Podcasts about Animal Kingdom

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 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 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

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 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 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

We take on the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival with a fun challenge inspired by our friend Jon Self. Jon recently shared his list of what he considers the best and worst dishes at this year's festival, and instead of just reading his thoughts… we decided to put them to the test ourselves. Here's the twist: we grabbed all eight items from Jon's list and set out around EPCOT to try every single one of them — without knowing which dishes he loved and which ones he thought were the worst. That means every reaction you hear is completely honest and happening in real time. As we make our way from booth to booth, we taste each dish live and share our immediate thoughts on everything from flavor and presentation to portion size and more. Along the way we talk about which dishes surprised us, which ones didn't quite live up to the hype, and which ones we'd absolutely order again on our next visit. If you're planning a trip to the Flower & Garden Festival, this episode should give you a great idea of which dishes might be worth your time and which ones you may want to skip. And of course, as always, we have plenty of fun (and a few laughs) along the way.

Dateline: March 13, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off discussing the trip I'll be heading out on this evening. LOTS of exciting content coming your way from it! Then it's time for Zoo News stories from the Wild Discovery Park, Saint Louis Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom, The Wilds, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, Como Park Zoo, The Living Desert, Woodland Park Zoo, Dublin Zoo, and Edinburgh Zoo.Conservation News stories include a new conservation initiative in Pennsylvania, Avian Influenza's latest journey, another invasive herp visiting Florida, an awesome story from SANCCOB, and a look at an ambitious rewilding project in Saudi Arabia. Other News features three completely ridiculous and over the top stories. ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

In this Disney news and planning episode of the Adventures of a Disney Dad podcast, Matt and Chip break down several new Walt Disney World discounts, major attraction updates across the parks, and one of the most common questions families ask when planning a trip: where should we eat? Quick Service Edition! From new ticket deals that could save families hundreds of dollars, to the return of Soarin' Over America and the arrival of Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom, this episode covers a wide range of updates that Disney fans should know about right now. Matt also walks through how some of these discounts can actually be stacked together, and why the math behind Disney's dining plan doesn't always work the way families expect. Then we dive into a full discussion ranking quick service dining across Walt Disney World, including the best spots in each park, hidden gems at Disney Springs, and the locations we usually avoid. If you're trying to plan meals without wasting valuable park time on sit-down dining, this conversation will give you a lot of ideas. Chapters 00:43 New 4-Day Disney World Ticket Deal 01:37 New Disney Room Discounts Through October 3 02:30 Is the Disney Dining Plan Actually Worth It? 05:28 Disney Attendance, Pricing, and Cruise Value 05:54 Disney Cruise Bounce Back Offer Strategy 09:50 Walt Disney World Ride and Attraction Updates 10:15 Soarin' Over America Returning to EPCOT 10:35 Bluey and Bingo Coming to Animal Kingdom 11:02 New Animation Courtyard Opening at Hollywood Studios 11:26 Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin Update 11:39 Big Thunder Mountain Reopening Delay 13:59 Quick Service Dining at Disney World 14:49 Ranking Quick Service in the Parks 16:17 Why Hollywood Studios Has the Worst Quick Service 21:41 EPCOT Quick Service and Festival Food 22:22 Best Quick Service at Animal Kingdom 24:15 Best and Worst Quick Service at Magic Kingdom 26:21 Best Quick Service at Disney Springs 29:14 Final Thoughts and Planning Help

Eric and Lauren take a look at two very different sides of the Disney parks experience. First, they dive into the strange, frustrating, and sometimes hilarious examples of bad guest behavior that cast members deal with every day. Then they flip the script and explore the world of Disney content creators - highlighting some of the nicest influencers in the community and breaking down how people actually turn Disney fandom into a career online. HIGHLIGHTS Weird guest behavior in the parks: From guests interrupting performances to someone walking into Animal Kingdom with an entire bag of hard-boiled eggs, Eric and Lauren share some of the strangest stories pulled from Disney fan forums. Cast member frustrations: The duo discusses the kinds of guest behavior that drive cast members crazy - including entitlement over “pixie dust,” arguing about ride safety rules, spoiling character magic for kids, and hoarding limited-edition merchandise. Guests behaving badly: Stories range from public arguments over reality TV in Disney restaurants to runaway scooters smashing trash cans - plus the uncomfortable reality of guests ignoring common courtesy in the parks. The nicest Disney influencers: A Reddit deep dive reveals a surprisingly wholesome consensus about creators like Paging Mr. Morrow, while Lauren shares why Disney Dish co-host Len Testa stands out as one of the most beloved figures in the Disney fan community. How Disney creators actually make money: Eric and Lauren explain YouTube monetization, sponsorships, Patreon communities, and the reality that many influencers still keep full-time jobs while building their Disney platforms. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠ Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: ⁠⁠DisAndHers.com⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠Dis and Hers⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠Dis & Hers⁠⁠ FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: ⁠⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠ If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey there! Happy Thursday! This is your Disney News for Thursday, March 12th, 2026. As always, I'm here to sprinkle a bit of Disney magic into your day! - "Fantasmic!" returns to Disneyland Resort with enhanced tech and new scenes, promising a dazzling show under the stars. - EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is on at Walt Disney World, featuring a new butterfly exhibit and vibrant gardens. - Disney Cruise Line reveals the Disney Adventure ship, featuring a Marvel dining experience, Broadway-style show, and innovative water coaster. - Disney's Animal Kingdom launches a conservation effort with educational programs and habitat restoration for endangered species. Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you have a magical day. Remember to check in tomorrow for more Disney updates. See you tomorrow!

What would happen if Len Testa and Chris Cox were suddenly handed the keys to The Walt Disney Company? In this spirited session of The Case For, Jim Hill presides as the guys pitch their boldest, nerdiest, and occasionally unhinged ideas for the future of Walt Disney World. From resurrecting Magical Express to replacing Jungle Cruise with a Moana and Lilo & Stitch volcano coaster, nothing is off the table. HIGHLIGHTS • Should Disney bring back Magical Express and resort package delivery, possibly with paid expedited options to drive incremental revenue? • Len proposes accepting international Annual Passes at domestic parks in 2026 to offset projected declines in overseas travel. • A controversial pitch to replace Magic Kingdom's Jungle Cruise with a family-friendly Fire Mountain coaster themed to Moana and Lilo & Stitch. • Extending the Skyliner to connect Animal Kingdom, Coronado Springs, All-Stars, and Blizzard Beach to increase resort occupancy and reduce bus demand. • A Villains-themed breakfast at Be Our Guest as a test kitchen for the upcoming Villains Land. • Chris suggests an AI-powered Memory Maker upgrade that auto-edits photos and creates shareable reels for guests. • The long-lost Adventures Club, the future of the monorail system, airline luggage check-in at resorts, and even a “Need a Pee” line re-entry pass all make the docket. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.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 back half of Landon's trip takes his family to a new resort, his in-laws join the party, and the park hopping adventures continue through all four parks. Enjoy the recap! * * * * * *WAYS FOR YOUR FAMILY TO SAVE MONEY:☞ DVC Rental Store  Check out the deals from our amazing partner, DVC Rental Store, to rent DVC points for your next trip!☞ Discounted Disney World & Universal tickets!  Yes it's legit. Save big bucks on park tickets from our trusted partner. Up to 12% off theme park tickets. 10% off special event tickets (Mickey's Not So Scary and Very Merry Christmas Party). Or if you go to that other place, Uni-whatever.☞ DVC Resale Market! Consider becoming a real life DVC member. * * * * * *

We're recapping a quick Florida weekend that packed in a little bit of everything — live music, Disney Springs dining, dessert experiments, and even a quick outlet stop. The trip kicked off in Jacksonville seeing Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October live at FIVE before heading down to Orlando for a stay at the Drury Inn near Disney Springs. From there, we turned the weekend into a mini Disney Springs food crawl with stops at Pizza Ponte, where we tried the Bun Giorno garlic-cheese pinwheel and the Il Gladiatore pizza, followed by a visit to Salt & Straw to sample several of their wild cereal-inspired ice cream flavors. After another Justin Furstenfeld show at the House of Blues, we wrapped the night with a late dinner at Chicken Guy, trying the five-tender combo with sauces like Chipotle Ranch and Garlic Parmesan. Along the way we share our thoughts on the food, the concert experience, staying at the Drury Inn, and a quick stop at the Vineland outlets before heading home. It's a fun, casual recap episode full of food, music, and a little Disney Springs chaos. Jeremy recently released his new book Still Loud, Now Clear, a music-inspired memoir about sobriety, rebuilding life, and finding clarity after years of chaos. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like you were the only one struggling, this book is a reminder that you're not alone—and that a better soundtrack is possible. Learn more at: stillloudnowclear.com

Here is your Daily Disney News for Monday, March 9, 2026 - Disney's Animal Kingdom to debut "Legends of the Wild," a new nighttime experience featuring water projections, pyrotechnics, and live performances this summer. - Major refurbishment project underway for Space Mountain at Disneyland Tokyo, with enhancements expected by next spring. - Epcot's Morocco Pavilion getting a facelift with new immersive cultural and historical elements. - New Disney+ documentary series "Imagineers: Beyond the Magic" debuts next month, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's creative magic. Have a magical day and tune in again tomorrow for more updates.

I've recently gained a lot of new followers, so for this week's episode of the Fancy Scientist Podcast, I wanted to share with you my vast experience that I've had working as a wildlife biologist for nearly twenty years, so that you can fully understand what this field is like.My career has taken me all over the world, and I've been on all different kinds of adventures: from hiking the deserts of Utah to the top of Mount Kenya, and from flour beetles to forest elephants. I have worked across four different continents and in almost every type of organization that you can think of: the government, zoos, museums, universities, and alongside nonprofits.In this episode, I break down each one of the positions that I have had in the past, telling you what they're like and what I did, but more importantly, how I felt about the position emotionally, mentally, and what it did for my career.This is a comprehensive, yet fun overview of my journey. It's you and me hanging out, sharing the raw reality of these different places, so you can see the truth behind the resume. I do not shy away from discussing real challenges, like navigating toxic work environments and the “sink or swim” nature of graduate research. Chances are, you'll find it refreshing how I don't hold back, but also share how I pulled through.I started my wildlife career officially in 2003 when I graduated with my Bachelor's degree. My first position was an internship with the Bureau of Land Management in St. George, Utah, where I searched for water catchments to help wildlife combat drought and started some preliminary bat research in the Grand Canyon. This got me started in my wildlife career, but this was a challenging internship, and I almost quit!I'm so glad I didn't because that experience led me to a dream internship at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where I worked in a glass-walled lab doing endocrine research on the captive animals there, including African savanna elephants and the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin monkey. This was a total 180 from my experience in the desert! I loved Disney World and spent my days catching tamarin poop and helping to monitor elephant pregnancies. It was a supportive environment that showed me how much I loved combining science with outreach.From there, my journey took me to Kenya as an intern for the School for Field Studies, which was also enriching but challenging. Again, I almost quit! But here I showed that I could work at a field station internationally long-term, which was a major flex for my upcoming Ph.D. research. It also gave me the invaluable experience of publishing.My Kenya internship led me into a six-and-a-half-year Ph.D. program studying African forest elephants in Gabon. I loved my Ph.D., but each step was a mix of incredible highs like observing wild elephants for months on end in Central Africa and the lows of being lonely in a field station or figuring out how to do something that has never been done before! Here, I fully understood what scientific research was really all about.This episode is a must-listen to one if you are interested in going into wildlife fields, want to get to know me better, or are just curious to know what it's like to be a wildlife biologist!Specifically, we go over:How I landed my first “legit” field internship with the Bureau of Land Management in Utah and why it was so hard on meThe inside scoop on working at a world-class zoo and in Disney World, being a Reproductive Biology intern, including what it's like to catch cotton-top tamarin poop and monitor elephant pregnanciesWhat it's like to live in Kenya for a year, and in a remote field stationNavigating toxic work environments and almost quitting more than onceHow I got my first scientific publicationsA brief overview of my research on forest elephants in Gabon, the “sink or swim” reality of graduate school, and why I considered dropping down to a Master'sHow to study “disgust” in raccoons and why I drove around looking for roadkill carcassesMy seven-year postdoc at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, running global camera trap projects, and the birth of “The Fancy Scientist”How these 17 years of experience led me to leave the traditional research path to start my own business in science communication and career mentoringOther fun experiences, like seeing a tiger in the wild or watching a leatherback turtle lay eggsAnd MORE!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?

Pandora—The World of Avatar opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2017, offering Walt Disney World guests an immersive land based on James Cameron's Avatar franchise. Designed by a team of Walt Disney Imagineers led Disney Legend Joe Rohde, Pandora takes Imagineering to a new level of immersive storytelling, engineering, and special effects. From Avatar Flight of Passage to Na'vi River Journey, Satu'li Canteen, the Floating Mountains and beyond, the land is filled with rich details that most guests will miss. In this episode, I chat with Tatjana Lazar from WDW Magazine to discuss our favorite Imagineering details and secrets from Pandora—The World of Avatar. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get bonus content, ad-free episodes, and more at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook Group (ImagiNation): https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@imaginationskyway  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@imaginationskyway Twitter: www.twitter.com/skywaypodcast Email: matt@imagineerpodcast.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-imagineerpodcasts-podcast/id1244558092 Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Purchase merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/imagineer-podcast?ref_id=8929 Enjoy the show!

We kick off our annual March Madness bracket challenges with a Walt Disney World ride tournament as we rank and seed eight attractions in each of the four parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — to build the ultimate 32-ride bracket. Using factors like popularity, theming and immersion, innovation, broad appeal, and overall guest satisfaction, we determine which rides earn the coveted #1 seeds and which ones barely sneak into the tournament field. From heavy hitters like TRON Lightcycle / Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Avatar Flight of Passage… to beloved classics like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Spaceship Earth, and Kilimanjaro Safaris, every attraction has to find its place on the bracket. Along the way we debate controversial rankings, question whether nostalgia should matter, and set up some very interesting first-round matchups. Which rides deserve the top seeds? Which ones are overrated? And what attraction do you think could pull off the biggest upset? Let the brackets begin. Download the bracket: https://www.mainstmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TO-SHARE.pdf

Since its first season premiered last January, The Pitt has been on a steep climb to being the best drama on television. Acting as a true ensemble show, every character gets their moment, however small it may feel in the moment. A sprawling cast that characterizes nurses, doctors, security guards, clerks, and patients seems unwieldy to handle, but Emmy winner Pitt actor Shawn Hatosy chose to direct an episode on top of being a guest star in the series.  Hatosy plays Dr. Jack Abbot, a night-shift attending that – we found out this season – also doubles as a field medic during the day. To hear Hatosy say it, this is Abbot's way of managing himself and his emotions, perhaps taking the suggestion of a therapist and twisting it to do something he enjoys and keeps his adrenaline pumping. Hatosy stepped into the director's chair for the ninth episode of the second season, "3:00 P.M." Though Hatosy doesn't have as much screen time as the regular ensemble, he makes his own impact with this episode, as "3:00 P.M." travels through the emergency department struggling with technology woes due to a potential cyberattack, Mel's sister showing up with her own ailment, a young boy who has blown off two of his fingers, and a cancer patient at wit's end.  Hatosy gets to show his commitment to camera choreography and blocking during the episode, the camera fluidly moving throughout, fast enough for the audience to suffer whiplash as the patients pour in and the day gets more difficult. As an actor (and former director on Animal Kingdom) on the show, he was already familiar with the planning that would be needed to get every part precise. The episode is tightly constructed and introduces the beginning of the end of the day, moving quickly but never rushed, every minute moving quicker than the last. The episode ends by introducing a major disaster that could influence the rest of the season: a waterpark slide has collapsed, and we all know where any potential patients will be going.  I spoke to Hatosy about getting the camera and blocking just right, setting up new relationships on the show, his preparation for directing "3:00 P.M." and how he's affected by the online community that loves him. 

Brim, Kim and Mr. Greer are back at it again. Apart from all the usual shenanigans, the gang chats about everything in pop culture with all the trimmings as they discuss the Long Island Convention of Horror 2026, how Terrifier will be ending the series after the fourth installment, PB4WEGO license plate pardoned by Governor Hochul, and other hysterical license plates. The crew also chats about the Netflix and Warner merger not happening, the guy who stole over $40k from Target using taco seasoning, Looney Tunes chatter, old television gems, and no stars for Darby Allen's Uber driver. The cast talks about the passing of Sondra Lee (Tiger Lilly), McDonald's Big Arch comes to US menus, and the McDonald's CEO seemingly didn't want to taste it. They talk about the real meaning of the Lion King song, missing gorillas at Animal Kingdom, and the reveal of Woody's last name. The crew also discusses the birthplace of Doritos, the originator of the potato chip, Jim Carrey-gate and Kelly Osbourne's current state. The crew chats about entertainment news, opinions and other cool stuff and things. Enjoy.Wherever you listen to podcasts & www.thegrindhouseradio.comhttps://linktr.ee/thegrindhouseradio

Landon's back from his big trip to Disney World!! Here's part one (of many?) episodes where he brings us to the Grand Floridian and a couple parks. Enjoy the show!!* * * * * *WAYS FOR YOUR FAMILY TO SAVE MONEY:☞ DVC Rental Store  Check out the deals from our amazing partner, DVC Rental Store, to rent DVC points for your next trip!☞ Discounted Disney World & Universal tickets!  Yes it's legit. Save big bucks on park tickets from our trusted partner. Up to 12% off theme park tickets. 10% off special event tickets (Mickey's Not So Scary and Very Merry Christmas Party). Or if you go to that other place, Uni-whatever.☞ DVC Resale Market! Consider becoming a real life DVC member. * * * * * *

Hey there, and a very happy Wednesday! This is your Disney News for Wednesday, March 4th, 2026. - Tokyo Disneyland unveils "Frozen Ever After," a magical boat journey with advanced animatronics, perfect for Elsa and Anna fans. - Disney World announces Animal Kingdom expansion featuring "Zootopia," with thrilling rides and immersive experiences. - Disney+ to launch "The Mandalorian: Origins," exploring the lore of Mandalore with action and drama. - Disneyland celebrates the 50th anniversary of the "Main Street Electrical Parade" with new floats and dazzling lights. Thanks for joining me today, and I hope you have a truly magical day ahead. Have a wonderful day, and see you tomorrow!

Magic Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom are seeing extensive construction updates as Disney adds new lands and experiences to its Walt Disney World theme parks. Piston Peak, Villains Land, Monsters Inc. Land, and Tropical Americas are just a few of these updates. In this Imagination Skyway news episode, we'll recap just about everything that's currently closed, under refurbishment, or under construction at the Walt Disney World Resort. Villains Land & Piston Peak Analysis: https://www.patreon.com/posts/villains-land-151902958 To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway.   Tag me and join the conversation below. Instagram: www.instagram.com/imaginationskyway Facebook: www.facebook.com/imaginationskyway YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@imaginationskyway Email: matthew.krul@imaginationskyway.com  How to Support the Show Share the podcast with your friends Rate and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Join our Patreon Group - https://www.patreon.com/imaginationskyway Enjoy the show!

We're ranking every table service restaurant on the Walt Disney World monorail loop. From the iconic chaos of Chef Mickey's to the signature staples like California Grill, Cítricos, and Narcoossee's… and yes, even the modern newcomer Wailulu Bar & Grill — nothing is off limits. We break down all ten restaurants across Disney's Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Resort & Spa using seven key criteria including food quality, value for money, atmosphere, views, uniqueness, reservation difficulty, and who each spot is really for. But we don't stop there. We hand out bonus awards — because what's a ranking episode without a little chaos? This episode blends nostalgia, honest opinions, date-night vibes, family dining realities, and a few spicy takes along the way. Whether you're planning your next monorail meal or just want to argue with us from your car, this one is guaranteed to spark debate. All aboard — it's time for Our Official Monorail Restaurant Rankings.

Whitney is joined by therapist Patrick Teahan to break down one of the most diabolically toxic mother figures on television: Smurf from Animal Kingdom.Follow PatrickYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickteahanofficialInstagram: @patrickteahanofficialWhitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.Have a question for Whitney? Send a voice memo or email to whitney@callinghome.coJoin the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhitFollow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft⁠⁠Order Whitney's book, Toxic PositivityThis podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Gay Mix, Adam kicks things off by recapping a celebrity chef dinner he and his husband Marc attended at a casino near the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, featuring Chopped judge Scott Conant. The evening came with some colorful complications — a smoker parked next to the line, a visibly sick and sweating chef, and Adam's strategic dash to be first in line for the signed cookbook. Daniel then shares his experience at "Goofy's Mystiki Tour," a Walt Disney World cast member trivia and puzzle event held after hours at Animal Kingdom, where his team tackled 50 deep-cut Disney trivia questions and 12 puzzles but ultimately fell short of solving the final challenge. The two also hatch a real-time plan to send an edible fruit arrangement to their fellow podcaster "Big Fatty," who's staying at an Embassy Suites in Las Vegas — a bit that runs hilariously through the entire episode.The show features their recurring segments, including the "Contact" segment with listener voicemails (highlighted by their "Celebrity Death Phone" calls reporting the passing of Bud Cort, Robert Duvall, and Eric Dane), a homegrown news quiz where Daniel scores 3 out of 5, and a speed round of Disney Trivial Pursuit. They dig into their thoughts on the season 50 premiere of Survivor and the finale of The Traitors, with Adam conflicted about the winning traitor's ruthless betrayal strategy and Daniel geeking out over continuity editing mistakes he spotted in both shows. A birthday segment rounds things out with audio clues for Josh Groban, Michael Bolton, producer Max Martin, and actress Téa Leoni.Email: Contact@MinMinusPodcast.comVoice/SMS: 707-613-3284

Hey Ohana, We're back with part 2 of our conversation with our friends Jim, Molly, and James sharing more of our ideas on how we'd love to see the Muppets be better utilized around WDW! Last week (part 1) we shared a little on the history of the Muppets in WDW and our ideas for Magic Kingdom. This week (part 2) we dive into our ideas for EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios! Be sure to stick around to the end too as we put our new friends James and Molly through the Lightning Lane! Thanks for tuning in and as always... See Ya Real Soon! THANK YOU to our friend and the official TA of MTADA, Sue Passasuer! Sue is the only TA we trust with our own family vacations and we know she can help you plan the perfect Disney vacation! DISCLAIMER: We are not an affiliate of the Walt Disney Company, nor do we speak for the brand or the company. Any and all Disney-owned audio, characters, and likenesses are their property and theirs alone.

Hello everyone and welcome to the WDW Mainstreet podcast. Pull up your stool with John and Doug as they discuss all of the latest news from around Walt Disney World and their worlds. The guys start the show off wishing the beautiful Brenda a very Happy Birthday. The guys also pray for our American military. In the news Crazy Shack open in Disney Springs and the guys cover the menu. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom and Hollywood studios are all moving forward with their new lands. Last week for Rock & Roller Coaster, refurb for the Turf Club plus so much more from around the world. So, grab yourself a cold one, sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

Send a textTiffins Review, Disney Adventure Updates & Major Park NewsIn Episode 245 of The Mickeyphile Podcast, we head to Disney's Animal Kingdom for a signature dining experience at Tiffins Restaurant, located inside the stunning Grand Gallery. Is this Walt Disney World's most adventurous table-service restaurant? We're breaking down the atmosphere, theming, menu highlights, drinks, service, and whether it's worth the premium price.From globally inspired cuisine to immersive storytelling decor, Tiffins is often considered one of the best signature dining locations at Walt Disney World. We'll tell you what worked, what surprised us, and whether we'd go back.But that's not all.We also cover big Disney Parks news, including:• Updates on the Disney Adventure• A notable Disney name change you'll want to know about• Enhancements coming to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run• New experiences in Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios• And more Walt Disney World updatesIf you love Disney dining reviews, Walt Disney World restaurant recommendations, Disney Cruise Line updates, and breaking Disney Parks news, this episode is packed with everything you need to stay informed — with just the right amount of snark.Whether you're planning your next Disney vacation, looking for the best signature dining at Animal Kingdom, or just want the latest Disney news and rumors explained, we've got you covered.

We throw ourselves into a brutally fun Disney Would You Rather showdown where every choice comes with a consequence — and there's absolutely no fence-sitting allowed. Encanto is coming to Animal Kingdom… so do you double down with another blockbuster attraction or finally fix Tomorrowland once and for all? Only visit EPCOT during festivals… or give them up forever in exchange for a free table service meal every visit? Build a fifth gate in Orlando… or continually expand the four parks we already love? And that's just the beginning. We debate ride strategy chaos like standby-only Guardians vs virtual queue forever, losing all boat rides vs losing all dark rides, and whether you'd rather guarantee Flight of Passage stays under 30 minutes or finally see the Yeti working perfectly again. Then we dive into dining dilemmas, resort loyalty tests, and park-day strategy battles that reveal what kind of Disney fan you really are — rope drop every day or close the parks every night? Plan everything 60 days out or completely wing it? This episode is part nostalgia, part strategy, part chaos — and 100% the kind of conversation that will have you yelling your answers at your speakers.

Basic Bible Study | Acts 8:1b-14 & James In today's podcast, join Chris and Robyn as they continue their discussion in Acts. Here is a breakdown of what was discussed: - recap of Acts (Part 1) - the Good News of Jesus is for everyone - Simon the sorcerer thought he could buy the power of the apostles, given by God - spend your time serving God & others with the gifts you possess - follow God's leading, even if it seems like a demotion - Saul (later called Paul) used to persecute Christians until Jesus spoke to him - God calls us to commitment, not comfort - Saul preached boldly for the Lord - those who sincerely seek God will find Him - Chris & Robyn have a discussion regarding the Bible - Peter had a vision from God that Gentiles were no longer spiritually dirty - God is never tempted to do wrong or tempts others - faith without good deeds is useless - even demons know who Jesus is, but they don't obey him - the cure for evil desires is humility before God; all we need is His approval - short discussion about Mutual of Omaha's Animal Kingdom - what to read for next time “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ABOUT Opening a Bible for the first time can be intimidating. Join Amy & Robyn in an easy-to-follow discussion. This Basic Bible Study is perfect for beginners & those who have never read the Bible. Look for new podcasts every Tuesday & Friday! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BIBLE RESOURCES https://biblehub.com/ https://www.bible.com/ http://betterdaysarecoming.com/bible/pronunciation.html https://biblespeak.org/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/mybasicbiblestudy WEBSITE http://www.mybasicbiblestudy.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can contact us via e-mail or regular old snail-mail: Basic Bible Study 7797 N. 1st St. #34 Fresno, CA 93720 basicbiblestudy19@gmail.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Disney may be rethinking Villains Land at Magic Kingdom - and this time, bigger could truly mean better. Lauren and Eric unpack the rumor that Imagineers were told to go bold with budget becoming secondary, and what that might signal about Disney's competitive strategy. They also break down the delayed closure of Monsters Inc. at Disney California Adventure, what that means for the proposed Avatar expansion, and whether Animal Kingdom's attraction lineup justifies its ticket price. Plus, the rise of AI-generated meet-and-greet images and why they might be causing real-world confusion. HIGHLIGHTS A rumor suggests the original plans for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom were scrapped in favor of bigger, more ambitious concepts with budget reportedly becoming a secondary concern. What this could mean for Disney's long-term strategy as new leadership looks to make a defining creative statement. Why Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue at Disney California Adventure may now stay open longer than expected. How the potential delay impacts the proposed Avatar-themed expansion and why some fans question whether the IP fits the park. A breakdown of attraction counts across Walt Disney World parks and the renewed debate over whether Animal Kingdom currently offers enough rides to justify a full-day visit. How recent closures and construction projects are affecting crowd flow and guest perception at Animal Kingdom. The surge of AI-generated Disney character meet-and-greet images online and how they may be misleading guests planning their trips. For this episode's full show notes, ⁠click here⁠. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DisAndHers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis and Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis & Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is a privilege to welcome actor and author Blake Cooper Griffin to the Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast.  Blake's story spans extraordinary extremes. Raised in the South, he survived bullying and conversion therapy as a teenager before navigating Hollywood as an openly gay actor long before inclusivity became an industry talking point. Despite being told by top representation that his sexuality made him “unmarketable,” he went on to book nine film and television roles in a single year — launching a career that includes standout performances in HBO's Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, Ryan Murphy's Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story on Netflix, Animal Kingdom, Preacher, and most recently Lionsgate's Scrambled. His critically acclaimed role in Love Is All You Need? sparked an NPR collaboration and national speaking tour, cementing his reputation as a storyteller whose work resonates both on screen and off.  Beyond acting, Blake has built a life defined by authorship and impact. He is the founder and CEO of Brainworks, a premier educational consulting company that has helped hundreds of students reshape their futures and has served as a national surrogate for former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Joe Biden, and former Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking nationwide on leadership, resilience, and LGBTQ+ visibility.  On February 24, Blake Cooper Griffin will release his memoir, The Story of You: A Life Rewritten. The memoir is part cinematic life story, part practical blueprint for reinvention; written for anyone standing at a crossroads between the life they were handed and the one they want to author next. Blending emotional honesty with sharp, actionable frameworks, the book invites readers to stop performing a version of their lives and start rewriting them with intention.  On this edition of The Jake's Take with Jacob Elyachar Podcast, Blake Cooper Griffin spoke about the lessons he learned on the sets of Animal Kingdom, Preacher, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, and from former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. Plus, he spoke about The Story of You: A Life Rewritten's writing process.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jake-s-take-with-jacob-elyachar--4112003/support.

We're previewing Landon's trip and lightning lane strategy, then tackling a few neighbor questions. Enjoy the show!* * * * * *WAYS FOR YOUR FAMILY TO SAVE MONEY:☞ DVC Rental Store  Check out the deals from our amazing partner, DVC Rental Store, to rent DVC points for your next trip!☞ Discounted Disney World & Universal tickets!  Yes it's legit. Save big bucks on park tickets from our trusted partner. Up to 12% off theme park tickets. 10% off special event tickets (Mickey's Not So Scary and Very Merry Christmas Party). Or if you go to that other place, Uni-whatever.☞ DVC Resale Market! Consider becoming a real life DVC member. * * * * * *

We present to you a trip planning tool to keep under a certain budget while still enjoying the food of the parks. In this series we're keeping the budget at $50 per adult, including applicable taxes. Look out for other episodes covering the other parks!   Weekly Exclusive Bonus Episodes of our Podcast are available at  our Patreon page. Visit our Amazon Storefront to see what our must-haves are for the parks (Affiliate Link)   Follow Along! Podcast Account: @ThatParkLifePodcast Beth: @TheRealBethMcDonald and @SimplisticThrills Greg: @Gregintheparks Greg's Other Podcast: The Quick Escape Podcast

We throw the notes out the window and just hit record the second Rhonda walks in the door — because we were in two different states all weekend and somehow didn't actually talk about any of it until now. Rhonda breaks down her girls' trip to Athens, Georgia for a Bailey Zimmerman concert, complete with rainy plans, Parents' Weekend crowds, questionable hotel choices, and an Uber ride that felt like the opening scene of a horror movie (but, spoiler, everyone survives). Meanwhile, Jeremy's weekend turns into a full-on Disney-to-DC sprint: Hollywood Studios and EPCOT festival bites, a detour to Disney Springs with friends, a peek at a two-person DVC tower studio at Riviera with a killer Spaceship Earth view, and a stop at Cake Bake Shop that ends with banana pudding magic. And then… it's off property chaos time. Think: smoky lobby, system outage, no key card, a toilet that won't flush, and a very real “time is money” reminder that ties right back into our on-property vs off-property debate from last episode. It's funny, it's honest, it's chaotic in the best way — and it's basically you sitting at the kitchen table with us.

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 CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThe 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

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 CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThe 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

Description This week we celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of the most legendary video games of all time, The Legend of Zelda, and explore how it changed gaming forever. Grab your wooden sword and let's head north. From dungeon bosses to Dodongo smoke signals, we break down the history, music, trivia, and lasting impact of Nintendo's groundbreaking adventure.   News A new trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu has dropped, teasing familiar characters and confirming a theatrical release on May 22, 2026.   DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom is being reimagined into Tropical Americas, including an Indiana Jones retheme of the Dinosaur ride and an interactive Encanto attraction.   A new Star Wars Galactic Racer game is coming in 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, joining the expanding Star Wars gaming universe.   We say farewell to legendary actor Robert Duvall, whose career spanned classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.   Check out our TeePublic store for some enjoyable swag and all the latest fashion trends What we're Enjoying Jay has been diving into Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance on iPad, a tower defense game bursting with cartoon charm and clever pop culture easter eggs. Its lighthearted tone and strategic depth make it easy to pick up but tough to master. Shua has been moved by Sentimental Value, an Academy Award–nominated drama starring Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgard, and Elle Fanning. This emotional story of estranged family members reconnecting delivers powerful performances and a heartfelt punch.     Sci-Fi Saturdays -  This week on Sci-Fi Saturdays Jay shines a spotlight on Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, directed by Luc Besson. Though considered a box office disappointment, Jay found plenty to love in its ambitious world-building, visual spectacle, and pulpy sci-fi adventure energy. Read his article on RetroZap.com. And make sure to play around with the interactive map on MCULocationScout.com. Plus, you can tune in to SHIELD: Case Files where Jay and Shua talk about great stuff in the MCU.   Enjoy Video Games!  This week we journey back to 1986 and celebrate the revolutionary release of The Legend of Zelda, created by Shigeru Miyamoto. Inspired by childhood exploration, fantasy literature, and a desire to let players discover secrets on their own, Zelda dropped players into Hyrule with no hand-holding and no instructions beyond a wooden sword and courage.   We relive dungeon bosses, secret bombable walls, cryptic old men, and the unforgettable music composed by Koji Kondo. From Aquamentus to Ganon, from Second Quest surprises to Silver Arrow victories, we explore why this game still resonates four decades later, and why sometimes the best adventures are the ones where nobody tells you what to do.   Have you played through all of The Legend of Zelda? Let us know! First person that emails me with the subject line, "You have acquired a sword!" will get a special mention on the show.  Let us know. Come talk to us in the Discord channel or send us an email to EnjoyStuff@RetroZap.com 

We're breaking down a real-world 4-night trip for a family of four driving to Disney and compare a Value Resort stay to an off-property hotel. We look at lodging costs, transportation, theme park parking, groceries, hidden fees, and the true price difference when everything is added up. But cost is only part of the story. We also debate each side head-to-head in categories like transportation convenience, added perks, space and comfort, stress level, food flexibility, and — of course — the Disney bubble. Is staying on property really worth the extra money? Is off property actually cheaper once you factor everything in? And at what point does convenience outweigh savings? If you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation and trying to decide where to stay — this episode is for you.

Here is your Daily Disney News for Thursday, February 19th, 2026 - Disney's Animal Kingdom introduces a new conservation-themed experience with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities focused on wildlife conservation, perfect for nature enthusiasts. - Disneyland Tokyo's Cinderella Castle is receiving stunning refurbishments, enhancing your visit with new lighting and sound effects, ensuring unforgettable nighttime experiences. - Disney+ launches "Behind the Magic: Imagineers Unveiled," a series offering a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity and innovation of Disney parks' creators, showcasing their animatronic and architectural work. - Disney California Adventure's Incredicoaster gets a fresh storyline with new visual effects, ensuring an action-packed adventure with the Incredibles family for thrill-seekers. Have a magical day and tune in again tomorrow for more updates.

Ben's back from Disney World! Part two of his trip recap gets us to Hollywood and Epcot, and ends with pixie dust overcoming a hiccup. Enjoy the show!* * * * * *WAYS FOR YOUR FAMILY TO SAVE MONEY:☞ DVC Rental Store  Check out the deals from our amazing partner, DVC Rental Store, to rent DVC points for your next trip!☞ Discounted Disney World & Universal tickets!  Yes it's legit. Save big bucks on park tickets from our trusted partner. Up to 12% off theme park tickets. 10% off special event tickets (Mickey's Not So Scary and Very Merry Christmas Party). Or if you go to that other place, Uni-whatever.☞ DVC Resale Market! Consider becoming a real life DVC member. * * * * * *

AK w/o LL Find us on Youtube - please like and subscribe!  Looking to plan a Disney World or Disneyland vacation? Let Joe do all the hard work for you, helping you get the best discount, at no cost to you as your travel agent. Get started by e-mailing josephcheung@travelmation.net today!  Episode Description Do you want to tackle the parks without having to pay for Lightning Lanes? We're starting a brand new series, how to tackle the Disney Parks without Lightning Lane Multi Pass! On today's episode we kick things off with Animal Kingdom, probably the lowest on the difficulty scale. You can have a great day at Animal Kingdom without Lightning Lanes and unlike most of the other parks, you can pretty much do it all. Let us tell you how. What are your tips for tackling Animal Kingdom without Lightning Lane? Let us know by e-mailing disneydeciphered AT gmail DOT com, messaging us on social media, or leaving a comment on our Youtube page. You can also follow us on Instagram! Episode Notes (all timestamps are approximate) 2:56 - Why Animal Kingdom is the easiest park to skip Lightning Lane 6:43 - Rope drop to lunch 12:31 - Playing it by ear in the afternoon 24:42 - Disney dos and don'ts If we've helped you to plan your trip and you'd like to thank us we'd appreciate you considering a one time donation. Or if you'd like to receive bonus content, check out our Patreon page and our special subscriber only content! You can also support the show by buying tickets (if they're the best deal, of course) using our Undercover Tourist link or signing up for Mouse Dining through our link. If you like what you hear, please share and subscribe! Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, TuneIn, PlayerFM, iHeartRadio, or Google Podcasts (please leave a positive review if you're enjoying the show), like our Facebook page, or follow us on Bluesky and Instagram! Connect with Leslie @TripsWithTykes on social media and Joe @asthejoeflies.  

We're celebrating Valentine's Day with a spontaneous Walt Disney World day trip — and you're coming along for every bite.First, we head to Hollywood Studios for lunch at 50's Prime Time Café, where we order the onion rings and A Sampling of Mom's Favorite Recipes — the fried chicken, pot roast, and meatloaf combo that feels like a warm hug… followed by a playful scolding if your table manners slip.Then we park hop to Animal Kingdom to try two new desserts at Terra Treats. We dig into the Annual Passholder Exclusive Carrot Cake Sundae — vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, roasted pecans, carrot cake crumbs in a waffle bowl, topped with a birthday cake-flavored shell and a chocolate carrot — for $8.99. And we also try the Cookie Dough Brownie Ice Cream Sandwich for $8.29 — a brownie layered with vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate chips and edible cookie dough.This episode was recorded live and on location, so you'll hear our real-time reactions, first bites, honest reviews, and whether these dishes are worth your time (and your snack budget).Come hungry.

Send a textf you're planning a Walt Disney World vacation in 2026 and feeling overwhelmed by Lightning Lane pre-booking, this episode is for you.Lightning Lane is not random. Sell-outs are not random. Mini drops are not random. And standby wait times are definitely not random.In this episode, I break down Disney World Lightning Lane strategy using real data — including pre-booking rules, Multi Pass vs. Single Pass differences, and what actually sells out first in each park. We go park by park — EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios — and separate the highest demand rides by category so you know exactly what to prioritize when your booking window opens.We cover:• Lightning Lane pre-booking windows (7-day vs 3-day access) • On-site vs off-site booking advantages • The difference between Multi Pass and Single Pass attractions • The highest demand rides at each Disney World park • How Lightning Lane tiers impact your choices • What “mini drops” are and when additional inventory tends to reappear • The lowest average standby wait times by hour • Why the final hour of park operation is often the smartest time to rideIf you've ever wondered: What sells out first at Magic Kingdom? What's the best Lightning Lane strategy for Hollywood Studios? Is Test Track still the hardest Lightning Lane to get at EPCOT? When is the best time to ride Flight of Passage without Lightning Lane? Does rope drop still matter in 2026? Is staying on property really worth it for booking access?We answer all of it.Instead of panic booking at 6:59 AM, this episode teaches you how to pre-plan strategically. Instead of refreshing the app all day, you'll understand when mini drops typically happen and how Disney adjusts availability throughout the day. And instead of assuming rope drop is always best, you'll learn how standby wait times actually behave hour by hour across all four parks.Every Disney park behaves differently. EPCOT rewards evening strategy. Animal Kingdom rewards early mornings and park close. Magic Kingdom rewards staying late. Hollywood Studios demands intentional planning. When you understand those patterns, Lightning Lane becomes a tool instead of a stressor.If you want a Disney World Lightning Lane pre-booking strategy for 2026 that is calm, clear, practical, and data-backed — this episode is your starting point.This episode is designed to give you clarity before your booking window opens, so you can make confident decisions and enjoy your Disney vacation without second-guessing every tap in the app.For more tips on minimizing parental stress at the Disney parks, follow @wellhellomagic.Support the showHey Welcome to Well Hello Magic! Well Hell Magic Website Instagram YouTube Pinterest Amazon Shop LTK Shop Ready to Plan your Disney Vacation? Free Planning Guide Join The Newsletter

When it comes to Disney World, everyone has their favorite attractions. Whether it's the nostalgia of the classics or the thrill of an epic coaster, theme park fans can debate for hours about which rides are truly the best. And today, we're doing exactly that. We're ranking every attraction at Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios—from the rides we never need to experience again to the ones we absolutely can't miss. In this episode you'll hear: Our full rankings of every ride at Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios The attractions we'd skip without hesitation

We're lighting the torch and bringing back one of our favorite traditions — the Main Street Magic Disney Olympics, where we hand out bronze, silver, and gold medals across Walt Disney World in the only way we know how… with strong opinions and zero hesitation.From breathtaking resort views and nighttime vibes to walkable paths and poolside energy, we break down which resorts stand on the podium in 2026. Then we head into the parks to crown medalists for themed lands, ride merchandise, immersive queues, and our top World Showcase pavilions.Of course, no Olympics would be complete without food. We award medals for the best burgers, pizza, quick service dishes, shareable plates, comfort food spots, and dessert destinations across property. Some results may shock you. Some may spark debate. All are fully earned.And in our new “Refresh & Reset” category, we spotlight the best coffee experiences, cooling treats, and creative non-alcoholic beverages — because surviving (and thriving) at Walt Disney World in 2026 is all about balance.This episode is packed with hot takes, fan favorites, and a few surprises. Let the games begin.

VOTE FOR THE TKCP: https://projectforawesome.com/videos/tree-kangaroo-conservation-program-p4-a-2026DONATIONS HERE: https://gofund.me/68db48f65Dateline: February 13, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off discussing our Project for Awesome submission for the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, and how you can help by voting! We have TWO headline stories this week. First we discuss the environmental impact of these trendy AI "drawings" going around the web right now. Then we talk about a new problematic bill in the US House of Representatives. Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Smithsonian's National Zoo, New Forrest Wildlife Park, Mystic Aquarium, Longneck Manor, Drusillas Park, Wildlife World Zoo, the Phoenix Zoo, Dickerson Park Zoo, Taronga Zoo, Utica Zoo, Akron Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo, Chester Zoo, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.Conservation News stories include a huge upgrade in the saiga antelope population, good and bad news for pangolins, a huge step forward for conservation in Illinois, and a big financial gain for an incredible conservation organization. Other News features a look at dog/human communication!ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

As a youngster growing up in Kenosha, Braxton Molinaro discovered his love for theater. A passion that has only grown stronger through time. Braxton has honed his craft from coast to coast and has brought a taste of these high-quality performances back to Kenosha working with the KAPA Repertory Theatre with recent shows, Stuart Little, Wonka, and the now famous Little Shop of Horrors performance on Sixth Avenue last year. We connect with Braxton and talk about hanging out with Topher Grace, working alongside George Takei, Jane Lynch, and his encounter with Al Pacino!  Braxton's next project is directing a reimagining of the classic Tennesse Williams play A Streetcar Named Desire, taking place at Circa on 7th, 4902 7th Ave, February 20th – 22nd.  The production stars Bridget Regan (The Rookie, Jane the Virgin, Agent Carter) as Blanche DuBois, Anthony Konechny (X-Men: Apocalypse, Supergirl, Animal Kingdom) as Stanley Kowalski, Norman Towns (HIM, HBO's Insecure) as Steve Hubbell, Elizabeth McLaughlin (Pretty Little Liars, Hand of God), Logan Donovan (Masters of Sex, Grey's Anatomy), and Jennifer Brown (The Game). Click here to get your tickets now! This episode was recorded live in front of a studio audience at 58 Below in Downtown Kenosha on January 31, 2026. The Ktown Connects hotline is open! Visit us at ktownconnects.com, click on the phone and leave us a message telling us about the last great meal you had in Kenosha! Theme song performed by Dropping Daisies, written by James “Red” McLeod.  Get your Ktown Connects merchandise at The Lettering Machine, 725 50th St. Drop us an email at ktownconnects@yahoo.com Get additional episodes early and ad-free, along with bonus material with this week's guest and more great exclusive material by becoming a patreon supporter! Click here for more! Ktown Connects is brought to you by: Southport Tea, 5701 Sixth Ave Ron's Place, 3301 52nd St Union Park Tavern, 4520 Eighth Ave. Shannyn Franklin – ReMax Elite Public Brewing Company 628 58th St The Law Offices of Frank J. Parise, 7001 30th Ave Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations, 3016 75th St One Stop IT, 520 58th St About Time Moving Systems Sallese & Co, 709 56th St Gerber's Pub, 2405 63rd St 

This session of The Case For lets Judge Jim Hill step out from behind the bench and into the mailroom as Len Testa and Chris Cox react to listener feedback from several recent cases. From after-hours events and dining plans to Butterbeer preferences, New Year's Eve strategies, and park entrances, this episode is fueled entirely by audience opinions, polls, and personal experiences. HIGHLIGHTS • Listener reactions to After Hours events, including strong praise for Jollywood Nights and whether these parties can replace a full park day • Poll results and personal stories about the Disney Dining Plan, snack credits, and why many guests value stress-free spending over savings • A deep dive into Butterbeer preferences, including frozen vs hot, Epic Universe crepes, and controversial takes on Blue and Green Milk • Real-world feedback on New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World, from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT strategies to crowd survival stories • A surprisingly passionate debate over the best park entrances, from Animal Kingdom's Oasis to EPCOT's International Gateway HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.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

Ben's back from Disney World! Part one of his trip recap takes us to the bubble (eventually) and into two parks. Enjoy the show! * * * * * *WAYS FOR YOUR FAMILY TO SAVE MONEY:☞ DVC Rental Store  Check out the deals from our amazing partner, DVC Rental Store, to rent DVC points for your next trip!☞ Discounted Disney World & Universal tickets!  Yes it's legit. Save big bucks on park tickets from our trusted partner. Up to 12% off theme park tickets. 10% off special event tickets (Mickey's Not So Scary and Very Merry Christmas Party). Or if you go to that other place, Uni-whatever.☞ DVC Resale Market! Consider becoming a real life DVC member. * * * * * *

I am joined by Dr. Stephen Cabebe, founder of Fit for the Magic, to break down a smarter, healthier, and far more realistic way to think about fitness through the lens of Disney. We start with Stephen's personal journey—how Disney shifted from a once-in-a-while vacation into a core part of his life, and the moment he realized fitness and Disney didn't need to compete with each other.From there, we dive into the Fit for the Magic philosophy: why consistency beats intensity, why movement should exist between trips (not just before them), and how Disney itself can become an anchor habit for long-term health.We also unpack why Disney trips are closer to endurance events than vacations—covering standing fatigue, posture, mental overload, and why step count is one of the most overrated metrics in the parks. The conversation goes deeper into the mental side of Disney, exploring decision fatigue, emotional highs and lows, and how fitness can improve patience, mood, and resilience.Food gets a refresh too, with a guilt-free approach to fueling for joy, not restriction. And we wrap things up with active recovery Disney-style, plus a fast-paced Main Street Lightning Round that's equal parts practical and fun.If you want to enjoy Disney more, feel better in the parks, and stop “starting over” every Monday—this episode is for you.FOLLOW STEPHENWebsite: www.fitforthemagic.comBook: https://fitforthemagic.com/disneyreadyPodcast: https://fitforthemagic.com/category/happily-ever-active/Instagram: @fit.forthemagic Book a Disney Prep Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/stephen-cabebe/30min

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 CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced 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

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 CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced 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