Podcasts about disney animation

Len Testa and Jim Hill start with snow shovels, snapping turtles, and New Hampshire's ongoing audition for “America's Australia,” then move into a packed Disney Dish. This week, they cover Disney's holiday party calendar, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house retirement, tightening resort-access rules, the BoardWalk's new Hurley Burley lounge, Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest, and Universal Kids Resort's very sunny Texas debut. They also dig into new DVC survey perks, listener questions about Europa Park, Australia in World Showcase, and whether Epcot is due for a monorail-adjacent hotel. Then Jim continues Disney's living-character history with Dinotopia's odd but memorable second life at Walt Disney Studios Park. NEWS • Disney's Hollywood Studios may be targeting August for Magic of Disney Animation, though the building may have opinions of its own. • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights return with schedules that neatly zip together across the holiday season. • The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is being retired, raising questions about resort crowds, access rules, and guest satisfaction. • Disney's resort-access language continues to tighten around holiday decorations, dining reservations, and who gets to visit which lobby. • The BoardWalk's former Jellyrolls space is set to become Hurley Burley, with family entertainment by day and a 21-and-up lounge by night. • Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest brings HBCU bands, drumlines, and Mickey Mouse as drumline major to Downtown Disney. • Universal Kids Resort opens in Texas with early chatter about short rides, light landscaping, and a shade situation that may require SPF and optimism. FEATURE • Jim explains how sets from ABC's 2002 Dinotopia miniseries wound up on the Studio Tram Tour at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. • Waterfall City helped fill out a park that opened with a small budget and a very large need for things guests could see from a tram. • The segment revisits Dinotopia, Reign of Fire, Catastrophe Canyon, and the strange art of letting narration do the work of missing dragons. • Jim sets up next week's look at Pixar Place, the Living Character Initiative, and the Luxo lamp story that still gives Imagineers the thousand-yard stare. For this episode's full show notes, click here.View transcript 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 The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVC Rental Store. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounted theme park admission at prices better than Disney's. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill start with snow shovels, snapping turtles, and New Hampshire's ongoing audition for “America's Australia,” then move into a packed Disney Dish. This week, they cover Disney's holiday party calendar, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house retirement, tightening resort-access rules, the BoardWalk's new Hurley Burley lounge, Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest, and Universal Kids Resort's very sunny Texas debut. They also dig into new DVC survey perks, listener questions about Europa Park, Australia in World Showcase, and whether Epcot is due for a monorail-adjacent hotel. Then Jim continues Disney's living-character history with Dinotopia's odd but memorable second life at Walt Disney Studios Park. NEWS • Disney's Hollywood Studios may be targeting August for Magic of Disney Animation, though the building may have opinions of its own. • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights return with schedules that neatly zip together across the holiday season. • The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is being retired, raising questions about resort crowds, access rules, and guest satisfaction. • Disney's resort-access language continues to tighten around holiday decorations, dining reservations, and who gets to visit which lobby. • The BoardWalk's former Jellyrolls space is set to become Hurley Burley, with family entertainment by day and a 21-and-up lounge by night. • Disneyland's Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest brings HBCU bands, drumlines, and Mickey Mouse as drumline major to Downtown Disney. • Universal Kids Resort opens in Texas with early chatter about short rides, light landscaping, and a shade situation that may require SPF and optimism. FEATURE • Jim explains how sets from ABC's 2002 Dinotopia miniseries wound up on the Studio Tram Tour at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. • Waterfall City helped fill out a park that opened with a small budget and a very large need for things guests could see from a tram. • The segment revisits Dinotopia, Reign of Fire, Catastrophe Canyon, and the strange art of letting narration do the work of missing dragons. • Jim sets up next week's look at Pixar Place, the Living Character Initiative, and the Luxo lamp story that still gives Imagineers the thousand-yard stare. For this episode's full show notes, click here.View transcript 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 The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVC Rental Store. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounted theme park admission at prices better than Disney's. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠⁠⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠⁠⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 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

In the 1980s, Disney Animation was at a critical and cultural low point. This week our editor (and friend) AJ is here to tell us how they turned it all around with The Disney Renaissance. From The Little Mermaid in 1989 to Tarzan in 1999 they released hit after hit after hit and changed entertainment forever.This is a comedy/history podcast, the report begins at approximately 05:23 (though as always, we go off on tangents throughout the report).For all our important links: https://linktr.ee/dogoonpod Check out our other podcasts:Book Cheat: https://play.acast.com/s/book-cheatPrime Mates: https://play.acast.com/s/prime-mates/Listen Now: https://play.acast.com/s/listen-now/Who Knew It with Matt Stewart: https://play.acast.com/s/who-knew-it-with-matt-stewart/Jess Writes A Rom-Com: https://shows.acast.com/jess-writes-a-rom-comOur awesome theme song by Evan Munro-Smith and logo by Peader ThomasDo Go On acknowledges the traditional owners of the land we record on, the Wurundjeri people, in the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to elders, past and present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Stanford and Rachel rank the Disney movies they've seen on the big screen since 2024. (And they almost forget Wish) Sign up for the Haven newsletter https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/pages/haven Get all the Haven romance books https://amzn.to/4u52Wgr (ad) Get A Deal with a Debutante at https://amzn.to/4tIZzLy (ad) Get your #animationjunkie shirt and holiday gear at https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?utm_campaign=Hallmarkies&utm_medium=8581&utm_source=affiliate Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/DisneyTalking Please support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Check out the Talking Disney Anchor feed https://anchor.fm/talkingdisneycanon Follow us on itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-disney-classics-with-rachel-wagner-stanford-clark/id1479958412 Follow Rachel's Reviews on Itunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rachels-reviews/id1278536301?mt=2 Follow Stanford on twitter- https://twitter.com/StanfordClark Follow Stanford's blog http://moviespastandpresent.com/ http://blog.stanfordclark.com/ Follow my blog at https://rachelsreviews.net Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirlreviews/ Listen to Hallmarkies Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today Stanford and Rachel rank the Disney movies they've seen on the big screen since 2024. (And they almost forget Wish)Sign up for the Haven newsletter https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/pages/havenGet all the Haven romance books https://amzn.to/4u52Wgr (ad) Get A Deal with a Debutante at https://amzn.to/4tIZzLy (ad) Get your #animationjunkie shirt and holiday gear at https://www.teepublic.com/stores/hallmarkies?utm_campaign=Hallmarkies&utm_medium=8581&utm_source=affiliate Follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/DisneyTalking Please support the podcast on patreon https://www.patreon.com/hallmarkies Check out the Talking Disney Anchor feed https://anchor.fm/talkingdisneycanon Follow us on itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-disney-classics-with-rachel-wagner-stanford-clark/id1479958412 Follow Rachel's Reviews on Itunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/rachels-reviews/id1278536301?mt=2 Follow Stanford on twitter- https://twitter.com/StanfordClark Follow Stanford's blog http://moviespastandpresent.com/ http://blog.stanfordclark.com/ Follow my blog at https://rachelsreviews.net Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/rachel_reviews Follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/smilingldsgirlreviews/ Listen to Hallmarkies Podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hallmarkies-podcast/id1296728288 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Senra: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- Ed Catmull is the co-founder of Pixar and the former president of Disney Animation. He grew up in 1950s Utah wanting to animate for Disney. Convinced he couldn't draw well enough, he studied physics and computer science at the University of Utah instead, landing in one of the great talent incubators in computing history. In 1972, he animated his own left hand—one of the first 3D computer renderings ever made. Since childhood he had carried a single ambition: to make the first feature film animated entirely by computer. Reaching it took more than 20 years. George Lucas hired Catmull in 1979 to build a computer division at Lucasfilm. When Lucas needed cash, Steve Jobs bought that division in 1986 for $5 million and spun it out as Pixar. For years it sold imaging computers and lost money while Catmull and John Lasseter made short films to keep the dream alive. Jobs sank roughly $50 million of his own money into it. In 1995, Pixar released Toy Story, the first feature animated entirely by computer, and went public days later. Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, WALL-E, and Up followed. Disney bought Pixar in 2006 for $7.4 billion and put Catmull in charge of both studios; he revived a faltering Disney Animation with films like Frozen. Catmull cared about the conditions that let creative work survive its own fragility. Every original idea, he argues, starts out ugly and broken, and management exists to protect it long enough to get good. At Pixar that meant the Braintrust: a room where directors got blunt feedback with no authority attached and the conversation stayed on the problem, never on who was right. He laid it all out in Creativity, Inc. Show notes: https://www.davidsenra.com/episode/ed-catmull Made possible by Ramp: ⁠https://ramp.com AppLovin: https://axon.ai/senra Deel: https://deel.com/senra Chapters (00:00:00) Most Companies Are Full Of Shit (00:04:28) The Brain Trust Mechanism (00:10:13) Why Steve Jobs Was Banned From The Braintrust (00:17:48) Your Job Is To Manage The Dynamics (00:23:27) Betting The Company On Toy Story (00:24:35) Engineering Eisner's Worst Nightmare (00:36:51) Bob Iger's Crappy Hand (00:38:44) Why Disney Never Asked What Pixar Was Doing (00:43:48) Take The Hard Problem (00:44:38) The Director Can't Lose The Team (00:48:48) Quality Is The Best Business Plan (00:52:32) What Walt Disney Taught Him (00:59:25) George Lucas And The Motion Blur Problem (01:08:48) Now What's The Point Of My Life (01:13:31) How Much Of This Was Me (01:16:10) George Lucas Wanted The Whole Industry Healthy (01:25:11) Refusing To Let Anyone Feel Second Class (01:32:38) The Truck In The Building Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Senra Intro Check out the episode pageRead the full notes @ podcastnotes.orgEd Catmull is the co-founder of Pixar and the former president of Disney Animation. He grew up in 1950s Utah wanting to animate for Disney. Convinced he couldn't draw well enough, he studied physics and computer science at the University of Utah instead, landing in one of the great talent incubators in computing history. In 1972, he animated his own left hand—one of the first 3D computer renderings ever made. Since childhood he had carried a single ambition: to make the first feature film animated entirely by computer. Reaching it took more than 20 years. George Lucas hired Catmull in 1979 to build a computer division at Lucasfilm. When Lucas needed cash, Steve Jobs bought that division in 1986 for $5 million and spun it out as Pixar. For years it sold imaging computers and lost money while Catmull and John Lasseter made short films to keep the dream alive. Jobs sank roughly $50 million of his own money into it. In 1995, Pixar released Toy Story, the first feature animated entirely by computer, and went public days later. Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, WALL-E, and Up followed. Disney bought Pixar in 2006 for $7.4 billion and put Catmull in charge of both studios; he revived a faltering Disney Animation with films like Frozen. Catmull cared about the conditions that let creative work survive its own fragility. Every original idea, he argues, starts out ugly and broken, and management exists to protect it long enough to get good. At Pixar that meant the Braintrust: a room where directors got blunt feedback with no authority attached and the conversation stayed on the problem, never on who was right. He laid it all out in Creativity, Inc. Show notes: https://www.davidsenra.com/episode/ed-catmull Made possible by Ramp: ⁠https://ramp.com AppLovin: https://axon.ai/senra Deel: https://deel.com/senra Chapters (00:00:00) Most Companies Are Full Of Shit (00:04:28) The Brain Trust Mechanism (00:10:13) Why Steve Jobs Was Banned From The Braintrust (00:17:48) Your Job Is To Manage The Dynamics (00:23:27) Betting The Company On Toy Story (00:24:35) Engineering Eisner's Worst Nightmare (00:36:51) Bob Iger's Crappy Hand (00:38:44) Why Disney Never Asked What Pixar Was Doing (00:43:48) Take The Hard Problem (00:44:38) The Director Can't Lose The Team (00:48:48) Quality Is The Best Business Plan (00:52:32) What Walt Disney Taught Him (00:59:25) George Lucas And The Motion Blur Problem (01:08:48) Now What's The Point Of My Life (01:13:31) How Much Of This Was Me (01:16:10) George Lucas Wanted The Whole Industry Healthy (01:25:11) Refusing To Let Anyone Feel Second Class (01:32:38) The Truck In The Building Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

La semana estuvo intensa, y no solo por la fiebre futbolera.

Rick and Maz will spend the next two episodes of the podcast talking about the 1996 Disney Renaissance classic The Hunchback of Notre Dame.  This movie is an underrated but flawed offering during one of the most successful runs in Disney Animation history.  

Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive into the enchanting world of Disney's "Dumbo", marking it as the third film in their exploration of the Golden Era of Disney Animation. They kick things off by discussing the film's unique place in animation history, especially considering it was made during a time when Disney was scrambling to recover from the lackluster performances of its predecessors. With its iconic flying elephant, "Dumbo" tells a heartfelt story about embracing differences and finding one's true potential, all while navigating the circus life. The duo shares their thoughts on the film's animation style, memorable scenes, and the emotional depth that speaks to audiences both young and old. They also reflect on how the film holds up today, bringing a mix of nostalgia and critical analysis to the table, ensuring listeners are treated to both insight and laughter. The discussion revolves around Disney's classic film Dumbo, as Joshua Noel and TJ Blackwell dive into the quirks and charms of this beloved animated feature from the Golden Era of Disney Animation. They kick things off with a lighthearted banter, reminiscing about their own experiences with the film, which was released back in 1941. Both hosts reflect on the film's historical context, noting that it was released just before the United States entered World War II, a factor that adds a layer of complexity to its creation. Dumbo's animation, while simple, is described as endearing, and the hosts marvel at how the film's message of embracing one's differences resonates even today. They dive into the character of Dumbo himself, discussing how his oversized ears, which initially seem like a burden, become his greatest asset, symbolizing the show's core message that uniqueness can lead to greatness. As they reminisce about the film's memorable scenes, especially the iconic 'Pink Elephants on Parade,' they also touch upon the darker aspects of the circus life depicted in the movie, prompting a discussion on how such themes would be received in today's world. Overall, their conversation captures the nostalgia associated with Dumbo while also encouraging listeners to appreciate the film's deeper messages about acceptance and self-love.Takeaways:Dumbo, released in 1941, was created during a challenging time for Disney, aiming to recover financially after the less successful Pinocchio and Fantasia.The podcast highlights how Dumbo's story, centered around embracing differences, remains relevant, emphasizing the importance of one's unique traits as strengths.Listeners learn how the film's animation style was simpler and more cost-effective, showcasing Disney's ability to tell a compelling story without relying heavily on complex visuals.Dumbo's character is notable for being a silent protagonist, making it easier for children to connect with his struggles and triumphs, which the hosts found intriguing.Joshua and TJ humorously discuss the film's historical context, including its references to circus culture and the implications of animal treatment in the narrative.The episode wraps up with a lively banter about Dumbo's legacy in modern media, including its iconic rides at Disney parks and its cultural significance..Be sure to check out our merch, find extra content, and become an official member of Systematic Geekology on our website:https://systematic-geekology-shop.fourthwall.com/.Check out the rest of our Eras of Disney Animation series:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/33fb9ea2-aea9-4bfc-a257-04405e9af3c4.Listen to our other Disney episodes:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/09b1c796-b409-4cfe-bbd0-8b7a8032f846.Check out other episodes with Joshua:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/642da9db-496a-40f5-b212-7013d1e211e0.Don't miss any of TJ's episodes:https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f4c32709-d8ff-4cef-8dfd-5775275c3c5eMentioned in this episode:Become a member of Systematic Geekology on our Website!Check out the link to become a member of Systematic Geekology! All member get exclusive extras and shout outs on the show! Some of the paid tiers of membership get store discounts, free merch, and more!SG on FourthwallCheck out our Fourthwall site for quite literally everything to do with our show!All SG merch, extra content, our youtube page, SG memberships, tips / donations, etc. can all be found at this one convenient spot!SG on FourthwallThe Anazao Podcast NetworkBe sure to check out the network website to see other podcasts trying to engage honestly with Scripture, Theology, Pop Culture, Martial Arts, Science, and more!Anazao Podcast NetworkSystematic GeekologyOur show focuses around our favorite fandoms that we discuss from a Christian perspective. We do not try to put Jesus into all our favorite stories, but rather we try to ask the questions the IPs are asking, then addressing those questions from our perspective. We are not all ordained, but we are the Priests to the Geeks, in the sense that we try to serve as mediators between the cultures around our favorite fandoms and our faith communities.Follow us on Instagram and BlueSky to keep up to date!Follow our show on our socials to keep up to date and get some exclusive content and fun memes!

This is our spoiler-free review of Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5. Join us as we discuss the film's stunning visuals, heartfelt story, memorable new characters, and why Bonnie and Jessie's journey brings a fresh perspective to the beloved franchise. We explore the film's themes of imagination, play, and technology, share our thoughts on the performances, and explain why Toy Story 5 feels like a meaningful evolution of the series while staying true to everything that has made Toy Story special for nearly 30 years. Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5 arrives exclusively in theatres on June 19, 2026. Check out Geekcentric onYouTube | Instagram | Twitter | TikTokJoin the Geekcentric Discord HEREFollow Eatcentric - Same geeks. New Eats

This week is a catch-up: seven news items we hadn't gotten to yet, with a quick read on each.-Oogie Boogie Bash. Disneyland is replacing the Frightfully Fun parade with a Madame Leota's Swinging Wake cavalcade for 2026. For a limited-ticket event, swapping wait-and-watch for come-and-go gives guests more of their evening back, as long as it's well executed. -Magic of Disney Animation. Disney detailed the new Hollywood Studios building, designed as a set of small interactive rooms. This is the micro-visit logic: one room is satisfying, three are satisfying, all of it is satisfying. -Universal United Kingdom Resort. Universal's UK park is now officially named. How it positions itself relative to the existing European market remains an open question, and the company has not addressed it. -Universal Kids Resort. Opens July 1 in Frisco, Texas, at $54 a day, about half the price of a regular Universal ticket, with marketing that leans into appealing to both the child and the caregiver in the same line. -Hagrid's and Tokyo Disney. Universal Orlando pulled Express Pass from Hagrid's, and Tokyo Disney ended free Priority Pass on August 31. Both moves aim to simplify queue systems to restore overall capacity. -Carousel of Progress. Walt Disney World closes the attraction on July 6 to time-shift its scenes from 1900, 1920, and 1940 to 1969, 1985, and 2000, with Walt himself returning as an audio-animatronic. Nostalgia needs a frame of reference, and the original scenes had passed out of living memory, which is the whole point of moving them forward.Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney's most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey's Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert's retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar's growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy's backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. For this episode's full 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 GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews, YouTube: @jimhillmedia, TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 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

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney's most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey's Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert's retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar's growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy's backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. For this episode's full 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 GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews, YouTube: @jimhillmedia, TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ ⁠https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH⁠ Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee 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

In this Showdown episode, Conor and Caroline are taking in the sights of two of Pixar's most iconic locales: Monstropolis and Radiator Springs. Is the cozy, metropolitan aesthetic of 2001's Monsters, Inc. enough to overcome Monstropolis's lack of work/life balance? Is the charm of the forgotten town of Radiator Springs in 2006's Cars enough to make it worthy of a pit stop? Start your engines and hang on to your doors because this road trip is going to be a scream!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok for fun content and exciting new updates!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch the podcast!Dive deeper into the podcast by becoming a subscriber on our Poor Unfortunate Patreon for ad-free listening, exclusive bonus episodes, and more!Join the Poor Unfortunate Fam, our private community for listeners who love the podcast and want to connect to keep the discussions going! On Discord  |  On FacebookIf you like what you're hearing, help us keep bringing you your favorite Disney content by making a donation to Poor Unfortunate Podcast today!*This podcast is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into Disney's latest wave of merch-driven experiences, from a London pop-up built around Disney UU collectibles to Trader Sam's 15th anniversary tiki mug celebration. They also track the growing Toy Story 5 promotional push, including Papa John's Pizza Planet packaging, movie theater collectibles, and Grogu's new blue Nilla Nummies. Then Jim turns to Disney's newly reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios and asks whether Disney will properly honor the Florida animation team that helped create Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and more. NEWS • Disney tests another ticketed-style merch experience with a Disney UU collectible pop-up in London. • Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar celebrates 15 years with a new anniversary mug and expanded food offerings. • Papa John's rolls out Pizza Planet boxes and Toy Story 5 personal pan pizzas tied to the film's release. • AMC, Cinemark, and Regal prepare exclusive Toy Story 5 popcorn buckets, cups, blankets, and collectible tie-ins. • Grogu gets his own blue Nilla Nummies cookies as Mandalorian and Grogu merch keeps expanding. FEATURE • Jim looks at the newly opened Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios. • The reimagined space pays tribute to Disney's California animation history, from Hyperion to Burbank. • The conversation turns to the often-overlooked legacy of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. • Jim hopes the finished Magic of Disney Animation attraction includes meaningful nods to Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, John Henry, and the artists who made them. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2, Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets. If a 2026 park trip is on your radar, head over to UnlockedMagic.com and let their team help make your next vacation a little more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cool Kids Summer is back at Walt Disney World in 2026, and it's better than ever. On May 26, all four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom) opened new attractions to kick off the summer season. These include Jessie's Roundup, Goofycore, Soarin' Across America, Bluey's Wild World, Magic of Disney Animation (including Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live), Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: Starring the Muppets. This is in addition to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, which recently reopened with major enhancements and upgrades. In this episode, I share my honest review of Cool Kids Summer thanks to a week-long preview hosted by Disney Parks. Get ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, in-depth news analysis, and premium content at patreon.com/imaginationskyway. To plan a trip, be sure to work with KMV Travel.   Read Matt's Imagineering column in WDW Magazine.   Imagination Skyway is a Disney Parks and Imagineering podcast. Episodes explore attraction design, recap Disney news, and dive into the stories behind the magic, including interviews with Disney Imagineers, Disney Legends, and other Disney creators. Not affiliated with or endorsed by The Walt Disney Company. Disney is a trademark of The Walt Disney Company.   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!

Do you ever wonder who makes those chalkboard signs at Trader Joe's? Well, that's how Benjamin Soto got started—drawing Trader Joe's signs by day and designing band merch at night for Fearless Records.In 1998, Ben was recruited by Paul Frank to help kick off the massive millennial pop-culture brand Paul Frank Industries. Ben managed the brand creative for about 10 years, which meant involvement with character designs, the tee and fleece program, pajama prints, photoshoots, trade show booths, retail spaces, collaborations/licensed products. They even let him voice Julius the Monkey on the pilot show of Yo-Gabba-Gabba.In 2008, Disney Animation called and gave Ben the job of helping to create and Art Direct a cartoon based on Evel Knievel's daredevil culture. The Emmy nominated show Kick Buttowski had 52 episodes and aired between 2010-2012. Ben eventually left Disney to partner up with some other entrepreneurs to start the next creative adventure: C-Preme. They had captured "lightning in a bottle" with their 3-D youth bicycle helmet brand, Raskullz. Within three years, they had sold over 3 million helmets and countless other outdoor products. C-Preme sold to Bell Helmets (Easton Bell Sports) in 2014.Ben stayed on working for Bell Helmets until the next idea hit: a colorful cooler manufactured like a bicycle helmet. Target accepted a huge order; patents were in the works, and before the dust settled, they sold their company to Igloo Products Corp. in 2016. Ben is still at Igloo, managing creative for the cooler brand. You might've seen a little bit of Ben in the VW Playmate bus, retro coolers, eco coolers, licensed coolers, and the packaging and marketing of the brand. Igloo sold to Dometic in 2021 for a lot more money than anyone ever dreamed of.Michelle and Ben dive into Ben's amazing career, from Paul Frank to Igloo, and his extensive experience with graphic design. Ben shares stories from past trade shows (before the days of social media) and the wild ride that was Paul Frank in the early days. Michelle and Ben also discuss his transition to Disney, then Igloo, living in Hong Kong, and where Ben looks for inspiration.What's Inside:How Ben got started at Paul Frank and stories from the early days.Ben's experience working at Disney and Igloo.How Ben finds his inspiration.This week's episode is sponsored by @salesproducersinc, a progressive business to business company representing Gift, Lifestyle, Fashion, Personal Care, & Kids lines selling to retail stores with a mission to create long lasting, profitable relationships by adding significant value to our Customer, Vendor, and Team partners. For more information, check out their social media or website www.salesproducersinc.comMentioned In This Episode:Benjamin Soto portfolioPaul FrankKick ButtowskiRaskullzIglooSupport the show

In this Rant/Rave episode, Conor and Caroline are raising their voices about some essential ensemble numbers in the current era of Disney animation. Are you in mourning with Conor at the loss of the epic choral finale that was a trademark of the Renaissance? And are you ready to hear Caroline out on why "I'm a Star" is essential not only to 2023's Wish but to The Walt Disney Company as a whole? Listen for your starting pitch because it's time to turn up and sing out!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok for fun content and exciting new updates!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch the podcast!Dive deeper into the podcast by becoming a subscriber on our Poor Unfortunate Patreon for ad-free listening, exclusive bonus episodes, and more!Join the Poor Unfortunate Fam, our private community for listeners who love the podcast and want to connect to keep the discussions going! On Discord  |  On FacebookIf you like what you're hearing, help us keep bringing you your favorite Disney content by making a donation to Poor Unfortunate Podcast today!*This podcast is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.

Welcome back to Geeks Corner with your hosts, Mr. Daps and Caitie Bear! We have an absolutely packed episode for you tonight, diving into some massive updates from Disneyland and Walt Disney World, sharing an unforgettable celebrity encounter, and giving you a peek behind the curtain of our latest studio adventures.Here is what we are breaking down in this episode:The Ultimate Park-Hopping Freedom: Major news for West Coast parkgoers! Starting June 9th, the arbitrary 11:00 AM park-hopping restriction is officially history. We discuss what this means for your morning rush and how Disneyland's newly integrated in-app reservation UI is changing the guest experience. Plus, a quick look at how their new facial recognition entry technology is zipping lines along.A Muppet Takeover on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: The courtyard is open, the pre-show is set, and the vibe is purely Electric Mayhem! We review the vibrant new courtyard color choices, genius motion-capture audio-animatronic Scooter, and the glorious return of our favorite hecklers, Statler and Waldorf, in their Airstream trailer.Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Star-Studded Surprise: Mr. Daps recounts his firsthand experience watching the brand-new projection shows, Shadows of Memory and The Curious Child, over the Millennium Falcon. But the real magic happened when Dave Filoni, Jon Favreau, Sigourney Weaver, and Pedro Pascal unexpectedly walked out into the crowd! Hear all about Pedro's unscripted Lion King moment with a Grogu plush and how he surprised riders inside the Falcon itself.Cruising Into the History Books: We look ahead to next month's brand-new episodes of Behind the Attraction on Disney+. We share our excitement for a deep dive into the origins of the Disney Cruise Line—from the nostalgic days of the Big Red Boat all the way to the upcoming Disney Destiny.Answering Your Comments: We wrap things up by answering live viewer questions! We touch on whether Soarin' Over California is getting an extension, why we desperately want to hear the full Magic of Disney Animation background music loop, and the practical (and financial) reasons why a certain $399 Disneyland Lego set won't be fitting in our studio anytime soon.Join the Team!We are officially forming our team for the upcoming CHOC Walk! Head on over to CHOCWalk.org/dapsmagic to sign up and walk with us through the parks before they open. Have a brilliant incentive or fundraising idea for our team? Let us know!THE WEEK IN GEEKDisneyland Resort Drops 11:00 Park Hopping Rule in June https://dapsmagic.com/2026/05/disneyland-resort-to-drop-1100-am-park-hopping-time-in-june/ 2 New Episodes of ‘Behind the Attraction' to Focus on Disney Cruise Line https://dapsmagic.com/2026/05/disney-cruise-line-announces-special-2-episode-behind-the-attraction-special/ Courtyard and Queue Photos Shown for Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets https://dapsmagic.com/2026/05/photos-take-a-look-at-rock-n-roller-coaster-starring-the-muppets/ Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets Preshow Revealed by Disney https://dapsmagic.com/2026/05/disney-reveals-preshow-for-rock-n-roller-coaster-starring-the-muppets/ Statler and Waldorf Find New Home at Disney's Hollywood Studios https://dapsmagic.com/2026/05/statler-and-waldorf-find-new-disneys-hollywood-studios-home/ Jon Favreau, Sigourney Weaver, Pedro Pascal, and Dave Filoni Go to Disneyland For First Performance of The Curious Child https://dapsmagic.com/2026/05/jon-favreau-sigourney-weaver-pedro-pascal-and-dave-filoni-visit-disneyland-for-first-performance-of-the-curious-child/ Pedro Pascal Surprises Guests Aboard Millennium Falcon Ahead of The Mandalorian and Grogu Release https://dapsmagic.com/2026/05/star-wars-fans-surprised-in-star-wars-galaxys-edge-by-the-mandalorian-grogu-cast-filmmakers/ Connect With UsRead more Disney & positive content: DapsMagic.comCatch the post-show & replays: DapsHQ.comSubscribe on YouTube so you never miss our upcoming videos and park vlogs!

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the stunning debut of Laika's “Wildwood” teaser trailer, the surprising revival of Matt Braly's cancelled animated feature “Afterworld,” and Universal's massive push behind the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.” They also discuss Warner Bros. Animation's uncertain future, Disney's latest animation-themed park projects, and new details on “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and Apple TV's upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.” AUDIO DISCLAIMER - we had some tech issues, but things clear up after the first break. Thanks for hanging in there. HIGHLIGHTS • Laika's “Wildwood” teaser trailer racks up 115 million views in 24 hours as the studio prepares a major theatrical event strategy for the film's October release. • Drew previews his upcoming trip to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where “Wildwood” will receive a major presentation. • Matt Braly's cancelled Sony animated feature gets new life as Thailand's MONK Studios acquires the rights to develop “Afterworld.” • Warner Bros. Pictures Animation hosts an open house amid growing industry concern over the studio's future during the Paramount acquisition talks. • Universal begins its full-scale marketing push for “Shrek 5” with anniversary screenings, popcorn buckets, and new theme park expansions. • A deep dive into DreamWorks Animation's “Shrek” legacy as the original film celebrates its 25th anniversary. • How NBCUniversal is leveraging “Shrek” across theme parks, merchandising, stage productions, and future film spin-offs. • New details on Disney's reimagined Animation Courtyard and “Magic of Disney Animation” experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. • Fresh casting details for “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and discussion of Apple TV's upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.” HOSTS • Jim Hill X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia Instagram: @JimHillMedia Website: jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor X/Twitter: @DrewTailored Instagram: @drewtailored Website: drewtaylor.work 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 UnlockedMagic.com - Save on your next Disney or Universal vacation with special ticket deals from https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning 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

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the stunning debut of Laika's “Wildwood” teaser trailer, the surprising revival of Matt Braly's cancelled animated feature “Afterworld,” and Universal's massive push behind the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.” They also discuss Warner Bros. Animation's uncertain future, Disney's latest animation-themed park projects, and new details on “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and Apple TV's upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.” AUDIO DISCLAIMER - we had some tech issues, but things clear up after the first break. Thanks for hanging in there. HIGHLIGHTS • Laika's “Wildwood” teaser trailer racks up 115 million views in 24 hours as the studio prepares a major theatrical event strategy for the film's October release. • Drew previews his upcoming trip to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where “Wildwood” will receive a major presentation. • Matt Braly's cancelled Sony animated feature gets new life as Thailand's MONK Studios acquires the rights to develop “Afterworld.” • Warner Bros. Pictures Animation hosts an open house amid growing industry concern over the studio's future during the Paramount acquisition talks. • Universal begins its full-scale marketing push for “Shrek 5” with anniversary screenings, popcorn buckets, and new theme park expansions. • A deep dive into DreamWorks Animation's “Shrek” legacy as the original film celebrates its 25th anniversary. • How NBCUniversal is leveraging “Shrek” across theme parks, merchandising, stage productions, and future film spin-offs. • New details on Disney's reimagined Animation Courtyard and “Magic of Disney Animation” experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios. • Fresh casting details for “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and discussion of Apple TV's upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.” HOSTS • Jim Hill X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia Instagram: @JimHillMedia Website: jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor X/Twitter: @DrewTailored Instagram: @drewtailored Website: drewtaylor.work 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 UnlockedMagic.com - Save on your next Disney or Universal vacation with special ticket deals from https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning 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

Top 5 Pixar Animation Films So the last time I did one of these "Top 5" lists, it was for my Top 5 Disney Animation studios without Pixar. I received several messages and a couple of comments on the post wanting to see my Top 5 Pixar movies... So, here it is. This is my Top 5 Disney / Pixar movies, along with two honorable mentions. I guess it's more of a Top 7, but we will survive the confusion. Let me know in the comments what you think ... did I miss a movie? Would you rank the movies I selected differently? LET ME KNOW! Pop Culture Addicts Theme song "Racing in Darkness" by Nautilus '54 - https://nautilus54.bandcamp.com/album/the-fell-star-2 For more on our show partners - Level Up Sabers - https://bit.ly/LevelUpFSF Once Upon a Tee - https://www.onceuponatee.net/?ref=pcapod Sign Up for Free Loot here - www.pcapod.com/contact For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/popcultureaddicts Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/cpry4fCDTq Visit our website: https://www.pcapod.com PCA on Instagram, and Threads - @pcapodshow This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Top 5 Pixar Animation Films So the last time I did one of these "Top 5" lists, it was for my Top 5 Disney Animation studios without Pixar. I received several messages and a couple of comments on the post wanting to see my Top 5 Pixar movies... So, here it is. This is my Top 5 Disney / Pixar movies, along with two honorable mentions. I guess it's more of a Top 7, but we will survive the confusion. Let me know in the comments what you think ... did I miss a movie? Would you rank the movies I selected differently? LET ME KNOW! Pop Culture Addicts Theme song "Racing in Darkness" by Nautilus '54 - https://nautilus54.bandcamp.com/album/the-fell-star-2 For more on our show partners - Level Up Sabers - https://bit.ly/LevelUpFSF Once Upon a Tee - https://www.onceuponatee.net/?ref=pcapod Sign Up for Free Loot here - www.pcapod.com/contact For more on our Show - Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/popcultureaddicts Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/cpry4fCDTq Visit our website: https://www.pcapod.com PCA on Instagram, and Threads - @pcapodshow This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Show Notes The Truman Show meets Homeward Bound this week with Bolt from 2008. Back to Disney Animation this week with an adventure about a couple of tortured animals trying to get to people who will hopefully not torture them anymore. We discuss why Hollywood would allow such a crazy expensive show to exist and how bad ass a fat hamster can really be. Also why people do terrible things to animals. It's definitely and upbeat episode though. Recommendations: Last Samurai Standing (Netflix), Project Hail Mary Next up: WALL-E (2008) Email us at latecomers@gmail.com Our Facebook group is here for those who consent: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1754020081574479/

In this Wild Card episode, Conor and Caroline roll out the purple carpet again for the 6th Annual Poor Unfortunate Awards® (PUAs®)! With 15 unique categories and over 75 nominees, this is the biggest event in Imagined Disney Award history. Prepare yourself for those award season butterflies as they decide who will walk away empty-handed and who will walk into the after party with the coveted Golden Pua®!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok for fun content and exciting new updates!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch the podcast!Dive deeper into the podcast by becoming a subscriber on our Poor Unfortunate Patreon for ad-free listening, exclusive bonus episodes, and more!Join the Poor Unfortunate Fam, our private community for listeners who love the podcast and want to connect to keep the discussions going! On Discord  |  On FacebookIf you like what you're hearing, help us keep bringing you your favorite Disney content by making a donation to Poor Unfortunate Podcast today!*This podcast is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.

Send us Fan MailAuthor Amy Wallace was the ghostwriter for Virginia Roberts Giuffre's, Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice. Virginia Giuffre was an American advocate and survivor of sex trafficking who became widely known for accusing financier Jeffrey Epstein and his associates, including Prince Andrew, of sexual abuse. She died by suicide in April 2025 at her home in Australia. At the time of her death, her book was complete and slated for publication. As you will hear us discuss, Amy needed to come forward at that time to provide a bridge to the manuscript in light of public details about Virginia that came to light just before her death, namely the abusive nature of her marriage which had not been detailed in the book. Amy Wallace splits her time between books and magazines. Her magazine work has appeared in GQ, Wired, The New Yorker, New York, Esquire, Vanity Fair, Details, The Nation, the New York Times Magazine, Elle, and other national publications. Two of her profiles – “Hollywood's Information Man” (Los Angeles, 2001) and “Walking Time Bomb” (New York, 2019) – have been nominated for a National Magazine Award. She has collaborated on two other books, 2021's Hot Seat: What I Learned Leading a Great American Company, by Jeff Immelt, the former CEO of General Electric and 2014's Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration with Ed Catmull, then the president of Pixar Animation and Disney Animation. Call 988, if you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm.

Disney Plus has released Disney Animation's Songs in Sign Language, which reimagines three animated musical sequences from recent feature films. The positive feedback to the project from the Deaf community in the United States has reached Australia, with advocates here hoping that it represents a positive step toward inclusion.

Send us Fan MailWelcome, welcome, welcome, foolish mortals!On this episode of The Disney Life Happy Wife Podcast, I talk about the baddies of the Disney world ... the Disney villains. My top 10 Disney villains to be exact! What makes them so bad and why do I like them?Now, you may not agree with my list ... but it is my opinion. So check it out and let me know what you think!Sit back, relax, listen to this episode ... and I'll see you real soon!Support the showFollow along with me on social media:- Facebook (@disneylifehappywifepodcast)- Instagram (@disneylifehappywifepodcast)Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns?  Do you have a topic to recommend?  Is there something Disney-related that you want to talk about?  DM me on social media OR email me at dlhwpodcast@gmail.com.Would you like to contribute to my podcast financially?  This could go to better equipment or even towards the next Disney trip.  Check out my new page on Patreon.

This week, technology may improve attraction loading, more Bluey Merch arrives at the resort, Hints for this year's Boogie Bash, we go into the Jungle, and more! Please support the show if you can by going to https://www.dlweekly.net/support/. Check out all of our current partners and exclusive discounts at https://www.dlweekly.net/promos. News: The line “please pull on the yellow tab” may be headed to Yesterland. Disney has filed a new patent for a system that could help improve ride load and dispatch times. The new system uses cameras and various sensors to verify that ride restraints are properly secured. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/new-disney-safety-check-patent/ The Disney Animation team has been hard at work on some new things coming to Disney+. “Songs in Sign Language” is a collection of reanimated songs into American Sign Language Versions. Director Hyrum Osmond along with more than 20 animators worked with Catalene Sacchetti and performers form Deaf West Theater to reimagine the lyrics for “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2, “Beyond” from Moana 2, and “We Don't Talk About Bruno” from Encanto. – https://www.micechat.com/434901-disneyland-update-main-street-honors-disney-store-dreams-toy-story-things/ To help celebrate “Bluey's Best Day Ever” new merchandise will be coming to the resort. Item include character headbands, friendship bracelets, clothing items, key chain, and pins. These items can be found at the Fantasyland Therare, Emporium, Fantasy Faire Gifts, Elias & Co, and the World of Disney. – https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/new-bluey-merchandise-coming-soon-to-disney-parks-and-disney-store/ The Jungle Cruise is back from its most recent refurbishment! From what we can see, the Jungle is looking tip top with some of the local residents looking extra refreshed. The most noticable change is over in the elephant bathing pool. Everyone's favorite bathing elephant, Bertha appears to be a bit more animated than before and is clearly excited to have guests able to visit her again. – https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXj6XY9AMU-/?igsh=MXJxNTJ1OXJudGE5cQ== It's halfway to Halloween and to celebrate Disney has posted some clues for us to decipher. The hints will unlock some ghoulish surprises of what we can expect for both Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween Party in WDW and Oogie Boogie Bash at the Disneyland Resort. – https://www.instagram.com/p/DXo0VLFAHMi/?igsh=MWRnejVkemFpa21rNg== SnackChat: Star Wars Nite Foods – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-after-dark-star-wars-nite-2026-food-items/ Discussion Topic: Alex's Disney Story Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More discussions of Disney with Nick and special guests Kirby Saxton and Jason James. Music Credit The Second Story by Alexander Nakarada (CreatorChords) | https://creatorchords.com Royalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons / Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the biggest animation and industry stories coming out of CinemaCon 2026, including Drew's early look at DreamWorks' Forgotten Island. They also dig into a surprisingly strong box office weekend, Studio Ghibli's return to theaters, and some truly unexpected developments in the world of Willy Wonka. Along the way, the two share insights on theatrical windows, upcoming animated projects, and what's really happening behind the scenes in Hollywood animation. HIGHLIGHTS • Super Mario Brothers Galaxy nears $750M worldwide as the franchise crosses $2B total • Pixar's Hoppers continues a solid run, with digital and physical release plans coming soon • Paramount commits to a 45-day theatrical window while Steven Spielberg pushes for longer exclusivity • Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 lineup revealed, including Ponyo, Spirited Away, and anniversary screenings • Warner Bros. Animation developing anime-inspired Scooby-Doo series Go-Go Mystery Magic • Drew shares his spoiler-free reactions to DreamWorks' Forgotten Island after CinemaCon screening • Netflix's Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory sets up a darker, heist-style Wonka story • Updates on Disney Animation's Hexed, including casting and creative changes HOSTS • Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia) • Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com - your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Plan smarter, save money, and make your next trip more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BOSSes, Anne Ganguzza welcomes Paul Cartwright, an MFA-trained actor whose career spans Shakespearean stages in the UK to high-stakes on-camera work in Los Angeles. Paul shares his unexpected and successful transition from acting to voiceover, proving that "pipes" are secondary to performance. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, the importance of "text-first" training, and how to maintain a sustainable business while navigating the extreme highs and lows of the entertainment industry.     Chapter Summaries: The MFA Advantage: Text-Based Training (03:39) Paul discusses how his MFA training at the Royal Conservatory in the UK shaped his performance style. Unlike the "add emotion" approach common in some American training, the British tradition focuses heavily on the text. Paul explains that "everything you need is in the text," and learning to unlock an authentic voice through rigorous script analysis became his competitive edge in voiceover. The "Door-to-Door" Hustle and 2 AM Practice (06:33) Paul candidly shares the reality of moving to LA with an MFA but no industry connections. To support his family of six, he worked door-to-door sales while spending his nights from 11 PM to 4 AM practicing voiceover. He emphasizes that there is no "workaround" for talent; building a career requires thousands of hours of recording, listening back, and researching. Befriending Fear: A Key to Growth (13:38) Paul identifies fear as a constant companion rather than an enemy. By acknowledging fear and "holding hands" with it, he was able to stop letting it paralyze his learning process. He reframed mistakes as "learning experiences" rather than humiliations, a mindset shift that allowed him to take bigger creative risks in his auditions. Reframing Rejection: David Wright and Disney (21:07) Paul tells a powerful story about auditioning for the head of casting at Disney Animation. After initially being told he wasn't ready, he was given a second chance, worked relentlessly for a week, and eventually earned an endorsement. However, he notes that even a Disney-level endorsement didn't lead to immediate work, teaching him that success is a long-term numbers game, not a single moment of arrival. The "Stop Trying" Commercial Breakthrough (27:28) Despite his extensive acting background, Paul struggled to book commercials until a session with Tina Morasko. He realized he was trying too hard to be "poetic" or "actorly." Once he learned to stop trying and just read the copy as himself, he booked a McDonald's commercial the next day, which became a turning point for his consistent income. Management vs. Agency: The Power of the Hustle (30:52) Paul discusses the difference between top-tier agencies and dedicated management. After being dropped by a major agency, he found manager Brandon Cohen (BAC Talent), whose relentless "hustle" and belief in Paul's talent doubled his income annually for three years. He reminds talent that it's not about the agency's name, but who is actively fighting to get you in front of clients.     Top 10 Takeaways for Voice Actors: Text is King: Base your performance on what is written in the script, not by layering arbitrary emotions onto the copy. No Workarounds: Even with an MFA or natural talent, you must put in the "midnight hours" of practice to master the technical and artistic side of VO. Acknowledge Fear: Stop trying to eliminate fear. Acknowledge it, and keep moving forward with it as your passenger. Stop Trying So Hard: In commercial work, clients want you, not your acting training. Authenticity beats "turning a phrase" every time. Rejection is "Not Now": Reframe every "no" as "not the right time for this specific product," which removes the pressure from each audition. Trust the Numbers: Success is a numbers game. Aim for a high volume of quality auditions (Paul does 170–200 monthly) to increase your booking odds. Find a Fighter: Whether an agent or a manager, prioritize working with people who believe in your brand and will hustle to get you shortlisted. Direct Communication: Don't be afraid to reach out to industry idols for advice (like Paul did with Pat Fraley), but always respect their time and pay for their expertise. Vulnerability is Strength: Being honest about your struggles and fears makes you a more relatable and connected performer. The MFA to VO Path: Acting training for stage and screen is highly transferable to VO, provided you can condense your rehearsal process into a few minutes.

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the biggest animation and industry stories coming out of CinemaCon 2026, including Drew's early look at DreamWorks' Forgotten Island. They also dig into a surprisingly strong box office weekend, Studio Ghibli's return to theaters, and some truly unexpected developments in the world of Willy Wonka. Along the way, the two share insights on theatrical windows, upcoming animated projects, and what's really happening behind the scenes in Hollywood animation. HIGHLIGHTS • Super Mario Brothers Galaxy nears $750M worldwide as the franchise crosses $2B total • Pixar's Hoppers continues a solid run, with digital and physical release plans coming soon • Paramount commits to a 45-day theatrical window while Steven Spielberg pushes for longer exclusivity • Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 lineup revealed, including Ponyo, Spirited Away, and anniversary screenings • Warner Bros. Animation developing anime-inspired Scooby-Doo series Go-Go Mystery Magic • Drew shares his spoiler-free reactions to DreamWorks' Forgotten Island after CinemaCon screening • Netflix's Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory sets up a darker, heist-style Wonka story • Updates on Disney Animation's Hexed, including casting and creative changes HOSTS • Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia) • Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com - your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Plan smarter, save money, and make your next trip more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is your Disney News for Wednesday, April 15th, 2026 - Walt Disney World announces enhancements for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, with a new stage show at Cinderella Castle featuring Disney villains. - Disneyland's Haunted Mansion is getting updated with advanced animatronics and effects, while maintaining its classic charm. - Tokyo Disneyland launches a colorful Spring Festival with parades, seasonal snacks, and exclusive merchandise. - Disney+ reveals a new documentary series, "The Magic of Disney Animation," offering a behind-the-scenes look at the animation process. Have a magical day and tune in again tomorrow for more updates.

200 episodes in, and J.B. and Eddie are celebrating the only way they know how — by turning Disney fandom into a full-blown fantasy draft. Inspired by their love of sports drafts and the great Disney adults vs. sports fans debate, the guys compete across five categories, pulling from the entire Walt Disney Studios, Disney Animation, and Pixar catalog to build out their ultimate rosters. Who will they choose?

Hey there, and a very happy Wednesday to you! This is your Disney News for Wednesday, April 8th, 2026. I hope you're ready to sprinkle a little Disney magic into your day! - Walt Disney World in Orlando is unveiling "Encanto: The Musical Journey" in the Magic Kingdom, an interactive experience celebrating the Madrigal family. - Tokyo Disneyland's "Disney Easter" features colorful egg displays, character appearances, and an Easter-themed parade. - "The Art of Disney Animation" series on Disney+ offers a behind-the-scenes look at classic Disney films, perfect for animation enthusiasts. - "Disney Hits" is launching "Sing-Along Sundays," inviting all to enjoy live sing-alongs with classic Disney songs. That's all for today! Thanks for tuning in, and I hope you have a magical day. Remember to check in tomorrow for more Disney updates. See you tomorrow!

Media Monsters is back!! Again!!! This time with an exciting episode on all things Disney animation. Nick is joined by Luisa Luz and Jason James. Music Credit: Goodbye Ocean by | e s c p | https://www.escp.space https://escp-music.bandcamp.com

In honor of Women's History Month, Michael shares with Tom a look at a group of artists whose contributions to Disney animation have often been overlooked.Links:Michael's Disneyland History SegmentsImportant DIS links and more information!Connecting with Walt on TwitterDreams Unlimited TravelSources:Books:Before the Animation Begins: The Art and Lives of Disney Inspirational Sketch Artists by John CanemakerWalt Disney Imagineering Legends and the Genesis of the Disney Theme Park by Jeff KurttiWalt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real by The ImagineersThe Art and Flair of Mary Blair by John CanemakerMagic Color Flair: The World of Mary Blair by John Canemaker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we recap the latest event Mel participated in called Crittercon, Disney Animation release releases some fun crossover posters to promote Zootopia coming to Disney+, a hazmat alert at Disneyland, California Adventure playsets, Disneyland has a new president, the art of Gravity Falls, plus, Andrew opens multiple packs of the Disneyland 70th Anniversary trading cards! Listen now at: https://www.podketeers.com/612 or watch this episode at: YouTube.com/Podketeers   Our most frequently requested links can be found at: https://www.podketeers.com/links/   Help us make a difference!  Teamboat Willie is the official charity team of the Podketeers Podcast. For more information on the charity that we're currently supporting, head to: http://www.teamboatwillie.com   Check out our series of Armchair Imagineering episodes here:  https://www.podketeers.com/armchair-imagineering/ --- Join the FGP Squad Family! Support for Podkeeters is provided by listeners and viewers like you! We like to call our supporters our Fairy Godparents (they call themselves the FGP Squad). You can find more info on how to become part of the FGP Squad family by going to:  https://www.podketeers.com/fgp --- We're on Discord! Join other members of our community and us on our Discord server! Use the invite link below to join us: https://discord.gg/gG8kJ2a ---  

Eric and Lauren break down a massive week in the Disney Parks community, from the emotional final launch of Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith to swirling speculation about Magic Kingdom's Villains Land. They also react to Joe Rohde's surprise book announcement and the passionate fan debate over Olaf taking over Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios. HIGHLIGHTS Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith officially closed on March 2, drawing multi-hour waits as fans packed Disney's Hollywood Studios to say goodbye to the 1999 launch coaster. Fresh reporting suggests major creative shifts for Villains Land, including a possible Emperor's New Groove coaster, a Maleficent boat ride E-ticket, and an Ursula-inspired flat ride. Fans are divided over whether Villains Land should lean dark and intimidating or embrace a more whimsical, family-friendly tone. Joe Rohde announces a new book, Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible, sparking renewed conversation about the most influential Imagineers of the modern era. A new Olaf-hosted Animation Academy experience will use pre-recorded instruction from Disney Animation artists, prompting debate over the loss of live instructor interaction. For this episode's full show notes, ⁠click here⁠. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS 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

Where Preservation Meets Publication - Discussing the Hyperion Historical Alliance with Paula Sigman-Lowery & Jim Hollifield This week, we're excited to welcome a pair of phenomenal guests to the show. We're joined by long-time Disney Cast Member/Archivist/Creative Manager Paula Sigman-Lowery & accomplished Author/Historian Jim Hollifield. We sit down for a wonderful conversation about an organization that is near and dear to all of our hearts. So, join us for a lively chat about Where Preservation Meets Publication - Discussing the Hyperion Historical Alliance. Paula & Jim share details about the HHA's mission to help preserve Disney historical information and share it through beautiful publications. We also examine how this amazing group helps inspire future authors, historians, and academics. And they discuss some of the phenomenal works that have already been released by the organization and tease a few exciting subjects that will be coming in the future. It's a fantastic exchange that we know you will enjoy.   You can find out more about the Hyperion Historical Alliance and it's mission right here.   You can peruse and purchase their wonderful publications at Stuart Ng Books.   You can also find the Hyperion Historical Alliance Annuals on Amazon.   And don't forget to follow the fantastic HHA Facebook Page. Disney Stories of the Week Once we complete our Where Preservation Meets Publication - Discussing the Hyperion Historical Alliance with Paula Sigman-Lowery & Jim Hollifield portion of the show, it's time for the Disney Stories of the Week. In this episode we share newly released details about the area celebration all things Disney Animation that is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. We also welcome a new god-parent to the Disney Cruise Line Fleet family. Certainly, that's not all. As always, we wrap it all up with tips that might help you on your next Disney vacation.   If you have any comments, questions, or requests to cover a particular topic, please feel free to Contact Us!   We also invite you to join the positive fun in our Hyperion Adventurers Facebook Group as well as our Hyperion Mornings on YouTube for a daily dose of live positive chat!   Thanks for listening! Cheers!

On today's Disney podcast, we're diving deep into everything coming to the reimagination of Animation Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As Disney World transforms this area into The Walt Disney Studios (themed to the actual studios out in Burbank, CA), guests will have a ton of new offerings to experience. From learning to animate with Olaf and getting the opportunity for a ton of new meet and greets with your favorite characters, to a new play area and yes…Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer’s Hat is making a comeback! When will we all get to experience this new area in Hollywood Studios? Late Summer 2026…Enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Fantastical Vacations. For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney and Universal Vacations, visit https://www.fantasticalvacations.com We would love you to join us on Patreon! Thanks so much for supporting the show. Thanks so much for listening! If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Sunday for the podcast. Join us every Sunday and Wednesday evening as we take you to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, on Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios and everywhere in between! We can be found at www.addictedtothemouse.com and be reached at danandleslie@addictedtothemouse.com Please also connect with us here: Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/addictedtothemouse Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedtotheMouse Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AddictedtotheMouse/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/addictedtothemouse/ The post The Magic of Disney Animation Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.

Episode 296 for the week of February 23, 2026 ...  and this is what is going on in our Disney World...Last Week in Disney- Phil's take on  Villains Land tumor - plus Len Testa expands on his initial post. Source: WDW Magic- Disney has shared more details for the Magic of Disney Animation including an animatronic Olaf to be part of the Animation Academy. Source: Scott GustinStarts @1:44 ...Construction Update- Lots of small projects at Magic KingdomStarts @17:23 ...Phil's Disneyland Paris Trip Report- Phil is back from Paris and which means it's trip report time:Paris Starts @23:07 ...Disneyland Paris Starts @36:15 ...* Reminder to like, subscribe, rate, and review the DBC Pod wherever you get your podcast *Send us an e-mail! .... thedbcpodcast@gmail.comFollow us on social media:- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/thedbcpod - Bluesky: @thedbcpod.bsky.social- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheDBCPod/- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDBCPod- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDBCPod- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/thedbcpod- Discord Server: https://discord.com/invite/cJ8Vxf4BmQNote: This podcast is not affiliated with any message boards, blogs, news sites, or other podcasts

Join us for episode 476 of the Theme Park Trader Podcast! On this week's show, we go through The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in detail before playing a game of can you guess the restaurant from the one-star review. A reminder, if you have any questions for us, send us a message on TikTok or Instagram. Also, check out our guide to the DDP in 2026.

In this episode, we welcome back the great character designer, Stephen Silver!  This was a pre-recorded lecture he gave at our own Animation Y'all Expo in 2025, which we wanted to share for the first time on our animation podcast!  Stephen, who has also been an artist recruiter at Disney Animation, gives his guidance to artists on how to approach their career and their passion all in this lecture!  He's been on both sides of the portfolio review, so sit back and hear a very unique viewpoint from an inspirational speaker!

In 2009, Disney released The Princess and the Frog, introducing Tiana as their first African-American Disney princess, paving the way for more diverse representation in animation.The CGI animation boom and the disappointing box office returns of the early 2000s had left a scar at Disney, and behind the scenes, there was huge change in the animation department. By 2004, then-CEO Michael Eisner had closed Disney's traditional 2D animation department, convinced that hand-drawn animation was dead.What followed was a corporate coup, with Roy E. Disney leading a campaign to oust Eisner, which worked spectacularly. When Pixar's John Lasseter took over Disney Animation in 2006, his first act was to bring back the very art form Eisner had killed.Lasseter immediately re-hired legendary directors Ron Clements and John Musker, who had left Disney just months earlier after years with projects in development hell following Treasure Planet's failure.Despite the numerous controversies around representing Disney's first Black princess—from changing her name from "Maddy" and her job to avoid slavery connotations, to criticism that she spends only 17 minutes of the film in human form, they ended up with Tiana, one of Disney's most accomplished, hard-working and important princesses, and what was being developed as The Frog Princess became The Princess and the Frog.The film's stunning animation style, represents a heartfelt return to traditional hand-drawn techniques, combined with modern digital artistry to create a visually captivating experience, but as we all know, it didn't last, and The Princess and the Frog became both a creative triumph and a bittersweet swan song for an art form that defined Disney's legacy.Mentioned in this episode: How Disney's Princess and the Frog Has A Problem With Black Males by JoJo Boy Wonder on YouTubeSupport Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app

Disney is one of the most popular and well-known brands in the world. They are a massive conglomerate of movie studios, television networks, cruise lines, and theme parks. The massive company we know today, however, had much more humble beginnings. It all began with a man and a mouse.  Learn about the foundation of Walt Disney Animation Studios on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Get your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Disce aliquid novi cotidie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down a very strange January weekend for animation and the box office. Between a massive snowstorm shutting down hundreds of theaters, surprise Oscar nominations, and some heartfelt remembrances of animation legends, this episode covers a lot of ground. There is industry news, Disney history, and a few thoughtful detours along the way. NEWS • How a nationwide snowstorm shut down more than 400 theaters and dragged the North American box office down to just $58 million for the weekend • Why Mercy managed to knock Avatar: Fire & Ash out of the top spot with a historically soft number one opening • Zootopia 2 crosses $400 million domestically and gets a confirmed digital and physical release timeline • Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Short, including why KPop Demon Hunters looks like the current front-runner • A first look teaser for The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie introduces Yoshi ahead of its April release FEATURE • A deep dive into the legacy of Roger Allers and how The Lion King was reshaped in the final weeks before release • Behind-the-scenes stories from Disney Animation's most turbulent eras, including last-minute fixes that would never fly today • Remembering restoration legend Ron Stark of S/R Laboratories and his quiet but essential impact on animation history For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Plan your 2026 Central Florida trip with confidence at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season Four Finale. In this Wild Card episode, Conor and Caroline celebrate their 100th full length episode of Poor Unfortunate Podcast. Join them as they reflect on the journey from the podcast's inception to now, revisit the games that have tested their friendship, and share well-wishes from listeners. Don't miss this shining, shimmering, splendid episode -- here's to 100 more!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, and TikTok for fun content and exciting new updates!Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch the podcast!Dive deeper into the podcast by becoming a subscriber on our Poor Unfortunate Patreon for ad-free listening, exclusive bonus episodes, and more!Join the Poor Unfortunate Fam, our private community for listeners who love the podcast and want to connect to keep the discussions going! On Discord | On FacebookIf you like what you're hearing, help us keep bringing you your favorite Disney content by making a donation to Poor Unfortunate Podcast today!*This podcast is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.