOW

Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
Instagram: JimHillMedia
TikTok: JimHillMedia

SUPPORT

Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

Unlock real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets with Unlocked Magic. Sometimes savings reach up to 12 percent, and the service is run by the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Tell them Jim and Dan sent you.
Website: Unlocked Magic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside the Animation Money Machine: Zootopia 2, Frozen Paydays & the New Economics of Disney Franchises (Ep. 334)

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

As Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down just hours before Zootopia 2 preview screenings begin, they dig into the film’s early reactions, the surprising box-office shape of the holiday season, and the escalating economics behind today’s animated franchises. HIGHLIGHTS

Early reactions to Zootopia 2 and what Drew learned from scoring sessions and long-lead press days.
How Wicked: For Good outpaced the original film’s opening—and why reviews may complicate the long-term outlook.
Stephen Schwartz’s long history with animation—from Pocahontas to The Prince of Egypt—and his record-breaking opening weekend.
A surprise Thanksgiving return for Prep & Landing and why Snowball Protocol deserved more promotion.
Drew breaks down the blockbuster salaries behind Frozen 3 and 4—and how favored-nations deals shaped the cast’s negotiations.
Tim Allen completes his Toy Story 5 recording, plus a look back at the franchise’s evolving pay scale.
Trailer talk: David, Hoppers, and what Pixar’s 2026 slate signals for the studio.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Drew Taylor — X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work Follow Us

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip at UnlockedMagic.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside IAAPA 2025: Big Rides, Bold Tech, and the Industry’s Next Moves (Ep. 559)

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment.

NEWS

A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth.
Zamperla’s full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher.
The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint.
Mack Rides’ water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments.
The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn’t answer most questions yet.
Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—possible clues to future projects.
A vendor’s dramatic countdown-clock presentation that fell apart when no one realized the microphone was dead.
The team’s ongoing quest for pickle-flavored cotton candy and other baffling IAAPA food innovations.
Len’s impromptu pitch to Doppelmayr about Universal’s transportation RFQ—and the unexpectedly enthusiastic response.
Why IAAPA acts as “old home week” for themed entertainment pros, with surprise run-ins, backstage conversations, and stories that won’t be public for years.

Full show notes available here: Show Notes

Hosts

Patreon

Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes stories. Join us at:
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency
https://strongmindedagency.com

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip with Unlocked Magic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Man Who Made Universal Explode: Jay Stein and the Birth of the JayBang (Ep. 78)

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

On this episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal Orlando updates before turning to a deep-dive tribute to Jay Stein — the visionary who transformed Universal’s backlot tour into a spectacle factory and helped define the studio’s signature “JayBang” style of themed entertainment.

NEWS

NBC’s Wicked: One Wonderful Night special sparks strong reactions as Universal’s cross-promotions continue everywhere from Dunkin’ to TV tie-ins.
New 2026 Universal Orlando ticket options clarify how multi-day guests can access Epic Universe more than once.
Reddit reactions and critic reviews paint a wide spectrum of opinions on Universal’s latest TV musical marketing moment.
Preparations continue around Orlando as fans look ahead to more detailed Epic Universe rollouts.

FEATURE — A TRIBUTE TO JAY STEIN

How a 26-year-old studio problem-solver was handed one directive: “Fix the tram tour.”
The creation of the very first “JayBang”: the 1968 Flash Flood, sending 20,000 gallons of water rushing past the tram.
The shift from generic “movie magic” to effects pulled straight from current Universal Pictures releases.
The Eiger Sanction–inspired glacier tunnel illusion, which evolved into one of the most memorable tram finales ever built.
Why Jay Stein’s fingerprints can still be felt across every fireball, near-miss shark, collapsing bridge, and runaway vehicle in Universal’s attraction lineup.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

Patreon

Enjoying the show? Your support helps us bring more insider history, analysis, and interviews to the feed. Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

YouTube: @jimhillmedia

TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, where listeners can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets — including select after-hours events.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Mary Poppins Rewrote Disney History: A Conversation with Todd James Pierce (Ep. 74)

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Disney merch meets Disney history this week as Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the newest releases tied to Zootopia 2 before shifting gears into a deep dive on one of the most pivotal films in studio history. Then, Disney historian and author Todd James Pierce joins the show to share how Mary Poppins reshaped the future of the company — with behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard.

NEWS

The newest Zootopia 2 merch drops at Disney Store and World of Disney, from Judy Hopps Loungefly to new plush and spirit jerseys.
Box-office expectations for the Zootopia sequel as it heads into Thanksgiving weekend.
A first look at Disneyland’s odd and delightful new souvenir guide.
Disney’s unexpected collaboration with Formula One.

FEATURE

Interview: Todd James Pierce — The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney

How the 1964 classic became the studio’s turning point during Walt’s most ambitious era.
Julie Andrews, Hayley Mills furniture, and other wonderfully strange details from Todd’s research.
Why Mary Poppins helped fund the expansion that made Walt Disney World possible.
The years-long archival detective work that went into Todd’s book.
Walt’s evolving creative priorities — and how this single film changed everything.

Guest

Todd James Pierce
Website: toddjamespierce.com
Podcast: Disney History Institute
Books: Three Years in Wonderland, The Life and Times of Ward Kimball, The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney

Hosts

Jim Hill
X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia Instagram: @JimHillMedia Website: jimhillmedia.com

Lauren Hersey
X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2
Instagram: @lauren_hersey_

Patreon Support the show and get exclusive content!
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

UnlockedMagic.com — your trusted source for the best Walt Disney World ticket deals, including savings on special event nights like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Make your next Disney trip a little more magical at UnlockedMagic.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Verdicts on Park Hopping, Rope Drops, and Solo Trips (Ep. 6)

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim Hill joins Len Testa and Chris Cox in the Court of the Walt Disney World Resort to open the mailbag and dive into your comments on park hopping, rope dropping, resort strategy, and the joys of solo touring.

HIGHLIGHTS

What real guests say about when park hopping actually pays off
Why longer UK trips flip the park-hop vs. slow-down debate
The surprising power of resort location — and why Epcot area hotels keep winning
Rope dropping vs. teenagers: an age-old (and very sleepy) dilemma
Solo trips, flexibility, and the freedom to wander at will

Hosts

Patreon

Love the show and want to support more episodes like this? Join us on Patreon and get early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Production Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailers, Box Office Surprises & SpongeBob’s Return: Animation’s Holiday Push (Ep. 333)

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:01:00 -0000

As the long Thanksgiving weekend approaches, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into a flurry of newly dropped animation trailers, surprising box office projections, and the industry shifts shaping Spring and Summer 2026. Recorded just as holiday season ramps up, this week’s Fine Tooning mixes news, nostalgia, and some unexpected industry history.

HIGHLIGHTS

Why studios dropped so many major trailers this week — and what their early online rollouts say about today’s marketing playbook.
A look at the weekend box office projections, including the strong debut for Now You See Me, Now You Don’t 3 and the surprising second-week drop for Predator: Badlands.
Angel Studios’ upcoming animated musical David and its early pre-sale strategy heading into the crowded December slate.
First impressions of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — plus memories from the 1980s Jetsons revival session featuring Mel Blanc.
Updates on Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie, new leadership at Paramount Animation, and how “evergreen” franchises like Toy Story continue to evolve.
A quick detour into the Magic Castle, close-up magic legends, and why those spaces still influence entertainment creatives today.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Drew Taylor — X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

Patreon

Love what we do? Support the show and get exclusive content at:
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, where you can save up to 12% on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets — including select after-hours events and holiday offerings. Run by the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. When you book, tell them Drew & Jim sent you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Luggage Flies & Presidents Fume: Disney’s New Travel Perks and the Nixon Moment at the Contemporary (Ep. 558)

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Len Testa unpack Disney’s expanding multimodal transportation plans, field listener questions on “Dwarfgate” and the state of restaurant seating, and dig into the remarkable story of how Richard Nixon ended up declaring “I am not a crook” at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort.

NEWS

Disney expands its airport luggage transfer program to include Southwest Airlines arrivals, bringing back a little bit of that old Magical Express magic.
A deeper look at Disney’s FY2025 earnings reveals what that surprising 4% Q4 attendance dip likely means.
Updates on the Polynesian Tower’s Wailulu Bar & Grill and the return of the Garden View Lounge afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian.
After 35 years, the rights to Roger Rabbit revert to creator Gary K. Wolf—sequels may be on the horizon.
Universal explores a new 4–5 mile transportation system linking Epic Universe, CityWalk, and I-Drive.
Listener questions on Dwarfgate, Tablegate, and how early to line up for key attractions.
A look at why Disney still asks detailed spending questions on surveys—even when they already know many of the answers.
The full story of why President Richard Nixon’s “I am not a crook” press conference happened at the Contemporary Resort, and how that moment shaped Disney’s early public image.

Full show notes available here: Show Notes

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com

Patreon

Enjoying the show? Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive bonus content at:
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store—where you can save 10% on regular and special-event Disney tickets, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Van Helsing That Never Was: Inside Universal’s Abandoned Dark Universe (Ep. 77)

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey trace the ambitious — and ultimately ill-fated — vision for Universal’s Dark Universe, from the scrapped sequel to The Mummy to Tom Cruise’s push to reinvent himself as the studio’s modern Van Helsing.

NEWS

Universal courts talent and headlines by hiring Mark Platt and director Lorene Scafaria for a Sabrina Carpenter–led Alice in Wonderland musical.
Comcast explores a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs advising.
Competing interest from Netflix and Apple raises the stakes ahead of WBD’s planned corporate split.
Peacock sets a new premiere date for The Epic Ride documentary, now featuring rare dragon-drone testing footage from Epic Universe.
A closer look at how the industry shake-ups could affect theme park rights, licensing, and future Universal IP development.

FEATURE

The original plan for a direct sequel to 2017’s The Mummy — and how the story would have expanded Dr. Jekyll’s organization and the gods-and-monsters mythology.
Why Tom Cruise’s version of Nick Morton was conceived as the entry point to a larger shared universe… and how internal plans positioned him as the modern Van Helsing, monster hunter and connective tissue between films.
How Cruise’s hands-on creative control — the same instinct that later led Top Gun: Maverick to a $1.4B box office — clashed with Universal’s rollout of the Dark Universe brand.
A breakdown of what actually killed the Dark Universe: mismatched expectations, a premature cinematic universe announcement, and a marketing campaign Cruise felt undermined the film he delivered.
Why Epic Universe’s Dark Universe land succeeds where the films didn’t — channeling classic-monster storytelling without the burden of a forced franchise blueprint.

HOSTS

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

PATREON

Love the show? Support more insider stories, deep dives, and history of themed entertainment at:
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

PRODUCTION

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR

Unlocked Magic — Save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including discounts on after-hours events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Start planning at UnlockedMagic.com.

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Deep Cuts & Morphin’ Mayhem: Lorcana’s Bold New Expansion and the Power Rangers’ Wild Merch Saga (Ep. 73)

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in the holiday season with a look at Disney Lorcana’s newest expansion, Whispers in the Well—a set packed with gorgeous art, new gameplay mechanics, and some of the deepest Disney cuts yet, from The Black Cauldron to Gargoyles. Then they shift from gothic fantasy to nostalgic action as they trace the surprising rise, fall, and resurgence of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, including the merch craze that once swept toy aisles and the collector market that’s exploding again today.

HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating Fantasia’s anniversary and the release of JB Kaufman’s new making-of book.
Lorcana’s “Whispers,” new boost mechanics, and art featuring The Black Cauldron, Gargoyles, and Zootopia characters.
Why fans are hoping for a dedicated Art of Lorcana book.
The wild history of Power Rangers merch, from ’90s shortages to today’s sky-high collector prices.
How shifting toy trends are affecting Super Sentai in Japan—and why Power Rangers nostalgia is booming again.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Lauren Hersey — X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_

Patreon

Enjoy bonus episodes and support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market—offering the best deals on Walt Disney World tickets, including the lowest available prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to plan a more magical trip.

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Harumphs, Holidays & Doomsday (Ep. 4)

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unwrap a stocking full of Marvel mayhem in this fourth episode of the Marvel Us Disney reboot — a show equal parts MCU, theme-park history, and pop-culture cheer.

They start with LEGO’s new Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails (yes, that’s T-A-I-L-S), plus a check-in on Jeremy Renner, David Harbour, and this year’s Marvel merch blitz, Unwrap the Universe. From there it’s on to the big one: Avengers: Doomsday. The Russos return, Robert Downey Jr. re-enters the MCU — as Doctor Doom — and the franchise looks to reset the board ahead of Secret Wars.

Later, Jim and Dan explore Simu Liu’s “love letter to superhero movies,” Patrick Stewart’s possible farewell, and a “What If” worth debating — would Marvel even exist without the MCU?

Finally, Jim opens the vault for Theme Park Archaeology, uncovering the Marvel attractions that never were — from Hong Kong’s Oscorp Tower of Terror to Disneyland’s unbuilt Wakanda expansion — and a first look at Rocket & Groot’s Galaxy Spin coming to Disney Cruise Line.

HIGHLIGHTS

LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails debuts Nov 14 on Disney+
Avengers: Doomsday trailer drops Dec 19 with Avatar: Fire & Ash
Simu Liu’s “love letter” to superhero movies & Patrick Stewart’s rumored retirement
MCU legacy talk: Kang, Shuri, and the future of Black Panther
Theme Park Archaeology: the Marvel rides that never made it to the parks
Rocket & Groot’s Galaxy Spin sets sail March 10, 2026 aboard the Disney Adventure

Hosts

Jim Hill — @JimHillMedia | @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
Dan Graney — @TheHubbubbery | @TheHubbubbery | thehubbubbery.com

Support the Show Enjoy Marvel Us Disney? Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early-access episodes:
patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Production Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — the smarter way to book Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, with real discounts up to 12% off, including after-hours events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights.

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When the Sky Fell: The Turbulent Legacy of Chicken Little (Ep. 332)

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:46:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor salute Veterans Day and talk about Xavier “X” Atencio, the new Disney Editions book celebrating the Imagineer behind the Haunted Mansion’s “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” Then, Drew and Jim dive into the weekend box office — from Predator: Badlands breaking franchise records to the upcoming Zootopia 2 — before Jim goes solo to finish his deep-dive on the 20th anniversary of Chicken Little: Disney’s first CG feature and the film that changed everything at the studio.

HIGHLIGHTS

Disney Legend spotlight: The new Xavier X. Atencio biography reveals rare sketches, wartime cartoons, and Haunted Mansion concept art — including the one-eyed cat that almost was.
Box office breakdown: Predator: Badlands lifts Disney past $4 billion for 2025, while Zootopia 2’s early projections could redeem TRON: Ares’ underperformance.
Streaming watch: Netflix’s In Your Dreams wins praise from Collider and The Hollywood Reporter; Star Wars: Visions Vol. 3 drops on Disney+.
The forgotten fowl: Why Chicken Little struggled in 2005 — from corporate pressure and story changes to a release window crushed by Goblet of Fire.
Animation turning point: How Pixar’s arrival, John Lasseter’s leadership, and Ratatouille’s success permanently shifted Disney away from hand-drawn animation.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Drew Taylor — X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

Patreon
Support Fine Tooning and the entire Jim Hill Media Podcast Network at patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com — where Disney and Universal fans can save up to 12% on park tickets and after-hours events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Powered by the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market.

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From Zootopia to the Matterhorn: Disney’s Big Swings and Small Details (Ep. 557)

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill continue No Negative November with a look at Zootopia’s new 4D adventure, listener trip-planning wisdom, and the surprising book that inspired Disneyland’s first mountain.

NEWS

Zootopia: Better Zoo-gether debuts at Animal Kingdom — The Tree of Life theater gets a major refresh with a new story, water gags, and a charming Benjamin Clawhauser animatronic.
Holiday highlights return — Tree of Life Awakenings now plays nightly thanks to early sunsets, and the beloved Merry Menagerie puppet experience returns November 14.
Storytime with Santa Deadpool — A holiday twist hits Avengers Campus, complete with meta Christmas jokes and Greek Orthodox canon accuracy.
Listener questions answered — From the best Bay Lake Tower villas for New Year’s Eve fireworks to whether it’s time for Tables in Wonderland to return.
Disney’s shrinking parades — Why the Festival of Fantasy looks lighter on dancers and floats—and how Disney’s still managing two parades a day at Magic Kingdom.

FEATURE

The Making of the Matterhorn — Jim shares the wild story of how a 1950s family film led Walt Disney to send a postcard from Switzerland that simply said: “Build this.”
- How Banner in the Sky and Third Man on the Mountain inspired Walt’s alpine obsession.
- Why the Matterhorn nearly became a luge-style attraction (yes, really).
- The creative legacy of director Ken Annakin, whose films also led to Swiss Family Treehouse and Sleeping Beauty Castle.

Full show notes available here: Show Notes

Hosts
Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com

Support the Show
Love what we do? Support The Disney Dish on Patreon for exclusive bonus shows and early access: patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Produced by
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store. Save up to 10% on Disney park and event tickets, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights — only at unlockedmagic.com.

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Manufacturing the Magic: The Beginnings of Busch Gardens

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In the 26th installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid takes us back to Tampa, Florida in 1959. Which is where a bird sanctuary built next to a brewery hospitality center eventually turned into thrill ride central.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about • Where was the first Busch Gardens located • How did Busch Gardens in Tampa react to the opening of Walt Disney World • What happened to the wooden coaster Gwazi • What American dynasty backed Colonial Williamsburg • What became of Busch Gardens Houston’s Orient Express railroad

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Survey Says: Epic Universe May Join Universal’s AP Lineup (Ep. 76)

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a newly surfaced Universal guest survey that hints at Epic Universe joining the resort’s Annual Pass lineup — and what that could mean for crowds, pricing, and park strategy. Plus, Jim shares a real-life road trip saga straight out of a Hallmark movie, and the guys unpack Universal’s latest headlines from Orlando to Hollywood.

NEWS

A listener-sent Universal survey suggests Epic Universe may soon be included in AP tiers.
Comcast’s Q3 results show a 19% jump in theme park revenue, driven by Epic’s first full quarter.
The Burning Blade Tavern’s fire effect goes dark — and fans dub it “The Invisible Blade.”
Jim explains why Spider-Man still appears in Universal marketing — thanks to a contract clause requiring 20% Marvel representation in Islands of Adventure ads.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz return for a brand-new Mummy sequel, proving Universal’s monster legacy isn’t dead yet.

FEATURE
Jim continues his deep dive into Universal’s ill-fated Dark Universe — the studio’s ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe. From Dracula Untold to The Mummy (2017), discover how even A-list stars and big budgets couldn’t resurrect the undead franchise.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

Patreon
Support Epic Universal and other Jim Hill Media shows at patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — where you can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including after-hours events. Visit UnlockedMagic.com today and tell them Eric and Jim sent you.

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From Hand-Carved Signs to Theme Park Legends: The Disney Woodcraft of Raymond Kinman (Ep. 72)

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trade glass for grain in this I Want That Too deep dive into Disney’s hidden world of woodwork. From the Arribas Brothers’ new handcrafted photo albums to the retro-chic Mickey Christmas truck popcorn bucket, the episode celebrates the artistry behind Disney’s most tactile treasures. Then, master woodcarver Raymond Kinman joins the show to reveal how his marquees for Indiana Jones Adventure, Country Bear Playhouse, and Pooh Corner helped define the look and feel of Disney parks for generations.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover Disney’s new Arribas Brothers wood collection, including carved photo albums and frames that blend luxury with nostalgia.
The unexpected rise of wood-inlay trading pins — and why collectors should grab them now before they disappear into the secondary market.
A seasonal favorite returns: the Mickey Christmas Truck popcorn bucket rolls into Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Raymond Kinman, Imagineering collaborator and artisan of countless attraction marquees, shares how a single white lie launched his Disney career.
Learn the difference between a sign and a marquee—and why those subtle details matter to the storytelling of every attraction.
Inside Kinman’s hand-tool craft: from carving Indiana Jones Adventure’s eight-foot mahogany marquee to shaping the beloved Big Al from Country Bear Jamboree.
How Kinman overcame setbacks (and even carved one-handed after an accident) to deliver Disney magic on deadline.
His modern “Hippie Camp” retreats in Grass Valley, CA—where he now teaches beginners the timeless art of woodcarving.

Guest
Raymond Kinman — Website: woodcarverguru.com | Facebook: facebook.com/RaymondKinman

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Lauren Hersey — X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_

Patreon
Support I Want That Too and the entire Jim Hill Media Podcast Network at patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — your trusted source for discounted Disney tickets and special-event savings.

Learn More

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A View Worth the Price? The Disney Deluxe Debate (Ep. 5)

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Order in the court! Judge Jim Hill presides as Len Testa and Chris Cox debate whether Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts truly justify their sky-high price tags. From monorail convenience and poolside fireworks to theming, dining plans, and “three-zone bathrooms,” this episode puts Disney luxury on trial. But when the verdict’s in, will comfort, convenience, or cost win the day?

HIGHLIGHTS

Chris argues the magic of waking up to a Savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge — even if you’re rushing to the bus five minutes later.
Len breaks down travel times, room sizes, and the math behind “$210-a-night happiness.”
Jim recalls the evolution of Disney’s resort categories — and how Grand Floridian’s grandeur has changed over time.
A deep dive into the perks of Deluxe dining, early-entry hours, and the eternal battle between park time and resort time.
The trio reflects on nostalgia, theming, and the real price of that “Disney bubble.”

Hosts

Chris Cox — X/Twitter: @bigcox | Instagram: @magiccox | Website: magiccox.com
Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com
Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

Patreon
Support the show and get bonus episodes at patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring this show? Contact us here.

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When “Chicken Little” Took Flight: Disney’s First CGI Gamble and What Came Next (Ep. 331)

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:01:00 -0000

This week on Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor mark the 20th anniversary of Chicken Little — Disney’s first fully computer-animated feature — and trace how the film’s rocky launch reshaped the studio’s animation strategy in the mid-2000s. Recorded the morning after Daylight Savings Time kicked in, this episode mixes history, humor, and behind-the-scenes insight as the guys unpack what really happened inside Disney Animation during one of its most volatile eras.

HIGHLIGHTS

Drew and Jim revisit the creative chaos that followed The Emperor’s New Groove and how Mark Dindal & Randy Fullmer’s next project evolved into Chicken Little.
Why Bob Iger’s early plans to buy Pixar cast a shadow over the film’s release.
How Chicken Little became both a casualty and catalyst in Disney’s CGI transformation.
Updates on the new Zootopia Zoobetter Together 4-D show at Animal Kingdom and why fans may want to wait for the Merrie Menagerie’s return.
Studio Ghibli Fest’s finale screenings of The Boy and the Heron, plus news on Laika’s upcoming Wildwood and ESPN’s animated Monsters Funday Football event.

Hosts
Drew Taylor — X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work
Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

Patreon
Support Fine Tooning and the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network on Patreon: patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com — where you can save up to 12% on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, including hard-ticket events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights.

⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Disney's Game Plan for Epic & The Raglan Road Story (Ep. 556)

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Jim wraps up the story of Raglan Road and explains how one Irish pub helped inspire the full transformation of Pleasure Island into today’s Disney Springs. Along the way, Len kicks off No Negative November and the crew answers listener trip-planning questions with their best “only happy thoughts” energy.

The origins of Raglan Road and how authentic Irish design found a home at Walt Disney World
Why its immediate success made Disney rethink the entire Pleasure Island plan
How that rethink led from Hyperion Wharf to the Disney Springs we know today
EPCOT strategy debate: one-day visit vs. After Hours event
Jollywood Nights character advice and what to prioritize
Updates on Disney and Universal ticket options and offerings

A classic Disney story that starts in a pub and ends with a whole new district.

SHOW NOTES

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The Annual Pass Puzzle and How The Mummy Buried a Monster Movie Franchise (Ep. 75)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this Halloween episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig up the spooky story of Universal’s Dark Universe - the ambitious attempt to build a monster-filled cinematic universe that never rose from the grave. From The Mummy’s box office stumble to the Wolfman’s cursed production, the duo unpacks how a failed film series still inspired one of Epic Universe’s most anticipated lands. Along the way, they discuss park attendance stats, ticket changes, and a few frightfully fun surprises.

2024 Themed Entertainment Association attendance report reveals Universal’s shifting rankings
Why Universal paused 3-Day Annual Pass sales and what it means for Epic Universe access
The rise and fall of The Mummy reboot and the costly chaos behind The Wolfman
Inside Universal’s forgotten plans for Creature from the Black Lagoon and Dracula Untold
How the ashes of a movie misfire gave life to Epic Universe’s monster-filled Dark Universe land

Even the monsters couldn’t scare away Jim and Eric’s curiosity—hear the full tale of how Universal’s cinematic dream turned into a theme park triumph.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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Disney’s Hogwarts? Plus the Return of Bedknobs and Broomsticks (Ep. 71)

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this jam-packed episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into Disney’s newest fantasy franchise in the making - and how “Impossible Creatures” could become the studio’s answer to Harry Potter. Along the way, they unwrap this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merch, explore Disney’s surprising partnership with a British luxury retailer, and share the little-known story of how Angela Lansbury became Disney’s most magical apprentice witch in Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

Why Disney’s new Impossible Creatures book deal has fans speculating about a new cinematic universe
The history and evolution of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merch — and what’s new this year
How Disney Parks collectibles are showing up in high-end department stores overseas
The rare story behind Angela Lansbury’s casting in Bedknobs and Broomsticks
The surprising connection between Disney’s holiday magic and its next big fantasy gamble

From collectible cards to Christmas merch to classic movie magic, this episode has something for every Disney fan.

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Godzilla Invades Marvel (and DC!) (Ep. 3)

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this monster-sized episode of Marvel Us Disney, Jim Hill and Dan Graney celebrate Halloween week by looking at the King of the Monsters’ surprising return to comics — and how Godzilla is now battling heroes across both the Marvel and DC universes. Along the way, the duo breaks down Marvel Zombies’ success, Jessica Jones’ comeback, and new details from Disney’s ever-evolving Avengers attractions.

How Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe and Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong became a reality
The long, strange history of Godzilla’s connection to Marvel Comics
Marvel Zombies’ strong Disney+ debut and what it means for a possible sequel
Kristen Ritter’s return as Jessica Jones and what it signals for Daredevil: Born Again
Updates on Avengers Campus attractions — and why Marvel’s theme park rights are still a legal maze

Big monsters, bigger crossovers, and a dash of Disney history — it’s a jam-packed Halloween edition of Marvel Us Disney.

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How Disney’s “Pinocchio” Became the Studio’s Most Terrifying Classic (Ep. 330)

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor celebrate Halloween week by taking a deep dive into Disney’s darkest fairy tale — and the long, strange legacy of “Pinocchio.” From canceled attractions and creepy Hong Kong mazes to Julie Taymor’s unrealized Broadway musical, this little wooden boy has haunted Disney history for over 80 years.

Why Walt Disney once scrapped six months of work on “Pinocchio”
The forgotten Disneyland expansion that almost gave us “Pinocchio Square”
How Hong Kong Disneyland turned the film into a full-blown haunted maze
Julie Taymor’s eerie, abandoned “Pinocchio” stage musical
The odd connections between “Pinocchio,” “Wicked,” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”
Plus Drew talks about four new animated shorts that he recently saw at Disney Studios which are up for Oscar consideration next year

A spooky, story-filled episode perfect for animation fans and Halloween listeners alike.

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Disney’s Numbers Are In: What the 2024 TEA Attendance Report Tells Us (Ep. 555)

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss Disney’s newest attraction update — Soarin’ Across America, debuting at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure in 2026 — and what it means for the company’s strategy ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. They also break down the just-released TEA Global Attendance Report and what the latest theme park numbers reveal about Disney, Universal, and the post-pandemic recovery.

The new Soarin’ Across America film and why Disney’s betting on nostalgia over novelty
Key takeaways from the 2024 TEA Global Attendance Report — who’s up, who’s down, and why
Disney Cruise Line’s new discount strategy and survey data collection
The surprising link between Disney tech and U.S. military innovations
The unbuilt Legend of Sleepy Hollow attraction that could have haunted the Magic Kingdom

From ride refreshes to record books, Jim and Len explore how attendance trends, patriotic tie-ins, and spooky forgotten projects all shape Disney’s next chapter.

SHOW NOTES

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Manufacturing the Magic: Disney at the Fair

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In the 25th installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid journey to Flushing Meadows. There, they shine a spotlight on the four attractions that the Imagineers created for the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair. Including the two that Disney Legend Bob Gurr designed.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What Disney attractions were influenced by the Magic Skyway at the Ford Wonder Rotunda
How many Ford Mustangs were sold at the Fair
Where could you go to see “Nuclear Fusion”
What Hollywood star talked Walt into doing “it’s a small world”
What Disney character was the victim of ball-bearing attacks

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How a Budget Cut Created Back to the Future’s Lightning Strike Moment (Ep. 74)

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate Back to the Future Day by revealing how one of cinema’s most iconic moments, the lightning strike finale, was born from a Universal Studios budget cut. Plus, the duo unwrap the latest holiday news from Universal Orlando and Hollywood, discuss a controversial new “pay-per-ride” Express Pass test, and share updates from the Wicked movie preview at the parks.

Universal’s 2024 holiday celebrations at Orlando and Hollywood
Super Nintendo World’s first-ever holiday overlay and exclusive merch
Why Universal is testing single-ride Express Passes and what it could mean for guests
Michael J. Fox’s new memoir and his first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood
How a budget cut led to Back to the Future’s unforgettable lightning strike finale

Even 40 years later, Back to the Future proves that great ideas and great movies are timeless.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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The Magic Behind Bedknobs and Broomsticks: How Disney’s Forgotten Fantasy Took Flight (Ep. 70)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

This week, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dust off one of Disney’s most underappreciated classics, Bedknobs and Broomsticks. From its wartime origins and lost Mary Poppins connections to Angela Lansbury’s iconic role and Disney’s merchandising mysteries, the duo uncovers how this effects-filled musical became both a box-office sleeper and a cult favorite. Along the way, Lauren connects the dots on what’s next for Disney Consumer Products, from collectibles and nostalgia to digital universes and fashion collabs.

The surprising ties between Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks
How World War II witches and Walt Disney’s contingency plans shaped the movie
Angela Lansbury’s spellbinding performance and the studio’s post-Walt reinvention
Disney’s new consumer products strategy, collectibles, fashion, and Fortnite
The holiday partnership between Disney and Macy’s that’s bringing Minnie to center stage

From forgotten McDonald’s on Disney property to wartime witches flying over London, this episode of I Want That Too proves Disney history is always stranger and more magical than fiction.

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After Hours at Disney: Magical Bonus or Midnight Money Pit? (Ep. 4)

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most exclusive experiences: after hours hard ticket events. From Boo Bash to Jollywood Nights, are these late-night parties packed with unique perks, or are they just overpriced parades, cocoa, and chaos? Chris Cox and Len Testa present both sides while Judge Jim Hill keeps the cocoa flowing and the wardrobe sequins shimmering.

What’s on trial this week:

The history of after hours events and how they evolved from one-night novelties to multi-month marathons
Whether reduced crowds, short ride times, and exclusive parades justify the hefty ticket price
The reality of hauling sleepy kids through midnight Magic Kingdom—and missing rope drop the next morning
Unique snacks, trick-or-treating, and photo ops with rare characters like Zombie Goofy and the Seven Dwarfs
Why weather, timing, and strategy can make or break your experience—and how to avoid the rookie mistakes

Are these late-night parties the secret sauce of a magical Disney trip, or just an expensive way to ruin your socks in the rain? The verdict is still out.

Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case.

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Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com
Instagram - @magiccox
Twitter/X - @bigcox

Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com
Instagram - @len.testa
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Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com
Instagram - @jimhillmedia
Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia

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From Disneyland to “Charlotte’s Web”: The Sherman Brothers’ Forgotten Tunes (Ep. 329)

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

This week on Fine Tooning, Drew Taylor and Jim Hill explore how Disney’s most beloved songwriting duo—the Sherman Brothers—found new creative life after leaving the Mouse House in 1968. From the heartfelt melodies of Snoopy Come Home to the timeless charm of Charlotte’s Web, Jim revisits how their music carried Disney’s spirit into other studios’ animated worlds.

Drew shares highlights from the Animation Is Life event, including Q&As for ChaO and Arco
Why TRON: Ares’s box office dip has Disney nervous
The rise of Gabby’s Dollhouse as a Universal park franchise
A live-action Jetsons film that’s finally moving forward—again
The legacy of Marsupilami and Nickelodeon’s attempt to revive it

Jim wraps things up by celebrating the Sherman Brothers’ post-Disney era—two films that remind us that great songs can make any animation studio feel like home.

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When Disney Becomes the Classroom: Teaching Magic, Strategy, and Imagination (Ep. 554)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Len and Jim welcome Dr. Jill Peterfesso from Guilford College to talk about her new book Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning. The conversation explores how Disney is studied in college classrooms, how its mix of “magic and strategy” reveals deeper lessons about creativity and culture, and why professors are turning theme parks into teaching tools. Plus, Jim continues his history of Disney Springs with the rise and fall of Pleasure Island’s West Side expansion and what that meant for future Disney retail and dining districts.

How professors are using Disney films, parks, and history to teach everything from religion to marketing
The balance of “magic and strategy” that makes Disney both creative and calculated
Surprising college courses inspired by Disney, from theme park architecture to environmental storytelling
Why Epcot’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is removing 3D effects and what it could mean for other attractions
New Universal Orlando test for single attraction Express Passes and how guests are reacting
Universal Kids Park in Texas reveals themed lands for Shrek, Trolls, and SpongeBob
The forgotten Hyperion Wharf project that led to Disney Springs’ modern design

From academia to Pleasure Island, this episode connects the art of learning with the business of magic. Whether you’re a Disney scholar, park historian, or just love a good origin story, this one’s packed with imagination and insight.

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What If Comcast Buys Warner Bros.? Theme Park Dreams and Streaming Wars (Ep. 73)

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the big “what if” shaking up Hollywood - what happens if Comcast makes a play for Warner Bros. Discovery? From potential streaming mega-mergers to a theme park fan’s ultimate fantasy lineup, the guys imagine a world where Harry Potter meets Batman on the Universal backlot.

Why Warner Bros. turned down Paramount’s $49 billion offer
How a Comcast–Warner Bros. deal could reshape Peacock, Max, and the entire streaming landscape
The massive IP library that could hit Universal Parks—from DC heroes to Looney Tunes and Lord of the Rings
The official reveal of Universal Kids Park in Texas and its new themed lands
A nostalgic look back at Universal’s Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater and Angela Lansbury’s legacy

Big brands, bigger rumors, and even bigger possibilities.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
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From Boo Buckets to Big Macs: Inside Disney’s Golden Era with McDonald’s (Ep. 69)

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull to unwrap the fascinating (and sometimes funny) story of Disney’s long-running partnership with McDonald’s. From the birth of the Happy Meal to fry carts in Frontierland, this episode explores how two of the world’s biggest brands became the ultimate marketing duo - and what really ended their 10-year deal.

The surprising Star Trek connection that inspired Disney’s early talks with McDonald’s
How Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg turned burgers and fries into box office gold
The untold story of the McDonald’s-themed Splash Mountain that almost happened
Why the partnership ended amid public pressure over kids’ meals and health
The legacy of Disney Happy Meal toys—and how the relationship quietly returned today

Whether you remember Boo Buckets, fry carts, or those elusive Happy Meal collectibles, this supersized episode proves that food and nostalgia are a marketing match made in Disney heaven.

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Avengers vs. X-Men? The Russo Brothers Might Be Teasing It (Ep. 2)

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack the latest Marvel headlines from New York Comic Con and beyond, starting with James Gunn’s near-miss MCU to DCU crossover featuring Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. From “Deadpool Batman” hitting comic shelves to clues about the next Avengers film, the guys trace what’s real, what’s rumor, and what it all means for the Marvel multiverse.

James Gunn confirms he wanted Deadpool to cameo in Peacemaker Season 2
Inside the new Deadpool Batman comic by Zeb Wells
Russo Brothers’ cryptic “look hard” post and what it might reveal about Avengers: Doomsday
Disney quietly removing a 2027 Marvel release to make room for The Simpsons
Vision Quest’s surprising connection to WandaVision, Agatha, and Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel’s future is shifting fast. Jim and Dan break down the clues, the cancellations, and the comic book crossover we never thought we’d see.

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Inside the Animation Is Film Festival with Matt Kaszanek (Ep. 328)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor welcome special guest Matt Kaszanek, Program Director for the Animation Is Film Festival, to talk about what fans can expect at this year’s event at the TCL Chinese Theatre. From exclusive screenings and panels to the state of the animation industry, this episode dives deep into the heart of Hollywood’s celebration of animated storytelling. Jim and Drew also cover the latest box-office chatter, streaming updates, and big animation headlines.

• Why Tron: Ares may still have a chance to rebound despite a soft opening
• The premiere lineup and behind-the-scenes planning of the Animation Is Film Festival
• Drew’s firsthand look at Sony’s new Animation campus and Infinity Festival highlights
• Updates on Primal Season 3, Bat-Fam, and The Bad Guys: Breaking In
• Guillermo del Toro’s new stop-motion school and what it means for future filmmakers

Whether you’re a longtime animation fan or just curious about what’s next on the big screen, this episode of Fine Tooning packs plenty of insight, stories, and laughter from Hollywood’s animation insiders.

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From Pleasure Island to Pints of Guinness: Disney’s Nightlife Reinvented (Ep. 553)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:48:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Len Testa uncover how a single Irish pub reshaped Disney Springs. From the forgotten Pleasure Island Jazz Company to the birth of Raglan Road, this episode reveals how one restaurant sparked a renaissance in Disney dining. Plus, the guys tackle Disney’s latest round of price increases, Universal’s updated safety policies, and a listener’s perfect park-free resort itinerary.

Disney’s latest ticket and Lightning Lane price hikes and how far above inflation they’ve gone
The long-awaited opening details for Zootopia: Better Zoo Gether at Animal Kingdom
Universal’s new accessibility rules following a tragic ride incident
Planning the ultimate resort-only day at Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge
The untold history of Pleasure Island’s Jazz Company and how it paved the way for Raglan Road

From gated nightclubs to Guinness on tap, this week’s show traces the evolution of Disney nightlife and how Raglan Road set the stage for everything that came after.

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How Transformers Replaced Murder, She Wrote at Universal Studios (Ep. 72)

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey crack open the story behind how Transformers: The Ride 3D bulldozed its way into Universal Studios Florida—literally replacing the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater. Along the way, they cover everything from Universal’s new Fanta horror crossover to coaster policy changes, Simpsons rumors, and a surprising Zelda connection inside Epic Universe.

The real story of how Transformers: The Ride 3D took over the former Murder, She Wrote soundstage
Universal and Blumhouse’s spooky soda collab with Fanta, featuring Chucky, Megan, and Freddy Fazbear
Stardust Racers reopens after a fatal accident—with new resort-wide safety standards
The Simpsons’ uncertain future at Universal and what Matt Selman really meant
Hints of Zelda inside Epic Universe and what that could mean for Universal’s next land

From Fanta cans to fighting Decepticons, Jim and Eric uncover how Universal keeps reinventing its parks - sometimes by demolishing a mystery and building a blockbuster.

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The Retail Giant That Almost Sponsored The Great Movie Ride (Ep. 68)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap a holiday-sized story about Disney’s long, complicated relationship with Sears—from Mickey Mouse watches in the 1930s to the retail giant’s near-sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios. Plus, the duo dives into the rare blue Disney name tag, Wicked-branded cleaning products, and the Jim Henson Company’s upcoming auction filled with Muppet history.

The secret history behind Disney’s partnership with Sears—and how it fell apart months before MGM Studios opened
How Mickey Mouse watches and Winnie the Pooh merch made Sears a Disney powerhouse
The story behind the ultra-rare blue name tag that only 1% of Disney employees earn
Wicked’s latest merch crossover with Gain and Cascade
Jim Henson Company’s first-ever auction featuring pieces from Labyrinth and Fraggle Rock

From rare collectibles to lost sponsorships, Jim and Lauren remind us that Disney history is filled with what-ifs, forgotten deals, and magical mementos worth remembering.

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Are Disney Club Level Rooms Worth the Price? Or Just Fancy Granola and Regret? (Ep. 3)

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most debated splurges: Club Level rooms. Are they an indulgent upgrade that transforms your trip, or just overpriced cereal and concierge small talk? Chris Cox and Len Testa make their case while Judge Jim Hill hears stories of magical views, cookie deliveries, and Drew Carey cameos.

What “Club Level” really includes at Disney resorts - and what it doesn’t
Whether unlimited snacks and concierge service justify the sky-high nightly rates
The surprising Club Level location that offers the best bang for your buck
Why your kids may never forgive you for downgrading after trying it once
Hidden perks, real-world tradeoffs, and the psychology of "crying once" over vacation costs

Is Club Level the ultimate Disney splurge or an overpriced trap for hungry parkgoers? The verdict is still out. Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case.

Follow the Hosts

Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com
Instagram - @magiccox
Twitter/X - @bigcox

Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com
Instagram - @len.testa
BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social

Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com
Instagram - @jimhillmedia
Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia

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Inside “Zootopia 2” – Drew’s First Look at Disney’s Next Big Sequel (Ep. 327)

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

This week on Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Jim Hill and Drew dive into Disney’s animation future, beginning with Drew’s firsthand report from the “Zootopia 2” press day. From the creative direction behind the sequel to updates on everything from “The Simpsons Movie 2” to Quentin Tarantino’s surprise animated project, this episode covers the wild world of animation news and commentary with Jim and Drew’s trademark insight.

What Drew learned at Disney’s “Zootopia 2” press day
Why “The Simpsons Movie 2” finally got the green light
Quentin Tarantino’s new animated sequence for “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair”
The legacy of Disney animator Rick Hoppe
How Elon Musk’s latest controversy pulled “Dead End: Paranormal Park” back into the spotlight

From sequel scoop to animation history, this week’s Fine Tooning is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in for the latest news and a heartfelt tribute to one of Disney’s greats.

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Talking Trash: The Strange History of Disney’s Most Beloved Garbage Can (Ep. 552)

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into one of the most unexpectedly heartwarming stories in Disney history, the rise (and fall) of Push, the talking trash can who stole hearts in Tomorrowland. From his humble garage-built beginnings to his mysterious disappearance in 2014, Jim reveals how a simple rolling robot outlasted most of Disney’s high-tech character experiments. Plus, the guys tackle the latest Disney and Universal park rumors, strange guest surveys, and Halloween candy economics.

Why Disney is quietly rethinking crowd flow and Lightning Lane logistics at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Universal's rumored plans for a Fast & Furious drifting coaster
How a new SeaWorld event called "Paradise Nights" could shake up Orlando nightlife
The truth behind those "subscription" annual pass surveys at Universal
The real story of Push the Talking Trash Can, Disney's low-tech robot with a 19-year run

From fun-sized candy drama to a trash can with better comedic timing than most sitcoms, this episode proves Disney magic can roll on two wheels and talk back.

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What Other IPs Could Be Coming to Universal’s Fan Fest 2026? (Ep. 71)

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a leaked Universal survey that hints at the future of Fan Fest in Hollywood. From Scooby-Doo teaming up with Universal Monsters to the possibility of Pokemon Go and Sailor Moon activations, the lineup could be one of the most surprising yet. And in the second half, the guys rewind to explore the retro roots and hidden details of Cabana Bay, Universal Orlando’s massive value resort.

Marvel Zombies and Fangoria’s bold Halloween crossover at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Survey leaks teasing Scooby-Doo, Pokemon Go, One Piece, and more for Fan Fest 2026
How Sailor Moon could bring anime fandom to the DreamWorks Theater
The Simpsons movie sequel and its impact on Universal’s theme park rights
Cabana Bay’s history, retro theming, and how it reshaped Universal’s hotel strategy

Universal’s future IP plans meet its nostalgic past in a packed episode that covers both zombies and neon retro vibes.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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The Sherman Brothers’ Disney Musical You’ve Never Heard Of (Ep. 67)

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick off October with a witchy episode of I Want That Too. From the avalanche of Wicked merchandise filling store shelves to Disney’s own magical past, this week’s show dives into collectibles, streaming perks, and even a long-lost Sherman Brothers project that never made it to the screen.

The rise of Wicked-themed merch, from dolls and Swarovski ornaments to water bottles and Care Bears
Streaming price hikes - and Lauren’s clever tips to save money on Disney+, Hulu, and beyond
Nostalgic returns like Disney-themed Lincoln Logs and Gentle Christmas advent calendars
A tribute to Disney animator Rick Hopp and his lasting legacy
The untold story of Walt Disney’s planned Hansel & Gretel TV musical with songs by the Sherman Brothers

Whether you’re hunting the latest collectibles or craving untold Disney stories, this episode has a little magic for everyone.

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Marvel Us Disney Returns: Spider-Man 4, Stan Lee’s AI Avatar & Marvel Zombies (Ep. 1)

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Marvel Us Disney is back! In this inaugural reboot episode, Jim Hill and new co-host Dan Graney dive into the future of Marvel on screen, honoring the show’s roots while exploring the biggest stories shaking up fandom. From Spider-Man’s next chapter to the rise of AI legends and the gory return of Marvel Zombies, this super-sized episode covers it all.

The debut of Stan Lee’s hologram experience at L.A. Comic Con: amazing tribute or uncanny valley?
Behind the scenes of Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Tom Holland’s accident, practical stunts, and new villains
Daredevil and Punisher’s growing role in the MCU’s “street-level” storytelling
The legacy of Frank Price and how he helped kickstart Marvel’s TV and film journey
Marvel Zombies on Disney+ and how it connects back to Robert Kirkman’s comics and the future of Marvel horror
Dan Graney’s bold prediction about a possible Marvel and DC crossover

Whether you are here for Spider-Man, nostalgia for Stan, or a little zombie mayhem, this episode sets the stage for what is next in Marvel storytelling.

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The Long, Strange Journey of The Cobbler and the Thief (Ep. 326)

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor wrap up September with a packed episode of Fine Tooning. From this year’s sold-out Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood to the long, winding saga of Richard Williams’ unfinished opus The Cobbler and the Thief, the guys cover the latest in animation news, box office battles, and even a courtroom clash over Steamboat Willie.

Highlights from Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025
Pixar’s Gatto facing off against heavy-hitting sequels in 2027
Crunchyroll’s Oscar campaign for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle
Richard Williams’ book Adventures in Animation and the legacy of The Cobbler and the Thief

With October on the horizon, Jim and Drew bring insights, history, and some big questions about the future of animation.

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72 Hours Before a Disney Park Opens (featuring Jim Shull) (Ep. 551)

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

With Len Testa away this week, Jim Hill is joined by Imagineer Jim Shull and Eric Hersey. Shull shares first-hand stories of the frantic 72 hours before Disney parks open - from sod being laid overnight at the Contemporary Resort in 1971 to carloads of flowers on Main Street Paris. Meanwhile, Eric helps cover the latest Universal Studios news, including surprising plans for Scooby-Doo and a deep dive into the popcorn bucket craze.

Why opening a Disney park always comes down to a last-minute scramble
Jim Shull’s behind-the-scenes account of preparing Euro Disneyland in 1992
How media crews and Imagineers clashed during opening-week chaos
Universal FanFest Nights 2026 and its Scooby-Doo/Monsters mashup
The future of collectible popcorn buckets and wild new flavors

Theme park history isn’t always polished - sometimes it’s messy, funny, and unforgettable. This episode pulls back the curtain on those final 72 hours.

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Manufacturing the Magic: Looking back at Pacific Ocean Par

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In the 23rd installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid head down to the water. To be specific, Santa Monica, California.

Where CBS tried to get in the theme park business by radically

reimagining a 30-year-old amusement pier.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What was the original name of the first amusement pier in this location
What nearby amusement park did Abbott Kinney build

What was the first attraction on “The Million Dollar Pier”

Who narrated POP’s 1958 guidebook and made an appearance in the Park

What were the only two rides added to POP

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Cabana Bay and the Resort Boom at Universal Orlando (Ep. 70)

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

This week, Jim and Eric tackle a tough headline out of Epic Universe as a guest tragedy forces the closure of Stardust Racers. From what happened to what comes next, they break down the details and share insights on ride safety across the theme park industry. Later in the show, listener Ernesto sparks a deep dive into the origins of Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and how mid-century modern design shaped its creation.

The latest on the Stardust Racers accident and Universal’s response
How often serious injuries really occur at theme parks
Why part of DreamWorks Land has already been torn out just months after opening
Rock the Universe ticket deals and what they include
The mid-century modern inspiration behind Cabana Bay and Universal’s hotel expansion

A mix of news, history, and design deep-dives - all in one episode.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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Figment’s Merch Magic and the Movie That Never Was (Ep. 66)

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into Disney’s favorite little purple dragon, Figment. From popcorn bucket mania to a live-action movie that never got off the ground, they trace Figment’s journey from Epcot icon to merchandising powerhouse. Along the way, they detour through Lowe’s and Spirit Halloween to check out exclusive Haunted Mansion décor and giant Rudolph displays that will test your willpower (and your storage space).

Haunted Mansion animatronics and holiday mashups spotted at Lowe’s
Figment’s rumored movie project with Seth Rogen’s production company
The $250 million Imagination Pavilion redo that never happened
How merchandise sales drive Disney’s storytelling choices
Figment’s surprising cameos in Inside Out 2, Guardians, and beyond

Even if the Figment movie remains a dream, Jim and Lauren show how one small dragon continues to cast a very big shadow over Disney history, merch, and fandom.

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How Mighty Mouse Accidentally Invented Saturday Morning Cartoons (Ep. 325)

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

This week on Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor rewind to the mid-1950s to uncover how a forgotten studio sale and one scrappy rodent changed television forever. Along the way, they’ll cover everything from box office updates to Paw Patrol holiday specials, plus the latest shake-ups inside Disney corporate.

The Disney-related twist behind CBS launching Mighty Mouse Playhouse in 1955
How that decision created the Saturday morning cartoon tradition
What the Jimmy Kimmel controversy means for Bob Iger and Disney’s upcoming animated releases
New trailers and festival buzz for projects like The Sisters Grimm and Splinter Cell: Deathwatch

From network rivalries of the 1950s to today’s streaming-first landscape, Jim and Drew connect the dots on how animation keeps reshaping the industry.

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How Disney Built Cars Land and What It Means for Piston Peak (Ep. 550)

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Imagineer Jim Shull joins Jim Hill and Len Testa to finish the wild story of how Cars Land was built at Disney California Adventure. Along the way, the guys cover everything from gorillas and Muppets to a scuba diver who robbed Paddlefish.

Tomorrowland’s Cool Ship replacement that looks suspiciously like a McDonald’s drive-thru
The life of Gino the gorilla and why Animal Kingdom will never be the same
A Florida man in scuba gear robs Paddlefish and swims away with the cash
Sabrina Carpenter, Seth Rogen, and the Muppets’ big 50th anniversary comeback
How Disney pulled off Cars Land’s massive rockwork and what it means for Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom

From new construction projects to classic park traditions, this episode looks at the details shaping Disney’s past, present, and future.

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From Dueling Dragons to Zelda Rumors: What’s Next for Lost Continent? (Ep. 69)

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Universal has filed demolition permits for nearly five acres of Islands of Adventure, and Jim and Eric break down what that could mean for the Lost Continent. The main feature of this week’s episode dives into the history of Merlinwood, the rise and fall of Dueling Dragons, and how Harry Potter reshaped the park. Could Zelda be next to take its place?

Wicked toys hit Target shelves months before the movie release
A 10-month closure looms for Jurassic Park River Adventure in Orlando
Hidden Halloween Horror Nights stay-and-scream space revealed near Minion Blast
Meet Hamikuma, the bizarre “bite bear” mascot from Universal Studios Japan
Dueling Dragons, Merlinwood, and the long road from Lost Continent to Harry Potter

Universal fans love to speculate, and this week’s stories offer plenty of fuel. From refurb rumors to the history of Lost Continent and the possibilities for its future, Jim and Eric keep you entertained from start to finish.

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Rope Drop at Disney: Worth It or Way Too Early? (Ep. 2)

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this second episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the gavel drops on one of the earliest theme park traditions. Rope dropping: brilliant strategy or brutal wake-up call? Chris Cox and Len Testa make their cases while Judge Jim Hill listens for signs of sleep deprivation and theme park strategy gone too far.

What’s on trial this week:

The origins of rope dropping and why the ropes are mostly symbolic these days
How jet lag gives UK visitors a secret advantage
Whether staying at a Disney resort is now a requirement to rope drop effectively
First-family perks, empty Main Streets, and cinnamon rolls the size of your face
Why reverse jet lag might make “closing the park” the new rope drop
TouringPlans data on who actually does rope drop and what the stats say
Pro tips for maximizing your early hours and what not to rope drop

Have you set an alarm for 5 a.m. to ride Rise of the Resistance? Or are you happy to sleep in and skip the stampede? We want to hear from you. Weigh in with your verdict on social media and let us know which side you're on.

Follow the Hosts

Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com
Instagram - @magiccox
Twitter/X - @bigcox

Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com
Instagram - @len.testa
BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social

Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com
Instagram - @jimhillmedia
Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia

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Demon Slayer Shatters Records, Toy Story 5 Sneak Peek, and Skydance Eyes Warner Bros (Ep. 324)

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor are back with another packed episode of Fine Tooning. From anime shattering records at the box office to Pixar showing off the future of Toy Story, the duo break down the biggest stories shaping animation this week.

Demon Slayer’s record-breaking $70 million North American debut and what set this release apart
Toy Story’s 30th anniversary celebration and the first five minutes of Toy Story 5 revealed at Destination D
Disney updates on Frozen 3, Incredibles 3, and Coco 2
Streaming and theatrical news for Elio, Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, Cat’s Eye, and ParaNorman
Skydance’s reported bid for Warner Bros. Discovery and its potential impact on animation

From record-breaking anime to billion-dollar mergers, Jim and Drew guide listeners through an especially eventful week in the world of animation.

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Cruise Street? The Alternate Cars Land That Almost Happened (Ep. 549)

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into the wild backstory of Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land and the strange “what ifs” that could’ve changed Radiator Springs forever. From Marty's Malt Shop to a road trip attraction fueled by beef jerky and Diet Mountain Dew, the alternate ideas were as quirky as they were ambitious.

A new Disneyland ticket discount that signals softer bookings
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’s Earth, Wind & Fire overlay
Disney Cruise Line’s delay of the Disney Adventure out of Singapore
Universal Orlando’s Golden Ticket Award wins and Len’s trip to Halloween Horror Nights
The evolution of Cars Land - and how close we came to driving through “Cruise Street” instead

Whether you’re here for the theme park news, HHN survival tips, or Jim’s deep dive into Disney Imagineering history, this episode has something for every fan. Buckle up - Radiator Springs wasn’t always the only road Disney could’ve taken.

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Manufacturing the Magic: Disneyland’s Sister Parks – Part Two

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In the 22nd installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continue their look at C.V. Wood (the original president of Disneyland).

In particular, what happened when Wood decided to enter direct competition with Disney and subsequently established his own theme park design company?

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why was Pleasure Island called “The Disneyland of the Northeast”
What became of that theme park’s mechanical Moby Dick
Which city in Arizona did C.W. Wood help develop
What were the Six Flags Over Texas upon the opening of that theme park? What are they now?
What was the first runaway mine train coaster?

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How Universal Snatched Rocky & Bullwinkle from Disney (Ep. 68)

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey are back with a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast. From award-winning attractions to behind-the-scenes stories that almost made it to the big screen, this week covers a lot of ground:

The new Jaws: Memories of Martha’s Vineyard book and the Academy Museum’s Jaws exhibition
Remembering production designer Stuart Craig and his lasting impact on the Wizarding World
Fresh rumors about a Harry Potter land in Universal’s upcoming UK park
Epic Universe’s big wins at the Golden Ticket Awards, including Monsters Unchained and Dark Universe

Universal’s new interactive Backlot Club membership and trivia game
The history of Islands of Adventure’s early plans, from Jurassic Park concepts to Dudley Do-Right’s rushed debut

Plus, Jim shares the long-lost Jurassic Park “baby Triceratops” and “T-Rex river chase” scenes that never made the original film, and how they eventually resurfaced decades later.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey
Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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The Day Pooh Beat Davy Crockett (and Sold Cereal Too) (Ep. 64)

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode of I Want That Too, covering the latest Disney merch, clever marketing strategies, and holiday surprises.

The rise of popcorn buckets in parks and movie theaters – from talking Mickey to mummy Stitch to a Tron lightcycle
How Disney uses psychology to nudge us into spending more, from limited releases to sneaky menu tricks
Nightmare Before Christmas merch expansions, books, and light trails around the globe
Early Christmas décor spotted at Disneyland Paris – and why Disney (and retailers) get a head start on the holidays
The surprising history of Winnie the Pooh at Disney, including cereal crossovers and rare collectibles

From ghost Mickey buckets to glow-in-the-dark villain sneakers, Jim and Lauren unpack the ways Disney keeps fans coming back for “just one more thing.”

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From Venice to Toronto: Festival Favorites and Fall Film Buzz (Ep. 323)

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Awards season is heating up, and Jim Hill and Drew Taylor are here to break it all down. From the Venice Film Festival and TIFF premieres to box office shocks and studio shakeups, this episode dives into the films and animated projects making headlines around the globe.

Highlights include:

Venice Film Festival winners and early buzz from TIFF
“The Conjuring: Last Rites” breaking horror records
Updates on “The Bad Guys 2” and Aaron Blaise’s hand-drawn short “Snow Bear”
Disney’s new animated feature “Hexed” and “Ice Age: Boiling Point”
What’s ahead for “Zootopia 2,” LEGO Disney Princess, and Bluey’s big-screen debut

Whether you’re tracking festival favorites, the latest box office trends, or Disney’s evolving animation slate, this episode offers insights, context, and commentary you won’t want to miss.

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Dinosaur’s Last Ride, Tron Goes Red, and the Cars That Saved California Adventure (Ep. 548)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a Disney Dish full of hard-hitting questions like: is a popcorn bucket a collectible, a food container, or proof of life’s absurdity? Along the way, they tackle Disney’s latest surveys, new overlays, and a franchise that almost stalled out before becoming a billion-dollar juggernaut.

Disney sets the closing date for Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom and spruces up Carousel of Progress with a new Walt Disney animatronic
Tron Lightcycle Run trades neon blue for Nine Inch Nails red in a Tron: Ares overlay
Disneyland Paris ticket pricing hints at when World of Frozen may open in 2026
Universal ponders the true meaning of souvenir popcorn buckets, from Aristotle to social media influencers
Jim explains how Pixar’s Cars almost didn’t get made — and how Radiator Springs ended up saving Disney California Adventure

From castle cake flashbacks to Schrödinger’s popcorn, this episode mixes history, news, and a little bit of existential dread — all with the usual Testa-Hill banter.

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Who Stole It Better? Disney, Universal, and the Battle of Borrowed Rides (Ep. 67)

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a loaded episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, blending Halloween Horror Nights buzz with theme park history and rumors.

Opening weekend reactions to HHN 2024, including Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and the controversial “deathly afraid” lanyards
RIP Ride Rockit demolition updates and Ghostbusters speculation for Universal’s front gate
Could Back to the Future replace Fast & Furious? The latest whispers from insiders
The Tooniversal deal that almost brought Looney Tunes and DC to Universal — and how its failure led to the Lost Continent
Who really stole what? Disney borrowing from Knott’s, Universal borrowing from Disney, and the chain of “borrowed” ideas that shaped Dueling Dragons

From HHN news to the “battle of borrowed rides,” Jim and Eric serve up insider scoops, history, and plenty of banter.

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Disney Princess Week, Villains Merch, and Disney Cereal Saga (Ep. 63)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a new episode of I Want That Too, diving into Disney Princess Week, new merchandise drops, and the latest Disney history feature. From LEGO sidekicks to Bath & Body Works villains, they’ve got the stories (and opinions) Disney fans will want to hear.

Highlights from Disney Princess Week, including merchandise, sidekick collections, and special events
The “Meant to Be” adult rom-com book series reimagining Disney Princesses in modern settings
Early fan reactions to Bath & Body Works’ Disney Villains collaboration
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival merch, featuring Muppet Labs, Figment, and Chef Mickey collections
Jim and Lauren revisit the story of Kay Kamen and continue their Disney cereal history deep dive

From modern merch drops to classic collectibles, this episode blends Disney history, fan culture, and insider stories from Jim and Lauren.

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Inside Netflix’s Biggest Animated Hit and What’s Next for Aardman & Pixar (Ep. 322)

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off September with a packed episode of Fine Tooning, covering the biggest stories in the world of animation:

The record-shattering success of KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix and what’s next for the franchise
Updates on Big Mouth, its Emmy legacy, and the upcoming series Mating Season
Aardman’s latest projects, including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom
Pixar’s Elio and how its international release stood out in unexpected ways
30 years of Toy Story returning to theaters, plus collectibles and nostalgia
Bill Plympton and “Weird Al” Yankovic team up for a one-of-a-kind animation retrospective

Jim and Drew also revisit classic shorts once shown at Disney-MGM Studios, share news from Studio Ghibli Fest, and look ahead at Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie and more.

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The Case For (and Against) Park Hopping at Walt Disney World (Ep. 1)

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Is park hopping the best way to squeeze every drop of Disney magic out of your vacation - or just an overpriced bus pass with extra steps? In this first episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, mind reader and performer Chris Cox squares off against theme park expert Len Testa, while Disney historian Jim Hill dons judge’s robe to deliver a verdict.

What’s on trial this week:

The strange history of park hopping at Walt Disney World (including a giant ticket costume)
Costs, trade-offs, and whether that money is better spent on Dole Whip or dinner
The joy - or misery - of buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner
How Lightning Lane, rope drops, and UK vs. US vacation styles change the debate
Why some families say “yes” to more rides, while others say “slow down and enjoy the parks”

The verdict? You be the judge. Tell us if park hopping is your go-to Disney strategy - or just a fast pass to frustration.

Follow the Hosts

Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com
Instagram - @magiccox
Twitter/X - @bigcox

Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com
Instagram - @len.testa
BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social

Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com
Instagram - @jimhillmedia
Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia

Next case: rope dropping at Disney Parks - because nothing says “vacation” like a 5 a.m. wake-up call.

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Birds, Booze & The Beak & Barrel: Magic Kingdom’s New Pirate Lounge Sets Sail (Ep. 547)

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a packed episode of The Disney Dish to discuss Magic Kingdom’s brand new Beak & Barrel Lounge, an immersive pirate-themed bar near Pirates of the Caribbean. Len shares firsthand impressions of the decor, the elusive animatronic pirate Rummy, and why it’s already drawing Trader Sam’s comparisons.

Also in this episode:

Why Disney villains might be the next big meet and greet trend
Early entry’s 70 million dollar cost-cutting math
Len’s thoughts on all-inclusive dining plans (and horrifying Gold Key memories)
A hard truth about Jungle Cruise’s future in the Magic Kingdom
The story behind Cars Land’s origins and how an unrealized DCA parade inspired it

Plus: shoutouts to Surrey bike designers, a blood alcohol calculator for Food & Wine, and ashtray trauma from the 1970s.

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Manufacturing the Magic: Disneyland’s sister parks – Part One

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In the 21st installment of this educational series, Shelly and Noe Valladolid talk about what happened when C.V. Wood (the original president of Disneyland) went off in 1956 and set up his own theme park design company. This episode takes a close look at Freedomland & Magic Mountain

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many theme park designers did C.V. Wood take with him when he exited Disneyland
What was the first theme park that Wood worked on after he stopped working for Walt
How was Freedomland’s opening day much like the one that Disneyland experienced back in 1955
What similarities did Magic Mountain have with Walt’s original family fun park
Who were some of the stars that performed at Freedomland

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Deathly Afraid Necklaces and the Origins of Dueling Dragons (Ep. 66)

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with another packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, diving into the latest Universal news, fan reports, and theme park history.

Highlights this week include:

Firsthand impressions of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, thanks to listener John T. – from house walkthroughs to surprisingly short wait times.
A look at Universal Orlando’s new “Deathly Afraid” necklace option at Halloween Horror Nights and the debate it’s sparked online.
News from the West Coast, including the Slash Bar pop-up at HHN Hollywood and the arrival of Chainsaw Man.
Updates on the new Museum of Antiquities Tribute Store packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans.
Breaking down NBC’s Inside the Worlds of Epic Universe TV special and Steven Spielberg’s surprising connection to Dark Universe.
Jim kicks off a new multi-part feature on the history of Dueling Dragons and whether Disney’s never-built Beastly Kingdom really influenced Universal’s iconic coaster.

As always, Jim and Eric mix news, rumors, and personal stories—including Eric sending his son off to college and Jim recalling how he helped break Disney’s Animal Kingdom news decades ago.

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The Man Who Sold Mickey: Kay Kamen’s Merchandising Magic (Ep. 62)

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into the world of Disney merch and history with a mix of spooky snacks and fascinating backstories:

Why Jim bought Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry cereal he can’t eat—thanks to new Jim Henson puppet designs
The launch of Bath & Body Works’ Disney Villains collection, from Maleficent’s plum scents to the Evil Queen’s apple blends
Disney cracking down on resellers and what that means for collectors
New Muppets merchandise teased for Destination D23, plus the latest on the Muppet redo of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The untold story of Kay Kamen, the salesman who turned Disney into a merchandising powerhouse - before his career ended tragically

From collectible cereal boxes to multi-million-dollar licensing deals, Jim and Lauren explore how Disney’s merchandising magic has shaped everything from your breakfast table to the theme parks.

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Box Office Surprises, “KPop Demon Hunters” Rise, and Muppets on Broadway (Ep. 321)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill is solo this week and breaks down the end of the 2025 summer movie season and why traditional blockbusters are struggling at the box office. From shocking second-weekend drop-offs to Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” taking the No. 1 spot in theaters, Jim covers the hits and misses of the season.

How films like Fantastic Four: First Steps and 28 Years Later stumbled in their second weekends
Why streaming habits continue to disrupt box office expectations
“KPop Demon Hunters” theater debut and record-breaking soundtrack buzz
The English-dubbed release of Ne Zha 2 and its global box office dominance
“The Bad Guys 2” performance compared to the original
Broadway news: Muppets joining Rob Lake’s magic show, Disney’s Broadway Week deals, and more
New York attractions for animation fans, from Nightmare Before Christmas light trails to Black Cauldron’s 40th anniversary screening

Plus, Jim shares updates on upcoming animation books, CTNX 2025, Pixar’s Elio, and what fans can expect from Futurama Season 13.

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The Vanishing Act: David Copperfield’s Lost Disney-MGM Studios Attraction (with Chris Cox) (Ep. 546)

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill welcome award-winning mind reader and performer Chris Cox (BBC and Broadway) for a deep dive into one of Disney’s most fascinating “what could have been” stories.

The ambitious plans for David Copperfield’s Magic Underground restaurant
How the New York flagship nearly opened before money troubles pulled the plug
Michael Eisner’s enthusiasm for magic and themed dining in the 1990s
Why Disney-MGM Studios was slated to host Copperfield’s magical dining experience
How timing, costs, and the decline of themed restaurants caused the project to vanish

From collapsing billboards in Times Square to a restaurant where your table might levitate, this is the story of the Disney dining experience that almost was — and why it disappeared.

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Vegas Goes Scary: Universal Horror Unleashed and Jaws the Revenge (Ep. 65)

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with another packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast. This week, they cover everything from nostalgic movie anniversaries to Universal’s latest projects, before diving deep into the troubled history of Jaws: The Revenge.

Universal’s fall movie lineup, including The Breakfast Club’s 40th anniversary and Casper’s big-screen return
The abandoned “Casper” haunted ride concept with interactive bed vehicles
A first look at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas and early guest reactions
Farewell to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and what could be replacing it
Team Members now able to use comp tickets for Epic Universe admission
The full behind-the-scenes story of Jaws: The Revenge – from rushed production to its infamous reception

From shark sequels to theme park closures, Jim and Eric connect Universal history, news, and wild industry trivia in their signature style.

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Disney’s First Witches and Why They Still Cast a Spell (Ep. 61)

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a Halloween-packed episode of I Want That Too, diving into the latest spooky Disney merch and a century of witchy stories from the Mouse House.

Haunted Mansion peel-and-stick wallpaper and Guillermo del Toro’s obsession
The viral Cutie Ghost collection and why the Minnie Mouse ghost lamp is selling out fast
A massive Nightmare Before Christmas collection, including a $160 countdown coffin and an epic Jack Skellington water bottle set
Disney’s evolving portrayal of witches, from Snow White’s “old crone” to Witch Hazel and beyond
How other studios — and even cereals — are cashing in on the witch trend

From Halloween merch mania to deep Disney history, this episode delivers treats, trivia, and plenty of mischief.

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The Voice of Your Childhood: Jim Cummings Joins Fine Tooning (Ep. 320)

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed episode of Fine Tooning, highlighted by an interview with legendary voice actor Jim Cummings. From Pooh and Tigger to Darkwing Duck, Jim shares behind-the-scenes stories from a career that shaped generations of animation fans.

The shifting release date of Shrek 5 and what it means for DreamWorks
Why Disney pulled back marketing on The Rocketeer opening weekend
This week’s box office projections — and why Jim calls them “wild guesses”
Streaming success of KPop Demon Hunters and Disney’s King of the Hill revival
Pixar’s Elio box office performance and upcoming digital release
Jim Cummings’ Disney origins with Dumbo’s Circus and Goof Troop
Voicing legacy characters like Pooh, Tigger, and Pete — plus his work on Star Wars
His hidden singing credits in Hollywood films and dream of a country album

From industry news to animation nostalgia, this episode blends updates, history, and an in-depth conversation with one of the most recognizable voices in Disney history.

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What Disney’s Firework Ratings Reveal About the Future (Ep. 545)

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into how fans really rate Disney’s nighttime spectaculars — and why those scores decide which shows stay and which ones fade away. Along the way, they cover the latest park news and wrap up the story of how Jack Sparrow sailed into Pirates of the Caribbean.

TouringPlans survey data reveals the winners and losers among Disney’s fireworks and nighttime shows
Why “average” ratings are the kiss of death for spectaculars like Enchantment
New menus and a $65 all-you-can-eat croissant buffet at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival
Destination D23 schedule updates, including hints of a Villains Land presentation
Construction progress on Disneyland’s new Marvel e-ticket attraction
Universal’s permit filing that could mean another Epic Universe hotel
How Johnny Depp, Captain Barbossa, and Davy Jones made their way into the Pirates of the Caribbean rides

From fan-favorite fireworks to the behind-the-scenes drama of Pirates overlays, this episode blends data, history, and Disney news you won’t hear anywhere else.

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The Orlando Theme Park That Made Jaws 3D Possible (Ep. 64)

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, starting with a surprising WWE–Disney streaming deal and ending with a behind-the-scenes look at the wild production of Jaws 3D. From scare zones to SeaWorld, this week’s show has it all.

WWE’s $1.625 billion ESPN+ deal and what it means for fans and streaming
Newly announced scare zones for Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood, including murderous clowns, giant crows, and Latin American witch legends
First look at the Five Nights at Freddy’s haunted house and why Jim thinks the animatronics could be terrifying
Changes to Universal Orlando’s Stay and Scream early entry for HHN
Details on Volcano Bay Nights after-hours events in September and October
The 3D movie craze of the early 1980s and how it led to Jaws 3D
The SeaWorld connection – and how Universal almost owned it years before opening in Orlando

From horror nights hype to theme park “what ifs,” Jim and Eric share history, rumors, and personal takes in their signature mix of trivia and banter.

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Jim Hill’s Big Break and his Untold Origin Story (Ep. 60)

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim and Lauren serve up a feast of Disney news, collectibles, and one unforgettable personal tale.

Recap of Disney’s quarterly earnings call, including streaming’s first profitable quarter
Details on Hulu’s full integration into Disney+ by 2026 and the shift away from subscriber count reporting
Hidden perks for Disney+ subscribers, including a free D23 Gold membership and exclusive sweepstakes
A first look at “Single Riders” – a dating app for Disney and theme park fans
Disney’s latest collectible craze from Japan: Rupoka-chan
Jim shares his career origin story, starting with a phone call about Donald Duck that led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a 40-year career covering the Disney Company

From industry insights to adorable merch and a behind-the-scenes career journey, this episode is packed with stories you won’t want to miss.

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From Dog Stars to “Fixed” and What’s Next for The Bad Guys (Ep. 319)

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with another jam-packed episode of Fine Tooning, covering everything from Sirius the Dog Star to the latest in animated film and TV news. This week’s stories span box office winners, Netflix premieres, and the challenges of recasting beloved characters.

• The history of the “Dog Days of Summer” and why Sirius is more than just a bright spot in the sky
• Genndy Tartakovsky’s Fixed - the long road to Netflix for this R-rated animated comedy
• Box office breakdown - how Weapons, Freakier Friday, and The Bad Guys 2 are performing worldwide
• Why The Bad Guys franchise may or may not be headed for a third installment
• The $2.2 billion success of Ne Zha 2 and what’s ahead for Ne Zha 3
• King of the Hill revival on Hulu - navigating the absence of key characters
• KPop Demon Hunters’ Netflix success and upcoming sing-along screenings
• New and upcoming animation releases - The Twits, Zootopia 2, Spider-Punk, and Dr. Seuss projects including Cat in the Hat

From nostalgic callbacks to forward-looking animation news, Jim and Drew bring their trademark mix of history, humor, and industry insight.

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Disney’s Big Earnings Surprises and the Pirate Makeover of Magic Kingdom (Ep. 544)

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Disney’s latest earnings call, including park attendance trends, hotel occupancy shifts, and how Epic Universe may be quietly impacting Orlando tourism. They also review a fascinating new Disney Cruise Line survey that tests potential discounts and onboard perks — plus what those offers could mean for future sailings.

Listener questions cover everything from the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow projection tech to Walt Disney World’s mysterious white bus lane lights, and Jim continues his multi-part history of how Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa found their way into the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. Along the way, they explore the behind-the-scenes stories of the Pirate Tutorial, the Pirates League, and Disney’s new Beak and Barrel lounge at Magic Kingdom.

Disney’s domestic attendance and hotel occupancy results

How Epic Universe is influencing local tourism

What a Disney Cruise Line survey reveals about future promotions

Why Captain Jack’s meet-and-greets were tightly controlled

The evolution of pirate-themed experiences in the parks

Time Stamps

Intro (00:18:18)
Break 1 (00:29:24)
Break 2 (00:42:05)

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Charting the Future of Epic Universe with Parklore’s Brian Krosnick (Ep. 63)

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast featuring news from Universal Orlando, Hollywood, and Las Vegas - plus a deep-dive interview with Brian Krosnick, the creative force behind Parklore.

First, the guys pay tribute to Rip Ride Rockit as its closure looms, reminisce about secret soundtracks, and preview this year’s Behind the Screams tours for Halloween Horror Nights, including the new WWE-themed haunted house and Fallout-inspired attractions. They also discuss the exclusive lights-on walkthroughs for pass members and the eerily immersive new Horror Unleashed experience opening in Las Vegas.

Then, Jim and Eric sit down with Brian Krosnick for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about his background in education, immersive museums, and how that experience led to creating Parklore - a site known for in-depth ride histories, creative full park build-outs, and innovative data visualizations that reimagine how we think about theme parks.

Saying goodbye to Rip Ride Rockit and the hidden music menu
A breakdown of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights tours
A peek inside Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
Lights-on Fallout walkthrough coming to Universal Hollywood
Road paving and construction updates at Epic Universe
An interview with Brian Krosnick of Parklore
Behind the scenes of theme park storytelling, museum design, and speculative builds
How Parklore's visualizations are changing the way we view our favorite parks

Stick around to learn how theme park history, storytelling, and smart design combine to create immersive experiences - and how fans like Brian are helping shape the conversation about where it’s all headed.

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How Walt Disney Turned Orange Juice and Peanut Butter into Theme Parks (Ep. 59)

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trace the surprising origins of Disney’s licensing empire - back to a time when Walt needed just $300 to keep the studio running. From the Alice Comedies to Donald Duck orange juice and Peter Pan peanut butter, this episode explores how early merchandise deals weren’t just about profit - they were survival.

Jim unpacks how licensing set the foundation for everything from Disneyana collectors to the modern parks. Meanwhile, Lauren shares her latest finds in the merch world, including:

Why the Fantastic Four landed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland
The rise of Cakeworthy and modern Disney collabs
Inside Disney’s $63 billion licensing empire
How a peanut butter deal helped fund Disneyland
The origins of Donald Duck Orange Juice and collectible Ariel dolls
Disney's licensing strategy from the 1920s to today

From peanut butter tins to popcorn buckets, this episode dives into how Disney turned product placement into a legacy.

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How “The Simpsons” Took Over America (with Author Alan Siegel) (Ep. 318)

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down with Alan Siegel from The Ringer to discuss his new book Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed Television and America Forever. Together, they revisit how Matt Groening’s crude interstitials on The Tracey Ullman Show evolved into a cultural juggernaut, what nearly derailed the series before it ever aired, and why The Simpsons continues to matter nearly four decades later. Along the way, the guys dig into:

• The box office performance of The Bad Guys 2 and Paramount’s Smurfs
• The cautious rollout of the Zootopia 2 trailer
• How Netflix’s K-Pop: Demon Hunters is shaping up to be the next Frozen
• The surprising backstories behind Homer’s voice, Bart’s balloon, and the show's first merchandising blitz
• Why “Mr. Plow” might be the perfect Simpsons episode

Stick around for tales of drone shows, disaster movie homages, and the writer’s room prank that involved fake stairway carnage and a box of trash. Plus, Alan shares his favorite episode and what The Simpsons taught us about comedy, family, and biting satire with heart.

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From Disney Food Blog to Bookstore Shelves: AJ Wolfe’s Disney Adults (Ep. 543)

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

While Len Testa enjoys a well-earned week off, Jim Hill is joined by special guest AJ Wolfe of the Disney Food Blog to talk about her new book Disney Adults: Exploring and Falling in Love with a Magical Subculture. But first, Jim shares updates from around Walt Disney World, including real demolition progress for the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster, the curious lack of vertical construction for Encanto Land, and new details about the General Joe Potter ferry accident currently under investigation.

Why Disney Adults may be “the most hated group on the internet”
What’s missing from Animal Kingdom’s Encanto and Zootopia areas
The Monsters Inc. Door Coaster transforms Muppet Studios
Fantastic Four meet-and-greet rules (and international waters loopholes)
A heartfelt tribute to longtime podcast collaborator Brian Gaughan

AJ Wolfe also shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Disney Food Blog journey, the early days of Disney dining coverage, and why writing Disney Adults meant sharing some very personal truths—debt, joy, and all.

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Manufacturing the Magic: Drawing up plans for Disneyland

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In the 19th installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about what happened in September of 1953 prior to Roy O. Disney’s fateful flight out to NYC.

They also talk about how the material that Walt’s brother showed to executives at CBS, NBC & ABC to sell them on Disneyland was created.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How did Herbie Ryman’s “Lost Weekend” with Walt REALLY go down
Which “Lands” were initially proposed for Walt’s family fun park
How did Walt go about securing all of the funding that was needed to build Disneyland

Who were the Park’s original sponsors

How did C.V. Wood go about recruiting Disneyland’s participants

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Epic Universe at Capacity: What Changes When the Park Sells Out? (Ep. 62)

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return from a summer packed with parks, previews, and one sold-out Friday at Epic Universe. In this episode, the duo reflects on the dramatic changes between their April preview visit and a mid-July return - sharing firsthand insight on crowd flow, character absences, ride downtime, and that sweltering Florida heat. From WWE's Wyatt 6 haunting Halloween Horror Nights to Hulk Hogan’s long-standing Universal ties, this episode blends news, nostalgia, and heat-induced honesty. Plus: hidden gems at Confisco Grille, underwhelming face paint stats, and the rising need for more shade, shows, and slow days at Epic.

Hulk Hogan’s history at Disney-MGM and Universal
Wyatt 6 and WWE join Halloween Horror Nights
First impressions of Terra Luna Resort
Surging summer crowds and Epic Universe challenges
Hidden spots, great meals, and what could make Epic better

Next week, the guys are joined by Brian from Parklore.com to talk expansion plans and what Epic Universe could become at full build-out.

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Nine Parks, Five Hotels, and a Whole Lotta Merch (Ep. 58)

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Lauren returns from an epic summer road trip across nine parks and five hotels, with stories (and shopping bags) in tow. She and Jim break down:

The best-kept secret for scoring free Disney water park access
How the new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom stacks up (and where to sit)
What it’s really like inside Disney’s exclusive Property Control store
A merch-lover’s guide to Universal Studios’ 35th anniversary finds
Why the new Epic Universe resort Terra Luna is gorgeous—but far
The Hersey family’s hot take on Epic Universe’s sold out Friday

From Boo Boos to Back to the Future bucket hats, this episode is packed with tips, deals, and first impressions from Disney and Universal.

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Chris Sanders Returns for Lilo & Stitch 2 After Billion-Dollar Success (Ep. 317)

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor wrap up July with box office milestones, Comic-Con exclusives, and some major animation developments:

Chris Sanders returns to write Lilo & Stitch 2 – After the billion-dollar success of the live-action film, Disney is moving forward with a sequel, with Sanders bringing fresh ideas from the original “Pitch to Stitch.”
Inside the “Magic of Disney Animation” revival – A massive reimagining of the former Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is on the way, with tributes to Mulan, Brother Bear, and hand-drawn classics.
Comic-Con highlights – Drew and Jim reflect on activations for Lilo & Stitch, Godzilla at 70, King of the Hill, and more from San Diego.
Box office report – Fantastic Four: First Steps opens strong, Jurassic World: Rebirth crosses $700M, and Elio slips out of the Top 10.
Animation updates – Warner Bros. finally sets a date for Coyote vs. Acme, DreamWorks teases Bad Guys 2, and Mrs. Claus heads to the big screen in Margie Claus.

Plus: Avatar: Seven Havens, Paramount’s South Park shocker, and the end of Drew’s long-running Light the Fuse podcast.

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: Disney Starlight gets off to a strong start at WDW’s Magic Kingdom (Ep 542)

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by taking a close look at the recently announced plans to revamp the Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

They then continue their interview with Don Hahn & Chris Merritt, the authors of “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland”

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

· What aspect of the actual entrance to Disney Studios out in Burbank is about to be replicated in Florida
Why do you want to pay close attention to those sets of dancers that are positioned between the floats for Disney World’s new nighttime parade Where will the new “Drawn to Wonderland” aspect of DHS’s “Magic of Disney Animation” likely be located inside the old Walt Disney Feature Animation – Florida building

Which almost-built Disneyland attraction would have sent you home with a perhaps unhealthy glow

Why is it already difficult to find an on-property room at the WDW Resort for a reasonable price during mid-December of this year

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When Jaws 3 Almost Became a National Lampoon Movie (Ep. 61)

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with the latest from Universal Parks and the unbelievable story of how Jaws 3 nearly became a full-blown comedy. From Spielberg’s pivot to Close Encounters to the moment Universal almost partnered with National Lampoon, this episode unpacks the sequel that nearly torpedoed the franchise before it began.

This week’s highlights include:

• Wicked: Part Two gets a primetime concert special and early merch leaks• Jimmy Buffett’s plane, the Hemisphere Dancer, returns to CityWalk• Starfall Racers responds to guest feedback with roomier seats• Monster Makeup Experience signage gets an eerie refresh• Steven Spielberg chose aliens over sharks, turning down Jaws 2• Universal’s near-miss with Jaws 3: People Nothing, a spoof that almost happened

From deleted scenes and shark pups to Hollywood rewrites and parody panic, this one’s packed with trivia, hindsight, and a few "what ifs" that might’ve changed blockbuster history.

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When Bugs Bunny Snuck Into a Disneyland Board Game (Ep. 57)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In this packed episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey tackle everything from the ZOMBIES 4 merch drought to the 52-item Haunted Mansion collection and the bittersweet farewell line for Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur ride. But the real surprise? A 1950s Disneyland board game that may have smuggled in Bugs Bunny.

Plus, Jim dives into the earliest examples of Disney’s merchandise strategy—souvenir trays, ashtrays, temporary tattoos, and the guidebook Walt insisted on selling at a loss just to get it on coffee tables across America.

Disney’s ZOMBIES 4 and why merch is mysteriously missing (for now)
A look at the Haunted Mansion’s biggest collection drop yet
The final merch line for Dinosaur before it goes extinct in 2025
Why Muppet Vision 3D fans got left out of the goodbye merch party
A secret cameo by Bugs Bunny in a 1955 Disneyland board game
How Walt used guidebooks and charm bracelets to spread Disney magic

From ashtrays to action figures and park maps to plushies, this episode is a merch history mashup with heart, humor, and a haunted baseball jersey.

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Get ready for a very animated San Diego Comic-Con (Ep. 316)

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by discussing “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” that new show at Disneyland Park in Anaheim.

examineThey then look at how Paramount Pictures’ new “Smurfs” film performed at the domestic box office.

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

Who did Chris Buck & Kevin Lima originally want to voice Tantor the elephant in Disney’s animated version of “Tarzan”
Which role will Josh Gad be playing in the live concert version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” (which will be presented at the Hollywood Bowl August 1 – 3rd)
How many songs from the soundtrack of “KPop Demon Hunters” (i.e., Netflix’s latest hit animated film) wound up in Billboard’s Hot 100
Why did Sony Pictures Animation opt to push back the release date of “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse”
When will San Diego Comic-Con be celebrating Fox’s Animation Domination programming block

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Epic Universe wants to know when exactly you plan on visiting (Ep 541)

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Don Hahn & Chris Merrit, the authors of “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland.” This show kicks off a two-part interview that reveals how Walt’s family fun park first came to be.

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

Who bought the very first admission to Disneyland Park back in July of 1955
When is the third “Prep & Landing” holiday special – “The Snowball Protocol” – expected to debut on ABC
Who did Walt bring in to help the Evans brothers with the horticultural aspect of Disneyland Park
What did Adventures by Disney’s “Take Me Out to the Ballparks” trip entail
Why was DHS’s “Legend of Jack Sparrow” show so short-lived

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The Studio, the Sequel, and the Great White That Ate the Budget (Ep. 60)

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed episode that swings from Halloween Horror Nights updates to the troubled legacy of Jaws 2. First, they unpack the latest HHN announcements, including the debut of the Terrifier haunted house and the moody new scare zone, Origins of Horror. Eric finally learns the difference between houses and zones - only took 60 episodes.

Then, the duo gears up for a future trip to Philadelphia, where Universal Parks is launching their first-ever traveling exhibit at the Franklin Institute. Meetups, cheesesteaks, and nostalgia await.

In the second half, Jim dives back into the shark-infested waters of Jaws 2—revealing mob-backed plotlines, studio politics, and why Spielberg nearly came back to save the franchise. Plus:

• Frequent Fear Passes are already sold out• A new Universal theme park docuseries is coming to Peacock• The real reason Jaws 2 moved from Martha’s Vineyard to Florida• How Lorraine Gary’s husband (the head of Universal) helped get the original director fired• Why the shark in Jaws 2 is bigger, meaner, and hungrier than ever

Also: Eric inches closer to finally watching Jaws in full. Maybe.

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From TV Screens to Main Street: Walt’s Media Master Plan (Ep. 56)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a full dose of Disney merch, from the long-awaited debut of the Starlight Dream the Night Away parade to a viral collector toy that's creeping its way into the parks. Lauren breaks down everything she’s learned about La Boo Boos (and their knockoff cousins), while Jim connects the dots between Disney’s 1950s television strategy and why your Christmas ornaments now cost $80.

Also in this episode:

What to expect from Disney’s first nighttime parade in a decade
Meet Whimsy: the LED-faced character pulling the finale float
Why Main Street is now a runway for fashion-obsessed toy monsters
A closer look at the $29 popcorn bucket ornaments and $80 vault collection set
The real reason Disneyland’s Opera House almost became a TV studio
Walt Disney’s early embrace of television—and how it changed everything

From collectibles to castle corridors, this episode is packed with surprises and nostalgia.

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SpongeBob Returns with Flying Dutchman and a Star-Studded Teaser (Ep. 315)

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 12:23:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into a wide-ranging conversation about box office trends, Comic-Con reveals, and the growing debate around casting A-list celebrities in animated films. Highlights include:

Paramount debuts the first teaser for The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants – Mark Hamill joins as the Flying Dutchman, and Jim reflects on the franchise’s enduring magic.
Godzilla’s 70th anniversary celebration hits San Diego Comic-Con – Drew previews his panel, and Jim geeks out over Super7’s pop-up recreating the “Godzilla Minus One” train scene.
Chris Pratt returns for Garfield 2 – But should Hollywood rely less on celebrities and more on trained voice actors? Jim revisits old rants and Billy West’s take on the trend.
Michelle Yeoh joins the English dub of Ne Zha 2 – Now the highest-grossing animated film globally, the dubbed version hits U.S. theaters in August.
Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires – Warner Bros. Animation unveils a visually stunning reimagining of the Dark Knight at Comic-Con.

Plus: tributes to Pokémon voice legend James Carter Cathcart, Bugs Bunny’s 85th birthday at the Hollywood Bowl, and a sneak peek at Bluey at the Cinema: Let’s Play Chef coming soon to Europe.

It’s an episode packed with nostalgia, news, and insights from both coasts as Jim and Drew tackle everything from kaiju cosplay to cartoon casting.

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The Jack Sparrow Problem Disney Didn’t See Coming (Ep. 540)

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at Disney’s latest surveys, hotel rumors, and Halloween Horror Nights announcements—then plunge into the second half of their deep-dive on Pirates of the Caribbean. This time, Jim reveals how Disney navigated a real-life guest frenzy over Captain Jack Sparrow, the surprisingly expensive costume drama that followed, and the face character chaos that nearly derailed New Orleans Square. Plus, early plans for a pirates-themed restaurant, and how Dead Man’s Chest almost broke the box office and the parks.

Why a cleared canal near Magic Kingdom might be future hotel space
Christmas party dates, Festival of the Holidays updates, and DJ Dance Pants
How Disneyland kept guests from mobbing Jack Sparrow face characters
The $60,000 costume that sparked a parade of cease and desist letters
A scrapped pirates dining experience that had Jack eating off your plate

Also: Warner Bros. surveys some Vegas-worthy IP ideas, Morrissey or Horror Night house?, and why Robin Williams’ mime days live on in Disney animation trivia.

SHOW NOTES

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Manufacturing the Magic: How Walt riding the rails led to rides at Disneyland

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In the 18th installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid explore how Walt Disney’s lifelong fascination with trains impacted the development of his family fun park. Special guest Roger Colton sheds light on this specific aspect of Disneyland history.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

* Why is Walt’s visit to the Chicago Railroad Fair in 1948 considered such an important moment in the development history of Disneyland

* Which specific Disneyland attraction was inspired by Walt & Ward Kimball’s stop at Greenfield Village

* How the miniature steam train Walt had set up in the backyard of his Holmby Hills home influenced the design of Disneyland

*Which lands at Disneyland Park were directly influenced by what Walt & Ward saw at the Chicago Railroad Fair

* How many steam trains did Disneyland Park have in its fleet

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When Universal Shut Down a Sequel: The Making of Jaws 2 (Ep. 59)

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Eric is packing for his return trip to Epic Universe - but before he battles the Florida heat, Jim takes him on a wild ride through box office records, coaster rumors, and a deep dive into the troubled waters of Jaws 2.

In this episode:

• Jurassic World Rebirth dominates globally—why Scarlett Johansson is now the highest-grossing lead actor
• Updates on Universal UK: massive coaster plans, HHN expansion, and hotel additions
• Universal Kids in Texas—new concept art reveals hotel details and TrollsFest changes
• A fan question about Florida mosquitoes leads to... canal trivia and boat logistics
• Jim’s deep-dive into Jaws 2 and why the original sequel idea was shut down by the U.S. Navy
• The true story behind the USS Indianapolis—and why it almost became the basis of a Spielberg-less sequel
• A surprise appearance by “angry, burned shark” and the focus group line that changed movie posters forever

Plus: Canceled directors and what a $9 million overage feels like in 1974.

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The $10,000 Buzz Lightyear and the Real Story Behind Toy Story's Merch Empire (Ep. 55)

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey continue their Toy Story series with a deep dive into the franchise's merchandising legacy—and how a scrappy unknown toy company landed the rights that Mattel and Hasbro turned down. From the earliest Thinkway figures to today's collector's items worth thousands, they explore how Toy Story became one of the most profitable and collectible Disney properties of all time.

Plus, Jim shares a personal behind-the-scenes story about the original vision for Toy Story 4, including his lost interview with John and Nancy Lasseter—and how a Valentine turned into something very different.

Why Thinkway got the Toy Story license when everyone else passed
What Barbie’s deleted scene tells us about Pixar’s early struggles
The rise of collector culture—and what a boxed Buzz goes for now
Jim’s first-day-of-release trip to MGM Studios and the Toy Story parade
The real story behind the development and derailment of Toy Story 4
How John Lasseter’s personal life reshaped the film and Pixar’s future

From Sid’s backyard to $10,000 auctions, this episode is packed with nostalgia, controversy, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

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Jurassic World Breaks Records, Elio Stalls, and Looking Back at 'The Mouse Factory' (Ep. 314)

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into a packed slate of animation and entertainment news—including box office wins, deep animation history, and Broadway updates:

Universal celebrates a huge opening for Jurassic World Rebirth with $318M globally, while How to Train Your Dragon crosses the half-billion mark.
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch nears the billion-dollar club, expected to cross the threshold by the time Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters later this month.
Pixar’s Elio struggles at the box office, with $96M worldwide after three weekends and its Disney+ debut now supposedly slated for September.
“Boop the Musical” to close on Broadway, while Disney’s Frozen the Musical West End run hits Disney+ with a professionally filmed version.
Ward Kimball’s The Mouse Factory – Jim revisits Disney’s forgotten answer to The Muppet Show, cancelled after just two seasons to protect the studio’s Sunday night ratings.

Plus: Updates on Camp Cretaceous: Chaos Theory, the retirement of animation legend Tom Sito, changes at Cartoon Brew, and the long-awaited arrival of The Cat in the Hat—now with Things 1 through 18.

A jam-packed episode filled with history, industry insight, and a look ahead at what’s next.

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How Jack Sparrow Made It Into the Ride (and Why the Curse Wasn’t His) (Ep. 539)

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill tackle a packed show, from new Eat to the Beat concert acts and Test Track Lightning Lane changes to a survey that hints at Disney bundling sports vacations with ESPN and Adventures by Disney. Then in the main segment, Jim unpacks the wild story behind the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise—including how one clever Imagineer added a cursed treasure twist to the ride years before it hit the big screen, and why Michael Eisner insisted on a subtitle that technically made no sense.

New Eat to the Beat lineup adds Bowling for Soup, Jordin Sparks, and The Beach Boys
Disney files plans for the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster building—yes, it’s a real land
ESPN and ABD surveys tease premium sports-based vacation packages
What really happened to Pixar’s Elio, and how politics may have changed the movie
Behind the scenes of Curse of the Black Pearl: casting, rewrites, and a fake curse

Plus, Len pitches a villains-themed restaurant where customer service is intentionally bad, and Jim explains why Tower of Terror on TV paved the way for Jack Sparrow in theaters.

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Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58)

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this explosive Fourth of July episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey ride the rails of ghostly New England folklore and land in the middle of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights house reveals. From Norwegian monsters and homicidal dolls to the surprise announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, this episode is packed tighter than a holiday fireworks box.

Then, Jim takes us on a moonshot-level deep dive into Apollo 13—the real mission, the Ron Howard film, and how a $25 model rocket and a bottle of Avian became movie magic. Along the way, they cover:

The “Ghost Train” of New Boston, New Hampshire
Universal’s new horror experience heading to Chicago
All the newly announced HHN houses (creepy dolls, cursed villages, and more)
Pizza Moon’s controversial to-go box policy
Jim’s breakdown of Apollo 13, its real-life mission, and the making of the film

Whether you’re into horror houses or lunar modules, this episode has something for every theme park nerd, history buff, and movie geek.

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Toy Meets Tech: What Toy Story 5 Says About Disney’s Future (Ep. 54)

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what Disney’s upcoming Toy Story 5 might really be about - and why it hits closer to home than you think. From Woody’s absence to Jessie’s promotion, and a new iPad-inspired character named Lilypad, this fifth entry isn’t just a sequel - it might be Disney’s most self-aware film yet.

Jim and Lauren discuss how streaming, AI, and even shoppable shows are reshaping how Disney tells stories - and sells them. They also reflect on the history of Toy Story merch, John Lasseter’s mint-in-box rule, and a deeply personal Jessie doll story that brings it all full circle.

Toy Story 5’s new challenge: an iPad named Lilypad
How Jessie becomes the new Woody in Bonnie’s room
The real reason Toy Story 4’s ending felt like closure
Disney’s experiments with QR codes, GoPuff, and “Shop the Stream”
The merchandising legacy of the Mickey Mouse Club
Jim’s personal story of meeting John Lasseter with his daughter’s Jessie doll

Whether you’re team Woody, team Jessie, or team “Do we need another sequel?”—this episode will give you plenty to think about.

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Lilo & Stitch 2 Announced, Elio Holds, and Akira’s Live-Action Deal Expires (Ep. 313)

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite (despite a case of post-Annecy crud) to cover a wide range of animation and industry news, including:

Disney officially announces Lilo & Stitch 2 after the live-action original crosses $945M globally.
Elio holds better than expected with a solid second weekend as it climbs past $42M domestically.
Live-action Tangled delayed to 2029, reportedly to make room for the Lilo & Stitch sequel.
Warner Bros. loses the rights to Akira after years of development—setting the stage for a new studio to reimagine the cyberpunk classic.
Laika’s ParaNorman returns to theaters for Halloween 2025 as part of the studio’s 20th anniversary celebration.

Also in this episode: KPOP Demon Hunters debuts at #2 globally on Netflix, Broadway updates on Beauty and the Beast and Hercules, and what’s really in those Dragon Flame-Grilled Whoppers at Burger King.

It’s a shorter episode while Drew recovers—but packed with news, box office insight, and some wild theme park popcorn bucket trivia.

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Rebuilding the Future: How Innoventions Replaced CommuniCore (Ep. 538)

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Disney news, including a major update to the dining reservation system, a rerouted parade to improve park flow, and the latest tweaks at Epic Universe. Then, Jim dives into the real story of how Epcot’s CommuniCore was shut down and transformed into Innoventions—Disney’s answer to a park in crisis. With budgets tight and tech aging fast, Michael Eisner turned to Las Vegas for inspiration, resulting in a CES-style exhibit hall packed with rotating sponsors, interactive demos, and a built-in refresh cycle.

Disney’s new patent could make Haunted Mansion feel spookier
A smarter parade route helps clear Main Street faster
Why Tron still isn’t available during Early Entry
Epic Universe’s early admission strategy evolves again
The creation, success, and legacy of Innoventions

It’s a look at how Disney reimagined the future—and managed to sell it to sponsors one booth at a time.

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Manufacturing the Magic: Further Advancement in Animatronics

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In the seventeenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continue their look back at the history of themed entertainment. This time around, they're joined by veteran Imagineer Joe Lanzisero, who looks back at how AA figures were developed for the Disney Parks.

Throughout today's episode, listeners will learn about:

How Electro the Robot wowed folks at the 1939 New York World's Fair
How "Project Little Man" influenced the creation of "Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln"
Where Disneyland's animatronic graveyard is located
How animatronics wizard Garner Holt got his start with Chuck E. Cheese
Plus Joe's terrific new kids book, " Lemonade, the Yellow Bear"

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Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57)

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey welcome Universal Creative’s Mike Aiello for a special episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws and his own 30-year journey with the parks. From working as a teenage skipper on the iconic attraction to helping shape Halloween Horror Nights and Epic Universe, Mike shares stories of theme park transformation, Spielberg fandom, and why he always tries to sneak Bruce the Shark into his projects. Plus, Jim and Eric cover the latest on Halloween Horror Nights 34 and the mysterious Vegas haunt getting ready to open.

• Mike Aiello’s origin story—from hard hats at Mel’s Diner to Universal Creative
• What it was like to skipper Jaws the Ride 88 times a day
• How a scareactor role led to decades of Halloween Horror Nights magic
• Halloween Horror Nights’ gothic theme and original house reveals
• The new “cool zone” inside the old Sinbad Theater
• Why Jaws still scares—and what Spielberg got right by leaving it alone

From creative tributes to personal milestones, it’s a heartfelt and fang-filled conversation with one of Universal’s biggest fans turned insider.

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The Poster Wars: How Aladdin, Fantasia, and Drew Struzan Shaped Disney History (Ep. 53)

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist Drew Struzan to the merchandising missteps that infuriated Robin Williams, this show explores how Disney uses poster art to sell stories and spark emotion.

Jim explains how Fantasia’s box office flop turned into a midnight movie cult hit, while Lauren shares her family’s New Year’s tradition of painting attraction posters. You’ll hear:

Why Robin Williams was furious about Disney’s Aladdin poster
The unlikely call that brought Harrison Ford’s face back to Disney marketing
A touching update on Drew Struzan’s health and legacy
The poster re-release that finally pushed Fantasia into the black
Which attraction poster Lauren’s family paints every year
Why Disney cast services keeps an evolving gallery of ride posters

This episode is packed with nostalgia, history, and a heartfelt look at how much meaning can be packed into a single piece of art.

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Annecy, Disneyland Paris, and the Animation News You Missed While Drew Was in France (Ep. 312)

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 04:01:00 -0000

On this week’s jet-lagged edition of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor keep things quick but packed with insight. Drew is back from his travels—and despite the sleep deprivation, he’s ready to recap his time at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and his first-ever visit to Disneyland Paris.

How Annecy 2025 addressed AI concerns and global animation trends
Jared Bush’s surprising hint at the return of hand-drawn animation at Disney
Highlights from Annecy’s screenings, filmmaker encounters, and festival buzz
Drew’s impressions of Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park
The popcorn bucket taking over Walt Disney World (yes, another one)
Box office updates for How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Lilo & Stitch

Plus, news on upcoming releases (F1 – The Movie, Jurassic World Rebirth, Smurfs, Fantastic Four) and a reminder that yes, Evita is saving Rachel Zegler’s career.

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Michael Eisner’s Teen Crisis: The Birth of Videopolis (Ep. 537)

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at recent updates across Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, including a new water play area in Animal Kingdom, a July reopening for Test Track, and a revealing Disney Cruise Line survey. Then in the main segment, Jim takes us back 30 years to the wild creation of Disneyland’s Videopolis—a teen dance club built in just 100 days that introduced churros, challenged norms, and (almost) ran over some tourists.

New Indiana Jones-themed play area replaces Animal Kingdom’s Boneyard
Test Track reopens July 22—why we still don’t know what’s inside
Epic Universe adds stage permits and steampunk restaurant progress
A Disney Cruise Line survey that might explain recent price drops
The teen problem Disney had to solve—and how Videopolis became the answer
Churros, breakdancing, and Michael Eisner’s MTV-fueled moonshot

Videopolis wasn’t just a dance floor—it was a cultural reset, a churro revolution, and a crash course in fast-tracking theme park design.

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How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved Universal (Ep. 56)

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey step up to the plate with the unbelievable true story of how a simple comedy sketch—Who’s on First—helped pull Universal Studios back from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way, they cover the box office power of How to Train Your Dragon, a surprising coaster IP twist, and the last remaining piece of the Jaws ride hiding in plain sight.

Abbott & Costello’s rise from burlesque to box office saviors
How Who’s on First became a studio-saving sensation
Fast & Furious coaster car reveal—and Orlando’s unexpected pivot
The Dragon’s Father’s Day box office fire and epic synergy
New Halloween Horror Nights house starring Jason Voorhees
A mysterious old bathroom with Jaws-sized history

From the backlot to the ballfield, it’s one of the most unexpected—and most entertaining—episodes yet.

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Scents, Sweets, and Storytelling: How Disney Hooks You with Smell (Ep. 52)

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode explores how Imagineering has used fragrance for decades to spark emotion, trigger nostalgia, and boost sales. Plus, they dig into scented merch like candles, oils, and the plushie line that smells good enough to eat.

How scent became a secret weapon in Disney park design
Walt Disney’s original plan to use smells in Fantasia
The evolution of “Smellitizers” and where they show up in classic attractions
The rise of smell-based merch: Scenty, Magic Candle Co., and Disney oils
What munchlings are—and how they combine snacks, scent, and plushies

If you’ve ever chased the smell of Main Street popcorn or hunted for the perfect Polynesian candle, this one’s for you.

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Beauty and the Beast at 30, Elio Projections, and the Live-Action Dragon’s Box Office (Ep. 311)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers the latest from the animation and box office world while Drew Taylor wraps up his trip to Annecy and Disneyland Paris. This week’s highlights include:

Live-action How to Train Your Dragon opens to $197M globally, including a $83M domestic debut that surpasses every previous entry in the franchise.
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch nears the billion-dollar mark, with over $858M earned just four weeks after release.
Pixar’s Elio faces a soft box office forecast, but Jim urges caution against writing it off before opening weekend.
Peter Sohn tapped to direct Incredibles 3, with a screenplay by Brad Bird and expectations riding high after Elemental's surprise turnaround.
Jim interviews Matt West, director of the 30th Anniversary Tour of Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical, and shares the story of how the animated film came together after a theme park pre-show opened doors for new talent.

From billion-dollar contenders to Broadway anniversaries and surprise animation industry milestones, it’s a jam-packed episode filled with insight, stories, and a little history.

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How Miami Nice, Pizza P-eye, and the Imagination Pavilion All Nearly Happened (Ep. 536)

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Figment almost got replaced by Michael Jordan—and how one flubbed line at an NBC upfront helped create The Golden Girls.

Updated Monstropolis plans hint at a larger land—and a suspiciously vacant cast parking lot
Could a new DVC resort be rising near Blizzard Beach? Western Way roadwork says yes
Disneyland's expansion plan: Coco, Avatar, and the final frontier of backstage space
The doomed celebrity era of Imagineering, featuring Cheers-inspired Tiki Room and Wallace & Gromit
Journey Into Imagination 3.0: how a triage effort (and stored figment AAs) saved the ride
The DVC lounge dilemma: why redoing Imagination may need a bit more imagination

Big plans, big ideas, and one very unfortunate cheese room.

⁠SHOW NOTES⁠

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Slime, Slapstick, and the Secret History of Nickelodeon Studios (Ep. 55)

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TV—and what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this summer’s biggest park updates, movie tie-ins, and a few theme park throwbacks that might be making a comeback.

Why Nickelodeon built a studio in Orlando—with 13 years of free rent
The slime geyser, baked beans, and septic trucks of Double Dare
Universal’s latest Ghostbusters tribute sparks ride rumors
Megan hordes, Wicked meet-and-greets, and summer movie tie-ins
FanFest returning in 2026—and the dream of bringing it to Orlando
Blue Man Group’s history with Nick’s old soundstages

The episode wraps with a nostalgic tribute to the Nickelodeon generation and the unexpected ways its legacy still echoes through the Universal parks.

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The Cookie King of Disney Springs: Inside the Story of Gideon's Bakehouse with Steve Lewis (Ep. 51)

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:02:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Florida’s favorite bakery.

The music major turned baker who built Gideon’s from scratch—literally
How a secret cookie deal at Polite Pig helped land a spot at Disney Springs
The role of community, storytelling, and heartbreak in shaping the brand
Why you’ll never see Gideon’s cookies shipped or wholesaled
The Edward Gorey-inspired art behind the eerie, yet inviting design
What’s next for Steve, his characters, and maybe even a lemon-orange love story

Learn more about Gideon’s by visiting https://www.gideonsbakehouse.com

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Lilo & Stitch Still Soars, Dragon Whoppers Reviewed, and Fantasia’s Forgotten Soundtrack (Ep. 310)

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:06:00 -0000

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-ins—while Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include:

Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on?
A live-action Tangled revival is gaining momentum, possibly hitting theaters in 2029.
Burger King’s How to Train Your Dragon menu gets taste-tested, including the Dragon Flame-Grilled Whopper and Viking’s Chocolate Sundae.
Universal’s Simpsons rights could end in 2028, putting attractions like Krusty Burger on the clock.
The forgotten Dolby stereo Fantasia soundtrack from 1982, featuring a 125-piece orchestra, Jimmy Macdonald’s new click track, and backlash from classical music fans.

Plus: LEGO’s $200 Krusty Burger, Seth Rogen’s porcine resume, and why blue drinks raise red flags. It’s a classic Jim-only episode packed with oddball insight and animation industry intel.

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Why Disney’s New Lounge Smells Like Crab Cakes (and Kodak Regrets) (Ep. 535)

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The show ends with Part 2 of the wild saga behind Journey into Imagination’s 2002 reopening, featuring a side of Art Linkletter, Henry Fonda, and bitter corporate rivalries.

First thoughts on Disney’s new Piston Peak National Park concept art
The EPCOT GEO82 Lounge: gorgeous views, high prices, strict timers
Disney trains to run in reverse—literally
Why a DVC rental checkbox could be tied to speculative booking issues
The forgotten film war: Kodak, Polaroid, and the $10M that didn’t pay off
How Art Linkletter turned a favor into Disneyland’s most profitable deal

Whether you’re craving peanut brittle from a charcuterie plate or just here for vintage theme park trivia, this episode has you covered.

⁠SHOW NOTES⁠

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Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien Film, and the Birth of E.T. (Ep. 54)

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots.

How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T.
Rick Baker’s original designs for a much scarier alien crew
Why the Bigfoot suit in Harry and the Hendersons almost wasn’t eligible for an Oscar
John Lithgow’s role in reshaping the script (and the heart) of the film
The connection between Predator, Harry, and Universal Studios Hollywood
Why the movie’s emotional ending still holds up after 38 years

Also in this episode: a new Wicked trailer drop, Hagrid’s joins Express Pass, Rip Ride Rockit gets a closing date, and Halloween Horror Nights adds Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy’s to the mix.

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Sipping Through Disney: Tumblers, Mugs, and the Merch That Keeps Coming Back (Ep. 50)

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:01:00 -0000

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them.

Whether you're a mug minimalist or a tumbler hoarder, this one’s for you.

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Pixar’s Elio Revealed, Coco 2 Confirmed & Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Sparks Debate (Ep. 309)

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially on the way—with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning—though its release date may be in flux.

They also dive into the mixed reactions to Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, including fan frustrations over missing characters and deeper critiques from Hawaiian viewers. Other topics include:

The legacy of Destino and its unlikely connection to a Coronado Springs hotel
The controversy surrounding the live-action Lilo & Stitch ending and themes of colonialism
Streaming stats for Bluey and the puzzling world of animation metrics
Updates on the King of the Hill reboot and Rick & Morty Season 8
Remembering Alf Clausen’s musical legacy on The Simpsons

Plus, Drew shares behind-the-scenes insights from Elio, including a surprise reference to The Shining, its Epcot-like opening scene, and the technical feat that is the Communiverse.

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Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an Express Pass? (Ep. 534)

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion.

Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely want to return Universal's newest theme park later in the day
Film Fight -- How Disney worked out a truce between Kodak & Polaroid back in the 1970s, so that both brands of films could then be sold inside of their theme parks
Parade Reservations – Why -- if you're an Annual Passholder -- you're going to need to plan ahead if you want to see "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" this Summer
Rent-a-Park – Why the Magic Kingdom & Disney's Hollywood Studios aren't available for private parties during certain times of the year
Someday My Prints Will Come -- Which Disney Park icon is one of the most photographed structures in the world

Touring tips, stories about Walt as a grandfather, plus talk of garlic presses —it’s another packed episode of the Disney Dish.

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Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney (Ep. 53)

Fri, 30 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lasting impact on themed entertainment.

How Disney turned down Spielberg’s offer—and why it shaped his long-term partnership with Universal
The story behind Amazing Stories and its role in Spielberg’s attempt to build a brand beyond film
Why Harry and the Hendersons was seen as a potential franchise—and why it never became the next E.T.
Remembering Ed Gale and his roles in Howard the Duck, Child’s Play, and more
Universal’s Jaws 50th anniversary celebrations and evolving How to Train Your Dragon film updates

This episode blends nostalgic storytelling with industry insight, spotlighting how one filmmaker’s dream to become the next Walt Disney changed the theme park world forever.

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Disneyland at 70: Popcorn Buckets, Padfolios, and the Wild Story of the Tencennial (Ep. 49)

Thu, 29 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial.

From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the story of how Walt honored his first decade of Disneyland, from airborne Mary Poppins stunts to the birth of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

The Mickey popcorn bucket that moves, talks, and blinks
Why propeller hats and retro logos are making a comeback
The gorgeous “padfolio” inspired by Walt Disney’s real desk
The true story behind Disneyland’s 10th anniversary (and that weird word “Tencennial”)
When Walt thought the park really opened—and how that date changed
The crown decorations that accidentally damaged Sleeping Beauty Castle

From collectible merch to collectible memories, this episode brings Disneyland’s past and present together in perfect, popcorn-scented harmony.

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Lilo & Stitch Surprises at the Box Office, Toy Story 5 Adds Conan, and Epic Universe Impressions (Ep. 308)

Tue, 27 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including:

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases.
Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation.

First look at Zootopia 2 – A mysterious villain, new districts, and plenty of fan theories sparked by the teaser trailer.
Drew’s full report from Epic Universe – A deep dive into Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic, Celestial Park, and the tech behind Monsters Unchained.

A can't-miss episode filled with theatrical wins, sneak peeks, and theme park reveals from one of the biggest weekends in entertainment.

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From Pop-Up to Permanent: Disney’s Tent Obsession and the Accidental Origins of Toontown (Ep. 533)

Mon, 26 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown.

Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quick fix that morphed into a 20-year land.
Festival of the Lion King - The show that squatted in a space meant for dragons... and thrived.
Magic Kingdom Strategy - How early entry and Lightning Lane stacking can knock out every headliner by noon.
Disney’s Indoor Parks - From DisneyQuest to Abu Dhabi, a look at the past and future of enclosed theme parks.

It’s a celebration of Disney’s most beloved “temporary” projects - and the ones that just refused to leave.

SHOW NOTES

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Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage, Celebrity Sightings, and the Ghost of Universal Escape (Ep. 52)

Fri, 23 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park.

Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous branding misfire that nearly doomed it: Universal Studios Escape.

Coverage breakdown of Epic Universe’s grand opening, from live broadcasts to opening portal ceremonies
Celebrity sightings include Shigeru Miyamoto, Danny Elfman, Warwick Davis, Tony Baxter, and Cody Rhodes
Ygor and the monsters steal the spotlight - again -on national TV
Early first-day reviews highlight light crowds, limited medallion merch, and a rough start for Battle at the Ministry
Jim shares the wild history of Universal’s 1999 park expansion, including Seagram’s chaotic E-Zone plans and the “Universal Studios Escape” branding blunder
How Islands of Adventure overcame early stumbles to become a flagship park - and how Epic Universe is already avoiding those same mistakes

With one park officially launched and another history lesson unpacked, this episode celebrates the present while learning from the past.

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Why Disney Bought the Mighty Ducks and the Angels (Ep. 48)

Thu, 22 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go.

Also in this episode:

Trash can candy containers debut at Disney Springs
The DisneyStore.com shipping threshold quietly goes up
The latest on Epcot pin trading and Disney's response
A listener asks: Are Spirit Jerseys going out of style?
The real origin story of the Spirit Jersey
Why Tangled’s live-action fate may depend on Stitch’s box office

From puck worlds to ballparks, this episode blends nostalgia, merch, and the business of Disney like never before.

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Gumby Turns 70, DreamWorks Eyes Cocomelon, and Peppa Pig Teams Up with Walmart (Ep. 307)

Tue, 20 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include:

The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids.
Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box office success of The King of Kings, Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman launches a new animation studio focused on spiritual storytelling.
DreamWorks embraces early childhood IP – From the upcoming Cocomelon feature to Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie and Bad Guys 2.
Paramount’s shifting release schedule – New dates for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, The Legend of Aang, and Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.
Peppa Pig’s gender reveal episode debuts… on Walmart.com – A bold retail-media crossover with exclusive merchandise tied to streaming content.
Smurfs movie sparks fan backlash – Rihanna’s new song “Friend of Mine” fails to impress her Navy, despite her upcoming role as Smurfette.
AI in animation – With $42 million raised by AI animation startups like Cartwheel and Hedra, concerns about job displacement echo the shift from hand-drawn to CG in the ’90s.
New Shaun the Sheep movie announced – Aardman’s The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives in 2026 with a Halloween theme.

A thoughtful and wide-ranging episode covering preschool hits, legacy IP, streaming trends, theatrical strategy, and the evolving role of AI in the animation industry.

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Mission: Space – Disney’s Most Ambitious Ride That Guests Don’t Want to Ride Twice (Ep. 532)

Mon, 19 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones.

The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbacks.
What Went Wrong – Mission: Space didn’t just thrill—it made people sick, killed plants, and gave Epcot’s custodial team nightmares.
The Shrubbery Crisis – Yes, protein spills killed the landscaping.
Fixing the Fail – How Disney added trash cans, benches, cold air, and a non-spinning version of the ride (that’s actually better).
Ride Longevity – Why guests rarely re-ride, and how Mission: Space quietly became the least essential thrill ride at Walt Disney World.
What Comes Next – With depreciation schedules catching up, is it finally time to replace it? And what’s the likelihood of a Figment/Inside Out combo attraction next door?

A fascinating look at how cutting-edge ambition can spin a little too hard—and what happens when the recovery benches outnumber the ride’s fans.

SHOW NOTES

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

Fri, 16 May 2025 04:03:00 -0000

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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The Original Stitch Was a Criminal Mastermind? Plus Emporium Updates and Disney Castle Color Confusion (Ep. 47)

Thu, 15 May 2025 04:03:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robot uprising. Jim shares the full, unfiltered story of Chris Sanders’ original pitch, including unused scenes, a darker backstory, and a surprisingly heroic role for Pleakley.

But first, Lauren recaps her latest Orlando trip with a look at:

Discovery Cove travel hacks (bring your own water socks!)
Changes at Magic Kingdom’s Emporium and the scattered state of merch
The growing mystery of Cinderella Castle’s color shift
Stitch merchandise overload ahead of the new live-action film
The creepy (and hilarious) quirks of the new “Many Moods of Stitch” plush
Puppetmetronics, pin trading, and a Stitch-themed shipping tip

From castle color controversies to plushes with personality disorders, this episode proves that even Disney classics have an unexpected side.

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Lilo & Stitch Controversy, Frozen 3’s Castle Reveal, and Fox Doubles Down on Adult Animation (Ep. 306)

Tue, 13 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a wide range of animation news and commentary while Drew Taylor is away covering the global premiere of Mission: Impossible 8. Topics include:

Controversy around Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch – Director Dean Fleischer Camp shares concept art of Pleakley in a dress after Disney reportedly vetoed the idea.
A first look at Elsa’s new castle from Frozen 3 – How Disney Abu Dhabi’s concept art may hint at major design elements from the upcoming 2027 sequel.
Box office updates – Thunderbolts maintains momentum in its second weekend, and The King of Kings becomes a success story for South Korea’s Mofac Studios.
Fox renews Grimsburg, Krapopolis, and Universal Basic Guys – More early multi-season orders continue the trend of long-term investments in adult animation.
Seth MacFarlane returns for Ted: The Animated Series – A new sequel series is in the works at Peacock, picking up after Ted 2.
Remembering Marc and Alice Davis – A new website offers replicas of artwork by Marc Davis that once adorned the couple’s home.

It’s a packed episode full of industry insight, animation history, and a few heartfelt tributes along the way.

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The $25 Disaster: Why Disneyland’s Light Magic Parade Failed Spectacularly (Ep. 531)

Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill dive deep into the infamous debut of Light Magic, Disneyland’s ill-fated replacement for the Main Street Electrical Parade. What was promised as a “street-tacular” became a technical and creative misfire that left tens of thousands of annual passholders asking for refunds - and left behind glitter that haunted ride systems for months.

The Unraveling of Light Magic – A show so complex it couldn’t complete a dress rehearsal before its paid debut
Pixies, Pajamas, and Panic – Why cast members wore half-masks, threw conductive Mylar into the crowd, and unintentionally triggered attraction breakdowns across the park
Mass Refunds and Retail Regret – The merch worked better than the parade, and fans weren’t quiet about it
Disneyland’s Damage Control – How marketing spin, rewrites, and show tweaks couldn’t save it
Legacy of the Street-Tacular – From shelved alien parades to Tinkerbell merchandising, what came out of this high-profile flameout

It’s a hilarious, jaw-dropping look at one of Disney’s most legendary live entertainment flops—where the only thing that worked on opening night was the jacket.

SHOW NOTES

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

Fri, 09 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

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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Disney and NASA: The Surprising Space Race Story Behind Mission: SPACE (Ep. 46)

Thu, 08 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE is rooted in actual history—and how it all started with a cartoon.

Plus, Lauren recaps her latest visit to Walt Disney World, with new pin trading finds at Epcot, handmade souvenirs in Germany, and must-see graduation merch at Creations. Also: Loungefly alternatives, the secret perks of the Mission: SPACE playground, and how the Plain White T’s ended up in the middle of Flower & Garden.

Why Walt Disney worked with Wernher von Braun
How a Disney TV special helped get NASA off the ground
The story behind Mission: SPACE merch (and crystals)
The new must-have black-and-white Disney backpack
Tuesday pin drops and pro trading setups at Epcot
The make-your-own glass art experience in Germany

From space-age storytelling to personalized souvenirs, this episode blends the historical with the hands-on in true I Want That Too fashion.

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Simpsons Renewed Through Season 40, Thunderbolts Tops the Box Office, and Disney’s Broadway Plans (Ep. 305)

Tue, 06 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation and entertainment industry news, including:

The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad each get renewed for four more seasons—an unprecedented move ensuring job security and a pipeline of adult animation through the end of the decade.
Marvel’s Thunderbolts debuts at #1 at the domestic box office with $76 million, signaling a possible rebound for the MCU.
Korean animated feature The King of Kings becomes the highest-grossing Korean film in U.S. history, surpassing Parasite.
Big City Greens celebrates its 100th episode with a special titled “One Hundred,” now streaming on Disney+.
Boop! The Musical and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 30th Anniversary Tour – A look at how cartoon-based Broadway shows are faring in 2025 and what’s next for Disney Theatrical.
A heartfelt look at aging voice talent, with reflections on cast longevity for The Simpsons and how Disney once replaced Paul Winchell as Tigger.

Tune in for box office updates, Broadway insights, and thoughtful takes on how long-running franchises are managing the realities of time and talent.

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How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed New Fantasyland (Ep. 530)

Mon, 05 May 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Holiday never came to Florida, and why Tim Burton’s working relationship with Disney ended with Dumbo.

Scrapped plans for a Burton-inspired Mad Tea Party overlay
How Walt Disney World hoped to tap into the Nightmare Before Christmas merch model
Why Haunted Mansion Holiday won’t come to Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland expansion budget and leadership changes
Tim Burton’s final Disney film and his “Dumbo” disillusionment

Plus, listener questions about endangered Disney World attractions and ideas for a Muppets-themed rock bar.

SHOW NOTES

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Epic Universe Ticket Drama, TapuTapu Retires, and Triceratops Encounter Origins (Ep. 49)

Fri, 02 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the recent uproar over Epic Universe preview ticket availability—and why Universal quietly opened the gates to everyone. Then they dive into the surprising retirement of Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu system and the fascinating history behind the short-lived Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure.

Epic Universe preview tickets go public, frustrating some Annual Passholders
What low crowds and Disney discounts might reveal about this summer’s Orlando tourism outlook
Universal’s guest survey tactics—and how they’re targeting Disney’s “seamless” brand language
Volcano Bay announces the retirement of TapuTapu and a five-month closure for overhaul
Universal Hollywood FanFest reactions and Drew Taylor’s tip for avoiding long lines
The box office power of Wicked, Despicable Me, and Universal’s 360-degree promo strategy
The history of Triceratops Encounter and how a 1960s Easter special led to one of Universal’s biggest animatronic swings

Whether you’re here for the latest theme park headlines or the long-forgotten stories behind Universal’s creative gambles, this episode is packed with insights, speculation, and a few dinosaurs along the way.

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The Secret World of Property Control and the History Behind Gertie the Dinosaur (Ep. 45)

Thu, 01 May 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode that blends Disney shopping secrets and animation history. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes visit to Disney’s elusive Property Control store, a cast member-exclusive outlet full of discounted resort furniture, rare park merch, and even frozen food. Hear what she found, what she bought, and why it may be Disney’s best-kept secret.

Then Jim dives into the fascinating history of Gertie the Dinosaur—Hollywood Studios’ lakeside icon—tracing her roots back to a 1914 vaudeville act that helped inspire Walt Disney himself. From stamp collecting to Loungefly obsessions, this episode covers the quirky side of fandom and the legacy of one animated Brontosaurus.

What Property Control is and how Lauren got in
The limited merch, props, and even snacks for sale inside
The new Gertie merch spotted at Hollywood Studios
How Windsor McCay’s 1914 cartoon dinosaur changed animation forever
The real story behind Disney’s ice cream-slinging sauropod

From the backlots of Walt Disney World to the foundations of early animation, this episode of I Want That Too digs into Disney history where you’d least expect it.

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FanFest at Universal Hollywood, King of the Hill Returns, and Animation Highlights from Annécy (Ep. 304)

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 04:02:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor cover a busy week in animation and theme park news, including:

Drew’s full report from FanFest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, including Back to the Future Hill Valley experiences, new anime tie-ins, and what could be coming to the East Coast.
King of the Hill revival update – A new panel announced for the ATX TV Festival, with co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels and voice actors returning.
The Simpsons streaming hiccups – Yellow Planet, the Earth Day episode, struggles to launch properly on Disney+.
Annécy 2025 preview – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm prepare for a massive presence, including previews for Zootopia 2, Toy Story 5, Elio, and Eyes of Wakanda.
Warner Bros. Animation’s Cartoon Network 25th Anniversary Panel featuring Genndy Tartakovsky, Craig McCracken, Pendleton Ward, and Rebecca Sugar.
Netflix rescues Genndy Tartakovsky’s Fixed after Warner Bros. dropped it—world premiere planned for Annécy.
New announcements – Disney Television Animation’s Dragon Striker series, updates on Combat Carl in Toy Story 5, and more.

Join Jim and Drew for the latest animation industry news, major event coverage, and a look at what’s ahead!

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Why it took 25 years to change the name of King Stefan's Banquet Hall (Ep. 529)

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 04:03:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into one of the strangest goofs in Disney history—how the restaurant inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom was originally named after the wrong king, and why it took over two decades (and a flood of guest complaints) to finally correct it.

Also in this episode:

The King Stefan Banquet Hall Backstory – Why Imagineering picked the wrong king in the first place—and how nobody caught it before opening day.
Dave Smith and John Hench’s Awkward Phone Call – The archivist and the Imagineer have a polite, slightly painful conversation about medieval royalty.
The 25th Anniversary Castle Cake Fallout – Why complaints about the Pepto-Bismol pink castle pushed Disney to rethink the restaurant’s name.
How Cinderella’s Royal Table Was Finally Born – And how it became one of the most popular (and profitable) restaurants in all of Walt Disney World.
Listener Questions and More – Updates on Disney and Universal surveys, Lightning Lane changes, and Epic Universe tips.

It’s a story of castles, kings, and the longest game of "whoops" in Disney Parks history.

SHOW NOTES

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Manufacturing the Magic: Early Automatons & Animatronics

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:33:00 -0000

In the sixteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continued their look back at the history of themed entertainment.

This time around, they focus on some of the innovations Walt Disney helped introduce with his family fun park.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How far back in history do automatons go?
Who was the first creator to use pneumatics
What sort of control systems were used originally at Disneyland Park
When were Audio Animatronics first introduced?
PLUS Special Guest Joe Lanzisero’s experiences working with animatronics

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Epic Universe First Impressions: Experiencing Battle at the Ministry & Monsters Unchained (Ep. 48)

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey share Eric’s full first impressions after visiting Epic Universe—just 27 days before its grand opening. From ride reviews to immersive lands, they explore how Universal’s newest park lives up to the hype. Plus, they discuss Annual Passholder perks, new cosplay merch, and Universal’s latest theme park innovations.

Eric shares his thoughts after previewing Epic Universe for the first time
New Dungeons & Dragons animatronic debuts at Universal Studios Hollywood, created in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop
Passholder perks, merch discounts, and alcohol restrictions tied to the Monster Makeup Experience
Fan Fest Nights merch preview includes Star Trek, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more
Universal’s $2B economic impact for Florida and $11B national impact highlighted by new reports

This episode combines park preview excitement, detailed ride analysis, and big-picture context for Universal’s most ambitious project yet.

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Colin Egglesfield on Super Soap Weekend, Surviving Cancer, and Soap Star Fame at Disney (Ep. 44)

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:01:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey sit down with actor and author Colin Egglesfield (All My Children, Something Borrowed) to revisit one of Disney’s most passionate fan events: Super Soap Weekend. Colin shares what it was like to meet thousands of soap fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, parade through the park with Goofy, and be part of the event’s final years.

They also discuss Colin’s time on All My Children, his unforgettable character arc as Erica Kane’s long-lost son, and how he battled cancer behind the scenes—while still showing up to set and filming every day.

The story behind Colin’s stolen-fetus storyline and how he landed his role on All My Children
What it was like to attend Super Soap Weekend as a featured star
The culture of soap opera fandom and merch at Disney, from autographed dolls to signed headshots
How Colin’s cancer diagnosis shaped his time on the show and inspired his public speaking career
Behind-the-scenes stories about Susan Lucci, cast bonding, and meeting fans at the parks
Details about Colin’s books Agile Artist and The Evolved Artist, plus his Inspire retreats and coaching

This heartfelt episode blends Disney fan nostalgia, behind-the-scenes soap drama, and the power of showing up through life’s toughest moments. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

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Not Just a Goof: Celebrating A Goofy Movie with the Filmmakers Behind the Disney+ Documentary (Ep. 303)

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 04:01:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down with filmmakers Eric Kimelton, Christopher Ninness, and Scott Seibold to talk about the making of Not Just a Goof, the heartfelt new Disney+ documentary celebrating the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie. They discuss lost footage, creative challenges, pop culture legacy, and their unexpected journey from fans to contributors in Goofy’s story.

Also in this episode:

Star Wars animation news out of Tokyo – Updates on Tales of the Underworld, Visions: Volume 3, The Ninth Jedi, Maul: Shadow Lord, and Young Jedi Adventures.
Tim Allen teases Toy Story 5 – Including the return of multiple Buzz Lightyears and emotional story beats.
Hailee Steinfeld talks Beyond the Spider-Verse – How she’s embracing the long development process.
DreamWorks announces Forgotten Island – A new original comedy rooted in Philippine mythology, coming September 2026.
Big City Greens celebrates its 100th episode, Bill Plympton’s Guard Dog goes free on YouTube, and Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 begins with Kiki’s Delivery Service.

It’s a jam-packed episode full of nostalgia, animation history, and exclusive insights.

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Villains, Funhouses, and the Alice Ride That Was Almost Too Dangerous to Build (Ep. 528)

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and Imagineer Jim Shull dig into the wild, weird, and wonderfully unsafe history of Disney’s unbuilt Alice in Wonderland walkthrough attraction—complete with collapsing stairs, spinning barrels, and push-bag trees.

Also in this episode:

Disneyland’s Funhouse That Never Was – Concept art and site plans reveal a walkthrough filled with rotating platforms, disorienting ramps, and a healthy disregard for OSHA.
Why Alice’s Walkthrough Got the Axe – Was it the cost, the chaos, or the fact that guests might leave with concussions and playing cards in their pockets?
Alice’s Maze Lives On – How elements of the walkthrough survived in Paris and Shanghai—hedges, live-action inspiration, and all.
Buzz Lightyear’s Costume Was a Health Risk – The original walk-around suit nearly wrecked cast members’ backs and required Disney to cover chiropractor visits.
Everest and the Yeti (Still Broken) – Jim Shull gives the latest on Disco Yeti, ride longevity, and why any real fix won’t happen until Expedition Everest hits its track expiration date.
Universal’s Deep Survey Dive – A guest poll so long and personal it should’ve come with a HIPAA notice.

From fantasy to funhouse nightmares, and from Buzz to barrel rolls, this week’s show explores the wildest ideas Disney never built—and the things they probably shouldn't have.

SHOW NOTES

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Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga” dazzles at Disneyland (Ep 105 )

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking up Season Two of “Andor.”

They then closely examine the “Star Wars” -related panels & programming at this year’s WonderCon.

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which Cole Porter song features the line “ … what a swell party this is”
How many films based-on-Stephen-King-stories films will Mark Hamill be appearing in this year
Who was a last-minute replacement for Harrison Ford / stood in for this “Star Wars” veteran as a presenter at this year’s Academy Awards

Which film from the first “Star Wars” trilogy will be presented in its original form at this year’s British Film Institute Film on Film Festival

How many pieces are there in the new LEGO Star Wars set which then recreates Jango Fett’s Firespray Class Starship

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Hop and the Hunt for a Holiday Classic: Why Easter Movies Never Stick (Ep. 47)

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:02:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a closer look at Hop, Illumination’s forgotten holiday hopeful, and why Easter has never quite found its Elf or Home Alone. From Universal’s big swings to nostalgic flops, they explore what makes holiday movies stick - and why the Easter Bunny keeps missing the mark.

• Why Hop had all the ingredients for success… but still faded into obscurity

• A look back at forgotten Easter specials like The Tale of the Bunny Picnic and Here Comes Peter Cottontail

• The challenge of making Easter “cinematic” compared to Christmas

• Wicked’s Peacock streaming success and speculation on future park tie-ins

• Epic Universe’s Parisian land and its links to Fantastic Beasts

• Horror Unleashed teases its Las Vegas Scarecrow maze

• Gabby’s Dollhouse heads to the big screen - and maybe to DreamWorks Land

• First look at the Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 trailer and HHN speculation

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The Story of Frozen Orchids on Main Street & Easter Eggs - in Disney Classics (Ep. 43)

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:05:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey hop into the season with stories of springtime mishaps, Disney merch drops, and a full breakdown of the difference between spoilers and Easter eggs (the movie kind, not the chocolate kind).

The infamous Disneyland orchid drop of the 1950s and other early Easter entertainment ideas
A look at this year’s Easter basket-ready merch, from plush Stitch bunnies to adorable Ewok Village Dorables
Disney’s new Lululemon collection and a pricey hoodie that’s… just a black hoodie
Brooks Run Disney shoes and Lauren’s comfort-first shoe philosophy
The origin of Easter eggs in video games and how Pixar carried the tradition into animation
Hidden details in Frozen, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Little Mermaid
The legacy of Disney's Easter TV specials and how hidden Mickeys started as subtle rebellion

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How long was “Black Cauldron” actually in the works at Disney (Ep 302)

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by offering birthday greetings to a modern animation master. They then welcome Neil O’Brien, author of “After Disney,” to discuss what it was like to work on the Burbank Lot back in the Late 1970s / Early 1980s

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

When did “BOOP: The Musical” do its out-of-town try-out in Chicago
How long after Charles Dickens’ death was his short story, “Life of Our Lord,” published
When did Glen Keane first begin working at Walt Disney Animation Studio
Which song from DreamWorks Animation’s “The Prince of Egypt” wound up winning an Oscar
Who did Andreas Deja share a room at Disney Studios with during the development of The Black Cauldron”

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Tariff concerns and a peek at Epic Universe (Ep 527)

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined this week by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a super-sized edition of this podcast. As these three first recap Len’s recent visit to Orlando’s newest theme park and then discuss what recent stock market fluctuations might mean for Disney’s previously announced plans for its Florida Resort

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which “Isle of Berk” attraction might remind Epic Universe visitors of a certain opening day attraction over at IOA

What did Bob Iger reportedly talk about when he dropped in on an ABC News editorial meeting last week?

Why Epic Universe undoubtedly will be a better looking theme park in a year’s time

Which Epic Universe attractions will have the lowest hourly ride capacity?

What percentage of WDW visitors typically travel from Canada to visit that resort annually

SHOW NOTES

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Epic Universe Annual Passholder Details and Universal’s UK Theme Park Plans (Ep. 46)

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:02:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the biggest stories in the Universal Parks universe, including new details on Epic Universe’s Annual Passholder preview days and Universal’s officially announced theme park in the UK. Plus, they wrap up their deep dive into Universal Studios Hollywood’s 1960s Mardi Gras de Mexico and explore what these early events meant for the future of theme park entertainment.

Epic Universe preview day tickets go live - Eric shares his plan for a family-first experience
The Epic Universe photo ban is lifted - what it means for social media and spoiler-sensitive fans
Speculation on ride tech and show elements, including the Dart animatronic and Dark Universe misdirection
Universal announces its new UK park, with rumored lands pulled from Epic Universe, Beijing - and possibly even a James Bond presence
Ghostbusters props appear at the Film Vault in Orlando - teasing a Horror Nights tie-in or more?
Universal Studios Hollywood's earliest tram tour effects, including foam boulders, flash floods, and parting seas
How Mardi Gras de Mexico and Jesus Christ Superstar helped shape the model for today’s hard-ticket events

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The Rise and Fall of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! (Ep. 42)

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:05:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie with new Loungefly backpacks, wild Powerline-themed hats, and a deep dive into the film’s fan-favorite status. Then, they break down some of Disney’s latest merch trends - including crossbody water bottle holders, park-inspired baseball jerseys, and popcorn bucket Christmas ornaments… in April.

Plus, Jim shares the fascinating story of how Disney built Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! inside two U.S. parks, and why the once-hot game show fizzled fast. From lanyards and leather jackets to cruise giveaways and Cloisonné pins, this episode is packed with merch nostalgia and a surprising lesson in theme park timing.

A Goofy Movie 30th anniversary merch breakdown
Popcorn bucket ornaments (and why they’re arriving in spring)
Baseball jersey fashion taking over the parks
Dooney & Bourke’s new line featuring Disney animation classics
The rise and fall of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! at Disney parks

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Minecraft Breaks Records, Disney Pauses Tangled, and Animation Takes Over CinemaCon (Ep. 301)

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:04:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the biggest stories shaking up the animation world, including:

The explosive box office debut of A Minecraft Movie – Surpassing expectations with $157 million, becoming the biggest opening ever for a video game adaptation.
Disney pauses its live-action Tangled remake – After Snow White’s underperformance, the studio rethinks its strategy for adapting more recent animated hits.
CinemaCon 2025 highlights – Major announcements from Paramount and Disney, including updates on Elio, Zootopia 2, How to Train Your Dragon, The Smurfs, and a John Wick animated prequel.
Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke plummets post-IMAX run, while The Day the Earth Blew Up vanishes from the charts.
TV animation shake-ups – New seasons for Phineas & Ferb and South Park, and multi-season renewals for The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, and American Dad.
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld – A new animated anthology from Lucasfilm launching May 4 on Disney+.

With so much news packed into one week, Jim and Drew cover everything from theatrical blockbusters to the streaming wars—and what it all means for the future of animation.

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Fiberglass Heads and Forbidden Mountains (Ep. 526)

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Jim Hill is joined by special guest Ruben Bolling, the award-winning cartoonist behind Tom the Dancing Bug, while Len Testa is off cruising with a buffet (hopefully). From sweaty Brer Bear suits to Buzz Lightyear’s chiropractor bills, Jim and Ruben explore the history—and hazards—of Disney character costumes. Plus, they dive into the future of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, the legacy of Expedition Everest, and how Imagineers tell stories without saying a word.

Costume Carnage – Why early walk-around characters were sweaty, heavy, and occasionally hazardous (spoiler: fiberglass and rebar were involved).
Buzz Lightyear’s Evolution – From the world’s heaviest action figure costume to a full ride refresh coming soon to Magic Kingdom.
Expedition Everest Turns 19 – A look at Animal Kingdom’s mountain masterpiece and whether the Yeti might finally get his glow-up.
Drone Shows Grounded – Following an incident in Orlando, all drone shows are on pause—but what does that mean for Disney’s nighttime future?
Pixar’s 30th Anniversary in the Parks – New shows, character appearances (hello, Rex!), and nostalgic celebrations at Disneyland Resort.
Visual Storytelling 101 – Jim and Ruben connect the dots between comics and Imagineering, from panel layouts to queue design.

It’s a theme park deep dive with a dash of satire and a nod to back problems. Tune in for stories, speculation, and the weirdly enduring smell of Muppet herring.

SHOW NOTES

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Aztec Dancers, Mariachis, Tequila, and Ceremonial Sacrifices?! (Ep. 45)

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:05:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a wild detour into Universal’s 1960s event history—when guests could watch a ceremonial Aztec princess sacrifice as part of the “Mardi Gras to Mexico” celebration. Yes, really.

They also dive into the latest Universal news and rumors leading up to Epic Universe’s debut.

Universal’s new Epic Universe Portal Tour and how it’s drawing nationwide attention
A full breakdown of Epic Universe’s Express Pass pricing and early reactions
The $150 Monster Make-Up Experience—worth the price or a pass?
Rumors surrounding Rip Ride Rockit’s removal and what could replace it
Drones returning to CineSational: how Universal is reviving nighttime shows
The Voladores de Papantla, Aztec dancers, tequila bars, and scripted sacrifices that defined Universal’s wild early festival days
Deep-cut park memories like the Jack Benny vault tour and a Creature from the Black Lagoon meet-and-greet

Show Notes

For links, photos, and more context from this episode, visit:

https://jimhillmedia.com/epic-universal-podcast-aztec-dancers-mariachis-tequila-and-ceremonial-sacrifices-ep-45/

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Epic Universe Merch, Figment’s Flattening, and Duffy’s Cherry Blossom Comeback (Ep. 41)

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:04:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the colorful world of theme park merchandise—from Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival to Universal’s Epic Universe rollout—and spotlight a pastel plush lineup that’s taking over Japan (and maybe your shelf next).

Figment’s Flattening at Flower & Garden – Lauren shares her thoughts on Disney’s 3D-printed topiaries, the orange spirit jersey, and whether Figment is looking a little… squished this year.
Captain Cacao and Universal Merch Madness – Jim breaks down Universal’s plans to “Adopt a Dragon,” upgrade wands with haptic tech, and introduce new mascots, including a butter beer-loving bear.
Cherry Blossom Duffy and the Pastel Plush Invasion – From Baymax in bloom to sleepy Marie, Jim and Lauren review Japan’s newest spring merch—and speculate if Duffy’s soft-spoken friends will ever click stateside.
Bounding for the Gala – Lauren previews her Disneybound look for the Epcot 40th Anniversary Gala, complete with Cinderella blue and glass slipper energy.
Flower & Garden Tips – A rundown of the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt, the collectible prize system, and why it’s one of the best festival activities for families on a budget.

This episode is filled with plush previews, theme park strategies, and the delightful chaos of spring merch season.

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Princess Mononoke Returns, The Critic Revival Buzz, and What’s Next for Looney Tunes (Ep. 300)

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 04:05:00 -0000

In this milestone 300th episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into the biggest animation stories of the week, including:

GKIDS’ 4K re-release of Princess Mononoke – How this Studio Ghibli classic led the box office in per-screen average nearly three decades after its debut.
Disney’s Snow White struggles at the box office – What the 66% second-week drop means for the future of live-action remakes.
Jon Lovitz and Al Jean hint at a revival of The Critic – Could Jay Sherman return for a new season in today’s influencer-driven media world?
Warner Bros. to demolish Building 131, once home to Looney Tunes legends like Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng.
Netflix orders a live-action Scooby-Doo origin series, reimagining the gang’s early days at summer camp.
A Goofy Movie turns 30 – A new Disney+ documentary is on the way, and Disneyland celebrates with a Max-as-Powerline popcorn bucket.

Join Jim and Drew as they celebrate 300 episodes of Fine Tooning with industry insight, animation history, and a look at what’s next.

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The Red Car That Never Was: Sunset Boulevard’s Lost History and Epic Universe’s Survey (Ep. 525)

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill take you back to a time when Hollywood Studios had no Sunset Boulevard and how a red car, a Rocketeer supper club, and Roger Rabbit rides nearly changed everything. Plus, Universal’s first Epic Universe guest survey raises big questions about whether there’s enough to do on opening day.

Sunset Boulevard: The Original Plan – A deep dive into the never-built red car route, the South Seas Club from The Rocketeer, and a Dick Tracy ride with real Tommy guns.
Roger Rabbit Land That Never Happened – From Baby Herman’s runaway buggy to Mickey’s MovieLand, Jim shares what was almost built.
Epic Universe Survey Leaks – We’ve got the first guest experience survey, and Universal’s biggest concern might be: “Is there enough to do?”
Disney World Discounts Everywhere – Free dining, kids half off, and hotel deals… but why so many at once?
Buzz Lightyear’s Big Upgrade – A new ride vehicle and show scene just in time for Toy Story 5.
DVC Sales Office in Canada? – Why Epcot’s Canada Pavilion is getting a DVC showroom instead of poutine.
Takumi-Tei Menu Confusion – When “plant-based” doesn’t mean vegan, one listener shares a story that has Len fact-checking menus with government definitions.

Join Len and Jim as they explore the theme park “what ifs,” leaked surveys, and the surprising ways Disney’s past nearly looked a lot more like Roger Rabbit.

SHOW NOTES

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From Mariachi to Mardi Gras: The Forgotten Festival That Shaped Universal (Ep. 44)

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:05:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey uncover the surprising 1960s Hollywood event that helped inspire Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras celebrations today. Plus, they unpack the latest rumors, leaks, and hotel openings as Epic Universe edges closer to launch.

• Mardi Gras Origins: How Universal’s “Fiesta Mexicana” and “Mardi Gras de Mexico” laid the groundwork for today’s fan-favorite events.

• Epic Universe Hotel News: Terra Luna opens for bookings—what it means for the summer rush.

• Mario Kart Express Rumors: New signage reveals a possible upgrade to the most popular ride in Super Nintendo World.

• Leaked Footage Controversy: Team member previews are underway, but influencers sneaking in early may risk ruining the magic.

• Power Rangers & Military Discounts: Jim and Eric answer listener questions about live shows and lesser-known perks.

• Abraham Lincoln in the Hills?: The quirky story behind a statue that once stood tall in Universal’s early years.

It’s a mix of park history, speculation, and theme park detective work you won’t want to miss.

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Duffy’s Rise, Disney Store Nostalgia, and the Secret History of the Disney Bear (Ep. 40)

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:04:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey go full collector mode with stories of forgotten plush, rare merch, and the unexpected international success of one very determined Disney bear.

The Return of Duffy – From Tokyo-exclusive meet-and-greets to his spot in Disneyland’s new cavalcade, Disney is going all in (again) on Duffy and his friends.
The Secret Origin of the Disney Bear – Before he was Duffy, he was an unloved plush at Once Upon a Toy—and Jim shares the wild backstory of how he became a phenomenon in Japan.
The Lost Legacy of the Disney Store – With a 38th anniversary celebration underway, Lauren and Jim reflect on the rise and fall of the beloved retail chain.
D23 Frustrations and Freebies – From vanishing magazines to exclusive shopping windows, Lauren makes her case for why members deserve more (and maybe a plus-one).
Collector PSA – If you love Disney merch history, Lauren recommends checking out Up for Auction, the CW series hosted by Chris Hardwick that’s loaded with rare finds.

This episode is full of deep cuts, hot takes, and a two-part Duffy deep dive that might just change the way you look at Disney plush. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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Snow White’s Box Office, Coco 2, and Pixar’s Elio Gets a Rewrite (Ep. 299)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:05:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Jim Hill and Drew dive deep into the latest news and developments in the world of animation:

Snow White’s Slow Start – Disney’s live-action remake stumbles at the box office, and Drew shares his take after seeing the film.
Coco 2 Announced (and Unannounced) – A sequel to Pixar’s Coco is confirmed by Bob Iger... and then quietly walked back.
The Elio Overhaul – Pixar’s original story of a shy kid mistaken for Earth’s leader has been rewritten into a buddy comedy. Drew breaks down the changes in tone, direction, and voice cast.
The Long Journey of Toy Story 5 and Tron: Ares – Updates on test screenings and long-in-development sequels finally seeing the light of day.
Forgotten Disney Projects – From the scrapped Rose Red spinoff to the sci-fi Snowstar, Jim and Drew explore the alternate versions of Snow White that never made it to the screen.
Coyote vs. Acme & Looney Tunes Drama – Ketchup Entertainment offers Warner Bros. $50 million for the rights to release Coyote vs. Acme.

Plus, hear about Jim’s surprise birthday video from Josh Gad, Drew’s Art of Amphibia book launch, and how Disney almost brought The Seven Dwarfs back as a fantasy trilogy.

A packed episode filled with history, hot takes, and the latest headlines in animation.

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Reflections Complete: The Full Story of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge and the Evolution of DVC (Ep. 524)

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by DVC expert Paul Krieger to finally wrap up the long-running series on Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge—now Lakeshore Lodge. They explore how this project evolved from concept to construction, what’s next for the Fort Wilderness area, and how Disney Vacation Club is changing the way it builds and brands new resorts.

Reflections Becomes Lakeshore Lodge – How Disney quietly rebranded and reimagined the long-delayed Bay Lake resort.
DVC's Changing Design Philosophy – From rustic to refined: Why today’s DVC resorts look more like luxury hotels than themed lodges.
Water Features and Cabins Revealed – What new blueprints and site plans tell us about the size of the pool complex and three distinct cabin types.
The Rise of Fort Wilderness as a DVC Mega-Resort – 350 cabins, plus Lakeshore Lodge, could make it the largest DVC footprint at Walt Disney World.
DVC History with Paul Krieger – A crash course in the evolution of the Disney Vacation Club—from Old Key West and Vero Beach to the Island Tower at the Polynesian.
Will We Ever Get Buffalo Junction or a Fort Wilderness Railroad? – Jim and Len speculate on what could still be built if Lakeshore Lodge succeeds.

It’s the end of the Reflections series and a deep dive into how Disney builds resorts, tells stories, and sells timeshares—DVC style.

SHOW NOTES

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Snow Star, Season of the Force, and the Untold Story Behind the Star Wars Holiday Special (Ep. 104)

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 04:05:00 -0000

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the wild intersections of Star Wars history, theme park updates, and forgotten Lucasfilm curiosities:

A closer look at Disney’s abandoned 1979 sci-fi project “Snow Star,” a reimagined Snow White set in space.
New budget details and storytelling ambitions behind The Mandalorian & Grogu film, debuting May 22, 2026—alongside a new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run ride film featuring Mando and Grogu.
WonderCon 2025 preview: Panels every Star Wars fan should catch, from trivia parties to cosplay and behind-the-scenes insights on Skeleton Crew and Kenobi.
A deep dive into Bruce Vilanch’s new memoir and how it unpacks the creation—and chaos—of the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special.

From scrapped film concepts to theme park expansions and the bizarre TV moments Lucasfilm would rather forget, this episode is packed with Star Wars storytelling both new and nostalgic.

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From SpongeBob to Slime: The Story of Nickelodeon at Universal (Ep. 43)

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 04:05:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive deep into the surprising and nostalgic story of Nickelodeon’s presence at Universal Studios Florida—from green slime to dark rides and beyond. Plus, they share the latest updates on Epic Universe and more theme park buzz. Highlights include:

Nickelodeon at Universal Studios Florida: How a rent-free deal brought Nick Studios to Orlando and made Double Dare, the Slime Geyser, and Nick-themed attractions part of theme park history.
Jimmy Neutron’s Nicktoon Blast & SpongeBob Square Store: The rise (and fall) of Nick’s attraction presence in the park—and what stayed behind.
SpongeBob in Las Vegas: Eric’s review of the new dark ride at Circus Circus and the surprising quality of this family-friendly experience.
Epic Universe Parking Lot Names Revealed: Eric and Jim break down the new themed lot sections like Monster, Gamer, and Hero.
Universal Hollywood’s Free Parking Updates: What new perks mean for Gold and Platinum passholders—and why free parking hours don’t always make sense.
Rumors of Universal’s ‘Mega Movie Summer’: Alicia Stella uncovers a new trademark hinting at a possible new event or seasonal promotion.
Rankin/Bass & Classic Media Catalog: Jim unpacks the forgotten goldmine of IP (like Rudolph, Casper, and Rocky & Bullwinkle) that Universal owns but rarely uses.

From ‘90s nostalgia to Epic Universe speculation, this episode is packed with trivia, theme park deep dives, and classic Nickelodeon vibes!

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The Lawsuit That Changed Disney Animation Forever: Lady and the Tramp’s Legal Fight (Ep. 39)

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 01:17:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the drama surrounding Disney’s latest projects, from the controversial Snow White live-action remake to a major legal battle over Lady and the Tramp.

Snow White’s Live-Action Gamble – How the film’s casting choices, premiere strategy, and audience reactions are shaping its box office projections.
Lady and the Tramp’s $3.2 Million Lawsuit – The fascinating story of how Peggy Lee took Disney to court—and won.
Disney’s Fortnite Partnership – What Imagineers are teasing about in-park gaming experiences and how fans are reacting.
Lilo & Stitch Merch Takeover – How Disney is positioning Lilo & Stitch as its next big marketing push, from Happy Meals to theme park exclusives.
Disney’s First Adults-Only Bar at EPCOT – Why Disney is doubling down on the ‘Disney Adult’ trend with GEO 82 inside Spaceship Earth.

From legal battles to marketing strategies, this episode is packed with hot takes, controversy, and insider insights. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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Snow White’s Box Office Concerns and the Future of Disney’s Live-Action Remakes (Ep. 298)

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:05:00 -0000

In this episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into the latest animation and entertainment news, including:

Disney braces for a rough opening weekend for Snow White – How revised box office projections signal trouble for the live-action remake.
The Lilo & Stitch trailer breaks records – Why it’s Disney’s second-most viewed live-action trailer ever.
What’s next for Disney’s live-action Tangled – Could Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi return for cameo roles?
A disappointing start for The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie – What went wrong at the box office?
Warner Bros. quietly removes 255 classic Looney Tunes shorts from Max – What does this mean for the future of the franchise?
Anika Noni Rose speaks out on Tiana’s cancellation – Could a Disney+ special revive the character?

Tune in as Jim and Drew break down the latest industry shifts, box office surprises, and behind-the-scenes animation news.

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Universal’s Forgotten Past: Ma & Pa Kettle’s Hollywood Legacy (Ep. 42)

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a nostalgic journey through Universal’s lesser-known history, focusing on the Ma & Pa Kettle film series and its unexpected impact on Universal Studios Hollywood. Along the way, they also dive into the latest Universal news and rumors. Highlights include:

The Ma & Pa Kettle Film Legacy: How these quirky, small-town characters became box office gold for Universal in the 1940s and 50s.
The Ma & Pa Kettle Petting Zoo: How Universal repurposed the set into a real farm attraction for guests in the early days of the studio tour.
The Evolution of Universal Studios Hollywood: From petting zoos to world-class attractions, how the park transitioned into the entertainment giant it is today.
Epic Universe Updates: The latest behind-the-scenes insights from team member previews, including first reactions to Monsters Unchained and Isle of Berk.
Stardust Racers Testing Issues: What happened when Universal’s new dueling coaster stalled on the track?
Cirque du Soleil in Vegas: Eric shares his experience seeing the long-running Mystère show and how Cirque compares to other theme park entertainment.

This episode blends Hollywood history, Universal’s evolving theme park legacy, and the latest attraction updates. Whether you're a longtime film buff or excited for the future of Universal parks, this one’s for you!

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Disney Cancels Tiana Series and Favreau’s Oswald Project (Ep. 297)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down a massive week in animation news, including:

Disney’s shocking decision to cancel the Tiana series for Disney+ and why the studio is stepping away from long-form streaming content.
Ne Zha 2’s unprecedented box office run – How the Chinese animated film crossed $2 billion and is climbing the list of the highest-grossing films ever.
Jon Favreau’s new Oswald the Lucky Rabbit series – What to expect from this live-action/animation hybrid for Disney+.
A Disney animator’s story of loss and gratitude – How the studio’s unexpected gesture helped one artist recover after the Eaton Canyon fire.
Big moments in animation history up for auction – Van Eaton Galleries’ Bob Clampett collection goes on sale.

Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, expert insights, and the latest in animation!

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The Indiana Jones Ride at Animal Kingdom: What We Know So Far (Ep. 522)

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal new details about the Indiana Jones ride planned for Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas land, including early concept art, ride storylines, and how Imagineering is staying true to Maya culture. Plus, Len shares insights from an archaeology conference where Disney presented these plans to Maya experts.

Indiana Jones Ride Concept Art – A closer look at the Maya-inspired temple, its intricate carvings, and the hints at the ride’s storyline.
Mayan Gods and the Ride’s Story – How the rain god Chok and the feathered serpent Kukulkan might fit into the plot.
Temple of the Forbidden Eye Connection – Why this ride could be the spiritual successor to the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland.
Dinoland’s New Direction – What the demolition of Cementosaurus and the overhaul of Dino-Rama mean for Animal Kingdom’s future.
Universal’s Next Big Event – Early hints about a FanFest at Universal Orlando featuring sci-fi, fantasy, and anime franchises.

Join Len and Jim as they explore the future of Animal Kingdom, Universal’s bold new plans, and what it all means for theme park fans.

SHOW NOTES

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News, More News, and Even More News from Universal (Ep. 41)

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the latest news about Epic Universe as team member previews begin, along with rumors about the highly anticipated Wolfman coaster. Plus, they explore Universal’s expanding horror offerings and what’s next for theme park fans. Highlights include:

Epic Universe Team Member Previews: What early reactions reveal about the Ministry of Magic, Isle of Berk, and new interactive wands.
Wolfman Coaster Rumors: Speculation about the mysterious netting seen on the Curse of the Werewolf coaster and how it might hint at a thrilling new ride experience.
Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas: A sneak peek at the year-round horror attraction opening in August, featuring iconic Universal Monsters.
Virtual Queues and New Ticket Options: How Universal is handling crowd control and what new vacation packages mean for fans.
Shrek 5 Trailer Reactions: Why the character redesigns are causing a stir among fans.
FanFest at Universal Studios Hollywood: From Back to the Future recreations to walk-around characters from Wicked and One Piece.

This episode is packed with Epic Universe previews, horror rumors, and plenty of speculation. Whether you’re excited for new coasters or curious about Universal’s horror expansion, this one’s for you!

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The 57-Second Rule: How Disney Makes You Spend More After Every Ride (Ep. 38)

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the secrets behind Disney’s gift shops and why you’re always tempted to buy merch after every ride. From Mattel’s influence in the 1990s to the psychological tricks Imagineers use to boost sales, you’ll never look at a Disney gift shop the same way again.

• The 57-Second Rule – How Disney learned that you need to see merch within 57 seconds of exiting a ride for the best chance of making a sale.

• The Origins of Post-Ride Gift Shops – How Mattel’s push for in-park sales changed Disney’s approach to retail.

• The Tower of Terror Drama – Why Tower Hotel Gifts was doomed to fail and how Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster fixed Disney’s merch strategy.

• Springtime Traditions at Disney – Lauren previews the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt and new pastel plush collections.

• Disney Adults and Expensive Vacations – Why Disney is marketing more to adult fans and the rising costs of theme park trips.

Whether you’re a Disney merch collector or love uncovering theme park secrets, this episode is packed with fascinating stories and insider info. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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“Flow,” “In the Shadow of the Cypress” take home Oscar gold (Ep.296)

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the 97th Academy Awards. They then offer up a tribute to the late great publicist & animation champion, Fumi Kitahara

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

When is “Ne Zha 2” expected to blow through the $2 billion barrier at the worldwide box office

Which produced-by-Marvel-Animation series just got renewed for a fifth season

Why is the redesign of the characters for “Shrek 5” really not a big deal

How many “Krypto” shorts is Warner Brothers Discovery supposed to be producing after “Superman: Legacy” is released to theaters this July

What Halloween-themed short was the most viewed piece of animation on Netflix in the second half of 2024

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The Untold Story of Ron Miller and Disney’s Lost Era (Ep. 521)

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by award-winning journalist Neil O’Brien to explore the most under-reported period in Disney’s history—the years between Walt’s death and Michael Eisner’s arrival. Neil’s new book, "After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company," uncovers how Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law and former CEO, helped shape the modern Disney we know today.

The Rise and Fall of Ron Miller – How Walt’s son-in-law launched the Disney Channel, Touchstone Pictures, and Epcot, only to be forced out in 1984.
The Black Cauldron’s Lost Ride – Ron’s ambitious plan for a Black Cauldron-themed boat ride at Disney parks that never happened.
Secrets of Epcot’s Design – How a vacant lot in Diane Disney’s neighborhood inspired Walt’s vision for a utopian city.
Universal’s New Fan Event? – Is Universal planning a sci-fi, fantasy, and anime-themed fan festival at Universal Orlando Resort?

Join Len, Jim, and Neil for a deep dive into Disney’s forgotten history, abandoned projects, and the decisions that shaped the company’s future.

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The Dark Crystal: Universal’s Jim Henson Experiment (Ep. 40)

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Jim Henson’s Muppets found their way to Universal Pictures with The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal. Plus, they cover the latest Universal Studios news, from Super Bowl ads to Epic Universe food reveals. Highlights include:

The Great Muppet Caper at Universal: How Universal Pictures got involved with Jim Henson’s second Muppet film and what went wrong at the box office.
The Dark Crystal’s Production Nightmare: Why Jim Henson’s boldest film was nearly unreleasable—and how Universal forced last-minute changes.
Scarlett Johansson Joins Jurassic World: How the longtime Jurassic Park superfan finally landed a role in Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Epic Universe Food Preview: A breakdown of the newly revealed menus and the must-try dishes coming to Universal’s newest theme park.
Butterbeer Season Arrives: Universal launches new Butterbeer Crepes and nationwide pop-up Butterbeer carts.
Universal’s Search for Food Vloggers: How you can apply to be part of Universal Orlando’s new YouTube food series.

This episode blends Muppet nostalgia, Universal history, and the latest theme park news. Whether you love classic films or are counting down to Epic Universe, this one’s for you!

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Exiting Through the Gift Shop: The Psychology Behind Disney Merch (Ep. 37)

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey uncover the fascinating history of why Disney fans always exit through a gift shop. From strategic design choices to corporate sponsorships, Disney has perfected the art of making sure you leave with a little extra magic in your bag.

The Origins of Exit Gift Shops – How early Disney parks positioned stores for maximum spending.
Mattel’s Surprising Role in Disney’s Retail Evolution – How a 1990s partnership changed the way we shop at theme parks.
Bath & Body Works x Disney Princess Collection – Lauren reviews the viral scents, ranking the best and worst.
Pandora’s Disney Princess Rings Drama – Why some fans are up in arms about these new jewelry designs.
Vegas & Disney Crossovers – Lauren preps for her first trip to Las Vegas and hunts for Disney magic in Sin City.

And this is just Part One! Stay tuned for the next episode, where Jim dives even deeper into how Disney perfected its in-park shopping experience. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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Ne Zha 2 Breaks Records, Mufasa Hits Streaming, and The Future of Adult Animation (Ep. 295)

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the latest in animation news, including:

Ne Zha 2’s historic box office run – How the Chinese animated epic became the highest-grossing animated film worldwide, surpassing Frozen 2.
Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King and DreamWorks’ Dog Man hit digital – What their home release means for the industry.
The rise of adult animation – Robot Chicken celebrates 20 years, while Nikelodeon expands its lineup with Avatar: The Seven Havens.
Disney+’s latest animation drops – Thoughts on Win or Lose and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
The Simpsons’ Disney+ exclusives – Are they living up to the hype?

Tune in for expert analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and the latest in animation!

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Buffalo Junction: Disney’s Forgotten Frontier Resort (Ep. 520)

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill, joined by former Imagineer Jim Shull, dive into the fascinating history of Buffalo Junction, the resort Disney almost built between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. Inspired by Disneyland Paris, this Wild West-themed destination was set to include a working railroad, frontier town-style hotel, and a live Buffalo Bill Wild West show—so what happened?

Buffalo Junction: The Resort That Never Was – Disney’s ambitious plan for an Old West town complete with a steam train and dinner show.
How Disneyland Paris Inspired This Resort – The success of Frontierland and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show nearly brought the idea stateside.
The End of the Fort Wilderness Railroad – Why Disney abandoned steam trains at Fort Wilderness and how they almost made a comeback.
Universal’s Year-Round Halloween Horror Nights – Details on Universal Horror Unleashed, opening in Las Vegas this summer.
Virtual Queues Ending at Disney Parks – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind drop their virtual queues—what it means for guests.

Join Len, Jim, and Jim Shull for a deep dive into Disney’s lost resort projects, Fort Wilderness expansion plans, and how theme park design continues to evolve.

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How The Muppet Movie Set the Stage for Universal’s Muppet Deal (Ep. 39)

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey continue their deep dive into The Muppets’ surprising relationship with Universal Studios, exploring how Jim Henson’s creations almost found a home with the studio long before Disney. Plus, they cover the latest Universal news and updates. Highlights include:

The Muppets & Universal: How The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal were distributed by Universal, and why the studio took a risk on Jim Henson’s boldest project.
Jim Henson’s Hollywood Struggles: The challenges Henson faced in getting The Dark Crystal financed and how Universal nearly lost faith in the project.
Volcano Bay’s First-Ever Nighttime Event: What to expect from Universal’s new after-hours water park experience.
Epic Universe Updates: A first look at Universal’s life-size animatronic dragons appearing at Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk.
Harry Potter’s New Wands at Epic Universe: The latest sneak peek at the exclusive wand collection coming to the Ministry of Magic.

This episode blends theme park history, Muppet nostalgia, and the latest Universal Studios news. If you're a fan of The Muppets, Universal Studios, or Hollywood what-ifs, this one’s for you!

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How Disney Printed Its Own Money and Why It Disappeared (Ep. 36)

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to discuss Disney’s long-lost currency, exciting new merch releases, and how Disney fans keep the magic alive through collectibles.

The History of Disney Dollars – How Disney once printed its own money, why it disappeared, and whether it could make a comeback.
Pin Trading’s 25th Anniversary – The latest must-have pins, why the math isn’t adding up, and how pin trading has become a Disney subculture.
Monsters, Inc. Crocs & Merch Madness – The fuzzy Sulley shoes making waves and whether they belong in the parks or just at home.
Pinocchio Turns 85 – A look at the anniversary merch celebrating one of Disney’s most iconic animated films.
LA Strong T-Shirt for Wildfire Relief – Disney’s new charity merch and how you can support a great cause.

Whether you’re a longtime Disney collector or just love the nostalgia of old-school Disney perks, this episode has something for every fan. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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How to Train Your Dragon’s Live-Action Leap and The Race for Best Animated Feature (Ep. 294)

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into the biggest stories in animation, including:

The live-action How to Train Your Dragon – Drew shares behind-the-scenes details from his visit to the Universal lot, where he sat in the editing bay with director Dean DeBlois.
The Academy Awards race heats up! With the Oscars just two weeks away, The Wild Robot and Flow battle for Best Animated Feature.
Box office updates: Ne Zha 2 smashes records in China, surpassing Frozen 2’s worldwide gross in just 18 days.
The return of Feathers McGraw! Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl wins big at the BAFTAs, and Drew uncovers how Aardman revived the iconic villain.
Disney blinks! Elio moves its release date after the first How to Train Your Dragon trailer drops.

Tune in for exclusive industry insights, awards buzz, and deep dives into animation’s biggest stories!

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Is D23 the New Magic Kingdom Club… and Is It Worth It? (Ep. 519)

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Hollywood Studios’ unannounced Villaintines Day event, Disney’s history of lost resort projects, and Universal’s wild new food lineup for Epic Universe.

Villaintines Day at Hollywood Studios – How Disney surprised guests with an unannounced villains-themed event, complete with rare character greetings and themed giveaways.
Cypress Point Lodge: The Disney Resort That Never Was – The story behind Disney’s planned moderate resort and why it never happened.
Monorail Expansion Plans – Disney once had a serious plan to extend the monorail to Disney Springs—what happened?
Epic Universe Food Preview – Universal’s upcoming theme park reveals its menu, featuring everything from blood orange chicken sandwiches to a one-pound meatball.
Star Wars Updates at Disneyland – A new projection show and character greeting suggest Disney is relaxing Galaxy’s Edge’s original timeline.

Join Len and Jim as they explore Disney’s secret events, abandoned projects, and the latest theme park surprises.

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Ryan Gosling in Star Wars? The Future of Lucasfilm, Galactic Starcruiser, and Andor Season 2 (Ep. 103)

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 16:20:00 -0000

In this February 2025 episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan cover the latest developments in the Star Wars universe and beyond:

Is Ryan Gosling joining the galaxy far, far away? A deep dive into Shawn Levy’s upcoming Star Wars movie and what it means for the franchise.
The surprising transformation of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser—how Disney Imagineering is repurposing the former hotel space.
Updates on Andor Season 2, why fans were left disappointed during the Super Bowl, and what to expect leading up to its April 2025 premiere.
The evolution of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including Luke Skywalker's new role in Batuu and the upcoming nighttime projection show, Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga.
How the upcoming Rey film is shaping up, plus insights into Lucasfilm’s leadership shake-up with Derek Hoffman taking the reins.
Harrison Ford’s candid thoughts on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the realities of Hollywood box office expectations.

From behind-the-scenes insights to theme park updates, this episode dives deep into what’s next for Lucasfilm. Join Jim and Brian for a lively discussion packed with news, history, and speculation.

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Could The Muppets Have Called Universal Home? (Ep. 38)

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating history of The Muppets and their surprising connection to Universal Studios. Plus, they cover the latest Universal news and updates. Highlights include:

The Muppets & Universal: How The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal were distributed by Universal, raising the question—did Universal almost have the theme park rights to the Muppets?
Jim Henson’s Battle for Prime Time: How Henson pitched The Muppet Show to major networks before finding unexpected success overseas.
Saturday Night Live’s Muppet Experiment: The surprising (and disastrous) attempt to integrate Muppets into early SNL sketches.
FanFest at Universal Hollywood: Jim prepares for his upcoming trip to the new fan event, featuring Back to the Future and One Piece meet & greets.
Halloween Horror Nights 2024: Universal announces event dates for both Hollywood and Orlando—will M3GAN return for another creepy flash mob?
Lou Wasserman Statue Returns: The legendary Universal executive’s statue is back—Jim shares why Wasserman was a key figure in shaping Universal Studios.

This episode blends theme park history, pop culture deep dives, and the latest Universal Studios news. If you're a fan of The Muppets, Universal Studios, or theme park what-ifs, this one’s for you!

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Could The Muppets Have Called Universal Home? (Ep. 38)

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 13:10:00 -0000

The Muppets & Universal: How The Great Muppet Caper and The Dark Crystal were distributed by Universal, raising the question—did Universal almost have the theme park rights to the Muppets?
Jim Henson’s Battle for Prime Time: How Henson pitched The Muppet Show to major networks before finding unexpected success overseas.
Saturday Night Live’s Muppet Experiment: The surprising (and disastrous) attempt to integrate Muppets into early SNL sketches.
FanFest at Universal Hollywood: Jim prepares for his upcoming trip to the new fan event, featuring Back to the Future and One Piece meet & greets.
Halloween Horror Nights 2024: Universal announces event dates for both Hollywood and Orlando—will M3GAN return for another creepy flash mob?
Lou Wasserman Statue Returns: The legendary Universal executive’s statue is back—Jim shares why Wasserman was a key figure in shaping Universal Studios.

This episode blends theme park history, pop culture deep dives, and the latest Universal Studios news. If you're a fan of The Muppets, Universal Studios, or theme park what-ifs, this one’s for you!

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The Disney Wedding That Almost Happened: When Mickey and Minnie Nearly Tied the Knot (Ep. 35)

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:20:00 -0000

In this Valentine’s Day episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into all things Disney love, from dream weddings to magical merch and one of the strangest Disney proposals ever.

New Cinderella 75th Anniversary Merch – Cakeworthy’s latest collection celebrates the Disney classic with stunning apparel and accessories.
Disney Weddings and Vow Renewals – What does it cost to say “I do” in front of Cinderella Castle? We break down the price tags, perks, and hidden surprises of Disney Fairytale Weddings.
The Time Mickey and Minnie Almost Got Married – How Michael Eisner nearly made it official, and why Disney ultimately scrapped the idea.
The Real Mickey & Minnie Love Story – The voices behind Mickey and Minnie actually did fall in love and get married. Jim shares the heartwarming story of Wayne Allwine and Russi Taylor.

Whether you’re planning a Disney wedding, reminiscing about the magic of Cinderella, or just love Disney history, this episode has something for every fan. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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The Wild Robot Sweeps the Annies and The Lost Coyote vs. Acme Movie (Ep. 293)

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down one of the biggest nights in animation as The Wild Robot dominates the Annie Awards, winning eight major categories. They also dive into the frustrating fate of Coyote vs. Acme, the Warner Bros. live-action/animated film that was shelved despite glowing reviews. Plus, they discuss Dog Man’s unexpected second-week box office drop and the shifting landscape of animated features.

Also in this episode:

Why The Wild Robot’s Annie Award sweep could signal Oscar momentum.
How Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to scrap Coyote vs. Acme has angered fans and filmmakers.
What Dog Man’s box office drop-off means for the future of mid-budget animated films.
Where to stream Flow, the Oscar-nominated indie animated film making waves worldwide.

Tune in for expert insights, industry updates, and deep dives into the world of animation!

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How Disney Tried (and Failed) to Sell a Ticket Book for Fort Wilderness (Ep. 518)

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dive into the history of Fort Wilderness and River Country, including the expansion that almost happened and how Disney’s first water park became a fan favorite before shutting down. Plus, Jim continues the story of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge and why it never made it off the ground.

River Country’s Rise and Fall: How Disney’s first water park became wildly popular—and why it ultimately closed for good.
Fort Wilderness Expansion Plans: Disney once planned a whole Western-themed town for guests to explore—so what happened?
Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers more about the shelved resort project and what Disney originally planned for Bay Lake.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass Updates: Disney’s premium skip-the-line pass is selling out even on slow days—so is another price increase coming?
Epic Universe Previews Begin: What we know about Universal’s upcoming soft openings and when guests might get their first look.

Join Len and Jim for a deep dive into Disney history, surprising theme park changes, and what could be next for Fort Wilderness and Bay Lake.

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How DreamWorks Almost Made a Very Different How to Train Your Dragon (Ep. 37)

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a deep dive into the history of How to Train Your Dragon and how it became one of DreamWorks’ most beloved franchises. Plus, they break down all the latest Universal news!

First-Time Viewing Experience: Eric shares his reaction to watching How to Train Your Dragon for the first time and how it changed his excitement for Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk.
The Making of How to Train Your Dragon: How DreamWorks nearly made a very different version of the film before Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois took over.
Dog Man Comes to Universal Orlando: Meet & greets and themed food debut in DreamWorks Land just days after the movie’s release.
Dark Universe Updates: BioReconstruct captures street performers inside Darkmoor Village, hinting at the immersive experience ahead.
Mardi Gras 2025 Kicks Off: Huge crowds pack into Universal Orlando for opening weekend, with T-Pain headlining the first concert.
New Tribute Store – Legends of the Bayou: Universal embraces cryptid lore, with rooms themed to the Moss Man and Grunch Road Monster.
Rip Ride Rockit’s Closing Date Announced: The ride will officially shut down on September 20, 2025, with speculation on when demolition will begin.

This episode is packed with theme park updates, animation history, and plenty of dragon talk. Whether you’re a longtime How to Train Your Dragon fan or just excited for Epic Universe, this one’s for you!

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The Marketing Genius Behind "I’m Going to Disneyland" (Ep. 34)

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill, Lauren Hersey, and special guest Eric Hersey dive into the surprising crossover between Disney and the biggest sporting event of the year—the Super Bowl.

The origins of the legendary "I'm Going to Disneyland" phrase and how it all started with Jane Eisner’s brilliant idea.
Michael Eisner’s deep love of sports and how it led to Disney owning The Mighty Ducks and The Anaheim Angels.
The Super Bowl commercial game—why brands pay millions and how Disney’s new cruise line ad is making waves.
The collectible side of sports: Disney trading cards, vintage Mighty Ducks jerseys, and the rarest Disney sports merch.
A sneak peek at RunDisney Princess Half Marathon merch and the eBay resale market that has runners fuming.

If you love Disney, sports, and the fascinating stories behind marketing magic, this episode is a must-listen. Available now on your favorite podcast platform!

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How Dog Man Became DreamWorks’ First Big Hit of 2025 (Ep. 292)

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

Dog Man’s impressive $36M opening weekend and what it means for DreamWorks Animation.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the fascinating history behind Splash Mountain’s reimagining.
Will Ferrell’s viral Buddy the Elf moment at an LA Kings game and his surprising reason for rejecting Elf 2.
Updates on The Simpsons’ upcoming season and exclusive Disney+ episodes.
The changing landscape of animated indie films like The Day the Earth Blew Up and Wed Wabbit.

Tune in as Jim and Drew break down the latest animation news, industry trends, and behind-the-scenes stories!

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Annual Passes and the Mystery of Disney’s Vanishing Resort (Ep. 517)

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the surprising history of annual passes—how Disneyland accidentally created a theme park membership program and what Disney might have in store next. Plus, Jim continues the saga of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the resort that made it to the concept art phase but never to reality.

The Origins of Annual Passes: How Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom Club set the stage for the modern theme park pass and why Disney might be rethinking it.
Hollywood Studios Updates: What’s closing, what’s opening, and why Muppet*Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s, and Pizza Rizzo are all saying goodbye.
Universal’s New Events: Mardi Gras, Volcano Bay Nights, and Butterbeer Season—because Universal understands that food-based festivals are the true theme park superpower.
Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim dives into Disney’s big plans for Bay Lake, why they hit pause, and whether this project will ever return.
Muppets at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?: Is Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem really taking over from Aerosmith? And is that actually a bad thing?

Join Len and Jim as they break down Disney history, park updates, and whether we’ll ever see a new resort built before the next iteration of Genie+.

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Addams Family and The Munsters: How Two Spooky Sitcoms Battled for Prime Time (Ep. 36)

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore Universal’s updates and dive into the rich history of The Munsters. Highlights include:

The Munsters’ Origins: How a pitch for an animated series turned into one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms.
Wicked’s Box Office Success: Its award potential and the announcement of the new subtitle, For Good.
Universal Studios Florida Updates: New entrance music and digital signage enhancing the guest experience.
Stella Nova Resort: First impressions of Universal’s sleek, space-themed hotel.
Wolfman and Monster Movies: A look at Wolfman’s mixed reviews and its impact on Universal’s monster movie future.
Shrek 5 and Minions 3 News: The latest updates on Universal’s animated franchises.

This episode is packed with Universal updates, classic monster nostalgia, and exciting insights into upcoming projects!

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The Cinderella Story You’ve Never Heard: How a Bank Saved Disney and Built an Empire (Ep. 33)

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into Disney anniversaries, exciting new merch, and the bittersweet farewell to a fan-favorite attraction.

Cinderella’s 75th Anniversary: The surprising history of how Bank of America played a role in bringing this Disney classic to life.
Muppet Vision 3D’s Closure: What we know about the end of this beloved attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and what’s rumored to replace it.
Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Merch: A brand-new rotating themed store is coming to Downtown Disney.
The Most Expensive Disney Collectible: A $285,000 crystal Cinderella Castle—who’s buying it?
Mini Collectibles & New Merch: The latest must-haves, including the irresistible new Cinderella mini ears and limited-edition collections.

Whether you’re a fan of Disney history, rare collectibles, or just keeping up with what’s new in the parks, this episode has something for every Disney fan. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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Animated Oscars Buzz: The Wild Robot, Flow, and Surprising Snubs (Ep. 291)

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:20:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

Warner Bros. Animation’s ambitious adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go! and its 2028 release plans.
The marketing genius behind DreamWorks’ Dog Man, including a new The Bad Guys short premiering with the film.
Animated Academy Award nominees, from The Wild Robot to Flow, and surprising snubs like Moana 2.
The evolving Oscars strategy for animated features, including Disney’s hits and misses in the Best Song category.
Changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including new animation-themed shows replacing MuppetVision 3D.

Join Jim and Drew for an in-depth look at animation news, awards buzz, and how studios are shaping the future of family entertainment!

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Conquering Epcot’s Festival of the Arts and the Mystery of Disney’s Reflections (Ep. 516)

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison to explore the best (and worst) of Epcot’s Festival of the Arts while diving into the intriguing history of Disney’s shelved resort project, Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge.

Festival of the Arts Food Tour: Christina breaks down the must-try dishes, including the return of Japan’s Taiyaki and the surprising stars of the Painted Panda booth.
Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim continues the story of Disney’s abandoned Bay Lake resort and what might take its place.
Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Is it worth the cost when crowd levels drop below a 5?
Universal’s Stella Nova Resort: Christina shares her review of Universal’s new value hotel, including the perks of staying near Epic Universe.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Update: Why is Disney adjusting operating hours so soon after its debut?

Join Len, Jim, and Christina for a delicious deep dive into Epcot’s festival eats, Disney history, and Universal’s latest addition.

SHOW NOTES

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Skeleton Crew Reflections, Dawn of the Jedi, and the Unexpected Journey of David Lynch (Ep. 102)

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 12:20:00 -0000

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan dive into a mix of Lucasfilm updates, thought-provoking stories, and industry reflections:

A retrospective on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, exploring its strengths, challenges, and future prospects.
Insights into James Mangold’s ambitious Dawn of the Jedi project, a sweeping tale exploring the origins of the Force.
The fascinating story of George Lucas’s attempt to recruit David Lynch for Return of the Jedi—and why Lynch ultimately said no.
Warwick Davis’s prestigious BAFTA Fellowship and his legacy as Wicket the Ewok.
Updates on upcoming Star Wars projects, including Andor Season 2 and The Mandalorian & Grogu movie.

From nostalgic reflections to exciting updates, join Jim and Brian for a lively discussion that delves deep into the Lucasfilm universe and beyond.

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How Looney Tunes Helped Shape Universal’s The Munsters (Ep. 35)

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey tackle a variety of Universal Studios updates and dive into the history of The Munsters. Highlights include:

Wildfires and Universal Hollywood’s Closure: How recent California wildfires forced a rare closure of Universal Studios Hollywood, plus ways to support relief efforts.
Rock the Universe: A preview of Universal Orlando’s Christian music festival and why it’s a great weekend to visit the parks.
The Stella Nova Resort: First impressions of Universal’s newest resort, featuring a sleek space-themed design and unique guest experiences.
Skull Island Q&A with Mike West: Insights from the former Imagineer on the design and storytelling behind Reign of Kong.
The Munsters Origin Story: How Universal’s iconic sitcom emerged during the 1960s and its connection to the studio’s classic monsters.

Whether you’re a fan of Universal’s latest attractions or nostalgic for classic monster lore, this episode has something for everyone!

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From Wildcats to World Tours: The High School Musical Phenomenon (Ep. 32)

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the magical intersection of Disney history and merchandise with some fascinating stories and updates:

High School Musical: Celebrating the anniversary of this unexpected hit, we uncover behind-the-scenes stories and its massive impact on Disney’s tween empire.
Star Wars Merch: From Skeleton Crew collectibles to the franchise’s record-breaking $32 billion in merchandise sales, we explore what makes Star Wars the ultimate merch machine.
Disney at CES: Discover how Disney’s ad tech innovations are shaping the future of personalized ads across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
Mini Mix Plush Hats: Get the latest updates on these quirky park favorites and what’s next in Disney’s unique merchandising trends.

Whether you’re a fan of Disney history, cutting-edge tech, or just love collecting Disney merch, this episode has something for everyone.

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How Hades Became the Star of Disney’s Hercules (Ep. 290)

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

A behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s Hercules, from the creation of Hades to Jeffrey Katzenberg’s surprising influence on the character.
The passing of legendary filmmakers David Lynch and Robert Verrall, celebrating their lasting impact on cinema and animation.
Box office highlights, including Moana 2 crossing the billion-dollar milestone and Mufasa: The Lion King’s continued success.
Exciting new releases, including trailers for Pixar’s Win or Lose and DreamWorks’ Dog Man.

Join Jim and Drew for insights, stories, and industry updates that celebrate animation’s rich history and exciting future.

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How to Beat Animal Kingdom Before Breakfast (and What Happened to Reflections?) (Ep. 515)

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill share how to conquer Animal Kingdom faster than you can finish a Mickey waffle and dig into the curious case of Disney’s Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge.

Animal Kingdom Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to finishing all major rides in under two hours—because who has time to wait in line?
Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers the rise, fall, and possible resurrection of Disney’s most mysterious resort project.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure vs. Splash Mountain: Fans weigh in—has Tiana’s really taken the crown from Splash?
Smuggler’s Run Upgrades: Could Grogu finally make being an engineer on the Millennium Falcon cool?
Dinoland’s New Beat: A drumming band made from recycled materials? That’s the kind of green initiative even Mickey can’t resist.

Tune in for tips, history, and plenty of questions like, “Is it really a park day if you’re home by 10 a.m.?”

SHOW NOTES

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The Monster Mash: Universal’s Classic Crossover Films (Ep. 34)

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey howl into the legacy of The Wolfman and explore Universal’s iconic monster history. Plus, they cover a variety of Universal Studios updates and nostalgic gems. Highlights include:

The Wolfman’s Legacy: From Lon Chaney Jr.’s classic transformation to Blumhouse’s new reimagining, how the Wolfman defined Universal’s horror legacy.
Monster Crossovers: How films like Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman paved the way for today’s cinematic universes.
Meet & Greet Updates: Universal Studios Hollywood announces auditions for Back to the Future and Dungeons & Dragons characters for its upcoming FanFest event.
The Simpsons Land’s Uncertain Future: What Disney’s recent survey could mean for the beloved Universal attraction.

Whether you’re a fan of horror classics, theme park updates, or Universal history, this episode has a little something for everyone!

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Festival of the Arts, A Bug’s Life, and the Secrets of Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek (Ep. 31)

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 12:20:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the latest Disney news and fascinating history, including:

A look at Epcot’s 2025 Festival of the Arts, featuring Figment-inspired merch, incredible Broadway performances, and more.
The surprising story of A Bug’s Life, its connection to Animal Kingdom, and its legacy in Disney history.
The evolution of DinoLand USA and what’s next for the space as closures continue.
A deep dive into the history behind Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek, a premium experience born from Disney’s ambitious Night Kingdom plans.

Whether you're a fan of Disney festivals, park history, or insider stories, this episode is packed with insights and fun surprises.

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Wildfires Impact Animation and Josh Gad’s Olaf Journey (Ep. 289)

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

The devastating wildfires in Southern California and their impact on the animation industry.
Updates on box office hits like Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
The intriguing backstory of Olaf’s creation in Frozen and Josh Gad’s journey to voicing the beloved character.
Changes to Fox’s Sunday night “Animation Domination” lineup and what it means for The Simpsons.
The Visual Effects Society Awards nominees, including The Wild Robot.

Join Jim and Drew as they highlight the latest animation news, heartwarming stories, and reflections on industry challenges.

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Taking on Hollywood Studios Without Lightning Lane (and Winning) (Ep. 514)

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how to take on Hollywood Studios during peak crowds without relying on Lightning Lane, plus a look at Disney’s music legend George Wilkins and other park updates:

Hollywood Studios Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to beating a 9/10 crowd level in six hours flat—without Lightning Lane.
George Wilkins Tribute: The Disney composer who wrote EPCOT’s soundtrack and once reworked “Tutti Frutti” in a half-hour.
Big Thunder Mountain’s Closure: What it means for Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane priorities (spoiler: it’s chaos).
Mandalorian on Smuggler’s Run: Grogu might make engineers the stars of the Millennium Falcon.
Dinoland Demolition: What’s next for Animal Kingdom’s most polarizing area?

Join Len and Jim for strategies, stories, and maybe a few tips on not getting run over by a rope

dropper.

SHOW NOTES

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How the Creators of South Park Tricked A-List Celebrities to Roast Universal (and Drink Seagram’s) (Ep. 33)

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the fascinating and hilarious story behind Your Studio and You, a parody film created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker before South Park. Highlights include:

The Making of Your Studio and You: How Matt and Trey enlisted A-list celebrities like Steven Spielberg, Angela Lansbury, and Michael J. Fox to poke fun at Universal Studios—and even sip Seagram’s wine coolers—without them realizing the full gag.
Mardi Gras 2025 at Universal Orlando: Details on the celebration’s floats, global cuisine, and concerts featuring T-Pain, TLC, and more.
Give Kids the World Fundraiser: A look at the upcoming universally ’90s-themed event benefiting an incredible cause.
Annual Passholder Perks: From exclusive entrances to special Mardi Gras deals, discover what’s new for Universal passholders this year.

This episode blends Universal’s latest updates with a humorous dive into its history. If you’re a fan of South Park or theme park lore, you won’t want to miss this one!

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Disneyland’s 70th Celebration, Haunted Mansion’s New Gift Shop, and the Evolution of Haunted Merch (Ep. 30)

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in the New Year with exciting updates from Disneyland Resort, including its upcoming 70th anniversary celebration and the long-awaited opening of a Haunted Mansion-themed gift shop.

What You’ll Hear:

A sneak peek into Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations, including the “Celebrate Happy” theme and the return of fan-favorite nighttime spectaculars like Paint the Night.
Insights into the new World of Color: Celebrate Happy show and its connections to Inside Out 2.
A deep dive into the history of Haunted Mansion merchandise, from its humble beginnings as a single cart to the immersive new shop, Somewhere Beyond.
The evolving passion of Haunted Mansion fans and how Disneyland is leaning into immersive retail experiences for this iconic attraction.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Disneyland for the 70th festivities or curious about the origins of Haunted Mansion merch, this episode is packed with fun stories and insider details. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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Animation at the Golden Globes and Donald Duck’s Wartime Legacy (Ep. 288)

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

The 82nd Golden Globes nominees for Best Animated Motion Picture, including Inside Out 2, Moana 2, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Hayao Miyazaki’s enduring creative spirit as the Studio Ghibli legend celebrates his 84th birthday.
Disney’s history of using Donald Duck to rally Americans during WWII, including the creation of patriotic animated shorts like The New Spirit.
Updates on Mufasa: The Lion King’s box office performance and the evolving plans for Disney theme park attractions.
A sneak peek at Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man series arriving on Disney+ this month.

Join Jim and Drew as they explore animation’s rich history, exciting present, and promising future.

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How Disney’s George Wilkins Created the Soundtrack to Your EPCOT Dreams (Ep. 513)

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the remarkable career of Disney composer George Wilkins, the man behind EPCOT’s most iconic music, and discuss the latest park updates and strategies.

George Wilkins Tribute: How a 45-year-old jingle writer turned EPCOT into his personal symphony.
Free Dining Returns: Disney’s 2025 dining offer is back, but is its timing a response to Universal’s Epic Universe?
Big Thunder Mountain Closure: With this fan favorite offline, what should you grab for Lightning Lane instead?
Epic Universe Updates: Universal Orlando inches closer to opening with exciting ride testing and big surprises.

Join Len and Jim as they uncover Disney history, analyze park strategies, and debate the best way to navigate post-Big Thunder chaos.

SHOW NOTES

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Manufacturing the Magic: Old Mill Rides, Dark Rides & Simulators (EP 15)

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:17:00 -0000

In the fifteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continued\ their look at the history of themed entertainment.

This episode emphasizes how the industry changed after the First World War.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What are the specific components of an Old Mill Ride

What is typically found inside of a Tunnel of Love attraction (Besides kissing couples, I mean)

Where were the first of these attractions built?

When did old flight equipment become fodder for new theme park rides

What is considered the first true simulator ride

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The End of 2024: Universal’s Top Stories, Surveys, and Predictions for 2025 (Ep. 32)

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:10:00 -0000

In this first episode of 2025, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey recap Universal’s most exciting moments from the past year, discuss insights from a Universal guest survey, and share bold predictions for the year ahead. Highlights include:

Universal’s Guest Survey: Jim and Eric analyze intriguing survey questions about vacation planning, accessibility, and the impact of Universal’s Wicked-themed offerings on guest experiences.
Epic Universe Updates: A look back at how Universal kept fans engaged with teasers, construction updates, and marketing ahead of its May 2025 opening.
Wicked’s Phenomenal Year: From its box office success to Universal’s creative synergy with theme park experiences.
DreamWorks Land in Orlando: How Universal’s new kid-friendly area is already a hit with families.
Universal’s Remote Projects: Exploring the potential of the Texas Universal Kids Park and the Las Vegas Haunted House, and how these off-site ventures could shape the future of Universal’s theme park strategy.

Jim and Eric also reflect on their first year of podcasting together, share listener questions and insights, and make predictions about Universal’s record-breaking potential in the coming year.

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Free Events at WDW, Sports Goofy, and Valentine’s Day Merch (Ep. 29)

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 13:10:00 -0000

In this lively New Year episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore Disney’s unique take on wellness, the history of Sports Goofy, and a sneak peek at the latest Valentine’s Day merchandise.

What You’ll Hear:

Details on Disney Springs’ Wellness Month, including free fitness classes, discounts, and the surprising involvement of Everglazed Donuts.
Lauren’s insights on the chocolate-covered strawberry plush line and Valentine-themed MagicBands.
Jim’s deep dive into the origins of Sports Goofy and his evolution as Disney’s fitness ambassador.
A nostalgic look at Disney’s classic “How To” Goofy shorts and their influence on sports-themed animation.
Exclusive tips on snagging rare Valentine’s Day merch at the parks and online.

Whether you’re setting wellness goals, collecting Disney merch, or reminiscing about Goofy’s antics, this episode offers something for every Disney fan. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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A Look Back at 2024 and What’s Next for Animation in 2025 (Ep. 287)

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:10:00 -0000

In this final episode of Fine Tooning for 2024, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore:

How Mufasa: The Lion King roared back at the box office, edging out Sonic 3 during the holiday weekend.
Updates from Pixar, including Tim Allen’s return as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 5 and the lingering delays around Win or Lose.
A sneak peek at 2025’s animated lineup, from Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl to Pixar’s Elio and Zootopia 2.
The unconventional tradition of watching King Kong to ring in the New Year, and other quirky viewing habits.

Join Jim and Drew as they close out the year with a mix of animation insights, industry updates, and a look ahead at what’s coming next.

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How Expensive Can WDW’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass Get? (Ep. 512)

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 12:47:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the jaw-dropping prices of Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which sold out at a whopping $478 per person during the holidays.

Premier Pass Sticker Shock: Is there a limit to how much Disney fans will pay for shorter wait times?
Bluey Comes to Disney: The beloved pup makes her way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line.
Universal Orlando Updates: Epic Universe rides ramp up testing, and a new Fast & Furious coaster is in the works.
Listener Questions: Where are the best places to rent DVC points, and what’s the deal with Bonnet Creek’s location?
Riviera Resort Finale: Jim wraps up the fascinating history of Disney’s most glamorous DVC property.

Tune in for Disney history, park updates, and plenty of laughs as Len and Jim close out the year in style.

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The End of Rip Ride Rockit and How Universal Become a “Coaster” Theme Park (Ep. 31)

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the upcoming closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and what it means for Universal Studios Florida’s future. Highlights include:

The End of Rip Ride Rockit: A look at the iconic coaster’s history, its groundbreaking music selection feature, and the rumored Fast and Furious-themed coaster set to take its place.
Universal’s new name tags for team members featuring Epic Universe branding.
The temporary removal of drones from Universal’s nighttime show, CineSational, following safety concerns.
Updates on Universal’s Orlando Airport store
Universal Studios Japan’s potential plan to expand into parking lots with new attractions in the next 5-7 years.

This episode blends Universal’s latest updates with a nostalgic look at the coasters that defined the park’s history!

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Post-Holiday Disney Deals, Disney Institute Insights, and the History of Hyperion Studios (Ep. 28)

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:10:00 -0000

In this post-Christmas episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the world of Disney shopping, employee engagement, and the fascinating history of the Walt Disney Company.

What You’ll Hear:

Insider tips on scoring the best post-holiday Disney merchandise deals, from ornaments to exclusive Twice Upon a Year Sale items.
Lauren’s experience at the Disney Institute’s engagement training and behind-the-scenes access to cast services at Epcot.
Jim’s storytelling on Disney’s transition from the Hyperion Avenue studio to the state-of-the-art Burbank lot and the challenges that followed.
Hidden Disney details, from cast member traditions to the evolution of costuming technology.
A sneak peek into a virtual recreation of Hyperion Studios being developed by animator Mike Peraza.

Whether you’re a Disney fan hunting for deals or curious about the company’s rich history, this episode is packed with insights and surprises.

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Bluey’s Disney Debut and the Challenges of Mufasa: The Lion King (Ep. 286)

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into:

The excitement surrounding Bluey's upcoming presence in Disney theme parks and its debut on Disney Cruise Line.
Highlights from the Annie Awards, where The Wild Robot, Inside Out 2, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl lead the nominations.
The box office performance of Mufasa: The Lion King and how franchise timing and audience expectations played a role.
Updates on Netflix and Sony’s animated Ghostbusters project, directed by Kris Pearn.
The history of DreamWorks' B.O.O. and its journey through development limbo.

Join Jim and Drew for animation industry insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at what’s ahead in the world of animation.

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Why Disney’s Polynesian Tower Might Be the Best Magic Kingdom Hotel (Ep. 511)

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:10:00 -0000

Join Len Testa and Jim Hill as they dive into the fascinating and occasionally outrageous story of how Disney transformed Caribbean Beach into their 15th DVC property:

Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Len reviews Disney’s newest addition, featuring epic Magic Kingdom views, thoughtful amenities, and… chump prices?
Caribbean Beach to Riviera Resort: Jim uncovers the competitive forces and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that turned a moderate resort into a deluxe DVC powerhouse.
Listener Questions: Why isn’t there a Magic Kingdom resort between the Contemporary and TTC? And what’s the deal with Bonnet Creek’s proximity to Disney property?
Dynamic Pricing at Disney: Len speculates on Disney’s next big move for hotels and tickets—and what it might mean for annual passholders.

Discover the stories behind Disney’s resorts, along with plenty of laughs and fascinating insights.

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Manufacturing the Magic: Roller Coasters (Ep. 14)

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 19:44:00 -0000

In the fourteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid look at the history of this seminal thrill ride. Which started off as a strictly seasonal offering but eventually grew to become an amusement park mainstay.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

· What are the icy origins of the roller coaster

· What is an Americanski Gorsky

· What was the first looping coaster

· When was the Golden Age of Roller Coaster in the United States

· What was unusual about the orientation of the seats on early coasters

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Universal Orlando Holidays: Not a Trip Report (But Totally a Trip Report) (Ep. 30)

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

n this festive episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the magic of Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings and share exciting park updates.

Episode Highlights:

Universal’s Holiday Magic: Eric shares his first-ever experience of the holidays at Universal, from Grinchmas and Seuss Landing to the magical projection show at Hogwarts Castle.
Earl the Squirrel Adventures: Learn how this quirky character continues to charm visitors and drive holiday merch sales.
Macy’s Holiday Parade: Thoughts on the festive parade and how it stacks up to Universal’s other offerings.
Hot Butterbeer Review: Eric ranks this seasonal favorite among Universal’s signature beverages.
Perks of Annual Passes: Hear how Universal’s buy-two-days-get-two-free ticket deal turned Eric’s family into annual passholders.

Get ready for a holiday-themed deep dive into what makes Universal Orlando a must-visit destination this time of year!

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2025 Disney Merch & Emerging Trends: What You Need to Know (Ep. 27)

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Lauren Hersey shares highlights from her recent holiday trips to Disney and Universal, spotlighting the first wave of Disney’s 2025 dated merch, viral trends making waves in the parks, and budget-friendly travel tips. Meanwhile, Jim Hill recounts his trip to Christmas Con and explores the surprising connections between Hallmark and Disney.

2025 Dated Disney Merch:
Sneak peeks at pins, apparel, and glow-in-the-dark Passholder exclusives.
How Disney’s bold new designs celebrate a big year for the parks.
Viral Disney Trends:
The rise of magnetic plushies and their must-have holiday appeal.
Tokyo-inspired plush hats and their potential to be the next big thing in U.S. parks.
Universal Holiday Highlights:
Grinchmas, Earl the Squirrel merch, and the Tribute Store experience.
Comparing Universal’s holiday offerings to Disney’s legendary festive merch.
Disney Resort Festivities:
Tropical Christmas vibes at the Polynesian Village Resort.
Holiday treats like Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread cookies and why they’re a perfect gift.
Unique Disney Collaborations:
Disney x Scentsy fragrances at Epcot and other exclusive finds.
Disney-fied board games perfect for family game nights.
Travel Hacks & Money-Saving Tips:
How Lauren saved big with Universal’s annual passes.
Why staying at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort might be the ultimate budget-friendly choice.
Tokyo Disney’s Influence:
How trends from Tokyo, like make-your-own headbands, are shaping U.S. park experiences.

Don’t miss this jam-packed episode full of shopping tips, park insights, and holiday cheer!

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How Disney Flattened a Chunk of Caribbean Beach to Pave the Way for Their Priciest DVC Resort (Ep. 510)

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:27:00 -0000

Join Jim and Len as they serve up another helping of Disney history, humor, and holiday cheer:

Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Len breaks down why this year’s merriest event at Hollywood Studios is a must-visit, with mouthwatering popovers, stunning projections, and walk-on rides galore.
Cotino Housing Development Tour: Get an insider’s peek at Disney’s new mid-century modern community, where Imagineering meets high-end desert living.
Listener Questions: From the best World Showcase bathroom (yes, really) to a Muppet-inspired Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster playlist, fans bring the fun and creativity.
Riviera Resort History: Jim digs deep into how Disney turned Caribbean Beach into Riviera Resort, a deluxe DVC destination with a European flair—and a hefty price tag.

Tune in for a laugh-filled journey through Disney’s past, present, and possibly a restroom or two. Don’t miss it!

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Celebrating 35 Years of The Simpsons and Bluey’s Big Screen Debut (Ep. 285)

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:27:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

The 35th anniversary of The Simpsons debut with "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire," and how production challenges shaped its legacy.
The upcoming Bluey feature film, its creator’s vision, and how the beloved pup is heading to theaters in 2027.
Warner Bros. Animation’s Dynamic Duo, an innovative mix of animation, puppetry, and CG that explores the origins of two iconic Robins.
Sony’s Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and what’s next for the groundbreaking trilogy.
Updates on Disney+ animated premieres, including Win or Lose and Marvel’s What If… Season 3.

Join Jim and Drew as they explore the latest animation news and uncover hidden details from entertainment’s past!

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Does Skeleton Crew Signal a New Era for Star Wars? Plus Indiana Jones and John Williams (Ep. 101)

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this December episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the latest updates and stories from the world of Lucasfilm:

A festive nod to Life Day and Star Wars-themed holiday treats.
A deep dive into Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—does this series mark a turning point for the franchise?
Exclusive updates on The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, including casting news and plot hints.
A closer look at the new Indiana Jones console game, The Great Circle, and its place in the franchise’s future.
A tribute to John Williams, his legendary career, and the new Disney+ documentary, Music by John Williams.

From upcoming Disney+ releases to Lucasfilm’s gaming ventures, join Jim and Brian for an insightful discussion on the future of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and beyond.

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Meet Earl the Squirrel: Universal’s Unlikely Holiday Icon (Ep. 29)

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this festive episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into Universal’s holiday celebrations and exciting announcements.

Episode Highlights:

Earl the Squirrel’s Backstory: Discover how a mischievous rodent became Universal’s beloved holiday mascot.
Universal’s Holiday Events: From Butterbeer season to Macy’s Christmas Parade, explore what makes this time of year magical at Universal Studios.
Exclusive Park Perks: Hear about special events like Passholder Appreciation Days and upcoming fan fests.
Universal Kids Hotel in Texas: Updates on the colorful, kid-focused resort coming in 2026.
New Year’s Eve at Universal: Why celebrating at the parks is an unforgettable experience.

Get the inside scoop on holiday magic and upcoming projects that make Universal a must-visit destination this season!

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: How Roy E. Disney got “Fantasia Continued” greenlit (Ep 284 )

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how well “Moana 2” did at the box office over its second weekend in theaters.

They also talk about why “Paddington in Peru” had its release date pushed back to February 14, 2025

Listeners will learn about these highlights:

How long did it take the original “Fantasia” to finally turn a profit

Which spec song led to the creation of the “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas” back in 2012
How many “Best Animated Feature of the Year” awards has “Flow” already claimed

According to James Gunn, why was “Creature Commandos” the very first project out the door after he took over as the new head of DC Studios at Warner Brothers Discovery

How long had Disney’s live-action version of “Snow White” been in development prior to the start of production

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: How Sunny Eclipse came to the Starlight Café (EP 509 )

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing when “Dinosaur: The Ride” will close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

They also discuss the new Disney Villains show that’s being prepped for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Listeners will learn about:

How did Tokyo Disneyland’s version of “Star Tours” impact WDW’s Tomorrowland Terrace

Is there any difference between “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge” and the Company’s second attempt at getting a resort built at the edge of Bay Lake

How did mobile ordering at Disney World impact Guests’ ability to access Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

Why is Mulan considered a Disney Princess

How will “Project Cyclops” potentially impact your WDW dining experience

SHOW NOTES

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey: Prep & Landing Returns, Disney Collabs for the Holidays, and Lorcana Collecting

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:40:00 -0000

In this special holiday episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap all things Disney for the holidays—from the exciting return of Prep & Landing to Disney Lorcana, the trading card game everyone’s talking about.

Plus, they spotlight this season’s hottest collaborations and must-have merch, making it your ultimate guide to a Disney-filled holiday season

What You’ll Hear:

The Return of Prep & Landing: Jim shares the inside scoop on Prep & Landing: Snowball Protocol, debuting in 2025, plus a hilarious story from D23 about how these holiday elves earned him Disney Animation’s trust.
Lorcana: Disney’s Trading Card Game: Lauren dives into the latest must-have for collectors, with tips on starter packs, rare cards, and what makes Lorcana one of the hottest gifts this holiday season.
Holiday Collabs and Gift Picks: From Harry Styles’ Pleasing x Disney collection to a Frozen-themed Lionel train, Lauren highlights Disney’s best collaborations and merch to add to your shopping list.
Hidden Disney Details: Jim reveals a heartwarming Easter egg in Prep & Landing that connects it to another beloved Disney animated classic.

This episode is filled with behind-the-scenes stories, holiday fun, and must-have gift ideas for Disney fans of all ages. Don’t miss it

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: What became of Disney+’s “Tiana: The Series” (Ep 283)

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how well “Moana 2” did at the domestic box office over its opening weekend.

They then talk about the role that General Electric’s housewares division played in creating

that beloved holiday special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

 How did “Flow” ‘s Per Theater Average over its opening weekend in North

America compare to that of “Wicked – Part One”

 Which Japanese animation studio handled the stop motion on “Rudolph the Red-

Nosed Reindeer”

 What was the title of the very first animated holiday special created for network

television

 Who took over as the new lead writer & director on “Tiana: The Series” back in

2022

 How did “Shrek the Halls” back in 2007 lead to Walt Disney Animation Studio

creating the original “Prep & Landing” in 2009

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: What’s it really like down in the tunnels under the Magic Kingdom (Ep 508 )

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Jim Shull of “Disney Journeys” &; Eric Hersey of the “Epic Universal Podcast” for an in-depth look at WDW’s Utilidor system.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

 What did Marty Sklar do back in the mid-1950s that made Walt Disney furious

 Where can Refreshment Gardens be found at Disneyland Park

 How many acres do the Utilidors cover at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

 What reportedly caused the black mold problem in the Men’s Locker Room under

the Magic Kingdom

 What was the secret behind Skippy being transported in “The ExtraTERRORtrial

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Mechanics of Magic: The Ferris Wheel & the Carousel (Ep 13)

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In the thirteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about the origins of two theme park favorites; how the very first carousels & Ferris Wheels were developed & constructed.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What do knights have to do with the creation of the very first carousel
What’s the main difference between a carousel and a merry-go-round
How did amusement park operators compel customers to ride the outermost ring of horses on a carousel (which traditionally did not move up & down like the inner circle of horses)
How can the very first Ferris Wheel be traced back to the Columbian Exposition

How were Pleasure Wheels (i.e., the predecessor of the Ferris Wheel) powered

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey: Wicked Takes Center Stage: From Book to Broadway to Big Screen and Beyond (Ep. 27)

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:10:00 -0000

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the latest Universal news, movie milestones, and fascinating theme park updates.

Episode Highlights:

The Magic of Wicked: From record-breaking box office numbers to potential theme park tie-ins, Jim and Eric discuss the film’s impact and Universal’s creative strategies.
Lost Continent's Future: Could the remnants of the Lost Continent become home to a Wicked-themed land?
How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Teaser: The hosts share their thoughts on the first trailer and its connection to Epic Universe.
CityWalk Hollywood’s Epic Universe Store: Why a preview store for a Florida park is opening on the West Coast.
Wicked’s Origin Story: Jim shares how the beloved stage musical began its journey from book to Broadway and finally to the big screen.

Packed with insights and speculation, this episode is perfect for Universal fans and theme park enthusiasts alike. Tune in for the latest stories and stay ahead of the curve!

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey: Remembering Disney’s Fifth Avenue Store, Rise of Red Holidays, and Unique Disney Gift Ideas (Ep. 25)

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 01:46:00 -0000

In this festive episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to explore Disney’s Fifth Avenue Store—once the largest Disney store in the world. From its stunning design to its unique collectibles, they’ll uncover what made this shopping destination so unforgettable and why it’s still missed today.

The holiday cheer doesn’t stop there! Jim and Lauren dive into the Descendants: Rise of Red holiday takeover, featuring fun new merch, a Christmas music video, and even a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance. Plus, they’re sharing Disney-themed gift ideas for fans of all ages and tips for adding a little Disney magic to your holiday baking.

What You’ll Hear:

The Fifth Avenue Disney Store: Why it was such a special place and the memories it left behind.
Rise of Red Holidays: The latest Descendants merch, a festive music video, and how Disney is keeping the hype alive.
Disney Gift Ideas: From collectible dolls to Disney cookbooks, we’re highlighting the best gifts for Disney lovers this holiday season.
Holiday Baking with Disney Flair: Lauren shares her family’s favorite Disney-inspired treats and how you can recreate park recipes at home.

This episode is packed with holiday magic, fun stories, and must-have shopping tips. Tune in for a festive dose of Disney cheer!

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From Wicked’s Box Office Smash to Oliver & Company’s 80s Charm (Ep. 282)

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:44:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor bring you the latest in animation news and insights. Tune in as they dive into:

"Wicked" Dominates the Box Office: Universal Pictures’ adaptation dazzles with a massive opening weekend. Jim and Drew discuss the strategic marketing behind its success and what it means for future blockbusters.
Animated Feature Oscars Update: A record 31 animated films are in the running for this year’s Academy Award. Hear predictions for frontrunners like The Wild Robot and dark horse contenders including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Sonic 3 and The Bad Guys 2: Explore the buzz surrounding upcoming sequels like Sonic 3 (coming this December) and DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys 2, continuing the franchise’s creative streak with festive specials.
Pixar’s "Dream Productions" Limited Series: A sneak peek into Pixar’s upcoming four-episode series debuting on Disney+ this December. Jim and Drew discuss how this unique project breaks new ground for the studio.
"Oliver & Company” Retrospective: Take a nostalgic trip back to Disney’s 1988 animated classic. Learn about its ambitious use of computer-assisted imagery and its surprising connection to the Great Movie Ride.

Don’t miss these stories and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!

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Muppet*Vision 3D’s Curtain Call: Making Way for Electric Mayhem & Jollywood Nights Review!

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

oin Jim and Len as they explore the latest holiday updates, behind-the-scenes details, and listener questions about Disney’s parks and attractions.

Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Discover how this year’s event improved on last year, with brighter displays, enhanced entertainment, and reimagined spaces that bring the magic of Hollywood Studios to life.
Muppet Vision 3D Updates: Learn about the plans for the Electric Mayhem overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and what it means for Muppets fans.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Comparison: Christina Harrison joins the discussion to compare Disney’s two biggest holiday events.
Holiday Attraction Overlays: Jim dives into the history of Disney’s seasonal attraction overlays, featuring the story behind the Country Bear Christmas Special.

Don’t miss this episode packed with holiday cheer, park updates, and Disney history – tune in now!

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Rediscovering Disney’s Lost "Hero of Otherwhere" (Ep. 281)

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 14:21:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

The history and mystery behind Disney’s forgotten project The Hero of Otherwhere, a live-action/animation hybrid tied to Pete’s Dragon and Jerome Courtland's career.

The evolution of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, celebrating 15 years of The Princess and the Frog while previewing the updates coming to the reimagined attraction.

Highlights from D23 Brasil, including the announcement of Ice Age 6, Toy Story 5, and Pixar's highly anticipated new feature, Hoppers.

Alan Menken’s enduring musical magic, from The Little Mermaid to his contributions to Netflix’s upcoming Spellbound.

Laika’s Wildwood, Coraline returning in 3D, and fresh updates on Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and more.

Join Jim and Drew as they uncover hidden gems from animation’s past and highlight what’s coming next!

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Wicked, Hitchcock, and Spielberg—Oh My! (Ep. 26)

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the latest Universal news and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

Episode Highlights:

The Opening of Wicked in Theaters: Jim and Eric discuss the much-anticipated film release and its potential impact on Universal's brand and future strategies.
Facial Recognition Technology at Universal Parks: Eric explores the rollout of this new tech in Express Pass lanes and its implications for guest experiences.
Goodbye to Mannheim Steamroller: A look at Universal’s decision to forego this holiday tradition and what it means for future celebrations.
Donkey Kong Arrives in Japan: Jim provides insights into the debut of Universal Studios Japan's new Donkey Kong-themed land and lessons for Epic Universe.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Legacy at Universal: A nostalgic journey through the history of Hitchcock’s connection to Universal and how it shaped the studio’s identity.

Whether you're a fan of theme park innovation or Universal's rich history, this episode is packed with insights, news, and a touch of nostalgia. Tune in for another exciting installment!

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Moana 2, Disney Holiday Must-Haves, and Disney's Connection to The Wizard of Oz (Ep. 24)

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 16:20:00 -0000

On This Week's Episode of I Want That Too:

Join Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey as they explore the holiday season’s biggest Disney highlights! From Moana 2’s release and must-have merch to Disney’s surprising ties to The Wizard of Oz, this episode is packed with fun stories and shopping tips.

What You’ll Hear:

Moana 2: What to expect from Disney’s highly anticipated sequel and the top holiday toys inspired by the film.
Disney and The Wizard of Oz: A deep dive into Disney’s unique history with Oz, from Return to Oz to unmade projects like Rainbow Road to Oz.
Holiday Decor and Gifts: The best Disney-themed holiday decorations spotted at Lowe’s, Target, and online—including ornaments, blow molds, and inflatables.
Wicked vs. Disney: How Moana 2 and Wicked are battling for attention this holiday season.

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Villains Land’s 13 Disney Baddies Revealed & How Imagineering Saved Christmas with the Country Bears

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this week’s Disney Dish Podcast, Jim and Len deliver a mix of Disney news, listener questions, and fascinating history.

Tune in as they cover:

Villains Land Sneak Peek: Explore which Disney villains are set to star in Magic Kingdom’s highly anticipated new land.
Cars Trackless Ride Announced: Learn about the exciting plans for this innovative attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom.
Attraction Overlay Origins: In the main segment, Jim dives into the history of Disney attraction overlays, from their surprising beginnings to how they’ve evolved into beloved seasonal experiences like The Country Bear Christmas Show.
Listener Questions: Get the inside scoop on Dinoland’s props, farewell merch, and more!

From news to nostalgia, this episode is packed with insider stories and expert analysis. Don’t miss the history, updates, and laughs in this week’s show!

SHOW NOTES

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What $2.50 Bought You on Universal’s First Tram Tour (Ep. 25)

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a range of Universal-related stories, from unique events to fascinating history:

Episode Highlights:

Universal’s Garage Sale: Discover the details of the 2024 garage sale, where fans can snag exclusive merchandise and rare finds.
Green Eggs and Ham Returns: Eric shares his excitement about the return of this iconic Seuss Landing sign and its connection to holiday celebrations.
Epic Universe Promotions: Jim discusses Universal’s early marketing efforts for the highly anticipated Epic Universe.
Horror Unleashed in Vegas: A deep dive into the year-round horror attraction featuring Universal Monsters and more.
The Birth of the Universal Tram Tour: Jim takes us back to the 1960s to explore the humble beginnings of Universal Studios Hollywood’s iconic tram tour.

Whether you're a Universal newbie or a seasoned park-goer, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for news, nostalgia, and plenty of fun!

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Disney and Macy’s: A 90-Year Thanksgiving Tradition (Ep. 23)

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this festive episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the rich history between Disney and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. From Mickey Mouse’s first parade appearance in 1934 to Minnie Mouse’s brand-new balloon debut in 2024, they uncover fascinating stories about Disney’s presence in this iconic holiday tradition.

What We Cover:

The origins of Disney’s involvement in the Macy’s Parade, starting with Mickey Mouse’s debut.
Behind-the-scenes facts about creating and managing those giant character balloons.
Minnie Mouse’s highly anticipated 2024 balloon debut and the Disney Cruise Line float tribute.
How Macy’s and Disney teamed up to launch the new Mickey and Minnie shops inside 200 stores nationwide.
Nostalgic reflections on Disney’s parade history, including the surprising role of the character warehouse and the evolution of holiday merch.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration between two beloved brands and the holiday magic they bring to life!

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Inside the 'Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail': Tim Burton’s Latest Haunting Spectacle (Ep. 280)

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into the magical world of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Hear all about Jim's recent visit to this dazzling event at the New York Botanical Gardens, where he experienced life-sized sculptures, fog-filled forests, and stunning light displays that bring Burton's eerie, whimsical vision to life.

Also in this episode:

The Wild Robot still dominates the box office, edging closer to $300 million worldwide.
D23 Brasil’s big animation reveals, including a new Ice Age film and Toy Story 5 updates.
Behind the scenes on Skydance and Netflix's Spellbound promotion in Times Square.
Updates on Marvel’s animated lineup and what’s in store for 2025.

Get ready for all this and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: Is Disney’s Premier Pass Really Worth It? Plus, Universal’s Year-Round Horror & El Rio Del Tiempo’s Final Chapter! (Ep. 505)

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this week’s episode, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you a packed show with the latest theme park news and the finale of Jim’s deep dive into EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo.

Tune in as they cover:

Universal’s Year-Round Horror Nights in Las Vegas: Get the details on Universal’s permanent horror attraction, “Universal Horror Unleashed,” set to launch at Area 15 with classic scares from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Exorcist: Believer, and more.
Magic Kingdom’s Premier Pass Math: Len and Jim respond to a listener’s cost breakdown for Disney’s new Premier Pass. Does the math make sense?
Frozen Holiday Surprise: Disney surprised everyone with an early start to this fan-favorite holiday event at the Magic Kingdom.
El Rio del Tiempo’s Journey to Gran Fiesta Tour: In the final part of Jim’s history series, learn about Eric and Susan Goldberg’s transformation of the Mexico Pavilion’s iconic boat ride into Gran Fiesta Tour and the arrival of animatronic versions of the Three Caballeros.

Listener questions, Disney news, and inside scoops make this an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Exploring Minion Land: A First-Timer’s Adventure and a Historian’s Perspective (Ep. 24)

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey share a first-time experience exploring Universal's Minion Land. Jim provides unique historical insights, connecting the new attractions to Universal’s storied past and its evolution in theme park innovation.

Episode Highlights:

A First Look at Minion Land: Eric’s first impressions of Minion Land’s unique attractions, rides, and immersive details.
History of the Minions at Universal: Jim reveals how the Minions evolved from movie icons to major theme park stars and their journey to becoming a land of their own.
What’s New and What’s Next: Discover the standout features of Minion Land and hints about potential expansions and updates from Universal.
Behind the Scenes of Minion Mayhem: Gain insider knowledge on the making of Minion Land and the creative choices that brought it to life.
Jim’s Historian Perspective: How Minion lLand fits into the larger history of Universal theme parks and its significance for fans of all ages.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Universal veteran, this episode will make you see Minion Land in a whole new light. Tune in now to experience the magic, mischief, and history!

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Meet the Man Behind Disney’s Most Famous Animatronics (Ep. 22)

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome a true icon in the theme park industry: Garner Holt, the mastermind behind Garner Holt Productions and the creative force behind some of the most jaw-dropping animatronics in Disney, Universal, and even Chuck E. Cheese locations worldwide!

What We Cover:

Learn how a young Garner transformed his passion for animatronics in his parents' garage into the largest animatronics company in the world.
Hear about Garner's experience creating unforgettable figures for beloved Disney attractions, from Haunted Mansion Holiday to Buzz Lightyear, Monsters Inc., and Cars Land.
Garner shares how he's inspiring a new generation with "Animaker Spaces," where kids can build their own animatronics. Plus, find out how you can bring the animatronics experience home with Garner's "Make-Your-Own Animatronic Kit," a one-of-a-kind project that lets you assemble and program your own interactive Tiki bird right at your kitchen table!
Hear how Garner’s team uses animatronics to train soldiers in life-like scenarios, blending creativity and technology to save lives.
With over 5,000 animatronic figures in 36 countries, Garner Holt reflects on his extraordinary career and his favorite projects, from haunted houses to high-tech figures in top theme parks.

Whether you’re a Disney fan, a collector, or simply fascinated by the art of animatronics, this episode is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

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Did You Know Godzilla Had a Sidekick? Godzilla's Forgotten Cartoon (Ep. 279)

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 13:23:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into some of animation’s quirkiest corners and biggest news:

Godzilla’s 70th Anniversary: Celebrating Godzilla Day with a look back at the 1978 Godzilla animated series and the fascinating story behind Hanna-Barbera’s unique take on the King of Monsters.
The Wild Robot’s Box Office Success: DreamWorks' hit continues to climb, surpassing $250 million worldwide.
"Emily the Strange" Returns: A new animated feature from Warner Bros. and J.J. Abrams brings the iconic goth character to life.
The Simpsons’ NFL Takeover: A real-time Simpsons Monday Night Football game using innovative animation technology.
Halloween Treats & Holiday Previews: Highlights from Netflix’s That Christmas, Marvel’s upcoming series lineup, and spooky animated specials.

Tune in for a monster-packed episode celebrating everything from classic kaiju to modern animation news!

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Tropical Americas is Coming, $25 Cake Slices, and the Grand Finale of EPCOT’s El Rio Del Tiempo (Ep. 504)

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

ver exciting updates and wrap up a beloved EPCOT attraction’s history in the grand finale of their series on El Rio del Tiempo.

Here’s what’s in store:

Cake Bake Shop Review: Len shares his experience at the newly opened Cake Bake Shop, highlighting the quality of their offerings and discussing the pricing.
Universal's Animatronic Monsters: The hosts discuss Universal Orlando's recent trailer featuring 14 advanced animatronic monsters for the upcoming Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment attraction. They marvel at the lifelike fluidity of these figures, comparing them to Disney's Na’Vi Shaman and Rise of the Resistance animatronics.
Disney's Tropical Americas Plans: Len and Jim examine Disney's new permit filings, revealing plans to transform Dinoland into Tropical Americas. They explore potential attractions, including a character greeting area, a Mayan-themed play area, and expansive queue designs for upcoming rides.
Listener Questions and Surveys: The episode answers listener questions about various Disney experiences and discusses recent surveys from Universal Orlando and Disney Cruise Line, touching on possible new ticketing options and guest feedback.

Additionally, join us for the grand finale in Jim’s multi-part series on the history of EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo boat ride, where he shares fascinating details about the journey to the Gran Fiesta Tour.

Catch all the latest Disney news, updates, and in-depth theme park insights in this jam-packed episode!

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Monsters Unleashed! Epic Universe Animatronics & Holiday Magic at Universal Orlando (Ep. 23)

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the jaw-dropping Classic Monsters animatronics coming to Epic Universe, with exclusive insights on Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, and more.

Discover Universal Orlando’s must-see holiday festivities, from Grinchmas magic to exclusive Holiday Tour perks.

Pricing tiers and annual pass options for Epic Universe

Hotel updates: Stella Nova and Terra Luna resort details

Universal's permanent horror attraction and what to expect in Vegas

Holiday offerings at Universal Orlando, including exclusive tours and Grinchmas

More Wicked!

Get ready to be thrilled and enchanted by what’s in store this season at Universal!

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The Art and History of Disney Fun Maps with Special Guest Imagineer Jim Shull (Ep. 21)

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

On this week’s episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by veteran Disney Imagineer Jim Shull to take a deep dive into the world of Disney fun maps. These aren’t just park guides—they’re works of art that have captured the evolution of Disney parks from the earliest days of Disneyland.

What We Cover:

The origins of Disney fun maps, including Sam McKim’s first Disneyland map in the 1950s
How these maps became collector’s items and influenced future Disney park designs
Jim Shull’s personal connection to Disney fun maps, how they inspired his career, and the role they played in shaping attractions like Toon Studio and Mickey’s Toontown
Why these artistic maps were more than just souvenirs—they were a marketing tool that encouraged guests to return to the parks
A sneak peek into Jim Shull’s own map projects, including his post-retirement fun map collection covering all 12 Disney parks around the world

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The Disney Hitchcock Movie That Never Was (Ep. 278)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:51:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation news and insights:

Netflix's Spellbound and Disney’s Thanksgiving Line-Up: A look at Netflix’s upcoming animated feature Spellbound set to compete with Disney’s holiday releases, plus details on Disney’s latest Thanksgiving promotions.
King of the Hill Returns: A sneak peek at Hulu’s revival of King of the Hill, including aged-up characters and exclusive artwork reveals.
Inside Out Universe Expands: Updates on Pixar’s Inside Out spinoff series, Dream Productions, and what fans can expect from Riley’s imaginative world.
SpongeBob’s New Stop-Motion Christmas Special: Details on SpongeBob and Sandy’s Country Christmas, the latest festive stop-motion treat featuring everyone's favorite sea sponge.
Disney's Lost Hitchcock Tribute: A deep dive into Frady Cat, Disney's ambitious but abandoned Hitchcock-inspired animated film. Discover the story of how it almost became a Halloween classic.

Tune in for all this and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: Epcot’s Hidden Gems: The Forgotten Details of El Rio del Tiempo (Ep. 503)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:50:00 -0000

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len and Jim explore more of Epcot’s rich history with part two of their series on the Mexico Pavilion’s beloved boat ride, El Rio del Tiempo.

Join them as they delve into the ride’s development challenges, the inspiration behind its immersive scenes, and how Disney Imagineers used clever design and technology to bring Mexican culture to life in World Showcase.

Tune in for:

The latest on Epic Universe’s ticket launch and sold-out opening day

Behind-the-scenes of Disney’s Cake Bake Shop pricing

A dive into the fascinating design details and lesser-known facts of El Rio del Tiempo’s

original storyline

Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with Disney lore, Epcot nostalgia, and exclusive theme park insights!

SHOW NOTES

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Pink Monorail :Manufacturing the Magic: Knott’s Berry Farm(Ep 12)

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the twelfth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about how a small, roadside berry stand in Buena Park, CA eventually grew to become one of America’s most popular theme parks

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How an abandoned berry plant found in a ditch became a thriving family business
How the tea room at Knott’s Berry Place eventually transformed into Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant
How was the piece for Knott’s “Ghost Town Village” acquired
Which piece of the Roaring ’20s is still in operation within the Park
How did Knott’s annual Halloween Haunt hard ticket get its start

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey: Pricing Revealed for Epic Universe & Hitchcock’s Haunted Legacy of Universal (Ep. 22)

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In Episode 22 of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the latest details about the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open in May 2025.

They dive into ticket pricing strategies, hotel deals, and how Universal is setting the stage for an unforgettable guest experience.

Highlights include:

Epic Universe ticket pricing and vacation packages breakdown.
Key details on the hotels launching alongside Epic Universe.
A spooky look back at Universal Studios Florida’s former haunted attractions.
The story behind Universal's original Halloween events, including Beetlejuice's Graveyard Tours.
A tribute to the iconic Alfred Hitchcock attractions and their eerie impact on Universal's history.

Get ready for an episode packed with news, travel tips, and spooky Universal nostalgia!

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Behind the Scenes of Moana 2: New Adventures, Big Challenges, and the Return of Maui (Ep. 277)

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 11:12:45 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take you behind the curtain of Moana 2, diving deep into the highlights from Drew’s recent panel at the Animation is Film festival. They explore the exciting details shared by directors David Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand, including Moana’s continued journey, new characters, and thrilling challenges in this upcoming sequel.

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor also explore some of the biggest news and exciting developments in animation:

"Creature Commandos" Preview: Dive into DC Studios' upcoming animated series, set to premiere on Max this December. With James Gunn at the helm and voice talents like Alan Tudyk and David Harbour, this series is set to shake up the DC animated universe.
Halloween-Themed Animated Shorts: From The Simpsons to Sing, we break down the latest Halloween-inspired shorts, including a nod to Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" and Disney+’s spooky surprises.
The Wild Robot's Box Office Success: The Wild Robot continues to dominate, having surpassed $100 million domestically. What’s next for this DreamWorks hit?
"Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur" Cancellation: Disney Channel's beloved animated series wraps up after two seasons, but the character still has some exciting crossovers in store with "Spidey and His Amazing Friends."
New Marvel Preschool Show: Get ready for Marvel’s Iron Man and his Awesome Friends, a new show for Disney Junior and Disney+ slated for 2025, introducing preschoolers to the Marvel Universe.

Tune in for these topics and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!

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EPCOT Opening Day: Walt’s Vision, Eisner’s Changes, and the Park’s Evolution (Ep. 20)

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:55:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take you back to EPCOT’s grand opening on October 1, 1982. They dive deep into how EPCOT evolved from Walt Disney’s ambitious dream of a futuristic living community to the park we know today.

What We Cover:

Walt Disney’s original vision for EPCOT as a living, breathing city
How Disney leadership navigated the project after Walt's passing
How close Disney actually came to breaking ground on Walt’s original city vision – spoiler: they nearly did!
The creation of Future World and World Showcase, born from two distinct Imagineer pitches
EPCOT’s rocky opening day, including malfunctioning rides and a surprising merchandising misstep
The pivotal role EPCOT played in Michael Eisner’s rise to power at Disney, and how his vision reshaped the park

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: The Lost Rides of Epcot: The Untold History of El Rio del Tiempo (Ep. 502)

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this week’s Disney Dish, Len and Jim dive into the rich history of one of EPCOT’s lesser-known attractions, "El Rio del Tiempo."

Join us for Part 1 of a two-part series as Jim takes us back to the 1982 dedication of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion and shares the fascinating origin of the pavilion's boat ride.

Learn about the ambitious plans for "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico," the mysterious German Rivers ride, and how tight budgets and changing politics reshaped EPCOT's World Showcase.

Tune in as they cover:

· Epic Universe News: Universal Orlando’s newest park is set to open in May 2025! Jim and Len share exclusive details on the opening, soft launches, and breathtaking new effects.

· Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Get the scoop on Disney’s newest pass option for skipping the lines—what it costs, what it covers, and whether it's worth it.

· The History of El Rio del Tiempo: In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jim takes you back to the 1980s to explore the creation and evolution of Epcot's original Mexico Pavilion boat ride.

Plus, listener questions, Disney news, and the latest park happenings!

Don’t miss out on this jam-packed episode's history, updates, and insider scoops.

SHOW NOTES

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan: Radio Land Murders: A Quirky Tribute to Classic Hollywood from Lucasfilm (Ep. 100)

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 21:36:00 -0000

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan celebrate October with a special look at horror films and their unexpected ties to Lucasfilm. Brian kicks off by sharing his month-long cinematic Halloween project, while Jim reveals his love for Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein and its surprising connection to Lucasfilm’s scrapped Frankenstein CG film.

The episode also pays tribute to the late Lucasfilm producer Robert Watts, dives into the anniversary of Star Wars Rebels, and previews the upcoming John Williams documentary debuting on Disney+.

Also in this episode:

The removal of the Indiana Jones films from Disney+ and what’s behind the licensing shuffle.
Updates on The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, set to hit theaters in 2026.
A deep dive into Radio Land Murders as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, and how it laid the groundwork for future Lucasfilm projects.

Join Jim and Brian for a nostalgic, fun, and insightful journey through the world of Lucasfilm, just in time for Halloween!

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey: Epic Universe Opening Date and the Birth of Toothsome's Chocolate Empire (Ep. 21)

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into breaking news about Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open May 22, 2025. They discuss the potential impact of this new park and how long they've known about this announcement.

Additionally, the hosts continue their fascinating exploration of the history behind Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Jim reveals the story of how Universal could have secured the theme park rights to Willy Wonka, but instead created their own steampunk-inspired chocolate factory that has become a fan favorite.

Highlights include:

Discussion of the confirmed Epic Universe opening date.
New Offerings at Universal Studio Hollywood’s FanFest event.
Insights into Toothsome Chocolate Emporium's creation and Universal's choice to move away from a Willy Wonka theme.
How Universal cleverly developed its own chocolatier, Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome, and her robotic sidekick Jacques.

Whether you're curious about upcoming theme parks or love behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is packed with must-know info for

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The Lost Mickey Mouse Projects and Animation's Future (Ep. 276)

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

n this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take you on a fascinating journey through Disney’s forgotten Mickey Mouse projects, including the untold story of "Mickey Columbus" and other abandoned ideas that never made it to the big screen.

They also dive into Disney's challenges while bringing Mickey into the world of CGI, from his iconic ears to scrapped anniversary projects like "The Search for Mickey.”

The Wild Robot's Box Office Triumph: DreamWorks Animation's The Wild Robot continues its strong performance at the box office, paving the way for a sequel. Jim and Drew discuss what’s next for this hit film, based on Peter Brown’s popular book series.
Wallace & Gromit Are Back!: Aardman Animations is bringing the beloved duo back to the screen with Vengeance Most Fowl. Jim and Drew break down the significance of this return and what fans can expect from the upcoming Christmas release.
What’s Next for Animation Fans: With new releases like Transformers One and the latest from Aardman, there’s a lot to look forward to in the world of animation.

Tune in for all this and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: Pixar vs. Disney: How Mickey’s PhilharMagic Became Eisner’s Secret Weapon (Ep. 501)

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa take you through the latest Disney updates and a deep dive into the fascinating history behind one of Disney’s most ambitious projects.

Here’s what you’ll hear:

Hurricane Milton Update: How the recent storm impacted Disney parks, and why Jim thinks Medieval Times might be the ultimate hurricane shelter.
Disneyland Price Hikes: Len breaks down the latest ticket and annual pass price increases at Disneyland, and what that could mean for your next trip.
Fort Wilderness Innovations: Could autonomous delivery robots soon bring food and merchandise to your cabin at Fort Wilderness? Jim and Len explore the possibilities.
Listener Questions: Why the ghost of the ‘Creepy Clown Pool’ might still haunt Boardwalk Inn’s occupancy rates, and how AI may make your Disney PhotoPass pictures look better than ever.
Main Feature: In a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's battle with Pixar, Jim reveals how Mickey’s PhilharMagicwas developed as a key part of Michael Eisner’s strategy to prove that Disney could create CG animation independently. From its origins as a project for Hong Kong Disneyland to its pivotal role in Disney’s negotiations with Pixar, discover the hidden history behind one of the most beloved 3D attractions in Disney World.

Join Jim and Len for a fun, fact-filled episode full of Disney history, news, and a few laughs along the way!

SHOW NOTES

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Manufacturing the Magic: Universal Studios Hollywood (Ep 11)

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the seventh installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about how a working ranch & farm in the San Fernando Valley eventually became one of Southern California’s most popular tourist attractions

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

When was Universal City officially founded

Which Disney vet designed the Glamour Trams

Who built the 50-foot-tall King Kong animatronic for this theme park

On what floor of “Back to the Future: The Ride” was Steve Spielberg’s room located

Where does the simulated quake that Universal visitors experience during” Earthquake: The Big One” reportedly fall on the Richter scale

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The Sweet Origins of Toothsome Chocolate Emporium: A Universal Creation (Ep. 20)

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off by discussing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles touring show and the impact of Hurricane Milton on theme parks.

But the main feature of this episode dives into the origins of one of Universal’s most beloved dining experiences—Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

Highlights include:

The latest Epic Universe Construction Photo Drop by @bioreconstruct
The Harry Potter-themed Hershey Chocolate Collection
How the closure of NBA City paved the way for Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.
The fascinating backstory of how Universal almost created a Willy Wonka-themed restaurant.

Whether you're curious about theme park history or just love chocolate, tune in to discover the story behind The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen.

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Cakeworthy – Where Fandom Meets Fashion (Ep. 18)

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by Brandon Sheddon, the founder and CEO of Cakeworthy, to discuss the brand that perfectly blends fan culture with fashion-forward designs.

Brandon shares the story behind Cakworthy's humble beginnings and how it grew into a pop culture phenomenon.

They dive into some of Cakeworthy’s most popular items, the inspiration behind their signature flannels, and the details of a special Cakeworthy collection that’s making its way into Disney theme parks!

What We Cover:

Cakeworthy’s journey from a small screen-printing operation to a global brand.
The secrets behind their most popular pieces, including their iconic flannel shirts.
How Cakeworthy keeps designs both stylish and true to Disney and Universal fandoms.
Inside scoop on the latest Cakeworthy collections coming to Disney theme parks.
Cakeworthy’s creative process and fan feedback's role in designing new items.

Listen in to discover how Cakeworthy brings beloved fandoms to life, one stylish piece at a time!

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The Fleischer Studios Legacy: Miami’s Forgotten Animation Powerhouse (Ep. 275)

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into the latest animation news and rumors.

With Drew Taylor away, Jim covers:

Unraveling Studio Feuds and Hollywood Drama: What caused the downfall of Fleischer Studios and their ultimate takeover by Paramount Pictures?

Jennifer Lee’s Next Move: Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer steps down to focus on Frozen 3 and Frozen 4, while Jared Bush steps in.

Joker: Folie à Deux’s Box Office Struggles**: Warner Bros. Discovery faces losses as the Joker sequel underperforms despite the original film's success.

MuppetVision 3D’s Future: Rumors swirl about the potential impact of Disney’s new Monsters Inc. door coaster on MuppetVision 3D at Hollywood Studios.

Plus, updates on DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot and Warner Bros.’ upcoming Dynamic Duo superhero film using innovative animation techniques. Don’t miss this deep dive into the latest animation industry news and history!

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: Self-Driving Vehicles at Disney? Plus The Story Behind The Legend of the Lion King (Ep. 500)

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill discuss the latest updates and history behind Mickey’s PhilharMagic.

Tune in for:

Autonomous Vehicles at Fort Wilderness?: Could self-driving vehicles soon be delivering food and merchandise around this iconic resort? Jim and Len explore the potential future of tech at Disney.
Occupancy Rates for Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Discover why DVC properties like the Grand Californian and Bay Lake Tower are at the top of the occupancy charts and what makes them so popular.
The Legend of the Lion King: Jim dives deep into the history of this fan-favorite stage show, detailing the ambitious production, massive puppetry, and how it paved the way for future Disney attractions.

This episode is filled with Disney news, unique history, and some listener questions.

SHOW NOTES

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The Evolution of Disney Villains in the Parks (Ep. 17)

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey discuss the fascinating history and rise of Disney Villains in the parks, from their early appearances to the exciting new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom.

They discuss how the villains have transformed from side characters to central attractions.

What We Cover:

The announcement of Villains Land at Magic Kingdom and what we know so far.

Concept art and ride speculation, including a potential Maleficent roller coaster.

How Disney is competing with Universal's Monsters Land.

The history of Disney Villains in the parks.

Special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Villains After Hours.

New villain merchandise, including some limited edition finds.

Upcoming villain-themed shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Story Behind Cinderellas Castle Mystery Tour

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey: Looney Tunes and Six Flags: The Story Behind the Characters That Almost Made It to Universal Orlando (Ep. 19)

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating tale of how the Looney Tunes almost became part of Universal Orlando’s second gate.

A listener question sparked a deep dive into the history of these iconic characters and their long-standing presence at Six Flags.

Jim uncovers the intricate details behind Universal’s interest in the Looney Tunes, and the potential licensing challenges that ultimately led to a different path for Universal.

Also in this episode:

Eric’s family trip to Hershey Park’s Dark Nights and what it taught him about Halloween Horror Nights.
Updates from New York Comic Con about Universal’s Epic Universe panel.
Honoring Dame Maggie Smith with a special tribute.
A look at the new Harry Potter experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fan Fest Nights.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Universal Studios Hollywood? Jim and Eric NEED YOUR HELP!

Get ready for a nostalgic dive into theme park history, character licensing, and some fun behind-the-scenes insights!

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: )What was it like to see “Steamboat Willie” ‘s world premiere back in 1928 (Ep 275)

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts a solo edition of this podcast by discussing how well “The Wild Robot” did at the domestic box office this past weekend.

He then discusses the Halloween-themed “The Bad Guys” special which will soon be debuting on Netflix

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How will Warner Bros. Discovery be celebrating Scooby Doo this month

Who will be introducing “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” at this year’s Animation is Film Festival

What did the “Mufasa: The Lion King” production do to differentiate this film from Disney’s photo-realistic “Lion King” from 2019

Where did “Shrek the Musical” do its out-of-town try-out

Why was Jeffery Katzenberg reportedly upset with a plaque he found in the lobby of the Broadway Theater

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Do you remember Epcot’s “Magic Journeys” (Ep 499)

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week’s episode by sharing a

survey the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out.

They then look back at the 3D movie that eventually led to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic”

Over the course of this show, listeners will learn about:

Why Rodney Dangerfield’s obituary may be the funniest story that the Los

Angeles Times ever ran

How does an RIP Tour compare to a HHN Express Pass

Why it’s unlikely that Disney will ever build a just-for-kids theme park at its Florida

Resort

SHOW NOTES

What’s the name of that 3D Donald Duck cartoon that used to run on a double bill

at the Fantasyland theater

How did Dick Nunis feel about “The Mickey Mouse Revue” attraction at WDW’s

Magic Kingdom

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey: Disney’s Hocus Pocus: From Flop to Cult Classic (Ep. 16)

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this spellbinding episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the magical world of Hocus Pocus.

Discover the behind-the-scenes drama that almost changed the film and how it went from box office flop to a Halloween cult classic.

If you're a fan of the Sanderson Sisters or curious about Disney's decision-making, this episode is packed with must-know details!

The unexpected origins of Hocus Pocus and how An American Tail influenced its creation.
Why Hocus Pocus struggled at the box office in 1993 but found its footing in the mid-2000s.
How Bette Midler’s insistence on her character’s “rat teeth” almost led to a showdown with Disney executives.
The evolution of Hocus Pocus merch, from Target tees to limited-edition Monster High dolls.
Insider stories from Shannon Carlin’s Witches Run Amok, featuring never-before-heard details about the making of the movie.

If you love Hocus Pocus or want to know more about Disney’s journey with this iconic film, don’t miss this episode! Listen now on your

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey: Why Does Toon Lagoon Exist? Exploring Universal’s Most Unusual Theme Park Area (Ep. 18)

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating and perplexing world of Toon Lagoon at Universal’s Islands of Adventure.

They unravel the mystery behind this quirky theme park area and explore why Universal chose to dedicate an entire land to classic comic strip characters.

From the backstory of its creation to the impact it has on park guests, Jim shares insider stories and industry insights that shed light on the often-overlooked Toon Lagoon.

Highlights include:

The origins of Toon Lagoon and the vision behind its development.
How the park navigated licensing and character rights for this unique area.
Behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of water rides like Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges and Dudley Do-Right’s Ripsaw Falls.
The lasting influence (or lack thereof) of Toon Lagoon on Universal’s theme park strategy.

Whether you’re a fan of splash-filled adventures or curious about the decision-making that goes into building a theme park land, this episode offers a deep dive into one of Universal’s most unusual creations.

Tune in and discover the story behind Toon Lagoon!

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: Jennifer Lee Steps Down, Disney’s Creative Shift, and Pixar’s Behind-the-Scenes Struggles (Ep. 274)

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss the surprising news of Jennifer Lee stepping down as Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios and what it means for the future of Disney’s animated films.

They explore:

Jennifer Lee’s New Role: How she’s shifting her focus to the upcoming Frozen 3 and Frozen 4.

Jared Bush Takes the Lead: What does this creative shake-up mean for Disney, and what projects might be on the horizon?

Pixar’s Pressure to Perform: The intense working conditions at Pixar and the studio’s struggle to produce hits like Inside Out 2 and Elio amidst high expectations and long hours.

Plus, hear the latest updates on DreamWorks’ Dog Man, The Wild Robot, and more!

Don’t miss this deep dive into the latest animation industry news and insights.

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: Behind the Bar: Ricky Debler Jr. on Creating Disney’s Most Popular Tequila Spot (Ep. 498)

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you the latest updates and an in-depth look at Disney’s past, present, and future.

Tune in as they cover:

Exclusive Interview: Special guest Ricky Debler Jr. from Palmas Restaurant Group shares the inside story behind their iconic Disney dining locations and the evolution of La Cava del Tequila.

Disney Treasure Updates: Get the scoop on the newest details for Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship.

Disney Surveys: Find out what surprising questions Disney is asking guests about their park experiences.

The Untold Story of Big Thunder Mountain: Jim wraps up his series on the history of this beloved attraction and reveals the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland.

Dive into the latest news, fascinating history, and a few laughs in this can’t-miss episode!

SHOW NOTES

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 15: The Monsters Inc. Coaster That Almost Happened

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill shares the untold story of the Monsters Inc. coaster Disney almost built over a decade ago.

You'll learn about the original plans, why it was shelved, and what details were accidentally leaked to cast members before the official announcement.

Lauren Hersey dives into the lasting popularity of Monsters University merch, especially the famous MU hat

. If you're curious about Disney's past plans, the latest in Monsters Inc. products, and future theme-park developments, this is the episode for you!

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep. 17: Universal's Cartoon World That Never Was & A Look Ahead at Wicked Attractions

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 11:52:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive deep into Universal Studios' unbuilt Cartoon World, a project meant to pave the way for Islands of Adventure.

Jim shares fascinating insights into the concept's early stages and how it evolved into what fans know today.

Highlights include:

Jim's stories about the behind-the-scenes development of Cartoon World and its transformation into Islands of Adventure.
How Warner Brothers and Universal nearly partnered for a superhero and Looney Tunes theme park.
The hidden history behind Universal’s decision to bring Dr. Seuss and Dudley Do-Right into Toon Lagoon.
A fun discussion on the replacement of Hello Kitty with the new Wicked experience and how Universal is preparing for the movie’s release.

Join us for this in-depth discussion on the park that could have been and its impact on the theme park landscape we enjoy today!

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: How Coraline’s Revival Sparked Disney’s Return to Theaters (Ep 273)

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:29:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss how the successful 15th-anniversary re-release of Coraline inspired Disney to bring back some of its beloved classics to theaters.

Find out how The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus are making their return to the big screen this Halloween season.

Join us as we cover:

Coraline’s Box Office Success: How a cult classic reignited Disney’s interest in re-releases.

The Return of Hocus Pocus: Why is this Halloween favorite back in theaters, and what does it mean for Disney's strategy?

The Wild Robot’s DreamWorks Triumph: Early reviews from the Toronto premiere and its impact on the animation industry.

Tune in for all this and more, as we dive into the latest animation news and Halloween favorites making their way back to theaters!

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill : Inside Tony Baxter’s 1976 Presentation: Big Thunder’s Forgotten Neighbors (Ep. 497)

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history.

Tune in as they cover:

Crane Permits and Fort Wilderness Construction: What’s going on at the old River Country site?

Disney Cruise Line’s Future: How jumbo-ification could extend the life of Disney’s Magic and Wonder ships.

The Evolution of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Jim continues his history of this Frontierland classic and the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland, including Discovery Bay and Dumbo’s Circus.

Listener Questions: From Rise of the Resistance’s B-mode to the future of Disney’s IP-driven attractions.

Listen now for a fun, fact-filled episode covering the latest updates and Disney history!

SHOW NOTES

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Pink Momorail Manufacturing the MagicEp 10: Exploring Coney Island

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the tenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about the three great amusement parks that once occupied the southwesternmost section of Brooklyn.

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

The rowdy early history of this island

The Elephantine Colossus and her sisters

How the arrest of Coney Island’s “boss” opened the door for Amusement Parks

Sea Lion Park, which eventually became Luna Park

The “Insanatorium” in Steeplechase Park

And the life and death of Topsy the elephant

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 14:: Monsters Inc. Land is Coming… But What Happened to the Original Ride?

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a deep dive into the world of Monsters Inc.—but this time, it's all about the merchandise!

Discover the surprising popularity of the Monsters University hat and learn why it continues to fly off the shelves nearly a decade after the movie's release.

Plus, Jim shares some hidden gems from Disney’s past, including the evolution of Pixar Plaza and the backstory of Monsters Inc. character meet-and-greets.

• The unexpected demand for Monsters University merchandise: Why does the famous "MU" hat keep selling out?

• Behind-the-scenes stories from D23 Expo and the announcement of the new Monsters Inc. land.

• A look back at the Monsters Inc. character meet-and-greets and their connection to Disney’s park expansion plans.

• Why Pixar Plaza was never meant to be seen by guests—and how it became a fan-favorite spot for Disney die-hards.

• Exclusive insights into the recently released Monsters University merchandise collection, including Lauren’s take on the standout items.

You'll love this episode if you love Disney history mixed with modern-day merch magic! Tune in to hear all about the Monsters Inc. phenomenon and what’s coming next for Disney fans.

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 16:Discovering Diagon Alley: A Complete First-Timer's Experience

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

n this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take listeners on a magical journey through Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida.

As Eric recounts his family's first experience, Jim provides insights into the park's history.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

The Magic of Diagon Alley: Hear about the awe-inspiring entrance through the famous brick wall, along with the unique sound effects that bring this experience to life,
Dragon Tales: Discover the story behind the fire-breathing Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon perched on Gringotts, and how it adds to the immersive world of Harry Potter.

Escape from Gringotts: Eric shares his family’s reactions to this thrilling ride, while Jim provides insider info about the ride's unique storytelling elements and how it ties into Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Interactive Wands: Learn about the wand-purchasing experience at Ollivanders and the magic of spell-casting throughout Diagon Alley, including Jim's insights into how this feature evolved since opening.

Dining and Shopping: From butterbeer obsession to British fare at the Leaky Cauldron, Eric recounts the best eats and shops in Diagon Alley.

Bonus News: Tune in for a brief news update about the opening of a Hello Kitty Cafe at Universal CityWalk, plus a listener's message about their personal experience with the Star Trek Adventure at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Join us for a first-timer's take on Diagon Alley, enhanced by Jim’s expert commentary on the history and creation of this immersive theme park land.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: Hocus Pocus: The Halloween Hit That Left Spielberg Feeling Betrayed (Ep. 452)

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take you behind the scenes of Disney’s beloved Hocus Pocus and its unexpected connection to Steven Spielberg.

Discover the untold story of how the Halloween classic was pitched, nearly lost, and ultimately stolen away from Spielberg.

Tune in as we explore:

The Spielberg-Kirschner Drama: How did the An American Tail creator’s decision to pitch Hocus Pocusto Disney instead of Spielberg create tension in Hollywood?
Disney's Billion-Dollar Halloween Gamble: What convinced Jeffrey Katzenberg to greenlight Hocus Pocus after an unconventional pitch?
South Park Hiatus: Why Trey Parker and Matt Stone are putting South Park on pause until 2025 and how the Paramount-Skydance merger affects its future.
The Wild Robot World Premiere: DreamWorks’ adaptation of The Wild Robot hits the Toronto International Film Festival, and Jim & Drew dive into the excitement leading up to its wide release, including a sneak peek at The Art of DreamWorks The Wild Robot.
The Animated Opener of Joker: Folie à Deux: Learn how Sylvain Chomet brings a Looney Tunes-style sequence to life for the Joker sequel’s Venice Film Festival debut.

Join Jim and Drew for an inside look at one of Halloween’s most iconic films, plus the latest in animation news and commentary.

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Big Thunder's Wild History, Tron’s Queue Overhaul, and Universal’s Next Big Attraction (Ep. 496)

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of The Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, dive into listener questions, and share some fascinating theme park history.

Tune in for an entertaining and informative discussion featuring:

The History of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Learn how this beloved attraction evolved from the original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.

Disney’s Tron Lightcycle Run Update: Why Disney is replacing the virtual queue with a traditional standby line and what it means for other park attractions.

Universal Studios’ New How to Train Your Dragon Attraction?: Jim and Len break down a new survey hinting at a potential addition to Universal’s Epic Universe or Hollywood park.

Listener Questions: A lively discussion on Disney’s attraction changes, including the high-cost failures like Galactic Starcruiser.

Nostalgia in Disney Parks: Are Magic Kingdom’s attractions too geared toward older generations, or is there something for everyone?

Join Jim and Len for a fun mix of history, humor, and theme park insights!

Show Notes can be found here.

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How Mickey’s Not-So-Scary got started at Disney World (Ep. 13)

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking up the Halloween merch that just hit store shelves at the Disneyland Resort.

They then discuss how the success of USF’s Halloween Horror Nights led to Disney developing its own seasonal after-hours hard ticket.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which “Inside Out” character is doing a meet-n-greet exclusively at the Pixar Place Hotel

What was the original name for Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween event

Which colors predominate with the Oogie Bash merch offered at the Disneyland Resort this year

When did Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party debut at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

When is “Vision Quest” (i.e., Marvel Studios’ second limited series that serves as a sequel-of-sorts to 2021’s “WandaVision”) supposed to premiere on Disney+

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Epic Universal with Eric Herseu Ep 15: Revisiting the Lost Star Trek Experiences at Universal Studios

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into various Universal Studios topics, from Halloween thrills to lost Star Trek adventures.

Here’s what you can expect:

Halloween Horror Nights 2024: We kick off the episode discussing the latest news from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.
Squishmallows and Wicked Collaboration: Jim and Eric talk about Universal’s marketing collaboration with Squishmallows for the upcoming Wicked: Part One movie, where exclusive Glinda and Elphaba plush toys will be available.
Harry Potter and the Ministry of Magic Ride: They discuss the upcoming ride at Universal’s Epic Universe based on Harry Potter and the Battle of the Ministry of Magic, featuring behind-the-scenes filming with Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge.
The Return of Death Eaters at Diagon Alley: Eric explains how the Death Eaters will return to Diagon Alley during Halloween Horror Nights, creating an immersive, dark arts experience for visitors.
FanFest Nights: A listener question sparks a deep dive into Universal’s newly announced FanFest Nights, an after-hours event celebrating sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and anime fandoms. Could Star Trek make a comeback at the parks during this event?
Revisiting the Lost Star Trek Experiences: The featured discussion of the episode takes us back in time as we explore Universal’s forgotten Star Trek attractions. From live-action stage shows to immersive experiences, we cover what made these attractions memorable and why they disappeared.
Could Star Trek Return to Universal Parks?: With the rise of Star Trek in popular media, we speculate on whether Universal might revive the franchise for future theme park experiences.
News About Upcoming Episodes: If you are wondering when Eric is going to review his first trip to Universal, we give you BIG news at the end of the show.

We want to hear from you! What franchise are you most excited about for Universal’s FanFest Nights? Or is there a franchise you wish Universal would bring to life at the parks?

Let us know by leaving a comment or messaging us on social media. Your input might just be featured in a future episode!

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How a Western River led to Big Thunder Mountain (Ep. 495)

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the three tiers of hotels that the Universal Orlando Resort just rolled out.

They also talk about why Disney wants to know more about how you allocated your cash during your most recent trip to Orlando.

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why the Universal Theme Parks want to learn more about which brands & IPs your young daughter is interested

Who was just placed in charge of the committee to find a successor for Disney CEO Bob Iger

Why it’s likely that DCL will soon need to replace the Magic & the Wonder

How many people visited the Magic Kingdom in Florida during the first full year that theme park was in operation

Which opening day attraction for Walt Disney World did Tony Baxter go to the field to install back in 1971

SHOW NOTES

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Pink Monorail : Manufacturing the Magic Ep 9: The rise of American amusement parks

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the ninth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about how – as the 19th Century gave way to the 20th – amusement parks as we know them today began to pop up around the country

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How Lake Compouce sprang up from a failed explosives experiment

How Disney’s Boardwalk Resort was originally supposed to feature a selection of classic theme park attractions

How a young immigrant went from sleeping under an Atlantic City pier to owning it

The precursor to Disney’s Ford Wonder Rotunda at the 1964 New York World’s Fair

West Coast amusement parks in Venice and Long Beach, California

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 99: Which role did Keanu Reeves almost play in “The Acolyte”

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking back at the D23 Expo.

They also discuss what “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” seems to have in common with Joe Dante’s “Explorers”

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

When did the Disney family sell off the Silverado Vineyards

How did Barry Diller leaving Paramount to go run 20th Century Fox in the Fall of 1984 result in Michael Eisner becoming Disney’s new Chairman & CEO

What role did Disney’s “Flight of the Navigator” play in Paul Reubens being selected to voice Rex in “Star Tours”

How many “Tarzan” movies starring Johnny Weissmuller make for MGM between 1932 & 1942

What did that StarSpeeder 3000 replica that was sold at this year’s D23 Expo wind up selling for

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 450: Which screen legend almost directed “Pete’s Dragon”

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by seeing how “Inside Out 2” ‘s worldwide box office stacks up against Jon Favreau’s photo-realistic “Lion King.”

They also talk about that Nightmare Before Christmas-themed light trail that’s coming to New York’s Botanical Gardens

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

This long-running animated series just celebrated its 25th anniversary back in January

Will Warner Bros. be releasing Genndy Tartakovsky’s “Fixed” anytime soon

When will Pixar’s latest feature-length film be available for purchase on Blu-ray

How many movies did Robert Stevenson direct for Walt Disney Studios

Who almost played Nora, the daughter of the lighthouse keeper in “Pete’s Dragon”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 494: How did the Imagineers just update WDW’s “Peter Pan Flight”

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In a special solo show, Jim Hill first talks about which Disney Villains just made their debut at DCA’s “Oogie Boogie Bash.”

He then looks back at how Walt adapted J.B. Barrie’s play & novel to the screen back in 1953

For this episode, listeners will learn about;

Who did Roger Bart sing for in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Summer release for 1997

Who wrote the songs for Disney’s full-length animated feature for 1953

When is Disney on Broadway’s new stage production of “Hercules” supposed to open in London’s West End

Which two animated features was WDI originally considering as their jumping-off point for their upcoming redo of DAK’s Dinoland U.S.A.

When was Bob Hope’s sequel to his 1948 Western comedy, “The Paleface,” first released to theaters

SHOW NOTES

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 12: Will custom character ears be the next big thing at the Disney Parks

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking back at some of the more memorable pieces of merch offered at this year’s D23 Expo.

They then shine a spotlight on some of the books that Disney Press will be bringing to market in the coming months.

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

When will the first “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” for 2024 be presented at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

Which two feature-length films did Stephen Anderson direct for Walt Disney Animation Studios

What phrase did Len Testa coin to describe the exhaustion that people feel whenever they wrestle with the ever-growing technical aspect of a WDW vacation

What was the must-have collectible for Star Wars fans who attended this year’s D23 Expo

Which once-a-box-office-flop / now-a-pop-culture-favorite Disney films from the 1990s just got its oral history published

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Epic Universe with Eric Hersey Ep 61-14: The difference between Disney & Universal’s destination resorts

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 21:52:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about viewership for the Summer Games in Paris. T

hey then take a look at how Universal Pictures’ recent releases have been doing at the domestic box office

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

When was Epic Universe originally supposed to open up in Orlando

In what year does NBCUniversal’s deal with the IOC for the US broadcast rights for the Olympics run out

Which classic silent horror film is Universal Pictures remaking

How many spots on the Top 10 box office chart for 2024 do Universal Pictures releases
occupy

For how many years now has the Broadway musical version of “Wicked” been presenting performances at NYC’s Gershwin Theatre

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 449: Pixar’s “Win or Lose” debuts on Disney+ on December 6th

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking back at some of the animation-related news that came out of the D23 Expo.

They also discuss a number of the books that event attendees could pick up at this year’s eve

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Who now is voicing Elio’s aunt in Pixar Animation Studios’ big release for June of 2025

Why it’s kind of ironic that the Mouse House just decided to make Frank Oz a Disney Legend

What’s the reported premise for “Hoppers,” Pixar’s Spring 2026

What’s intriguing about the visual clues that were included in the “Frozen 3” concept art that Jennifer Lee showcases at the Honda Center

How many episodes of Pixar’s “Dream Productions” did D23 members get to see at this year’s Expo

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 493: Frontierland to trade steamboat ride for “Cars” -themed road rally

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start today’s episode by discussing the changes that will soon be coming to Tom Sawyer Island at WDW’s Magic Kingdom.

They also look back at when the “Be Our Guest” restaurant opened at that same theme park back in December of 2012

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

For which Disney animated feature from the 1990s did Ricky Martin voice the title character (for the Latin American / Spanish version of this film, that is)

What did the Imagineers once toy with installing inside of the “Hall of Presidents” show building

What does Universal Orlando’s new dining offer tell us about when Epic Universe will likely open to the public

Why did Disney’s Central Reservations Office have to rethink the number of seatings they could book daily at “Be Our Guest” just six months after this new Magic Kingdom restaurant first opened

Why did the load-in of the Ballroom’s chandelier prove to be a challenge to the “Be Our Guest” construction team

SHOW NOTES

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Special Bonus Episode: What’s next for the Disney Parks

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 20:30:00 -0000

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 492: Remembering Disneyland’s Indian Village

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by getting the skinny on thinly sliced pieces of bacon.

They then discuss whether the changes that have recently been made to DAS have actually lowered wait times at WDW’s park

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Where did the wax figures from the “Davy Crockett Frontier Museum” eventually wind up

Why would Disney Procurement likely have bought pork products in bulk last year

When did the West Coast version of “Country Bear Jamboree” first open

What’s the name of that Royal Caribbean stage show themed around superheroes

Which Harvard professor helped to turn the American cowboy into that mythic figure we know today

SHOW NOTES

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Pink Monorail Manufacturing the Magic Ep 8: Trolley Parks & Pleasure Gardens

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the eighth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about how savvy rail & beer companies took advantage of trolley downtime to create new entertainment destinations at the end of the line.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How Tivoli Gardens directly influenced the design of Disneyland

A Ferris wheel from 1897 that is still operational today
Early animatronics in Jenny’s Whim
How the rise of the automobile signaled the death knell for trolley parks

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 448: What’s interesting about the way Netflix is marketing “Spellbound”

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by looking back at the

“Jurassic World: Chaos Panel” he moderated at last month’s San Diego Comic-Con.

Then Jim Hill discusses the three feature-length films that were made at Fox Animation

Studios in Phoenix

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

 What spot did Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” just claim on the list of all-time worldwide top

grossing films

 When will the Boomerang streaming service officially get folded into Max

 Which “Gravity Falls” -related book now tops the New York Times bestseller list

 On what television broadcast back in the Summer of 2016 did the “Moana” teaser

trailer first appear

 Back when “Titan AE” was still supposed to be a live-action production, what was

the title of this film originally supposed to be

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 491 : Disney Destiny puts villains in the spotlight

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by reviewing Universal Orlando’s plans for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.”

They then talk about which WDW DVC may soon be expanding

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What’s significant about the survey Universal Orlando recently distributed about possible price points for annual passes

Where does Steven Tyler get the scarves that he uses to decorate his mic stand

How tall was Walt Disney

Which moment from the third episode of the “Davy Crockett” limited series did Disneyland’s Frontier Museum recreate

Why were Fess Parker & Buddy Ebsen wet when they made their entrance in “Dateline Disneyland”

SHOW NOTES

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 11: How the “Country Bear Jamboree” came to be

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this show by talking about the merch currently available at the Universal Orlando Resort.

They also talk about how exactly the Haunted Mansion is coming back online at Disneyland Park

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which new variation of Butterbeer just became available in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Where was Disney Legend Marc Davis’ home located in Los Angeles

When did the National Forest Service award Walt Disney Productions the rights to develop a ski resort at Mineral King

Who was supposed to have stayed in the Carriage House that’s now being built right by the exit to the Disneyland version of The Haunted Mansion

How much “The Haunted Mansion” movie that Walt Disney Pictures released last July reportedly cost to make

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 490: In what month of 2025 is Epic Universe going to open?

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

On this week’s show, Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull & Len’s twin sister, Linda. These four then discuss the news of the day and look back at the grand opening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith.

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

What idea did the Imagineers explore for improving DCA’s Grizzly River Run?

How long has it been since a major new thrill ride opened at one of the theme parks found at the Universal Orlando Resort?

How has the roll-out of Lightning Lane Multi-Pass been going so far

What contributed to Disney’s decision to only present “Rogers: The Musical” in the Hyperion Theater for a single summer

Who influenced Kelsey Mann to find a place for Figment in “Inside Out 2”

SHOW NOTES

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Pink Monorail Manufacturing the Magic Ep 7: An explosion of expositions

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the seventh installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about what happened in themed entertainment at the start of the 20th Century.

How World’s Fairs continued to grow and develop

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

The 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St Louis

In what ways did the Brussels International Exposition of 1910 influence the design of Main Street, USA

How did the Exposition Universelle impact Disneyland Paris

Where was the other “White City” built

Why was the Panama-California Exposition considered a rogue event

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 59-12: How Dwayne Johnson wound up playing the Scorpion King

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Eric Hersey returns from the Universal Orlando Resort and gives Jim Hill a brief glimpse of what he & his family experienced down in Central Florida.

Eric & Jim then take a look at the Rock’s first film role

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why you should go straight to the Trolls Trollercoaster as soon as Universal Studios Florida opens for the day

How much was Dwayne Johnson paid to appear in “The Mummy Returns”

What’s the origin story for Seven Bucks Productions

How does “Disney Dreams That Soar” stack up against the drone component of USF’s new nighttime show, “Cinesational: A Symphonic Spectacular”

How did Comcast’s earnings for the second quarter of 2024 compare to that company’s earning for the same period in fiscal 2023

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Looking at Lucasfiilm with Brian Gaughan: Ep 98: “The Acolyte” have benefitted from being a little lighter?

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:10:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by spotlighting some of the “Star Wars” -related panels being presented at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

They then do a deep dive in on Lucasfilm’s latest limited series for Disney+

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How big (square foot-wise) is the San Diego Convention Center

Which room do you want to be in this Friday morning to experience three solid hours of “Star Wars” goodness
What role did Craig Miller play in helping to make “A New Hope” the success that it was
How soon after “Russian Doll” debuted on Netflix was Leslye Headland recruited to come work on a new limited series for Lucasfilm

Who is Shawn Levy working with to develop a script for his proposed “Star Wars” film

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 447: What you really need to see at this year’s D23 Expo

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about how “Inside Out 2” just became the highest-grossing animated feature of all time (barring Disney’s photo-realistic “Lion King” of 2019).

They also take a look back at “The Rescuers”

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about;

Which character was Phil Harris originally supposed to voice in “The Rescuers”

How many art students did Disney initially invite to take part in the Studio’s inaugural animation boot camp?

What advice did Bob Newhart give Don Rickles in regards to voicing Mr. Potatohead in Pixar’s “Toy Story”

Which Disney featurette from the mid-1970s did the Studio’s animation trainees cut their teeth on?

What film did better than the original “Star Wars” when it was finally released in France in 1977

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 489: How does WDW’s new “Country Bear” show stack up

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts this week’s show by revealing which attractions will be open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Extended Evening Hours at that theme park later this year.

And then Jim Hill wraps up his history of Epcot’s “Maelstrom” attraction.

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why was the original version of “Country Bear Jamboree” trimmed down back in October 2012

What land does Hong Kong Disneyland that is traditionally found at other castle parks

Why did the Imagineers dial back the North Sea scene in “Maelstrom” just before this World Showcase attraction officially opened in July of 1988

Which animatronic figure from “The Hall of Presidents” can also be found as a eunuch along “Spaceship Earth” ‘s ride track

When – according to the U.S. census – did the wide open spaces of the American West officially come to a close

SHOW NOTES

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 446: When Cruella almost starred in Disney’s “The Rescuers”

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 16:20:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking up the “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” panel Drew will be hosting at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con.

They then talk about which animated film franchise is currently the top earner

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many people have been to every single Comic-Con since the first event was held in San Diego back in 1970

When did Disney Legend Ken Anderson retire from the Company?

Why was Disney forced to make “The Story of Robin Hood” in the UK back in the early 1950s

How many days will separate the release of “Toy Story 5” & “Shrek 5” during the Summer of 2026

Where is William Stout’s booth located in the San Diego Convention Center?

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 488: Disney Cruise Line coming to Japan

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Disney author & historian Foxx Nolte. Who gives them a preview of his latest book, “Scoundrels, Villains, & Knaves: Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Popular Culture”

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What are the differences between the VIP tours offered at WDW versus those made available to visitors at the Universal Orlando Resort

Which train show staged back in the mid-1940s reportedly influenced the design of New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park

What’s the rumored reason that character greetings are not being offered as part of Lightning Lane Multi-pass

Which scene was originally designed for the Escher Staircase area for WDW’s version of the Haunted Mansion

What’s kind of intriguing about the fact that the Themed Entertainment Association has yet to release its annual Theme Park Index (which lists theme park attendance numbers) has yet to be released for 2024

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 445: The “Nightmare” that led to “Toy Story”

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking up the two books that Josh Gad will be bringing to the marketplace in the next six months.

They then take a look at how “Inside Out 2” & “Despicable Me 4” have been doing at the box office

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many episodes for “Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs: The Animated Series” were produced
When does Season 12 of “Futurama” get underway on Hulu

Who did Tim Burton share an office with when he worked at Walt Disney Animation Studios back in the 1980s

Which member of the “Inside Out” cast joined Joy & Sadness at DCA’s Pixar Pier Bandstand last month

When will “Shrek 5” be arriving in theaters

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 10: How the Disney Store got its start

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by checking out some of the bragging rights merch Disney has made available for its recently opened “Splash Mountain” redo.

They also take a look back at when the Mouse had a store in virtually every mall in America

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How did The Walt Disney Company decide where the first 13 Disney Stores would be located

When did the Critter Co-op open at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

How many different categories did Disney Parks, Products & Experiences opt to break its “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” / “Princess & the Frog” merchandise down into

Whatever became of the “Mickey’s Kitchen” fast food chain

Out of the eight studios operating in Hollywood back in the early 1980s, where was Disney ranked when Michael Eisner came on board as the Company’s new CEO

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 487: A look at LEGO’s lengthy relationship with Disney Parks & Experiences

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the different “lands” that Guests can explore once they board the Disney Adventure (which begins sailing out of Singapore in 2025).

They also share a survey from Universal Orlando about this Resort’s version of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which musical acts will be appearing at this year’s “Eat to the Beat” concert series as part of the 2024 edition of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival

When did Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith come back online at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

How many passengers is the Disney Adventure supposed to be able to accommodate on each sailing of this new DCL vessel (Bonus question: How many crew members will be on board to service these passengers)

According to Greek mythology, which three very different things is the God Poseidon supposed to watch over / be in charge of

What happened to attendance levels at EPCOT Center & Disney-MGM Studios theme park right after Disney’s Animal Kingdom first opened in April of 1998

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 444: How “The Circle of Life” became the “Lion King” anthem

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:50:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the animated feature that just blew past a billion dollars at the worldwide box office.

They also take a look at how Universal Pictures’ promoted “Despicable Me 4” in Las Vegas

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about;

How tall is the High Roller Ferris wheel (which towers above the Las Vegas Strip)

How many “SpongeBob” movies have been released theatrically to date

What was one of the last scenes to be animated for the original version of Disney’s “The Lion King” (which was first released to theaters back in June of 1994)

When did “Batman: The Animated Series” debut on television as part of the Fox Kids programming block

Where was Lebo M working prior to helping Hans Zimmer record the soundtrack for Disney’s “The Lion King”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 486: How Lightning Lane Multi Pass is supposed to work

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing

WDW’s Genie+ replacement.

They then walk through exactly what happened backstage at

Disneyland prior to the launch of that Park’s “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

 How far in advance will on-site Guests be able to book Multi Pass reservations

 When is this new ride reservation system supposed to officially come online at

the Walt Disney World Resort

 What holiday-themed projection show is supposed to be updated as part of the

2024 edition of “Jollywood Nights”

 Where did Disneyland used to store its fireworks back in the 1980s

 Why did Disneyland’s firemen go around backstage checking doors & windows

an hour before “Fantasy in the Sky” launched

Show Notes

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 486: How Lightning Lane Multi Pass is supposed to work

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing

WDW’s Genie+ replacement.

They then walk through exactly what happened backstage at

Disneyland prior to the launch of that Park’s “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

 How far in advance will on-site Guests be able to book Multi Pass reservations

 When is this new ride reservation system supposed to officially come online at

the Walt Disney World Resort

 What holiday-themed projection show is supposed to be updated as part of the

2024 edition of “Jollywood Nights”

 Where did Disneyland used to store its fireworks back in the 1980s

 Why did Disneyland’s firemen go around backstage checking doors & windows

an hour before “Fantasy in the Sky” launched

Show Notes

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Pink Monorail Manufacturing the Magic Ep 5: The White City – Part One

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the latest installment of this continuing series, Noe & Shelly Valladolid look at the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Which many have called the most influential World’s Fair of all time.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How Chicago won out over New York, Washington DC & St. Louis when it came to the opportunity to be the host city for this World’s Fair

Why the famous poem about Columbus was changed

How the Swift Meats Company sponsored the Columbian Exposition and their role in early Disneyland

How the White City inspired the City Beautiful movement

Why true crime fans remain obsessed with the Columbian Exposition of 1893

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 97: “Star Wars: New Jedi Order” seeks to mix old & new

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing Daisy Ridley’s recent visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.

They also discuss “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” Lucasfilm’s new limited series for Disney+

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

How much was James Earl Jones paid to voice Darth Vader on “A New Hope”

What happened at Disneyland on the REAL Star Wars Day (i.e., May 25th)

Why did Gary Kurtz opt out of producing “Star Wars: Episode VI”

When did Disney Studios start its own film distribution company

How did George Lucas coach Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher & Harrison Ford when it came to dialogue in the “Star Wars” movies

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 443 : Who animated the Toontown section of “Roger Rabbit”

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 13:08:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about “Inside Out 2” ‘s continuing dominance at the worldwide box office.

They then discuss some of the television-related news that came out of this year’s Annecy International Film Festival and Market

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

What’s the subtitle of the next holiday special in Disney’s “Prep & Landing” series supposed to be called

Who did Steven Spielberg want to hire to handle all of the animation in “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”

What’s the title of the new “Gravity Fall” -related book that’s supposed to hit store shelves on July 23rd

Where is the world premiere of DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” going to be held

What happened in the “Pig Head” scene that was cut out of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 485: Is WDW getting ready to revamp the My Disney Experience app

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking at the “Dark Universe” concept art that the Universal Orlando Resort just revealed. Then they wrap up their history of fireworks displays at Disneyland

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Who was Disney’s partner when it came to developing a compressed air-based launch system for its fireworks displays
When is work supposed to get underway on the refurbishment of WDW’s version of Big Thunder Mountain
Why do golf enthusiasts love the 18-hole putting green over at the Palm & Magnolia course
Where had the Imagineers originally wanted to build an Ursula-themed spinner at Disney California Adventure
What was the computer-controlled fireworks firing system that Harold “Mickey” Aronson designed for the Disney Parks called

Show Notes

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 9: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: Disney's Forgotten Star Reborn

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 03:42:00 -0000

In this episode of "I Want That Too," Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill discuss the history of Disney's first animated star.

Then Oswald collector Noe Valladolid shares how he acquired some of his most valuable pieces.

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

How "Inside Out 2” blew past its initial box office projections
Where at Disney Springs you can find the new Aloha Collection mini-store
What veteran sports broadcaster did Disney trade to NBCUniversal in exchange for a certain cartoon rabbit
Where on the Disney Lot in Burbank Oswald was hiding in plain sight for decades
Which souvenir from Universal Studios Japan do Oswald collectors especially lust after

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Epic Universal with Eri Hersey Ep 57-10 : Dark Universe celebrates Universal’s classic monsters

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 20:40:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what Universal Parks & Experiences has just revealed about Epic Universe’s next land.

They also continue the tale of USH’s efforts to get more monsters into that theme park

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Where’s the best place to stand in Universal Studios Florida to view “CineSational: A Symphony Spectacular”

On which coast did the “Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle” show first debut

Why did Stephen Sommers pass up the opportunity to make a third “Mummy” movie at Universal Pictures

How is Voodoo Doughnuts getting in on the celebration of the 60th anniversary of USH’s Tram Tour

Which Classic Universal Monster is rumored to be getting his own attraction as part of a future expansion of Darkmoor Village

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 442: Where can you find Figment in “Inside Out 2”

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor is fresh back from France. And he tells Jim Hill all about the animated films that he got to see at this year’s international animation film festival and market

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

What did Nick Park have to say when he learned of Steven Spielberg’s love of the runaway train scene in “The Wrong Trousers”
Which recently retired Disney Legend received this year’s Annecy Walk of Fame Award

Where do Porky, Daffy & Petunia Pig work in “The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie”

The work of which visual futurist reportedly served as the inspiration for the world in which Dreamworks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” is set

How is Disney expanding the cast for “Moana 2”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 484: How were Disneyland’s fireworks impacted by the Clean Air Act

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the operational issues that “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” continues to have during its preview period.

They also share listeners' theories about why WDW sit-down restaurants have seemed so empty lately

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What changes have been made to the on-board narration for Disneyland’s Mark Twain

When will the revamped version of “Country Bear Jamboree” be opening at the Magic Kingdom in Florida
Who personally supervised the fireworks display over Seven Seas Lagoon back on October 23, 1971

What’s happening with WDW’s old “Pirates Leagues” facility

Why were the fast food restaurants & motels built around Disneyland back in the Late 1950s / early 1960s all clustered around the corner of Harbor & Katella

Show Notes

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Pink Monorail Manufacturing the Magic Ep 4: France throws down the gauntlet

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the fourth installment of this new educational series, Noe & Shelly Valladolid look at even more early World’s Fairs. With the focus this time around being on French advances in themed entertainment.

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

• Why the Exposition Universelle de Paris of 1899 dwarfed all others

• How the temporary Eiffel Tower led to the discovery of gamma rays

• The problem with “human zoos”

• Why the Tower’s most vehement critic dined there every day

• Which themed international buildings served as a precursor for EPCOT’s World Showcase

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 483: What were Disneyland’s first fireworks show like

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the technical issues “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” has been facing during its Cast Member preview period.

They also take a look at the room décor for WDW Island Tower (i.e., that new DVC which will be opening right next to WDW’s Polynesian Village Resort on December 17th)

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why would Owen & Dolly Pope always tour the corrals at Disneyland’s Circle D Ranch the mornings after fireworks had been shot off at Walt’s family fun park
When will Jollywood Nights be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year
How far back can the Disneyland tradition of a rope drop at the opening of the park be traced
Where did Disneyland management turn when it needed to recruit additional security officers to help man that theme park
Which Tomorrowland attraction back in the 1960s was able to handle 4000 Guests an hour

Show Notes

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i want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 8: When Disney almost made a sci-fi version of “Snow White”

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 17:06:12 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the teaser trailer for “Moana 2.”

They also closely examine which Disney Princess moves the most merchandise.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why did the Magic Kingdom eventually remove the Disney Princess float from its “Share a Dream Come True” parade
What were the three robots in Universal Pictures’ “Silent Running” called
Which “Will & Grace” star read the role of the Snow Queen in one of the earliest table reads done for Disney’s “Frozen”
What happened inside of the Magic Kingdom on the morning of 9/11
When did the delayed version of WDW’s “100 Years of Magic” celebration finally get underway

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 56-9: How soon will the Simpsons decamp for Disney World

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:18:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing Universal Orlando’s new Premium Scream offering.

They also continue their look back at how USH kept trying to build a successful show around the Universal Classic Monsters

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Where can one find that new Butterbeer Cart souvenir candy bucket at the Universal Orlando Resort
How long after “The Simpsons Ride” opened in 2008 did Springfield Fast Food Boulevard come online
Who designed the 20-foot-tall animatronic serpent in USH’s “Conan: A Sword & Sorcery Spectacular” show
What is the technical name for that space which scareactors hide in before jumping out & frightening event attendees at Halloween Horror Nights
When Disney World started holding its “Night of Joy” after-hours hard ticket events

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 441: How did Pixar decide which movies to make early on

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how “The Garfield Movie” has been doing at the domestic box office. They also share some fond memories of Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which animated feature – released to theaters a year ago this week – sold $120 million worth of tickets over its opening weekend in North America

What part of the score for “Pooh’s Hunny Hunt” (i.e., the first trackless ride at a Disney theme park) did Richard M. Sherman personally direct

What limitation of early CG convinced Pixar’s original brain trust that they needed to make movies like “A Bug’s Life,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Finding Nemo” & “Wall-E”

According to early box office projections, how much is “Inside Out 2” expected to earn over its first weekend in domestic release

In the future, what will the new release pattern be for the animated features released by Pixar Animation Studios

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 482: How “Date Nite at Disneyland” got started

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the opening weekend of performances of “Disney Dreams That Soar.”

They then look back at how fireworks got started at Disneyland Park in the late 1950s

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why Universal Orlando decided to change the name of Epic Universe’s racing coaster
When will work begin on the retheming of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Which musical acts is Universal Creative reportedly considering using as the jumping-off point for a maze at a future Halloween Horror Night
Why are dining reservations suddenly far easier to get at WDW’s sit-down restaurants
Where will road improvements soon begin on Disney World property

Show Notes

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Pink Monorail Manufacturing the Magic Ep 3: Early World’s Fairs & Expositions

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 13:34:00 -0000

In the third installment of this new educational series, Noe & Shelly Valladolid look back at the first World’s Fairs. More importantly, the impact that these ambitious expositions had on society

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Where in London was the Great Exposition staged
Which structure at the Great Exposition inspired a popular WDW restaurant
What marvels from the Victorian Age were on display during this 5-month-long event
Which event held in France just four years later attempted to throw the Great Exposition of London into eclipse
Why is the Palais d’Industrie considered Napoleon III’s “ego building”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 440 : When the Sherman Brothers left Disney Studios

Tue, 28 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill first talks about how “The Garfield Movie” did domestically over the long Memorial Day Week.

He then discusses that new YouTube documentary, “Beyond the Glass: The WDW Animation Building”

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which fairy tale classic was supposed to have served as the basis of Disney’s first-ever live-action musical for television
How much of the staff up in Emeryville was reportedly let go as part of the recent round of lay-offs at Pixar Animation Studios
Which two movie musicals did the Sherman Brothers write the score AND the screenplays for
How many films have been produced to date as part of the “Mad Max” movie series
Which installment has been the highest-grossing film (to date) in the “Kung Fu Panda” series

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 481: Up before dawn with “Disney Dreams That Soar”

Mon, 27 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa shares what it was like to watch Disney Springs’ new nighttime show from Saratoga Springs. Jim Hill then finishes his history of the miniature golf courses at the WDW Resort

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why do Disney execs really need to pay attention to what Jenny Nicolson shared throughout her four-hour-long “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” video
What makes the Bacchus hole at “Fantasia Gardens” so difficult for golfers
How long after the theme for “Winter Summerland” was selected did this miniature golf course open up right next door to Blizzard Beach
What did Tiger Woods have to say about “Fantasia Fairways”
Which buildings at Disney’s Saratoga Springs should offer the very best views of “Disney Dreams That Soar” (EDITOR’S NOTE: on the side facing Disney Springs Lake)

Show Notes

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 7: What’s it like to live at WDW’s Golden Oak gated community

Sat, 25 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by discussing a rare Disney book found at the Brimfield Flea Market.

They then take a look at Disney-MGM’s old Streetmosphere program

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What “Star Trek” vet directed “Three Men & a Baby” for Touchstone Pictures
Which forest creature recently turned up on Jim’s front porch
When was “Lady & the Tramp” first released to theaters
How much did it originally cost to build the Disney-MGM Studio theme park
What will you find at the corner of Mickey Avenue & Dopey Drive on the Disney Lot in Burbank

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 55-5\8: What sorts of snacks are served in DreamWorks Land

Fri, 24 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the media preview that was recently held for Universal Studios Florida’s reimagining Kidzone area. They then look back at the “Pink Panther” film series

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Where did Duffy AKA the Disney Bear initially exclusively sell on Disney World property back in 2002
Why is the new entrance sign for USF’s “E.T. Adventure” attraction deliberately designed to look like something you associate with a forest
How did MGM/UA decide to cash in on the “Muppet Babies” craze back in the mid-1980s
Which classic Universal cartoon character is reportedly being given the “Hidden Mickey” treatment inside of DreamWorks Land
What are the themes of the first three mazes announced for Universal Orlando’s 2024 edition of Halloween Horror Nights

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 439: Remembering Jim Henson’s “Muppet Babies”

Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the first full trailer for Netflix’s “Ultraman: Rising.” They then talk about “Flow,” the dialogue-free post-apocalyptic animated feature which will be debuting at Cannes next week

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Who will be voicing Garfield’s Dad in the new animated feature that Sony will be sending out to North American theaters on May 24th
Which George Lucas-produced film was Marvel Productions trying to turn into an animated series in 1984
What company did Illuminations get into bed with back in 2017 to help promote the release of “Despicable Me 3”
How many “South Park” specials have Matt Stone & Trey Parker produced for Paramount+ so far
What was the name of the very first puppet-based series that Jim Henson produced for television

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 480: When the Disneyland Hotel had a miniature golf course

Mon, 20 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing who gets to experience “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” when as part of that WDW attraction’s month-long grand opening event.

They then take a look at the interior of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What does Disney’s Hollywood Studios do when the IT system at the WDW Resort crashes
When might we see a second Taylor Swift concert film show up on Disney+
How did Jack Wrather deal with Disneyland being closed on Mondays & Tuesdays during that theme park’s off-season starting back in the late 1950s
What does the future hold for Magic Bands
Why is it very appropriate that the road directly behind the Disneyland Hotel is called Walnut Street

Show Notes

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Pink Monorail Manufacturing the Magic Ep 2: Pleasure Fairs

Sat, 18 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the second installment of this new educational series, Noe & Shelly Valladolid discuss the ancestors of today’s Renaissance fairs. To be specific, some of the primitive “rides” that could be found at these medieval entertainments

In this episode, listeners will learn about:

Elephants walking across the frozen Thames
What fairs were like in faraway India
How an exhibition of two goats led to today’s county fairs
Why Canada’s Hants County Exhibition, the first major fair in North America, is still in operation today
What it was like to attend a Frost Fair in the heart of London

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 96: Tom Selleck reflects on auditioning for Indiana Jones

Fri, 17 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how well the 25th anniversary re-release of “Star Wars – Episode One: The Phantom Menace.”

They also share Ahmed Best’s conflicted memories of portraying Jar Jar Binks

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

According to Josh Gad, which specific brand of cookie is repeatedly visually referenced within the “Star Wars” universe
How many Star Wars fans took part in the shoot for the video which promotes the iPhone 15’s “Precision Finding” feature
Which big box store currently has TruMoo’s Star Wars Blue Milk in stock (Bonus question: Which direct competitor of this store does NOT have Blue Milk)
Who did President Joe Biden recently personally give a tour of the Oval Office to
When is Star Wars Celebration Japan being held next year

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Pink Monorail Manufacturing the Magic Ep 01: The Silk Road

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

In the premiere episode of this new podcast series, Noe & Shelly Valladolid explore the origins of themed entertainment. To be specific, how early trade fairs led to the first amusements.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How gunpowder, tea, and paper from China shaped Europe
How Rome got the secret of Silk
Privileged fairs in Medieval Europe
Christmas markets that still operate today
And the earliest forms of entertainment

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 438: How Motel 6 is helping to promote “The Garfield Movie”

Wed, 15 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up “Exploding Kittens.” They then take a look at Mark Dindal’s career as the director of full-length animated features

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What was the one-and-only film to be produced by Turner Feature Animation
Why is the Henson family reportedly not all that fond of Pixar’s “Monsters Inc”
How many “Garfield” TV specials were produced for CBS back in the late 1988 / early 1990s
Where can you go to get an earlier look at “Slide,” Bill Plympton’s next animated film
Who voiced Anna & Elsa’s Mom in the first “Frozen” movie

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 479: What became of that “Typhoon Lagoon” movie Disney was going to make

Mon, 13 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about what happens next with Disneyland Forward now that the Anaheim City Council has officially approved this project. They also discuss what Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed at the Company’s most recent earnings call.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How long will the WDW version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad be down for rehab
What’s interesting about Disney’s decision to extend the permit it had with the South Florida Water Management District for the area between Fort Wilderness & Wilderness Lodge for another 5 years
Which moderate resort at WDW will be having its guest room refurbished now through November
What did Michael Eisner want to originally call the water thrill park that the Company first announced for Florida back in December of 1985
Who did Disney initially hire to write the screenplay for that Studio’s “Typhoon Lagoon” movie

Show Notes

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep54-7 : How projection shows came to the Wizarding World

Fri, 10 May 2024 23:58:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest “Despicable Me 4” trailer.

They then review what Universal Parks & Experiences just revealed about Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What new variety of Butterbeer-based treat is now available for purchase at the Universal Parks
Why was “Yoshi’s Adventure” reportedly not built as part of Phase One of Universa Studios Hollywood’s “Super Nintendo World”
What show is now going to be presented inside of USF’s “A Day in the Park with Barney” theater
Which Australian-based company wound up with the rights to make “Bluey” & “Despicable Me” toys
How far along now is the construction of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas

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Fine Tooning with Drew Tylor Ep 437: Remembering MGM’s “Magic of Disney Animation”

Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the series finale for that Lucasfilm Animation production, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” They then talk about how pleased Paramount+ is with the debut of its “Knuckles” mini-series

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Where did the “Bluey’s Big Play” traveling stage show make its North American debut
When will “The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish” be debuting on Nickelodeon
Who was supposed to voice the title character in Jorge Guiterrez’ “I, Chihuahua”
When did the $70 million custom-built Walt Disney Feature Animation – Florida production facility officially come online
Which animation historian will be creating original content for the Classic television Network’s soon-to-debut channel, MeTV Toons

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 478: What went wrong with “Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration”

Mon, 06 May 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest news coming out about the Epic Universe project. They also talk about why Bay Lake Tower is undergoing a year-long refurbishment in the not-so-distant future

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which crime figure from the 1930s inspired Ma Beagle & the Beagle Boys
How is Fort Wilderness’ remote location reportedly impacting DVC sales for the cabins there
How many animated series featuring Disney’s “Stitch” character have been produced to date
How could the Beyond Big Thunder project potentially impact the Rivers of America at WDW’s Magic Kingdom
Which two living character initiative shows plowed the road for “Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration”

Show Notes

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I Want That Too: with Lauren Hersey Ep 6: May the Muppets Be With You (Audio Only)

Sat, 04 May 2024 16:30:00 -0000

Star Wars Day, Disney-Henson Complex History and Rare Muppet Collectibles

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey start this week’s show by discussing the latest

developments in the "Disneyland Forward" project and what this means for future expansions.

They talk about Star Wars Day Merch and share the deep and complex history

between Disney and the Jim Henson Company, highlighting how this relationship

has evolved over the years.

In This Episode:

New Pandora Merch lighting up Animal Kingdom
Sneak Peek at Donald Duck's 90th Collection.
Muppets in Space and the Disney-Henson Relationship: Learn about the significance of this project in their complex history.
Jim's Rare Muppet Collection and the story behind it.

YouTube Title- Part 1: New Experience Coming to Disneyland, Pandora Merch, and Sneak Peek Donald Duck 90th Anniversary collection.

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey share the stories behind the Disney collectibles.

In this episode, they kick things off with the "Disneyland Forward" Updates and the exciting expansion plans at Disneyland.

They look at the New Pandora Merch coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and share a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Donald Duck 90th Anniversary Collection.

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 477 : Why WDW’s “Fire Mountain” project flamed out

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by congratulating Israel Perez & the team at WDW’s Victoria & Albert’s for the Michelin star they were just awarded.

They then welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a discussion of WDSP’s upcoming “Alice & the Red Queen: Back in Wonderland” show

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why – when WDW Cast Members finally get to preview “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” – they may come at this revamped flume ride from backstage

How far along is the “Disneyland Forward” project when it comes to Anaheim’s approval process

What’s interesting about that construction permit that just got pulled for Epcot’s “Journey into Imagination” pavilion

The “Frozen” star recently got the opportunity to try his hand at conducting on the Disneyland Railroad
Why – when it comes to updating and/or making significant changes to the African side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the Imagineers have very limited choices

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 436: “Shrek 2” celebrates its 20th anniversary

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up Pixar Fest (which starts this weekend at Disneyland Park).

They then look ahead to which studios will be doing presentations at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival & Market

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many Disney-related items are coming up for bid at Van Eaton Galleries’ next big event, “The Joel Magee Auction: Part Two”
Which Pixar veteran is directing “Transformers One” for Paramount Animation
When will “Robot Dreams” be released to select theaters in North America
What became of the plaque in the lobby of NYC’s Broadway Theater which commemorates “Steamboat Willie” ‘s world premiere in that same space back in 1928
Who was supposed to originally voice Fiona in the “Shrek” film series

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 53-6: Meet the horrifyingly cute Frankenstein Junior

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the tram accident that happened this past weekend at Universal Studios Hollywood.

They then take a close look at the perks annual passholders will be able to enjoy at the Universal Orlando parks starting in May.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which Universal horror classic got transformed from a silent film to a sound picture in 1929
Why did Universal Studios Florida push back the opening of “Twister … Ride It Out” from March of 1998 to early May of that same year
Which store used to occupy the space in Universal CityWalk that’s now being transformed into the Epic Universe preview center
Back in 1931, who did Universal Pictures originally announce was going to star in that Studio’s upcoming production of “Frankenstein”
Which cartoon character is at the wheel of that popcorn bucket that Universal Hollywood is now selling to commemorate the 60th anniversary of that theme park’s tram tour

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 95: Sampling Disneyland’s “Season of the Force”

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by revisiting the whole did-Greedo-shoot-first issue.

They then talk about what the last few episodes of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” seem to be setting up

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What honor will George Lucas be receiving at this year’s Cannes Film Festival
Where can Disneyland visitors view that theme park’s “Fire of the Rising Moons” fireworks display
What did Harrison Ford want to have happen to Han Solo in “Return of the Jedi”
Which animated series was the first “Star Wars” show to be set in the era of the High Republic
How did Leslie Headland – the showrunner for “Star Wars: The Acolyte” – describe this new limited series for Disney+

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 476: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” gets ready for its grand opening

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts at Universal Orlando. They then look back at Disney’s reaction to Mattel’s 1972 announcement of its Circus World theme park project

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many times will Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights be presented this year

What’s the name of the bay that the “World of Frozen” is built alongside at the theme park formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris

What price range is Universal reportedly considering when it comes to admission to its new kid-friendly park currently under construction in Bliss, TX

Why are the popcorn buckets sold at the Disney Parks in Anaheim & Tokyo so much nicer than the ones that are sold at the WDW Resort

How were the elephants dressed at the groundbreaking ceremony for Circus World back in April of 1973

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 435: Which emotions didn’t make it into “Inside Out 2”

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up "Ultraman: Rising.” They then discuss which animation studio is soon to be honored with a Palme D’Odr at this year’s Cannes Film Festival

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which character in Pixar’s “Up” did Peter Docter’s daughter Elizabeth voice
What does the future potentially hold for the “Bluey” animated series
Which Pixar film was “B.O.O,” DreamWorks Animation’s cancelled supernatural comedy, supposed to go head-to-head with back in June of 2015
How long is the “Mary Blair’s Wonderland: Imagining Disney’s Alice” exhibit running at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University
Which Animal Planet series from the 2000s is Warner Bros. Pictures Animation reportedly using as the jumping-off point for a feature-length project

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 5: Exploring the Bambi / Smoky Bear connection

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about the merch locations that are being readied for the WDW version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.”

They then discuss how Disney helped promote the U.S. Forest Service’s fire prevention program

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

When did Walt Disney Animation Studios finally shut production of shorts for theatrical release
What did Rankin-Bass produce as their follow-up to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
When is Walt Disney World’s redo of “Splash Mountain” rumored to re-open
What’s the name of the bear at the bottom of that totem pole that Guests encounter right outside of the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile
Which legendary big-screen romance first opened in theaters back in January of 1943

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 475: Re-opened 1900 Park Fare serves up a superior character meal

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by deep-diving into the changes the Disney Parks are about to make to their DAS policy.

They also continue their look back at WDW’s Tomorrowland

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” has Ice-T appeared in to date
What were Disney Legend John Hench’s concerns about the version of World Showcase that was almost built next to WDW’s TTC
How long did it take the team at WDW’s Food Labs to create that translucent fruit that was served aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser”
When was Phase One of “Project Florida” originally supposed to end construction
How tall was Thunder Mesa (i.e., the table-top mountain that was supposed to house WDW’s “Western River Expedition” ride) supposed to be

Show Notes

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 52-5: How King Kong came to be at the Universal theme parks

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 02:09:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the M3gan horde became the break-out hit at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights. They also discuss Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova & Terra Luna resorts

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What role did Michael Eisner play in setting Paramount Pictures’ “King Kong” remake in motion back in the mid-1970s
Why did Universal Pictures insist that certain scenes in “M3gan” be reshot
Why did Universal Studios Hollywood temporarily shut down “Earthquake: The Big One” back in October of 1989
Which Universal Pictures release back in November of 1974 introduced the world to Sensurround
Which after-hours event at the Disney Parks inspired Universal’s Grad Bash

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 434: The creatures that got cut from Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur”

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by looking back at how Walt Disney Studios did effects back in the 1960s. They also talk about the version of “Toy Story 3” that Circle 7 Studios had in development

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

When will “Kung Fu Panda 4” be available for viewing on digital platforms like Amazon Video & iTunes
How far back did the release date of Disney’s live-action version of “Moana” get pushed back
When did Happy Meals toys rethemed around Pixar’s “Elio” become available for purchase in Mexico
What name did Disney used for “The Good Dinosaur” when this Pixar production was first announced at the D23 Expo back in August of 2011
Who will be voicing the Mother of the title character in Pixar’s “Elio”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 474: Why Disney World’s Asian Resort never got built

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how the Shooting Gallery at WDW’s Magic Kingdom will soon close to become a DVC lounge. They also take a look back at Tomorrowland in this same theme park circa late 1971 / early 1972.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which then-husband & wife team were originally supposed to play the leads in Disney’s never-produced “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” sequel
When does it appear that the Magic Kingdom will be opening its version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”
Which “Avatar” film is the new experience that Bob Iger recently revealed was in the works for Disneyland in Anaheim supposed to be based on
What significant eco-friendly change is supposedly in the works for Florida’s version of Autopia
According to John Hench, which proposed WDW resorts were deliberately designed in such a way that they could then be seen from inside of the Magic

Show Notes

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 4 : Disney's Tiki Culture & Merchandise

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 21:15:00 -0000

In Episode 4 of "I Want That Too," where we venture into the world of Disney merchandise, with a special focus on the Tiki culture found within the Disney universe. Join entertainment writer Jim Hill and co-host Lauren Hersey as they uncover the stories behind Disney collectibles, explore the history of the Enchanted Tiki Room, and dive into the resurgence of Tiki culture among Disney fans and collectors.

In This Episode:

The Significance of April 5th in Disney Park History: Discover why this date holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans.
Spotlight on Tiki Culture: A deep dive into the history of the Enchanted Tiki Room and its controversial management change, exploring how Tiki culture has been integrated into the Disney parks and merchandise.
Featured Merchandise: The newly released Zazu shoulder plush in celebration of "The Lion King's" 30th anniversary and a look at the coveted Tiki mugs that have become a collector's dream.
Book Review:
"Before the Birds Sang Words" by Ken Bruce, offers an in-depth
exploration of Disney's feathered friends and the technology behind their creation.
Sponsor Shoutout: A big thank you to TouringPlans.com for making this deep dive into Disney's Tiki culture possible.
Listener Engagement: We invite our listeners to share their Disney collections and stories. Reach out to us at Lauren@laurenhersey.com or
Jim@jimhillmedia.com.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 433: How we went from Bluto to Brutus & back again

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 17:07:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about many of the animation-related books that will hit store shelves later this year. They also discuss how “Aladdin” commemorated its 10th year on Broadway

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which member of the “Frozen” voice cast just collaborated on a Putnum’s Book for Young Readers
How does “Disney Junior’s Ariel!” blend the 1989 animated feature with the 2023 live-action reboot
What made the Hanna Barbera-produced “Popeye” cartoons different from the shorts that previously starred this character from King’s Feature Syndicate
When was “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” originally supposed to be released to theaters
How old were Hiccup & Astrid originally supposed to be in Dreamworks’ first “How to Train Your Dragon” movie

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 473: Do you remember WDW’s Treasure Island

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the truce-of-sorts that’s recently been brokered between the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District & Disney.

They also talk about the drone show that will debut at Disney Springs on May 24th

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which annual event – which is held over in Tampa – made the Imagineers hesitant to bring Disneyland’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride to Florida
Why is much of Epcot’s Morocco pavilion currently hidden behind construction fences
When did Walt Disney make his very last visit to the Studios that he & his brother Roy built in Burbank
What is Tiana asking Guests to help out with when they set sail on her “Bayou Adventure”
How did WDI upset the turkey vultures who frequent the WDW Resort

Show Notes

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 51-4: Remembering the “Ghostbusters Spooktacular” attraction

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 02:34:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by taking a look back at the “How to Train Your Dragon” film franchise.

They then pivot to discussing the latest land to be unveiled for Epic Universe

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which character did Wayne Brady almost get heat stroke playing at a Disney Park
How many different movie studios have released “How to Train Your Dragon” films over the past 14 years
What was especially cool about the “Casper the Friendly Ghost” ride that Universal Creative developed for that Company’s theme parks
Who was originally supposed to be the lead of the first “Ghostbusters” movie
Residents of which two states can take advantage of the latest Universal Orlando ticket offer

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep94 : Star Wars TruMoo Blue Milk hits store shelves nationally next month

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Imperial March.”

They then discuss why “Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny” wound up being such a disappointment

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Who threw the switch at the Empire State Building to start a celebration of Star Wars villainy

Which UK Prime Minister played a part in the launching of “May the Fourth Be With You” as a popular phrase among Star Wars fans

Who’s writing that “Star Wars ICONS Darth Vader” book that Insight Editions will be publishing later this Fall

Which “Rebel Moon” star auditioned to play the role of Anakin Skywalker in “Attack of the Clones”
When did Captain Rex, Captain Gregor & Commander Wolffe first appear on “Star Wars: Rebels”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 472: Why the “Disney Fairies” franchise faded out

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the construction permits that just got filed for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They then discuss the “Encanto” -themed show that will be presented in front of CommuniCore Plaza later this Summe

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What’s the difference between a Milky Way bar and Three Musketeers
Which Dinoland U.S.A. structures are supposed to survive this side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom being transformed into an “Encanto” -themed area
What toy line did Disney Consumer Products launch in the mid-2000s with the hope that it would then become a “Disney Princesses” -like success with little boys
Which “Clueless” star did Disney originally cast as Tinker Bell’s speaking voice
How did Tom Staggs alter Jay Rasulo’s original plans for the Fantasyland expansion that was first announced back in September of 2009

Show Notes

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 3: The origins of Orange Bird at the Disney Parks (audio Only)

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 14:48:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start off this edition of “I Want That Too!” by talking about 90s Con. They then take a look at the merch that was offered at this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which national tragedy tripped the original theatrical release of Disney’s “Sword in the Stone”
Who was originally supposed to be Mickey Mouse’s neighbor in the original version of Toontown at Disneyland Park in Anaheim
What was some of the corporations who originally signed on to be Walt Disney World sponsors
How did Chuuby the bird in “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” get his name
Which sequence from a Disney animated feature from the 1960s do John Lasseter, Glen Keane & Andreas Deja cite as a reason that they pursued careers in animation

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 432: When Tim Allen almost played the Cat in the Hat

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off by revealing what he saw at the preview event for this year’s D23 Expo. Then Jim Hill shares a history of Genndy Tartakovsky’s never-completed “Popeye”

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which D23 Expo events are going to presented this time around over at the Honda Center, rather than inside of the Anaheim Convention Center

Why did Robin Williams want Walt Disney Productions to fly some Imagineers over to Malta back in 1980

Which sequel did Sony Pictures Animation officials ask Genndy Tartakovsky to work on out ahead of proceeding with his feature-length animated version of “Popeye”

Why did Bluto get replaced with Brutus back in the early 1960s

How did the cancellation of the “Sprockets” movie factor into Mike Myers agreeing to play the title role in Universal Pictures’ “The Cat in the Hat”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep. 471: When may “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” open at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Disney World’s latest ticket offer for Florida residents.

They’re then joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull who shares some behind-the-scenes stories

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What’s significant about the dates that WDW’s latest ticket offer is available for

Where is the control booth for DCA’s “Grizzly River Run” attraction located
Why are Universal Orlando officials so interested in learning where people plan on starting their next Florida vacation

Where was the NYC version of David Copperfield’s Magic Underground restaurant supposed to be located

What happens when you make the Cast Members who drive the monorail nervous

Show Notes

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 50-4: Raise a glass to Butterbeer Season

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the various ways to park-hop at the Universal Orlando Resort. They then talk about how Universal Studios Hollywood is celebrating its 60th anniversary

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

When did Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure first begin operates at IOA

How much did “Kung Fu Panda 4” earned over its opening weekend in North America

When did Hot Butterbeer go from being a seasonal thing at the Universal Parks to becoming a beverage you could get all year round

How much did NBCUniversal spend to acquire Dreamworks Animation back in 2016

Which Disney Imagineer designed the original Glamour Tram for Universal Studios Hollywood back in 1964

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 431:Disney Movie Club closes for good on May 20th

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the 96th Academy Awards. They then take a look at how well “Kung Fu Panda 4” did at the domestic box office over this past weekend.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What did Totie Fields say to Gene Simmons when they met backstage at “The Mike Douglas Show”

Which animated feature did many Hollywood insiders think was going to take home the Oscar this year
Who is the author of the best-selling series of books that DreamWorks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” is based on
Which sitcom star from the 1970s played the villain in Disney’s “Scandalous John”
How many people lost their jobs last week when Warner Bros Discovery announced that they were shutting down Roosters Teeth after 21 years

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 470: How WDW fans plan on gaming that “free water park” perk

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison, who talks up the very best eats to be found at the 2024 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. Len & Jim then take a closer look at Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea

On this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which attraction in Dreamworks Land will key off of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”

Why are stores at the Disney theme parks still stocking “Monsters University” merch, more than a decade after this Pixar film was first released to theaters

Which hit Fox TV series from the 1990s is The Walt Disney Company reportedly considering reviving

When do young girls supposedly age out of being fans of the Disney Princess franchise

How soon after the first “Frozen” film first opened in theaters did the Oriental Land Company announce that it would be adding a land keying off of that Academy Award-winning animated feature to Tokyo DisneySea

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 93: How Billy Dee Williams was recruited for Star Wars

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing why “The Mandalorian & Grogu” will be shot in the State of California. They also talk about the first five episodes of Season 3 of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch”

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

When will the new version of the “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” ride film debut at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Disneyland Paris
What frustrated Ewan McGregor about the shooting of the finale of “Star Wars – Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith”
Who was Billy Dee Williams’ stunt double when it came to the scene in “Return of the Jedi” when Lando Calrissian dangled over the Sarlacc pit
When does Stellan Skarsgard believe that the second season of “Star Wars: Andor” will begin airing on Disney+
How will the announced layoffs at Electronic Arts reportedly impact that Star Wars-themed first-person shooter that Respawn Entertainment was working on

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 430: “Maximum Horsepower” & other animated series that didn’t get greenlit

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Sean Bailey’s sudden departure from Walt Disney Studios.

They then talk about why WDAS vet Hyrum Osmond will be sorely missed by “Frozen” fans

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How has the “Curious George Goes to Town” area at Universal Studios Florida been repurposed
When was “Song of the South” last released to theaters
What do “Psycho 4” and “A Day in the Park with Barney” have in common
Which Disney franchise was based on Bambi’s best friend
Why did Walt Disney Television Animation start producing series based on hit Disney films like “Aladdin” & “The Lion King” in the early 1990s

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 469: Will Jollywood Nights return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2024

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why the WDW Resort revealed its hotel rates for 2025 months ahead of schedule. They then wrap up their series about the construction of Tomorrowland at Disneyland

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Where the math actually maths for WDW’s free-entry-into-the-water-parks-on-arrival-day offer
What’s different about the newly updated Tequila Experience at Epcot’s La Cava
Where did hundreds of thousands of snow geese stop for a bite as they’re flying back to Canada
When did the very first “Tomorrowland” -themed episode of the “Disneyland” TV show air during the first season of this ABC series
Which Disney animator handled the ID monster in MGM’s “Forbidden Planet”

Show Notes

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 2: Uncover the Secrets Behind Disney's Most Iconic Accessory

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Dive into the world of Disney merch with Lauren Hersey and Jim Hill as they explore the iconic Mickey Mouse Ear Hats. Learn how these beloved hats made their way into the parks and evolved into the Minnie Mouse Ear headband craze we see today, all starting from the Mickey Mouse Club.

In this episode, Lauren and Jim cover a wide range of topics, including:

-The legacy of "The Lion King" from its original animation to Broadway and the upcoming Prequel.

-The Disney Store's unique presence within Target stores.

-Insights into when "Wish" the animated movie will hit Disney+ and why the Blu-Ray might become a collector's item

-The evolution and significance of Minnie Ears within Disney culture.

-An introduction to the new Disney Villains-themed wedding dresses.

- A celebration of "Aladdin" on Broadway's 10th anniversary

The #IWantThatToo podcast and web show is part of the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network. Catch today's episode wherever you get your podcasts and watch on YouTube @JimHillMedia.

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 49-3: Remember when the Universal Orlando Resort had a different name

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the change that’s reportedly in the works for “Skull Island: Reign of Kong.”

They also talk about the Universal Monsters Tribute Store that just opened at CityWalk out in Hollywood

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

When – according to Vin Diesel – will the “grand finale” of the “Fast & Furious” film series finally arrive in theaters
Which Epic Universe attraction was being tested after dark late last week
How much longer is the Peter Jackson version of “King Kong” than the original (which was released to theaters back in 1933)
Which Disney Legend helped build the “King Kong Encounter” for the Universal Tram Tour back in the mid-1980s
What was the one thing that Thierry Coup said that he regretted about his career in themed entertainment

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 429: How “Rhapsody in Blue” became part of “Fantasia 2000”

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Warner Bros Discovery’s Q4 earnings call. They then talk about which animated features & shorts took home awards at this year’s Annies

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What was the name of the “Fantasia” follow-up that Disney had in the works in the early 1980s
How many nominations did “Nimona” have going into this year’s Annie Awards ceremony
At which animation studio did Ken Melton start out sculpting maquettes
Which members of the original “Fairly Oddparents” creative team are returning to work on “A New Wish”
Who did Michael Eisner originally try & recruit to become as the celebrity conductor who’d then ride herd on “Fantasia Continued”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 468: Who just got offered free dining at Walt Disney World

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what’s about to happen to the NBA Experience at Disney Springs. They then talk about why kids back in the 1950s were absolutely crazed when it came to Disneyland’s “Autopia”

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which “Star Wars” movie director just got hired by Universal Pictures to direct their next “Jurassic World” movie
Why did the Imagineers insert all of those CG animals into “Soarin’ Around the World”
What was originally supposed to transport Disneyland visitors from the Hub all the way to the very back of that theme park’s “World of Tomorrow”
Where in World Celebration Gardens should you go if you want to do some people watching
When did Disneyland’s Junior Autopia get renamed the Fantasyland Autopia

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan EP 92: “Phantom Menace” to return to theaters this May

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the construction permit that has just been filed down in Florida for “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” They then talk about how the characters from the “Young Jedi Adventures” animated series just visited Black Spire Outpost

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many mattresses did General George Washington reportedly carry with him over the course of the Revolutionary War
Who is supposedly funding Gina Carano’s wrongful termination suit against The Walt Disney Company & Lucasfilm
How many episodes have been produced for Season Three of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch”
Which Star Wars character is rumored to be getting his own first-person video game from Respawn Entertainment
How much did Harrison Ford’s copy of the fourth draft of the “Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope” script go for at auction this past weekend

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 467: When will WDW’s version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” open

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then explains how Hong Kong Disneyland’s version of Sleeping Beauty Castle was transformed into the Castle of Magical Dreams

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many ECVs can the new bus that’s joining the WDW transportation fleet carry at one time
Why – when you’re given the opportunity by the Disney Cruise Line – you should always take the GYT
How close does the Ultidor system at the Magic Kingdom get to that theme park’s Tomorrowland Speedway
What was the difference between the construction materials that were used to build Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim back in 1955 versus the materials that were used to build a second version of this iconic structure at Hong Kong Disneyland
Why did LegCo turn down the opportunity to have a “Star Tours” attraction added to Hong Kong Disneyland in the 2010s

Show Notes

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 1: I Want That Too!” shines a spotlight on Disney merch

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Disney Eats” line of home goods, accessories and apparel. They then talk about what’s been going on with the live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch”

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

When did the Mickeyhead balloon initially come on the market
How many popcorn carts in the Magic Kingdom did you have to visit if you wanted to collect a full set of the WDW 50th anniversary version of the Mickey Balloon-Shaped Popcorn Buckets
What does “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” have in common with Disney’s upcoming live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie
Which Disney theme park treat have the Mouse’s masters of merch used as their inspiration for a new pet bed
According to Licensing Magazine, why are millennials & Gen Z such big buyers of Stitch-themed merchandise

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 428: Multiple “Moanas” are heading for your local multiplex come 2024 & 2025

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor returns with a detailed recap of what’s been going on with “Coyote vs Acme.” Then Jim Hill talks about the recently released trailer for “Iwaju,” that animated limited series from Disney & Kugali

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

When will the “Valley of the Witches” be opening at Ghibli Park over in Japan

Who reportedly personally petitioned Disney execs & Dwayne Johnson to get Thomas Kail the job as director of the live-action version of “Moana”

How did Pixar’s “Turning Red” do at the North American box office this past weekend

Where is “Tiana: The Series” (i.e., that new limited series for Disney+) being produced

Who handled the live-action portion of “Looney Tunes: Back in Action”

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 48-2: What’s next for Nintendo and Universal Parks & Experiences

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Universal-related trailers that aired during Super Bowl LVIII. They then pivot to talking about that 7-minute-long Epic Universe video that debuted online last week

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which Universal theme park offered its Guests the opportunity to view a trimmed down version of the Broadway musical, “Wicked”

Why are fans of the Harry Potter films really going to want to check out the “House of Minalima” at Universal CityWalk

Where in the still-under-construction Dreamworks Land at Universal Studios Florida can you find an over-sized spider

Which two attractions were previously staged in the USF show building that currently houses “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon”

How could Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games potentially impact the Universal theme parks

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 466: Where might Disney World expand out to next

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing a new land use plan that’s recently been revealed for the WDW Resort. They also wrap their series on the history of “Illuminations”

SHOW BREAKDOWN:

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

Why did the Imagineers just hate Epcot’s “Surprise in the Sky” show

Which characters will soon begin making appearances at 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

What did the most recent earnings call reveal about attendance level & hotel room occupancy rates at the WDW Resort

How will Disney, taking a $1.5 billion equity stake in Epic Games, potentially impact the Company’s rivals in the themed entertainment business

Why would it have been a mistake to view the world premiere of “Illuminations” from the Norway pavilion back in late January 1988

Show Notes

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 465: World Celebration Gardens becomes WDW’s newest wedding venue

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by taking a close look at Epic Universe concept art. They then continue their discussion of the development “Illuminations,” EPCOT Center’s break-through nighttime show

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

When (just to be safe) one should go about ordering their tickets for Pride Nite at Disneyland

Why is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel positioned the way it is, facing into Epic Universe Park

How Universal Studios Hollywood plans to use the cars themselves that Guests will ride in on that theme park’s new “Fast & Furious” coaster to mitigate noise pollution in the surrounding community

Where did WDW Entertainment come across the searchlights that then added a popular feature to “A New World Fantasy”

Why did Walt Disney Productions suddenly decide to buy the Gibson Greeting Card company in the Late Spring of 1984

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 91: What sources do Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon” movies share with “Star Wars”

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how much they’re looking forward to the final season of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” They also talk about where the upcoming “Great Circle” game fits in chronologically with the first three “Indiana Jones” films

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which character from the “Star Wars” prequels is Marvel Comics now honoring with his first-ever four issue, limited series

How many times – to date – has John Williams been nominated for an Oscar

Has Daisy Ridley read the script yet for “Star Wars: New Jedi Order”

How did Bob Iger’s return as Disney’s CEO impact Patty Jenkins’ “Rogue Squadron” movie

Which Two-time Academy Award winner voices Jimmy, the mechanical soldier, in “Rebel Moon -- Part One: A Child of Fire”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 464: What was Epcot’s very first nighttime show like?

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the NextGen wands that may soon begin appearing in the Wizarding World over at the Universal Parks. They also discuss Disney’s possible plans to expand the Indiana Jones franchise.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What was especially innovative (circa 1982) about the barges that were used in “Le Carnaval de Lumiere”

Why is the Magic Kingdom running its “Festival of Fantasy” parade twice daily on certain days during the month of February

How is Disney+ potentially impacting the Company’s spending with it comes to Disney’s theme parks

When it comes to Disney theme park rides, what’s the difference between on-board audio and attraction narration

Should the Hatbox Ghost be counted as one of the 999 Happy Haunts that reside in Disney’s Haunted Mansion

Show Notes

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey Ep 47-1: Introducing the Epic Universal Podcast

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill & Eric Hersey kick off a brand-new show which offers a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. Highlights include an interview with Carson Luter from Universal Creative about “Villain Con Minion Blast”

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How did the 24 films that Universal Pictures released in 2023 do at the worldwide box office

Which character from an Alfred Hitchcock film is paid tribute to in “Villain Con Minion Blast”

What’s significant about the name Universal choses for its Texas park project, at least from a SEO perspective

Which Marvel-themed attraction just closed at Universal Studios Japan

What’s the secret to racking up a big score on “Villain Con Minion Blast”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 427: Why Pixar’s “Newt” got neutered

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show with a solo news section. Then Drew Taylor joins the fun in a pre-taped segment that looks back at Gary Rydstrom’s animated films

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

How many Annie nominations did Pixar’s “Elemental” receive this year

Which William Shakespeare play provided the inspiration for “Strange Magic”

What Pixar movie were the blobby alien characters seen in “Lifted” originally designed for

When is the sequel to “Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey” supposed to arrive in theaters

How well did Pixar’s “Soul” do when it was finally released to theaters earlier this month

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 463: Looking back at Disneyland’s House of the Future

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Disney historian Dave Bossert to the show. They then discuss what made this Tomorrowland walk-thru exhibit so memorable to park guests

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

Which sitcom star voiced Nine Eyes in the American version of “The Timekeeper”

In what far-flung corner of the globe did Dave Bossert recently encounter a cocoanut chair

What’s different about the 2024 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival ending on May 27th

When is it expected that Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion will re-open to the public later this year

Which Disney Legend was effectively the person in charge of the House of the Future / oversaw its three updates

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 90: When Luke Skywalker finally met his Mom

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the recently announced “Mandalorian & Grogu” film project. They also discuss how the first C3PO AA figure was created for “Star Tours”

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What are Kylo Ren’s original story in the Disney-produced “Star Wars” trilogy supposed to have been like

Why has production of the previous announced Rey-tries-to-revive-the-Jedi-Order film project been delayed yet again

What scene was the first to be shot during production of “Return of the Jedi” back in January of 1982

Which well-known British actors were reportedly considered to be inside of Darth Vader’s helmet when Luke finally removed his Dad’s face plate in Episode VI

Who accidentally revealed that C3PO was supposed to the pilot of the StarSpeeder 1000 in “Sat Tours: The Adventures Continue”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 426: How Hanna-Barbera got started in animation for television

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In a solo show this week, Jim Hill starts things off by recapping what happened at this year’s Golden Globe. He shares what he’s heard about the lay-offs that are reportedly coming to Pixar Animation Studios later this year.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about;

When will the Blu-ray version of Disney’s “Wish” be hitting store shelves

Where did Bill Hanna & Joe Barbera set up their first animation-for-television studio in Hollywood

What do Disneyland fans have to say about the “Pixar Fest” marquee / photo-up that weill be set in that theme park later this Spring

Which infamous Hollywood mogul from the 1940s & 1940s helped fund the creation of H-B Enterprises, Inc.

Why is the “Superman” TV series from the 1950s (i.e., the one that starred George Reeves) sometimes associated with Charlie Chaplin

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 462: How Casey Jr. plowed the road to Ghost Galaxy

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then shares stories about WDI’s years-long effort to create synced-up soundtracks for thrill rides at the Disney theme parks

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

How you can best take advantage of the snack credits when it comes to WDW’s recently relaunched Dining Plan

When will Florida’s version of “Country Bear Jamboree” be closing for its previously announced reimagining / retooling

Which two restaurants in the southwest corner of WDW’s Magic Kingdom share a common kitchen

When did Disneyland’s version of Space Mountain suddenly close with little or no notice to that theme park’s Cast or the general public

What’s kind of concerning about the new floor plan for the Cabins at Fort Wilderness

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep 425: Which animated features were released first by Disney Home Video

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing which animated films are up for awards at the 2024 Golden Globes. They take a look at some of the superhero-themed animation that’s headed your way.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What did Disney initially charge for VHS and beta versions of that Studio’s films

When will Season 2 of “Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur” debut on the Disney Channel

Which four US cities did Walt Disney Home Video field-test the idea of selling VHS copies of the Studio’s film

When did DC Comics first publish its “Crisis on Infinite Earths” series

Which three Golden Globes was “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” up for this year

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 461: The Disney Villains coaster that DCA almost got

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about spending New Year’s Eve aboard the Disney Wish. Then Jim Hill takes a look at WDI’s plans for a second gate at the Disneyland Resort

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

In which regions of Canada & the United States can you find candlepin bowl

How did wait times at WDW’s theme parks in 2023 compare to wait times back in 2019

What special feature does the Rainforest Spa aboard the Disney Wish have that other ships in the DCL lack

How would the World Showcase portion of Westcot differed from the original in Florida

What powered California Screamin’s 0 – 55 MPH launch

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning with Drwe Taylor Episode 424: When did Disney’s villains start singing?

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking at how Illumination’s “Migration” is doing at the box office. They then look at how network television & streaming services are handling animated series differently.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

What do the Fairy Godmother in Disney’s “Cinderella” & the Red Queen in “Alice in Wonderland” have in common
How did “Archer” wrap its 14 season long run on FXX
Why do you NOT want to take the tour of the Warner Bros. lot over the holiday season
How many different names did “My Peoples” have while it was in production at Walt Disney Feature Animation – Florida
After Andreas Deja stepped away from “Kingdom of the Sun,” which Disney animated feature did he then go work on

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 460 : Looking back at “Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats” game

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by sharing a survey about Epcot’s holiday decorations. They then take a close look at what it cost to have dinner at Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant back in 1977

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 423: DWA’s “The Prince of Egypt” celebrates its 25th anniversary

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing why Hollywood is celebrating Dick Van Dyke’s 98th birthday. They then chat about what impact the rumored merger of Warner Bros Discovery & Paramount could have on animation

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 459: The “Christmas Carol” ride that EPCOT’s UK pavilion almost got

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They also chat about a new survey that the Mouse just sent out which seeks specific information about where Guests spent their money while vacationing at the WDW Resort

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan Ep 89: How close did “Galaxy’s Edge” get to having that Bantha ride

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill returns with a look at all things Star Wars. They start off this week’s show by discussing Dave Filoni’s recent promotion to Chief Creative Officer at Lucasfilm

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 242: Netflix’s “Leo” out-shines Disney’s “Wish” this holiday season

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill return with an all-new edition of this animation news podcast. They pay tribute to master animator Mark Henn, who is retiring from the Mouse House after 44 years

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 458: Remembering Disney Legend Dick Nunis (1932 – 2023)

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how WDW’s Entertainment team turned Jollywood Nights around. They then look at the 44 year-long career of the man who started as an hourly employee at Disneyland and eventually became the Chairman of Disney Parks worldwide

Show Notes

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 457: How many happy haunts now officially reside in WDW’s Haunted Mansion

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show with a brief recap of the 2023 Gingersnap Challenge. Then they discuss Epcot’s new nighttime extravaganza, “LuminoUS: The Symphony of Us”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 456: Is Jollywood Nights now worth spending your Christmas cash on

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill offer up their opinions of the new holiday hard ticket that’s being presented on select nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They then talk about how Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures roadside attraction eventually grew into a full-sized Dino-Rama

Show Notes

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 455: Which WDW theme park is next slated for expansion

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off a solo edition of this podcast by discussing the changes that have recently been made to Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He also wraps up his “Disney Princesses in the Parks” series

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 454: Jollywood Nights is kind of a mixed Santa’s bag

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison, who offers up her take on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ new holiday hard ticket. They then continue their look at Disney Princesses in the Parks

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Ep 200: How Disney plans on using “Deadpool 3” to reboot the MCU

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “The Marvels” did over its opening weekend. They then discuss what Sony’s sending out into theaters come 2024

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 241: Which 1960s sitcom stars wound up voicing characters for Disney

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by describing what it was like to attend the world premiere of Disney’s “Wish” at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theater. Then Jim Hill looks back at how the success of Disney’s “Aristocats” influenced the development of the Studio’s next animated feature, “Robin Hood”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 453: Which “Wish” is which when it comes to Disney Parks, Products & Experiences

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing which Disney songs will be featured in Epcot’s new nighttime show, “Luminous: The Symphony of Us.” They then also share some patents for new technologies that could be coming into the Disney Parks very soon

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Ep199: Why Patrick Stewart initially said “No” to the “X-Men” movie series

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Spider-Man 2” for the PS5 ends. They then pivot to talking about what Disney did with the final trailer for “The Marvels”

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 240: Why Disney decided to make a “Big Hero 6” movie

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Walt Disney Animation Studios production workers decision to unionize. They then talk about box office projections for Disney’s “Wish” (which debuts in theaters on November 22nd)

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 452: How Epcot’s leapfrog fountains came to be

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what happened to Monorail Yellow at the WDW Resort last week. They also take a look at recent price hikes when it comes to Universal Orlando’s theme parks

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 198: Is Marvel Studios trimming the budget of its upcoming “Blade” reboot

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill discuss Marvel Studios’ week full of terrible, horrible, no good, very bad news. Aaron also shares what he’s learned from further gameplay on “Spider-Man 2” for the PS5.

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 239: And the first animated Halloween special for television was …

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

It’s an unusual episode this week, folks. Drew Taylor does a quick drive-by while he covers this year’s Lightbox Expo at the Pasadena Convention Center. And then Jim Hill pays tribute to Matthew Perry & Richard Moll

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 451: What does the future hold for the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out about the use of QR codes at the restaurants in their theme parks. They then look back at when Walt Disney Productions celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1973.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 196: “Spider-Man 2” for the PS5 delivers a killer Kraven

Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what happened on the official MCU timeline during the Fall of 2023. They offer an update on Jonathan Majors’ court proceedings down in Manhattan

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan - Episode 88: BD-1 droids go for a hike in Anaheim’s Galaxy’s Edge

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the latest set of “Celebrate the Season” shorts to debut on the LEGO Star Wars YouTube channel. They also shine a spotlight on the full-sized plush Ewok that just became available for purchase thru ShopDisney

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 238: Skydance Animation shifts distribution of its films from Apple to Netflix

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about the two panels he hosted at this year’s “Animation is Film” festival in Hollywood. Then Jim Hill pays tribute to Edward Bleier, the ABC executive who persuaded Warner Bros. to allow its library of “Looney Tunes” to be shown on television

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 450: What was Epcot’s “Life & Health” pavilion originally supposed to have been like

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by looking back on his recent VIP tour of the two theme parks at the Universal Orland Resort. Then Jim Hill talks about why Rolly Crump was one of Walt Disney’s favorite Imagineers

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 195: What would James Cameron’s version of “Spider-Man” have been like

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the Disney Parks are promoting Season Two of “Loki.” They also share some of the news stories that came out of New York Comic Con this past weekened

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 237: “Once Upon a Studio” is an artful, heartfelt tribute to Disney Animation

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

(Jim had a technical issue from 5min-10min in this show. If the crackle is too distracting, jump to 10:22 into the show. It's clean again after that point.)

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Animation is Film” Festival, which is being held in Hollywood later this week. They then share some of the animation-related news that came out of New York Comic Con this past weekend.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 449: Why “Fantasmic Hollywood” never happened at Disney-MGM

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that reveals what the Universal Orlando Resort has in the works to keep Guests coming in 2024 out ahead of Epic Universe opening in 2025. They then look back at what WDW Entertainment originally wanted to present as a nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 195: Season Two of “Loki” is already lookin’ good

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 22:16:00 -0000

Jim Hill – in a solo show this week – starts off by talking about how much he dislikes the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC. He then discusses Kevin Feige’s decision to have Marvel Studios redo a lot of what’s already been shot for “Daredevil: Born Again”

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan - Episode 87: How George Lucas helped to save “Captain EO”

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by paying tribute to Shawna Trpcic, the Lucasfilm costume designer who passed away last week. They then go on to talk about that “Jabba the Hutt” movie that Guillermo Del Toro worked on.

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 236: How “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” helped change Feature Animation at Disney

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how well “Exorcist: Believer” & “Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie” did at the box office this past weekend. They then discuss the “mixed production model” that DreamWorks Animation will soon be adopting

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 448: Why Hong Kong Disneyland doesn’t have a Peter Pan Flight ride

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by discussing the meal he recently had at EPCOT’s Shiki-Sai restaurant (which recently opened at the Japan pavilion in World Showcase. Then he & Jim Hill discuss the latest round of discounts which are now being offered for vacation packages to WDW & the Disneyland Resort

Show Notes

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 448: Why Hong Kong Disneyland doesn’t have a Peter Pan Flight ride

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 194: Is Taylor Swift playing Dazzler in “Deadpool 3”

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up those “Werewolf by Night” concert events that are being held in Minnesota & Washington D.C. later this month. They also discuss why Marvel Studios opted to play down Jonathan Majors’ appearances in Season Two of “Loki.”

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 235: How “Toy Story Funday Football” turned Wembley Stadium into Andy’s Bedroom

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about this year’s edition of Fantastic Fest. They then discuss “Pencils Vs Pixels,” the upcoming documentary that discusses how the rise of CG in the 1990s led to 2D animation’s fall

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 235: How “Toy Story Funday Football” turned Wembley Stadium into Andy’s Bedroom

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about this year’s edition of Fantastic Fest. They then discuss “Pencils Vs Pixels,” the upcoming documentary that discusses how the rise of CG in the 1990s led to 2D animation’s fall

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the Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 447: Was “Rock’n Rockets” WDW’s best fireworks show ever?

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a one-on-one survey that was recently done on “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” They also take a close look at the most recent round of hotel room discounts offered at Walt Disney World

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 193: What “X-Men: Origins – Wolverine” got wrong about Wade Wilson

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the pending resolution of the writers strike may impact Marvel Studios’ future plans. They also reveal when “Echo” is expected to show up on Disney+

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan - Episode 86: How Mark Hamill got to voice the Joker on “Batman: The Animated Series”

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing which “Star Wars” icon is going to be headlining at this year’s Fan Expo in San Francisco. They then look back at what George Lucas had to say about the prequels in 1992

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 234: Which obscure Disney toons turn up in “Once Upon a Studio”

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

The guys divide-and-conquer this time around. With Jim Hill doing the news segment of this week’s show all by his lonesome. Then Drew Taylor interviews acclaimed author Dave Bossert about his two new Disney-related books

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 446: What’s next for “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser”

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some thoughts on what that proposed $60 billion investment really means for Disney Parks, Experiences & Products. Jim Hill then shines a spotlight on the “Disney Rock’n Rockets” show

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 192: So how much did “The Marvels” really cost to make

Sat, 23 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by directing people’s attention to the “Making of Secret Invasion” documentary on Disney+. They also talk about why Chris Evans was originally reluctant to sign on to play Steve Rogers / Captain America in the MCU

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 233: What got cut out on Don Bluth’s “The Land Before Time”

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how many ways one can view the stage musical version of Dreamworks’ “The Prince of Egypt.” They also talk about the “Harley Quinn” spin-off that Warner Bros. Animation just put into production

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 445: How Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is doing post-pandemic

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing many of the upcoming projects for the Disney Parks that were recently revealed at Destination D23. FYI: They group these items from “Very Likely to Happen” to “Hey, Pal. You Should Live So Long”

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 191: Why the first “Fantastic Four” film never really got released theatrically

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Marvel visual effect artists’ decision to join the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. They also discuss what details were revealed about DCA’s “King Thanos” ride at Destination D23 this past weekend

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan - Episode 85: Is Disneyland’s “Indiana Jones Adventure” finally coming to Florida

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about all of the Lucasfilm-related news coming out of this year’s Destination D23. They then discuss the two most recent episodes of “Star Wars: Ahsoka”

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 232: Who almost played the villain in Disney’s “The Rescuers”

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the big reaction “Once Upon a Studio” got at this year’s Destination D23. They then talk about “Good Chemistry: The Story of Elemental,” which debuts on Disney+ later this week

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 444: How the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique became a worldwide phenomenon

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what the Disney Cruise Line recently revealed about the Treasure’s features. Mr. Testa also offers up his take on the “Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana” walk-thru at Epcot

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 190: Behind-the-scenes with Scarlett Johansson’s 2021 battle with Disney

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what “Everybody loves Raymond” creator Phil Rosenthal recently had to say about the WGA & SAG-AFTRA strikes. They also reveal which Marvel productions for Disney+ just had their debut dates pushed back.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 443: The Mansion expansions that almost happened

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing whether Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be reviving its nighttime offerings. They then share some surveys coming out of Florida which suggest that the Resort is rethinking how it showcases its Food & Beverage opportunities online

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 189: “WandaVision” & “Loki” to get Blu-ray / 4K Ultra HD full season sets

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing that McDonald’s-from-1982 that just opened down in Brooklyn which is part of Disney’s promotional efforts for Season 2 of “Loki.” They also talk about David Harbour’s concerns when it comes to “Thunderbolts” & Season 5 of “Stranger Things”

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan - Episode 85: “Ahsoka” continues the “Star Wars” story that started with “Rebels”

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing if Paul Reubens actually voiced the Captain Rex AA figure that appears in Oga’s Cantina. They then discuss how Ahmed Best got cast as Jar Jar Binks in the prequels

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 231: Remembering Arleen Sorkin, the original voice of Harley Quinn

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about which villainous cartoon characters are supposed to appear at DCA during this year’s “Oogie Boogie Bash.” They also reveal who’ll now be voicing Rocky the Rooster in Aardman’s long-awaited sequel to “Chicken Run.”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 442: The real cost of transforming Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

im Shull returns to discuss how WDI justifies tearing down entire parts of parks (EX: The Streets of America at DHS) to then build brand-new lands like “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” He also shares with Len & Jim how WDW’s drainage canal system was altered to make way for the Feature Animation – Florida building

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 188: The “Captain America” musical that almost made it to Broadway in the 1980s

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up Season 2 of “I am Groot” (which debuts on Disney+ on September 6th). They then discuss what Bob Iger has been saying about Marvel Studios’ most recent theatrical releases & limited series.

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 230: 4K version of “Cinderella” debuts this Friday on Disney+

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how well Laika’s “Coraline” did at the box office during its recent re-release to theaters. They then talk about how ABC Audio is readying a 12 episode podcast which expands Disney’s “Frozen” franchise

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 441: Making the most of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa start off this week’s show by sharing Christina Harrison’s experiences at

the first two presentations of this year’s trick-or-treat hard ticket event at WDW. Then Jim Hill finishes

his series about the Spain pavilion which was almost built at Epcot.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 187: How McDonald’s customers are getting a sneak peek at Season 2 of “Loki”

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what Nia DaCosta

– the director of “The Marvels” – had to say about superhero fatigue. They then go on to talk about

Kevin Feige’s efforts to reportedly persuade Hugh Jackman to appear in “Avengers: Secret Wars”

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Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan - Episode 83: How Dave Filoni made Paul Reuben’s Captain Rex character part of Star Wars canon

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Ray Stevenson’s sad passing could possibly impact “Star Wars: Ahsoka.” They then talk up several recent publications that have stories that are set aboard the Halcyon

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 229: Get ready for “Playdate with Winnie the Pooh”

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what Pixar president Jim Morris had to say about “Elemental.” They then touched on a number of animation-related events around the country that are coming to a close in the not-so-distant future

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 440: Why “Tangled” & “Frozen” wound up with one word titles

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa returns from his European vacation with tales of his time aboard the Disney Wish. Then he & Jim Hill review the news highlights coming out of The Walt Disney Company’s most recent quarterly earnings call.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 186: Has a Sue Storm finally be cast for Marvel Studios’ “Fantastic Four” reboot

Sat, 12 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how visual FX artists who worked on “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” & “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” are now looking to unionize. They also talk about how Disney CEO Bob Iger is now being a bit more circumspect whenever he discusses the on-going writers & actors strikes

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 228: Remembering Paul Reubens AKA Pee Wee Herman (1952 – 2023)

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 16:48:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by paying tribute to the animated film which first debuted in theaters 24 years ago this week. They then talk up “The Inventor,” the stop motion puppet / 2-D animated film which bows on August 24th.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 439: Josh Gad dishes Disney with Jim Hill

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

What do you do when Len Testa goes on vacation? You bring in a genuine Disney Legend to discuss topics that range from "Once Upon a Studio" (i.e., that soon-to-be-released Disney100 short) to Epcot's Spain pavilion

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 185: What the trailer for Season 2 of “Loki” reveals about this limited series

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking back at when the God of Mischief made his debut in Marvel Comics. They also reveal who just got cast to play a villain in “Deadpool 3”

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 227: “Steamboat Silly” brings Mickey Mouse short series to a triumphant close

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing which Sony Pictures productions now have new release dates thanks to the strikes. They also look back at when “The Simpsons Ride” replaced “Back to the Future: The Ride” at the Universal Parks

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 438: Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party actually worth the extra expense

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back longtime Imagineer Jim Shull, who then talks about the many years he spent working on both Toy Story Land & the Toy Story Hotel for the Shanghai Disneyland Resort

Show Notes

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Looking At Lucasfilm - Episode 82: Why Mutt missing from “Dial of Destiny” matters

Sat, 29 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan starts off this week’s show by sharing the experiences he had at this year’s Comic-Con International down in San Diego. Jim Hill then talks about some of the things that may have tripped up “Indy 5” at the box office.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 184: Why Owen Wilson is reluctant to talk about Season 2 of “Loki”

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by talking about how a new MCU may now be on the rise. Then Jim Hill reveals why McDonald’s currently has Happy Meal toys that are tied to “The Marvels” (which doesn’t arrive in theaters ‘til November 10th of this year)

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Looking At Lucasfilm - Episode 82: Why Mutt missing from “Dial of Destiny” matters

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 226: How “The Adventures of Andre & Wally B” came to be

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about what it was like to panel in Hall H at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego. Then he & Jim Hill recount what happened on the show floor at the Paramount booth right after the “Star Trek” panel ended

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 437: How the “Magical World of Barbie” show wound up at Epcot

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the new DreamWorks-themed land that was just announced for Universal Studios Florida. They then take a look at the Lightning-Lane-to-Stand-By ratio which TouringPlans just noted for WDW’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 183: How many MCU projects have been shut down by the strikes

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by listing all of the films &

limited series which have been impacted by the WGA and the SAG-AFTRA job actions. They then discuss

Episode 5 of Marvel’s “Secret Invasion”

SHOW BREAKDOWN: Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

 According to Forbes, how much did “Secret Invasion” reportedly cost to make

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 225: How are Illumination & DreamWorks Animation films impacting WDAS

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about the premiere of Disney’s new “Haunted Mansion” movie which was held down in Anaheim. Then Jim Hill reviews this Saturday & Sunday’s offerings at San Diego Comic-Con.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 436: Who’s moving into WDW’s Haunted Mansion next month

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Bob Iger’s contract extension at The Walt Disney Company through December of 2026. They also take a look at the Florida version of “Toy Story Midway Mania”

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams Episode 182 : Just how long has Rhodey been a … you-know-what?

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how long a “Captain America” musical has actually been in the works. They also reveal who Bryan Singer originally wanted to play Logan in the “X-Men” movie

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Looking At Lucasfilm - Episode 81: Get ready for “Star Wars Days” at this year’s San Diego Comic Con

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” did at the box office. They also talk about what happened with that Princess Leia dress from “A New Hope” that was recent put up for auction

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 224: Which animated classic from Disney is next slated to receive the live-action redo treatment

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about “Nimona,” Netflix’s newest animated feature. They then shine a spotlight on a number of the animated projects coming from Warner Bros Discovery this Summer

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 435: What changes is Disney World reportedly considering for Genie+

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by discussing how Guests using WDW’s DAS

may be impacting Lighting Lane. Jim Hill then talks about the challenges that the Imagineers faced

during the construction phase of “Toy Story Midway Mania”

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 181: Stan Lee documentary looks back at Marvel Legends’ life & career

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the panels that Marvel Comics will be presenting later this month at Comic Con International in San Diego. They also talk about Episode 3 of “Secret Invasion”

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 223: Which animated classic from Disney is next slated to receive the live-action redo treatment

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 434: Why are Walt Disney World’s listed wait times so often flat-out wrong?

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the per-park pricing that went into effect at WDW for Genie+. They then wrap up their look back at the Walt Disney World Speedway

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 180: “Rogers: The Musical” debuts at Disney California Adventure Park

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s story by talking about what the artists & animators who created “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” recently shared about their working conditions on that Sony Pictures Animation production. They also discuss Episode 2 of “Secret Invasion”

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Looking At Lucasfilm - Episode 80: How close did Tom Selleck get to playing Indiana Jones

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” bested Pixar’s “Elemental” at the North American box office this past weekend. Mr. Taylor then shares all of the fun film-related stuff he got to do in France & Italy

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 222: What Drew got to see at Annecy

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 433: “When Disney World fast tracked construction of its Speedway

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off of this week’s episode by sharing some listener questions. They then talk about how Mr. Eisner’s trip to Indiana in May of 1985 led to an ambitious project being built in the parking lot for WDW’s Magic Kingdom.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 179: “Secret Invasion” is off to a strong start on Disney+

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why Marvel Studios has opted out of this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. They also take a look back at Ang Lee’s “Hulk” (which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its original theatrical release this week)

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 432: Remembering Disneyland’s “Flights of Fancy” parade

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the jump in attendance levels that Universal’s two Florida parks have recently experienced. They also look back at the Summer of 1983 and how Walt Disney Productions celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 178: “The Incredible Hulk” debuts on Disney+

Fri, 16 Jun 2023 20:44:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by comparing “Across the Spider-Verse” ‘s performance at the box office to that of “Into the Spider-Verse” back in 2018. They then talk about how the writers strike continues to impact the MCU

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Disney Dish Episode 431: Is Disney World readying a redo of its Animal Kingdom theme park

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about a survey that the Universal Orlando Resort just sent out to recent Guests. Jim Hill also concludes his look back at the development of the Disneyland Hotel

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 176: What’s the issue with “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” ‘s audio

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams reviews the sequel to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Jim Hill then talks about what the New Yorker recently revealed about who really started Marvel Studios

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 221: How is Disney’s “Little Mermaid” doing at the overseas box office

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a listener’s experience at “The Elemental Experience” mall tour. They then talk about how Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has changed the packaging of its animated film library in conjunction with the Company’s 100th anniversary celebration

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Disney Dish Episode 430: Does “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” really need to be that authentic?

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

While Len Testa explores the State of Maine, Jim Hill discusses the recent closure of Disneyland’s version of Splash Mountain. He also continues his look back at the expansion of the Disneyland Hotel in the 1960s & 1970s.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 176: What other Marvel character did Robert Downey Jr. almost play

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing box office predictions for “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” They also talk about which MCU projects are being impacted by the WGA strike.

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 220: All of the other actresses who almost voiced Ursula

Tue, 30 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

First Drew Taylor share his impressions of the soon-to-be-released “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.” Then Jim Hill talks about the path that led to Howard Ashman working on animated features for Walt Disney Studios

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 429: Where the mermaids in Tomorrowland Lagoon came from

Mon, 29 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about all of the annual passholder discounts & exclusives that will be available at WDW through the end of June. They also discuss how the Disney Parks has begun setting the stage for “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure”

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 175:: What’s significant about that Rocket AA figure in “Mission: BREAKOUT!”

Fri, 26 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by comparing the domestic box office take for “Guardians: Vol 3” to North American ticket sales for “Guardians: Vol 2.” They also share what Florence Pugh’s friends in the indie film realm have to say about her decision to join the MCU.

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Looking At Lucasfilm - Episode 79: Indiana Jones coming to Disney+ on May 31st

Wed, 24 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the reception “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” got at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. They also discuss Disney’s decision to shut down “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” prior to the start of the new fiscal year

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 219: The many ways Disney has reinvented Winnie-the-Pooh

Tue, 23 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up Leslie Iwerks’ latest documentary series. They then talk about the less-than-warm reception Warner Bros Discovery head David Zazlav received this past weekend when he delivered the commencement speech at BU

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 428: Lake Nona Town Center project canceled, “Galactic Starcruiser” to close

Mon, 22 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

In a super-sized episode, Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss all of this past week’s breaking news coming out of Florida. They also take a look at when Disneyland tried to get an Indiana Jones-inspired “Jedi Training Academy” -like experience up & running in Anaheim.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 174: Which Hollywood A-Listers said “No” to playing Tony Stark

Fri, 19 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Marvel-related news that just came out of the Javits Center during Disney’s Upfronts. They also talk about how AI may someday be used to insert you directly into your favorite MCU movie.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 218: Craig McCracken to revisit “Powerpuff Girls” & “Foster’s Home”

Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the next six weeks’ worth of animated films which will be arriving in theaters. They then talk about the upcoming LA debut of “Immersive Disney Animation”

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The Disney Dish Episodwith Jim Hill Episode 427: Why “Aladdin’s Oasis” was only open for 14 months in the 1990s

Mon, 15 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episodes by reviewing the changes Walt Disney World has in the works for 2024. They then look back at that short-lived Disneyland show which replaced the Tahitian Terrace

Show Notes

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MaRvel Us Disney Episode 173: “Black Widow” star looks back at suing Disney Studios

Fri, 12 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3” did over its opening weekend in theaters. They then reveal which MCU projects have already postponed and/or shut down production due to the Writer’s Strike

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 217: Why Disney got into the cel production business in the 1990s

Thu, 11 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how much “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” has earned to date at the worldwide box office. They then talk about the most recent set of lay-offs at DreamWorks Animation

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 78: What the next Star Wars films may have in common with James Bond

Wed, 10 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill start off this week’s show by explaining why it’s been so long between new LAL episodes. Then he & Brian Gaughn discuss the latest Star Wars-related news

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Disney Dish Episode 426: Do you remember Disney-MGM’s “Star of the Day” program?

Mon, 08 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the new trip planning service that the Mouse is making available to DVC members. They also look back at what happened when the air conditioning for every attraction but one broke down at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 172: What needs to be restored to the original “Iron Man” movie

Fri, 05 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the film that – 15 years ago – kicked off the MCU. They also talk about how the Writers Strike could potentially impact several of the movies & TV series that Marvel Studios is about to put before the camera.

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 216: What’s coming next from Disney, DreamWorks, Illumination & Paramount

Tue, 02 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

n a special CinemaCon edition of this podcast, Drew Taylor recaps his recent visit to Las Vegas. He and Jim Hill then talk about what the various studios screened for exhibitors in the Colosseum at Caesar’s

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 425: The other times fires broke out at Disney theme parks

Mon, 01 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the lawsuit The Walt Disney Company just filed against Florida governor Ron DeSantis. They also discuss what happened with the dragon prop featured in Disneyland’s “Fantasmic! .

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 171: Which MCU vets are going to appear in “Avengers: Secret Wars”

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

aron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the Spider-Man-related stuff that Sony screened at CinemaCon earlier this week. They then offer an update on the Victoria Alonso situation

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 215: Chris Meledandri to be honored for Excellence in Animation

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking over this year’s schedule for CinemaCon. They then talk about how soon “The Super Mario Bros Movie” will blow through the billion-dollar barrier when it comes to worldwide ticket sales.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 424: The edible landscape at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the Fort Wilderness Cabins will soon be getting a facelift. They also share the latest news in regard to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District debacle.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 170: : Gearing up for “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3”

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the next “GotG” movie is expected to do at the domestic box office. They also share the latest Jonathan Majors news

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 214: How “Peter & the Wolf” almost wound up in “Fantasia”

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how well the “Super Mario Bros Movie” did at the worldwide box office. They then talk about Warner Bros Discovery is rebranded HBO Max as Max in an effort to take on Disney+

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 423: What may replace “Poseidon’s Fury” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the new “Star Tours” ride film that will reportedly debut at the Disney Parks in 2015. They also discuss the latest State-of-Florida / Reedy Creek developments

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 169: Jeremy Renner proves who the toughest Avenger really is

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the issue of Marvel’s “Strange Tales” that introduced Black Panther. They then talk about “Secret Invasion,” the new MCU limited series which debuts on Disney+ on June 21st.

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 213: What powers the storyline of Pixar’s “Elemental”

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how well “Super Mario Bros” is expected to do at the box office over its opening weekend. They also shine a spotlight on an upcoming reunion of the cast & crew of “The Brave Little Toaster”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 422: Remember when “Let’s Make a Deal” was produced at Disney-MGM

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing what’s been going on with Reedy Creek over the past few weeks. They then look back at when DHS had game show-based attractions like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!”

Show Notes

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 421: Which division at Disney just disappeared during the 1st round of lay-offs

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a very interesting survey that just got sent out to WDW annual passholders. They then look back at what influence the look & the layout of the Casting Center that Robert A.M. Stern designed for Disney World back in the late 1980s

Show Notes

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ThenDisney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 420: What’s the origin story for WDW’s Dolphin & the Swan Hotels

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about their recent behind-the-scenes adventures out in Southern California. Then Chrissy Harrison reports in from the very first day that Roundup Rodeo BBQ is open to the public at DHS’ Toy Story Land

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 168: What Bob Iger had to say about Marvel Studios’ future

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what Disney’s CEO had to say at this year’s Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference. They then talk about Victoria Alonso’s recent departure from Marvel Studios

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 212: Get ready for “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing which films took home the Best Animated Feature & Best Animated Short Oscars. They then pay tribute to Disney Legend Burny Mattinson

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 419: Remembering Rolly Crump (1930 – 2023)

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill welcomes guest host Jim Shull to a special edition of Disney Dish. Where these two then take listeners behind-the-scenes at two classic theme park attractions

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 418: Looking back at WDW’s Cinderellabration

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by celebrating the 10th anniversary of the launch of the “Disney Dish” podcast. They then talk about the Tokyo Disneyland import that eventually led to the creation of Disney Princess Fairytale Hall

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 77: “Star Wars Holiday Special” documentary to debut at South by South by Southwest

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing who just began appearing at the WDW version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” They also talk about the most recent episodes of “The Bad Batch” and “The Mandalorian”

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 417: Why the original “Partners” statue was placed where it was at Disneyland

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the After Hours events that have just been announced for Epcot & Typhoon Lagoon. They also offer up some opinions on where the very best places at the WDW Resort are when it comes to outdoor dining

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 167: Which MCU-related tunes will be featured in “Rogers: The Musical”

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” did at the box office over its second weekend in domestic release. They also discuss screenwriter Jeff Loveness’ reaction to the disappointing reviews that MCU film received

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 211: “Disney Animation: Immersive Experience” continues its multi-city roll-out

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the films that influenced Chris Williams’ Oscar-nominated “The Sea Beast.” They then discuss the four-part Hayao Miyazaki that GKIDS recently acquired the North American rights to

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 416: Who played Walt Disney in movies & TV shows

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

In a special solo edition of Disney Dish, Jim Hill shares a survey about Disneyland’s new nighttime show, “Wonderous Journeys.” He also answers listener mail about an Abraham Lincoln attraction that was once proposed for Frontierland

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 166: How was “Quantumania” originally supposed to end?

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 14:31:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why “The Marvels” release date reportedly got pushed back from July 28th to November 10th. They then share the latest news in regards to what Jeremy Renner is supposedly doing to speed along his recovery from that Snow Cat accident

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 210:: Looking ahead to Season 2 of “Star Wars: Visions”

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” & “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” did at this year’s VES Awards. Mr. Taylor then shares what it was like to attend the grand opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 415: Why Universal Orlando is conducting surveys on WDW’s reservation system

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing what he knows about the State of Florida’s upcoming overhaul of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Then Jim Hill looks back at when Walt & Roy O. Disney brawled over WED Enterprises

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 165: Kevin Feige looks ahead to Phase 5 & beyond of the MCU

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the work that Academy Award winner Ruth E. Carter did on the original “Black Panther” & its sequel, “Wakanda Forever.” They also discuss which “X-Men” veterans might be joining the cast of “Deadpool 3”

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 76: Harrison Ford discusses “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the auction of Peter Mayhew’s “Star Wars” memorabilia got called off. They then review the last three episodes of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch – Season 2”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 209: Why “Metro” – that proposed “Cars” spin-off -- never got made

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Mushka,” Andreas Deja’s long-in-the-works hand-drawn film. They also discuss Disney & Pixar’s recently announced plans to produce further sequels to “Toy Story,” “Frozen” & “Zootopia”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 414: What’s it like to ride TRON: Lightcycle Run at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa reports in from his experience at the Cast Member Preview for Tomorrowland’s newest addition. Then Jim Hill talks about how KUKA arms went from being a tool used on industrial assembly lines to theme park attractions

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 164: Scott Lang in-movie memoir hits store shelves in September

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what James Gunn had to say about the way Marvel Studios makes movies. They also talk about the Broadway show that George Santos claimed to have helped

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 208: When the Mouse almost made a movie version of Terry Pratchett’s “Mort”

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing Eddie Murphy’s thoughts when it comes to “Shrek 5.” They also talk about why “Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book: Making a Masterpiece” has just extended its run at the WDFM

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 413: Trails End restaurant to close at WDW’s Fort Wilderness

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a Disneyland guest opinion poll from April of 1960. They also look back at when the Happiest Place on Earth used to be closed on Mondays & Tuesdays during the off-season

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 163: How the MCU’s “Thunderbolts” movie connects up with “Black Widow”

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Showtime is merging with Paramount+. They then take a look at James Gunn & Peter Safran’s plans for DC Studios’ Chapter One, “Gods & Monsters”

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 75: What comes next in Season 2 of “The Bad Batch”

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by revealing which film just surpassed “The Force Awakens” at the worldwide box office. They also talk about how Star Wars is featured in “World of Color – One,” DCA’s new nighttime extravaganza

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 207: How the Disneyland Resort is celebrating Disney100

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about this year’s Academy Award nominees from Best Animated Feature & Short. They also reflect on those two year renewals that “The Simpsons,” “Family Guy,” & “Bob’s Burgers” just got

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 412: “Mirror, Mirror for Us All” takes up-close look at Disney theme parks

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome two guests to this week’s show: Christina Harrison from TouringPlans.com (who talks about the food items that can be found at the 2023 edition of Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts) & Bethanee Bemis (museum specialist at the Smithsonian Museum of American History)

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 162: Remembering “Spider-Man Rocks!” at Universal Studios Hollywood

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing which SPUMC film received 5 Razzie nominations. They also talk about a story thread that was edited out of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 206: How Disney’s “Mad Doctor” wound up in the public domain.

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the Mickey Mouse short that wound up being banned in the UK & Nazi Germany. They also discuss Disney Music’s recent move into the lofi market

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Disney Dish Episode 411: Looking back on the early days of DAK’s Wild Africa Trek

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the dates for the 2023 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. They also discuss a new set of surveys which suggest that Disney officials are getting increasingly concerned about how many of the Company’s formerly loyal customers seem to have soured on the Mouse.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 161: Get ready for Kang the Conqueror

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the latest Jeremy Renner & Angela Bassett-related news. They then reveal which two MCU films just got cleared to be released in Mainland China

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 205: Disney+ orders 40 new episodes of “Phineas & Ferb”

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing all of the animation-related news they’ve heard coming out of the TCA’s Winter Tour. They go on to discuss the history of Sony Pictures Animation

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Disney Dish Episode 410: What Len learned at that Reedy Creek Improvement District public meeting

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the two projects that Universal just announced. They also discuss what can now be heard as one wanders through Epcot’s Morocco pavilion

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 160: Who may be returning in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off by talking about that Golden Globe that Angela Bassett just won for her performance in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” They also talk about how much time Marvel Studios execs gave Don Cheadle to decide whether he wanted to sign a six picture deal

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 74: When will we see our next “Star Wars”-related theatrical release

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revisiting the John-Williams / new-ending-for-“Indy-5” controversy. They then talk about how Disney has been using “Avatar: The Way of Water” to raise awareness of this James Mangold movie.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 204: How “Nimona” went from Blue Sky Studios to Netflix

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show talking about the second special episode of “The Owl House” (which debuts on the Disney Channel on January 21st). They also talk about how the 2023 Awards Season may have played into “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” popping up on Amazon Prime Video this past Friday.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 409: Why Disneyland’s stagecoach was so short-lived

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show talking about the modified dining plan that WDW is offering Guests who book rooms between June 25th & September 14th. They then shared what they’ve learned about those “Disney After Hours” hard ticket events being held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 159: “With Great Power” reveals how Spidey became a movie star

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the latest new about Jeremy Renner’s accident. They then talk about when the next “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” trailer will drop

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 203: Which animated features to watch for in 2023

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” has been doing so far at the box office. They also take a look back at the past year when it comes to feature & television animation

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Disney Dish Episode 408: Looking back at Epcot’s “World of Motion” pavilion

Mon, 02 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad after a four-year-long rehab. They also talk about when “Super Nintendo World” will be opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in the coming year

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 158: Disney+ readies Stan Lee documentary for 2023

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Captain America: New World Order,” “Thunderbolts” & “Deadpool 3” may be connected. They also look back at how the MCU fared in 2022

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 407: Disney News Round-up: Looking back at 2022

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill take a close look at all of the people & stories that helped shape the past year in theme parks & entertainment.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 157: Which 2023 release from Marvel Studios most excites moviegoers

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 21:04:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing which recent Marvel Studios releases have just been short-listed for possible Academy Awards nominations. They also talk about how DC fans have been reacting to James Gunn’s recent efforts to right the ship when it comes to how Warner Bros. Discovery will be handling superheroes movies & TV series in the not-so-distant future

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 406: What would staying at WESTCOT have been like

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the Universal Creative vets who recently opted to take early retirement packages. They also talk about the various Disneyland second gate plans WDI cooked up before finally settling on DCA.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 156: Who’s the villain in the next two “Spider-Verse” films

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man” just got added to the National Film Registry. They also share what John Krasinski recently said about possibly returning to the MCU to reprise his role as Reed Richards

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 201: Looking back at Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing their thoughts on the “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” teaser trailer. They then take a look at which animated feature is now leading the pack as we head into the 2023 awards season.

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 73: “Willow” limited series gets off to a strong start on Disney+

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by describing what the WDW version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” is like during the holiday season. Brian Gaughan then looks back at the final episodes of Season One of “Star Wars: Andor”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 405: How the Emerald of Anaheim became a Disneyland Resort hotel

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the new “Villain Con: Minion Blast” attraction that just got officially announced for Universal Studios Florida. They also take a look back at the mid-1980s when The Walt Disney Company decided to start acquiring hotels in Orange County, CA

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 155: How the MCU’s Phase 4 helped set up Phases 5 & 6

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” & “Black Adam” has struggled to meet Wall Street’s box office projections this Fall. They then point out what’s different about the teaser poster for “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3”

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 200: Disney100 kicks off with “Oswald Returns”

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Eric Goldberg, Mark Henn & Randy Haycock’s latest special project for Walt Disney Animation Studios. They also share their thoughts on the latest “Super Mario Bros” trailer

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 404: The Sorcerer’s Hat is still a sore spot with some Disney World fans

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a recent survey where WDW visitors were asked to share their opinions of Disney’s Riviera Resort. Jim Hill then looks back at Walt Disney World’s “100 Years of Magic” celebration

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 199: Why happened with Disney’s “Strange World”

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about DreamWorks Animation’s new logo. They then focus on why Don Hall & Qui Nguyen’s latest film for WDAS failed to connect with audiences

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Disney Dish Episode 403: How WDW’s McDonald’s continue to innovate

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by revealing which Epcot attractions have already received their seasonal overlays. Jim Hill then finishes up his history of McDonald’s relationship with the Walt Disney Company

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 154: How the “Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” helps set up “Vol. 3”

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s episode by talking about the 300 “Reality Stones” that Marvel’s partner, East Continental Gems, just made available for purchase. Jim Hill then shares how “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” did over its second weekend in domestic release.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 402: How Bob Chapek learned he wasn’t Disney’s CEO anymore

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

en Testa & Jim Hill share everything that they’ve been told by Mouse House insiders about Bob Iger’s return. Likewise how long Chapek’s dismissal has actually been in the works

Show Notes

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=Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 198: What About Bob (the sequel): Chapek out, Iger in

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some of what they’ve heard over the past 24 hours in regards to Disney’s corporate drama. They also discuss how a gold medal ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria in Manhattan led to “Beauty & the Beast” on Broadway

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 401: Looking back at Mickey’s Kitchen

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a trip-planning surveythat Disney Visa recently sent out. They then continue their look at Disney Corporate’s decades-long relationship with the McDonald’s restaurant chain

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 153: What’s in store for Marvel Studios’ “Secret War”

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the investment community’s reaction to “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” They then share their impressions of this Ryan Coogler movie

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 72: How “Star Wars: Andor” pays tribute to various film genres

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the many ways that Disney is now merchandising Life Day. They also talk about how you can serve your Thanksgiving guests a Chandrilan Squig

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 197: DreamWorks Animation preps a “Bad Guys” holiday special

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Encanto Live-to-Film Concert Experience” at the Hollywood Bowl. They also pay tribute to the late Kevin Conroy, who’s been the official voice of Batman since the early 1990s

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 400: When Disneyland almost got its first McDonalds

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by paying tribute to the late Disney Legend, Alice Estes Davis. They then talk about Villains Lair, the new fireworks dessert party being offered at the Top of the World lounge at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 196: Remembering Alice Estes Davis (1929 – 2022)

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by looking back on the “Art of DuckTales” panel he just hosted at Gallery Nucleus. Then Drew & Jim Hill look back on the life & career of a Disney Legend

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 399: Why “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge” didn’t go forward

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey which suggests that WDW officials are getting increasingly concerned about the Universal Orlando Resort. They then take a look at when the Disney Vacation Club began concentrating its expansion plans around Seven Seas Lagoon.

Show Notes

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 195: Get ready for Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio”

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “The Sea Beast” has become Netflix’s most viewed original animated feature. They also look back at the career of Animagic pioneer Jules Bass

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Disney Dish Episode 398: How Epcot is getting ready for the holidays

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the entertainment line-up for this year’s International Festival of the Holidays. They also look back at what led up to the ill-fated 1999 update of Future World’s “Journey into Imagination” pavilion.

Show notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 152: James Gunn to become the co-CEO of DC Studios

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Hollywood premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” They also take a look at the teaser trailer for “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania”

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor - Episode 194: Why “The Shadow King” got shut down at Disney

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about that “Kingdom Hearts” animatic that just popped up online. They also discuss those “Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi” shorts that debut on Disney+ later this week.

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Disney Dish Episode 397: How Figment found his way back into Epcot’s “Journey into Imagination”

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing that the recently re-opened Monsieur Paul now has a dress code. They also talk about how Walt Disney World will soon begin cutting back on character greetings across property

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 151: Is Mephisto finally entering the MCU?

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing casting news associated with “Ironheart” & “Agatha: Coven of Chaos,” two limited series that Marvel Studios is producing for Disney+. They then take a look at the now-nearly 20-year-long history of “Daredevil” -related movies & TV series

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 71: How the story bubbles work at “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 17:14:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking back at the October 2015 debut of the first full trailer for “Star Wars – Episode VII: The Force Awakens.” They talk about the most recent episodes of Lucasfilm’s latest limited series for Disney+, “Star Wars: Andor”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 193: Remembering Dame Angela Lansbury (1925 – 2022)

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the heroic death of “Yu-Gi-Oh!” creator Kazuki Takahashi. They then share their opinions of the first trailer for Illuminations’ “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 396: How to make “Galaxy Edge” appeal to ALL Star Wars fans

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the price increases that were just announced for the Disneyland and WDW Resorts. They then continue their look at the controversial “Journey into Imagination” redo that went live in October of 1999

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 150: Problems multiply for Marvel’s “Blade” reboot

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how issues concerning this Mahersha Ali movie are now impacting Marvel Studios’ plans through 2026. They also talk about “Werewolf by Night”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 192: What happened to Disney’s “Mickey Columbus” featurette

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

While Drew Taylor is away on assignment, Jim Hill shares the latest Warner Bros. Discovery-related news. He also talks about the two Disney Animation-based experiences that will soon be debuting stateside

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 395: How Epcot is getting ready for the holidays

Mon, 10 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Show Notes.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 149: The flying Quinjet the Disney Parks almost got

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Marvel Studios decision to change “Armor Wars” from a limited series for Disney+ to a theatrical release. They also talk about the most recent episodes of “She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law”

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 70:: How does the East Coast version of “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” compare to the West Coast version of this same attraction

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by sharing his impression of the Hyperspace Lounge (the Star Wars-themed bar aboard the Disney Wish). Then he & Brian Gaughan discuss the “Indiana Jones 5” trailer that leaked online earlier this week

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 191: October brings a coast-to-coast Laika celebration

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show with an update on the Warner Bros Discovery situation. They then talk about Jodie Benson’s new memoir, “Part of My World”

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Disney Dish Episode 394: After Hours Events return to WDW in early 2023

Mon, 03 Oct 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show with a brief recap of their recent “Disney Dish on the Disney Wish” event. They then take a look at the dark rides that the Imagineers were originally development for WDW’s Magic Kingdom back in the late 1960s

Show Notes

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 393: What happens when a hurricane heads towards Walt Disney World

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

In a show that suddenly became far more newsworthy than they’d initially

intended, Len Testa and Jim Hill talk about how the WDW Cast readies that Resort when a tropical storm is bearing down on Central Florida.

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 69:: “Star Wars: Andor” gets off to a promising start

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking back at the Star Wars & Indiana Jones-related news that was revealed at the D23 Expo. They then go on to talk about the first three episodes of Lucasfilm’s latest limited series for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 190: Remembering Ralph Eggleston (1965 – 2022)

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the animation news that was revealed at this year’s D23 Expo. They also offer up a theory about what David Zaslav is really doing over at Warner Bros. Discovery

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 392: How the pandemic tripped up “Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana”

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this Journey of Water and Blue Sweek’s show by talking about why the opening of TRON Lightcycle Run has been pushed ‘til the Spring of 2023. They also discuss the Blue Sky Projects that were talked about at the Parks presentation at this year’s D23 Expo

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 148: How will “Ironheart” differ from other Marvel limited series

Fri, 16 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the latest episode of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.” They then look back at all of the Marvel-related news that came out of this year’s D23 Expo.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 391: Captain EO’s 60 hour-long opening event at Disneyland Park

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what may turn out to be Universal Orlando’s next big promotional campaign. They then look back at how Michael Eisner started adding celebrities to Disney theme park attractions in the mid-to-late 1980s

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 68: What Frank Darabont’s version of “Indy 4” would have been like

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the two seasons of “Star Wars: Andor” which will cover 5 years of story. They then go on share George Lucas’ theory as to why Star War fans initially rejected Jar Jar Binks

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 390: Why WDW’s “20,000 Leagues” supposedly closed temporarily & then never re-opened

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by musing on when performances of “Fantasmic!” may begin at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They then look back at the Fall of 1995. Which is when Magic Kingdom managers snookered Michael Ovitz, the then-President of The Walt Disney

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 147: Exploring the Avengers Campus at Walt Disney Studios Park

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 01:24:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by explaining why he’s doing a solo edition of this podcast. He then goes on to talk about Episode 3 of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 189: Remembering Disney’s “Fluppy Dogs”

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the vocal cast for Laika’s new stop motion / CG film, “Wildwood.” They then share which subscription streaming services are thinking about snatching up HBO Max’s “Batman: Caped Crusader” animated series

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 389: How Skull Rock came to be at Disneyland Park

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing some long-needed changes that were recently made to Disney’s park reservation system. They also take a look back at the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant at Disneyland Park

Show notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 146: DC Movies regroups as Marvel continues to dominate superhero movie market

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Alan Horn has recently returned to Warner Bros. Studio as a consultant. They also talk about Episode 2 of “She-Hulk: Attorney for Hire.”

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 67: When Daniel Radcliffe visited the “Force Awakens” set

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the latest episodes of Vice’s “Icons Unearthed: Star Wars.” They discuss Lucasfilm’s original plans for its “A Star Wars Story” series of films

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 188: How Disney’s very first Silly Symphony came to be

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what’s been going on with a number of animated series over on HBO Max. They then talk about the never-completed Chris Farley version of DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek”

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 388: Remember when WDW’s Halloween event only ran for one night

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill welcomes Chrissy Harrison from TouringPlans.com. Who then shares her impressions of the latest booths to open at Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival as well as the 2022 edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 145: “She-Hulk: Attorney-at-Law” gets off to a stellar start

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing what they know about Season Two of “Marvel’s What If?” They then share their impressions of Marvel Studios’ latest limited series for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 187: How DWA’s “Kung Fu Panda” became a full-fledged franchise

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill starts off this week’s episode by talking up the “Guillermo del Toro: Crafting Pinocchio” exhibit which debuts at the MOMA in NYC this December. They also discuss why animation fans might need to go visit a Great Wolf Lodge next month.

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The Disney Dish Dish with Jim Hill Episode 387: Why Epcot’s World ShowPlace Pavilion really got built

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the most recent Disney earnings call. They then wrap up their series about WDW’s Millennium Celebration.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 144: “Marvel Zombies” animated series gears up for 2023 debut

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing images that have popped up online from the sets of “Echo” & “Ironheart.” They also preview the Marvel-related panels to be presented at next month’s D23 EXPO

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 66 How “Return of the Jedi” is tied to the Vietnam War

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing “Star Wars: Andor.” They then look back at the production difficulties “Empire Strikes Back” experienced when that crew was shooting the Ice-Planet-of-Hoth sequences in Norway

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 186: How Phil Tippett changed the world of stop motion

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to shelve “Scoob!: Holiday Haunt.” They also talk about how Skydance Animation’s first feature length project, “Luck,” wasn’t all that lucky when it came to positive reviews

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The Disney Dish Dish with Jim Hill Episode 360: How did the WDW Resort get ready to handle the Y2K bug

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

en Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that reveals Universal Orlando’s keen interest in people’s most recent trips to WDW. They then take a look back at Epcot’s Millennium Celebration

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 143: Spider-Man celebrates the 60th anniversary of his Marvel Comics debut

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Marvel’s “Secret Invasion.” which will supposedly be Disney+’s first crossover event. They then go on to talk about the important role that editor Jeff Ford played in crafting one of the more iconic moments in “Avengers: Endgame”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 185: So is Skydance Animation’s “Luck” worth a look?

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the teaser trailer for Guillermo Del Toro’s “Pinocchio.” They then discuss the “Walt Disney’s Jungle Book: Making a Masterpiece” at the Walt Disney Family Museum.

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The Disney Dish With Jim Hill Episode 385: MagicBands+ appear to have a power problem

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill welcome Mrs. Shannon Ford, who talks about her experience aboard the Disney Wish. They then discuss what’s happening with Disney’s “Hercules,” which may be the Company’s next animated feature to be headed to Broadway

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 142: What’s in the works for Phase 5 & 6 of the MCU

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off by reviewing all of the news that came out of Marvel Studios’ Hall H presentation at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. They then talk about which character was the heart of the MCU’s Phases I - 3

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 65: Why the Disneyland Paris Resort won’t be getting its very own “Galaxy’s Edge”

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn starts off this week’s show by looking back at the 2022 edition of San Diego Comic-Con. Then Jim Hill talks about four soon-to-be-published Star Wars-related books that are worth checking out

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 184: DC Animated Original Films gets ready for its 50th release

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what Craig McCracken now has in the works. They also talk about some of the entertainment-related books these two are now reading.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 384: Disney World knows that its official website needs to be retooled

Mon, 25 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back Christina Harrison from Touring Plans, who talks about the 2022 edition of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. They then share Josh Gad’s memories of working on “Frozen Ever After”

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 141: How the Marvel characters slowly invaded the Disney theme parks

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by talking about a button he noticed on the remote for his new PS5. Then Jim Hill takes a close look at how “Thor: Love & Thunder” did over its second weekend in domestic release

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 183: Live-action “Lilo & Stitch” gets a new director

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some updates about this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. They then discuss an old right-of-passage that used to happen to new Walt Disney Animation Studio staffers back in the 1950s & 1960s

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 383: Len Testa to speak at this year’s IAAPA convention

Mon, 18 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing which three WDW restaurants will begin offering character dining again. They then talk about why Epcot’s “SeaVenture” attraction got its name changed to “Maelstrom”

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Ep 140: What veteran FX artists are saying about Marvel Studios

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Thor: Love & Thunder” did at the domestic box office over its opening weekend. They also talk about Episode 6 of “Ms. Marvel,” Marvel Studios’ latest limited series for Disney+

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 64: Whatever became of “Star Wars: Detours”

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill talk about Milly Bobby Brown’s rumored involvement in a future “Star Wars” film. They also talk about George Lucas’ sense of humor and how comfortable George was with people parodied the film franchise he created

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 182: Get ready for the 2002 edition of Comic-Con International

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by plugging Jake S. Friedman’s “The Disney Revolt: The Great Labor War of Animation’s Golden Age.” They then list some of the panels & presentations that animation fans shouldn’t miss if they’re headed down to San Diego later this month

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Disney Dish Episode 382: What’s in the works for the LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Banks Lee joins Jim Hill on a special edition of the Disney Dish. As they look at how Cypress Gardens (which was a favorite Central Florida attraction of Roy O. & Edna Disney) spent the past 10 years transforming into the 5th LEGO Park in the world.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 139:: The “Worlds of Marvel” cinematic dining experience aboard the Disney Wish

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Art of Marvel Studio’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier” book. They also discuss Episodes 4 & 5 of “Ms. Marvel.”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 181: Is “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” the best animated feature of the year

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how well “Minions: The Rise of Gru” seems to be doing at the domestic box office. They also talk about the “Baymax!” limited series that just debuted on Disney+.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 381: How many trolls is too many trolls?

Mon, 04 Jul 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Bob Chapek’s contract being extended by Disney’s Board of Directors. They talk about where the Brightline Train Service may be stopping in the Orlando area now that a station at Disney Springs is no longer in the cards

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 63: : John Williams gets ready to retire

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking back at the career of this five-time Academy Award winner and the numerous blockbusters William wrote themes & scores for. They also discuss the final episode of that “Obi-Wan Kenobi” limited series for Disney+.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 180: “Making of Jungle Book” exhibit opens at Walt Disney Family Museum:

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by continuing their discussion on the disappointing domestic box office for Pixar’s “Lightyear.” Drew also shares his thoughts on “Baymax!” the series (which debuts on Disney+ this week)

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The Disney Dish Episode 380: How the Disney Institute transformed into Saratoga Springs

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some surveys that Guests who stayed at WDW’s monorail resorts recently received. They also talk about Michael Eisner’s 1985 trip to the Chautauqua Institute inspired him to start offering education-based vacation experiences to WDW visitors

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 138 :Where to find Sam Raimi’s car in “Multiverse of Madness”

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the most recent episodes of Marvel Studios’ latest limited series for Disney+. They also talk about where the “Doctor Strange” sequel fits in the current MCU chronology.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 179: What Disney revealed at this year’s Annecy Animation Festival 2022

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how “Lightyear” did over its opening weekend at the North American box office. They also talk about the stage version of Disney’s “Hercules,” which the Papermill Playhouse will present in the Winter of 2023

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 379: Aulani delivers the Disney Resort experience you used to get stateside

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Christina Harrison reports on her recent stay at Disney’s resort & spa on Oahu. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of the House of the Future at Disneyland Park

Show Notes

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 62: Would “Solo: A Star Wars Story” have worked better as a limited series

Sat, 18 Jun 2022 21:30:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the new “Star Wars” that Dan Zehr wrote which would be a perfect Father’s Day gift. They also discuss the last three episodes of Disney+’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi” limited series

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 178: How Major Matt Mason inspired the creation of Buzz Lightyear

Thu, 16 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by describing the many different versions of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” Disney Studios created ahead of “Encanto” ‘s theatrical release. He also talks about the number of new animation studios that are opening up in Vancouver

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 378: Looking back on Fort Wilderness’ abandoned expansion plans from the mid-1970s

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a fairly blunt survey that the WDW Resort recently sent out about Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Then Jim Hill talks about how – once upon a time – Pioneer Hall was supposed to have been the very first part of Florida’s Frontier Town project

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 137: “Ms. Marvel” is off to a marvelous start

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by sharing some of the audio that he recently recorded at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Then he & Jim Hill then discuss the first episode of Marvel Studios’ latest limited series for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 177:Celebrating the 20th anniversary of “Kim Possible”

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show discussing that first look at Disney’s “Hamster & Gretel” which just got released. They then shine a spotlight on that new two-LP vinyl soundtrack for “The Iron Giant” which Varese Sarabande is about to release.

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 377: How Walt Disney made his Imagineers walk in the Guests shoes

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

en Testa & Jim Hill welcome Arthur Levine from About Theme Parks, who then talks about his new Substack project. These three then talk about an intriguing bit of construction that’s now underway at WDW’s Blizzard Beach water park

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 136: Where is Joe Quesada heading now that he’s leaving Marvel

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by recounting his recording adventures at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Then Jim Hill talks about his recent interaction with James Gunn, director of “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3”

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 61: How many new “Star Wars” limited series will we see in 2023?

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughn looks back at the four days he just spent at the Anaheim Convention Center covering this year’s Star Wars Celebration. He and Jim Hill then discuss the first two episodes of “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” Lucasfilm’s latest limited series for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 176: The history of Buzz Lightyear in the Disney Parks

Tue, 31 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Top Gun: Maverick” is impacting the box office potential of “The Bob’s Burgers Movie.” They also talk about the “Winnie the Pooh” -themed comedy slasher movie, “Blood and Honey.”

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 135: Is this the end of Chris Hemsworth in Marvel Studios’ “Thor” series?

Fri, 27 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the new “Love & Thunder” trailer which debuted during Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. They also talk about the new “Daredevil” series that’s reportedly in development for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 175: How Disney’s lawyers helped make “Chip ‘n’ Dale: Rescuer Rangers” happen

Tue, 24 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about “Elemental,” Pixar’s next feature-length animated film. They also recall Tom Hanks’ guest appearance on ABC’s “Happy Days” back in November of 1982

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Disney Dish Episode 375: Survey sez: Disney World knows that Genie+ is a failure

Sun, 22 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing yet another survey. This

one revealing that WDW officials have grown very concerned about visitors to Florida preferring

Universal Express to Genie, Genie+ & Lightning Lane

Show notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 134: She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” to premiere on Disney+ August 17th

Fri, 20 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the Marvel-related news coming out of the ABC Upfronts. Then Aaron recounts his experience at “An Evening with Neil Gaiman,” which was held earlier this week at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis.

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Looking at Lucasfilm - Episode 60: What to expect on Star Wars Nite at Disneyland Park

Wed, 18 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the recent resurgence in interest in prequels collectibles. They also talk about interviews Ewan McGregor has given out ahead of the Disney+ debut of “Obi-Wan Kenobi”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 174: When H. R. Pufnstuf took Ronald McDonald to court

Tue, 17 May 2022 04:21:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the teaser trailer for “Luck,” that Skydance Animation production that Apple Original Films will be releasing later this Summer. They also talk about Krofft Kon, which is being held in Orinda, CA this Saturday

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 374: Is Universal looking to add even more magic to its “Wizarding World” ?:

Mon, 16 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a recent survey that the Universal Orlando Resort sent out to Harry Potter fans. Jim then continues his look back at “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” and how that film series made its way into the Disney Parks.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 133: What specifically makes “Multiverse of Madness” a Sam Raimi film

Fri, 13 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how well “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” did over its opening weekend in theaters. They also share some ideas that were originally proposed for “Moon Knight” which then didn’t make it into the final version of this limited series

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 173: Disney Branded Television launches 100th animated series

Tue, 10 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by following up on Drew’s story for The Wrap about what’s been going on with Netflix’s animated series. They then look back at how Walt Disney Studios cast voices for its animated features

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Disney Dish Episode 373: How “Cosmic Rewind” compares to other WDW attractions

Mon, 09 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back Christina Harrison, who talks about the surprisingly tasty gluten-free offerings that can be found around WDW property. Jim then starts a new series about Disney’s science-based gimmick comedies of the 1960s & 1970s that led to the “Honey, I Shrunk” attractions in the Parks

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 132: So who’s going to direct the MCU’s “Fantastic Four” movie now?

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing some news about a certain performer who appears in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” They then review the series finale … er … season finale of Marvel Studios’ “Moon Knight”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 59: Looking at Lucasfilm returns

Wed, 04 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

After a 16-month hiatus, Jim Hill brings back the podcast which celebrates the creative effort of George Lucas, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni and Jon Favreau. Jim also introduces“Looking at Lucasfilm” ‘s new co-host, Brian Gaughan.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 172: Why Universal’s “Super Mario Bros” got pushed back to April 2023

Tue, 03 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about his hit & run trip to Las Vegas to cover Paramount Pictures’ presentation at this year’s CinemaCon. Jim Hill then looks back at the history of Bugs Bunny dressing up in women’s clothes for the Looney Tunes shorts

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 372: Why Florida’s attempt to dissolve the RCID is going to fail

Mon, 02 May 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing a recent survey the Universal Orlando Resort sent out about an after-hours Mardi Gras hard ticket event they’re considering holding in the Parks. They then discuss the various legal reasons The Walt Disney Company is supremely confident they’ll prevail in court next year.

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 131: What Marvel showcased at this year’s CinemaCon

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the latest news out of Las Vegas. Which is where Walt Disney Studios & Sony Pictures Entertainment screened lengthy excerpts from “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” & “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse -- Part One”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 171: “Lightyear” salutes 70’s style sci-fi

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what’s going on with Netflix Kids & Family Animation. They also look back at Blue Sky Studios’ struggles to deliver the original “Ice Age” movie

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 371:: Get ready for Victoria & Albert’s return

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some restaurant-related news that pertains to WDW’s monorail resorts. Jim Hill then continues his look back at the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 130: A sneak peek at “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind”

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts things off this week by taking a close look at “The Batman.” Then Jim Hill reveals which “Moon Knight” star recently visited Universal Studios Florida

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 170: Remembering Gilbert Gottfried (1955 - 2022)

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Blue Sky Studios’ “Nimona” which had been shut down by Disney last year has since been revived by Netflix. They then reveal the role that Jeffrey Katzenberg played in Gilbert Gottfried being cast as the voice of Iago

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 370: A closer look at the DVC being built next to WDW’s Polynesian Village Resort

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the new technology that will soon be powering image capture at WDW’s meet-n-greets. They also continue their look back at the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 129: Is Marvel Studios readying a new “X-Men” movie?

Fri, 15 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what will be revealed about America Chavez in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” They also discuss Episode 3 of Marvel Studios’ “Moon Knight,” that limited series which is now halfway through its run on Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 169: “Encanto” gets ready to light up Disneyland Park

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by paying tribute to the late Estelle Harris. They then talk about how the producer & director of “Turning Red” have taken on new leadership positions at Pixar Animation Studios

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Disney Dish Episode 369: The Origin of the Reedy Creek Improvement District

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing WDW’s latest set of surveys (which -- this time -- touch on annual passholders). They then talk about Walt’s first meeting with Florida officials & local business leaders back in November of 1965

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 128: What went wrong with Columbia Pictures’ “Morbius”

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what Warners is reportedly considering doing to resolve its Ezra Miller problem. They both share their thoughts on Episode Two of Marvel Studios’ “Moon Knight” limited series for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 168: So what happens now with Disney’s “Aladdin” sequel

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what happened in Hollywood’s Dolby Theater on March 27th. They also look back at the past 21 years' worth of Best Animated Feature winners & losers

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Disney Dish Episode 368: Love Bug Days at Disneyland

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing a survey that the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out which reveals possible pricing structures that are being considered for its opening-in-2025 Epic Universe theme park. They also reveal which WDW attractions have -- on average -- the most downtime.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 127: Marvel’s “Moon Knight” rises

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” which is currently shooting in Atlanta. They then review the first episode of Marvel Studios’ latest limited series for Disney+.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 167: A Look into Disney Mirrorverse

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Rich Moore just joined the talented team over at Skydance Animation. They then talk about Jorge Gutiérrez’s next animated feature for Netflix

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Disney Dish Episode 367: Which modern Disney attractions should be considered classics

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how WDW’s theme parks will be adjusting their operating hours over the rest of Spring Break. They also reveal that Mouse House managers still seem very concerned with how Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration is being perceived

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 126: Remembering William Hurt (1950 - 2022)

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Moon Knight” launch event that Disney+ held in Hollywood earlier this week. They then discuss how Marvel Studios pushed back against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” legislation

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 166: Pixar puts same sex kiss back into “Lightyear”

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by sharing what he’s learned about the Imagineers’ efforts to persuade Disney CEO Bob Chapek to cancel WDI’s move to Lake Nona. Then he & Jim discuss the “Encanto” -related controversy that’s begun brewing around ABC’s live broadcast of this Academy Awards ceremony.

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Disney Dish Episode 366: What’s good to eat at this year’s Flower & Garden Festival

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison from TouringPlans. Who -- having just returned from Epcot -- gives them the full run-down of what not to miss at this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 125: What you’ll find on the digital version of “Spider-Man: No Way Home

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the early word on Marvel Studios’ “Moon Knight.” They then discuss the controversy surrounding the teaser trailer for “Ms. Marvel”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 165: How “Turning Red” almost turned out differently

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Disney’s ongoing effort to mitigate Bob Chapek bobbling the Company’s response to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. They also talk about how “John Carter” ‘s failure at the box office led to Andrew Stanton directing “Finding Dory”

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Disney Dish Episode 365: Which attraction inspired the AquaMouse on the Disney Wish

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Festival of Fantasy” ‘s return to WDW’s Magic Kingdom. They also talk about the challenge that the Imagineers faced when they decided to add a water coaster to Typhoon Lagoon

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 124: Which MCU film is about to get the Secret Cinema treatment

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what Taika Watiti recently said about whether the production of “Thor: Love and Thunder” has been completed or not. They then talk about who’s just been cast in Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter” film

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 164: How many different actors voiced Draco the Dragon

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing The Walt Disney Company’s response (or lack thereof) to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. They then talk about John DiMaggio returning to voice Bender in that “Futurama” reboot

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 123: Is Kevin Feige spread a little too thin these days?

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0000

In a super-sized edition of this podcast, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill discuss all manner of Marvel-related news. Among the topics touched on “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” opening at Epcot in late May and how magic & myth will play into the stories that will be told in Phase 4 & 5 of the MCU

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 364: What the first public cruise aboard the Halcyon was like

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Christina Harrison have just disembarked from the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” In a special edition of Disney Dish, these two share with Jim Hill their fresh-off-the-boat impressions of this immersive experience

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 163: What’s it like to be aboard the Halcyon

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor looks back on his recent trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Where he was one of a handful of reporters who got to tour the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” prior to its first public voyage on March 1st

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 363: Looking back on “One More Disney Day”

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what Disney’s new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer may have just revealed about “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.” They then reminisce about how the 2012 Leap Year was celebrated at WDW’s Magic Kingdom as well as at Disneyland Park in California

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 122: Why Marvel Studios continues to struggle with China

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what Ryan Reynolds & Sir Patrick Stewart are now saying about their reported cameo appearances in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” They then take a look at Erich Schwartzel's "Red Carpet: Hollywood, China and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy"

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 162: Lin Manuel Miranda talks about Disney’s “Encanto”

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor looks back on his recent interview with this Academy Award-nominee for The Wrap. Drew also talks with Jim Hill about “Ray Gunn,” Brad Bird’s passion project from the mid-1990s, which just got revived by Skydance Animation

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Disney Dish Episode 362: Will Storyliving by Disney work without a theme park nearby

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing whether Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is getting ready to re-open. They also share a recent “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” survey that suggests that WDW execs are growing increasingly concerned about this soon-to-open Resort

Show notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 121: An up-close look at the Super Bowl’s “Multiverse of Madness” trailer

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by giving an update on the construction of Epcot’s “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” ride. They then talk about how the “No Way Home” filmmakers tried to work in a reference to Ben Affleck’s “Daredevil” movie

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 161: Get ready for Pixar’s “Turning Red”

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing which animated features got nominated for the Academy Awards this year. They then talk about a number of animated characters & series -- among them Gumby & “Futurama” -- that have recently been revived

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Disney Dish Episode 361: How WDW Entertainment wants to fix “HarmonioUS”

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the Disney Parks news that came out of the Company’s most recent earnings call. They then continue their look at what CommuniCore was like when EPCOT Center first opened back in October of 1982

Show notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 120: What’s the delay with “Deadpool 3”

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by talking about what is -- more importantly, what is not -- included in the MCU chronology over on Disney+. Jim Hill then talks about the care & thought Marvel Studios puts into the promotion of its productions

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 160: Let’s not panic about Minnie’s pant suit

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about his conversation with Craig McCracken about the final season of “Kid Cosmic.” Jim Hill then joins in to talk about “The Sea Beast,” Chris Williams’ solo directorial debut at Netflix

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Disney Dish Episode 360: The Very Best Eats at EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back Chrissy Harrison from TouringPlans, who offers up her take on what foodies should definitely seek out at the 2022 edition of Festival of the Arts. They then talk about how Imagineer George Rester designed EPCOT’s CommuniCore section

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 119: The secret of Willem Dafoe’s teeth

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by discussing why Tatum Channing has fallen behind on his viewing of MCU movies. Jim Hill then shares what Tom Holland has to say about the status of “Spider-Man 4”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 159: Behind the Peter Dinklage / Disney “Snow White” brawl

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about Skydance Animation’s “Luck,” which will now be debuting on AppleTV+ on August 5th. Jim Hill then shares what he knows about “Rose Red,” Disney’s never-produced side-quel to “Snow White”

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 359: Why WDI struggled when it came to Communicore

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts things off by sharing a survey that wouldn’t allow WDW visitors to say that they didn’t use all of the benefits of staying onsite at that Resort. Jim Hill then looks back at EPCOT Center in the months just prior to the opening of Disney World’s second theme park

Show Notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 118: How Sony is positioning “Spider-Man: No Way Home” for a “Best Picture” bid

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by discussing how AMC shareholders rode out the roller coaster-like week that Wall Street just experienced. Then Jim Hill shares Sam Raimi’s thoughts on whether Marvel Studios has finished shooting “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” yet

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 158: When Walt’s brother almost shut down Disney Feature Animation

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by paying tribute to the late Louie Anderson & Meatloaf. They then talk about how production of the original “Aristocats” nearly didn’t happen.

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Disney Dish Episode 358: Disney World fumbles for a 50th anniversary fix

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill share a recent WDW survey that asks would-be Orlando visitors what it’s going to take for them to fully commit to booking a vacation package to that Resort in the near future. They also conclude their look at the development of “The Iron Man Experience” at Hong Kong Disneyland

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 117: Who’s really cameoing in “Multiverse of Madness”

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some of the rumors that are now swirling around the “Doctor Strange” sequel. They also talk about the fourth limited series that Marvel Studios reportedly has in the works for Disney+ in 2022

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 157: How Don Rickles became the voice of Mr. Potato Head

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up “Belle,” that Mamoru Hosoda film which is only in North American theaters ‘til January 20th. They then shine a spotlight on the new project that Kevin Lima has in the works for Sony.

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Disney Dish Episode 357: How Iron-Man wound up at Hong Kong Disneyland

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what they’ve heard about when “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” might open at Epcot. They then talk about the very first Disney theme park attraction to be built around a Marvel Superhero

Show Notes

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 116: How “No Way Home” could have been different

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some of Erik Sommers & Chris McKenna’s original ideas for this “Spider-Man: Far From Home” sequel. Aaron also offers up his take on “Marvel’s Eternals”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 156: Meet the directors of “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania”

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill interview Derek Drymon & Jennifer Kluska, the co-directors of the fourth & final installment of this Sony Pictures Animation franchise. They also discuss Disney’s decision to shift Pixar’s “Turning Red” from a theatrical release to premiering on the Company’s subscription streaming service

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Disney Dish Episode 356: On which 10 WDW attractions does Genie+ save you the most time

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome special guest Becky Gandillon. This data storyteller then explains which Genie+ reservations will save Guests the most time in line at all four Walt Disney World theme parks.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 115: How Hugh Jackman became Wolverine

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the many factors that Sony / Columbia Pictures took into consideration before shifting “Morbius” ‘s release date to April 1st. They also reveal who Bryan Singer originally wanted to cast as Logan in the “X-Men” movie

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 155: Remembering Betty White (1922 - 2021)

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill open up about how they got into the entertainment writing game. They also share their thoughts about what some of the biggest animation milestones of the past 50 years have been

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Disney Dish Episode 355: When Disneyland was closed two days a week

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some off-site suggestions where WDW visitors can stay if they’re looking to vacation with multiple family members. Jim Hill then talks about why Disney’s Board of Directors was initially reluctant to fund the construction of Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 114:Why Sony suddenly has high hopes for “Morbius”

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

As a special New Year’s Eve treat, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill welcome Matthew Gracon, the co-host of the “Disney Marvels” podcast. These three then look back at 2021 and then offer up some thoughts on where the MCU may be headed in 2022

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 154: Will Netflix’s animation expansion continue in 2022

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill take a look back at 2021 in this special year-end edition of their podcast. They also talk about how which animated features & shorts received professional recognition when the Annie nominations were announced just last week

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Disney Dish Episode 354: When Baby New Year flew over Sleeping Beauty Castle

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

In their last podcast for 2021, Len Testa & Jim Hill revealed which WDW water park will be opening on January 2nd. They also look back at the colorful career of Paul Castle, who was Disneyland’s “Main Mouse” from 1961 - 1986

Show Notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 113: It’s the most Marvel-ous time of the year

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

In a departure from the usual format of this podcast, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill review “Spider-Man: No Way Home” as well as Episode 6 of “Hawkeye.” WARNING! There will be spoilers (lots of them) shared as part of this show

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 153: How the Met mounted its first-ever Disney inspired exhibition

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about that stop motion “Ted Lasso” holiday thing which just debuted on Apple TV+ & YouTube. They also follow up on the putting-Jessica-Rabbit-in-a-trench-coat controversy coming out of Disneyland Park

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Disney Dish Episode 353: Remembering the Disney family feud

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing several surprising surveys. They then talk about how Disneyland Cast Members got a flood-damaged “it’s a small world holiday” up & running earlier this month

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 112: When will “Black Panther II” resume production

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Alex Ross’ upcoming graphic novel, “Fantastic Four: Full Circle.” They then take a close look at Episode 5 of “Hawkeye,” Marvel Studios’ latest limited series for Disney +

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 152: Why Jessica Rabbit got a new outfit

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the many new animated series & specials that have been debuting recently on Netflix. They then discuss the rather significant change that was recently made to one of the main characters found in the “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” ride at Disneyland Park

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 352: When Henry Kissinger got stuck on the Matterhorn

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome two guests: Kevin Perjurer of Defunctland and Christina Harrison from TouringPlans.com. They talk about the role that Nixon’s National Security Advisor played in the creation of Epcot-the-theme-park

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 111: When will Kingpin appear on Disney+’s “Hawkeye”

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the teaser trailer for “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse -- Part One.” They also reveal who was the original voice of Howard the Duck (and who then left the set of that 1986 film just three days into production).

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 151: The real origin of “Mickey’s Christmas Carol”

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by revealing how longtime “Simpsons” showrunner Al Jean would like to bring that animated series to a close. They also talked about which studios Disney vets Ron Clements & John Musker wound up directing a new animated feature for.

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Disney Dish Episode 351: Remembering the dragon that flew over New Fantasyland

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the recent changes that have been made at WDI & to Disney’s Board of Directors. These two also answer their last batch of listener mail.

Show Notes: here

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 110: How Samuel L. Jackson became the MCU’s Nick Fury

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Amy Pascal’s recent reveal that Sony supposedly has a new trilogy of “Spider-Man” movies starring Tom Holland in the works. They also do a deep dive on Episode 3 of “Hawkeye,” Marvel Studios’ latest limited series for Disney+.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 150: Why “Elf” & Pixar’s “Up” were so important to Ed Asner

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by noting the sad passing of Stephen Sondheim, legendary Broadway composer, at the age of 91. They then answer a listener question about which veteran Disney FX artist got loaned out by Walt to go work on “The Ten Commandments” & “Forbidden Planet”

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Disney Dish Episode 350: Remembering Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Walt Disney World paused sales of three different annual passes for that Resort’s theme parks. They also look back at “100 Years of Magic” & the four parades that were created for this 15-month-long celebration

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 109: “Hawkeye” off to a strong start

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the Marvel-related news which just came out of this year’s Destination D23. They then discuss the first two episodes of Marvel Studios’ new limited series for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 149: Behind-the-scenes on Aardman’s “Robin Robin”

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing all of the animation-related news that came out of Disney+ Day. They then share an interview with Daniel Ojari & Michael Please, the directors of Netflix’s new holiday special

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Disney Dish Episode 349: Remembering the day “Stitch’s Great Escape!” opened

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim start off this week’s show by revealing where the 2022 Disney Dish Live event will be held. They then answer listener mail that touches on issues like Easter Eggs that can be spotted in the “Mission: SPACE” ride film & how one might get a 3D printed kidney & bladder by WDW Security

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Wondery Preview: Flip & Mozi’s Guide to How to Be An Earthling

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Introducing Flip & Mozi’s Guide to How to be an Earthling, the intergalactic musical podcast that brings conservation into the conversation for kids and their grown-ups. From the creators of the #1 Kids and Family podcast, Wow in the World, in collaboration with Grammy-nominated, The Pop Ups, each audio animated, humor-filled episode inspires a sense of environmental stewardship, both for the Earth and all of its animal earthlings. Visit flipandmozi.com for more!

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 108: What the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” trailer revealed

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show talking about what China social media is pointing to as the reason “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” won’t be shown in theaters in that country. They also discuss the upcoming MCU projects that were revealed during Disney+ Day

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Wondery Preview: Flip & Mozi's Guide to How To Be An Earthling

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:23:00 -0000

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 148: Chris Butler looks back on “ParaNorman”

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

In a very special episode, Drew Taylor interviews the co-director & writer of this much-beloved stop motion fantasy horror-comedy. Which Fathom Events -- in honor of LAIKA Studios 15th-anniversary celebration -- is returning to theaters TONIGHT for one night only

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Disney Dish Episode 348: How to write a Disney World room request that might actually work

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering listener mail. They then talk about how the success of Disney’s Boardwalk led to the Company’s decision to build vacation villas next to Wilderness Lodge

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 107: Why is Hollywood so down on Marvel’s “Eternals”

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how Letitia Wright’s on-set injury is impacting the production of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” They also share what James Gunn had to say from the set of “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 147: Behind the scenes on “Back to the Outback”

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about the challenges animation fans recently faced if they were looking to attend the Hollywood premiere of Disney’s “Encanto.” Jim Hill then shares an interview that he did with the creatives behind Netflix’s next animated feature.

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Disney Dish Episode 347: Big Thunder Mountain … the TV series?

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Drew Taylor of “Light the Fuse.” These three then answer listener mail and discuss how the characters from Disney’s “Lone Ranger” movies almost became fixtures in Frontierland

Show Notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 106: How much Chris Pratt is too much Chris Pratt

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by speculating on what Bill Murray’s role in “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” might be. They then talk about what the “Mobius” teaser trailer suggests about where the Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters is headed.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 146: Looking back at Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.”

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the online community reacted to the teaser trailer for Pixar’s “Lightyear.”

They then shine a spotlight on “The Ghost & Molly McGee,” the latest series from Disney Television Animation

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Disney Dish Episode 346:How did Disney Genie do during its first week

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing his experience of what it was like to use Disney Genie while visiting the Studios at WDW. Jim Hill then talks about the early Tomorrowland attraction that was the predecessor for Epcot’s “Space 220” restaurant

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 105: Which MCU stars are boarding the Disney Wish

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill share what they’ve learned about the “Guardians of the Galaxy” tactical action-adventure game

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 145: Why did “Runaway Brain” wind up locked away in the Disney Vault

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Drew’s conversation with Enrico Casarosa, the director of Pixar’s “Luca.” Jim then shares a story about Jon Provost (of “Timmy & Lassie” fame)’s encounter with the original “King Kong” stop motion puppets

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Disney Dish Episode 345: Is it really necessary to purchase a brand-new Magic Band?

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering some questions from Disney Dish listeners. They then look back at the creation of that WDW favorite, the Electrical Water Pageant

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 104: Where Sony’s “Spider-Man” movies potentially go after “No Way Home”

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what they’ve heard about Disney’s decision to shift the release dates of a number of upcoming MCU projects yet again. They also talk about what Zombie Captain America potentially means for the future of DCA’s Oogie Boogie Bash

Note: This week, Aaron cusses like a sailor, and Jim broadcasts from Florida, without a microphone. So expect Jim to be extra MUDdy, and Aaron to be extra Bleepy.

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Wondery for Kids Preview: Melon's House Party

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Welcome to Melon’s House Party! Did you know that the objects in your house sing and speak all day long? They just do so in a key only dogs can hear. Enter, Melon, an eight pound dog with a thousand pound heart who is the key to a world right under our noses! She lives in a world full of friends; an always singing record player, a soulless computer, her bookshelf therapist and many more. But her best friend in the world is Couch. No musical adventure is too big for Melon and Couch as long as they can figure out a way to do it together. As Melon learns about herself and the world around her, she shows us how to appreciate the little things in life and the importance of friendship and family. This is just a preview of Melon’s House Party but you can listen to the rest of the episode now at https://wondery.com/shows/melons-house-party/

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Wondery for Kids Preview: Melon's House Party

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 144: Why you really need to watch “Maya and the Three”

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by paying tribute to David H. DePatie & Ruthie Tompson. Then Drew talks with Jorge Gutierrez & Sandra Equihua about how Netflix’s ambitious new animated mini-series came together

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Disney Dish Episode 344: How far back was Disney planning an Animal Kingdom for Florida

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the return of live entertainment to WDW’s theme parks. They then share some of the more entertaining anecdotes from the Orlando Sentinel’s unofficial WDW history book, “Disney World at 50”

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 103: What to get Marvel fans for Christmas this year

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why Disney CEO Bob Chapek supposedly decided to settle Scarlett Johansson’s “Black Widow” lawsuit. They then look ahead to how busy James Gunn will be with “Guardians of the Galaxy” related projects in 2022

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 143: Why “War Eagles” never went into production

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what’s usual about “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” making its streaming debut on Amazon Prime Video in mid-January of next year. Drew & Jim then reflect on how much they enjoyed the Season One finale of “Marvel’s ‘What If?’ “

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Disney Dish Episode 343: How the Walt Disney Waterbridge got built

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill welcomes Christina Harrison as the special guest host of this week’s episode. They discuss which foods & activities WDW visitors should seek out during that Resort’s 50th-anniversary celebration

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Wondery Preview: Who, When Wow! with Rebecca Sheir

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Introducing... Who, When, Wow! A new Tinkercast original podcast from the creators of the #1 kids & family podcast, Wow in the World. Join host Rebecca Sheir on auditory journeys into the lives of history's unsung heroes and amazing humans who make us say "WOW!" This is just a preview of Who, When, Wow! But you can listen to the full episode at https://wondery.com/shows/who-when-wow/

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Wondery Preview: Who, When Wow! with Rebecca Sheir

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 142: How “Muppets Haunted Mansion” got made

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Disney settling its beef with Scarlett Johansson. They then talk with writer / director Kirk Thatcher about his nearly 30-year-long quest to get a Halloween-themed Muppet movie or TV show produced.

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Disney Dish Episode 342: What it was like at WDW on October 1st

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa recalls what it was like to be inside of the Magic Kingdom on the day that Disney World officially kicked off its 50th-anniversary celebration. Jim Hill then talks about how “HarmonioUS” exemplifies the Company’s new take on Epcot

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 102: Marvel’s notice of termination problem

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Netflix’s upcoming “Sandman” series. They then reveal how the writers of “Marvel’s ‘What If?’“ set the stage for the upcoming Season One finale of this animated series

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 141: Meet the directors of Disney’s “Encanto”

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the recently revealed vocal cast for Illuminations’ “Mario Bros.” movie. They then share some behind-the-scenes info about that famous roadside attraction, the Cabazon Dinosaurs

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Disney Dish Episode 341: Epcot’s new Space 220 restaurant is out-of-this-world

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Christina Harrison, who reports on what “Rise of the Resistance” was like on its very first day as a virtue-queue-less attraction. They then ponder what could happen if another division of Disney decides to go The-Children’s-Place route

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 101: What potentially lies ahead for Marvel’s “What If?”

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by hyping the latest Audible Original, “Sandman: Act II.” They then talk about what’s coming next from Marvel Animation

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 140: Craig Gillespie talks about directing Disney’s “Cruella”

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about which animated series took home Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Awards this past weekend. Drew then shares his thoughts on the new Disney+ series, “Star Wars Visions”

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Disney Dish Episode 340: Cinderella Golden Carousel’s costly transformation

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that the Disneyland Resort sent out to Oogie Boogie Bash event attendees. They then look back at September of 1971 and the final frantic days of WDW construction.

Show notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 100: Is there really such a thing as too much MCU?

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how many Emmys “WandaVision” has won to date. They then reveal how Simu Lui’s comments on Communist China may prevent “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” from being released theatrically in that country

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 139: How the University of Oregon got Donald Duck as its mascot

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” made Disney Studios change its plans for its Fall 2021 releases. They also reveal which Blu-rays the Disney Movie Club is exclusively making available to its concierge level members

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 339: Which Disney annual pass should you be buying

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering a metric ton of listener mail. They then wrap their look back at the development of the Haunted Mansion attraction for the Disney Parks.

Show notes for this episode are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 99: Will “Shang-Chi” fans return to theaters for “Venom 2”

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the two most recent episodes of Marvel’s “What If?” They then talk about which MacGuffin will wind up driving the storyline of the MCU’s Phase 5

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 138: Remembering Ed Asner (1929 - 2021)

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about many of the great Japanese animated films & TV shows GKIDS is now making available to the North American market. They then share Greg Weisman’s heartfelt tribute to the veteran performer who voiced Hudson on Disney’s “Gargoyles”

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Disney Dish Episode 338: What not to miss on the menu for La Crêperie de Paris

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 14:33:08 -0000

Len Testa & Christina Harrison report on World Showcase’s newest attraction, “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.” Then Jim Hill continues his series on the development of the Haunted Mansion attraction for the Disney Parks

Show notes are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 137: Mickey & Spidey compete for preschool audience

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about his last-minute trip to Las Vegas and what he saw at CinemaCon. Jim Hill then shares what he’s heard about how the “Archer” production team plans to pay tribute to the late, great Jessica Walter

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Disney Dish Episode 337: Remembering Holidayland at Disneyland

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by digging through a pile of listener mail related to recent changes at the WDW Resort. Jim then continues his history of the development of The Haunted Mansion attraction

Show notes here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 98: How “Free Guy” got access to those Marvel-ous weapons

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Spider-Man: No Way Home” teaser trailer that debuted at CinemaCon earlier this week. They also look at the latest developments in Scarlett Johansson’s legal proceedings against Disney Studios

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 136: How Jeffrey Katzenberg tripped up “Toys”

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by offering updates on “Cruella 2” & “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania.” They then talk about why Robin Williams got so mad at the Mouse back in late 1992 / early 1993 over the way “Aladdin” was being promoted

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 336: Disney World’s difficult dealings with the NBA

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Mouse House management is frustrated with the narrative that’s now out there about Disney Parks & Resorts. They then continue their new series on the decade-long development of The Haunted Mansion

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 135: What happens next with "Hotel Transylvania 4"

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing their thoughts on those new Goofy short-shorts which just debuted on Disney+. Drew then goes on to talk about his recent trip to the Disneyland Resort and the Pixar veteran he bumped into while visiting those theme parks.

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Disney Dish Episode 335: The ghastly tale of Captain Gore & his wife, Priscilla

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering listener mail & then sharing some recent surveys from the WDW Resort. Jim then continues his history of The Haunted Mansion and talks about the original walk-thru version of this attraction that Disney Legend Ken Anderson developed

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 97: How the Mouse mismanaged the “Black Widow” situation

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill share their thoughts on the first episode of “What If?,” Marvel Studios’ new animated series. They also discuss what impact Scarlett Johansson’s decision to sue Disney could have on the rest of the entertainment industry

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 134: Kirk DeMicco talks about the making of “VIVO”

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Walt Disney Animation Studios’ second set of Short Circuit shorts. They then interview the director of the animated feature Lin Manuel Miranda spent 11 years shepherding to the screen.

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Disney Dish Episode 334: The Spook House at Mickey Mouse Park

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss the news of the week, including Disneyland’s new Magic Key program and the sample package rates that were recently revealed for “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” They then begin a new series on the development of Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction.

Show Notes are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 133: Deleted scenes & storylines from Pixar’s “Luca”

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about that trio of new “Goofy” shorts that animation master Eric Goldberg created. They then take a look back at “DuckTales The Movie: Treasure of the Lost Lamp,” which was the last Walt Disney Animation Studios film that was produced using cel animation.

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Disney Dish Episode 333: Is it getting too costly to stay on WDW property?

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Disney World’s new policies regarding mask use at the Parks. They then look back at why the Imagineers spent 18 months & $25 million to dredge a channel at Castaway Cay

This episode's show notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 96: “Loki”, one last look at Season One

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the start of principal photography on “Ant-man and the Wasp: Quantumania.” They then share what some photographs taken on the set of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” may reveal about T’Challa’s fate

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 132: Pixar and WDI collaborate on projects for Disney Parks

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing the latest news coming out of ComicConAtHome2021. Jim then talks with Tasha Sounart about the creation of the new “Coco” sequence for “Mickey’s PhilharMagic”

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Disney Dish Episode 332: What not to miss at this year’s Food & Wine

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome special guest Christina Harrison, who talks up where to find the very best eats -- and the strongest air conditioning -- at the 2021 edition of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 131: Meet the writers of “Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans”

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing their thoughts on the teaser trailer for Pixar’s “Turning Red.” They then chat with Dan & Kevin Hageman about DreamWorks Animation’s new full-length feature which will then wrap up the “Tales of Arcadia” feature

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Disney Dish Episode 331: Why Disneyland steered clear of a Halloween celebration for decades

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Disney Very Merry After Hours Special Event” at WDW’s Magic Kingdom. They also look back at October 31, 1994, and KIIS 102.7 FM’s infamous promotional event at Disneyland Park

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 95: Where does the MCU goes from here

Fri, 16 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

In this super-sized show, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill share their thoughts on Marvel’s “Black Widow” as well as discussing how the Season One finale of “Loki” sets the stage for the next dozen or so Marvel Cinematic Universe films & limited series

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 130: How the director of “Space Jam” carved out a new legacy

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing their thoughts on the teaser trailer for Disney’s “Encanto.” They then talk with Malcolm D. Lee about the challenges he faced while working on his first big FX film

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Disney Dish Episode 330: How the Floral Mickey came to be

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about which WDW Resorts will be re-opening over the next three months. They also look back at the horticultural challenges that Disneyland Park faced less than 10 days from its grand opening back in July of 1955

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 129: Is a return to Portorosso in Disney+’s future?

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show about the “Coco” scene which is about to be adding to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” at the Disney theme parks. They then interview Tom McGrath, the director of DreamWorks Animation’s “The Boss Baby: Family Business”

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Disney Dish Episode 329: runDisney events return to the WDW Resort this November

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this episode by discussing WDW’s decision to reportedly make Evening Extra Magic Hours a Deluxe Resorts & DVC Member exclusive. They also conclude their look at the history of “Toy Story Midway Mania!”

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 94: Did “WandaVision” really tweak its final scene after-the-fact

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Marvel’s “Wakanda Forever,” the “Black Panther” sequel that began production down in Georgia earlier this week. They also discuss Episodes 3 & 4 of “Loki.”

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Fine Tooning Drew Taylor - Episode 128: Meet the makers of Disney Zenimation

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “The Simpsons” paid tribute to Conan O’Brien’s last show on TBS. They then share a lengthy interview with David Bess of Walt Disney Animation Studios & Shannon Mills of Skywalker Sound

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 328: What happens when Mickey enters the public domain

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by listing the nighttime shows which will soon be returning to the WDW Resort. They then look back at many of the concepts for Mickey Mouse-based rides, shows & attractions that never quite made it off of WDI’s drawing board

Show Notes are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 127: Why “Hotel Transylvania: Transformania” shifted its release date to October

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Tailor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what Adult Swim did to help raise awareness of their recent animated acquisition, “Tuca & Bertie.” They then discuss why the audience for feature-length animated films maybe isn’t quite ready to return to their local multiplex

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Disney Dish Episode 327: When is DCA’s Quinjet attraction likely to take flight

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering all sorts of listener questions. They then talk about how the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park almost encircled a Mickey & Minnie Mouse-themed island, rather than Tom Sawyer Island

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 93: How James Gunn wants his “Guardians” film trilogy to end

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the huge per-household audience that tuned in to Disney+ for the “Loki” premiere. They also talked about how the version of time travel introduced in “Avengers: Endgame” handcuffed the writers of this new limited studios from Marvel Studios

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 126: Zenimation shines a spotlight on the true artistry of Disney Animation

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Walt Disney’s battles with the home owner association at Smoke Tree Ranch. They then reveal what Disney+’s new “Monsters at Work” animated series has in common with “Planes: Fire & Rescue”

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Disney Dish Episode 326: How DisneyQuest led to Toy Story Midway Mania

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by planning out the perfect progressive dinner for fans of WDW’s monorail resorts. He & Jim Hill then reveal when they each believe Disney World’s golden age occurred

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 125: Meet the director & producer of Pixar’s “Luca”

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a somewhat depressing aspect of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ latest short, “Us Again.” They then talk with Enrico Casarosa & Andrea Warren about the challenges of making a full-length animated feature during a pandemic.

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 325: Which early Disneyland rides had the highest hourly capacity

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how WDW Resort Guests will have the inside track when it comes to scoring tickets for “Disney After Hours Boo Bash.” They then talk about how Disneyland’s “Rocket to the Moon” ride became a “Mission to Mars”

Show notes for this episode are here.

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The Universal Joint Episode 46: What’s significant about UOR’s new $15-an-hour starting wage

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how difficult it’s been to keep up with Universal Orlando’s rapidly changing COVID-related safety policies. They then discuss NBC Sports’ concerns about the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 124:: Remember when DreamWorks Animation made tradigital films

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up Chronicles Books’ “Art of Pixar’s Luca.” They then look at the 2002 film that inspired “Spirit Riding Free” & “Spirit Untamed”

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Disney Dish Episode 324: Splash Mountain’s role in the creation of on-ride photography

Mon, 31 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Universal’s decision to raise the starting wage for new Team Members to $15-an-hour says about the tightening Orlando labor market. They then share stories about how miserable service on Disney’s Magic Express has reportedly gotten.

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 123: Why Disney’s “Gremlins” movie never got off the ground

Tue, 25 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by sharing his impressions of Disney’s “Cruella.” Then Drew & Jim Hill talk about the “Walt Disney Studios and World War II” exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 323: How long before RunDisney begins staging events in Florida & California again

Mon, 24 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode about the DVC-related change that’s coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in 2022. They then finish their look at Davy Crockett & Zorro in the Disney Parks

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 92: Get ready for “Disney’s Hotel New York -- The Art of Marvel”

Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how well “WandaVision” & “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” did at the MTV Movie & TV Awards. They then discuss why Dave Bautista may be getting ready to stop playing Drax the Destroyer in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films

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Wondery IMAGINED LIFE FAMILY : Take a journey and see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Wed, 19 May 2021 17:45:00 -0000

Imagined Life Family immerses you in the surprising moments and challenges that shaped someone’s life before they became successful-- but there’s a catch. You won’t find out who you are until the end of the episode unless you follow the clues along the way! In this episode, you long to go to Africa and have adventures like Tarzan. But everyone tells you girls aren’t supposed to do things like that. You’ll just have to prove them wrong. Take a journey with Imagined Life Family and see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Listen at http://wondery.fm/ILF_DisneyDish

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 122: Why the “Roger Rabbit” sequels all stalled out

Tue, 18 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about which minor character from “The Muppets Take Manhattan” has now joined the cast of the “Muppet Babies” reboot. They then talk about Steven Spielberg’s complicated relationship with the Walt Disney Company

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Disney Dish Dish Episode 322: Why ABC initially said “No” to “Zorro”

Mon, 17 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the news that came out of the most recent Disney quarterly earnings call. Then Jim Hill reveals why the founder of the American Broadcasting Company didn’t think that Roy & Walt were very good businessmen.

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 121:How Rainbow Mickey really came to be

Wed, 12 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how Amy Mebberson used her Pocket Princesses strip to pay tribute to Mother’s Day. They then look back at when walk-around versions of the Disney characters were rushed into EPCOT Center’s Future World section back in 1985

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Disney Dish Episode 321: Meet the crew of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Mon, 10 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by comparing WDW’s Boo Bash Disney After Hours event to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They then continue their look back at Fess Parker’s time at Walt Disney Studios.

Show Notes for this episode are here.

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Pink Monorail Episode 2: The return of the Disney College Program

Sun, 09 May 2021 22:27:00 -0000

Shelly & Noe Valladolid start off this week’s show with a quick look at the re-opening of Disneyland Park. They also talked about how the pandemic, as well as an earthquake in Puerto Rico, impacted the production of Marvel Studios’ most recent limited series

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 91: What that new Sony deal means for Disney+

Fri, 07 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing all of the info that Marvel Studios just released about Phase Four of the MCU. They then share the tribute to Jack Kirby that the Imagineers recently added to DCA’s “Guardians of the Galaxy -- Mission: BREAKOUT !” attraction

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 120: Do you remember those animated “Far Side” specials

Tue, 04 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Seth McFarlane’s attempt to revive / reinvent “The Flintstones” back in 2011. They then discuss how “Vivo” went from being a DreamWorks Animation project to a Sony Picture Animation release that will soon be showing up on Netflix

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Disney Dish Episode 320: Who’s this other family in my Memory Maker account

Mon, 03 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing some of the bars & the restaurants that just got revealed for the Disney Wish. They then discuss the huge part that Davy Crockett played in the first year or so of Disneyland Park’s operation

This episode's show notes are here.

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Universal Joint Episode 45 :Which Universal-owned IP will we next see in the Parks

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the eight-week-long promotional campaign Universal Pictures has put together to hype the June release of “F9.” They then talk about Comcast’s new marching orders when it comes to the Universal Parks & Resorts

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 119: Who’s directing the sequel to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about HBO Max’s next “Adventure Time: Distant Lands” special. They then take an in-depth look at the performance capture films that ImageMovers Digital produced

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Disney Dish Episode 319: The day 'Soarin' ' first took flight over Future World"

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Disney’s decision to update its guidance when it comes to Cast Member grooming & appearance will impact the rest of the hospitality industry. They then look back at how the Farmers Market at EPCOT Center’s The Land paved the way for food courts at WDW Resorts.

This episode's show notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 90: Did we just get our first glimpse of the MCU’s real Mandarin?

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings” teaser trailer. They then look back at the two most recent episodes of “Falcon and the Winter Soldier”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 118: The tangled tale of “Tusker” & “The Legend of Tembo”

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the recently announced closure of the Arclight Cinemas & Pacific Theatres chain may impact the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. They then talk about a pair of pachyderm-based animated features that never made it into a theater near you.

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Disney Dish Episode 318: How the 50s Prime Time Café paved the road for the Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater Restaurant

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 12:47:00 -0000

So what happens when Len Testa & Jim Hill each record their contributions to a Disney Dish episode separately? You’re about to find. Special thanks to editor extraordinaire Aaron Adams who stitched this show together.

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Disney Dish Episode 317: Looking for a great Disney theme park history book

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how the Anaheim version of the Avengers Campus is supposed to be opening at DCA on June 4th. They then discuss why the Imagineers opted to transform the Papeete Bay Verandah at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort into ‘Ohana.

This episode's Show Notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 89: The Black Widow comic you really need to check out

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing their thoughts on the “Loki” trailer. They then speculate as to who the Power Broker on “Falcon & the Winter Soldier” is going to be

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 117: How horror legend Vincent Price became a Disney favorite

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Tailor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the extra features that can be found on the version of “Raya and the Last Dragon” which is NOT playing on Disney+. They then share what Adult Swim did this year on April Fools Day

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Disney Dish Episode 316: Do you remember “Mickey’s Audition”?

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about how the “HarmonioUS” barges haven’t exactly improved the view WDW visitors have as they look out on World Showcase Lagoon. Jim Hill then completes his five-part history of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This episode"s show notes are here.

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All aboard Pink Monorail

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 23:15:00 -0000

As a special Easter treat, the JimHillMedia podcast network introduces Pink Monorail. This new weekly news round-up features Michelle & Noe Valladolid talking about all things Disney.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 116: Why animation studios love William Joyce

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Disney Studios’ latest readjustment of its theatrical release schedule will impact Pixar’s “Luca.” They then look back at how WDAS’ “Meet the Robinsons” came to be.

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Disney Dish Episode 315: Remember when Mel Brooks worked for the Mouse

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the Disneyland Resort is actively getting ready to re-open its theme parks. They also talk about how facial recognition technology may play a role in the next generation of rides, shows & attractions that WDI is developing for Disney Parks.

Show notes for this episode are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 88: Sam Wilson begins his hero’s journey

Fri, 26 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Disneyland fans are using “A Taste of Disney” as a way to check out the status of Anaheim’s Avengers Campus. They then express their appreciation for Episode One of “Falcon and the Winter Soldier”

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Fine Tooning:with Drew Taylor - Episode 115: Disney +’s “Rescuers Rangers” movie begins production

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the 700th episode of “The Simpsons.” They then look back at Disney Television Animation’s plans for its “TaleSpin” series

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Disney Dish Episode 314: When Sunset Boulevard got downsized

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Disneyland’s announced April 30th re-opening. Jim then continues his series on the development of the Tower of Terror attraction.

Show notes for this episode are here.

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Disney Dish: Epcot’s “American Adventure ‘78” now available to ALL Disney Dish listeners

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

As of today, this formerly-Bandcamp-Exclusive show can now be heard by everyone. Check out what the Imagineers were originally thinking of as they tried to create an Audio Animatronic extravaganza that could then be presented inside of Epcot’s United States pavilion.

Cast Listing:

Narrator … Barry Silverman

Ben Franklin … David Chatel

Young Ben Franklin … Peyton Clarkson

Mary Twain … Jerry Powell

Pilgrim Father / Town Crier … Dennis Gould

Susan B. Anthony … Wilma Haupt

Will Rogers … Aaron Adams

Tech Credits:

Audio Engineer … Denny Gould

Executive Producer … Aaron Adams

Producer … Len Testa

Special thanks to Jessica Nolan of ASCAP for setting up all of the musical licenses for this presentation

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Fine Tooning:with Drew Taylor - Episode 114: Pepé Le Pew’s very weird back story

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing which animated features & shorts were nominated for Academy Awards this year. Then Drew shares what he learned from reading the screenplay for Disney’s never-produced, live-action “Gargoyles” movie

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Disney Dish Episode 313: The hidden grotto that Disneyland Paris almost got

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the challenges the Disneyland Resort faces as it readies for re-opening. They then talk about why the Imagineers couldn’t decide where to build a Freefall-inspired attraction at Euro Disneyland.

This episode's Show Notes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 87: Did “WandaVision” deliver the goods?

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing whether “Marvel US Disney” needs to shift to a four-shows-a-month schedule. They then take an in-depth look at Marvel Studios’ first-ever limited series for Disney+

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The Universal Joint Ep 44: Just how long has Epic Universe been in the works

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how California’s theme parks are readying to re-open. They then discuss how the delay in the production of “Fantastic Beasts” may impact Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park

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Fine Tooning:with Drew Taylor - Episode 113: How Judy Hopps became the lead character in Disney’s “Zootopia”

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing why the Golden Globes recognized Kemp Powers as the co-director of Pixar’s “Soul” just five hours before that awards ceremony. They also talked about who just got signed by Gracie Films to replace Harry Shearer as the official voice of Dr. Julius Hibbert on “The Simpsons”

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Disney Dish Episode 312: How Geyser Mountain almost got built at Disneyland Paris

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing a survey that shows that the WDW Resort may be rethinking how it handles attraction photos. They then discuss how a thrill ride at Magic Mountain inspired the Imagineers to develop an ambitious addition for EDL’s Frontierland area.

This episode's show notes are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 112: “Moana” & “Big Hero 6” fans are going to love “Raya and the Last Dragon”

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by marveling at how “The Croods: A New Age” (which was originally released to theaters back in November of last year) is still at the top of the box office. Drew then shares his thoughts on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 59th feature-length production

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Disney Dish Episode 311: Turning the Disney Dream & Fantasy into realities

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about when the Walt Disney College Program should resume operations. They also look back at when the Disney Cruise Line first began to expand its fleet.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 86: How far off is Marvel Studios’ “Fantastic Four” reboot?

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how a scene that was cut from “Avengers: Endgame” helped inspire the creation of “WandaVision.” They also discuss Abraham Riesman’s “True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 111: “Us Again” marks Disney’s return to theatrically released shorts

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by explaining why animation fans should really give Disney’s “Cruella” a chance. They then talk with “Tom & Jerry” director Tim Story about what it took to create a modern-day live-action / CG film which was then based on this 81-year-old set of cartoon characters

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Disney Dish Episode 310: Looking back at WDW’s “Legend of the Lion King” show

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the new mobile checkout feature at Epcot’s Mouse Gear store. They then talk about how the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” puppet-based show led to the Magic Kingdom’s “Legend of the Lion King.”

This episode's show notes are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 110: Which animated projects made Oscar’s short list

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill talk about Disney’s short-sighted decision to shutter Blue Sky Studios. They also talk about Netflix’s ongoing efforts to challenge the Mouse’s domination when it comes to animation

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Disney Dish Episode 309: WDW’s Best Outdoor dining

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Epcot’s revamped & repositioned “Leave a Legacy” display.

They then complete their look at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

This episode's show notes are here.

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The Universal Joint Ep 43: When will the Velosicoaster open at IOA ?

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill first talk about how this year’s Mardi Gras celebration at the Universal Orlando Resort is different from years previous. They then talk about Universal Pictures’ plans for a movie version of “Wicked,” the long-running Broadway musical

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 85: Where “WandaVision” goes from here

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

WARNING! There are all sorts of spoilers ahead as Aaron Adams & Jim Hill discuss Episodes 4 & 5 of Marvel Studios’ first limited series for Disney+. They also share what Tom Holland had to say about Sony’s next “Spider-Man” movie

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 109: How did the “Frozen” FX team help solve a 60-year-old mystery

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about which character Luke Evans will be playing in Robert Zemeckis’ live-action redo of Disney’s “Pinocchio.” They then look back at how Pixar genuinely struggled to find a fitting comeuppance for the villain in 2009’s “Up”

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Disney Dish Episode 308: Survey sez … WDW’s still concerned about COVID-19

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by answering listeners' questions. Then Jim continues his history of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort by talking about Fantasy Island, Frontier Village, and the Magic Kingdom Suites hotel.

Show notes for this episode are here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 108: DreamWorks Animation’s magical “To: Gerard”

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by revealing how Blue Sky Studios’ “Epic” was almost made by Pixar. They then talk with writer/director Tailor Meacham & producer Jeff Hermann about how DWA’s latest short was developed.

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Disney Dish Episode 307: How Disneyland may replace its annual pass program

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Seth Kubersky, author of the “Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2021.” These three then discuss the latest theme park-related news coming out of Orlando, Anaheim & Osaka.

Shownotes are here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 84: Look how Little Golden Books is promoting the “Loki” limited series

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill talk about the first three episodes of “WandaVision.” They then discuss Chris Evans’ rumored return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 107: What’s particularly impressive about the “Pixar Popcorn” shorts

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill first talk about Season 3 of Matt Groening’s “Disenchantment” on Netflix. They also discuss the “Soul” international dubbing controversy and why it’s important to remember when this Pete Docter movie was originally supposed to be released.

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Disney Dish Episode 306: Why Disney World really built River Country

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Disneyland Resort’s decision to cancel its annual passholder program. They then look back at when the Imagineers proposed building “Disney by the Sea” in Brevard County back in the early 1970s.

This episode's show notes are located here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 106: What’s the best time of year to release an animated feature?

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Pete Docter appears to be stepping away from directing films for Pixar Animation Studios. They also explain why the theatrical release of “Bob’s Burger: The Movie” will be a somewhat bittersweet experience for the folks at Bento Box Entertainment

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Disney Dish Episode 305: Are you ready for “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure”?

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about WDW’s decision to shut down the Magical Express as well as “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.” Jim then reveals Disney’s long-range plans for Epcot’s “Person of the Century” poll

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 83: An R-rated “Deadpool” from Disney?

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why “WandaVision” wound up beating “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” to Disney+. They then hazard a guess as to which high profile MCU member will be making a surprise appearance on this limited series

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 58: Why Kevin Feige’s “Star Wars” project just got interesting

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

On their last podcast as a team, Dan Zehr & Jim Hill first talk about the challenges that veteran voice actor Tom Kane is now facing. They then pay tribute to the late Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in “The Empire Strikes Back” & “Return of the Jedi”

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Disney Dish Episode 304: The Muppety “Mermaid” you missed

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why WDW may be suggesting that Resort Guests use their own cars to get over to the theme parks. Then they look back on the origins of the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 105: What Arnold Schwarzenegger has in common with Harvey Fierstein

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how many of the animated features are hopefully headed into theaters in 2021. Then Drew takes a look back at the development of Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove”

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Disney Dish Episode 303: Looking ahead to 2021 at the Disney Parks

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how parking the HarmonioUS barges out in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon is actually a return to the way Disneyland Park used to do things back in the 1960s & the 1970s. They then discuss the Company’s post-pandemic plans

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 82: Why Kevin Feige hung tough in the face of the pandemic

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by acknowledging what would have been Stan Lee’s 98th birthday. Then they talk about how Tom Hanks believes that Marvel Studios may hold the key to movie theaters in the US reclaiming their audiences post-COVID-19.

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I Want That Episode 12: Which Disney books from 2020 should you be adding to your library?

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s episode by paying tribute to his late father. Then he & Michelle Valladolid look back at how The Walt Disney Company’s decision to shut down its theme parks in March of 2020 impacted McDonald’s’ Happy Meal schedule.

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Disney Dish Episode 302: Which Beatle really enjoyed driving the Monorail

Mon, 28 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what sort of discounts the Walt Disney World Resort will be rolling out in 2021 in order to entice more people into traveling down to Orlando. Then Jim looks back at when a key member of the Fab Four stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in December of 1974

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 104: Get ready for “Dog Man: The Movie”

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing all of the animation-related news that came out of last week’s Investors Day event. Drew then does a deep dive on the historical significance of WDAS’ 1990 release, “The Rescuers Down Under”

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Disney Dish Episode 301: Why Disney supposedly passed on the chance to make “E.T.”

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about why WDW’s Coronado Springs Resort may have changed the name of its Pepper Market food court. Then Jim Hill talks about how Southern Californians seeming to lose interest in Disneyland’s “Bear Country” area led to the creation of “The Country Bear Christmas Special”

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 81: Robert Downey Jr. still isn’t coming back to play Iron Man

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing whether a more appropriate title for “Marvel Studios: Legends” might be “Previously on the MCU.” They also reflect on all the Marvel-related news that came out of Disney’s recent Investors Day event

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 57: Disney+ goes all in on Star Wars

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill discuss all of the Lucasfilm-related news that was revealed as part of last week’s Investors Day presentation. They then try to figure out who’s going to answer Grogu’s call in the Season Two finale of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian”

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Disney Dish Episode 300: The secret behind Disney’s perfect looking Christmas trees

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len talks about how the Spice Road Table restaurant at World Showcase’s Morocco pavilion may soon see a menu change. Then Jim Hill shares the tale of the Southern Californian family which provided Disneyland Park with its Christmas Trees for nearly two decades

Shownotes here.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 103: DuckTales” reboot done after just 3 seasons

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor talks about the worst kept secret in television animation (i.e., That Disney ceased production of its popular “DuckTales” series over a year ago). Then Jim Hill looks back at when Walt Disney Animation Studios seriously toyed with setting 1973’s “Robin Hood” in the Deep South, rather than in Merrie Olde England

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Wondery Little Stories Everywhere

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Wondery’s newest podcast, Little Stories Everywhere, is the perfect immersive experience to share by the fireplace with loved ones this holiday season.

Each episode will be the reading of a children’s classic - some of the most magical stories ever told, now reimagined with enchanting sound design for families to enjoy together or adults to enjoy on their own.

Little Stories Everywhere is out now, premiering with A Merry Christmas, a collection of holiday tales by Louisa May Alcott that truly embody the holiday spirit, no matter what you celebrate.

Listen today at http://wondery.fm/disneydish_LSE

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Disney Dish Episode 299: Disneyland’s first real Christmas Parade

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by describing WDW’s new character caravan, which is now making regular stops at several on-property hotels. They then look back at how Disneyland Entertainment director Tommy Walker made that theme park’s earlier holiday celebrations look bigger & grander than they actually were

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 80: Holiday shopping tips for the Disney / Marvel fans on your list

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by sharing his thoughts on “The New Mutants.” Then Jim Hill talks about which actors are already quarantining for Marvel Cinematic Universe projects that are expected to start shooting in January

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 56 : Remembering David Prowse (1935 - 2020)

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill discuss how much they enjoyed the “LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special.” ad talk about the most recent episodes of “The Mandalorian” as well as “Willow” casting news.

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Disney Dish Episode 298: Park hopping returns at WDW starting on January 1st

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by looking back on the career of Joe Rohde, who recently announced that he will be retiring from Walt Disney Imagineering in January. Jim then concluded his series on the renaming / rebranding of Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 102: Who John Candy almost voiced in Disney’s “Pocahontas”

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 17:03:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing their thoughts on the “Animaniacs!” reboot which debuted on Hulu on November 20th. They then go on talk about how Warner Bros. decision to release “Wonder Woman 1984” to theaters on the exact same day this Patty Jenkins film debuts on HBO Max may change Hollywood forever

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Disney Dish Episode 297: WDW adjusts its 50th anniversary plans again

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a real Thanksgiving dinner conversation starter, the Cube Rule of Food. Jim Hill then continues his series about the development of the Port Orleans & Dixie Landings Resort for the WDW Resort

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 79: Did Square Enix’s “Marvel’s Avengers” tank?

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the new “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” action-adventure game from Insomniac Games. They share an update on “WandaVision,” that limited series from Marvel Studios which now (finally) has an official debut date on Disney+

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Universal Joint Episode 42: How to get a pretty Potter pressed penny

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking back at last year’s “Universal Christmas” event. They then list some of the new food & entertainment offerings which debuted this past weekend at the 2020 edition of “Holidays at Universal Orlando”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Ep 55: What really drew George Lucas to “Red Tails”

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what the future holds for “Looking at Lucasfilm.” They then share their thoughts on the first three episodes of Season Two of “The Mandalorian” and a feature story about the movie "Red Tails".

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Disney Dish Episode 296: What to expect from a post-COVID Disney World

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why WDW officials have decided to hold off opening “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” at Epcot ‘til the first quarter of 2021. They then share a recent survey that throws a spotlight on what the WDW Resort is considering offering to lure Guests back down to Central Florida once a coronavirus vaccine is readily available

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 101: The wonders of “Wolfwalkers”

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by talking about what he watched on YouTube as a distraction as he waited for Election Results. Then Drew Taylor shares his thoughts on “Soul,” Pixar’s new animated feature (which will begin streaming on Disney+ on December 25th)

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Disney Dish Episode 295: Is WDW considering a socially-distant New Year’s Celebration?

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa shares news about how the Disney Cruise Line must first go through simulated cruises where the boats remain tied up to the dock before the CDC will then clear them for sailings. Then Jim Hill talks about how Dick Nunis once wanted to use the Empress Lilly as the jumping-off point for a Southern-themed expansion of the Walt Disney World Village at Lake Buena Vista

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 78: Get an early look at Marvel’s “M.O.D.O.K.”

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 20:30:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill are joined by an extra special guest for their Election Night recording session. Aaron then shares an idea that would allow Marvel Studios to cash in on its yet-to-be released films even while movie theaters around the country remain closed

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Universal Joint Episode 41: Could USH’s Upper Lot be re-opened for the holidays?

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill discuss how the Universal Parks & Resorts are now transitioning from terror to tinsel. They then take a look at why “Fast & Furious 9” now seems to be taking the slow lane to theatrical release

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 100: The truth about Circle 7 Studios

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Bob Hilgenberg joins Drew Taylor & Jim Hill on the 100th episode of “Fine Tooning.” As the co-writer of “Monsters, Inc. 2: Monsters in Scaradice” & a never-produced version of “Toy Story 3,” Bob shares his memories of working at Circle 7 Studios.

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Disney Dish Episode 294: How soon might we see HarmoniUs up & running at Epcot?

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a survey Six Flags recently sent out, which shines a spotlight on the grim reality that the entire theme park industry is facing right now. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of River Country, WDW’s first water park.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 54: The truth about that dragon draped over the dune

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 22:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr starts off this week’s episode by talking about “The Star Wars Book,” a DK release that he co-authored with Pablo Hildalgo & Cole Horton. Then Jim Hill reveals how an oversized prop from Disney’s “One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing” wound up buried in sand in the Tunisian desert

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Disney Dish Episode 293: Is Disney getting ready to close Fantasia Gardens?

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this episode by talking about the problems he has with Governor Newsom’s guidelines for the re-opening of California’s theme parks. Jim Hill then looks back on why it took Epcot’s “Wonders of Life” 12 years to move from its initial design phase in 1977 to when this Future World pavilion officially opens its doors back in October of 1989.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 77: Why are paparazzi staking out the “Spider-Man 3” set

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the promotional plans for that “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” limited series which got derailed by COVID-19. Then they celebrate Halloween a little early by looking back at the “Marvel Zombies” comic book series

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The Universal Joint Episode 40: Bela -- not Boris -- as Frankenstein’s monster

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what happened to Fabio when “Apollo’s Chariot” opened at Busch Gardens Williamsburg back in March of 1999. They then continue their series about the horror films that launched Universal Classic Monsters, “Dracula” & “Frankenstein.”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 99: How “Trollhunters” traveled from Disney to DreamWorks

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the recent restructuring at The Walt Disney Company and how it will impact animation going forward. They then conclude their history of Disney Double Dare You, which was to have launched a whole new arm at the Studio that made “ … films that thrill & chill for children of all ages.”

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Disney Dish Episode 292: Which Presidents visited what Disney Parks?

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin’s decision to switch over from WDW’s bus system to Mears. Then they welcome their special guest, Smithsonian museum specialist Bethanee Bemis, who talks about Disney theme parks and the American Experience.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 53 : What Rian & George both wanted to do with Luke

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 15:10:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how The Walt Disney Company’s recent reorganization will impact Lucasfilm. Then Jim takes a look at the Young Indiana Jones-themed stunt show that the Imagineers wanted to build at Disneyland in the early 1990s.

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I Want That Episode 11: When the Sanderson Sisters went to the supermarket

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Shelley Valladolid & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the prolonged closure of the Disneyland Resort has impacted certain shops at Downtown Disney Anaheim. Jim then looks back at a sequence that was cut out of “Hocus Pocus” that then left this Kenny Ortega film with a fairly sizable plot hole

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 98: The road to Disney Double Dare You

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Pixar’s “Soul” will now premiere on Disney+. They also look back at how Disney’s family-friendly reputation actually prevented Walt from making the sorts of movies he wanted his Studio to produce

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Disney Dish Episode 291: Why doesn’t Shanghai Disneyland have any indoor roller coasters?

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts out this week’s show with an enthusiastic review of Foxx Nolte’s “Boundless Realm” book, which takes its readers behind-the-scenes at the Haunted Mansion. Then Jim Hill concludes his Disney Princesses in the Parks series by talking about how WDW’s New Fantasyland project changed course in mid-construction

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 76: How many limited series is too many limited series?

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Helstrom,” the first series from Marvel’s “Adventures in Fear” franchise. They then talk about how last week’s layoffs at The Walt Disney Company will impact WDI’s Marvel-related plans for the Disney Parks.

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Universal Joint Episode 39: Who did Universal originally want to cast as Dracula

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what’s different about the Universal Orlando Resort’s decision to close its Volcano Bay water theme parks for the winter. They then look back at the film (or should we says films) that actually launched the Universal Classic Monsters franchise

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: Episode 97: What happened to Henry Selick’s “Shadow King”

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what David Lowery is doing to bring a little diversity to Neverland. They also look back at the stop motion movie that Disney stopped production on just 14 months before it was due to be released to theaters.

Check out six clips of Henry Selick's work on "Shadow King" here.

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Disney Dish Episode 290: What would WDW’s Pixie Hollow mini-land have been like

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the recent round of layoffs at Disney Parks & Resorts. Jim then explains how Tom Staggs swapping jobs with Jay Rasulo impacted WDI’s original expansion plans for Fantasyland at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 52: Get ready for Mando Mondays

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 16:30:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how well the 40th anniversary re-release of “The Empire Strikes Back” has been doing at the box office. Then -- in honor of Star Wars Reads -- they reflect on the very first book they purchased which was related to this franchise

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 96: Inside Pixar’s “Burrow”

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Tailor starts off this week’s episode by talking about the SparkShort that Madeline Sharafian directed which will debut in front of Pete Doctor’s “Soul.” Then Jim Hill looks at “Animal Crackers,” the 3D computer-animated feature that got tangled up in Harvey Weinstein’s legal troubles

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Disney Dish Episode 289: The latest on WDW’s “Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser” hotel

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show with an update on the walkway being constructed between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and WDW’s Magic Kingdom. Jim Hill then talks about why the Imagineer were initially reluctant to embrace the Disney Princess brand

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 75: Will stunt casting add even more magic to Marvel’s “Multiverse”

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the significance of a bottle of wine in that “WandaVision” trailer. They then offer an update on the “Disney’s Hotel New York -- The Art of Marvel” project at the Disneyland Paris Resort

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Universal Joint Episode 38: How to stalk a scarecrow at the Universal Orlando Resort

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 01:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about those two Halloween Horror Nights houses that opened at Universal Studios Florida this past weekend. They also talk about the “Casper the Friendly Ghost” attraction that Universal Creative planned but never built.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 95: What will “Inside Pixar” reveal about Emeryville’s inner workings

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill celebrate “Harley Quinn” getting picked up for a third season (Though not at DC Universe, but -- rather -- over on HBO Max). They also look back at “Freakazoid !,” Steven Spielberg’s third collaboration with Warner Bros. Animation

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Disney Dish Episode 288: What was Disneyland like 6 weeks prior to its opening?

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering a listener question about those “Oseola Class” sidewheelers that used to cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. They then discuss the role draining the Rivers of America back in the Fall of 1972 played in the construction of WDW’s version of Tom Sawyer Island

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 74: Will Marvel push back “Black Widow” ‘s theatrical release yet again?

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Chris Hemsworth will NOT be following in Robert Downey Jr. & Chris Evans’ footsteps. They then talk about Warner Bros. decision to turn “Wonder Woman 1984” into a Christmas Day release doesn’t bode well for “Black Widow”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Ep 51: So what does the Star Wars The Mandalorian cereal really taste like?

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 14:35:00 -0000

Dan Z starts off this week’s show by describing a very special delivery he received just yesterday from General Mills. Then Dan & Jim talk about how you can use Sims 4 and -- later this year -- Oculus Quest to experience Black Spire Outpost in a way that’s just not possible at a Disney theme park right now

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 94: Don Bluth launches new animation studio

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Once Upon a Snowman,” the new short from Walt Disney Animation Studios which will be premiering on Disney+ on October 23rd. Jim also shares a letter that Bugs Bunny supposedly sent to Mickey Mouse back in January of 1984

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Disney Dish Episode 287: Why it took Ariel 7 years to find a home in Anaheim

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how COVID-19 is forcing The Walt Disney World Resort to deck its halls a little differently in 2020. They then discuss why it took WDAS 30 years after “Sleeping Beauty” was first released to theaters to make another Disney Princess movie

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 73: What happens next with “Black Panther 2”

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:35:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by reviewing Square Enix’s “Marvel’s Avengers” RPG. Then Jim Hill reveals how Chadwick Boseman’s untimely passing has impacted Imagineering’s plans for that new E Ticket for Disney California Adventure Park.

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Universal Joint Episode 37: Epic Universe paused. But for how long?

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 17:35:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill look back at the Summer of 2020 and discuss how the Universal Orlando Resort responded to the COVID-19 challenge. They also talk about how UOR has tweaked its ticketing.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 93: Which animated feature will Disney remake next?

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by talking about why The Walt Disney Company had to reveal that the live-action version of “Mulan” is coming to Disney+ this December. Jim Hill then wonders if it’s wise that Netflix’s “Over the Moon” & Sony Pictures Animation’s “Connected” share the same October 23 rd release date

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Disney Dish Episode 286: How was Disneyland Park different in the 1960s?

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the significance of WDW’s decision to shutter the Polynesian Village Resort until the Spring of 2021. They then check out a selection of 50-year-old slides that a Disney Dish listener was kind enough to share with the show.

If you'd like to see those images of 1960s Disneyland that Len & Jim are discussing on this week's Disney Dish, please follow this link: http://superfluffybunny.com/disney-dish-photo-essay-feature/1.jpg

(Change the 1 to 2, 2 to 3, etc, to see the whole set.)

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 72: Remembering Chadwick Boseman (1976 - 2020)

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by talking about how 20th Century Studios’ long-delayed “The New Mutants” did over its opening weekend in theaters. Then Aaron Adams pays tribute to the late actor who played Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Ep 50: Why you really need to watch “Red Tails”

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the October 30th start of Season 2 of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+. They also discuss Jon Boyega’s recent interview with British GQ (More importantly, why it’s crucial to read the entire article. Rather than that handful of quotes that are now bouncing around the Web).

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 92: “Over the Moon” gets ready for its October 23 rd debut on Netflix

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by paying tribute to Saturday morning television veteran Joe Ruby. They then talk about how Disney’s recent “Raya and the Last Dragon” news is pretty much par for the course when it comes to modern day feature animation product at the Mouse House

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Disney Dish Episode 285: How Eisner’s cost containment efforts changed Kali River Rapids

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing some cost savings tips

when it comes to staying on WDW property. Then they offer up the long-awaited conclusion to a feature

piece about the construction of Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park

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Marvel Us Disney Ep 71: Should Sony be learning from Warner Bros. mistakes?

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 21:00:00 -0000

In a special flying-solo edition of this podcast, Jim Hill first talks about the multiple Spider-Man related projects that Sony is readying for production in the coming year. Jim then takes a look at “Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure” and how COVID-19 may wind up impacting this key component of DCA’s Avengers Campus

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 91: Behind-the-scenes on Disney’s “The Black Cauldron”

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill first talk about how DC’s recent round of layoffs may throw a damper on this weekend’s FanDome event. They then talk about the enormous impact that Don Bluth’s September 1979 exit from Walt Disney Feature Animation had on that studio

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Disney Dish Episode 284: WDW Cast Members assemble a DIY “Great Movie Ride”

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about changes The Walt

Disney World has recently made to accommodate more annual passholders at its theme parks. Then Jim

wraps up his tale of why “Rivers of Light” went up the creek.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 70: Is seeing “The New Mutants” in theaters worth the risk?

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the series

finale of “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” They then look back at when Walt Disney Productions hired

Jack Kirby to create a Sunday Funnies version of their December 1979 release, “The Black Hole”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 49: Celebrating Star Wars Celebrations of the past

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about operational changes

that have recently been made to WDW’s version of Black Spire Outpost. Then Dan shares memories of

the four Star Wars Celebrations that he’d attended / participated in since 2005.

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Disney Dish Episode 283: Are Disney World & Universal Orlando heading for not-such-a-great Fall?

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill share what they’ve learned from a round of surveys that Central Florida’s biggest resorts recently sent out. Then Jim talks about how Disney’s Animal Kingdom tried to solve its everyone-leaves-this-theme-park-by-1-p.m. problem

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 90: When Disney went to pot to help “Fantasia” turn a profit

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 19:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Crumpet / Kermit cameo in Disney’s “Amphibia.” They also discuss that recent spate of spinoffs & revivals that are going forward without any input from the creators of those series

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Disney Dish Episode 282: Introducing the Carousel-of-Progress detective

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Using his keen deductive skills, Len Testa reveals what year the first scene of “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” is actually set in. Then Jim Hill looks back at the circumstances that forced Walt Disney Productions to go from being a privately owned to a publicly held company.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 69: Get ready for COVID Corn (patent pending)

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s podcast by talking about how UK-based retailer Base accidentally revealed that Spidey will be a playable character on “Marvel’s Avengers” for the PS4 starting in early 2021. They also look back at when a leak of “Deadpool” test footage led to 20th Century Fox finally greenlighting production of that Ryan Reynolds film

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 48: Remembering Wilford Brimley & Tom Pollock

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 16:15:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by paying tribute to two industry vets with ties to the Star Wars franchise that we’ve recently lost. They then talk about that TikTok video which suggests that the Skywalker Saga should be retitled

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 89: What will Disney+’s “Beauty & the Beast” prequel series be called

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the impact that Disney’s decision to unscheduled its live-action “Mulan” could potentially have on Pixar’s “Soul.” They then interview animation historian Didier Ghez about the sixth & final volume of his “They Drew As They Pleased” series

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Disney Dish Episode 281: Disney World refines its reopening plans

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa recounts his recent walk-throughs of The Magic Kingdom & Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the WDW Resort continues to tweak its coronavirus-related procedures. Then Jim Hill talks about how Paul Comstock found all of the full-sized trees he needed in order to make Anaheim’s Downtown Disney look like a lush garden district

***Jim had the wrong input selected while recording, so he sounds a bit strange in this episode..

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Disney Dish Episode 280: The significance of WDW’s deeply discounted 2-day tickets

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about how The Walt Disney Company is still struggling when it comes to the proper way to compensate annual passholders & DVC members for coronavirus-related disruptions-in-service. Then Jim Hill looks back at what it took to change the Disneyland Hotel’s Vacationland Recreational Vehicle Park into the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 47: “The Bad Batch” to make good on Disney+

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 02:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this episode by discussing the rescheduling of the next three “Star Wars” theatrical releases. Then Jim takes a look at John Williams’ tenure as the conductor of the Boston Pops

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 68: What Tony almost said to Thanos

Fri, 24 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off talking about how much they’ve been enjoying the final season of Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” They then talk about how Joe & Anthony Russo have been relying on Marvel Cinematic Universe vets as they cast their post-“Infinity War” / “Endgame” projects

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 88: Get ready for Don Hahn’s “Howard”

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s episode by sharing what Richard Linklater told him about his “Apollo 10 ½: A Space Adventure” project. Then Jim Hill talks up Drew’s upcoming Zoom conference at Gallery Nucleus

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Disney Dish Episode 279: What’s fine at Epcot’s new Food & Wine

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa talks about what’s changed at the recently re-opened Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Then Jim Hill shares how the Disneyland Resort got ready for DCA’s grand opening in January of 2001

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I Want That Episode 10: Brushing up on Disney’s “Mulan"

Sat, 18 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -0000

Shelly Valladolid & Jim Hill return with a look at Silverado Vineyards, the Disney family winery up in Napa Valley. Then Jim Hill talks about an attempted bit of product placement in Disney’s full-length animated feature for the Summer of 1998

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 87: The “Popeye” feature that Fleischer almost made

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the “Gravity Falls” tribute episode which will be airing on Disney’s “Amphibia” in August. They then look back at how Walt Disney & Max Fleischer battled for animation supremacy in the 1930s

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Disney Dish Episode 278: What Disney did to get WDW’s Magic Kingdom ready to re-open

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa describes what was done to this theme park -- post-COVID-19 outbreak -- to get it ready for the return of Guests. Jim Hill then looks at Disney’s America and some of the innovative rides, shows & attractions that were planned for this proposed history park

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 67: So the Infinity Stones are gone for good … right?

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 21:45:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts things off by talking up “The Sandman,” the multi-part audio adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s graphic novel (which will debut on Audible July 15th). Then Jim Hill wonders if Cate Shoreland isn’t sharing a bit too much out ahead of the November 6th release of Marvel’s “Black Widow”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 46: The Star Wars / Star Trek connection

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 21:30:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill talk about the many “Mandalorian” products that will be hitting store shelves just ahead of the start of Season 2 of this Disney+ series. They also discuss how the Splash Mountain / Princess & the Frog project could impact Disneyland Park’s version of Black Spire Outpost

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Universal Joint Episode 36: Universal Orlando opens “Stuntacular,” lays off Team Members

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 21:45:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start things off by discussing whether Southern California’s theme parks will actually be open again by August 1st or will we see another coronavirus-related postponement. They then talk about how “The Bourne Stuntacular” one-ups the indoor stunt how that preceded t, “Terminator 2-3D: Battle Across Time”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 86: Remembering Kelly Asbury (1960 - 2020)

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how Viacom is teaming with Mike Judge to revive “Beavis & Butthead.” They then pay tribute to an animation legend who showed incredible grace & courage in the face of serious health challenges and films that struggled at the box office

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Disney Dish Episode 277: How Redd plowed the road for a Princess Tiana ride

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the Walt Disney World Resort is getting ready for the NBA. Jim then reveals how the recent redo of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean Ride” opened the door for retheming “Splash Mountain”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 85: That time when Josh Gad dropped by

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

In an extra-special episode, the voice of Olaf / host of “Reunited Apart” comes in to chat with Drew Taylor & Jim Hill. Over a half hour long interview, Josh reveals that everyone’s favorite snowman once had some pretty dark dialogue in “Frozen II.”

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Disney Dish Episode 276: What you’ll see at the Seven Seas’ DVCs

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa recounts his visit to the recently re-opened Disney Vacation Club properties that are located around WDW’s Seven Seas Lagoon. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons program

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 45: How to properly start a Star Wars story

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 00:45:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s episode by praising those weekly “Teaching with Star Wars” columns that Dan Zehr has been writing for StarWars.com. They then discuss George Lucas’ skill when it came to story structuring

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 84: Remembering Walt Disney Feature Animation - Florida

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s episode by explaining why he ranked “Toy Story 4” as the very best film in that Pixar franchise. Then Jim Hill looks back at the early days of Disney-MGM’s walk-thru animation exhibit

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Disney Dish Minisode # 3: Disney Park Pass reservation system

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 21:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this episode by talking about some of the hiccups WDW’s new Park Pass reservation system experienced during its first morning of operation. Jim Hill talks about ESPN’s report -- keying off of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Florida -- which has some NBA players saying that they’re reluctant to begin training in Orlando

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Disney Dish Episode 275: When Disneyland’s Aunt Jemima was sent packing

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about his first visit to Universal Studios Florida since that theme park began practicing social distancing. Then Jim Hill looks back at when a successful Frontierland restaurant resulted in Quaker Oats being on the wrong side of the Civil Rights movement

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Disney Dish Minisode # 2: WDW gets ready to reopen

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 22:30:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill share late-breaking news coming out of Orlando. Including how Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled for all of 2020 and how Epcot is getting a super-sized version of its International Food & Wine Festival this year.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 66: Untangled “Spider-Man” ‘s movie rights

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Episode 83: Pocahontas in the Park

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 03:45:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this episode by talking about the “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” sequel that Walt Disney Animation Studios had in development. They look back at when 100,000 people crowded onto the Great Lawn of NYC’s Central Park to catch the world premiere of Disney’s 33rd full-length animated feature

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Disney Dish Episode 274: Which WDW revenue streams have now gone dry

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by drilling down into a new annual passholder survey, as Disney World tries to get a handle on what Guests expectations are out ahead of next month’s re-opening of that Resort. Then Jim Hill talks about how changing “Splash Mountain” over to a “Princess & the Frog” theme would be a lot tougher than it looks.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 44: Does it have to be called “Star Wars”?

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:45:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the phased opening of the Disneyland Resort may impact this year’s Star Wars Celebration as well as Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. They then look back at how 20th Century Fox’s market research almost tripped up George Lucas’ chance to make “A New Hope” at that Studio

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Disney Dish Episode 273: When the Love Boat steamed around the Rivers of America

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing a survey that the Disneyland Resort recently sent out seeking input regarding when it seemed right to re-open the Company’s theme parks in Southern California. Then Jim shines a spotlight on how -- back in the 1960s & 1970s -- Disneyland used to turn a blind eye when it came to in-park weddings.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 65: 4 Spidey-centric films from Sony inside of just 13 months?

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 20:30:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what Marvel Entertainment Tweeted out in response to all the upheaval the Country has been expressing. Then they share Clark Gregg’s thoughts as Season Seven of Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” gets underway

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 82: ILM’s flirtation with Frankenstein

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 21:30:00 -0000

82First Drew Taylor shines a spotlight on Apple TV’s “Central Park” and HBO Max’s “Looney Tunes” cartoons. Then Jim Hill talks about how the success of “Toy Story” made Universal Pictures decide to go in a very different direction when it came to that Studio’s very first attempt at creating a feature-length CG film.

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Disney Dish Episode 272: Why was that Mickey arm built next to Spaceship Earth?

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing Disney World’s recently-announced plans to re-open its theme parks in July. Jim then goes on to reveal the hidden history of Epcot’s Millennium Icon Tower AKA the Mickey arm

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Disney Dish-Walt Disney World re-opening Update

Fri, 29 May 2020 21:19:00 -0000

In a special Disney Dish mini-sode Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss WDW's decision to cancel all FastPasses dining reservations & dining plans out ahead of the Resort's mid-June re-opening

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 43: Paging Doctor Aphra

Thu, 28 May 2020 23:15:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about “Jedi Temple Challenge,” the new game show that will be debuting on StarWarsKids.com & the official Star Wars Kids YouTube channel on June 3rd. They then talked about why Lucasfilm Animation most likely isn’t pursuing a revival of “Star Wars Rebels”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 81: Looking back on “Moana”

Thu, 28 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by congratulating Disney Channel & Disney Junior for scoring 44 Daytime Emmy nominations for their animated programming. These two then talk up how much they enjoyed Disney+’s new “Zenimation” series

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Disney Dish Episode 271: Remembering Disneyland’s “Blast to the Past”

Mon, 25 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some listener suggestions when it comes to keeping costs down when vacationing at the WDW Resort. Then Jim Hill looks back at some of the seasonal events that Disneyland staged back in the mid-to-late 1980s to get Southern Californians to visit that theme park during the slower times of the year.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 64: Which Marvel characters do you see?

Fri, 22 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by debunking the rumor that Chloe Bennett’s Quake character from “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” will soon be showcased in a “Secret Warriors” series for Disney+. They also ask for listeners help when it comes to identifying all of the Marvel characters that are on display in Universal’s Islands of Adventure’s Super Hero Island section

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 80: Get the inside scoop on “Scoob!”

Wed, 20 May 2020 00:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by paying tribute to Nancy Kanter, who’s stepping away from the Disney Channel in January. They then interview Tony Cervone, the director of Warner Animation Group’s latest feature, about how “Scoob!” pays tribute to the world of Hanna-Barbera

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Disney Dish Episode 270: NextGen droids at WDW’s “Starcruiser” resort

Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing some patents that are sure to impact Guests’ experiences at WDW’s still-under-construction “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” resort. Then Jim Hill looks back at all of the shows that have been presented at the “Monster Sound Show” theater over the past 30+ years.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 42: Looking back at “The Empire Strikes Back”

Fri, 15 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this episode by talking about how they’ve been enjoying the “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian” docu-series. Dan & Jim then look back at the many challenges George Lucas faced while he was trying to mount a sequel to the original “Star Wars”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 79: Is Disney already making plans for more “Mulan” ?

Thu, 14 May 2020 01:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how much they’ve been enjoying Dan Lanigan’s “Prop Culture” on Disney+. They then talk about “Monkeys of Mumbai,” the ambitious animated musical that got canceled when NBCUniversal bought DreamWorks back in April of 2016

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Disney Dish Episode 269: Insights from Disney’s earnings call

Mon, 11 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how the phased re-opening of Shanghai Disneyland might impact the Company’s stateside parks. Jim then reveals how Mr. Toad -- a character that Walt didn’t much like -- got his own ride at Disneyland

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I Want That Episode 9: Looking for Mr. Banana

Sun, 10 May 2020 23:15:00 -0000

Shelly Valladolid & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the challenge of chasing down merchandise associated with Epcot’s Land pavilion. They also discuss why those Joe Rohde-designed Mickey Ears wound up on eBay selling for upwards of $350

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Universal Joint Episode 35: What the future holds for Universal Studios Florida

Sat, 09 May 2020 13:30:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what exhibitors are now threatening to do with Universal Pictures’ upcoming releases. They then talk about a survey that Universal Orlando recently sent out to annual passholders seeking their input on a new Halloween Horror Night-like event that this resort might now have in the works

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 63: The Russos look back at “Endgame”

Fri, 08 May 2020 13:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the very best way to get started watching the movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in chronological order. They then discuss what Disney’s most recent earnings call revealed about the future of this film franchise.

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Disney Dish Episode 268: Queuing up in the social distancing era

Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill answer listener questions about the challenges that the WDW Resort faces as execs there search for ways to safely reopen those theme parks. They then look back at how “The Wind in the Willows” (a book that Walt himself said was “… awful corny”) wound up being animated by Disney Studios

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 41 : How Echo Lake nearly became Mos Eisley

Fri, 01 May 2020 02:30:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how moving up “The Rise of Skywalker” ‘s Disney+ premiere by two months helps that subscription streaming service. They then discuss how the Imagineers originally wanted to expand the Star Wars-themed portion of Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 78: When is three animation studios one studio too many?

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by saying “So long” to “Doc McStuffins,” which ended its 5-season run on Disney Junior back on April 18th. They then look back at why “Loonatics Unleashed” crashed & burned on the WB back in 2005

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Disney Dish Episode 267: How the Disney Princesses came to rule Restaurant Akerhaus

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by reviewing some of the safety policies & procedures that Disney & Universal may employ as they begin to re-open their theme parks. They then look back at the Summer of 2002. Which is when EPCOT’s Norway pavilion received a royal makeover.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 62: James Gunn looks ahead to “Guardians Vol 3”

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 14:15:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about when Season Seven of Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” will begin airing on ABC. They look back at what the director of what-will-soon-be the “Guardians of the Galaxy” trilogy recently revealed about these films via social media.

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Fine Tooning with DrewTaylor Episode 77: How Kris Pearns adapted “The Willoughbys” for animation

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 23:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how Comic-Con’s cancellation doesn’t bode well for other big fan events that were supposed to be staged in Southern California this Summer. They then share a phone interview that Drew & Jim recently did with the writer & director of Netflix’s latest animation feature.

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Disney Dish Episode 266: It’s not an elevator. It’s a vertical vehicle conveyance

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week by talking about which of the Bobs is really in charge of the Mouse House these days. Then they discuss how DCA’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror got transformed into “Guardians of the Galaxy -- Mission: BREAKOUT !” in just 5 months

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 40: Darth Vader’s first visit to Walt Disney World

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 22:30:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the pandemic has impacted Disney’s plans for “Indiana Jones V.” They then look back at October of 1977, which is when a certain Sith Lord drew record crowds to the Walt Disney World Village

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 76: 25 years of being the Goofiest dad

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this episode by talking about how there’s far more going on with DreamWorks Animation’s “Trolls” franchise than this week’s world-premiere-at-home of “Trolls World Tour.” Then Drew Taylor shares all sorts of behind-the-scene stories about Disney’s “A Goofy Movie”

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Disney Dish Episode 265: Bob Chapek didn’t invent relying too heavily on Disney’s IPs

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing a survey that was recently sent out to Disney Vacation Club members. Then Jim Hill looks back at the Fall of 1997 and the role that the “Jurassic Park” franchise played in Disney’s decision to change out three attractions at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 61: Looking back at the Marvel Super Hero Showdown

Sat, 11 Apr 2020 02:30:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill share the latest news when it comes to the revised release dates for Marvel Studios’ slate of films & limited series. They then talk about the role that a street stunt show may have played in that master licensing agreement that the Universal Parks signed with Marvel Entertainment back in 1994.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 75: Looking back at the creation of “Dragon’s Lair”

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 17:45:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about whether shifting the release date of “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run” will impact the launch of Nickelodeon’s new animated series, “Kamp Koral: SpongeBob’s Under Years.” They then look back at how poor tickets for “The Secret of NIMH” back in the Summer of 1982 led to Don Bluth getting in the arcade game business in 1983.

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Disney Dish Episode 264: How Flower & Garden really got started at Epcot ‘94

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the 26.3 acres of land that Disney just bought to the west of WDW’s Magic Kingdom. They then go on to discuss how the construction of Innoventions impacted Future World

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 39: The pod race version of “Star Tours” we almost got

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:30:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by paying tribute to Andrew Jack, the “Star Wars” film performer who sadly passed away from the Coronavirus earlier this week. They then look back at when the Imagineers worked with George Lucas on a simulator attraction that was originally called (if you can believe it) “Star Bus.”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 74: When will America’s movie theaters re-open for business

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 01:45:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about NATO’s veiled threat when it comes to “Trolls World Tour” being available on demand April 10th. They also look back at the career of Stuart Gordon, the late filmmaker who helped develop Disney’s “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” back in the late 1980s.

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Disney Dish Episode 263: How Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress almost went back to Anaheim

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by offering an update on the impact COVID-19 has had on Disney Parks & Resorts. Jim then shares a story about the “Carousel of Progress / Horizons” hybrid that the Imagineers once pitched to General Electric

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 60: Which actor appeared in the most Marvel Cinematic Universe films

Sat, 28 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how COVID-19 is impacting “Black Widow” & “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.” Not to mention the first three limited series that Marvel Studios is producing for Disney+

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 73: How “Trolls World Tour” will soon make Hollywood history

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 22:15:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by wondering how many animated features will wind up being pushed off of their original release dates this year thanks to COVID-19. They also look back at when John Lasseter took home a Special Achievement Oscar in March of 1996 for the creation of the original “Toy Story”

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Disney Dish Episode 262: Why isn’t there more Muppet stuff in the Disney theme parks

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing what they’ve learned about COVID-19’s impact on the themed entertainment industry. Then Jim talks about how Kermit & Co. continue to be crowded out by other Disney-owned properties like Pixar, Marvel & Lucasfilm.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 38: Looking back at Star Wars Weekends

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up “The Star Wars Book: Expand your knowledge of a galaxy far, far away” (which a certain podcaster co-wrote for DK with Pablo Hidalgo & Cole Horton). Then Jim talks about the role that the “Special Editions” of “A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back,” & “Return of the Jedi” played in the creation of one of the more popular seasonal events ever to be staged at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 72: Why “Dumbo” can be shown on Disney+ but “Song of the South” can’t

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 23:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill first talk about the “Song of the South” news that just came out Disney’s annual shareholders meeting. Then Drew & Jim discuss some of the characters & storylines that Dan Scanlon & his team at Pixar Animation Studios explored for “Onward” but ultimately abandoned.

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i Want That Episode 8: March is a month that’s full of Mouse merch

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Michelle Valladolid & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the impact that COVID19 has been having on Disney’s international theme parks (EDITOR’S NOTE: This podcast was recorded back in early March before the rest of Disney’s theme parks were closed). Then Jim talks about “The Black Hole,” and how this 1979 Walt Disney Productions release was originally supposed to be Disney’s response to “The Poseidon Adventure” & “The Towering Inferno”

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Disney Dish Episode 261: How is the coronavirus is impacting the Walt Disney Company

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk about the impact that COVID19 has been having on the Disney Parks (Editor’s note: This was before Disney Parks announced on the evening of March 12th that they’d be closing all of their theme parks in the United States & France). Then Jim takes a look at how WDW’s Typhoon Lagoon wound up with a water coaster

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 59: How the Avengers Campus may be impacted by Wall Street’s latest meltdown.

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 22:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how excited they were to learn that Sam Raimi may get the chance to direct “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” They then discuss why Disney doesn’t really have the option of doing what Sony & Universal did with “No Time to Die” (i.e., push Bond 25’s release date back to November) with “Black Widow”

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Universal Joint Episode 34: Why PeacockLive got postponed

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:15:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how Universal Studios Singapore may hold a clue as to how stateside theme parks will deal operationally with the corona virus. They then take a look at “The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash,” which will be opening at Universal Studios Hollywood on March 27th

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 71 : “Scoob!” celebrates Hanna-Barbera’s heritage

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 16:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by talking about the difference between Pixar films that are well reviewed and Pixar films that produce strong revenue streams. Then Drew Taylor reveals what he learned at the long lead day for Warner Animation Group’s next big release, “Scoob!”

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Disney Dish Episode 260: The road to “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway”

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by reviewing some of the food offerings found at this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. Then Jim Hill talks about how Disney’s earlier trackless attractions influenced the design of “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 37: Behind Steven Spielberg's "Indy V" decision

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr starts off this week’s episode by talking about how much he’s been enjoying watching Season Seven of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” on Disney+. Then Jim Hill talks about the many factors that contributed to Steven Spielberg’s decision to not direct “Indiana Jones V.”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 70: Why WDAS vets just don’t like Manny the Mammoth

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 00:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s show by reminiscing about what it was like to write “The Art of Pixar’s Onward” for Chronicle Books. Then Jim Hill tells the story of the role that the original “Ice Age” played in the downsizing of Disney’s hand-drawn animation operation.

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Disney Dish Episode 259: How long will Spaceship Earth be closed?

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by reviewing many of the menu offerings at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, which recently opened at Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion. Then Jim Hill looks back at the career of Disney CEO Bob Iger. More importantly, how Iger has been trying to exit the Mouse House since 2016.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 69: Get ready for “Onward”

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 00:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s episode by talking about what it was like to attend the world premiere of Pixar Animation Studios’ latest at the El Capitan Theater. Then Jim Hill takes a look at one of the weirder promotional events ever staged at a Disney theme park, “Pooh for President.”

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Disney Dish Episode 258: Making sense of Epcot’s construction fences

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about how all of the construction that’s been going on towards the front of Future World has been negatively impacting Epcot’s “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” pavilion. Then Jim Hill does a deep dive on the development of “Ratatouille: L’Adventure” for Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris

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Universal Joint Episode 33: How scary will Universal Classic Monsters Land be?

Thu, 20 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by offering an update on the Universal Studios Beijing project. They then talk about how Kenan Thompson is the perfect choice to serve as a spokesperson for Universal Parks & Resorts’ new “Let Yourself Woah” promotional campaign

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Disney Dish Episode 257: How Epcot’s festivals continue to change this theme park

Mon, 17 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about the very best way to plan out your FastPasses while visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Jim Hill then talks about why Epcot’s Liberty Inn was recently transformed into the Regal Eagle Smokehouse

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 68: Pooh’s path to popularity

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 01:35:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episodes with a quick recap of the 92 nd

Academy Awards. They then talk about how Winnie-the-Pooh went from a literary property that Walt

pursued for decades to Disney’s most profitable IP next to Mickey Mouse

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Disney Dish Episode 256: What became of the Disney Institute?

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing some of the patents that The Walt Disney Company has recently filed (Including one or two that soon may be in use as part of the Avenger Campus). Then Jim talks about Michael Eisner’s decade-long effort to get a Chautauqua-inspired resort built at Walt Disney World.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 58: Will Patrick Stewart return as Professor X

Fri, 07 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the two Marvel Studios-related commercials that aired during this year’s Superbowl broadcast. They then reveal what Disney+ has to do with Scott Derrickson’s decision to step down as the director of “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 36 : Will “Indy V” still start shooting in April?

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 17:45:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the success of “The Mandalorian” is supposedly impacted Lucasfilm’s plans for that “Obi-Wan” limited series it’s producing for Disney+. They also talk about how Indiana Jones fans will be wanting to pay close attention to what Harrison Ford has to say about his next project as he’s out doing publicity later this month for “Call of the Wild”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 67: And the Oscar for Best Animated Feature goes to … ?

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 19:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off by discussing how Emma Watts’ decision to step down as head of 20th Century could potentially impact Blue Sky Studios. They also talk about how the series finale of “Bojack Horseman” sort of syncs up perfectly with everything that’s going on in & Around LA right at this moment.

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Disney Dish Episode 255: Was Superstar Limo the worst Disney ride ever?

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the Imagineers are using survey results to help them determine how scary Epcot’s “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” ride should be. They then review some of the more short-lived rides, shows & attraction at the Disney theme parks

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 66: Which Disney Short Circuit films stand tall

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Skydance Animation’s decision to hire Peggy Holmes to replace Alessandro Carloni as the director of “Luck” could actually be a lucky break for that animated feature. They then rate all 14 films from the first round of Disney Short Circuit productions

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 35: Anaheim’s “Resistance” rises

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about this year’s Star Wars Celebration (which will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center August 27th – 30th). They then look back at Lucasfilm’s efforts in the late Summer of 1977 to keep “A New Hope” front-of-mind by arranging for the Star Wars characters to appear on NBC’s “Richard Pryor Show” and ABC’s “Donny & Marie”

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Disney Dish Episode 254: Does Disney’s Riveria Resort have a hidden room

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 05:15:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about the FastPass-related changes that will be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting on February 19th. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of what was once considered the gateway to Future World, Epcot’s Communicore / Innoventions area.

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Universal Joint Episode 32: Making the most of USF’s Mardi Gras celebration

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this episode by talking about what that music video Universal Studios Japan released last week does – and, more importantly, does not – reveal about Super Nintendo World. Then Jim does a deep dive on the history of the Doctor Dolittle film franchise

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Disney Dish Episode 253: Rating Epcot’s newest films

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing his thoughts about “Awesome Planet,” “Canada: Far and Wide” as well as the “Beauty & the Beast Sing-along.” Jim Hill then talks about the carousel theater show that was originally supposed to be the centerpiece attraction at World Showcase’s Japan pavilion.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 65 : Handicapping this year’s Oscar nominations

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 03:20:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how 2020 may finally be the year that Laika gets to take home an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. They then do an in-depth look at animated features that Walt Disney Pictures released theatrically that drew their inspiration from animated TV series.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 32: Does “The Rise of Skywalker” satisfy?

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Disneyland Park is prepping for the January 17th opening of “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.” They then discuss in depth the final installment of the Skywalker saga. WARNING ! There will be spoilers !

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Disney Dish Episode 252: Imagineering Epcot’s Space pavilion

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 05:15:00 -0000

Len Testa starts out this week’s show by revealing how Disney World is using an upcoming Free Dining promotion to deliberately steer people away from visiting that Resort over the long Fourth of July Weekend. Then Jim Hill talks about the Imagineers kept circling back on a certain set of ideas when it came to Epcot’s long-in-development Space pavilion.

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I Want That Episode 7: Waiting on Baby Yoda

Sat, 11 Jan 2020 15:30:00 -0000

Michelle Valladolid & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking up some of the great artists who will be showcasing their work at this year’s edition of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. They then talk about why Jon Favreau deliberately prevented Disney Consumer Products from okaying production of The Child toys out ahead of the November 12th debut of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 57: Will Hugh Jackman play Wolverine in “Deadpool 3”?

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the name the Imagineers chose for those Marvel-themed lands that are being built at California Adventure, Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland. They then discuss how Marvel Studios may be rearranging the release schedule that it previously announced for the Marvel Cinematic Universe & Disney+.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 64 : Mike Myer’s Marvin the Martian movie

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 19:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill talk about “Coyote vs Acme,” “Space Jam 2” and some of the other projects that Warner Bros. Feature Animation has in production. Then Jim wraps up the convoluted history of Disney’s “The Aristocats.”

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Disney Dish Episode 251: New restaurants under consideration for WDW’s Magic Kingdom

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some surveys that Disney Dish listeners have recently received. Then Jim Hill looks ahead to the coming year and talks about what 2020 will bring to the Disney Parks & Resorts

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 31: Hanging with Harrison Ford

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr recounts his recent trip to Hollywood where he walked down the blue carpet at the premiere of “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” Then Jim Hill talks about the Imagineers got those 20,000-pound passenger cabins for “Star Tours” from WDI Headquarters in Glendale, CA to Disneyland Park in Anaheim.

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Disney Dish Episode 250: Remembering WDW’s “Glory and Pageantry of Christmas” show

Mon, 30 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by revealing how TouringPlans actually cracked Priceline’s code when it came to unnamed WDW resorts. Then Jim Hill talks about the living nativity that used to be a holiday highpoint at the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 63: When WDAS almost shuttered

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s episode by talking up “Harley Quinn,” that adult animated series that recently debuted on DC Universe. Then Jim Hill talks about how “Sleeping Beauty” seriously under-performing at the box office in 1959 severely impacted Walt Disney Animation Studios in the 1960s

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Disney Dish Episode 249: Reviewing WDW’s Riviera Resort

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing his impressions of the latest Disney Vacation Club property to open at Walt Disney World. Then Jim Hill shares the history of the hotel that shares this space with WDW’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 56: It’s not some high-priced collectible. It’s an investment

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 23:00:00 -0000

Given that there are only a few shopping days left ‘til Christmas, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill serve up an abbreviated “Marvel Us Disney” episode. During which they share some of their favorite suggestions when it comes to seasonal gift giving.

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Disney Dish Episode 248: From CircleVision to “Soarin’ “

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this show by talking about the challenges that WDW Guests still face if they want to experience DHS’ “Star Wars: The Rise of the Resistance” attraction in the coming weeks. Then Jim Hill does a deep dive on the history of CircleVision 360 at the Disney theme parks

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 55: Keeping up with Kevin

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 19:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the CW’s “Crisis on Infinite Earths” crossover event. They then pivot to talking about how “Joker” blowing through the billion-dollar box office barrier has been impacting DC’s plan to build its own version of the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 30: It’s hard to resist “Rise of the Resistance”

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 19:10:00 -0000

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show by starting a story about how two New Hampshire communities came together to make a Star Wars fan’s dying wish come through. Then Dan Zehr talks about his favorite aspects of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ ambitious new attraction, “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 62: Looking forward to “Onward”

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:45:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start things off this week by discussing how Disney’s “Frozen” sequel did over its third weekend in domestic release. They then talk about which scenes were changed in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” out ahead of this holiday special’s second airing on NBC back in December of 1965.

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Disney Dish Episode 247: “Rise” is great. It’s also not ready

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa shares his experiences from both the press event for “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” as well as opening day for this new Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction. He then offers his advice on how to increase your chances of actually getting to experience this ambitious ride while the Imagineers work out its kinks

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Universal Joint Episode 31: E.T. and a wonky Christmas tree

Sat, 07 Dec 2019 23:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill talk about how Dr. Seuss fans will really enjoy this holiday season at the Universal Orlando Resort & Universal Studios Hollywood. They then discuss why many of the restaurants that were first realized for the East Coast version of CityWalk are now making their way west

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 61: How “Rudolph” wound up on Freeform

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 02:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill discuss what surprised them about this year’s Annie Award nominations. They also look back at the complicated history of the holiday specials produced by Rankin-Bass

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Disney Dish Episode 246: Snow White is a problematic Disney Princess. Discuss.

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 05:00:00 -0000

First Len Testa previews some of the cutting-edge tech that will possibly power Guest interactions at WDW’s “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” resort. Then Jim Hill talks about how the Imagineers have tweaked the “Snow White and her Adventures” attraction since this dark ride first opened at Disneyland Park back in July of 1955.

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Fine Tooning Episode 60 : Hand-drawn “Klaus” is a heartfelt charmer

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by comparing what “Frozen 2” made over its opening weekend to how Jon Favreau’s “Lion King” redo did when it debuted domestically back in July. Then Drew & Jim talk about why Pixar & Walt Disney Animation Studios kept trading off the long-Thanksgiving-Weekend release window as the 1990s gave way to the 2000s

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 54: 2023 should be a banner year for Marvel Cinematic Universe fans

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 17:30:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill starts off this week’s episode by discussing the most recent episodes of HBO’s “Watchmen” series. They then share why “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” (i.e., that limited series Marvel Studios is currently making for Disney+) will most likely not link up with the storyline of “The Eternals”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 29 : Editing the Very First Star Wars Movie “A New Hope”

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 17:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Paul Hirsch’s terrific new memoir, which recounts the eight months that Hirsch worked with George & Marcia Lucas putting together the final cut of the very first “Star Wars” movie. They also discuss Kathleen Kennedy’s current situation and how the rules really do seem to be different when it comes to powerful women working in Hollywood.

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Disney Dish Episode 245: Make way for DAK’s Merry Menagerie

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how a patent Disney Parks & Resorts recently filed may eventually impact classic attractions like Space Mountain. Then Jim talks about some of the newer holiday offerings he enjoyed during a recent visit to the Walt Disney World Resort

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Universal Joint Episode 30: Universal Joint LIVE!

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

From the lovely St. Croix room at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, it’s Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill. In front of a live audience, these two recap what happened over the course of Storybook Destinations’ three day-long event, “It’s a Universal Christmas with Jim.”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 28: Man, does “The Mandalorian” deliver

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how much they enjoyed the first episode of Jon Favreau’s live-action series for Disney+. They then dig into the history of “Star Wars” breakfast cereal

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Disney Dish Episode 244: Why Hyperion Wharf Didn’t Happen

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Leslie Iwerks' “Imagineering” documentary series on Disney+ is a must-see for theme park fans. They then discuss why the construction of Hyperion Wharf (i.e., the Downtown Disney renewal project that was originally supposed to replace Pleasure Island) never went forward.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 53: The problem with secret identities

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about HBO’s “Watchmen” reboot, which seems to be its own animal (rather than being a slavish copy of Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons’ ground-breaking graphic novel from 1987 or a direct continuation of Zack Snyder’s feature film from 2009). They then talk about how Marvel’s attitude toward secret identities made the movies that were based on those comic different from DC-inspired films.

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Universal Joint Episdoe 29: What happens when your next door neighbor is a theme park

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 03:30:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s podcast by discussing – less than 24 hours after Halloween Horror Nights 29 ends its 41-night run – the Universal Orlando Resort began promoting 2020’s “30 Years of Fear.” They then talk about how the Epic Universe development team is working with the local community to ensure that Universal Orlando’s four theme park is seen as a good neighbor.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 59: It’s Disney+ Day

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 22:35:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s podcast by discussing which shows on Disney’s new streaming service are worth seeking out. Drew also talks about “Frozen 2” (which he’s already managed to see twice).

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Disney Dish Episode 243: The long road to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how Disney & Las Vegas’ never-ending battle for your tourism dollars would up impacting Epcot’s “Space 220” restaurant.

Then Jim walks listeners through WDI’s 66-year-old long struggle to get a Mickey Mouse-themed ride built at a Disney theme park

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 27: Looking back at “Howard the Duck”

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 19:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by comparing & contrasting the trailers for “Star Wars – Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker” and “The Mandalorian.” They then look back at Lucasfilm’s attempt to build Hollywood’s first-ever full-length big budget film around a Marvel Comic Book character

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Disney Dish Episode 242: Shining a spotlight on the Osborne Lights

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing why Disney Parks & Resorts is exploring the idea of a subscription-based service and/or a loyalty program out ahead of WDW’s 50th anniversary celebration. Then Len & Jim look back at that WDW holiday favorite, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 52: What lies ahead for Marvel Television

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 10:37:35 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by revisiting Martin Scorsese & Francis Ford Coppola’s remarks on the “theme park movies” that Marvel Studios supposedly produces. Then Aaron takes an in-depth look at all of the competition Disney+ will soon be dealing with when it comes to subscription streaming services.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 26: “Mind Tricks,” see “Jedi”

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the lackluster sales of toys related to “Solo: A Star Wars Story” may have made some big box stories think twice about opening early on Triple Force Friday. They also talk about which veteran cast member from the Marvel Cinematic Universe might wind up in Kevin Feige’s Star Wars movie

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 58: Remembering Disney’s “Fraidy Cat”

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 03:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill start off this week’s episode with a lengthy excerpt from Sir

Elton John’s official autobiography where the singer / songwriter looks back on his role in the creation of

Disney’s “The Lion King.” Then Drew & Jim share what they know about Ron Clements & John Musker’s

aborted animated feature which was to have been an affectionate send-up of Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s

suspense films

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Disney Dish Episode 241: Testa and Scopa! Together again!

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Disney’s recent test

of easier-to-understand names for the menu items served at “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Then Len

reunites with his old “WDW Today” co-host Mike Scopa as these two discuss this year’s offering at

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival

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Universal Joint Episode 28: Universal Beijing’s response to WDW’s MagicBands

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the “Bourne Stuntacular,” which will be opening at Universal Studios Florida in the Spring of 2020. They then discuss how Universal Creative settled on the seven themed zones that will be featured at Universal Studios Beijing

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Disney Dish Episode 241: Testa and Scopa! Together again!

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Disney’s recent test

of easier-to-understand names for the menu items served at “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Then Len

reunites with his old “WDW Today” co-host Mike Scopa as these two discuss this year’s offering at

Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival

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Disney Dish Episode 240: 364 days of staying in WDW hotel rooms

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the changes that have been made to the menus found inside of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Then Len shares an interview that he recently did with Robert & Alyssa Simmons, a couple who are spending a solid year only staying in hotel rooms at various Walt Disney World resorts.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 51: How toy sales cured Tony Stark of his alcoholism

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the “Marvel celebrates Stan Lee” event that was held last week at NYC’s New Amsterdam Theatre. They then discuss how Marvel Studios has cherry-picked certain elements from famous Marvel Comics storylines to use in its Cinematic Universe

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 56: Resurrecting “The Addams Family”

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill uses the “Addams Family” strong ticket sales as an excuse to look at the nearly 80-year history of this freaky franchise. Then Drew Taylor shares his interview that he recently did with Brittney Lee & Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay about the development of Disney’s “Frozen 2”

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Disney Dish Episode 239: Inside the Skyliner malfunction

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing a first-person account about what it was like to be stranded on WDW’s Skyliner back on Saturday, October 5th. Jim Hill then talks about the changes that have recently been made to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 50: Scorcese’s take on the MCU

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 23:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams and Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the role that Tom Holland played in Sony Pictures & Marvel Studios opting to extend their “Spider-Man” co-production deal. They then discuss whether the motion pictures that make up the Marvel Cinematic Universe are movies or films

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 55: How “Frozen 2” came to be

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 01:15:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Klaus,” the

Sergio Pablos film that Netflix will be releasing to theaters on November 8th and then making available for

streaming one week later. Drew then shares an interview that he did recently with Chris Buck & Jennifer

Lee, the co-directors of the original “Frozen” and its eagerly anticipated sequel

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Disney Dish Episode 238: An Illuminating look at “Epcot Forever”

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about some of the operational issues WDW’s Skyliner has had. Len & Jim then talk about “Epcot Forever,” the new nighttime show which debuted out on/over World Showcase Lagoon this past week.

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Universal Joint Episode 27: Looking back at USF’s Fright Nights 1991

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about that Universal Orlando team member who was fired for making the “White Power” symbol while working at a character meet ‘n’ greet. Then Jim shares an interview he recently did with themed entertainment pioneer Ron Schneider, where Schneider reveals how Universal Studios Florida’s very first Halloween hard ticket came together

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 54: How VR influenced the design of “Frozen 2”

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 16:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how well “Abominable” did over its opening weekend. Then Drew shares a recent interview that he did with Lisa Keene, the co-production designer on “Frozen 2,” & David Wormersley, the art director of environments on this highly anticipated Walt Disney Animation Studios production

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Disney Dish Episode 237: : Skyliner is an entertaining addition to WDW’s resort-wide transportation system

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing his experience at a Cast Member Only preview of WDW’s new Skyliner system. Then Jim Hill looks back at “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth,” the millennium-themed nighttime show that was originally only supposed to run at Epcot for 18 months but wound up wowing the crowds around World Showcase Lagoon for 19 years instead

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 25: The very best order to watch the “Star Wars” movies in

Sat, 28 Sep 2019 16:00:00 -0000

Jim had the Flu, so it was very fortuitous that Dan packed an extra co-host, Tom, in his travel bags. Also, Aaron Adams showed up because he was looking for someone to hang out with that day. They all chat about Star Wars, and Marvel. We even corralled some strangers into a room so we could pretend that we had an audience. (they were released shortly afterward, and no SWAT teams needed to be called in.) So here is the live show that was recorded, and almost lost, but found at the last minute so it could be posted here.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 49: How Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the rumors that are making the rounds about which members of the Sinister Six may show up in the next Tom Holland “Spider-Man” movie. Then Jim shares what he’s learned from “The Ride of a Lifetime,” Bob Iger’s recently published memoir, about what went on behind-the-scenes as The Walt Disney Company was pursuing Marvel back in 2008 & 2009.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 53: How “Everest” became “Abominable”

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what Bob Iger revealed about Disney’s 2006 acquisition of Pixar in his new book, “The Ride of a Lifetime.” Drew then shares an interview that he did with Jill Culton, the co-director of the soon-to-be-released DreamWorks Animation / Pearl Studios co-production, “Abominable”

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Universal Joint Episode 26: The different ways USH & USF handle holidays

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Universal Orlando Resort’s efforts to keep its plans for the Epic Universe project under wraps. They then talk about how the Universal Studios Hollywood version of the “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” show differed from the version now being presented at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

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Disney Dish Episode 236: Baby New Year can fly? Only at Disneyland

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about some rare home movies that he’s recently seen from the early days of Disneyland Park. Jim Hill then talks about how the roles that castles play at the Disney Parks have evolved over the past 64 years.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 52: Why Deja & Keane left WDAS

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by speculating about how MGM’s “Addams Family” may do over its opening weekend. They then continue their “Where are they now” feature by discussing the post-Disney careers of Andreas Deja & Glen Keane

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Disney Dish Episode 235: How Future World got its animatronic dinosaurs

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why it’s crucial that WDW’s new Skyliner transportation system has a trouble-free debut. Jim then reveals how WDI used fossil fuels as an excuse to recycle one of the more popular aspects of the Ford Wonder Rotunda at the 1964 – 1965 New York World’s Fair

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 48: Untangling the Sony “Spidey” situation

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing what Disneyland Cast Members were told about DCA’s Avengers campus area. They then talk about how “Hawkeye” & “Wandavision” (i.e., those two limited series that Marvel Studios is producing for Disney+) are shaping up

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 24: Star Wars at this year’s D23 Expo

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 00:45:00 -0000

Dan Zehr starts off this week’s show with a recap of his experience at this year’s Official Disney Fan Club event at the Anaheim Convention. Jim Hill then looks back at those two “Ewok” TV movies that George Lucas produced for ABC back in the early 1980s

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 51: The artistry of James Baxter

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 07:06:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how much they enjoyed “Steven Universe: The Movie.” They then reflect on the challenges of covering some animators’ post-Disney careers.

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Disney Dish Episode 234: 2019 Food & Wine – Part One

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by describing what the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” was like on opening day. He then describes what it was like to go straight from Batuu to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 50: Remembering Disney’s “Quack Pack”

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 21:40:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing several of the television animation-related panels at this year’s D23 Expo. Jim then looks back at what happened with the “Disney Afternoon” during the waning years of this syndicated animation programming block.

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Disney Dish Episode 233: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party tips

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episodes by talking about the “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” Coca-Cola “thermal detonator” controversy. Then special guest Christina Testa-Harrison offers her take on the 2019 edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

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Universal Joint Episode 25: Universal City Florida: What might have been

Sun, 01 Sep 2019 03:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this episode by talking about the bozos who put a damper on Universal Orlando's most recent passholder appreciation night. Jim also details the sort of theme park that Universal originally wanted to build in Florida when they first revealed their plans for this project back in July of 1981

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 47: The Disney, Marvel & Sony “Spider-Man” situation untangled

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start things off by explaining how Marvel Studios wound up helping Columbia Pictures with its “Spider-Man” reboot back in 2015. They then shine a spotlight on a number of the Marvel-related rides, shows & attractions that were announced at the most recent D23 Expo

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 49: Disney & Pixar news from this year’s D23 Expo

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 23:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why “Angry Birds 2” failed to take flight. Then Drew shares what he learned this past weekend about Pixar’s “Onward” & “Soul” as well as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ November 2020 release, “Raya and the Last Dragon”

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Disney Dish Episode 232: How Big Thunder got on track

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pass & Mid-Day Magic ticket that the WDW Resort recently began offering. Jim then shines a spotlight on how – back in the mid-1970s – the Imagineers turned Disneyland’s “Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland” attraction into the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 23 : From “Eo” to “Tucker”

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about “Indiana Jones V” (which is supposed to begin shooting in London next April). Then Dan & Jim look back at “Tucker, The Man and his Dream” and how George Lucas made this 1988 Francis Ford Coppola film possible

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Fine Toning with Drew Taylor Episode 48: What’s Disney’s plan for Blue Sky Studios?

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 00:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “Angry Birds 2” garnered better reviews & sold more tickets over its opening weekend than the original “Angry Birds” movie did back in 2016. Drew & Jim then go on to discuss how both Disney & Comcast are struggling to carve out distinctive identities for all of the animation studios these two media giants currently control.

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Disney Dish Episode 231: Should I Try WDW's College Program

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 21:45:00 -0000

Jim Hill and guest host Dan Zehr talk about how Halloween is celebrated at Disney theme parks around the globe. Dan then looks back at the three different experiences he had while participating in WDW’s College Program

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 46: How Thor wound up in Oklahoma

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

n honor of “Avengers: Endgame” being released on Blu-ray & DVD, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill discuss some of the lesser-known aspects of this Russo Brothers movie. Jim then reads an excerpt from J. Michael Straczynski’s terrific memoir, “Becoming Superman: My Journey from Poverty to Hollywood”

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I Want That Episode 6: Previewing Marty Sklar’s last book

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 20:00:00 -0000

Shelly Valladolid & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the 50th-anniversary celebration of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. Shelly then unboxes a Pulp Hero Snap Bot from Far Out Toys’ Marvel-inspired line

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Universal Joint Episode 24: Deconstructing Epic Universe’s concept art

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 03:30:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Velocicoaster, the new thrill ride that’s now in the works for the Jurassic Park section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Jim then talks about why there’s typically a huge difference between a finished theme park and the first piece of concept art that’s released for that project.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 47: “Bambi” ‘s troubled trip to the big screen

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 02:30:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill talk about some of the Disney theme park-related projects that animation master Eric Goldberg created new footage for. They also look back at how Walt Disney Animation Studios struggled in the late 1930s / early 1940s to create a full-length animated feature to follow the hugely successful “Snow White”

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Disney Dish Episode 230: Looking back at Independence Lake

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this episode with a run-down of the past week’s news, including Universal Orlando’s announcement of their Epic Universe project. Jim then shines a spotlight on Walt Disney Productions’ second attempt to build a ski resort up in Northern California

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 45: What “House of X” may mean for the MCU

Fri, 09 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill discuss how Professor Hulk was originally supposed to make his cinematic debut in “Avengers: Infinity War” rather than in “Endgame.” Aaron then goes on to explain how Marvel Comics’ “House of X” & “Power of X” could impact Phase V of the MCU

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 46: Remembering Russi Taylor

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by paying tribute to the late Disney Legend who voiced Minnie Mouse for more than three decades. Drew then shares what he learned at the press junket for Skydance Media’s soon-to-be-released FX tour-de-force, “Gemini Man”

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Disney Dish Episode 229: Mickey rides that were never built

Mon, 05 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about some of the new holiday-themed offerings that will be debuting at Disney World this November. Jim then shares some excerpts from “Magic Journey,” longtime Imagineer Kevin Rafferty’s soon-to-be-published memoir

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Universal Joint Episode 23: Looking back at USH’s “Battle of Galactica”

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 02:50:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode with a news round-up related to Universal’s four (soon-to-be-five) stateside theme parks. Jim then does a deep dive on an addition to the Universal Studios Hollywood’s tram tour from the Summer of 1979

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Disney Dish Episode 228: Epcot to light up for the holidays?

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start things off by talking about what The Walt Disney Company is expected to unveil/announce at this year’s D23 Expo. Len then shares a rumor that he recently heard about an Osborne Lights-like experience that’s supposedly in the works for World Showcase

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 44: Marvel Studios’ grand plans for 2020 & 2021

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:00:00 -0000

On the heels of Kevin Feige’s epic Hall H presentation at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill break down what Marvel Studios will be releasing theatrically over the two+ years and which Marvel-produced limited series will be popping up on Disney+ (i.e., the Company’s soon-to-launch subscription streaming service. Which will officially debut on November 12th of this year).

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 45: Hans Zimmer fixes “Lion King” mistakes

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 14:45:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s episode by sharing what he learned at the junket for DreamWorks Animation’s “Abominable” (which arrives in theaters on September 27th). He then shares a sit-down that he did with Academy Award-winner Hans Zimmer, who then talks about what it was like to work on both the 1994 animated version of Disney’s “The Lion King” as well as that studio’s photo-real remake of that film

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 22: “Mandalorian” gets a second season

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the exhibit of stormtrooper armor that Lucasfilm will be displaying at this year’s Comic-Con. Jim then talks about the messaging that The Walt Disney Company may have inadvertently put out about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” that then resulted in the lighter-than-normal crowds at Disneyland Park this Summer.

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Disney Dish Episode 227: Backstage at Disneyland in July of 1955

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk about WDW’s plans to link the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the Magic Kingdom via the walk-around-the-world (and what this potentially means for the Electrical Water Pageant). Jim then looks back at what it was like to be at Disneyland’s “Invitational Press Preview” as well as on the very first day that this family fun park was open to the public.

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Universal Joint Episode 22: Universal Studios Dubailand: What happened

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the operational issues that the Universal Orlando Resort is continuing to have with “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.” Jim then looks at Universal Parks & Resorts’ $2.2 billion misadventure in the Middle East

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 44:Getting ready for Comic-Con

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s episode by talking about what it was like to attend the world premiere of Jon Favreau’s “The Lion King” at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. Drew & Jim then discuss the very best strategies to employ if you’re traveling down to San Diego later this week to experience Comic-Con International

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Disey Dish Episode 226:Does the Grand Destino Tower measure up?

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about his recent visit to Takumi-Tei (i.e., the signature restaurant that just opened at Epcot’s Japan pavilion) and the extraordinary experience he had while dining there. Jim Hill then looks back at the history of WDW’s convention facilities.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 43: FX secrets from “Avengers: Endgame”

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how ticket sales for “Spider-Man: Far from Home” compare to those for “Spider-Man: Homecoming” back in July of 2017. They also do a deeper dive on some of the more intriguing aspects of these Jon Watts movies

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 43: Why Disney’s “Toaster” got unplugged

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about some of the casting decisions that Walt Disney Studios has been making on its live-action reimagining of “The Little Mermaid.” They then look back at those two traditional animation / CG hybrid projects that Disney Studios almost produced in the early 1980s, “Where the Wild Things Are” & “The Brave Little Toaster”

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Disney Dish Episode 225: Does WDI need to streamline its design process?

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing which aspects of Future World’s old Communicore / Innoventions area are due to shuttered soon as Epcot gets a facelift out ahead of WDW’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Jim then talks about Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences & Products Bob Chapek’s reported frustration with the cost & speed with which WDI develops immersive lands for the Company’s theme parks

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 42: How does “Far From Home” stack up?

Fri, 05 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

First Jim Hill talks about how unhappy he is with the news that the “Marvel Zombies” comic book line is being revived. Then Aaron Adams talks about why he’s so pleased with the way that Mysterio was portrayed in “Spider-Man: Far from Home”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 21: A 2nd look at “Galaxy’s Edge”

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Kathleen Kennedy’s decision to promote Michelle Rejwan to SVP of Lucasfilm’s live-action development & production. They then discuss George Lucas’ efforts to get King Features to sell him the film rights to the “Flash Gordon” comic strip

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 42: A “Flash” from Disney & Fox

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing whether this summer’s pattern of sequels under-performing at the box office impacted “Toy Story 4.” They also discuss the animated feature Taika Watiti may tackle soon after turning his back on “Bubbles”

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Disney Dish Episode 224: Will WDW’s 50th feature pin trading 2.0?

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about his visit to the newly opened Surfside Inn & Suites, which is Phase One of Universal Orlando’s Endless Summer Resort. Jim Hill then looks back at Skyleidscope, Epcot’s initial attempt at staging a daytime extravaganza out on World Showcase Lagoon.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 41: How soon is too soon when it comes to spoilers?

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what Disney’s doing this weekend to ensure that “Avengers: Endgame” is finally going to be able to beat “Avatar” ‘s all-time / lifetime take at the worldwide box office. Aaron & Jim then use Tom Holland’s recent appearance on “The Graham Norton Show” as an excuse to discuss the very best way to handle movie spoilers.

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Universal Joint Episode 21: Getting ready for “Jurassic World – The Ride”

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Universal Orlando handled Volcano Bay’s electrical issues. They then talk about some of the menu items that Universal Studios Hollywood plans on serving at Jurassic Café & Isla Nu-Bar.

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Disney Dish Episode 223: How Epcot’s cost over-runs almost cost The Walt Disney Company everything

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the troubled history of “Primeval Whirl.” Jim then looks back on when greenmailers Saul Steinberg & Irwin Jacobs were making runs at Walt Disney Productions and threatening to sell off underperforming divisions of the Company to the highest bidders

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 40: Simon Kinberg’s take on “Dark Phoenix” misfiring

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s episode with his review of “X-Men Dark Phoenix.” He then follows that up with his take on the third & final (for now, we hope) season of Netflix’s “Jessica Jones”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 41: How would Stephen Hillenburg have felt about “Kamp Koral” ?

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “It’s A Wonderful Sponge” and the new CG series that Nick is spinning off of this May 2020 release. Drew & Jim discuss how underwhelming ticket sales for “The Secret Life of Pets 2” may impact Universal’s plans to turn this Illumination Entertainment series into a theme park franchise

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Disney Dish Episode 222: Get ready for fewer FastPasses at DHS

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len & Jim start off this week’s podcast by discussing how Disney’s Hollywood Studios plans on dealing with the crowds once that theme park’s version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” opens. Jim then talks about the various ideas that the Imagineers have considered as they’ve looked for ways to expand the U.K. pavilion at Epcot.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 20: Dan Z’s trip to “Galaxy’s Edge”

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 12:00:00 -0000

In an extra-special edition of “Looking at Lucasfilm,” Dan Zehr walks listeners through what it was like to take part in “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” media event. Dan goes into great detail about what it was like to be in front of the Millennium Falcon as George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, and Bob Iger made their appearances at the grand opening of this new 14-acre land at Disneyland Park

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 40: Picking a proper princess song for “Aladdin”

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 11:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the teaser trailer for Pixar’s “Onward.” Then it’s a discussion of why it took Alan Menken four different tries before he finally found the perfect power ballad for Princess Jasmine to sing in Disney’s “Aladdin”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 40: Picking a proper princess song for “Aladdin”

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 11:00:00 -0000

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 39: Can you imagine Keanu in a Marvel movie?

Sat, 08 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing all of the rumors that are making the rounds about which movies Marvel Studios will be making next. Aaron & Jim then discusses the various different versions of “Dark Phoenix” Marvel Entertainment has produced over the past 15 years

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Disney Dish Episode 221: Why WDW’s “Fire Mountain” project flamed out

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 04:00:00 -0000

While waiting for Len Testa to return from Batuu, Jim Hill shares a story about the thrill ride that the Magic Kingdom almost got back in the early 2000s. One that took its inspiration from “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” and would have sent Guests through an erupted volcano aboard a transforming coaster

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 38: Why “Good Omens” is really great television

Fri, 31 May 2019 17:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode with an update on the Stan Lee elder abuse case. Then Aaron serves up an enthusiastic review of the new Amazon Video limited series which is based on Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett’s 1990 comic novel

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Universal Joint Episode 20: How Butterbeer led to the creation of Blue Milk

Fri, 31 May 2019 01:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs and Jim Hill start off this podcast with an update on Universal Studios Hollywood’s “Jurassic World” ride. They also talk about how the merch and food program that Universal Parks & Resorts developed for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the late 2000s influenced the choices that Disney made with its “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” project

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 39: Why Pixar Putt needs to come stateside

Tue, 28 May 2019 12:15:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this podcast by talking about how Paramount’s decision to push the release date of “Sonic the Hedgehog” back to February 2020 may have actually made it harder for this live-action / CG film to succeed at the box office. Drew then shares an interview he recently did with Alan Menken, where that Academy Award-winner talks about the development of the original animated “Aladdin” back in the late 1980s / early 1990s.

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Disney Dish Episode 220: When Godzilla (almost) came to Tokyo Disney

Mon, 27 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

While Len’s getting ready for the opening of Anaheim’s “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Jim Hill shares an interview that he did with former Imagineer Terri Hardin. She then reveals the role that she played in the creation of a proposed attraction for Disney-MGM Studios Japan

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 37: How Marvel has mastered the sound of silence

Fri, 24 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill share e-mails from two listeners who actually got to see “Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark” during its Broadway run. Then Aaron uses his audio expertise to demonstrate how Marvel Studios used the removal-of-sound as a way to add tension to the battle scenes in “Avengers: Endgame”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 19: How “Radioland Murders” paved the way for the prequels

Wed, 22 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start this podcast by paying tribute to the late Peter Mayhew. They then talk about the Abbott & Costello-inspired production that Universal Pictures had originally wanted George Lucas to direct as his follow-up to “American Graffiti”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 38: Looking back at Disney’s animated “Mulan”

Tue, 21 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill start this podcast off by singing the praises of the “DuckTales” production team for the artful & heartfelt way they folded Darkwing Duck into this animated series. Jim then shares some stories about how “Mulan” became Walt Disney Feature Animation – Florida’s first solo production

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Disney Dish Episode 219: The end of the Chronological Disneyland series (for now)

Mon, 20 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk about the significance of a number of surveys that The Walt Disney World Resort has sent out to Guests recently. Jim then discusses how Bob Chapek’s decision to focus in on the Company’s billion-dollar IPs is changing Disney Parks & Resorts

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 36: How “Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark” went south

Fri, 17 May 2019 07:19:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start things off by talking about Robert Downey Jr.’ s very impressive payday for “Avengers: Infinity War.” Then Jim digs into the troubled production history of Marvel’s very first Broadway musical. Which – when it finally closed in January of 2014 – posted a record-breaking $60 million loss.

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I Want That: Episode 05: Tinny returns for “Toy Story 4”

Thu, 16 May 2019 08:21:00 -0000

Michelle Valladolid & Jim Hill talk about how Disney has made Jasmine the main focus of its merchandise push for the Studio’s new live-action version of “Aladdin.” Jim then shares the history of “Tin Toy” and how this Academy Award-winning short led to the creation of Pixar’s “Toy Story.”

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Universal Joint Episode 19: Why Universal is abandoning 3D for 2D in 4K

Wed, 15 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the latest addition to “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure. They then discuss how the Universal Creative seems to be stepping away from producing rides, shows & attractions for the parks that make use of 3D glasses

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 37:Disney carves out its release date calendar

Tue, 14 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing their concerns about the December 2019 release date that Disney selected for Blue Sky Studios’ “Spies in Disguise.” They also use the upcoming 10th anniversary of the release of Pixar’s “Up” as an excuse to look back at this Pete Docter movie

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Disney Dish Episode 218: Why the Disney Parks build so few original attractions these days

Mon, 13 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the mysterious construction that’s going on at Disney’s Animal Kingdom out behind Pandora – The World of Avatar. Jim then talks about “The Ride of a Lifetime,” Bob Iger’s soon-to-be-released memoir (which will hit store shelves on September 10th)

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 35: Mysterio’s a hero in “Far From Home” ?!

Fri, 10 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why Disney is taking a low-key approach to celebrating the fact that “Avengers: Endgame” has just overtaken “Titanic” (at least when it comes to all-time box office champs). Aaron also points out some of the more intriguing ripple effects that this Russo Brothers movie is causing within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 18: Why Spielberg & Lucas lightened things up with “Last Crusade”

Wed, 08 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the Imagineers have handed the Anaheim version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” off to Disneyland Ops teams. They then talk about how the negative reaction that “Temple of Doom” received back in 1984 led to “Indy III” deliberately revisiting the style & tone of “Raiders”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 36: Why Figment keeps popping up in Pixar movies

Tue, 07 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how fan reaction to the “Sonic the Hedgehog” teaser trailer forced Paramount Animation to rework the look of that film’s title character. Then Drew shares an interview that he did with “Toy Story 4” director Josh Cooley, who reveals why Pixar decided to go big with the fourth film in this acclaimed series

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 34: A spoileriffic discussion of “Avengers: Endgame”

Fri, 03 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by going over the menu at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Marvel Mania restaurant. They then discuss what they enjoyed about the Russo Brothers’ final film for Marvel Studios

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Universal Joint Episode 18: Universal Orlando's dragon coaster was quite a challenge

Wed, 01 May 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how Universal Creative is now in the process of buttoning up “Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure.” They then talk at length about Dueling Dragons, the thrill ride that previously occupied this corner of the Lost Continent at Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 35: How a Mel Gibson movie became a Will Smith film

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s episode by sharing his thoughts on Warner Bros. “Pokémon Detective Pikachu.” Jim Hill then does a deep dive on “Gemini Man,” the long-in-development production that originally started off life as a project at Disney’s Secret Lab

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Disney Dish Episode 217: Disneyland’s Batuu battle plan

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off of this week’s episode by discussing why WDW management opted to push off the opening of “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ‘til the Spring of 2020. Jim then continues his Chronological Disneyland series by pointing out how Bob Iger’s approach to that Anaheim Resort differed from Michael Eisner’s.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 33: Russo Brothers reveal how they made “Avengers: Endgame”

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “Spider-Man: Far From Home” is now supposed to be the final film in the Infinity Saga. They then share audio that Drew Taylor gathered at the global media junket that Marvel Studios held earlier this month for “Avengers: Endgame”

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 17: Star Wars Celebration in Chicago

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the parallels between “Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin” opening at Disneyland Park in January of 1994 and “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios getting its opening pushed back ‘til the Spring of next year. They also discuss what’s going on with “Frozen II” just seven months out from the theatrical release of this eagerly anticipated Walt Disney Animation Studios production

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 34: Looking back at Disney’s “Hunchback of Notre Dame”

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

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Disney Dish Episode 216: Not-so Great Moments with creepy Mr. Lincoln

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing what’s significant about that new Disney Cruise Line survey which is currently making the rounds. Jim then talks about how the Imagineers keep trying to get the theme park-going public to embrace an attraction that features binaural sound.

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I Want That: Episode 04: Do you remember Disney Bunnies?

Sat, 20 Apr 2019 18:30:00 -0000

In a special Easter-themed episode, Michelle Valladolid & Jim Hill discussed how the Tokyo Disney Resort has turned this holiday into a two park, multi-week event. Jim then reviews the history of the Disney Bunnies, which is when DCP tried to build a brand around Thumper the Rabbit from “Bambi”

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 32: Get ready for some Marvel Us movie math

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the limited series that Marvel Studios is producing for Disney’s soon-to-launch subscription streaming service will be different from “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” & “Agent Carter.” Jim then does a deep dive on Disney’s August 2009 acquisition of Marvel Entertainment and reveals that – given the weird way that Hollywood does its books – it’s entirely possible that the Mouse has yet to recover the full $4.2 billion that it spent to buy that comic book company.

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Universal Joint Episode 17:: How does Disney’s acquisition of Fox effect Universal’s “Simpsons Ride” ?

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the operational & safety challenges that Universal Studios Hollywood is now facing, thanks to all of those show drones this theme park is using to create that patronus effect in its new “Dark Arts at Hogwarts Castle” projection show. Jim also reveals the “Treehouse of Horror” -inspired storyline that “The Simpsons Ride” almost had

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 33: Are you ready for Bo Peep, action hero?

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Rich Moore’s decision to leave Walt Disney Animation Studios for Sony Pictures Animation. Drew also shares what he learned about “Toy Story 4” while taking part in the press day for this upcoming Pixar Animation Studios’ release

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Disney Dish Episode 215: Why is “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” running behind schedule?

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off by talking about how “Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy” will use promotion to try & overcome its unfortunate, out-of-the-way positioning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They also talk about a patent that The Walt Disney Company has recently filed which Mouse House managers hope will get Guests to look up from the screens on their iPhones.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 31: When will the X-Men be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how “Avengers: Endgame” ‘s three-hour-plus run-time may prevent this Russo Bros. movie from topping “Infinity Wars” record-breaking opening weekend box office take. They also talk about how the positive reaction that “Dark Phoenix” got at WonderCon last month really helped turn the toxic reputation that this X-Men movie had acquired around.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 32: How Disney blew it with Don Bluth

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill look back at when Don Bluth resigned from Walt Disney Animation Studios in September of 1979 and then took 15% of that studio’s artists & animators with him. Drew then shares the interview that he did with Chris Butler, the director of “Missing Link” (i.e., Laika’s latest stop motion movie)

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Disney Dish Episode 214: WDI debates how to update Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Disney Villains After Hours, that new hard ticket for WDW’s Magic Kingdom which will be offered on select nights in June, July & August. They also do a deeper dive on that Universal Parks & Resorts survey which offers some clues about what sorts of rides, shows & attractions are possibly in the mix for Universal Orlando’s Fantastic Worlds theme park

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 16: Get ready for Star Wars Celebration

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr reports back on his recent trip to Chicago, where he scoped out McCormick Place (i.e., the massive convention center where Star Wars Celebration is being held this year). Jim Hill then shares some behind-the-scene stories about George Lucas’ involvement in the production of “Captain EO”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 31: Looking back at Disneytoon Studios

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill kick off this week’s show by talking about “Steven Universe” ‘s win at the GLAAD Media Awards. Drew then shares an interview he did with Danny Devito at the press junket for Disney’s live-action “Dumbo”

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Disney Dish Episode 213: The Atlantean Encounter that Disneyland Park almost got

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how The Walt Disney Company is still struggling with “Song of the South.” Jim then continues his Chronological Disneyland series by revealing why the Rockets Rods went down for rehab in September of 2000 and never re-opened

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 30: Will “The Eternals” launch the cosmic age of Marvel movies?

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill talk about how James Gunn’s offensive Tweets problem forced Kevin Feige to change up Marvel Studios’ batting order. They also wonder whether – after “The Infinity Saga” wraps – moviegoers will continue to turn out in record number for new Marvel Cinematic Universe releases or whether Marvel film fatigue will set in

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Universal Joint Episode 16:: Looking ahead to “Jurassic World: The Ride”

Thu, 28 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill share what they’ve learned about the work that’s been going on down on the Lower Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood. They also talk about why – when it came time to turn “Jurassic Park” into the jumping-up off point for a theme park attraction – Universal Creative opted to build a boat ride rather than a jeep-based experience

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I Want That: Episode 03: What’s in store for the Disney Store

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Michelle Valladolid & Jim Hill discuss how Disney hopes lightning will strike twice in 2019. First by following up 2017’s Rose Gold craze with its new Briar Rose Gold line. And then by sequelizing 2018’s wildly successful Mickey Memories merch with its Disney Wisdom collection

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 30: Tim Burton’s early days at Disney Studios

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by trying to sort out where exactly Disney & ABC now stand in regards to all those animated “Peanuts” specials. Then Drew shares the interviews that he did with Danny Elfman & Rick Heinrichs at the “Dumbo” media event.

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Disney Dish Episode 212: The very model of a modern major theme park

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this episode with an enthusiastic review of Disney Spring’s latest addition, Jaleo by José Andrés. Len & Jim then share a survey that Universal Parks & Resorts is using to zero in on just the right mix of rides, shows & attractions for Theme Park No. 4 (i.e., Universal’s Fantastic Worlds)

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 29: James Gunn reinstated as “Vol 3” director

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episodes by talking about how Disney & Universal actually came together to plus Stan Lee’s cameo appearance in “Captain Marvel.” They then discuss the role that Disney’s acquisition of Fox & ABC’s firing of Roseanne played in the “Guardians” director debacle

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 15: How “Star Wars Resistance” grew to be irresistible

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the factors involved with The Walt Disney Company’s decision to move up the opening of Disneyland Park’s Black Spire Outpost to May 31st. They then take an in-depth look at “Star Wars Resistance” and offer conjecture on where this Lucasfilm Animation production might be headed when Season 2 starts up on the Disney Channel later this Fall

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 29: How MGM erased “Tom & Jerry” ‘s more racist moments

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by revealing which character Walt Disney Animation Studios favorite Alan Tudyk will be voicing in the live-action version of “Aladdin.” They then get into the convoluted history of Mammy Two Shoes, the seldom-seen-from-the-knees-up supporting character in the “Tom & Jerry” series that underwent an intriguing makeover in the 1960s & 1980s

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Disney Dish Episode 211: “Edge” gets moved up, “Resistance” gets pushed back

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by dissecting Disney World’s latest round of ticket price increases and what that will mean for Resort Guests in the coming months. Jim Hill then talks about the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to the Company recently revealing that “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” would open in Anaheim on May 31st and in Orlando on August 29th

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 28: “Captain Marvel” dominates at the box office

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 23:04:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill discuss “Captain Marvel” and how this Anna Boden / Ryan Fleck film often defied audience expectations (but in a good way). They then go on debate when exactly Kevin Feige decided to make Carol Danvers an Avengers / fold this character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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Universal Joint Episode 15: Remembering Sid Sheinberg (1935 – 2019)

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the history of projection mapping at Universal Parks & Resorts. They then pay tribute to the longtime president & CEO of MCA who hung tough when The Walt Disney Company tried to stop Universal from entering the Central Florida tourism market in the mid-1980s

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 28: Rob Marshall talks about Disney’s live-action “Little Mermaid”

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill talks about which films from the Disney Vault will actually be streamable when Disney+ goes live later this year. Drew also shares audio from the interview that he did just last week with the director of “Mary Poppins Returns” about the challenges Rob Marshall is now facing as he preps his next project for Walt Disney Pictures

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Disney Dish Episode 210: What the future holds for Epcot’s Future World

Mon, 11 Mar 2019 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the Imagineers plan on reconfiguring the front half of WDW’s science & discovery park. They also continue their Chronological Disneyland series by discussing how Michael Eisner’s Montana-inspired visions of the future eventually translated into Tomorrowland having decorative displays of kumquats & kale.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 27: Going bananas for Captain Marvel & Nick Fury

Fri, 08 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Out ahead of “Captain Marvel” ‘s opening weekend, Jim Hill & Aaron Adams talk about how Rotten Tomatoes dealt with the online trolls who were trying to artificially drive down the audience score for this Marvel Cinematic Universe film. They then take about how Disney’s attempt to take advantage of certain tax laws is impacting what’s been going on down on the construction site for Disney California Adventure’s new Spider-Man ride.

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Looking At Lucasfilm Episode 14: Think you’ve already heard it all about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”? Think again

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 21:03:00 -0000

Dan Zehr and Jim Hill wade through the tidal wave of news that just broke about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Some of the factoids that they unearth in the process include that the color palette used for Florida’s version of this new “land” will be different than the one out in Southern California. Also the blue milk will be berry-melon flavored while the green milk will have more of a citrus taste

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 27: Is Epcot’s “Journey into Imagination” pavilion about to get Docter-ed?

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this episode by wondering if John Lasseter’s luck is starting to run out at Skydance Animation. Largely because of that open letter Emma Thompson sent to the Los Angeles Times last week (in which Emma explained why exactly she was exiting Alessandro Carloni’s “Luck”). Drew & Jim then go on talk about how animated series like Netflix’s “Race to the Edge” & the Disney Channel’s “Hotel Transylvania: The Series” now factor into studios’ decisions to greenlight sequels like “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and “Hotel Transylvania 4.”

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Disney Dish Episode 209: What part will Epcot’s new Play Pavilion play in WDW’s 50th anniversary celebration

Mon, 04 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the progress that’s been made to date with WDW’s Skyliner system. They also point out that Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is obviously supposed to serve as a rebuttal to any theme park fan who claims that “Universal Creative only builds screen-based attractions.”

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Disney Dish Episode 208: What the press preview of Anaheim’s Black Spire Outpost revealed Special Edition

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 18:44:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk with Carlye Wisel of “Travel & Leisure” magazine. Ms. Wisel shares what she learned about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” while participating in that three day-long media event that Disney Parks & Resorts held this past weekend

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 26: DCL’s “Marvel Day at Sea” is a must-see for Marvel fans

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how “Black Panther” & “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” did at the 91st Academy Awards. They then explain why – thanks to international waters -- the Disney Cruise Line is able to do things with the Marvel characters that the stateside Disney Parks & Resorts can only dream about.

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I Want That: Episode 02: Pocket Princesses get ready for the big time

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Shelley Valladolid & Jim Hill start off this episode by talking about Disney D-Lish and the food-themed merch that this short-lived pop-up store sold at WDW’s Disney Springs this past weekend. They then talk about Disney Comics artist Amy Mebberson and the fun new Disney Princess items that Amy & the team at Hasbros are now collaborating on.

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Universal Joint Episode 13: Will Hiccup & Toothless follow Hagrid into the Universal Parks?

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 11:30:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing everything that they’ve heard about Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. They also talk about “Dragon Gliders,” the “How to Train Your Dragons” -based storytelling coaster that DreamWorks Animation licensed to be built at Motiongate Dubai

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 26: Who Anna and Elsa are searching for in that “Frozen 2” teaser trailer

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 11:23:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about things they

probably shouldn’t (EX: The name of that motorcycle-riding character from “Toy Story 4”). They then

sequin into sharing some audio from the recent media event that was held for “Spider-Man: Into the

Spider-Verse” out ahead of this Oscar-winning animated feature’s release on Blu-ray & 4K HD.

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Disney Dish Episode 207: Making a better (Disney) world, one damp towel at a time

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some of the promotional slogans that the WDW Resort are reportedly considering adopting in the near future. He & Jim then talk about The Walt Disney Company’s forward-thinking approach when it comes to mitigating the impact that climate change will potentially have on Florida tourism.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 25: Say Good-bye to “The Defenders” on Netflix, Hello to “The Offenders” on Hulu

Sat, 23 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this episode by discussing why President of Marvel Studios Kevin Feige has chosen this exact moment to fold the character of Captain Marvel into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Jim then talks about the role Universal Studios Hollywood’s Marvel Mania restaurant may have played in The Walt Disney Company still not being able to use the name “Marvel” in association with either of its West Coast theme parks

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Looking At Lucasfilm Episode 13: The Star Wars-themed coaster that Disney wanted to build in the 1980s

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how (based on what happened with “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”) “Episode IX” really was wrapped production. They then talk about Ron Miller’s role in persuading George Lucas to let the Imagineers develop some rides, shows & attractions based on Lucasfilm productions for the Disney Parks

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 25: When Disney wanted Michael Jackson to co-star in its “Mary Poppins” sequel

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 21:43:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week’s podcast by talking about “Hidden World” director Dean DeBlois shared with him about the development of DreamWorks Animation’s third “How to Train Your Dragon” movie. Then Jim Hill shares the history of Epcot’s “Journey into Imagination” attraction and the role that Pixar may play in the future of this Future World pavilion

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Disney Dish Episode 206: When Disney World almost lost its Hall of Presidents

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 22:26:00 -0000

Jim Hill goes it alone in a special Presidents Day edition of the Disney Dish podcast. He first talks about what’s been going on with Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts. Jim then shares how the “Disney’s America” project almost caused a motion-based simulator attraction to be built in the Liberty Square section of WDW’s Magic Kingdom

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Disney Dish Episode 205: What’s going on around the edges of DHS’ “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill complete their November 2018 walk-thru of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a stroll around Echo Lake. En route, Len & Jim discuss what WDI has planned for the near-term when it comes to “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” and the “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.”

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I Want That: Episode 01: The premiere episode of “I Want That”

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill & Michelle Valladolid kick off a brand-new podcast about Disney-related merch by discussing that annual-passholder-exclusive Steamboat Willie-themed popcorn bucket that was recently available for purchase at the Disneyland Resort. They then look back at the life & career of Ron Miller, the former CEO of Walt Disney Productions who recently passed away at the age of 85.

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Universal Joint Episode 13: Will T2 3D be reborn as a Jason Bourne-based attraction?

Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing some of the foods that will be served up in USF’s French Quarter Courtyard during this year’s Mardi Gras celebration. They then offer up some theories as to what Universal Creative currently has in the works as a replacement for “Terminator 2: 3D -- Battle Across Time.”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 24: Animation News, SparkShort and Robin Williams was supposed to voice who?

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by recapping the 46th annual Annie Awards. They then debate the pros & cons of “Purl,” Pixar’s inaugural SparkShort, before then talking about how “Ralph Breaks the Internet almost started with the funeral of a famous video game character.

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Disney Dish Episode 204: Why the Seven Dwarfs drove Cinderella & Sleeping Beauty out of Fantasyland Forest

Mon, 11 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some of Touring Plans’ more recent discoveries about Disney World’s transportation system. Jim Hill then talks about how the Disney Princess & Disney Fairies franchises originally heavily influenced both the design of & the attraction line-up at New Fantasyland at WDW’s Magic Kingdom.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 24: Where Chris Evans may end up after “Endgame”

Fri, 08 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill dissect the “Avengers: Endgame” trailer that aired this past Sunday on Super Bowl LIII. With a particular emphasis on how the Russo Brothers, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely have deliberately placed specific story elements in Captain America’s overall thru-line in the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the past 8 years which will soon pay off in “Endgame.”

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Disney Dish Episode 203: How WDI have been Tinkertoying with DHS’ Toy Story Land

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 17:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their November 2018 walk-through of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a visit to that theme park’s newest “land”. They discuss how the June 2018 opening of Toy Story Land has fundamentally changed the way Guests experience WDW’s third gate.

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Looking At Lucasfilm Episode 12: Indiana Jones and the Super Bowl of Peril

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr start off this week’s show by talking about how – thanks to the polar vortex – his limited edition Columbia parka (which was inspired by the coat that the cast & crew of “Star Wars – Episode IV” wore while they were working in Finse, Norway) came in very handy this past week. Jim Hill then looks back at how Disney Parks & Resorts turned the halftime show at Super Bowl XXIX into one long commercial for the “Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Forbidden Eye.”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 23: Why it took Disney 18 years to produce its animated “Peter Pan”

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Pixar veteran Darla Anderson’s decision to sign a multi-year deal with Netflix. They then discuss why it took Disney Studios nearly two decades to produce a full length animated version of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan”

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Disney Dish Episode 202: Where would you want to go on WDW’s first customizable tour?

Mon, 04 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show with an update on WDW’s Skyliner system as well as offering some additional info on that resort’s pricey new “World of Dreams” tour. Len also shares some stories from the Monsanto corporate archives, included what it actually took to tear down Disneyland’s House of the Future back in December of 1967

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 23: Marvel News, the Perils of Plus, and Fancasting

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill kick things off by discussing the Season Six trailer for “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” They then share what they’ve heard about what Kevin Feige reportedly has planned for the Marvel Cinematic Universe after “Avengers: Endgame.” Aaron closes out the show by fancasting who he’d like to direct the “Fantastic Four” reboot

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 22: An animated discussion about this year’s Oscar nominations

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill talk about 2019’s nominees for Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Short Film. They also talk about how “Zootopia” being the highest grossing animated film in Chinese cinematic history eventually led to Shanghai Disneyland getting a new land built around these characters

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Disney Dish Episode 201: How character greetings will be done differently at Black Spire Outpost

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Disney’s Riveria Resort (which recently began accepting reservations for stays beginning on December 16th). They also discuss Anaheim’s “Project Stardust,” which is being done out ahead of the opening of the Disneyland Park version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 22: “Black Panther” goes for the Gold: Our special Oscar nomination edition of Marvel US Disney

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 20:00:00 -0000

In honor of “Black Panther” being nominated for Best Picture, Jim Hill looks back over the past 40 years of Academy Awards history and how superhero movies typically do at the Oscars. Aaron Adams then talks about the genuinely clever way music is used to enhance the emotion / clarify the storytelling in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 21: “Spy Jam,” “Race Jam,” & “Skate Jam”: Warners’ 20+ years effort to get a “Space Jam” sequel made

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by comparing Lee Unkrich’s graceful exit from Pixar with John Lasseter’s awkward arrival at Skydance. They then do a deep dive on Warners’ “Space Jam,” tracing the origin of that live-action / animated feature back to Nike’s “Hare Jordan” & “Aerospace Jordan” commercials

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Universal Joint Episode 12: Why it’s time to stop bashing Universal for its screen-based rides

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 04:58:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill talk about the Upper Lot at Universal Studios Hollywood is being transformed for that theme park’s Lunar New Year Celebration. Then Jim wonders why – when it comes to the rides, shows & attractions that Universal Creative creates for the parks – theme park fans tend to look past all of the dimensional sets, custom-built props & animatronics and only talk about the screens.

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Disney Dish Episode 200: Are you ready to take the controls on “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” ?

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

In honor of the 200th episode of Disney Dish, Len Testa & Jim Hill give a shout-out to the very first folks to subscribe to this podcast. They then share what they’ve learned about what Disney Parks & Resorts is doing to school Cast Members about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” ‘s marquee attractions

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 21: Is “Deadpool 3” dead in the water?

Sun, 20 Jan 2019 00:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start this week’s show off by sharing info about the official Stan Lee tribute (which will be held the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood on January 30th). They then discuss whether Ryan Reynolds will be able to persuade Hugh Jackman to strap on his Adamantium claws one last time for a Deadpool / Wolverine team-up film.

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Looking At Lucasfilm Episode 11: The many challenges that Lucasfilm faced in 2018

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 00:15:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill discuss everything from “Solo” ‘s under-performance at the box office to the online trolls who went after Kelli Marie Tran. They also talk about some of the happier things that happened in the Star Wars sphere over the past year, including the resurrection of the “Clone Wars” animated series and the promise of “The Mandalorian” over at Disney +

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 20: Controversy engulfs Lasseter’s arrival at Skydance

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 16:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill discuss what’s sure to be one of the biggest animation stories of 2019: David Ellison hiring John Lasseter to be the new head of Skydance Animation. Drew & Jim also look back at Lasseter’s last year or so at Disney & Pixar and muse over whether “Cars 3” ‘s under-performance at the box office & the cancellation of “Gigantic” contributed to John’s downfall

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Disney Dish Episode 199: Why the original version of Disney California Adventure Park missed the mark

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 03:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss what new shows & attractions the Imagineers hope to have up & running at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by May 2019 (just in time for this theme park’s 30th anniversary celebration). They also talk about how the tests that are currently going on in Epcot’s parking lot in regards to Uber & Lyft could impact the layout of parking lots at Disney’s other theme parks. Len & Jim then continued their Chronological Disneyland series with the initial construction of DCA.

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Disney Dish Episode 198: Live From Grand Avenue - Disney’s grand plans for DHS’ Grand Park area

Mon, 14 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their November 2018 walking tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As they explore the part of this theme park that was formerly known as the Muppets Courtyard, Len & Jim discuss everything that the Imagineers have done in the past year to ready DHS for the opening of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.”

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 20: Marvel’s highs & lows for 2018

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 02:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill take a look back at the past year in the Marvel-Us-Disney sphere. They discuss which movies set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe had the biggest impact on the entertainment industry & pop culture. Aaron & Jim also talk about what projects they’re most looking forward to in 2019.

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Universal Joint Episode 11: Looking back at Universal Parks & Resorts in 2018

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill & Dustin Fuhs put together a super-sized edition of their “Universal Joint” podcast to review the past year of changes & challenges that Parks & Resorts faced. Among the topics that they’ll be discussing is Universal Orlando’s decision to revamp USF’s operational calendar (i.e., shifting Rock the Universe from September to February, cancelling the 2019 edition of A Celebration of Harry Potter outright) so that that theme park could then expand the number of days it presents USF’s wildly popular Halloween Horror Nights.

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Disney Dish Episode 197: Live From the Animation Courtyard - What happens to “Star Wars Launch Bay” after “Galaxy’s Edge” opens

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

As Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their walk-thru of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in November of 2018, they turn their attention to the Animation Courtyard area. In particular how the Imagineers have tried to balance this theme park’s celebration of Old Hollywood with WDW Guests desire to find brand-new rides, shows & attractions to experience whenever they visit DHS.

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Disney Dish Episode 196:Aulani may just be the ultimate Disney Resort

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why the menu at Tiffins has been mutating over these past few months. They also discuss the DVC Resorts that Disney execs ultimately decided not to build, including the Times Square Villas.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 19: The Year in Review for Animation 2018

Wed, 02 Jan 2019 00:02:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill look back at this year’s high points & low points when it comes to film and television animation. They also talk about projects that they’re really looking forward to in 2019 like Sergio Pablos’ “Klaus”

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Disney Dish Episode 195: Live From the Studios - Tinsel Town really piles on the tinsel for DHS’ holiday celebration

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off their November 2018 tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios by checking out all of the holiday decorations along Hollywood & Sunset Boulevards. They also discuss WDW Entertainment’s plan to replace “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage!” with a new “Tangled” -themed show out ahead of the Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2021.

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Disney Dish Episode 194:What’s behind Be Our Guest’s recent drop in readers satisfaction ratings?

Mon, 31 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this episode by talking about one of Disney’s biggest concerns when it comes to “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Which is that people’s need to get selfies of themselves in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon will then significantly slow down the load / unload time for “Smugglers Run.” Len then talks some of his recent dining experiences around the WDW Resort

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 19: “Avengers: Endgame” is only the beginning for Marvel Studios in 2019

Fri, 28 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

As 2018 winds down, Aaron Adams & Jim Hill look ahead to whatever surprises the Marvel Cinematic Universe has in store for next year. They discuss whether a German press release may have prematurely tipped Marvel’s hand when it comes to the end of “Avengers: Endgame” as well as Could a Marvel comic that will go on sale in March offer some clues about what the storyline of “Spider-Man: Far from Home” will be?

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 10: How gaming influenced the design of “Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run”

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 19:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this episode by sharing what they know about the much-anticipated teaser trailer for “Star Wars: Episode IX.” They then discuss the “Rogue One” -inspired TV series that is now being readied for Disney’s new subscription service (which bows in 2019). Finally, Dan & Jim share the latest news coming out of Disney Parks & Resorts about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”

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Disney Dish Episode 193: Live From Tomorrowland-Is a “Slaughter Race” -based attraction headed to Disney World?

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 18:00:00 -0000

As Len Testa & Jim Hill conclude their 2018 walk-thru of WDW’s Magic Kingdom, they discuss many of the changes that have been made to Tomorrowland over the past few years. The topics covered included the U.S. version of Shanghai Disneyland’s TRON Lightcycle Power Run Coaster as well as what WDI possibly has in the works to replace “Stitch’s Great Escape.”

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 18:Which animated films will come out on top for the 2018 holiday season?

Mon, 24 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s podcast by discussing – given all of the stellar reviews that “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” has received to date – why this Sony Pictures Animation film only earned $35.4 million over its opening weekend in domestic release. Drew & Jim also look ahead to “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part” & “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” which are both being released in February of 2019

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Universal Joint Episode 10: Which characters & IPs are reportedly headed to Universal’s Fantastic Worlds theme park

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 19:11:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how

Illumination’s new animated “Grinch” stacks up against the live-action version of this Dr. Seuss story

that Universal Pictures released back in November of 2000. Dustin & Jim also review recent filings that

Universal Parks & Resort has made with Orange County officials, which could reveal what’s coming next

to CityWalk and/or what’s in the works for Universal Orlando’s next theme park.

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Disney Dish Episode 192: Live from Frontierland -21st century politics & flume rides don’t mix in Frontierland

Mon, 17 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their audio tour of the 2018 version of WDW’s Magic Kingdom with a stroll along the Rivers of America. They discuss how a Guest who’d been an annual passholder for 24 years found out the hard way what happens when you test Disney Corporate’s patience one too many times. Len & Jim also talk about how recent changes to the props used to decorate the queue space with “Splash Mountain” illustrate the Company’s continuing efforts to stay PC.

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Disney Dish Episode 191: Live from Fantasyland-New Fantasyland to be spruced up ahead of WDW’s 50th anniversary celebration

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their walking tour of WDW’s Magic Kingdom by strolling through Fantasyland. They talk about Guests’ increasing use of mobile devices forced the creation of in-park charging stations like the ones found around the Rapunzel Tower. Len & Jim also discuss why Disney World’s Safety team ordered that changes be made to the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak water play area.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 18: A Tribute to Stan Lee, and not so Marvelous News for Daredevil

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

The Man without Fear is now a Man without a Network, as Netflix cancels Daredevil. Also, Jim and Aaron spend the second half of the show remembering Stan Lee and the mark his works left on us and the world.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 17: Who actually did the animation for “Mary Poppins Returns” ?

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 18:22:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why the late Stan Lee’s cameo in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a real standout in that Sony Pictures Animation film. These two then talk about the possible impact that John Lasseter’s slow-motion exit from Disney & Pixar may have had on “The Incredibles 2” & “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.”

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Disney Dish Episode 190: Details on Grand Destino, “Epcot Forever,” & Star Wars Hotel

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 04:17:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by reflecting on what millenniums now expect to find in their hotel rooms heavily influenced the design of “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge,” “The Cove,” and Universal’s Adventura Hotel. They also look ahead to the construction challenges that WDW’s Entertainment team will be facing as they ready World Showcase Lagoon for Epcot’s new nighttime extravaganza (which is slated to open in 2020).

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Disney Dish Episode 189: Scene One & Done in Liberty Square

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their walk-thru of WDW’s Magic Kingdom by exploring the colonial corner of this theme park. As they head towards the Hall of Presidents, Len & Jim talk about the stylized open sewer that the Imagineers inserted in this land. They also talk about why the Haunted Mansion’s interactive queue has had trouble connected with international visitors to this Resort.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 16: Fine Tooning Q & A, recorded live at WDW

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 15:02:00 -0000

Immediately after they finished doing a live recording of their "Fine Tooning" podcast at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort earlier this month, Drew Taylor & Jim Hill began taking questions from listeners who attended that event. The topics that got touched on in this off-the-cuff session include how "Winnie-the-Pooh" 's July 2011 release date helped kill off 2-D animation at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

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Disney Dish Episode 188: Mapping out WDI’s plans to redo Adventureland at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill kick off this week's show by talking about Walt Disney Studios’ decision to push back the release of “The Jungle Cruise” movie from October 2019 to July 2020 is new impacting the Imagineers’ long-in-development plans to overhaul Adventureland. They then discuss how the Jungle Skipper Cantina Restaurant has been a real challenge for WDW’s Food & Beverage team. Len & Jim close things out by pointing out how “A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas” is similar to the Magic Kingdom’s “Dumbo the Flying Elephant” spinner ride.

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Disney Dish Episode 187: Live from Main street-Walking down Main Street, U.S.A. during the 2018 holiday season

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 17:16:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill kick off a brand-new walk-thru of WDW's Magic Kingdom by exploring Main Street, U.S.A. This tour starts off with an update on that theater project which Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek first revealed at 2017's D23 Expo. Len & Jim then discuss how the redo of this theme park's Central Plaza didn't go quite as the Imagineers had hoped.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 15: Live from Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill start off this podcast (which was recorded in front of a live audience) by recapping their "Pixar in the Park" event. They then discuss all of the Disney talent that's now making new animated projects for Netflix. Finally Drew discusses "Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2" and what Disney-related gags got cut out of this Rich Moore/Phil Johnston film.

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Disney Dish Episode 186: How Disney's decision to delay "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3" has impacted the "Jungle Cruise" movie

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill kick off this week's show talking about how EPCOT will be expanding its International Festival of the Arts to seven days a week in 2019. They then discuss those "Rehire James Gunn" billboards that have been erected outside of the Disney Parks & Anaheim. They also contrast Disneyland Park's plan to handle the crowds for "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" with the way Disney's Hollywood Studios is thinking about having Guests queue up for this 14-acre land.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 9: A look inside Rancho Obi-Wan. What George Lucas originally wanted "Star Tours 2.0" to be like

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr and Jim Hill start off this episode by discussing the latest news coming off of the set of "The Mandalorian." These two then answer a piece of listener mail regarding when the Anaheim version of "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" will be open to the public. Finally, Dan talks about his experience at this year's Gala at Rancho Obi-Wan.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 14: As Guillermo del Toro readies his long-in-the-works "Pinocchio," Ed Catmull gets ready to retire

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill start off these week's podcast off by discussing the stop motion version of "Pinocchio" that Guillermo del Toro is now prepping for Netflix. Then it's how Hollywood is commemorating the 20th and 25th anniversaries of DreamWorks Animation's "The Prince of Egypt" and "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas." Finally, Drew and Jim talk about why Ed Catmull's legacy -- when it comes to animation -- is complicated, to say the least.

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Disney Dish Episode 185: Teeny trains at Epcot. Big changes coming to "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster" in Paris

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

It's a special listener mail edition of the Disney Dish podcast. Len Testa and Jim Hill start things off by discussing the history of Epcot's Garden Railway. They then reveal Joffrey's wound up at the specialty coffee and tea provider for Disney Parks & Resorts. Len then shares a bunch of patents that The Walt Disney Company recently filed and speculates on how all of this cutting-edge technology may be employed as part of "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge."

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Universal Joint Episode 9: 20 million Butterbeers equals big bucks for Universal Parks & Resorts

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs and Jim Hill starts off this episode by pointing out that Universal Orlando Resort has been following Walt Disney World's lead when it comes to repeatedly the price to park at their theme parks. After that, Dustin and Jim discuss the huge boost that the sale of Butterbeer has given Universal Parks and Resorts' bottom line. The co-hosts then close out this week's podcast by looking back at the time that MCA Universal was able to swipe the rights to Rocky and Bullwinkle right out from under The Walt Disney Company.

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Disney Dish Episode 184: An in-depth look at Disney World's new date-based ticket pricing system

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill starts off this episode by talking about how Disney World finally officially announcing that long-rumored DVC which will be built where Fort Wilderness' River Country was once located. After that, Len and Jim discuss WDW's new date-based ticket pricing system (which debuted on October 16th). They then share new information about the Marvel superhero-themed land that's being built at Disney California Adventure Park.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 17: Is "Venom" a complete fumble? Or a dumb-but-fun flick?

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this episode by discussing Warner Bros' recent decision to hire James Gunn to direct "Suicide Squad 2." After that, Aaron & Jim turn then attention to what Chris Evans tweeted out from the set of "Avengers 4" as reshoots of that eagerly awaited Marvel Cinematic Universe movie wrapped. Then it's time to debate "Venom," that Columbia Pictures releases that's been burning up the box office but dividing Marvel film fans

Well here is a shocker, Jim and Aaron have different opinions on the Venom movie. The safe bet is the Spider-Man fan had some issues, it's ok, we expected that. But are there still bright spots in the movie? Certainly. But is it with your 8 bucks? That is a more challenging question.

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Universal Joint Episode 8: More magic coming to Hogsmeade in 2019. Universal Orlando just doesn't want to be specific about when

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 03:15:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs and Jim Hill start off this week's show by talking about how the November 9th release of Illumination Entertainment's "The Grinch" may be impacting Universal Parks & Resorts' holiday plans. Jim then talks about the movie version of "Wicked" that Universal Pictures is readying and the possible impact that this IP could have on the Parks. Fuhs and Hill then close out this podcast by talking about all of the hard lessons that the Universal Orlando Resort learned back in 2009 from the delayed opening of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 13: "Cycles" breaks new ground for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Live-action "Lilo & Stitch" now in development

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 02:07:00 -0000

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill start off this week's podcast by sharing their impressions of the recently released teaser trailer for Disney's live-action reimagining of "Aladdin." Drew and Jim then discuss how the huge popularity of "Lilo and Stitch" overseas undoubtedly factored into the Studio's decision to put a live-action / CG hybrid reboot of this 2002 WDAS hand-drawn film into development. Finally Taylor talks about what it's like to experience "Cycles," Walt Disney Animation Studios' first-ever virtual-reality short

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Disney Dish Episode 183: Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge to be WDW's next DVC. How Starbucks came to be part of Disney Parks & Resorts

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week's podcast by talking about the name that Disney Vacation Club is considering for the new resort they're planning on building on top of River Country's old location. Len and Jim then speculate on what Disney Parks and Resorts will charge for early morning access to "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge." Finally, Jim reveals how the placement of the banks & camera stores at WDW's Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park influenced where Walt Disney Imagineering placed the in-park Starbucks

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 8: "The Mandalorian" heads to Disney Play. Disneyland preps "Star Wars 101" study guide

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 19:30:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this podcast by sharing what they've learned about that live-action series which Jon Favreau has been prepping for Disney's subscription streaming service. Dan & Jim then discuss Bob Iger's decision to extend Kathleen Kennedy's deal to run Lucasfilm through 2021. After that, they share what the Disneyland Resort Line has been revealing about "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" to cast members.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 12: Brad Bird's next project and Disney's aborted Mickey Mouse "Christopher Columbus" featurette

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill first discuss all of the animation-related news coming out of this year's New York Comic-Con. They then puzzle over the live action / cg project that Brad Bird is supposedly working on as his follow-up to "The Incredibles 2." Finally Jim talks about the animated featurette that was supposed to serve as the follow-up to 1990's "The Prince and the Pauper," "Christopher Columbus" starring Mickey Mouse

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Disney Dish Episode 182: Listener questions about WDW's Skyliner, "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge," and flexible ticket pricing

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this listener question show by revisiting WDW's Skyliner system. They then encourage a Disney Dish listener to brave the crowds at Black Spire Outpost when "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" first opens in to the public in Anaheim in the late Spring / early Summer of 2019. Finally Len & Jim weigh in on the new tool that's about to come online for Disney World's flexible ticket pricing.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 16: Captain Marvel Trailer, Avengers 4 Title and Is Loki Really Dead

Fri, 05 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0000

Jim and Aaron discuss their initial reactions to Captain Marvels first Teaser Trailer. Also, Jim gets Aaron hip to Chewie the cat and discuss how Disney is using that "Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors" TV movie to help get this franchise's younger fans ready for Marvel Studios' March 2019 release. They also have their own theories about the theory that's making the rounds online about how the God of Mischief could have survived his run-in with Thanos.. And last but not least we cover what may (or may not be) the final word on James Gunn, and how Spider-Man spins another tangled web on the PS4.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 11: Why does Disney princess Tiana look different in "Ralph Breaks the Internet"?

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start things off by talking bout the key role master animator Mark Henn played in translating Disney's hand-drawn princesses into CG characters. Next Drew & Jim discuss the "Harvey Birdman, Attorney General" special that will be airing on Adult Swim later this month. Then Taylor & Hill look back at Disney Legend Woolie Reitherman and the role that recycled / repurposed animation had to do with the adoption of xerography at Walt Disney Animation Studios in the early 1960s.

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Disney Dish Episode 181: Skymosphere in Epcot's replacement of "Illuminations" and Thunder in Paradise

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss the impact that swapping out

Epcot's nighttime show will have on all the restaurants around World

Showcase. Then Len & Jim look back at "Thunder in Paradise," the

short-lived syndicated series from the producers of "Bay Watch" that was

shot around the Walt Disney World Resort in the early 1990s.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 7: Lucasfilm looks for new ways to expand the franchise's appeal

Wed, 26 Sep 2018 23:00:00 -0000

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week's "Looking at Lucasfilm" by discussing Disney Parks & Resorts' somewhat controversial decision to sell alcohol to Guests visiting Black Spire Outpost. Dan & Jim next speculate about which characters from the "Star Wars" movies & TV shows will pop up on "Resistance." Then Zehr & Hill talk about all of the great Lucasfilm-related stories that are shared on that Netflix Original series, "The Toys That Made Us."

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Universal Joint Episode 7: Universal Orlando's shifting event schedule

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 23:00:00 -0000

First Jim Hill reports in on "The Eighth Voyage of Sindbad" 's final day of performances at Universal's Islands of Adventure. Then Dustin Fuhs weighs in on whether or not he thinks the Universal Orlando Resort will soon expand its HHN offerings to include a Zombie Run 5K. Finally Jim walks UJ listeners through all 10 houses & 5 scare zones that Universal Creative has brought to life (or should I say life-after-death?) for Halloween Horror Nights 28.

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Disney Dish Episode 180: Could Free Dining be on its way out at Disney World?

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 01:08:00 -0000

Len Testa starts off this episode by discussing what changes are in the works for Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort & Mickey's Backyard BBQ at the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Next Jim Hill talks up Evermore Park, that immersive theatrical experience which is about to throw open its doors in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Then Len & Jim discuss how Port Canaveral is getting ready for the next three ships that are about to be added to the Disney Cruise Line's fleet.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 15: Marvel Panels at NYCC, Iron Fist Review

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill first discuss the roles that the Skrulls will soon play in Marvel's Cinematic Universe. They then reveal which villains from the original "Guardians of the Galaxy" film will also be appearing in "Captain Marvel." Finally Aaron offers his take on Season Two of "Iron Fist."

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 10: Return of the Last Airbender, Mqry Poppins Returns, Bojack Horseman

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 01:10:00 -0000

Drew Taylor starts off this week's "Fine Tooning" by focusing a spotlight on the first-ever official collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios & Pixar Animation Studios. Then Jim Hill talks about Frank Thomas' struggles when it came to animating those dancing penguins in the original "Mary Poppins" movie. Then Drew & Jim talk about some of the more innovative things that are going on in television animation -- including how Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media moved at warp speed to cash in on Disney Junior's latest star.

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Disney Dish Episode 179: Is it time for a two part Food & Wine ? Why are the Disneyland Resort & the City of Anaheim brawling?

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Len starts this week's podcast off with his impressions of Disney Springs' newest eateries, Chicken Guy! and Terralina Crafted Italian. Mr. Testa then shares his thoughts about how Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival could be improved (i.e., Ice Cream 'round the World). Then Jim uses the closure of "A Bug's Land" at Disney California Adventure Park as an excuse to look back at the closing of "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" at WDW's Magic Kingdom as well as offering a construction update on the TRON Lightcycle coaster.

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Universal Joint Episode 6: Everything's expanding - WWOHP, HHN and RTU (Running Through Universal)

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 22:00:00 -0000

It's that time of year - late August - so of course Jim and Dustin are talking about Halloween in the theme parks. They also discuss Universal Orlando's future expansion and possible running events.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 9: Say farewell to Adventure Time. Look ahead to "Roger Rabbit" making-of book

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Drew Taylor pays tribute to his best friend from middle school, Penn Ward (i.e., the creator of "Adventure Time"). Then Jim & Drew discuss the history of Warner Feature Animation's efforts -- post-"Space Jam" & "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" -- to build a new feature film around various characters from the Looney Tunes stable.

They also make a big announcement about an upcoming Fine Tooning Live event from Disney World, with Storybook Destinations.

To join us for a very special Fine Tooning Live event from Disney World, November 9th through the 12th, go to storybook destinations.com for a complete schedule and booking info.

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Disney Dish Episode 178: You might just get stuck in the muck in the next version of The Void Star Wars VR Experience

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Len braves the Florida heat to get the latest news from Toy Story Land and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. He also can't resist talking about this episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color in which Walt takes Ambassador Julie on a tour of Imagineering for Disneyland's 10th anniversary. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0768379/

And to prove that the use of technology in and around the parks is advancing by leaps and bounds, Jim and Len discuss the possible application of a novel floor system for a person walking in a VR environment in both The Void Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire (video below) and Galaxy's Edge.

https://youtu.be/Oad_t6k3w5c

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Disney Dish Episode 177: Update - Disney's Skyliner and Universal Orlando's Aventura Hotel

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 00:39:00 -0000

Jim and Len update us on new info about the Skyliner that changes everything we thought we knew. And also get fidgety when talking about taking a spin around the new Aventura Hotel. (That will make sense after you hear the show, promise.)

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 14: Live from Indy Disney Meet

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Jim and Aaron talk about post Infinity Wars gossip, the firing of "the Gunn" and whatever else pops up during a live chat with the audience. Look out or a listener question asking about if a certain Fox movie Queen can ever become a Disney Princess.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 8: Smallfoot Rugrats Duck Tales Disenchantment

Wed, 29 Aug 2018 02:42:00 -0000

Jim Hill & Drew Taylor report in from Burbank. Where Drew -- after catching an early press screening of "Smallfoot" at Warner Bros -- praises Alex Hirsch's new "Gravity Falls: Lost Legends" book. Meanwhile Jim discusses the development of the Disney Channel's "DuckTales" reboot as well as revealing how he accidentally got a peek at Nickelodeon's plans to revive its "Rugrats" animated series.

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Disney Dish Episode 176: Disney Transportation: Cruise ships, helicopters and the Millenium Falcon

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 02:35:00 -0000

This is a transportation themed Disney Dish. Instead of trains, planes and automobiles, Jim and Len talk about increasing cruise prices, the helicopters that you used to be able to take to Disneyland and how real do they really want to make the interactive part of the Millenium Falcon ride.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 6: What's going on with the stand-alone Obi-wan project

Wed, 22 Aug 2018 17:00:00 -0000

As Summer 2018 draws to a close, Dan Zehr and Jim Hill take one last look at "Solo: A Star Wars Story" and compare how this Lucasfilm, Ltd. production did at the domestic box office to how other Hollywood blockbusters did over the past three months. Dan and Jim also answer a listener's question and opt to take a closer look at Ron Howard's "Willow."

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Episode 175: UG readers reveal their favorite restaurants at Universal Orlando's parks and resorts

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 04:01:00 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill check out "TRON" coaster construction as well as the Magic Kingdom's new Instagrammable beverages. They also reveal the unlikely places where you can get some of the very best eats in Orlando (EX: An outdoor grill right next to the Hall of Presidents as well as inside of Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando's water theme park).

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Universal Joint Episode 5: Comcast's dream of acquiring Fox fades, Universal gears up to expand Fast and Furious franchise

Sat, 18 Aug 2018 22:00:00 -0000

In their fifth "Universal Joint" podcast, Dustin Fuhs and Jim Hill discuss whether Comcast's pursuit of pay-TV giant Sky could possibly lead to the sunseting of Universal Parks & Resort's licensing deal with Marvel Entertainment. They also discuss how the continuing popularity of the "Fast & Furious" films not only led to Universal bringing this IP into their theme parks but also led to the Luke Hobbs & Deckard Shaw characters being spun off into their own series of movies.

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Disney Dish Episode 174: It's All About the Numbers

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 03:17:08 -0000

What will, won't or may happen in Epcot and elsewhere in WDW could depend on the numbers.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 7: Box Office News, the Medusa Project and Fox Deal Effects

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 17:00:00 -0000

In the seventh episode of this podcast series, Drew Taylor & Jim Hill talk about "Teen Titans Go to the Movies" and "Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation" has been doing at the box office. They also discuss Lauren Faust's now-cancelled "Medusa" project as well as looking ahead to how The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of select film & television assets owned by 21st Century Fox is going to impact Blue Sky Studios.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 5: Star Wars News from Comic Con, Black Spire Outpost News From a Novel

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 18:00:00 -0000

In the fifth installment of this podcast series, Dan Zehr reveals what it was like to be in the room at San Diego Comic-Con when Lucasfilm Animation revealed that it would be resuming production of "Star Wars Clone Wars." Jim Hill then talks about "Thrawn: Alliances" and how Timothy Zahn's latest "Star Wars" novel gave its readers an advance preview of Black Spire Outpost.

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Disney Dish Episode 173: Restaurant News, Listener Questions and Restaurant Survey Results

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0000

Restaurant Surveys

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Episode 172: DHS News and Superboy History

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

In this latest Disney Dish podcast, Len & Jim give listeners an update on Disney's Hollywood Studios. To be specific, how construction of "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" is proceeding and how "Toy Story Land" has fared over its first few weeks of operation. Then Len and Jim talk about "Superboy," the very first TV series to be produced at DHS.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 6: Pixar Pier, Pete Docter,Gravity Falls and Hotel Transylvania 3

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0000

Episode 6 of "Fine Tooning," Drew walks listeners through Disney California Adventure's latest addition, Pixar Pier. He and Jim then talk about the challenges that Pete Docter will be facing as he takes over as the new creative lead of that Emeryville-based animation studios. Drew also shares what he knows about the soon-to-be-released "Gravity Falls -- The Complete Series" Blu-ray and DVD set.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 6: Pixar Pier, Pete Docter,Gravity Falls and Hotel Transylvania 3

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 00:00:00 -0000

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 13: Ant Man and the Wasp and the passing of Steve Ditko

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Jim and Aaron review Ant Man and the Wasp and discuss the passing and legacy of Steve Ditko.

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Episode 171: More about Toy Story Land and possible Universal Plans revealed?

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 01:55:06 -0000

More about Toy Story Land and possible Universal Plans revealed?

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Disney Dish Episode 170: Toy Story Land Opens!

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:13:41 -0000

Come walk through Toy Story Land and ride the rides with Len. Plus Jim tells us what else is coming up in the next year for the Studios.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 4: "Solo: A Star Wars Story" Boxoffice Examination

Sat, 07 Jul 2018 01:30:00 -0000

In the fourth installment of the "Looking at Lucasfilm" podcast series, Dan Zehr and Jim Hill discuss Kelly Marie Tran of "Last Jedi" fame being chased off of social media by vicious trolls. They also talk about the box office performance of "Solo: A Star Wars Story" stacks up against other recent Disney releases like "John Carter," "Mars Needs Mom," "The Lone Ranger" and "A Wrinkle in Time."

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Universal Joint Episode 4: James Bond vs Kung Fu Panda

Wed, 04 Jul 2018 01:35:58 -0000

Dustin and Jim wonder whether Universal Pictures' recent deal to distribute Bond 25 internationally will eventually lead to a 007 attraction in the parks. They also discuss whether Universal Hollywood's new "Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor's Quest" will pop up someday at Universal Studios Florida.

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Episode 169: Galaxy's Edge Listener Questions and Around the Park News

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 02:56:00 -0000

We also review new Disney survey questions on ride sharing and new technology.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 12: Movie News and Rumors with a Dollop of Television Recap

Fri, 29 Jun 2018 01:29:00 -0000

Jim and Aaron talk about "Spider-man: Far From Home" and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" plus Marvel television. Cloak and Dagger, Luke Cage, Legion, and Ant Man also get a closer look.

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Episode 168: Galaxy's Edge Listener Questions and Around the Park News

Sun, 24 Jun 2018 22:56:00 -0000

Jim also a listener question about how Annual Passholder park dates might change around Galaxy's Edge opening.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Ep. 5 - What's Incredible About Incredibles 2

Sun, 24 Jun 2018 19:44:00 -0000

Jim and Drew discuss how "Incredibles 2" has been doing at the box office and how Pixar's latest sequel stacks up against the original "Incredibles" from 2004.

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Episode 167: New Harry Potter Coaster Details!

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 02:56:00 -0000

Len visits Donald's Dino-Bash at the Animal Kingdom.

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Episode 166: Animal Kingdom Visit + On-site Perks at Disney Springs Hotels

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 02:56:00 -0000

Also Len visits Disney's Animal Kingdom for the new Up! bird show and Satuli Canteen.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 4: What's Old is New - Duck Tales, Thundercats, Wildthings, Toasters and Even Gravity Falls

Wed, 30 May 2018 14:11:00 -0000

Sure to be controversial, Drew and Jim wonder why animation fans were so quick to embrace Disney's "DuckTales" reboot but then rejected Cartoon Network's new take on "Thundercats." These two also talk about John Lasseter's attempts to get Walt Disney Animation Studios to produce CG versions of "Where the Wild Things Are" and "The Brave Little Toaster" back in the early 1980s.

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Episode 165: New Evidence of Lightsabers in Galaxy's Edge and How Crowd Control Will Work

Wed, 30 May 2018 02:56:00 -0000

Jim also explains how crowd control is likely to work when Galaxy's Edge opens in Disneyland.

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Episode 164: New Fort Wilderness DVC and Epcot Resorts?

Wed, 30 May 2018 02:56:00 -0000

In our main story we talk about changes to Disney's Photopass system using artificial intelligence to make better photos.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 11: Deadpool 2, Avengers: Infinity War and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Mon, 28 May 2018 20:22:00 -0000

A lively discussion on the topic of "Deadpool 2", why Marvel Studios had suddenly gone mum when it comes to the fate of certain characters last seen in "Infinity War" and ABC's decision to schedule the final season of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." for the Summer of 2019..

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Universal Joint Episode 3: A Night of Joy, Horror and Raptors

Fri, 25 May 2018 18:51:00 -0000

Dustin Fuhs and Jim Hill talk about hard ticket events that have been held at the Universal Parks and Resorts. These two also talk about USF's still-under-construction new nighttime lagoon show as well as the changes that are coming to USH's "Jurassic Park -- The Ride".

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Episode 163: Unbuilt Epcot Thames River Ride and Maleficient Bursts Into Flames!

Tue, 22 May 2018 22:24:49 -0000

We also cover the Maleficient Dragon fire during the Festival of Fantasy parade.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 3: Going Solo

Tue, 22 May 2018 17:01:00 -0000

Dan Zehr talks about the out-of-this-world experience he had at the Hollywood premiere of "Solo: A Star Wars". Jim also shares stories about lessons Ron Howard learned on the sets of "The Andy Griffith Show" and"Happy Days".

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Episode 161: Epcot Visit and Galaxy's Edge Tech News

Mon, 14 May 2018 02:56:00 -0000

Len visits Epcot to see whether there's enough space at International Gateway for Skyliner traffic. Jim talks about the Guardians coaster, and more...

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Episode 162: Strategery! The Projects Disney and Universal Aren't Talking About

Sun, 13 May 2018 22:56:00 -0000

Len and Jim talk about the new WDW one-day tickets that come with pre-selected FASTPASS options.

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Fine Tooning With Drew Taylor Episode 3: CinemaCon and Tribeca

Sun, 06 May 2018 22:56:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor talk about all of the animation-related news that came out of CinemaCon and Tribeca this year. Don Hahn's new documentary about Howard Ashman, the murderous matriarch that "How to Train Your Dragon 2" almost had, and the "Black Cauldron" -inspired ride that the Imagineers wanted to build at Disneyland Park.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 10: Spoiler Heavy Look at "Avengers: Infinity War"

Thu, 03 May 2018 20:21:00 -0000

In news, Aaron and Jim talk about Feld Entertainment's "Marvel Live ! Age of Heroes" arena show, then launch into a spoiler-heavy discussion of "Avengers: Infinity Wars.". SPOILERS- Plus Jim and Aaron review which now-dead characters are obviously going to be resurrected.

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Episode 160: New Epcot Concept Surfaces at Auction

Wed, 02 May 2018 00:21:00 -0000

In news, Len and Jim talk about Animal Kingdom's extended morning EMH throughout early summer 2018. Len also talks DHS waits with Toy Story Land opens.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Episode 2: Recon on Solo and Does Recasting Always Work?

Sun, 29 Apr 2018 22:02:00 -0000

In the second installment of their new series, Dan Zehr and Jim Hill cast an eye on the tricky topic of recasting. Zehr also talks about his recent trip to LA, where Dennys execs revealed what was in the cards for Solo: A Star Wars Story.

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Universal Joint Podcast Episode 2: Hooray for (Universal Studios) Hollywood

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:47:00 -0000

It's a Hooray for (Universal Studios) Hollywood edition of this new podcast. Dustin Fuhs and Jim Hill talk about next month's Jurassic Park 25th Anniversary Celebration as well as how this theme park's Upper Lot has been transformed over the past years. Join these two as they explore Universal Plaza, the Animation Studio Store as well as the soon-to-open DreamWorks Theatre.

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Episode 159: More Skyliner and Park News, Plus DCA Wrap-Up

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 20:21:00 -0000

Len talks about new Disney patents for self-driving cars and virtual reality, and a new update to the Agent P game in World Showcase.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor Episode 2: Incredibles 2 and Brad Bird's 1906

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 23:39:00 -0000

Drew Taylor returns from Emeryville and shares what he's just learned about Pixar's Incredibles II. Drew and Jim then look back over Brad Bird's career. In particular, '1906' the film that was supposed have been his live-action debut which would have had Warner Bros. and Disney joining forces to recreate the Great San Francisco Earthquake.

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Episode 158: "Oh God - We Never Thought of This!" - Disney Skyliner Edition

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 00:21:00 -0000

In other news, Disney announced a new app called "Play Disney Parks", with features Len and Jim hinted about last November.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 9: "Avengers: Infinity War" Looks Like a Smash Hit. Why Hulk No Smash?

Sat, 21 Apr 2018 22:14:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Aaron Adams talk about all of the fan events Walt Disney Studios has been staging around the world to help raise awareness of Avengers: Infinity War. Aaron and Jim also discuss the Stan Lee situation and wrap up their making-of-the-Hulk-movies series.

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Universal Joint Podcast Episode 1: A Look Back at What Was and Forward at What Will Be

Fri, 20 Apr 2018 22:24:00 -0000

In the debut episode of this brand-new podcast series, Jim Hill and Dustin Fuhs discuss Universal Orlando's Endless Summer Resort as well as look back at when the Bates Motel was the only structure you could see out on the Universal Studios Florida construction site.

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Episode 157: WDW Property Developments and Disney Raises the Titanic

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 00:21:00 -0000

Len notes that Disney has quiety announced new Flamingo Crossing apartment developments, and Jim points out how this ties in to the closing of Crossroads Plaza.

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Episode 156: Len's Menu Rants, Galaxy's Edge Technology, and DCA

Sun, 15 Apr 2018 00:21:00 -0000

Len eats at Jiko and Enzo's Hideaway and wonders when menus became incomprehensible. Jim begins telling the history of Disney California Adventure.

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Looking at Lucasfilm Podcast Episde 1: The Saga Begins (Audio)

Sat, 14 Apr 2018 13:22:00 -0000

In the introductory episode of this new podcast series, Dan Zehr of "Coffee with Kenobi" and Jim Hill talk about the latest news out of the land of Lucas. Among the topics discussed is Frank Oz's terrific interview with Mark Hamill at the 92nd Street Y.

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor - Eprisode 1: Three Animated Disney Movies That Never Got Made

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 20:21:00 -0000

In the first installment of this new podcast series, Drew Taylor and Jim Hill use John Musker's recent retirement from Walt Disney Animation Studios as an excuse to discuss 'Fraidy Cat'. Drew and Jim also shine a spotlight on the never completed animated version of Sinbad as well as the stage musical version of The Snow Queen.

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Episode 155: Do Disney's Summer Hotel Discounts Signal a Strategy Shift?

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 16:00:00 -0000

Len finds some interesting pricing trends in Disney's latest hotel discounts, and Jim explains the strategy Disney's using.

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Episode 154: Pirates of the Scare-ibbean(?) and Potential Galaxy's Edge Opening Dates

Mon, 02 Apr 2018 16:00:00 -0000

Jim tells a story Len's never heard before about how Pirates of the Caribbean almost got a holiday overlay.

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Episode 153: Indiana Jones and Star Wars in Disney's Parks, Part 3

Sun, 01 Apr 2018 16:00:00 -0000

In news, we talk about the Disney corporate re-organization and how it'll affect the parks, a quick take on parking fees, and more.

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Episode 152: Indiana Jones and Star Wars in Disney's Parks, Part 2

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 16:00:00 -0000

In news, Len talks about how Disney World is handling spring break crowds, including whether older rides can reliably run at full capacity for days on end.

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Episode 151: Indiana Jones and Star Wars in Disney's Parks

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0000

In news, we talk about Disney's latest price increases and what we can expect between now and when Galaxy's Edge opens.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 8: Marvel News Round-up for 2018

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 17:46:00 -0000

The latest Marvel Entertainment-related headlines, when James Gunn will be shooting the live-action footage for EPCOT's new "Guardians of the Galaxy" indoor coaster, when we may be seeing a "Black Panther" sequel released to theaters.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 8: Marvel News Round-up for 2018

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 00:00:00 -0000

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Episode 149: Marvel in Disneyland Paris and What it Means for Us

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 16:00:00 -0000

In news, we also talk about what Black Panther's success means for Disney's theme parks, the new changes at Be Our Guest, and more.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 7: Why "Black Panther" Matters

Sun, 04 Mar 2018 15:20:00 -0000

Aaron and Jim discuss Marvel-related headlines like the 100th episode of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the upcoming expansion of the Walt Disney Studios Paris theme park. They also bring in fellow broadcaster McConnell Adams to discuss the culture impact that Black Panther has had to date.

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Episode 148: Who Thought 'Minnie Mouse Madonna' Was a Good Idea?

Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:00:00 -0000

To do this, Disney make a TV movie called 'Totally Minnie Mouse.' Not only was it Minnie's first solo starring role, it included TV personalities Suzanne Somers, Vanna White, and (somehow) Elton John.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 6: Hulk History Part 2

Tue, 13 Feb 2018 09:56:00 -0000

Jim talks about how the Hulk began transitioning from being a TV property at Universal Studios to becoming a greenlit motion picture. And Aaron continues his deconstructed audio series with a lesson on how to properly assemble a Hulk.

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Episode 147: Chronological Disneyland and Is This the Dumb New Name for Hollywood Studios?

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 11:00:00 -0000

Jim casually drops news that the new name for Hollywood Studuios is 'Disney Cinemagine Park', and goes through all the other name options considered.

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Episode 146: The Be Our Guest Restaurant

Wed, 31 Jan 2018 16:00:00 -0000

Also, Jim not being Norwegian, can't pronounce 'Akershus'.

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Episode 145: The Finale of SpectroMagic's History / Len's Trip to Disneyland

Wed, 17 Jan 2018 05:01:00 -0000

Len talks about his holiday trip to Disneyland and DCA, including his take on Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, It's a Small World Holiday, and Haunted Mansion Holiday, plus Galaxy's Edge construction progress and rumors.

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Marvel Us Disney Podcast Episode 5: Hulk History and Disney Pixel Blocking

Mon, 15 Jan 2018 11:00:00 -0000

In the fifth installment of the 'Marvel Us Disney' podcast series, Jim Hill takes an in-depth look at the Incredible Hulk's origins. In particular how this Stan Lee/Jack Kirby creation initially made the leap from comic books to television series (both animated and live-action).

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Episode 144: 2017 In Review

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 05:01:00 -0000

Jim focuses on the D23 announcements, including new Star Wars details.

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Marvel Us Disney Podcast Episode 4: A Marvelous Year in Review

Wed, 27 Dec 2017 23:04:00 -0000

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill look back at 2017 and all of the Marvel-related projects that Disney Studios, ABC Television and Disney Parks & Resorts tackled during that period. As an extra-added bonus, Aaron deconstructs yet another Marvel-ous piece of audio: The sound of Iron-Man's repulsor blast.

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Episode 143: Part 2 of the History of the SpectroMagic Parade

Thu, 21 Dec 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Jim also reviews the details of the now-official Disney/Fox merger, including what it means for the film franchises and theme parks.

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Episode 142: History of the SpectroMagic Parade, part 1

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 05:01:00 -0000

In other news, Jim previews what a Disney/Fox merger might look like, and we talk about Disney's decision to retain the Shutters name for their new Caribbean Beach sit-down restaurant.

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Marvel Us Disney Podcast Episode 3: News Roundup - Infinity Wars Trailer & TV Reviews

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 22:47:00 -0000

Jim and Aaron also discuss the first two episodes of the latest season of ABC's "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." as well as applaud the animated return of Agent Carter.

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(Updated) Episode 141: How Disney's Theme Park Music Affects You (with Gregory Camp)

Fri, 01 Dec 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Dr. Camp is the author of "Mickey Mouse Muzak: Shaping Experience Musically at Walt Disney World" - a peer-reviewed paper that explores Disney theme park music. You can read the paper at www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-society-for-american-music/article/mickey-mouse-muzak-shaping-experience-musically-at-walt-disney-world/72153D79F0A596EC3DBCED02EFBDBAF0

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Episode 140: DisneyDish Live Event! "What's This? with Jim Hill"

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Jim's never seen these slides before, and has no idea what's in the presentation. He's doing all of this off the top of his head.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 2: When We Almost Review Thor

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 22:38:00 -0000

In this Marvel Us Disney podcast, Jim Hill and Aaron Adams talk about how Marvel Studios -- at Chris Hemsworth's insistence -- turned their established formula for "Thor" franchise films on its head and thus wound up with one of the most entertaining Marvel Cinematic Universe movies ever.

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Episode 139: Disney's TV Influences in Theme Parks

Wed, 08 Nov 2017 05:01:00 -0000

We also go over news about Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs development, plus Universal's news that they bought 110 more acres.

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Sneak Peek of Jim's new podcast Marvel Us / Episode 1: Spidey's Long Road Back Home

Thu, 26 Oct 2017 01:01:00 -0000

This is the first episode in Jim's new series covering the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let us know how it sounds.

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Marvel Us Disney Episode 1: Spidey's Long Road Home

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 21:26:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Aaron Adams use "Spider-Man Homecoming" as an excuse to look back at the past 15 years worth of Spidey movies.

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Episode 138 - The Mineral King Project, Part 2

Fri, 20 Oct 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/

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Episode 137 - Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland, Part 2

Fri, 29 Sep 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/

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Episode 136 - Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 01:01:00 -0000

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/

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Episode 135 - The History of Fantasmic, Part 3 of 3

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 01:01:00 -0000

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/

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Episode 134 - Remembering Marty Sklar

Tue, 15 Aug 2017 01:01:00 -0000

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/

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Episode 133 - The History of Fantasmic! Part 2

Tue, 01 Aug 2017 01:01:00 -0000

In this episode, Jim and Len continue the history of Fantasmic, talking about how Disney Imagineers came up with some of the show's iconic effects and scenes. Jim also explains the pressure that Disney was under as the show's debut got closer and closer.

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Episode 132 - What DID and DID NOT Get Announced at D23

Sun, 16 Jul 2017 05:01:00 -0000

This is a bonus iTunes show. If you like this content, hear more at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.

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Episode 131 - The History of Fantasmic!

Sun, 16 Jul 2017 05:01:00 -0000

With the impending re-opening of Disneyland's Fantasmic!, Jim walks us through the history of the attraction.

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Episode 130 - The History of Pixar in Disney's Theme Parks

Sat, 01 Jul 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Jim walks through the history of Pixar's involvement in Disney's theme parks, from inspiring films, to parades, and rides.

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Episode 129 - History of Character Greetings plus NintendoLand and Star Wars Hotel News

Sat, 17 Jun 2017 01:01:00 -0000

Jim starts a history of character meet-and-greets in Walt Disney World, beginning with how they're hired.

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Episode 128 - Is "Tapu Tapu" Samoan for "Opening Day Disaster?" and Guardians of the Galaxy opens at DCA.

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Jim attends the opening day ceremonies at Universal's Volcano Bay water park, then flies across the country for the debut of Guardians of the Galaxy at DCA.

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Bonus Episode - Pandora Food and Merchandise, plus WDW News

Fri, 26 May 2017 05:01:00 -0000

We talk about the possibility that Volcano Bay is causing accidents on I-4, along with Pandora's nighttime lighting.

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Episode 127 - We review Pandora - The World of Avatar

Tue, 16 May 2017 05:01:00 -0000

This episode includes a walk around the Valley of Mo'ara, plus the Na'vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage rides.

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Episode 126 - When Harrods Almost Came to Disney (Chronological Disney)

Mon, 01 May 2017 05:01:00 -0000

...it all gets intertwined with Disney wanting to build a mag-lev train from the airport to WDW, Disney buying a monorail manufacturer, and other strange twists and turns.

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Episode 125 - The Master Plan for Disney Seas California (Disneyland's Unbuilt Second Gate mini-series)

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Len and Jim also discuss news about Universal's permit filing for a new hotel, and the sorts of transportation challenges that Universal faces with these kinds of expansions on separate properties. We also talk about the "queue-less" Jimmy Fallon ride and the implications of no lines for rides on how people walk around a theme park.

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Episode 124 - When Disneyland's Second Gate was a Boat (Chronological Disneyland Series)

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Len and Jim also discuss Pandora updates.

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Episode 123 - Disney World stories we'll tell in the 2018 Unofficial Guide

Sun, 19 Mar 2017 05:01:00 -0000

We start, of course, with Pandora, and then go across all four theme parks.

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Episode 122 - The First Second Gate (Chronological Disneyland)

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 00:01:00 -0000

It wasn't the first time, though, that the Disney corportation looked to expand its footprint in California. In fact, Walt had an ambitious plan way back in 1962. Here's that story.

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Episode 121 - Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs News and Disney buys Disneyland Paris

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 05:01:00 -0000

Next episode we continue our Chronological Disneyland story!

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Episode 120 - Epcot's Festival of the (mostly culinary) Arts, Caribbean Beach DVC, and other news

Wed, 01 Feb 2017 05:01:00 -0000

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Episode 119 - Rockettes and Restaurants

Sun, 15 Jan 2017 05:01:00 -0000

See disneydish.bandcamp.com for our Unbuilt Disney shows!

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Episode 118 - Jim Wraps Up the History of O Canada!

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 05:01:00 -0000

See disneydish.bandcamp.com for our Unbuilt Disney shows!

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Bonus Episode #2 - Discovery Bay, Hawaii

Sun, 25 Dec 2016 05:01:00 -0000

See disneydish.bandcamp.com for more Unbuilt Disney shows!

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Bonus Episode - Jim and Len review Rogue One with spoilers

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 05:01:00 -0000

How good is Rogue One? Jim and Len talk about the movie, the plot, and the reason behind all of the reshoots that took place

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Episode 117 - Len gets to see Rivers of Light and the Disney Springs drone show!

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 00:01:00 -0000

and the new drone show over at Disney Springs. Spoiler alert: Jim was right months ago when he said that creative issues were just as much a part of Rivers of Light's delays as were technical problems.

Visit DisneyDish.Bandcamp.Com for the "director's cut" version of this show, with an additional 17 minutes of content.

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Episode 116 - The Muppets Restaurant That Never Was

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 05:01:00 -0000

We also talk about Buzz Price's take on these ideas - the memo we're reading from has Buzz's handwritten notes on it. He had very strong feelings about rats in restaurants.

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Episode 115 - Why For? The Headless Horseman, Part 2

Wed, 23 Nov 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Listen to Part 1 of the story here: https://disneydish.bandcamp.com/track/why-for-the-headless-horseman.

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Disney Dish Episode 114 - Jim talks about Disney's 1980's plans to develop Long Beach Harbor next to Disneyland

Sat, 05 Nov 2016 05:01:00 -0000

We continue our Chronological Disneyland series with some unbuilt Disney ideas in Long Beach.

We also talk about new projection shows at the Magic Kingdom, fireworks at DHS, Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom Park, and more.

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Episode 113 - Previewing our upcoming Unbuilt Disney talk

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Other things we'll be covering on November 12 include Disney's Australia Park, Westernworld, Mineral King, and the SS Disney.

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Episode 112 - Disney Hurricane Aftermath, Len's Recent Restaurant Reviews (Condensed version)

Sat, 15 Oct 2016 05:01:00 -0000

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the story, with no side digressions. The longer episode, with 7 minutes (woo!) of side stories, is available to subscribers at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com

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Episode 111 - History of the O Canada! film, part 2 (Condensed version)

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 05:01:00 -0000

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the story, with no side digressions. The longer episode, with 10 minutes (woo!) of side stories, is available to subscribers at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com

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Episode 110 - History of the O Canada! film, part 1 (Condensed version)

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 05:01:00 -0000

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Episode 109 - History of the Disneyland Hotel, part 2 (Condensed version)

Thu, 01 Sep 2016 01:01:00 -0000

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the story, with no side digressions. The longer episode, with 5 minutes (woo!) of side stories, is available to subscribers at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com

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Episode 108: Disney News: Earnings, Park Attendance, and Goodbye to Stitch? (Condensed version)

Mon, 15 Aug 2016 05:01:00 -0000

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the news, with no side stories or digressions. The longer episode, with 18 minutes of side stories, is available at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com

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Episode 107: The Lost Episode of Chronological Disneyland

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 05:01:00 -0000

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Episode 106a: Disney's Summer 2016 Media Preview (Condensed version without side stories)

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 05:01:00 -0000

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the Media Preview event, with no side stories or digressions. The full episode, with side stories, is also available. Let us know which version you prefer

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Episode 106b: Disney's Summer 2016 Media Preview (Full version with side stories)

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 05:01:00 -0000

This is the full version of the show, with about 14 extra minutes of side stories. A condensed version is also available, focusing on just the media event. Let us know which version you prefer.

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Episode 105: The history of Fort Wilderness

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.

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Episode 104: Live from the Animal Kingdom with Tiffins, Nighttime Safari, and more

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.

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Episode 103: Jim's Why For?

Sun, 15 May 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.

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Episode 102: Splash Mountain's History Finale

Sun, 01 May 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.

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Episode 101: Kali River Rapids' History

Fri, 15 Apr 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.

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Episode 100: The guy that invented FastPass

Fri, 01 Apr 2016 05:01:00 -0000

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.

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Earth Day Bonus Episode: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village Walk-Through!

Fri, 22 May 2015 04:00:00 -0000

To celebrate Earth Day, Jim and Len walk through Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Kidani Village, talking about the construction, architecture, crafts, and animals that you see around the resort.

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Episode 14: Urban Design with Sam Gennawey - Tomorrowland

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:00:00 -0000

In our last land with Sam Gennawey, we cover Tomorrowland in all its retro-future glory. Presented by AAA.

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Episode 13: Urban Design with Sam Gennawey - Fantasyland

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 14:00:00 -0000

Urban designer Sam Gennawey goes over the the design ideas behind the latest Fantasyland construction plans. It's all ground planes and edges. Len even name-drops the Golden Ratio. Presented by AAA.

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Episode 12: Urban Design with Sam Gennawey - Frontierland and Liberty Square

Sat, 26 May 2012 14:00:00 -0000

You know that archway between Pirates of the Caribbean and the Westward Ho fries cart? The one with "Frontierland" on one side and "Adventureland" on the other? That's not really the border between those two lands. Where is the real border? Urban Designer Sam Gennawey shows us where to look. Oh, and we get to see more faux sewage. Too bad we've not yet perfected Smell-o-Vision. Presented by AAA.

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Episode 11: Urban Design with Sam Gennawey - Adventureland

Sat, 19 May 2012 14:00:00 -0000

It's on to Adventureland with Sam Gennawey, urban designer and author of the book "Walt and the Promise of Progress City." Ever notice that set of small grey bricks coming from the fort at Pirates of the Caribbean? It's supposed to represent sewage from the fort's 18th century bathrooms. Disgust and impress your friends with this bit of Disney design. Presented by AAA

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Episode 10: Urban Design with Sam Gennawey - Main Street U.S.A.

Sat, 12 May 2012 14:00:00 -0000

Join Len and Sam Gennawey, urban designer and author of the new book "Walt and the Promise of Progress City" as they walk around Main Street U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom. Presented by AAA.

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