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World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World (Disneyland Paris) opened with an Olaf autonomous robotic character. Developed by Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development in partnership with Walt Disney Animations Studios, NVIDIA, and Google DeepMind, Olaf was developed in months using Newton, an AI open-source, extensible physics engine that advances robot learning and development. In this episode, I interview Moritz Baecher about his work on this new Disney Parks robotic character inspired by Frozen, and I chat with James Grosch from Guide2WDW about his preview of World of Frozen. 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!
Josh D'Amaro's is now the CEO of The Walt Disney Company. In this Disney news episode, we recap his first Disney shareholder meeting (held on March 18, 2026), discuss his vision for the future alongside Dana Walden and other Disney executives, analyze how Disney Parks and Walt Disney Studios might be impacted by his tenure, and recap Bob Iger's legacy as CEO between 2005 and 2026. 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!
The details of the Darling nursery tell a deeper story than most people realize. But what details did Imagineering decide NOT to include in this opening scene?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to tell the history of Disneyland's 1983 Disney's Peter Pan's Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and behind-the-scenes photos, we deep-dive into the details of this beautiful attraction, flying through the Nursery and Garden scenes. Along the way, we identify some changes in the attraction from its opening to the current day, go down a rabbit trail to discover some obscure Disneyland history, and find an artifact from 1955. Kirk shares the history of hobby horses and alphabet blocks, Kate talks light traps and baffles, and we both explain some unique features of the garden and London mural as we fly away from the nursery window. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Kate's BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate's Substack
In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into a mix of new Disney merch, fan experiences, and theme park history. They break down the newly revealed Disney Princess running shoes from Brooks, preview merchandise coming to EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival, and look at a premium new D23 tour that takes fans through Walt Disney's Los Angeles. Then Jim returns with Part 2 of the story of how a struggling shopping area at Walt Disney World evolved from the Disney Village Marketplace into the sprawling Disney Springs destination we know today. NEWS • Brooks and runDisney unveil the 2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend shoe collection featuring Rapunzel, Belle, and Moana inspired designs - including braided laces, lantern motifs, and ocean themed colorways.• Registration prices for the Disney Princess Half Marathon continue to climb, now landing between $259 and $269, adding to the debate around race merch availability and resellers.• D23 launches the premium Walt's Los Angeles Tour for Gold Members - a $1,999 guided experience visiting Walt Disney Studios, Imagineering, Walt's former home, the Carolwood Barn, and ending with dinner at one of Walt's favorite restaurants.• A preview of EPCOT's 2026 Flower & Garden Festival merchandise highlights new Orange Bird apparel, a retro inspired button down, Spike the Bee accessories, and Annual Passholder exclusives.• Disney California Adventure prepares for the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, including new marketplace booths and the Sip and Savor Pass that lets guests prepay for festival items. FEATURE • Part 2 of the Disney Springs story: how Michael Eisner inherited the underperforming Walt Disney World Shopping Village in the 1980s.• The creation of Pleasure Island in 1989 as Disney's answer to Orlando's Church Street Station nightlife.• The evolution into Downtown Disney in the 1990s with additions like Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, LEGO Imagination Center, DisneyQuest, and Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba.• Why Pleasure Island ultimately closed in 2008 - and the short lived Hyperion Wharf concept that almost replaced it.• How a major rethink under Disney Parks leadership led to the massive Disney Springs redevelopment, expanding the complex to more than 150 shops and restaurants across four themed districts. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic. If a Disney or Universal trip is anywhere on your radar for 2026, the team at UnlockedMagic can help you secure great ticket deals with guidance from people who truly know the parks. Learn more and lock in your future trip at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 29 – Haunted Mansion News, Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 & Our 2025 Podcast Recap Welcome back, foolish mortals… After drifting through the spirit world for a short hiatus, The Swinging Wake Podcast returns with a brand new episode full of Haunted Mansion news, Disney Parks updates, and a full recap of our 2025 podcast season. Join your grim-grinning hosts Alex and Kris as they materialize the latest Haunted Mansion developments from Disney parks around the world, discuss the expansion of Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort, explore the legendary Pepper's Ghost illusion, and revisit the episodes that defined our Haunted Mansion discussions last year. Step into your Doom Buggy and join us on this journey… into regions beyond.
What if you didn't have to walk down Main Street, U.S.A. to feel Disney magic?In this solo deep-dive, Scott follows a late-night Reddit thought experiment into a full Imagineering-style exploration: why Disney's immersive experiences almost never exist outside of its destinations—and what it would take to change that.From the rise and fall of Mickey's Kitchen and DisneyQuest to bold blue-sky concepts like cruise-inspired dining nights, adaptive themed environments, and reservation-only hospitality built for repeat local visits, this episode lives at the intersection of fandom, business reality, and creative dreaming. Along the way, Scott is joined by a new “voice” in the conversation: Green Light—the corporate boardroom perspective that evaluates each idea for brand risk, scalability, and margin pressure.This isn't a news episode. It's a thought experiment about what Disney does best, why it works, and whether the version many adult fans dream about—more intimate, more local, more experience-driven—can ever make financial sense.In this episode:The real reasons past off-property Disney concepts struggledWhy fast food with a Disney logo was never going to workThe difference between attractions and hospitality as a business modelA Disney dining concept built for adults first—not familiesRotating themed nights: parks, cruises, characters, and moreHow programmable environments could drive repeat local visitsThe franchise vs. full-ownership quality dilemmaThe ideas that even Scott admits would get an instant corporate “no”Why the Disney we sometimes want most is the hardest to justify financiallyAt its heart, this is about connection—finding new ways to engage with a brand we love when we can't be in the parks, and embracing the creativity that comes from asking “what if?”So grab a drink, get comfortable, and come hang out at the Hangar Bar while we do what Disney fans do best: dream big, overthink the details, and build the PowerPoint anyway.Join the conversation:Would you go to a local Disney hospitality experience like this? What would your themed night be? Connect with us on Discord and social to share your ideas—and maybe help pitch it to the Mouse.There's a great big beautiful tomorrow… and we'll see you real soon.
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!
In the 1980s, Imagineering completely tore apart Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. But how did they decide on what should replace it? And what did they decide NOT to build?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to Disneyland's 1983 opening of New Fantasyland and Disney's Peter Pan's Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and vintage photos, we deep-dive into the details of how they dismantled and rebuilt Walt's original Fantasyland, including some concepts that never came to pass. As we fly along, Kirk takes us on a tour of dormer windows, Kate points out some ideas that didn't pan out for Imagineering, and we both lament the loss of so much art and memories when the bulldozers tore down Walt Disney's original Fantasyland. While waiting for the dispatch of our pirate galleons, we research some common Disney rumors, discover what inspired some of the queue design, and learn from original work documents how Imagineering pivoted away from their first idea of simply copying the 1971 Walt Disney World version of Peter Pan's Flight.Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Kate's BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate's Substack Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!
On this episode of **Remy's Roundtable: The Florida Theme Park Podcast**, it's **a guys' night at the table** as **Remy and Mike** take over the show for a fun and opinion-filled discussion about the parks we all love.The episode kicks off with a hot debate when Remy asks Mike a big question: **What are the most overrated things in the Disney parks?** Mike doesn't hold back as the two break down **the most overrated theme park snack, ride, and queue** at Disney. The biggest shocker of the night? The legendary **Dole Whip** ends up on the list as the **most overrated snack**, sparking a lively conversation about whether this fan-favorite treat truly deserves all the hype.Next up, it's time for **The Latest Theme Park Updates**, where the Roundtable dives into some big news around Florida's parks. Rumors are swirling that a classic attraction could be on the chopping block, as **Universal Studios Florida may say goodbye to the iconic E.T. Adventure in 2028**. Meanwhile, over at SeaWorld Orlando, thrills are on the horizon as the park announces **a brand-new roller coaster coming in 2027 featuring an incredible 10 inversions**. The discussion also touches on a **new Florida safety law requiring children up to age eight to use a booster seat in vehicles**, something that could affect families traveling to the theme parks.Then it's time for **Remy's Ride of the Week**, where Remy takes a deep dive into one of the most beloved attractions in Magic Kingdom history: **Splash Mountain**. Remy breaks down the ride's history, its creation by Imagineering legends, memorable scenes, and why it became such a fan favorite before giving his personal thoughts and ranking on the classic log flume adventure.Finally, the show wraps up with **Mike's Munchies**, where Mike brings Remy over to the **Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room at EPCOT's United Kingdom Pavilion**. Mike builds his full meal by choosing an appetizer, entrée, drink, and dessert—but by the time Remy calculates the total, **Mike's bill ends up being a little higher than expected**.So grab your favorite park snack, sit back, and enjoy another fun-filled episode of **Remy's Roundtable: The Florida Theme Park Podcast**.
This week on Theme Park Thursday, Frank and Jen sit down with Brian Collins, former Walt Disney Imagineer, founder of the Brainstorm Institute, and author of Creative Cross-Pollination: A Former Imagineer's Take on the Innovation Process. Learn more about Brian at wdwithme.com Creative Cross-Pollination is available now *** Learn more about Dillo's Discord Universe by clicking here! ***
Op 1 maart 2026 bestond D-Tales exact 10 jaar en dat vierden we met een bomvol theater De Avenue in Breda met honderden luisteraars! We blikken terug op de hoogtepunten uit jaar podcasts, onthullen onze eigen soundtrack voor 10 jaar D-Tales en kijken vooruit naar de mooie toekomst van Disney Adventure World in een exclusief interview met de Nederlandse imagineers Michel den Dulk en Bowie Faas. Op naar de volgende tien jaar! D-Tales steunen? Wordt Donalteur! https://petjeaf.com/d-tales 00:00 Welkom bij 10 jaar D-Tales
What happens when Disney builds something incredible and then never opens it?This week, Stephen leads our first canceled episode of the season as we revisit the legendary Western River Expedition, the ambitious frontier epic that was designed, developed, and ultimately left behind. Joined by Kaity and special guest Olivia from @soarinaroundwdwpod, our Friend of the Idiots Podcast of the Year, we unpack the history, the lore, and the ideas that refused to disappear.Then we take a swing at bringing it into the present with our own modern concept, Ghost Town Grand Prix, a Cars themed race through a haunted frontier town inside Piston Peak.And because no ghost town is complete without a little chaos, we play a brand new game, Name That Buckaroo, where wild west characters need names and the competition gets unhinged fast.From scrapped mountains to surviving show scenes, this episode is all about why a good idea at Imagineering never really dies.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
On Episode 131 of The Dreaming of Disney, we're taking you inside the D23 25th Anniversary panel for Disney California Adventure and breaking down everything we learned .From the 1995 Aspen retreat where Michael Eisner and Imagineers dreamed up a second gate… to the budget constraints that shaped the original park… to the mind-blowing logistics of filming Soarin' Over California… we're diving deep into how DCA was born.Then we shift into the reimagining era. How Buena Vista Street transformed the entrance. How Pixar Pier found its identity. The emotional, controversial switch from Tower of Terror to Guardians of the Galaxy. The genius behind Cars Land. And how World of Color almost didn't happen until Bob Iger asked one simple question: “When can we do this?”Plus, Audreyann shares why Guardians might just be better than Tower (yes, we said it), and we reflect on how Imagineers honored the past while building the DCA we love today.If you love park history, Imagineering stories, and behind-the-scenes Disney magic, this one's for you.
All last week you probably heard rumors about Josh D'Amaro changing out plans for Villains Land. You may have also heard that he said that he thought Millennium Falcon Smuggler's Run was good not great. We talk about this and more as we look at these issues in greater context and offer you insights that may not make enough social media hits, but will likely be closer to what is really going on at Imagineering. Yes, there are changes. Yes, there is greater transparency. But what does it mean? We'll offer you insights, and how it relates to something called Experiential Intelligence. Join us as we talk about Villains Land, Smuggler's Run, Josh D'Amaro, Experiential intelligence and so much more. ____________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. _______________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!
The hot takes are flying! In this episode, the hosts reveal their top five Disney rides they'd remove or change—and some of these picks might shock you. They break down recent park updates, imagine bold attraction rethemes, and go off on fun tangents into sports and pop culture along the way.If you love Disney debates, armchair Imagineering, and strong opinions about the parks, this episode is for you.
Send a textTribute Show: What If? returns with one of Disney's darkest and most fascinating unbuilt concepts…What if Disney had gone all-in on a Nostromo-themed dark ride inspired by Alien—instead of what we ultimately got?In this episode, Scott and Michelle dive into the proposed Nostromo attraction, how it evolved during development, and how it eventually transformed into ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter.
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
What would it look like if Monsters, humans, and sushi could coexist in perfect harmony?This week on Idiot's Guide to Imagineering, Kaity is joined by Stephen and Jenny to bring Harryhausen's, a likely addition to the upcoming Monstropolis land at Hollywood Studios, to life. From sleek, modern design and immersive details inspired by the movie, to both quick-service and omakase-style options, we explore how Imagineering transforms a beloved IP into a believable, unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.Along the way, we dive into why attention to detail matters more than most realize, how subtle touches build immersion, and what it takes to design a space that feels authentically “Monsters Inc.” while still functioning in the real world. This isn't just about creating a restaurant; it's about designing a story you can eat.From signature sushi rolls to character-inspired desserts, Harryhausen's is all about combining whimsy, sophistication, and Disney magic in a way that feels both approachable and extraordinary.Plus, character brunch ideas, clever quick-service hacks, and a peek at what it might feel like to dine with Mike, Sully, and the gang in Hollywood Studios.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
Send a textA peach-forward cocktail in hand, we jump straight into the week's biggest Disney shifts and rumors with zero fluff. Josh D'Amaro steps further into the spotlight while Dana Walden steers studios and streaming, and we break down what that likely means for parks, films, and timelines. If you've wondered whether “safe choice” can still deliver bold parks, we make the case for steady hands, clear priorities, and smarter sequencing after the stop-start era of Galaxy's Edge and Tron.From there, it's all gas: Dinosaur's days are done, Villains Land gets louder in the rumor mill, and permits hint at an indoor story coaster paired with a family dark ride wrapped in conjured Art Nouveau. We talk about the right mix of E-, B-, and C-level attractions, how to turn Magic Kingdom into a comfortable two-day plan, and why operational pacing matters as much as blue-sky ideas. Over at Hollywood Studios, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Muppets retheme sparks giddy anticipation for music, neon, and mayhem—plus a gentle PSA that kid-friendly themes don't erase big-thrill intensity.We also zoom into the details that shape guest experience. Disney's crackdown on AI-made character content collides with reported OpenAI collaboration, and we sketch a path for safe, delightful AI-powered character interactions that protect IP while surprising guests. Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian returns as a slow, elegant splurge perfect for a rest day, while a Disneyland app outage reminds everyone that seamless tech is part of the magic. Merch mania rages on with glow-up buckets and princess scents, and we end with a sobering safety note after a late-night tree fall near Plaza Inn—because maintenance and communication keep the fantasy intact.Pour something peachy and join us for a candid tour of what's changing, what's working, and what needs a rethink across Disney parks and movies. If you're excited by Villains Land, curious about AI in character meet-and-greets, or counting days to the Muppets coaster, hit play. Then tell us: what bold idea do you most want Imagineering to build next? Subscribe, rate, and share with a Disney friend who loves a good rumor and a great ride plan.
Why did the mermaids change in Walt Disney World's Peter Pan's Flight, and how is their scandalous past connected to a classic Disneyland attraction?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan's Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we deep-dive into the details of what made this beautiful Disney ride, including a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction.Along the way, we identify art and meet a demonic doll in the Darling nursery, go for a ride in some classic Ford Model Ts on the streets of London, and discover the real height of Big Ben. Through behind-the-scenes vintage photos, we discover some cavalier painting, an incorrectly placed hook, and a noose that has disappeared over time. Kirk reveals some truths about the Tick Tock Croc, Kate names some pirates, and we end this detailed exploration of the 1971 version of Peter Pan's flight with a lost pirate song and scene from the original 1953 animated film. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Listen to the Living Seas edition of the Future World Soundtrack Series featuring "Suited for the Sea"Kate's BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate's Substack
What happens when a land gets rethemed but an existing attraction no longer fits the story?This week, Stephen is joined by Kaity and Jenny as we head to Disneyland to reimagine The Rescuers in Bayou Country. We explore how Imagineering uses story cohesion, ride systems, and immersive details to make a space feel intentional and alive. It is about using every element of a land from lighting to animatronics to emotional beats to tell a story that guests can fully believe in without relying on a mega-IP.Along the way, we dig into small-footprint creativity, clever queue storytelling, and why Disneyland thrives with subtle story-driven experiences. Plus, soaring on sardine cans, albatross shadows, and all the details that bring this classic story to life.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
Podketeers - A Disney-inspired podcast about art, music, food, tech, and more!
In this episode we will learn about Walt Disney and Imagineering's connections to the Winter Olympics. Plus, questions on Characters in Disney animated films, Famous TV Theme Songs, and Walt Disney World items found on a college campus! Subscribe using your favorite podcast app or listen using the link below: Podketeers.com/Quizneyland
We just got back from a packed Disneyland trip over Super Bowl weekend… and somehow ended up there for Disney California Adventure's 25th anniversary.In this episode, we break down:• The $5 million popcorn cart at Magic Kingdom• Staying at Pixar Place Hotel for the first time• Rope-dropping Indiana Jones and dominating Fantasyland• Why mobile ordering saved us HOURS on the 25th anniversary popcorn bucket• Getting absolutely drenched in the FRONT ROW of Tiana's Bayou Adventure• Letting our older boys babysit so we could ride together• Paint the Night vs. Disney World parades (yes… we said it
Peter Pan's Flight wasn't planned to be in Walt Disney World at all... in fact, Disney's Imagineers had an entirely different Fantasyland mapped out for their new Magic Kingdom. So, what changed?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the Walt Disney World 1971 version of Disney's Peter Pan's Flight. Before we can step aboard our pirate galleon for the second iteration of this classic Disney ride, we have to first explore the unique development and construction of Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland through historical photos, video, and maps. Along the way, we walk through a rare Imagineering show guide and pre-opening Cast Member manual that gives us some special insight into the design of this attraction. Kirk walks us through the changes to the marquee out front, Kate reveals the hidden history of the area's benches and a connection to Disneyland's Fantasyland, and we discuss some brutal Medieval battle practices that will make you see the castle walls in a whole new light. After pondering a rooster lantern and reading a vintage sign, we head into the load area to find a nod to the 1955 Disneyland version of Peter Pan and an upgrade to the loading process… that didn't really make much of a difference in the end. Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Listen to the Countdown to Extinction Original Exhibition score: Listen to A Musical History of the Magic KingdomJoin us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Kate's BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate's Substack
What would it look like if the Olympic Village became a place you could actually stay?With the Winter Games officially underway, this week on Idiot's Guide to Imagineering, Stephen is joined by Marissa and Jenny to imagine the Olympic Village as a fully realized resort experience at Walt Disney World. How do you capture the spirit of global competition, human achievement, and iconic Olympic moments and translate them into a destination that feels immersive, emotional, and believable year-round?Along the way, we dive into how Imagineering approaches third-party IP, why collaboration and creative oversight matter more than people realize, and how real-world constraints like risk appetite, park capacity, and resort strategy shape what ultimately gets built. This isn't about blue-sky dreaming. It's about bold ideas that still have to work in the real world.From athlete-inspired accommodations to ceremonial moments woven into the guest experience, this episode celebrates the balance between creativity and practicality and explores why the most compelling Disney projects aren't the ones with no limits, but the ones that thrive because of them.Plus, Olympics enthusiasm, Super Bowl aftermath confusion, and a tease that next week we're heading west for our first Disneyland project of the season.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
How was the ending of Peter Pan's Flight more terrifying (and disappointing) in 1955? And what object did guests tend to tear off the attraction to keep as a souvenir?On this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk, we fly back in time to the 1955 version of Disneyland's Peter Pan's Flight. Through rare Imagineering documents and interior attraction photos, we explore the concepts, creation, and construction of this beautiful Disney ride, culminating in a virtual “fly-thru” of the attraction. Along the way, we find some bizarre old character costumes, a few alternate names for the attraction, a dangerous accident witnessed by a Disney animator, and some slapdash ride construction as Disney raced to open the park on time. Kate shares some rare historical photos, Kirk makes some sound effects, and we end this episode with a virtual stop at the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship to dine with Disneyland's resident peg-leg pirate. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Kate's BooksWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate's Substack
Send us a textEver notice how your feet slow down in Epcot or how an ugly wall disappears into the trees? We spent a chilly Florida week trading climbs for castles and pulled back the curtain on the design choices that steer your attention, shape your pace, and keep the story intact even when the weather doesn't cooperate. Between CityWalk wandering, Sanaa's legendary bread service, and a night queued up for DVC Moonlight Magic, we chased the little truths that make the magic feel effortless.We unpack why Cinderella Castle has zero bricks and still stands strong, how Main Street's flags quietly dodge the rulebook, and what those famous tunnels really do for the show. Pirates of the Caribbean spans multiple buildings with a hill that hides a train, the Tower of Terror wears Morocco's colors to protect Epcot's sightlines, and Go Away Green turns workaday structures into background noise. Epcot's early vision as a living city explains today's subtle engineering: uneven paths that slow you down, a sphere held aloft by legs, and a second gate that changes how the park breathes. Add in chemically aged water, purposely unlevel vehicles, and tree insurance backed by a soil lab, and you start to see how maintenance becomes part of storytelling.We also shout out Birmingham, the Magic City, in our listener spotlight and line up a new mystery city with clues tied to wings and a certain 70s news anchor vibe. On the home front, we're tuning the show's sound, remodeling the studio, and exploring an early-access subscription for anyone who wants their Leisure two days sooner. If you love theme park history, design psychology, and the odd fact that makes a place feel alive, this one's for you.Enjoy the ride, share it with a friend who geeks out on Imagineering, and drop your favorite park secret in a review. Subscribe, leave a rating, and tell us what to explore next. Support Adam and Michael's friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life's twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember,It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride!https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com
What happens when a perfectly respectable Magic Kingdom restaurant gets a little… Muppified?This week, Stephen pitches a small-scale but high-impact plussing project for one of Liberty Square's most overlooked classics: Columbia Harbour House. No new rides. No massive construction. Just thoughtful storytelling, operational realism, and a whole lot of Muppet chaos.Set during a post–Revolutionary War celebration, this reimagined Harbour House becomes the unofficial headquarters for the classic Muppets, complete with Statler and Waldorf heckling guests from above, the Swedish Chef wreaking havoc in the kitchen, subtle Haunted Mansion tie-ins upstairs, and even a few streetmosphere surprises outside.Along the way, the team breaks down what plussing really means, why smaller updates can sometimes matter more than big e-tickets, and how Disney can honor legacy spaces while still evolving them for modern guests, all while filling the MuppetVision-sized hole in the parks.It's a love letter to thoughtful Imagineering, classic Muppet mayhem, and the idea that even one restaurant can become a story-rich experience.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
Grab your headphones, everyone! Beth and Vanessa are back and Episode 231 is absolutely packed. We kick things off by addressing the question on everyone's mind: where's Marq? We share a wonderful, personal message from our friend that explains everything and gives us all a lovely update on his new adventures. Then, we give you the news you've been waiting for! The official preview dates for the World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World are finally here, and we've got the full breakdown of who gets to go and when. We've got updates on returning shows, a spectacular new ticket deal for 2026, and a crucial list of attraction closures to help you plan your year. Plus, we have some news about certain rustic cabins that has everyone talking! Then, we take a trip in a time machine. Beth delivers an impassioned, must-hear review of the stunning archival documentary "Disneyland Handcrafted" on Disney+ and YouTube. Discover the sweat, dirt, and sheer boldness of building the original park, complete with terrifying 1955 workplace safety standards, cool vintage fashions, and the mysterious and fascinating U-Tel-Em-Ma Liquor store. (We're officially starting a petition for a DLP merch line inspired by it). Of course, it wouldn't be D2DLP without our incredible listeners. This episode features some truly special letters, including: A fantastic follow-up from Salman with some significant news from Disneyland Paris. A heartwarming and thoughtful note from our good friend Georgina, who asks for our help planning a milestone birthday trip. A wonderfully witty update from Shara. Finally, we share our latest quick recommendations for your ears and your DLP social media feed. Podcast Picks: Connecting with Walt – The ideal, deeply researched audio companion after watching Disneyland Handcrafted. Focuses on Walt Disney and his creations. Rope Drop on Deck – Your essential, fun, and practical guide to all things Disney Cruise Line. Factor Nostalgia: a parkcast – Features wonderful DLP tips and fascinating historical deep-dives, all delivered with the most calming voice in the fandom. AirMagique Podcast – For great DLP talk and reviews with Eric and Niels. Other Media Picks: Instagram: Follow @TheExpansionPad for incredible armchair Imagineering and @DLPTipsForIrish for fun, fresh park content. YouTube: Subscribe to Sam4God for top-notch vlogs and her epic new complete DLP park tour. We want to thank our talented artist-in-residence Valentine for creating our IG thumbnails. You are The Best! As always, our sponsor and top travel service partner is Easy Go Shuttle private transfers! Book your private , comfy ride to and from DLP at easygoshuttle.com/disneyland-transfers with code 5D2DLP5 for your listener discount. Now, go watch Disneyland Handcrafted, check out all these fantastic creators, and start planning those 2026 DLP adventures !
Your hosts discuss some assertions made by a Disney content-creator that he based on some allegations written by a make-believe journalist, that there are hidden expansion pads at Disneyland that have been there from the beginning. They would have you believe that these areas are tucked behind fake walls, disguised as boring backstage zones, and buried in plain sight. Massive chunks of land Imagineering has been hoarding for decades, waiting for the perfect moment to unleash mind-blowing new rides, entire themed worlds, and attractions that could change the park forever. 53 Minutes
What if the wilderness of Disney's Fort Wilderness wasn't just preserved...but reimagined?This week, we wander into the quiet paths of the Hundred Acre Wood with a brand-new proposal: a fully immersive Winnie the Pooh–inspired cabin expansion tucked inside Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Stephen serves as Project Manager, pitching a thoughtful, story-driven experience that blends nostalgia, nature, and experiential design...without sacrificing the soul of the forest. From character homesteads and interactive trails to nighttime firefly strolls and a picnic pavilion with Pooh and friends, this is Imagineering through emotion, not excess.Along the way, the Idiots dig into bigger questions: When does storytelling add value, and when does it cross the line? Can whimsical narrative coexist with real wilderness? And who are Disney experiences really for: kids, adults, or anyone looking to feel something again? It's a cozy, reflective episode about nostalgia, design intent, and why growing up doesn't have to mean growing out of wonder.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
How did lost concepts from the Haunted Mansion inspire the Tower of Terror?Drop in with us on this episode of Distory with Kate & Kirk as we check into California Adventure's lost Hollywood Tower Hotel to decipher the history, secrets, and stories hidden within its design.In this final episode in our 29-part Tower of Terror series, we check out of the DCA and DLP versions of the Tower of Terror, exploring details on the ride and in the exit of the attraction. After hearing some descriptions from the official Imagineering show guide, we explore the secrets of the looking glass, with a detour to a dark entertainment spot in Paris along the way. Kirk explains some changes to the ride mechanics and goes over the creepy new storyline for the Disneyland Paris version, before Kate walks us off the ride to explore the Modern Wonders in the shopping arcade at the exit. We end this episode with some history of camera design and electric shavers before checking out one final time from the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Join us LIVE on YouTube every week! Be notified by subscribing to Kate's Youtube: @disneyciceroneYou can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, and at disneycicerone.com & walruscarp.comView full video versions of each episode at Disney Cicerone's YouTube channel HERE OR on the Spotify version of our podcast.Many thanks to Disney historian Joshua at E82 | The Epcot Legacy for contributing resources for this episode!Kate's books on AmazonWalrusCarp T-shirts & MerchMOWD appDistory T-shirts and StickersKate's Substack
Today, Mike, Pam & Scott are back with an email from Listener Billy where he shares 5 different "armchair Imagineering" situations for us to consider. From bringing new transportation systems, resorts, lands, restaurants, and attractions to Walt Disney World, hear what we would do and then, let us know your thoughts on how you would improve the overall WDW experience if money were no object! Please share your thoughts over on the Discord channel at www.beourguestpodcast.com/clubhouse. We hope you enjoy today's podcast! Please visit our website at www.beourguestpodcast.com. Thank you so much for your support of our podcast! Become a Patron of the show at www.Patreon.com/BeOurGuestPodcast. Also, please follow the show on Twitter @BeOurGuestMike and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beourguestpodcast. Thanks to our friends at The Magic For Less Travel for sponsoring today's podcast!
On this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, Jim Hill convenes court in a flooded courtroom to debate one deceptively big question - which Disney park entrances actually work best. With Len Testa mysteriously missing in action, Jim and Chris take listeners on a globe-spanning tour of arrival sequences, retail corridors, and first impressions, from rope-drop chaos to architectural storytelling. Along the way, they explore how Imagineering intent sometimes collides with real-world park operations and why those first few minutes inside the gates matter more than you think. HIGHLIGHTS • Why Disney's park entrances function like the opening moments of a movie or stage show • The intentional slow reveal of Disney's Animal Kingdom and why it frustrates rope droppers • How Main Street U.S.A. sets expectations differently in Anaheim vs. Walt Disney World • Tokyo Disneyland's oversized walkways and the surprising impact of World Bazaar's glass roof • The evolution of Disney California Adventure's entrance from postcard concept to Buena Vista Street HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Disney California Adventure is turning 25, Lunar New Year details, a certain honey-loving bear is turning 100, Downtown Disney parking is getting easier, you could win a trip to Disneyland, construction continues to prepare for Coco and Avengers attractions, Producer James joins us to play some games, 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: This February, Disney California Adventure will turn 25! To celebrate this milestone, Magic Key holders can pick up a magnet set commemorating the event. This will be part of a “Fun and Sun” event area that offers nostalgic photo opportunities, encounters with “familiar friends,” and more. The event will take place in the Hyperion Theater Courtyard near Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout. Key holders will need to join a virtual queue in the Disneyland app to access the area. This will be available from 2pm to 8pm February 5th through February 15th. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/magic-key-disney-california-adventure-25th-event/ It is almost that time of year again when Disney California Adventure celebrates Lunar New Year! 2026 is the Year of the Horse, so Horace Horsecollar will be included in the festivities. Returning this year is all the Lunar New Year food, which we will cover in SnackChat, Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession, and Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration, which is a pre-show for Wold of Color – Happiness. – https://www.micechat.com/429670-disneyland-update-holiday-exit-shoulder-season-scramble-monorail-mishegoss/ https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/magic-key-lunar-new-year-2026-offerings/ On October 26, 1926, a very popular bear arrived on the scene to eat as much honey as possible. Winnie the Pooh was first published on that date, making 2026 the 100th anniversary. To celebrate, a number of merchandise items, ranging from clothing, to housewares, to accessories, and more are coming to the resort. The merchandise line can be found on DisneyStore.com in addition to the parks. – https://www.micechat.com/429686-hip-hip-pooh-ray-for-winnie-the-poohs-100th-anniversary-merchandise/ Last week we talked about how Imagineering is 3D printing props for attractions in the parks. One has already been installed in Disneyland and is easy for guests to take a look at. The outrigger canoe across the water from the loading dock for the Jungle Cruise was printed from the previous canoe that was in the location, along with photos from the 1960s as a reference. – https://www.micechat.com/429670-disneyland-update-holiday-exit-shoulder-season-scramble-monorail-mishegoss/ Cathy's Cookies, which had been in Downtown Disney in the past as a food truck, is getting a permanent kiosk. The kiosk is installed and could open at any time. Cathy's Cookies sells tubs, and sleeves of chocolate chip cookies, cookie dough, coffee and hot chocolate, milk, and cookie sundaes. – https://www.micechat.com/429670-disneyland-update-holiday-exit-shoulder-season-scramble-monorail-mishegoss/ Guests parking in the Downtown Disney parking area next to the Pixar Place Hotel have a new, more convenient way to pay. Guests can now scan the QR code on their parking ticket to pay through their mobile device. This should improve the traffic flow exiting from the parking area and through the parking booths. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/downtown-disney-parking-lot-updates-payment-options/ Last year, Disney+ and Hulu launched a perks program to encourage subscribing. For 2026, Disney+ subscribers can enter to win a vacation for four to Disneyland. The trip includes airfare, ground transportation, three nights at the Concierge-level at a Disney hotel, four, 4-day Park Hopper tickets, a Disney gift card valued at $500, and a VIP tour guide for 8 hours. – https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disney-plus-perks-win-a-trip-to-disneyland/ With the start of the new year, there is a lot of activity happening to get ready to start construction on the new Coco attraction at DCA. The sidewalk that borders Pixar Pier and Disneyland Drive is closed to clear vegetation to make way for the attraction. Avengers Campus is also continuing to make progress, with more structural steel being installed. – https://www.micechat.com/429670-disneyland-update-holiday-exit-shoulder-season-scramble-monorail-mishegoss/ In the first of a couple of stories related to attractions having bad days, the Disneyland Monorail lost power on January 8th, which resulted in guests needing to be evacuated by the Anaheim Fire Department. The Anaheim Police Department said that about 60 guests were trapped in the attraction. Passengers were reportedly stuck from around 3:30 in the afternoon to 7 in the evening. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/01/08/60-people-evacuate-monorail-after-power-failure-in-disneyland/#more-1096887 Last Wednesday, another attraction was not operating at its best. A log on Tiana's Bayou Adventure completely filled with water, soaking guests in the process. Guests were evacuated from the log and no injuries were reported. – https://www.micechat.com/429670-disneyland-update-holiday-exit-shoulder-season-scramble-monorail-mishegoss/ Another live action remake of a recent classic has been cast. Teagan Groft has been cast as Rapunzel, and Milo Manheim landed the role of Flynn Rider. Kathryn Hahn is in consideration to play Mother Gothel, but no official announcement yet. The movie does not have a release date at this time. – https://www.micechat.com/429670-disneyland-update-holiday-exit-shoulder-season-scramble-monorail-mishegoss/ SnackChat: For Anaheim Ducks Day on February 22nd, there are some treats you'll want to grab as they are one-day only! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/01/09/3-limited-time-snacks-announced-for-disneyland/#more-1097121 Sweethearts Nite Dining Packages – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/01/08/menus-revealed-for-dining-packages-at-disneys-2026-sweethearts-nite-events/#more-1096629 Lunar New Year – https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disney-eats-foodie-guide-to-lunar-new-year-at-disneyland-resort-2026/ Discussion Topic: Games with Producer James Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Wall Street Journal this week published an article entitled, "The 3,000-Person Team Working in Secret to Create Disney Magic". This article written by Ben Fritz makes a number of claims about the challenges Walt Disney Imagineering has in being able to do massive projects on time, under budget and on benefit. We will share these claims and weave these insights with a book I use in my leadership programming--How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors That Determine the Fate of Every Project. It becomes a sense by which we can better understand why Imagineering experiences the challenges it does. We'll look at Imagineering Leadership and CEO leadership, and how it has had a big impact on how the work gets done as Disney seeks to spend 60 billion within the next ten years. And already one Imagineer, Joe Rohde has weighed in on his comments. So joining us for Walt Disney Imagineering: The Secret to Being on Time Under Budget & On Benefit. ________________________________________________________ Disney Insights YouTube Page--Check it out and subscribe. DisneyInsights.com--So many resources at our home site. Be sure to subscribe to receive notice of upcoming podcasts. Disney Insights Facebook Page--Come join and interact in conversation with others. My newest book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available! Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You. Also, for those examining other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence. ________________________________________________________ Check out Zanolla Travel to book your next vacation! David & Leah Zanolla ZanollaTravel.com Owner/Agents (309) 863-5469 _________________________________________________________ Performance Journeys This podcast and post is provided by J. Jeff Kober and Performance Journeys, which celebrates more than 20 years as a training and development group bringing best in business ideas through books, keynotes, workshops, seminars and online tools to help you take your organization to the next level. Want a Keynote Speaker? More than just nice stories, I offer proven insight and solutions having worked in the trench. Need Consulting? I've worked for decades across the public, private and non-profit arena. Need Support? We offer so many classroom, online, and other resources to help you improve your customer service delivery, leadership excellence, and employee engagement. Contact us today, and let us help you on your Performance Journey!
Episode 290 for the week of January 12, 2026 ... and this is what is going on in our Disney World...Last Week in Disney- Disney provides additional details to the Big Thunder Mountain (source: Blog Mickey) and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin (source: Drew the Disney Dude) updates- Wall St. Journal article on the divide between Imagineering and management and how their is optimism moving forward (source: Blog Mickey)Starts @2:01 ...Construction Update- Permits filed for a few smaller projects including the Expedition Everest loading areaStarts @21:27 ...Plan Phil's Non-Park Day- Phil has a potential work trip to Florida coming up and may have time to hop over to Walt Disney World for an afternoon .... what should he do?Starts @25:16 ...DBC Engagement: You 2026 Disney Goals- The community shares their goals for the coming year and Jason uses this time to discuss a potential family summer trip to Walt Disney WorldStarts @34:48 ...* 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
This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill is joined by mind reader and showman Chris Cox, who steps in for Len Testa and immediately finds himself in the middle of some very Disney-sized mishaps. From a runaway Indiana Jones boulder at Disney's Hollywood Studios to the surprisingly fragile roof of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the conversation explores what happens when iconic park moments go just a little too far. Along the way, Jim and Chris dig into forgotten ceremonies, cutback entertainment, and the Imagineering decisions that quietly shaped Disneyland over the decades. NEWS • A 400-pound boulder goes off track during a performance of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and what that means for show safety going forward • The temporary removal of the iconic boulder scene and why Disney is famously cautious after incidents like this • The Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's BoardWalk cuts back to a three-night schedule and what that signals about nightlife at the resort • Listener mail on working New Year's Eve at Disney parks and why January 1 might secretly be the best day to visit FEATURE • The long and surprisingly complicated history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony and how it really worked behind the scenes • How Imagineer Kim Irvine subtly transformed Sleeping Beauty Castle over four decades without sparking guest outrage • Why holiday overlays and anniversary bling eventually caused serious structural damage to the castle roof • The 60th anniversary decorations that led to a six-figure repair and a full castle roof replacement HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill is joined by mind reader and showman Chris Cox, who steps in for Len Testa and immediately finds himself in the middle of some very Disney-sized mishaps. From a runaway Indiana Jones boulder at Disney's Hollywood Studios to the surprisingly fragile roof of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the conversation explores what happens when iconic park moments go just a little too far. Along the way, Jim and Chris dig into forgotten ceremonies, cutback entertainment, and the Imagineering decisions that quietly shaped Disneyland over the decades. NEWS • A 400-pound boulder goes off track during a performance of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and what that means for show safety going forward • The temporary removal of the iconic boulder scene and why Disney is famously cautious after incidents like this • The Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney's BoardWalk cuts back to a three-night schedule and what that signals about nightlife at the resort • Listener mail on working New Year's Eve at Disney parks and why January 1 might secretly be the best day to visit FEATURE • The long and surprisingly complicated history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony and how it really worked behind the scenes • How Imagineer Kim Irvine subtly transformed Sleeping Beauty Castle over four decades without sparking guest outrage • Why holiday overlays and anniversary bling eventually caused serious structural damage to the castle roof • The 60th anniversary decorations that led to a six-figure repair and a full castle roof replacement HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if you could truly step into Narnia?This week, we imagine what it would look like if Disney brought The Chronicles of Narnia to life as a fully immersive themed land. Stephen takes on the role of Project Manager to explore how Imagineers might translate C.S. Lewis's world into a physical place guests can walk through, feel, and emotionally connect with.We break down the real history between Disney and Narnia, including the film trilogy, the forgotten Journey into Narnia walkthrough at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and why the franchise ultimately stalled. From there, we use Narnia as a case study to explore one of the most important Imagineering concepts of all: world-building.This episode dives into how atmosphere, pacing, and environmental storytelling can be just as powerful as big spectacle. From choosing the right entry point into a land, to deciding where the land belongs, to designing a ride that uses quiet moments and sensory detail to drive emotion, this project shows how Imagineers think beyond rides and build entire universes.Even if you've never read the books or seen the films, this episode is about understanding how themed entertainment creates connection, immersion, and meaning through intentional design.Step through the wardrobe, explore the Golden Age of Narnia, and learn how Imagineering turns stories into places.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
This week, we have a date for a new Disneyland documentary, Disneyland Forward has its first step, a new color milk coming to Batuu, Imagineering is getting a new tool, refurbishments are heating up, a massive amounts of sweets and treats are coming to the resort, 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 newest Disneyland documentary we are all waiting for has a release date. Disneyland Handcrafted will premiere on Disney+ and Disney YouTube on January 22nd. The film covers the creation of Disneyland with rare, first-hand archival footage leading up to the opening in July, 1955. Leslie Iwerks and her team searched through over 100 hours of raw material from Disneyland in its earliest days. - https://disneyparksblog.com/disney-experiences/disneyland-handcrafted-release-date-and-more-details/ The first part of the Disneyland Forward project has a permit, with work beginning soon. The permit is for a 3.2 million square foot, 8-level open parking structure with 302 EV charging spots. This is the first part that needs to be completed before the additional capacity can be built and opened with the rest of the project. The new structure should hold 6,000 vehicles and feature a rideshare area, and transit hub. Construction is predicted to begin after runDisney at the end of January, since the space is currently used to facilitate the event. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disneyland-files-permit-for-eastern-parking-structure/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioc6c8v6HIY At the milk stand in Galaxy's Edge, we have had blue milk, green milk, and now a new color - pink milk! Starting January 8th, the new variation will be available at the milk stand in Batuu. No official word on what flavor the drink will be, but it could be something like watermelon. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/01/06/move-over-blue-milk-pink-milk-debuts-at-disney-this-week/ https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/pink-milk-star-wars-galaxys-edge-marvel-comics/ Walt Disney Imagineering is bringing a more and more common home process to the parks. Haddy, a 3D printing company, has partnered with Disney to create a boat that will be installed in The Jungle Cruise as a prop. The process from design to completion will be sped up with the 3D printing process, as opposed to the previous molding process that could take thousands of hours to get just right. The new 3D printing technique only takes 70 robot hours. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/12/22/news-disney-uses-3d-printing-to-create-new-ride-elements/ As the holiday season winds down, the refurbishment calendar is heating up. The Mark Twain Riverboat will be closing on January 12th through the 16th, the Haunted Mansion will return to the non-holiday overlay from January 11th through the 23rd. Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind is closed and will reopen January 23rd. The Incredicoaster is also currently closed and scheduled to reopen on February 6th. - https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/12/27/disneyland-just-updated-us-on-four-2026-ride-closures/ The first part of the construction to bring Porto's Bakery and Cafe to Downtown Disney has started. The two ticket booths closest to the old Earl of Sandwich location have been torn down to make way for the new eatery. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/old-disneyland-ticket-booths-demolished/ With the holiday season nearly over, the 70th Celebration can take center stage once more. Wondrous Journeys will return on January 8th, and the Celebrate Happy Cavalcade will return on January 9th. Paint the Night is also returning, but at the end of the month on January 30th. These join World of Color - Happiness, and Tapestry of Happiness through August 9th when the Halloween Time celebration returns. - https://www.micechat.com/429498-disneyland-update-soggy-new-year-perks-slashed-blues-brewing/ The Walt Disney Company took part in the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California last week. The yellow horseless carriage from Disneyland featuring Mickey and Minnie lead the section, and Kermit the Frog appeared on the Visit Mississippi float, which is where Muppets creator Jim Henson was from. - https://www.laughingplace.com/disney-parks/disney-mickey-kermit-137th-rose-parade/ SnackChat: 2026 Sweets and Treats - https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disney-eats-new-2026-sweets-and-treats-coming-to-disneyland/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Welcome to the first Disney Dish of the new year, where Jim Hill and Len Testa kick things off with news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history and tech. This week, a newly published Disney patent sparks speculation about how the upcoming Encanto attraction may work, while Jim launches into a fascinating (and surprisingly hands-on) story about how Disney maintains, repairs, and periodically reinvents its iconic theme park castles. Along the way, there are transportation woes, glittering greenhouses, and more than a few once-in-a-lifetime Disney moments. NEWS • Disney reveals Buddy, a new helper character coming to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin when it reopens in 2026 • A newly filed Disney patent hints at holographic characters, with strong evidence pointing toward use in the upcoming Encanto ride • Imagineering files a new construction permit for the Haunted Mansion, likely focused on interior work • Updates on Glittering Greenhouses at EPCOT and extended holiday decorations at Disneyland • Changes to Disneyland perks, including the end of Early Entry and the rollout of a new California resident ticket deal FEATURE • Why Disney castles require constant repainting, roof repairs, and drainage fixes • The overlooked engineering challenges of maintaining structures built for 1950s deadlines, not 21st-century weather • How Imagineer Kim Irvine spent decades refining Sleeping Beauty Castle's look, color palette, and functionality • The surprising amount of artistry that goes into making castle “bricks” look authentically imperfect For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Planning a Walt Disney World getaway? Our friends at Unlocked Magic offer discounted theme park tickets, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day tickets. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to the first Disney Dish of the new year, where Jim Hill and Len Testa kick things off with news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history and tech. This week, a newly published Disney patent sparks speculation about how the upcoming Encanto attraction may work, while Jim launches into a fascinating (and surprisingly hands-on) story about how Disney maintains, repairs, and periodically reinvents its iconic theme park castles. Along the way, there are transportation woes, glittering greenhouses, and more than a few once-in-a-lifetime Disney moments. NEWS • Disney reveals Buddy, a new helper character coming to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin when it reopens in 2026 • A newly filed Disney patent hints at holographic characters, with strong evidence pointing toward use in the upcoming Encanto ride • Imagineering files a new construction permit for the Haunted Mansion, likely focused on interior work • Updates on Glittering Greenhouses at EPCOT and extended holiday decorations at Disneyland • Changes to Disneyland perks, including the end of Early Entry and the rollout of a new California resident ticket deal FEATURE • Why Disney castles require constant repainting, roof repairs, and drainage fixes • The overlooked engineering challenges of maintaining structures built for 1950s deadlines, not 21st-century weather • How Imagineer Kim Irvine spent decades refining Sleeping Beauty Castle's look, color palette, and functionality • The surprising amount of artistry that goes into making castle “bricks” look authentically imperfect For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Planning a Walt Disney World getaway? Our friends at Unlocked Magic offer discounted theme park tickets, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day tickets. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Season 4 kicks off with a premiere festival full of adventure! This week, we're exploring Pueblo Esperanza, the land under construction at Animal Kingdom, also affectionately called Tropical Americas. While the land will feature Encanto, we're highlighting two original Imagineering projects we designed: one giving a storyline to an announced Indiana Jones ride and another completely new addition that's a surprise for our listeners.Join the Idiots (Stephen, Kaity, and Marissa) as we soak up festival vibes, storytelling, and the magic of placemaking. From detailed research and cultural inspiration to guest experience design, we'll give you an inside look at how Disney Imagineers bring lands to life. Expect laughs, energy, and surprises along the way, including a fan-favorite IP presented in a way that is completely unexpected for the land.This premiere is bigger and bolder than ever, featuring two full Imagineering projects in a single episode. Whether you're a seasoned Imagineering fan or just love Disney storytelling, this episode sets the tone for an unforgettable Season 4.Don't forget to check us out on Instagram!
Jim and Len kick off the final Disney Dish of the year with holiday crowds, sold-out Lightning Lane Premier Passes, and one last lap through Jollywood Nights before pivoting into surveys, listener questions, and some unexpectedly nerdy math. Along the way, they remember a beloved Imagineer, dig into why Disney asks the survey questions it does, and break down the best times to roll the dice on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind if you are chasing that perfect song. Then Jim takes everyone deep into EPCOT history with the strange, expensive, and surprisingly high-stakes story of Magic Journeys, the 3D film that quietly kept opening day from turning into a full-blown disaster. NEWS • Lightning Lane Premier Pass prices hit record highs and still sell out across Walt Disney World during the holiday rush • Jollywood Nights sticks the landing in its later years and may now be Disney World's most popular hard-ticket holiday event • A remembrance of legendary Imagineer Eddie Sato, including unrealized Mission Space concepts and behind-the-scenes stories • Animal Kingdom survey questions raise eyebrows about shaded seating and what Disney might really be testing FEATURE • How Kodak sponsorships, lost 3D filmmaking knowledge, and a $7 million budget led to Magic Journeys • Why Magic Journeys was one of the only EPCOT opening-day attractions that actually worked as planned • Murray Lerner, improvisation, and the near-panic inside Imagineering as the film fell behind schedule • The experimental reach-and-flinch moments that made Magic Journeys unforgettable and unrepeatable For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Start planning your 2026 Disney and Universal vacations with exclusive ticket discounts, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day Walt Disney World tickets. Tickets link directly to your My Disney Experience account, fast and easy. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save big. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim and Len kick off the final Disney Dish of the year with holiday crowds, sold-out Lightning Lane Premier Passes, and one last lap through Jollywood Nights before pivoting into surveys, listener questions, and some unexpectedly nerdy math. Along the way, they remember a beloved Imagineer, dig into why Disney asks the survey questions it does, and break down the best times to roll the dice on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind if you are chasing that perfect song. Then Jim takes everyone deep into EPCOT history with the strange, expensive, and surprisingly high-stakes story of Magic Journeys, the 3D film that quietly kept opening day from turning into a full-blown disaster. NEWS • Lightning Lane Premier Pass prices hit record highs and still sell out across Walt Disney World during the holiday rush • Jollywood Nights sticks the landing in its later years and may now be Disney World's most popular hard-ticket holiday event • A remembrance of legendary Imagineer Eddie Sato, including unrealized Mission Space concepts and behind-the-scenes stories • Animal Kingdom survey questions raise eyebrows about shaded seating and what Disney might really be testing FEATURE • How Kodak sponsorships, lost 3D filmmaking knowledge, and a $7 million budget led to Magic Journeys • Why Magic Journeys was one of the only EPCOT opening-day attractions that actually worked as planned • Murray Lerner, improvisation, and the near-panic inside Imagineering as the film fell behind schedule • The experimental reach-and-flinch moments that made Magic Journeys unforgettable and unrepeatable For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Start planning your 2026 Disney and Universal vacations with exclusive ticket discounts, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day Walt Disney World tickets. Tickets link directly to your My Disney Experience account, fast and easy. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save big. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
462 - Looking for the perfect Disney books to add to your 2026 reading list? In this episode of Disney Travel Secrets, hosts and travel agents Rob and Kerri Stuart share 12 must-read Disney-inspired books spanning biography, Imagineering, fiction, and business leadership. CLICK HERE TO START PLANNING YOUR DISNEY VACATION Whether you're planning a Disney World vacation, researching Disneyland tips, or just love everything Disney, these books will deepen your appreciation for the parks, the stories, and the creative genius behind the magic. From Walt Disney's biography to Imagineering secrets, theme park history, and even a thrilling middle-grade adventure series, there's something for every Disney fan. Disney Books Featured: Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler The Imagineering Story by Leslie Iwerks Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service A Whole New World by Liz Braswell (Twisted Tales series) The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson Dream Chasing by Bob Weis The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger The Art of Walt Disney by Christopher Finch Dream It! Do It! by Marty Sklar Project Future by Chad Denver Emerson Roller Coasters, Flumes & Flying Saucers by Bob Gurr Just Add Water: Your Guide to the Ultimate Cruise by Rob & Kerri Stuart Plus, learn about the upcoming Adventures by Disney trip in September 2026 featuring former Imagineer Hugh Darley, and get a reminder to book your Christmas 2025 travel NOW for the best prices and availability! Perfect for Disney fans, theme park enthusiasts, and anyone planning their next Disney vacation. These Disney hacks and insider perspectives will transform how you experience the parks! Links mentioned: Find book links and signed copies of Just Add Water in the show description.
Zootopia Better Zoogether opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom in November 2025. Featuring characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios' films Zootopia and Zootopia 2, the attraction invites guests to attend the Zoogether Day celebrations at a watch party happening at the Tree of Life. This show replaced the former "It's Tough to be a Bug" 4D show at the Tree of Life theater. It was designed by Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios, and it features original character voice actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprising their roles as Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. In this episode, we discuss what you can expect from Zootopia Better Zoogether and share an interview with Walt Disney Imagineer Danny Handke and Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush, both of which were recorded at a media event at Walt Disney World. Thanks to CJ from WDW Magazine for joining me on this episode and for recording the interviews you'll hear in this podcast. 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!
Fresh off the long Thanksgiving weekend, Jim and Lauren crawl out from under their leftover Pilgrim sandwiches to talk about Zootopia 2 absolutely owning the holiday box office, how that might shape Disney's sequel strategy, and the must-have merch that is already slithering into the parks. They also dig into McDonald's massive 70th anniversary Happy Meal promotion, Disney's official holiday book guide, and a couple of doorstop tomes that are now living in the Hersey household. In the back half, Jim takes Lauren on a whirlwind tour through nearly 80 years of Disney's talking-animal history - from Song of the South all the way to Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. NEWS • Zootopia 2's Thanksgiving opening pulls in a projected 156 million dollars domestically and around 400 million dollars overseas in just five days - more than half a billion total and one of the biggest Thanksgiving hauls ever. • How those numbers stack up against Wicked for Good and last year's Moana 2, plus why Universal probably is not panicking while it waits for the inevitable Wicked sing-along edition and a newly announced Galinda prequel novel. • The debut of Gary the Snake - a gloriously weird Zootopia 2 sipper at Disneyland - and Jim's crusade to track down Nog the snow seal pup plush that was gifted to Disney Television Animation staffers. • McDonald's 70th celebration Happy Meal, featuring 70 different Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and classic character toys with two figures per box - plus online grumbling over who made the cut (hello, Clarabelle) and who suspiciously did not (sorry, Cinderella). • Disney Parks Blog's holiday book guide, from deep-dive art and history titles like the X Atencio tribute and John Landau's memoir to Moana's “What if she stole the heart?” Twisted Tale, kid-friendly atlases, scratch-n-sniff adventures, and the giant Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks and Bring the Magic Home books currently threatening Lauren's fingernails. FEATURE • A crash course in Disney's history with anthropomorphized animals - starting with the animated sequences in 1946's Song of the South and why so many artists remembered that era as their happiest time at the studio after returning from World War II. • The rise and fall of the abandoned Chanticleer project, the “Roy's Boys” money feud with Walt, and how that detour accidentally sent Mark Davis to Imagineering where he helped create icons like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. • How The Aristocats, Robin Hood, and even The Jungle Book paved the way for modern animal worlds - including the infamous animation recycling in Robin Hood's “Phony King of England” sequence that sharp-eyed fans still spot today. • The long development path from the shelved spy thriller Savage Seas, starring Jack Savage, to the fully realized animal metropolis of Zootopia - including John Lasseter's notes, Jared Bush's CIA family background, and the last-minute decision to swap Nick Wilde out for Judy Hopps as the true lead. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by our friends at UnlockedMagic.com - the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. If you are planning a trip to Central Florida to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, the Unlocked Magic crew has some of the best deals on tickets, so do yourself a favor and use UnlockedMagic.com to make your next vacation just a little more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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