The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

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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

Unlocked Magic

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

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 Peterfeso 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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From Pleasure Island to Pints of Guinness: Disney’s Nightlife Reinvented (Ep. 553)

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -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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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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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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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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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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NEW SHOW: The Case For with Chris Cox, Len Testa & Jim Hill

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0000

The Case For (and Against) Park Hopping at Walt Disney World

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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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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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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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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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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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, as well as 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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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.

Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Adults-Exploring-Falling-Subculture/dp/1668069210

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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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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 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.

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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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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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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 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.

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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.

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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.

SHOW NOTES

Full URL: https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-06-02_Show.pdf

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 04:00:00 -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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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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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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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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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.

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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.

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Disney Concept Art vs. Reality: Why Your Favorite Rides Look So Different (Ep. 523)

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0000

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down new details about the Indiana Jones ride at Animal Kingdom, explore the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster ride system, and take a deep dive into how Disney’s concept art often differs from reality—sometimes dramatically.

Monsters Inc. Door Coaster – Disney shares the latest look at this first-of-its-kind suspended coaster at South by Southwest.
Disney Concept Art vs. Reality – The long history of Disney’s over-promising concept art, from Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Cars Road Rally.
Frontierland’s Future at Magic Kingdom – With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Cars Road Rally, will Frontierland and Liberty Square still exist in their current form?
Mandalorian Missions at Smuggler’s Run – New destinations and gameplay elements are coming in 2026.
Universal’s Epic Universe Updates – The latest on character meet-and-greets and interactive elements in Universal’s upcoming park.

Join Len and Jim as they separate theme park concept art fantasy from reality, uncover new attraction details, and discuss how Disney and Universal are evolving their parks for the future.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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+.

SHOW NOTES

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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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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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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 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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How Expensive Can WDW’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass Get? (Ep. 512)

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -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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Why Disney’s Polynesian Tower Might Be the Best Magic Kingdom Hotel (Ep. 511)

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -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.

Show Notes

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How Disney Flattened a Chunk of Caribbean Beach to Pave the Way for Their Priciest DVC Resort (Ep. 510)

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -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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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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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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Muppet*Vision 3D’s Curtain Call: Making Way for Electric Mayhem & Jollywood Nights Review! (Ep. 507)

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0000

Join 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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Villains Land’s 13 Disney Baddies Revealed & How Imagineering Saved Christmas with the Country Bears (Ep. 506)

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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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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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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Epcot’s Hidden Gems: The Forgotten Details of El Rio del Tiempo (Ep. 503)

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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How did the Imagineers just update WDW’s “Peter Pan Flight” (Ep. 494)

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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Frontierland to trade steamboat ride for “Cars” -themed road rally (Ep. 493)

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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Remembering Disneyland’s Indian Village (Ep. 492)

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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Disney Destiny Puts Villains in the Spotlight (Ep. 491)

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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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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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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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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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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How Lightning Lane Multi Pass is supposed to work (Ep. 486)

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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Do you remember WDW’s Treasure Island (Ep. 473)

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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”

Show Notes

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Josh Gad dishes Disney with Jim Hill featuring JOSH GAD (Ep. 439)

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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

Show Notes

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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Disney 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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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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The 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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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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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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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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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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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

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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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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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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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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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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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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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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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 17:36:10 -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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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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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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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 Company.

Show notes

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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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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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The Disney 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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 386: 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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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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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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill 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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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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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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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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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 376: How Walter Cronkite wound up narrating “Spaceship Earth”

Mon, 30 May 2022 21:29:44 -0000

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some tips about how to score an ILL for “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.” They also answer some listeners' mail related to DVC members still being unable to purchase annual passes to the Disney Parks

Show Notes

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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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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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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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Disney Dish 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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Disney Dish 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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Disney Dish 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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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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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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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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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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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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Disney Dish 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

Show Notes

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Disney Dish 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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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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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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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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Disney 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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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

Show notes are here.

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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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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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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

Show Notes here.

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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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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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Disney 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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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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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.

This episode's show notes are here.

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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

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:23:00 -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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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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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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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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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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Wondery for Kids Preview: Melon's House Party

Thu, 21 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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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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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

Wed, 06 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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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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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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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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Disney 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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Disney Dish Episode 338: What not to miss on the menu for La Crêperie de Paris

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 04:00:00 -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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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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Disney 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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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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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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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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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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Disney Dish Episode 331: Why Disneyland steered clear of a Halloween celebration for decades

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Len Testa amd 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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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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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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Disney 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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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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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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Disney 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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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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Disney 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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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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Disney 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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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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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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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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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 13:05:00 -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.

Check out the Show Notes for this episode here.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

This episode's show notes are here.

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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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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 shownotes are here.

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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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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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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 shownotes are located here.

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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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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

Show notes are available here

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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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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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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”

Shownotes here

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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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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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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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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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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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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

Ep 295 Shownotes here.

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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.

Disney Dish Ep 294 shownotes:

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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.

Shownotes: https://tinyurl.com/y4tuj9kp

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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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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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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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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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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.

Vintage photos are available on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFYa1Hyj1OO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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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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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.) Please note that there is a 13a and a 16

They are also on Instagram in these 3 posts: (swipe left to see all of the pics)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2k4CGDXZr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2q9Lyj5yM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2sYGHDiLI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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- Minisode #1 - Walt Disney World Re-opening Update

Fri, 29 May 2020 21:19:00 -0000

In a special Disney Dish minisode 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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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 year.

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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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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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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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Disney Dish Episode 267: How the Disney Princesses came to rule Restaurant Akershus

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Mickey Rides That Were Never Built (Ep. 229)

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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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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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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Disney 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Disney Dish Episode 206: When Disney World almost lost its Hall of Presidents

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 03:26:29 -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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Disney Dish Episode 195: Live From the Studios - Tinsel Town really piles on the tinsel for DHS’ holiday celebration

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 05:46:05 -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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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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Disney Dish Episode 192: 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 two 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: 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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Disney Dish Episode 190: Details on Grand Destino, “Epcot Forever,” & Star Wars Hotel

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 04:40:00 -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 Aventura 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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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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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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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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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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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 & 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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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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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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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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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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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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Disney Dish Episode 176: Disney Transportation: Cruise ships, helicopters and the Millenium Falcon

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 02:35:36 -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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Disney Dish-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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Episode 174: It's All About the Numbers

Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:08:10 -0000

What will, won't or may happen in Epcot and elsewhere in WDW could depend on the numbers.

Check out a time-lapse video of the construction of the massive Guardians of the Galaxy ride in EPCOT -

https://youtu.be/gOrxEam1X64 .

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Episode 173: Restaurant News, Listener Questions, Restaurant Survey Results

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 00:00:00 -0000

Jim and Len discuss what's happening restaurant-wise in Disney Springs plus answer a few listener questions before getting into which restaurant ratings. Get ready for some surprises.

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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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Episode 171: More about Toy Story Land and possible Universal Plans revealed

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 04:00:00 -0000

Len walks through Toy Story Land right before it floods. A listener sends in a survey question from Universal Orlando that hints at something big.

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Episode 170: Toy Story Land Opens!

Mon, 09 Jul 2018 14:13:00 -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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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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Episode 168: Galaxy's Edge Listener Questions and Around the Park News

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 02:56:00 -0000

Jim also a listener question about how Annual Passholder park dates might change around Galaxy's Edge opening.

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Episode 167: New Harry Potter Coaster Details!

Sun, 17 Jun 2018 22:56:00 -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

Sun, 10 Jun 2018 22:56:00 -0000

Also Len visits Disney's Animal Kingdom for the new Up! bird show and Satuli Canteen.

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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?

Tue, 29 May 2018 22:56:00 -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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Episode 163: Unbuilt Epcot Thames River Ride and Maleficient Bursts Into Flames!

Tue, 22 May 2018 22:24:00 -0000

We also cover the Maleficient Dragon fire during the Festival of Fantasy parade.

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Episode 162: Strategery! The Projects Disney and Universal Aren't Talking About

Mon, 14 May 2018 02:56:00 -0000

Len and Jim talk about the new WDW one-day tickets that come with pre-selected FASTPASS options.

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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.

Len also goes over hints about how gameplay at the Star Wars hotel might work, based on academic papers published by Disney. Jim talks about the Guardians coaster, and more...

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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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Disney Dish Episode 159: More Skyliner and Park News, Plus DCA Wrap-Up

Sat, 28 Apr 2018 00:21:00 -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. Jim hears more about Disney's concerns for Epcot's Skyliner station capacity, and how they might deal with it in the short- and long-term.

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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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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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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 16:00:00 -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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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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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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Episode 147: Chronological Disneyland and Is This the Dumb New Name for Hollywood Studios?

Sat, 03 Feb 2018 16:00:00 -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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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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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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(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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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 05:01:00 -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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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 05:01:00 -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 05:01:00 -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 05:01:00 -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 05:01:00 -0000

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/

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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 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 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 05:01:00 -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 05:01:00 -0000

See the show photos and notes here https://www.flickr.com/photos/25733122@N03/albums/72157677565924463

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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 05:01:00 -0000

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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Disney Dish 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

We pick up the story after Disney has just sold out the Rather Corporation to corporate raiders, in exchange for the rights to the property around Los Angeles, including the Disneyland Hotel. But what is Disney going to do with all of these real estate holdings? Jim tells the story. 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 01:01:00 -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 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 106a: Disney's Summer 2016 Media Preview (Condensed version without side stories)

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 01:01:00 -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 105: The history of Fort Wilderness

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 01:01:00 -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 01:01:00 -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 01:01:00 -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 10:00:00 -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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Adventureland - Urban Design with Sam Gennawey (Ep. 11)

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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Main Street U.S.A. - Urban Design with Sam Gennawey (Ep. 10)

Sat, 12 May 2012 10:00:00 -0000

Len Testa takes Disney Dish out of the studio and into the park for a walking tour of the Magic Kingdom with urban designer and author Sam Gennawey. Starting at the train station and heading down Main Street, U.S.A., the duo break down how Walt Disney and his Imagineers used cinematic tricks, architectural sleight of hand, and urban planning principles to shape how guests feel, move, and even think as they enter the park. This episode turns an ordinary stroll into a master class on why the Magic Kingdom works as well as it does.

HIGHLIGHTS
• How Walt Disney’s background in film shaped the Magic Kingdom’s entrance as a “movie theater” experience • The use of tunnels, deflected views, and forced perspective to control anticipation and scale on Main Street, U.S.A. • Why the train station, City Hall, firehouse, and theater are placed exactly where they are • The concept of “weenies” and motion as visual magnets that guide guests through the park • How subtle design cues mark the transition from one land to another, right down to the trash cans

HOSTS
• Len Testa – Website: https://touringplans.com • Jim Hill – IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: https://jimhillmedia.com

GUEST
• Sam Gennawey – Author of Walt and the Promise of Progress City

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

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

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by AAA, the American Automobile Association.

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

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Touring the Magic Kingdom Monorail Resorts – From Bay Lake Tower to the Grand Floridian (Ep. 02)

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 -0000

Jim Hill and Len Testa take a detailed, on-the-ground tour of Walt Disney World’s iconic monorail resorts, exploring their design, history, and hidden quirks. Starting at Bay Lake Tower and moving through the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian, they unpack how these hotels evolved - and what their future might hold. Along the way, they dig into everything from Disney’s early resort struggles to modern DVC strategy and infrastructure challenges. It’s part walking tour, part history lesson, and all classic Disney Dish.

Original Air Date: October 11, 2011
Original Title: Magic Kingdom Resorts Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

Bay Lake Tower’s construction controversy helped inspire the creation of the Disney Parks Blog and Disney’s early push into social media engagement
Disney Vacation Club expansion continues to drive theme park revenue reporting, influencing resort development strategy across Walt Disney World
Early signs of Grand Floridian DVC construction appear, despite official denials from Disney at the time
Monorail operating hours reduced - possibly tied to overnight construction windows and infrastructure work
New cell tower installation near Magic Kingdom highlights growing demand for bandwidth ahead of “NextGen” initiatives
Ongoing guest feedback reveals concerns about monorail capacity, speed, and station crowding at peak times
Disney explores tiered “NextGen” hotel experiences, with deluxe resorts potentially offering enhanced personalized technology
A full walking tour of the Magic Kingdom monorail loop resorts: Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
The history of Disney’s original resort development, including US Steel’s role and Roy Disney’s intervention just months before opening
Lost resort concepts around Seven Seas Lagoon, including the Venetian, Persian, and Asian-themed resorts that were never built
Discovery Island’s abandoned state and the many proposed redevelopment ideas, including a “Myst”-inspired experience and honeymoon retreat concept
The rise and fall of the Polynesian’s wave machine - and how it literally washed away the beach
Design contrasts between the Contemporary’s stark modernism and the Polynesian’s immersive, intimate theming
Operational challenges of aging infrastructure, including accessibility, transportation limits, and retrofitting older resorts for modern needs
Early discussion of Disney’s “NextGen” concept - personalized park experiences powered by emerging technology and increased connectivity

View transcript 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

SUPPORT

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

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

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New Fantasyland Rising – Stories from a Walk Through the Park (Ep. 01)

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 04:00:00 -0000

In this very first episode of Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa take listeners on a recorded walk through the Magic Kingdom in late May 2011, blending in-park ambiance with behind-the-scenes insight. As they move from Main Street U.S.A. to Fantasyland and Liberty Square, the conversation turns to expansion plans, attraction overhauls, queue experiments, and the ever-evolving balance between nostalgia and innovation. It is a snapshot of Walt Disney World at a pivotal moment, just as the New Fantasyland project begins reshaping the park.

Original Air Date: July 24, 2011
Original Title: Episode 1 - A Live Walk Through the Magic Kingdom

NEWS

Early details on the New Fantasyland expansion, including the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and the ambitious scale of the “Fantasyland Forest” project

Plans for an interactive queue at Peter Pan’s Flight, including removal of the former Skyway station and expanded themed environments
Discussion of relocating or updating Carousel of Progress and ongoing debates about preserving Walt-era attractions
Behind-the-scenes challenges with The Enchanted Tiki Room and the role nostalgia played in its 40th anniversary refresh
Rumblings of a Haunted Mansion retail “exit-through-the-crypt” experience featuring video capture technology
FastPass strategy shifts and early conversations about tiered access and advance ride reservations
The impact of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando and how it influenced long-term planning inside the Magic Kingdom

A land-by-land walking tour from Town Square Theater to Haunted Mansion, filled with stories about abandoned in-park hotel concepts and the history of Main Street design
A deep dive into the original Fantasyland ride concepts that never happened, including a Headless Horseman attraction and alternate Sleeping Beauty and Mary Poppins ride ideas
How queue interactivity was being tested and refined in attractions like Haunted Mansion and what that meant for guest flow
The internal tug-of-war between creative ambition, sponsorship realities, park operations, and budget priorities

View transcript 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

SUPPORT

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

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