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This week, Jim and Len explore how the most famous movie palace in Hollywood became the centerpiece of Disney's Hollywood Studios… and somehow never its official icon. Along the way, Olaf teaches drawing lessons (to himself), Millennium Falcon gets a name that even Disney couldn't commit to, Butterbeer achieves new levels of sugar density, Disneyland Paris flirts with character hotel makeovers, and Disney Cruise Line tries to figure out exactly how much of a discount it takes to get you off the couch. NEWS • Olaf hosts a new drawing experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including a wonderfully meta segment where Olaf learns to draw Olaf. • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run briefly adds “A New Mission” to its name before Disney quietly rethinks the branding. • Universal's Butterbeer Season returns with waffles, cream puffs, and what your cardiologist calls “concerns.” • Joe Rohde releases “Floating Mountains,” blending travel stories and creative philosophy. • Disneyland Paris surveys suggest Newport Bay Club rooms may soon feature aquatic Disney IP overlays. • A Disney Cruise Line survey reveals how many clicks it takes before 30 percent off starts sounding persuasive. FEATURE The History of The Great Movie Ride – Part 2 • Why the Chinese Theatre replica sits in icon position but never officially became the park's symbol. • How Sid Grauman turned an earthquake, a tent, and a projector into a Hollywood empire. • Walt Disney's long affection for the Chinese Theatre, from Flowers and Trees to the Mary Poppins premiere. • The subtle design tweaks that made Florida's version taller, shinier, and occasionally slippery. • How The Great Movie Ride building carried more history than most guests ever realized. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at prices better than gate rates by visiting UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Jim and Len explore how the most famous movie palace in Hollywood became the centerpiece of Disney's Hollywood Studios… and somehow never its official icon. Along the way, Olaf teaches drawing lessons (to himself), Millennium Falcon gets a name that even Disney couldn't commit to, Butterbeer achieves new levels of sugar density, Disneyland Paris flirts with character hotel makeovers, and Disney Cruise Line tries to figure out exactly how much of a discount it takes to get you off the couch. NEWS • Olaf hosts a new drawing experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including a wonderfully meta segment where Olaf learns to draw Olaf. • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run briefly adds “A New Mission” to its name before Disney quietly rethinks the branding. • Universal's Butterbeer Season returns with waffles, cream puffs, and what your cardiologist calls “concerns.” • Joe Rohde releases “Floating Mountains,” blending travel stories and creative philosophy. • Disneyland Paris surveys suggest Newport Bay Club rooms may soon feature aquatic Disney IP overlays. • A Disney Cruise Line survey reveals how many clicks it takes before 30 percent off starts sounding persuasive. FEATURE The History of The Great Movie Ride – Part 2 • Why the Chinese Theatre replica sits in icon position but never officially became the park's symbol. • How Sid Grauman turned an earthquake, a tent, and a projector into a Hollywood empire. • Walt Disney's long affection for the Chinese Theatre, from Flowers and Trees to the Mary Poppins premiere. • The subtle design tweaks that made Florida's version taller, shinier, and occasionally slippery. • How The Great Movie Ride building carried more history than most guests ever realized. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at prices better than gate rates by visiting UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack Universal's latest ticketing survey, the studio's continued confidence in Wicked, and the surprising Epcot-inspired expansion that reshaped Universal Studios Hollywood in the late 1980s. NEWS • Universal tests “Make it a week you'll never forget” messaging in a new survey, hinting at a major push to reposition Universal Orlando Resort as a full-week destination • Guest perception questions compare park counts at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, signaling confidence in the four-park narrative • Wicked crosses $1.2 billion globally across its two films, as NBCUniversal leadership confirms interest in expanding the Oz universe • Universal Studios Hollywood named the official theme park partner of the LA 2028 Olympic Games • Jurassic Park and Jurassic World props spotted backstage in Hollywood, fueling speculation about possible additions to Fan Fest • All the Books You Can Read in Seuss Landing quietly closes, raising questions about retail strategy inside Islands of Adventure FEATURE • Why Universal executives studied EPCOT's World Showcase before expanding the Hollywood upper lot • The creation of “Streets of the World,” a $75 million expansion designed to let guests walk through detailed movie-quality sets • How Parisian cafés, Sherlock Holmes' 221B Baker Street, and even an Animal House façade briefly brought film environments to life • The surprising ways these sets were actually used in production, including scenes for Beverly Hills, 90210 • How character encounters and celebrity lookalikes helped this area function like a Disney-style themed land • Why much of this expansion eventually gave way to newer attractions like The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Epic Universal listeners can take advantage of a limited-time ticket offer: get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to secure this special offer and start planning your next Universal vacation. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim and Lauren follow the winding path of Labyrinth as it turns 40, exploring how a film that underperformed in 1986 became one of the most beloved cult classics of the home video era - and how its legacy nearly intertwined with Disney in a much bigger way. In this episode of I Want That Too, we connect the dots between Jim Henson's ambitious fantasy film, its surprising international success, and the long road that led Disney to acquire the Muppets - but not Labyrinth. Along the way, we look at the massive 40th anniversary merch push and what it says about the power of nostalgia-driven consumer products. NEWS • Disney Consumer Products wins big at North America's Toy Fair, taking home Doll of the Year for the American Girl Moana collection and Plush Toy of the Year for the interactive Stitch • How upcoming theatrical releases - including The Mandalorian and Grogu, Toy Story 5, Moana (live-action), and Spider-Man: Brand New Day - are shaping Disney's 2026 merchandise strategy • A new Haunted Mansion wedding venue debuts at Disneyland as Disney Fairy Tale Weddings celebrates its 35th anniversary • Disney unveils a 35th anniversary light-up wedding gown featuring 500 embedded lights and 35 programmable lighting effects • Labyrinth kicks off its 40th anniversary celebration with anniversary screenings, a 60-city concert tour, new collectibles, and specialty footwear collaborations FEATURE • Why Labyrinth struggled at the box office in 1986 despite an A-team creative lineup that included George Lucas and David Bowie • The international box office story that softened the blow - and helped build the film's cult following • How Labyrinth's disappointing domestic performance factored into Jim Henson's decision to sell his company • The original 1989 Disney acquisition deal that would have given the Mouse the entire Henson film library - including Labyrinth and The Dark Crystal • Why the Henson family ultimately retained key IP like Labyrinth, Fraggle Rock, and The Dark Crystal when Disney finalized its Muppets purchase in 2004 • The newly announced Labyrinth sequel in development at TriStar Pictures and what it signals about the brand's enduring power HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, Unlock Magic helps you secure great ticket prices with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to lock in the best deals and make your next trip a little more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disney may be rethinking Villains Land at Magic Kingdom - and this time, bigger could truly mean better. Lauren and Eric unpack the rumor that Imagineers were told to go bold with budget becoming secondary, and what that might signal about Disney's competitive strategy. They also break down the delayed closure of Monsters Inc. at Disney California Adventure, what that means for the proposed Avatar expansion, and whether Animal Kingdom's attraction lineup justifies its ticket price. Plus, the rise of AI-generated meet-and-greet images and why they might be causing real-world confusion. HIGHLIGHTS A rumor suggests the original plans for Villains Land at Magic Kingdom were scrapped in favor of bigger, more ambitious concepts with budget reportedly becoming a secondary concern. What this could mean for Disney's long-term strategy as new leadership looks to make a defining creative statement. Why Monsters Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue at Disney California Adventure may now stay open longer than expected. How the potential delay impacts the proposed Avatar-themed expansion and why some fans question whether the IP fits the park. A breakdown of attraction counts across Walt Disney World parks and the renewed debate over whether Animal Kingdom currently offers enough rides to justify a full-day visit. How recent closures and construction projects are affecting crowd flow and guest perception at Animal Kingdom. The surge of AI-generated Disney character meet-and-greet images online and how they may be misleading guests planning their trips. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: DisAndHers.com Instagram: @disandhers TikTok: @disandhers Facebook: Dis and Hers YouTube: Dis & Hers FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: JimHillMediaNews Instagram: JimHillMedia TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Len Testa, Chris Cox, and Jim Hill return to the Court of the Disney World Resort to continue their spirited debate over Lightning Lane strategy at Walt Disney World. From extended grace periods and tier-unlocking tricks to pre-booking windows and rope drop insurance policies, this episode digs into the real-world math of saving time versus spending money. HIGHLIGHTS • The 119-minute extended grace period and how to use it to stack Lightning Lanes more efficiently • Why tapping into your first Lightning Lane early unlocks tiers and expands your booking options • Treating your first Lightning Lane as a “double early entry” strategy • Hollywood Studios case study: Rope dropping Rise of the Resistance while stacking Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Tower of Terror • The Magic Kingdom dilemma: More Lightning Lane attractions means more complexity, more refreshing, and more walking • Why buying a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train single pass can simplify your entire Magic Kingdom touring plan • Jungle Cruise vs. Peter Pan strategy and how early entry reshapes your day • The hidden cost of Lightning Lane: Time on your phone versus time in the park • When it makes sense to skip Lightning Lane at EPCOT or Animal Kingdom • The surprising stat: Guests reallocating dining money to pay for Lightning Lane HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed week in animation, from awards-season shakeups to shifting box office math and a first real look at Pixar's next big sequel. Along the way, they spotlight a streaming acquisition that could become a Halloween favorite, a few strategic release-date moves, and close with a heartfelt remembrance of a behind-the-scenes legend whose work helped shape modern animation. HIGHLIGHTS • KPop Demon Hunters dominates the Annie Awards with 12 wins, including Best Feature, while Zootopia 2 goes home empty-handed despite its box office strength • Corrected Presidents Day numbers boost GOAT's opening and reshape its rivalry with Wuthering Heights in weekend two • Pixar debuts the first official Toy Story 5 trailer, centering Jessie and introducing a toys-versus-tech conflict • Sony begins development on an animated Venom project with Tom Hardy producing • TMNT: Mutant Mayhem 2 moves its release date up by a month • Netflix acquires I Am Frankelda, Mexico's first stop-motion animated feature, for a fall debut • A tribute to Jane Baer, whose career included Sleeping Beauty, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, and more HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, their team can help you secure great ticket prices and plan smarter. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed week in animation, from awards-season shakeups to shifting box office math and a first real look at Pixar's next big sequel. Along the way, they spotlight a streaming acquisition that could become a Halloween favorite, a few strategic release-date moves, and close with a heartfelt remembrance of a behind-the-scenes legend whose work helped shape modern animation. HIGHLIGHTS • KPop Demon Hunters dominates the Annie Awards with 12 wins, including Best Feature, while Zootopia 2 goes home empty-handed despite its box office strength • Corrected Presidents Day numbers boost GOAT's opening and reshape its rivalry with Wuthering Heights in weekend two • Pixar debuts the first official Toy Story 5 trailer, centering Jessie and introducing a toys-versus-tech conflict • Sony begins development on an animated Venom project with Tom Hardy producing • TMNT: Mutant Mayhem 2 moves its release date up by a month • Netflix acquires I Am Frankelda, Mexico's first stop-motion animated feature, for a fall debut • A tribute to Jane Baer, whose career included Sleeping Beauty, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, and more HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, their team can help you secure great ticket prices and plan smarter. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into Universal's latest infrastructure plans, unpack Epic Universe updates, and then travel back to the late 1980s to reveal how The Land Before Time quietly reshaped the home video industry. NEWS • Universal's Shingle Creek Transit and Utility CDD votes to begin negotiations with Elon Musk's Boring Company to potentially build an underground transportation system connecting Epic Universe to the rest of Universal Orlando Resort. • What the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop timeline tells us about how long a Florida tunnel project could realistically take. • New details on Epic Universe's 53,000-square-foot event facility - a permanent structure designed to host 1,200 to 1,400 guests, likely targeting convention and corporate buyouts. • Early Park Admission at Epic Universe adjusted again, now including eight attractions across multiple lands through March 31 - a key planning note for upcoming visitors. • Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas launches its official website with a 2026 opening window, while hotel bookings remain unavailable. • Shrek's Swamp Splash Pad quietly removed from DreamWorks Land at Universal Studios Florida less than a year after opening. FEATURE • Why The Land Before Time became a billion-dollar home video franchise for MCA Universal - despite its famously troubled production. • How Universal's direct-to-video dinosaur sequels influenced Disney's decision to release The Return of Jafar straight to VHS. • The surprising connection between Jurassic Park's 41-inch height requirement and the creation of the Land Before Time Adventure Show at Universal Studios Hollywood. • A look back at Fievel's Playland in both Florida and Hollywood - and why those family-friendly dinosaur experiences mattered in the 1990s theme park wars. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Right now, Epic Universal Podcast listeners can get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort - including access to Epic Universe, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida. You can also add Universal Express directly through UnlockedMagic.com to skip the regular lines at most participating attractions and maximize your park time. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to lock in that 7-for-5 ticket offer and customize your Universal Orlando vacation today. 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 Lauren dive into the late-80s Sears exclusive Disney World Town Square replica - the ambitious “starter set” that promised Main Street magic at home just as Disney Stores began popping up in malls nationwide. Lauren's Valentine's gift to Eric sparks a deep dive into one of the most fascinating Disney retail experiments of the 1980s: the Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica. Jim explains how this surprisingly elaborate playset - complete with bendable Mickey and Minnie figures and optional upgrades like working streetlights and a smoking train - was born out of a major licensing deal between Sears and The Walt Disney Company. But when the first Disney Store locations began opening in malls, that partnership quickly unraveled. NEWS • A new Frozen 3 short is coming this October as part of Disney's Frozen Fan Fest, with full theatrical release slated for November 2027 • Disney continues evolving its merchandising strategy for the Frozen franchise, leaning into more adult-focused collaborations and collectibles • Bath & Body Works launches its 2026 Disney Princess fragrance collection featuring Aurora, Mulan, Rapunzel, Snow White, plus returning scents for Belle and Tiana • New Disney “Blooms” plush flower stems debut at Disney retail locations in London, Times Square, and Downtown Disney, hinting at possible Flower & Garden synergy • Josh D'Amaro outlines Disney's long-term strategy blending immersive parks, digital platforms like Fortnite, and integrated retail experiences FEATURE • The 1988 Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica “starter set” and its expandable ecosystem of add-ons • Optional upgrades included interior furniture packs, working streetlights, a smoking railroad train, trolley cars, tourists, and seasonal Christmas overlays • Why the playset's price was slashed 50 percent within a year - and how the rapid expansion of Disney Stores sparked a licensing rift • How this short-lived partnership reshaped Disney's retail strategy heading into the late 1980s and beyond HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar in 2026, head to UnlockedMagic.com to lock in great ticket prices with experts who know the parks and how to save you money. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Michael Eisner returns to the Disney spotlight in a surprisingly candid, long-form interview that has fans buzzing. Lauren and Eric break down Eisner's comments on park pricing, Bob Chapek, AI, and the future of Disney leadership - plus what it means in today's theme park landscape. Then, the Savannah Bananas bring Banana Ball back to Disneyland, and Lightning Lane Premier Pass sells out for seven straight days at Walt Disney World. Is Disney's most expensive skip-the-line option here to stay? HIGHLIGHTS Michael Eisner sits down with Graham Bensinger for his most in-depth Disney interview in years, sharing candid thoughts on leadership transitions, pricing, and the modern company. Eisner describes the Chapek era as “a marriage made in hell” while praising Bob Iger's succession and leadership instincts. Disney confirms a $1 billion AI investment and partnership with OpenAI, with plans to explore internal tools, advertising analytics, and controlled character licensing for AI-generated content. Lightning Lane Premier Pass sells out for seven consecutive days at Magic Kingdom during Presidents Day week, with prices reaching up to $449 per person plus tax. The Savannah Bananas return to Disneyland on March 26, bringing Banana Ball energy, cavalcades, and castle-front performances to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure. The Bananas' fan-first model, viral growth, and MLB stadium sellouts make them a natural marketing match for Disney's experiential brand strategy. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS 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
Marvel sits out the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade, Star Wars leans into nostalgia with a Grogu-powered parody, and an AI-generated Tom Cruise vs. Brad Pitt fight clip sends shockwaves through Hollywood. Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack what Disney's marketing restraint really signals for Avengers: Doomsday, how The Mandalorian & Grogu is being positioned for theaters, and why a 15-second AI video may have just changed the rules of the game. HIGHLIGHTS • Marvel breaks a 14-year tradition by skipping a Super Bowl spot for Avengers: Doomsday, signaling a long-term narrative strategy rather than a short-term hype spike. • No Super Bowl presence for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, despite mounting online speculation and leaks. • Disney pivots to nostalgia with a parody-style ad for The Mandalorian & Grogu, complete with Tauntauns and clear Clydesdale-inspired staging. • The economics of Super Bowl advertising - including the staggering production and airtime costs behind the Jurassic Park-inspired Infinity commercial. • Disney's multi-year theatrical roadmap and how Sony's Spider-Man releases help build runway toward Avengers: Secret Wars. • Daredevil: Born Again undergoes a major creative reset after six completed episodes, with Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio reportedly pushing for tonal recalibration. • Legal guardrails surrounding Sony's Spider-Man film rights continue to restrict Kingpin's potential big-screen appearances. • A hyper-realistic AI-generated Tom Cruise vs. Brad Pitt fight ignites industry-wide concern from SAG-AFTRA and studio executives. • What AI disruption could mean for blockbuster filmmaking, union protections, and the future of human performance. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: thehubbubbery FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As The Simpsons hits its 800th episode, Jim Hill takes a moment to appreciate how this once-scrappy Fox upstart became an animation institution that may never actually end. From the long-lost series finale concept where Homer and Krusty were secretly the same person to the show's upcoming theatrical sequel and Disney's long-term park plans, this week's Fine Tooning looks at how Springfield keeps evolving. Plus, box office updates, Avatar sequel math, Matt Braly's next move after Sony, and a wild Steven Spielberg phone call that changed animation history. NEWS • The Simpsons celebrates its 800th episode with “Irrational Treasure,” the 14th episode of Season 37, as the series eyes renewal through Season 40 and a second theatrical film set for September 3, 2027. • Disney+ viewers can compare Season 1's “Santa's Little Helper” to the new milestone episode to see just how dramatically the show's animation quality has evolved since 1989. • Sony Pictures Animation's Goat opens strong over Presidents Day weekend, reportedly close behind Warner Bros.' Wuthering Heights, with final box office numbers still shifting. • Zootopia 2 crosses $1.83 billion worldwide, becoming the ninth highest-grossing film of all time, though its upcoming March 3 home video release may slow its push toward $2 billion. • Avatar: Fire & Ash reaches $1.46 billion globally, profitable but well below the franchise's prior installments, raising questions about costs and expectations for Avatar 4 and 5. • Matt Braly and Rebecca Sugar's previously in-development Sony feature is shelved, but Braly launches a Kickstarter on March 13 for his indie gothic horror pilot Clara and the Below. • The RiffTrax team raises nearly $1.9 million on Kickstarter for The RiffTrax Experiments, offering a hopeful blueprint for creator-driven animation crowdfunding. FEATURE • The behind-the-scenes story of how Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss were hired by Steven Spielberg to write The Land Before Time, following his surprise discovery of Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird. • Spielberg's now-legendary phone call to Freudberg, initially mistaken for a prank, ultimately led to a creative partnership that bridged Sesame Street and major animated feature filmmaking. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12% off. Unlocked Magic is run by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and save big. Grab your tickets today at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. 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
As The Simpsons hits its 800th episode, Jim Hill takes a moment to appreciate how this once-scrappy Fox upstart became an animation institution that may never actually end. From the long-lost series finale concept where Homer and Krusty were secretly the same person to the show's upcoming theatrical sequel and Disney's long-term park plans, this week's Fine Tooning looks at how Springfield keeps evolving. Plus, box office updates, Avatar sequel math, Matt Braly's next move after Sony, and a wild Steven Spielberg phone call that changed animation history. NEWS • The Simpsons celebrates its 800th episode with “Irrational Treasure,” the 14th episode of Season 37, as the series eyes renewal through Season 40 and a second theatrical film set for September 3, 2027. • Disney+ viewers can compare Season 1's “Santa's Little Helper” to the new milestone episode to see just how dramatically the show's animation quality has evolved since 1989. • Sony Pictures Animation's Goat opens strong over Presidents Day weekend, reportedly close behind Warner Bros.' Wuthering Heights, with final box office numbers still shifting. • Zootopia 2 crosses $1.83 billion worldwide, becoming the ninth highest-grossing film of all time, though its upcoming March 3 home video release may slow its push toward $2 billion. • Avatar: Fire & Ash reaches $1.46 billion globally, profitable but well below the franchise's prior installments, raising questions about costs and expectations for Avatar 4 and 5. • Matt Braly and Rebecca Sugar's previously in-development Sony feature is shelved, but Braly launches a Kickstarter on March 13 for his indie gothic horror pilot Clara and the Below. • The RiffTrax team raises nearly $1.9 million on Kickstarter for The RiffTrax Experiments, offering a hopeful blueprint for creator-driven animation crowdfunding. FEATURE • The behind-the-scenes story of how Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss were hired by Steven Spielberg to write The Land Before Time, following his surprise discovery of Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird. • Spielberg's now-legendary phone call to Freudberg, initially mistaken for a prank, ultimately led to a creative partnership that bridged Sesame Street and major animated feature filmmaking. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12% off. Unlocked Magic is run by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and save big. Grab your tickets today at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. 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 dig into multimodal transportation news, Epic Universe's shifting early entry lineup, and a possible successor to Josh D'Amaro before launching a new series on the history of The Great Movie Ride - including how a live performer in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion helped inspire one of Disney-MGM Studios' most ambitious opening-day attractions. NEWS • Universal selects The Boring Company to develop a resort-wide transportation system connecting parks and hotels • Epic Universe quietly reshuffles early park admission offerings mid-month • Natasha Rafalski emerges as a potential future leader of Disney Experiences • Garden Rocks concert lineup shifts major acts to Friday through Monday dates • Walt Disney World files permits tied to updates at Carousel of Progress FEATURE • How a live “Knight” performer inside Disneyland's Haunted Mansion in 1985 influenced Michael Eisner • The Main Street Cinema's Phantom of the Opera stunt and its connection to Universal Studios' early tram tour • The risks and guest reactions that ended the Haunted Mansion live-performer experiment • The origins of The Great Movie Ride's ambitious blend of live actors and animatronics For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim and Len dig into multimodal transportation news, Epic Universe's shifting early entry lineup, and a possible successor to Josh D'Amaro before launching a new series on the history of The Great Movie Ride - including how a live performer in Disneyland's Haunted Mansion helped inspire one of Disney-MGM Studios' most ambitious opening-day attractions. NEWS • Universal selects The Boring Company to develop a resort-wide transportation system connecting parks and hotels • Epic Universe quietly reshuffles early park admission offerings mid-month • Natasha Rafalski emerges as a potential future leader of Disney Experiences • Garden Rocks concert lineup shifts major acts to Friday through Monday dates • Walt Disney World files permits tied to updates at Carousel of Progress FEATURE • How a live “Knight” performer inside Disneyland's Haunted Mansion in 1985 influenced Michael Eisner • The Main Street Cinema's Phantom of the Opera stunt and its connection to Universal Studios' early tram tour • The risks and guest reactions that ended the Haunted Mansion live-performer experiment • The origins of The Great Movie Ride's ambitious blend of live actors and animatronics For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim and Eric kick things off with breaking news from Universal's Fan Fest - yes, there are now multiple colored Yoshis roaming around. From there, they dig into Universal's bold Mummy 4 release date, Wicked's Peacock debut, Mardi Gras madness in Orlando, and that Epic Universe Super Bowl ad that's clearly aimed at changing everything. Then in the back half, Jim dives into the surprisingly complicated history of The Land Before Time - from Spielberg's creative notes to 14 installments and those rare Littlefoot walk-around characters at Universal Studios Hollywood. NEWS • Mummy 4 gets a prime summer release date - Universal slots the Brendan Fraser-led sequel for May 19, 2028, signaling major confidence in the franchise's return. • Wicked heads to Peacock - Universal's Broadway juggernaut begins streaming March 20, keeping the contractual Wicked mention streak alive. • Universal Mardi Gras 2026 begins - Over 40 international food booths, live concerts, and the debut of Prince Gator at Universal Orlando. • Volcano Bay goes cashless - Starting February 25, the water park transitions to card-only transactions. • Epic Universe Super Bowl commercial - A sibling rivalry story spotlights Stardust Racers and positions Universal Orlando as a multi-day destination experience. FEATURE • The Land Before Time's surprising origin story - How Steven Spielberg partnered with Don Bluth after The Secret of NIMH and reshaped a dinosaur tale to be less terrifying for kids. • Scenes cut for being “too scary” - Nearly 10 minutes were removed before the 1988 theatrical release of The Land Before Time. • From theatrical hit to direct-to-video empire - Universal ultimately produced 14 installments, with the final entry arriving in 2016. • Rare Universal Studios walk-around characters - Littlefoot and Sarah once appeared in the parks - and Jim wants proof from listeners who remember them. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning your next adventure? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations are a Platinum Level Universal and Disney travel agency, offering concierge-level planning for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast. 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 Lauren kick off Super Bowl Sunday by diving into the biggest toy expo in the world and what it reveals about the future of Disney licensing. From LEGO's new screen-free “smart” bricks to Formula One collaborations and a surprising resurgence of theme park trash can merch, this episode blends breaking toy news with classic Disney history - including the Epcot attraction that almost was. NEWS • Highlights from Germany's massive Spielwarenmesse toy fair - and what it signals for global licensing trends • LEGO unveils new Smart Play sets, including interactive Star Wars builds with light-and-sound “smart brick” technology • A global Mickey and Friends x Formula One collaboration races toward 2026 • Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates 20 years of Push the Talking Trash Can with a talking collectible and shoulder plush • Walt Disney World rolls out a sprawling line of vintage park map merchandise, from tumblers to Skyway-inspired planters FEATURE • The ambitious German River Ride once planned for EPCOT's Germany pavilion • How the attraction would have blended miniatures, cultural history, and even a surprise Snow White moment • The financial realities of early EPCOT - and why World War II sensitivities may have sealed the ride's fate • The mural inside Biergarten that quietly marks where the attraction entrance was supposed to be HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you secure great ticket prices without the stress - all handled by experts who know the parks and how to save you money. Start planning your next adventure at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disney is having a moment and this episode covers three very different reasons why. Eric and Lauren dig into the surprise ratings success of The Muppets' 50th anniversary special, break down why Marvel's Wonder Man quietly became a sleeper hit on Disney Plus, and wrap things up with a look at Disney California Adventure's 25th anniversary and the popcorn bucket chaos that came with it. From broadcast TV demos to streaming strategy and park optics, this one moves fast and covers a lot of ground. HIGHLIGHTS The Muppets' 50th anniversary special delivers strong ABC ratings and wins the key 18–49 demo Why those numbers matter to advertisers and what they could mean for a potential weekly revival The Sabrina Carpenter bump and how celebrity guests factor into Muppets nostalgia and reach Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro spotted at Disneyland and the symbolism of that park appearance Marvel's Wonder Man emerges as a sleeper hit with critics and viewers despite minimal marketing Why a lower-budget, character-driven Marvel series may point to a smarter streaming future Disney California Adventure turns 25 and sparks long lines thanks to a high-tech Ferris wheel popcorn bucket The ongoing reseller debate and whether Disney should crack down harder on merch flippers For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS 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
This session of The Case For lets Judge Jim Hill step out from behind the bench and into the mailroom as Len Testa and Chris Cox react to listener feedback from several recent cases. From after-hours events and dining plans to Butterbeer preferences, New Year's Eve strategies, and park entrances, this episode is fueled entirely by audience opinions, polls, and personal experiences. HIGHLIGHTS • Listener reactions to After Hours events, including strong praise for Jollywood Nights and whether these parties can replace a full park day • Poll results and personal stories about the Disney Dining Plan, snack credits, and why many guests value stress-free spending over savings • A deep dive into Butterbeer preferences, including frozen vs hot, Epic Universe crepes, and controversial takes on Blue and Green Milk • Real-world feedback on New Year's Eve at Walt Disney World, from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT strategies to crowd survival stories • A surprisingly passionate debate over the best park entrances, from Animal Kingdom's Oasis to EPCOT's International Gateway HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: MagicCox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to Fine Tooning, where Drew Taylor and Jim Hill record on Super Bowl Sunday, dodge football talk, and instead zero in on animation news, box office bruises, and one of the biggest corporate shake-ups in Disney history. Along the way, there is chatter about Super Bowl trailers, art books you are not allowed to open yet, and why studios still love spending big bucks for 30 seconds of attention. Then the conversation turns serious as Disney's future leadership comes sharply into focus. NEWS • Super Bowl 60 trailer watch, including expected spots for Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and whether Universal should hype the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie • A rough North American box office weekend, with Send Help limping to number one and Zootopia 2 still padding its already massive worldwide total • Angel Studios news, including a release date for Andy Serkis' long-awaited Animal Farm • GKIDS picks up a new original animated feature from Macross creator Shoji Kawamori • Genndy Tartakovsky reportedly circling an animated Game of Thrones spin-off, plus a look at Netflix's Stranger Things: Tales from '85 FEATURE • Disney announces its next era as Josh D'Amaro is named CEO, effective March 18, 2026 • A deep dive into D'Amaro's path through Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and why Iger ultimately chose him • Dana Walden promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, with oversight of Disney's vast entertainment portfolio • What this leadership pairing signals for Disney's creative direction, corporate culture, and long-term strategy HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Just pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to Fine Tooning, where Drew Taylor and Jim Hill record on Super Bowl Sunday, dodge football talk, and instead zero in on animation news, box office bruises, and one of the biggest corporate shake-ups in Disney history. Along the way, there is chatter about Super Bowl trailers, art books you are not allowed to open yet, and why studios still love spending big bucks for 30 seconds of attention. Then the conversation turns serious as Disney's future leadership comes sharply into focus. NEWS • Super Bowl 60 trailer watch, including expected spots for Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and whether Universal should hype the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie • A rough North American box office weekend, with Send Help limping to number one and Zootopia 2 still padding its already massive worldwide total • Angel Studios news, including a release date for Andy Serkis' long-awaited Animal Farm • GKIDS picks up a new original animated feature from Macross creator Shoji Kawamori • Genndy Tartakovsky reportedly circling an animated Game of Thrones spin-off, plus a look at Netflix's Stranger Things: Tales from '85 FEATURE • Disney announces its next era as Josh D'Amaro is named CEO, effective March 18, 2026 • A deep dive into D'Amaro's path through Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and why Iger ultimately chose him • Dana Walden promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, with oversight of Disney's vast entertainment portfolio • What this leadership pairing signals for Disney's creative direction, corporate culture, and long-term strategy HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Just pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim and Eric kick off this week's show with a mix of snarky social media, surprising Super Bowl ads, and listener-driven questions before pivoting into a deep historical dive. From Universal's well-timed trolling of Disney to a fascinating look at a Middle East theme park that almost happened, this episode blends breaking news with one of those long-form Universal history lessons Jim is known for. NEWS • Universal Orlando trolls Disney following the closure of Dinosaur with a pointed Jurassic Park social post • Xfinity debuts a Super Bowl ad reuniting the original Jurassic Park cast, directed by Taika Waititi • Universal explores walkaround Jurassic Park characters including John Hammond, Ian Malcolm, and Dennis Nedry • Ongoing fan speculation around the Oz-tacular Spectacular trademark and where a Wicked-themed show could land • Listener questions about Epic Universe character appearances, including the elusive Donkey Kong meet-and-greet FEATURE • A detailed history of Universal Studios Dubailand - the ambitious Middle East park that was announced, partially built, and ultimately abandoned • How the Great Recession stalled Universal's international expansion plans • Why Universal quietly walked away from Dubailand after nearly a decade • How this abandoned project connects to Universal's renewed interest in the Middle East and a possible Saudi Arabia theme park HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Be Our Guest Vacations Are you planning your next Universal or Disney adventure? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum level Authorized Vacation Planner, they offer top-tier concierge service for Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to let them know the Epic Universal Podcast sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jim and Lauren break down Disney's latest merch moves, where experiences become collectibles and collectibles become strategy. From an emotional towel animal turned cruise ship plush to popcorn buckets that literally demand attention, this episode covers how Disney is driving hype across price points. Then, in the feature, Jim digs deep into the long, misunderstood history of Disney California Adventure's giant wheel and why it has always been more controversial than fans remember. NEWS • Disney Cruise Line introduces Eevee, the towel-animal-inspired plush debuting exclusively onboard starting February 8 • A new Pixar Pal-A-Round interactive popcorn bucket celebrates Disney California Adventure's 25th anniversary with swinging gondolas and lighting effects • EPCOT Festival of the Arts unveils an interactive Figment popcorn bucket, complete with removable, color-changing paintbrush • Disney cracks down on resellers with all-sales-final policies at Character Warehouses and cast member stores • High fashion meets fairy tales with the Victor & Rolf Cinderella collector doll, debuting during Paris Fashion Week FEATURE • The Pixar Pal-A-Round is not a Ferris wheel but an eccentric wheel, and that distinction matters • Why Disney fans long believed Walt Disney hated Ferris wheels, and where that myth really came from • From the Chicago World's Fair to Disneyland's State Fair, how spinning rides shaped Disney park design • The behind-the-scenes reason icons like the Partners statue exist and what they were meant to prevent HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you lock in prices early, stress-free, and with expert guidance from people who know the parks inside and out. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning today. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lauren and Eric break down one of the busiest Disney news weeks in recent memory. From record-breaking cold temperatures in Central Florida to the emotional final day of DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A., there was no shortage of headlines. Add in a surprise character debut, a major Disney earnings call, and the official announcement of a new CEO, and this episode is packed wall to wall with news, context, and strong opinions. HIGHLIGHTS Record-breaking cold temperatures in Orlando, freezing pipes, closing water parks, and even icing over the Universal globe DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A. officially close, with five-hour waits, cast member tributes, and the land vanishing from the app overnight Humphrey the Bear makes his first-ever in-park appearance, delighting deep-cut Disney fans Disney's latest earnings call delivers strong Parks and Experiences results, just ahead of leadership changes A new Disney CEO is officially named, with Bob Iger transitioning into a senior advisor role and a creative shakeup at the top For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS 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
Marvel didn't roll out a red carpet this week. No hype cycle, no countdown, no spectacle. They just quietly released all eight episodes of Wonder Man - and Jim Hill and Dan Graney think that choice says a lot about where Marvel Studios is headed. In this episode, the conversation turns to trust, restraint, and why some of Marvel's most meaningful moves right now are the ones they are making without fanfare. NEWS • Wonder Man drops all eight episodes at once, earning strong early reactions • Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to be framed as a major tonal shift • Daredevil: Born Again lines up a second season with Jessica Jones returning • Avengers: Doomsday rumors swirl, including unresolved threads from Deadpool & Wolverine • Marvel's expanding consumer strategy, including a high-profile Marvel Oreo crossover FEATURE • Why Wonder Man is one of Marvel's most intimate and character-first projects • Simon Williams, mutants, and Marvel's renewed comfort with narrative gray areas • The Department of Damage Control and what it signals about a changing MCU • Trevor Slattery, performance as survival, and why Ben Kingsley's return works so well HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: TheHubbubbery.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off, from the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick things off on Groundhog Day weekend by leaning into an appropriately animal-heavy episode. From Sony Pictures Animation's upcoming sports comedy Goat to Pixar's sci-fi action comedy Hoppers, the guys break down why animated animals are having a moment and how recent box office and streaming successes are shaping what comes next. Along the way, there's box office chatter, awards-season surprises, toy fair buzz, and a heartfelt remembrance of one of animation's great voice talents. NEWS • Goat from Sony Pictures Animation lines up its February 13 release with NBA All-Star Weekend, and Drew shares what he learned talking directly with the filmmakers. • Pixar's Hoppers draws internal debate over its bold comedy, with Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton stepping in to defend Daniel Chong's vision. • Zootopia 2 continues its strong box office run, reinforcing why studios are doubling down on animal-driven stories. • Streaming and awards updates include KPop Demon Hunters, Grammy nominations, and what dominated viewing charts in 2025. • Big animation-adjacent headlines from the Nuremberg Toy Fair and the return of classic Looney Tunes shorts to Turner Classic Movies. FEATURE • A deeper dive into Goat, including the challenges of animating Roarball, the film's underdog themes, and its sequel potential. • Pixar's Hoppers explained - its sci-fi premise, visual style, and how Mabel's intense personality was shaped into a Pixar-friendly lead. • Remembering Catherine O'Hara and her lasting legacy in animated film and television voice performances. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets - sometimes up to 12 percent off - by visiting UnlockedMagic.com. Unlocked Magic is run by the same team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and lock in serious savings. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick things off on Groundhog Day weekend by leaning into an appropriately animal-heavy episode. From Sony Pictures Animation's upcoming sports comedy Goat to Pixar's sci-fi action comedy Hoppers, the guys break down why animated animals are having a moment and how recent box office and streaming successes are shaping what comes next. Along the way, there's box office chatter, awards-season surprises, toy fair buzz, and a heartfelt remembrance of one of animation's great voice talents. NEWS • Goat from Sony Pictures Animation lines up its February 13 release with NBA All-Star Weekend, and Drew shares what he learned talking directly with the filmmakers. • Pixar's Hoppers draws internal debate over its bold comedy, with Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton stepping in to defend Daniel Chong's vision. • Zootopia 2 continues its strong box office run, reinforcing why studios are doubling down on animal-driven stories. • Streaming and awards updates include KPop Demon Hunters, Grammy nominations, and what dominated viewing charts in 2025. • Big animation-adjacent headlines from the Nuremberg Toy Fair and the return of classic Looney Tunes shorts to Turner Classic Movies. FEATURE • A deeper dive into Goat, including the challenges of animating Roarball, the film's underdog themes, and its sequel potential. • Pixar's Hoppers explained - its sci-fi premise, visual style, and how Mabel's intense personality was shaped into a Pixar-friendly lead. • Remembering Catherine O'Hara and her lasting legacy in animated film and television voice performances. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets - sometimes up to 12 percent off - by visiting UnlockedMagic.com. Unlocked Magic is run by the same team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida trip and lock in serious savings. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Jim and Len unpack a packed Disney Dish that starts with theme park news and surveys before taking a deep dive into the frantic, sleep-deprived final months of EPCOT Center construction. Along the way, they translate Disney survey-speak, speculate on where Pokémon could land at Universal, and stumble onto what might be the most diabolically smart fireworks idea Disney has never tried. NEWS • Disney's guest surveys decoded - What EPCOT and resort questions really reveal about future cuts, changes, and monetization • Animal Kingdom and Disneyland food updates - Harambe Market speeds up its opening while Napa Rose returns with a $188 price tag • Pokemon at Universal - Why Springfield, Lost Continent, or Epic Universe are all in play • Cruise line discounts and CityWalk rethink - What Universal and Disney Cruise Line data gathering tells us about demand • A subtle Josh D'Amaro change - Could a missing voice hint at bigger leadership news? FEATURE • Inside EPCOT's construction crunch - From 4,000 workers to 10,000 almost overnight • Why most builders had no idea what they were building - And how Disney fixed that problem • The overnight concrete pours and brutal schedules - 75 straight days on the job in Florida heat • How worker preview days helped push EPCOT across the finish line For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR • Be Our Guest Vacations - beourguestvacations.com • DVC Rental Store - dvcrentalstore.com • DVC Resale Market - dvcresalemarket.com • Unlocked Magic - unlockedmagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Jim and Len unpack a packed Disney Dish that starts with theme park news and surveys before taking a deep dive into the frantic, sleep-deprived final months of EPCOT Center construction. Along the way, they translate Disney survey-speak, speculate on where Pokémon could land at Universal, and stumble onto what might be the most diabolically smart fireworks idea Disney has never tried. NEWS • Disney's guest surveys decoded - What EPCOT and resort questions really reveal about future cuts, changes, and monetization • Animal Kingdom and Disneyland food updates - Harambe Market speeds up its opening while Napa Rose returns with a $188 price tag • Pokemon at Universal - Why Springfield, Lost Continent, or Epic Universe are all in play • Cruise line discounts and CityWalk rethink - What Universal and Disney Cruise Line data gathering tells us about demand • A subtle Josh D'Amaro change - Could a missing voice hint at bigger leadership news? FEATURE • Inside EPCOT's construction crunch - From 4,000 workers to 10,000 almost overnight • Why most builders had no idea what they were building - And how Disney fixed that problem • The overnight concrete pours and brutal schedules - 75 straight days on the job in Florida heat • How worker preview days helped push EPCOT across the finish line For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR • Be Our Guest Vacations - beourguestvacations.com • DVC Rental Store - dvcrentalstore.com • DVC Resale Market - dvcresalemarket.com • Unlocked Magic - unlockedmagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey connect the dots between an MTV-inspired TV phenomenon and one of the most ambitious nighttime stunt shows ever staged at a Universal theme park. From Brandon Tartikoff's “MTV Cops” brainstorm to exploding boats on Universal Studios Lagoon, the guys unpack how Miami Vice helped shape theme park history - even when Universal Florida was not allowed to use the name. NEWS • Universal announces a global Pokémon theme park expansion tied to the franchise's 30th anniversary • Early speculation on where Pokémon could land stateside, including Lost Continent and Simpsons real estate • Universal files a trademark for “OZTACULAR SPECTACULAR,” fueling Oz land rumors for the rumored UK park • First public look at the Universal Kids Resort model ahead of its Frisco, Texas opening • Reactions to Wicked: Part Two being shut out of this year's Academy Award nominations FEATURE • How Miami Vice evolved from “MTV Cops” into a pop culture juggernaut • Why Universal Studios Hollywood repurposed its A-Team stunt show into the Miami Vice Action Spectacular • The borrowed mine cart chase that directly inspired Disney-MGM's Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular • Why Universal Studios Florida's lagoon show became Dynamite Nights instead of Miami Vice - and how long it ran HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: StrongMindedAgency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lauren and Eric dig into the latest chatter surrounding Disney's next CEO, unpack mixed reactions to a newly released Disneyland documentary, and explore why Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World struck a nostalgic chord. Along the way, they reflect on what quietly vanished during COVID and which experiences fans still hope might return. HIGHLIGHTS Online reaction to Disney's CEO succession plan, including why Josh D'Amaro is the public-facing favorite and why some fans are wary of his park-era decisions. A breakdown of Disneyland Handcrafted, its simultaneous release on Disney Plus and YouTube, and why reactions from fans and creators have been so divided. Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World, complete with Polynesian Village Resort guest notices and why the collaboration makes sense for both brands. A nostalgic look back at COVID-era losses across the parks, from tea rooms and spas to parades, shows, and interactive experiences that never returned. The attractions, entertainment, and small Disney details fans are still salty about - and whether any of them could realistically come back. For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS 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
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into why collectibles are suddenly everywhere you look, from Disney merch shelves to grocery store cookie aisles and even inside theme parks themselves. This episode connects the dots between blind box culture, viral collectibles, and why companies like Disney and Universal are aggressively courting adult collectors and Gen Z fans. Along the way, the conversation builds toward a genuinely jaw-dropping realization about which media franchise quietly became the most valuable of all time. NEWS • Disney's Zootopia 2 teams up with Pop Mart for blind box collectibles, tapping directly into the viral Labubu-style collector economy • Why blind boxes, mystery packs, and “completionist” merch are suddenly Disney's favorite strategy • Disney Lorcana takes over EPCOT's Festival of the Arts with a free scavenger hunt and highly coveted promo cards • Marvel's new color-changing Oreos turn cookies into collectibles, complete with QR codes, lore, and villains • Universal Studios Japan confirms plans for a major Pokémon attraction, setting the internet on fire with speculation FEATURE • How Pokémon quietly became the highest-grossing media franchise in history • Why gaming revenue now dwarfs movies and how that shift changed theme parks forever • The real reason Universal wants Pokémon and why everyone else is chasing that level of success • What Pokémon's 30-year rise tells us about merch, media, and the future of themed entertainment HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for stress-free savings on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you unlock great prices with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this session of The Case Four, Judge Jim Hill presides over a lively and surprisingly practical debate about Walt Disney World's Lightning Lane system. Len Testa and Chris Cox dig into what you really gain - and lose - when you pay to skip the standby line, weighing money, time, stress, and how much of your vacation you want to spend staring at your phone. Along the way, the court grapples with pie-related grievances, parenting realities, and whether Disney's most premium option might actually make sense. HIGHLIGHTS • A plain-English breakdown of Lightning Lane Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass and how Disney complicates all three • Real-world math on paying to skip lines versus waiting with kids for hours • The mental load of Lightning Lane optimization and how much phone time it actually demands • Touring tactics like rope drop pairing, stacking, burner Lightning Lanes, and the 119-minute grace period • Why Lightning Lane Premier Pass might be the least stressful - and most honest - version of the system HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: MagicCox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORTSupport 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 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 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
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
This week on the Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa cover a wide range of park news before diving headfirst into one of the most intense construction stories Disney has ever lived through. From Haunted Mansion permits and Animal Kingdom surveys to Hallmark cameras rolling at Walt Disney World, the first half sets the stage for a jaw-dropping look at how EPCOT was nearly derailed before it ever opened. Then Jim walks through the chaotic final year of EPCOT construction, when Disney threw manpower, money, and sanity at the calendar to make an October 1 deadline happen. NEWS • New construction permits near the Haunted Mansion spark speculation about queue changes and future guest flow into Villains Land • Universal confirms a Fast & Furious spinning coaster will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit • Disney surveys reveal how much a re-themed attraction like Zootopia Better Zoo-Gether actually drives intent to visit • Animal Kingdom questions hint at how Disney expects families to split up as thrill rides expand • A Hallmark holiday movie films on location at Walt Disney World, including a surprise Jodi Benson cameo FEATURE • Inside EPCOT's final year of construction, when the project ballooned to 10,000 workers on site • How endangered woodpeckers, sinkholes, and shifting plans pushed EPCOT dangerously behind schedule • Why Disney was forced to spend billions to meet a non-negotiable opening date • Stories from the worksite that explain why veterans still describe it as chaotic, dangerous, and unforgettable For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by DVC Resale Market - get expert help buying or selling Disney Vacation Club points at DVCResaleMarket.com. Also sponsored by DVC Rental Store - save on your next Disney vacation by renting points at DVCRentalStore.com. Planning your next trip? Let Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details at BeOurGuestVacations.com. And by Unlocked Magic, offering concierge-level Disney planning services at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa cover a wide range of park news before diving headfirst into one of the most intense construction stories Disney has ever lived through. From Haunted Mansion permits and Animal Kingdom surveys to Hallmark cameras rolling at Walt Disney World, the first half sets the stage for a jaw-dropping look at how EPCOT was nearly derailed before it ever opened. Then Jim walks through the chaotic final year of EPCOT construction, when Disney threw manpower, money, and sanity at the calendar to make an October 1 deadline happen. NEWS • New construction permits near the Haunted Mansion spark speculation about queue changes and future guest flow into Villains Land • Universal confirms a Fast & Furious spinning coaster will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit • Disney surveys reveal how much a re-themed attraction like Zootopia Better Zoo-Gether actually drives intent to visit • Animal Kingdom questions hint at how Disney expects families to split up as thrill rides expand • A Hallmark holiday movie films on location at Walt Disney World, including a surprise Jodi Benson cameo FEATURE • Inside EPCOT's final year of construction, when the project ballooned to 10,000 workers on site • How endangered woodpeckers, sinkholes, and shifting plans pushed EPCOT dangerously behind schedule • Why Disney was forced to spend billions to meet a non-negotiable opening date • Stories from the worksite that explain why veterans still describe it as chaotic, dangerous, and unforgettable For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by DVC Resale Market - get expert help buying or selling Disney Vacation Club points at DVCResaleMarket.com. Also sponsored by DVC Rental Store - save on your next Disney vacation by renting points at DVCRentalStore.com. Planning your next trip? Let Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details at BeOurGuestVacations.com. And by Unlocked Magic, offering concierge-level Disney planning services at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Jim and Eric shift from breaking Universal news into a fascinating look back at how the company perfected the art of staged chaos. From the official confirmation of a Fast & Furious coaster to high winds halting Epic Universe testing, the conversation eventually lands on the wonderfully cheesy, sometimes dangerous, and always ingenious Jay Bangs that defined the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour for decades. NEWS • Universal officially confirms a Fast & Furious coaster to replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit • Universal Orlando's latest emotional ad sparks debate over nostalgia versus party vibes • High winds stall testing on Epic Universe's Stardust Racers coaster • Mystery concrete and launch tubes hint at a future nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe • A noticeable rise in lawsuits across major theme parks raises industry concerns FEATURE • Why Universal's Tram Tour illusions were internally known as Jay Bangs • Collapsing bridges, rockslides, spinning tunnels, and other classic disaster effects • How films like Jaws helped push Universal toward attractions tied to contemporary hits • The fine line between thrilling guests and accidentally pelting them with wet Styrofoam “rocks” HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning your next theme park adventure? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations help you plan a trip to Universal Orlando Resort, Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Eric and Lauren break down the Disney stories fans are reacting to online this week, starting with a surprise blast of 90s nostalgia as the Disney Afternoon games creep back into the conversation. From there, they dig into Galaxy's Edge loosening up its timeline rules to bring back original trilogy characters, plus the viral Evil Queen controversy that sparked a much bigger debate about character interactions. And because the internet cannot help itself, they close things out with the Festival of the Arts nickname that absolutely should not work, but somehow does. HIGHLIGHTS An ESRB listing sparks chatter that the Disney Afternoon Collection could be headed to Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and why Disney adults are clearly the target audience Why Disney continues to lean hard into nostalgia and how search trends and fan buzz often telegraph bigger strategy Galaxy's Edge expands beyond a single timeline at Disneyland, bringing back original trilogy characters like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker The viral Evil Queen performer story and why Disney draws a hard line when a character interaction becomes bigger than the role itself The rise of “#EpcotFarts”, the #FOA vs. #FArts debate, and why Disney seems perfectly fine letting the internet run with it For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS 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 With special help from Dave Grey. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Winnie the Pooh turns 100, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a deep dive into how Disney is kicking off a year-long centennial celebration and what the first wave of merchandise already reveals about the strategy behind it. From understated lifestyle apparel to a knit plush that collectors immediately zeroed in on, this episode explores why Pooh still resonates after a century. Then, Jim unpacks the surprisingly complex business history that transformed a simple bedtime story into one of Disney's most carefully managed and profitable characters. NEWS • Disney officially unveils its Winnie the Pooh 100th anniversary branding, signaling a long runway of celebrations tied to Pooh's literary origins • The first wave of centennial merchandise drops, favoring subtle, wearable designs over loud anniversary graphics • A limited-edition knit Pooh plush, capped at 7,500 units, becomes the early breakout collectible • Key 2026 milestones line up, from Winnie the Pooh Day to major Disney animation anniversaries • Publishers and museums outside Disney join in, reinforcing Pooh as a cultural and literary icon FEATURE • How A.A. Milne's bedtime stories for his son evolved into a global phenomenon • The pivotal role of licensing agent Stephen Slesinger in shaping Pooh's commercial future • Why Disney handled Winnie the Pooh differently than almost any other character • How merchandising deals, lawsuits, and strategy shifts helped turn Pooh into a billion-dollar brand HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for great deals on theme park tickets. If Disney or Universal is on your travel radar for 2026, Unlocked Magic can help you lock in excellent prices with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disney rarely tells you exactly what it's doing anymore, but that doesn't mean there isn't a plan. This week, Jim Hill and Dan Graney break down why Marvel's latest marketing push feels chaotic on the surface yet deeply intentional underneath, and how that same philosophy is quietly reshaping Lucasfilm and Disney's theme parks. From Avengers teases to Star Wars leadership handoffs, this episode is all about Disney learning how to move forward without hitting the reset button. NEWS • Why Marvel's weekly “stories” for Avengers: Doomsday are designed to invite speculation rather than explain anything • How long-running MCU callbacks from Brave New World and Quantumania may finally be paying off • The Super Bowl factor and why Marvel may be training audiences to pay attention again • Rumors pointing to Peggy Carter and the Fantastic Four playing larger roles than expected • What Marvel's confidence says about its post-multiverse strategy FEATURE • Kathleen Kennedy's planned leadership transition and what it signals about Lucasfilm's future • Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan's split creative-business model and why Disney favors it • Galaxy's Edge loosening its timeline rules to embrace Star Wars nostalgia • How Marvel comics are being used to quietly “duct tape” Star Wars canon back together HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Dan Graney - IG: @thehubbubbery | YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Website: TheHubbubbery.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off, from the same team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Learn more and book your tickets at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Right in the thick of awards season, Drew Taylor and Jim Hill cover a wide swath of animation history and current events - from box office heavyweights and streaming announcements to the complicated legacies of mid-century cartoon characters. Along the way, they connect the dots between past controversies, present-day reappraisals, and how modern creators are recontextualizing classic animated icons. NEWS • Why Avatar: Fire & Ash remains unstoppable at the box office, holding the top spot for a fifth straight week • Zootopia 2 climbs into the global Top 10 all-time, surpassing Inside Out 2 and Disney's The Lion King remake • A new Phineas & Ferb movie is officially in the works for Disney+, with a time-bending premise • What's next for Pixar's Hoppers, following Drew's recent trip to Emeryville • Updates on How to Train Your Dragon 2, including Cate Blanchett's return as Valka FEATURE • A deep dive into the rise and fall of UPA, from Mr. Magoo's Oscar wins to the studio's eventual collapse • How changing cultural standards sidelined characters like Magoo, Cholly, and UPA's Dick Tracy supporting cast • The newly revealed documentary Animation Mavericks: The Forgotten Story of UPA and why it matters now • Why Jorge Gutierrez developing a Speedy Gonzales movie could signal a long-overdue shift in how legacy characters are handled HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @DrewTailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, where you can save up to 12 percent on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets. Learn more at UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to let them know Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into a deceptively simple question with big implications for trip planning: when exactly did “summer vacation” stop being peak season at Walt Disney World? Using years of hotel pricing data as a proxy for crowd demand, Len walks through what the numbers say - and the results may surprise longtime fans. Then Jim takes listeners on a deep historical tour of one of the parks' most quietly beloved traditions, the Sword in the Stone ceremony, tracing its evolution across Disney parks worldwide. NEWS • Why Disney hotel pricing data suggests summer is no longer peak season at Walt Disney World • A breakdown of how demand has shifted from summer to fall travel, especially October • Updates on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishments and new cave effects • Casting and timing details for the upcoming Bluey experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom • Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge timeline expansion, adding characters from across all Star Wars eras FEATURE • The full history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony, from Disneyland in 1983 to parks around the globe • Why Imagineers were obsessed with The Sword in the Stone long before the ceremony debuted • How budget cuts slowly transformed a full-scale show into today's simpler experience • The true story of the guest who actually pulled the sword completely out of the stone For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by our friends at DVC Rental Store. Save $50 or more per person on select multi-day Walt Disney World tickets and take the stress out of planning your next vacation. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for details. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into a deceptively simple question with big implications for trip planning: when exactly did “summer vacation” stop being peak season at Walt Disney World? Using years of hotel pricing data as a proxy for crowd demand, Len walks through what the numbers say - and the results may surprise longtime fans. Then Jim takes listeners on a deep historical tour of one of the parks' most quietly beloved traditions, the Sword in the Stone ceremony, tracing its evolution across Disney parks worldwide. NEWS • Why Disney hotel pricing data suggests summer is no longer peak season at Walt Disney World • A breakdown of how demand has shifted from summer to fall travel, especially October • Updates on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishments and new cave effects • Casting and timing details for the upcoming Bluey experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom • Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge timeline expansion, adding characters from across all Star Wars eras FEATURE • The full history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony, from Disneyland in 1983 to parks around the globe • Why Imagineers were obsessed with The Sword in the Stone long before the ceremony debuted • How budget cuts slowly transformed a full-scale show into today's simpler experience • The true story of the guest who actually pulled the sword completely out of the stone For this episode's full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by our friends at DVC Rental Store. Save $50 or more per person on select multi-day Walt Disney World tickets and take the stress out of planning your next vacation. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for details. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disney's live-action strategy, a surprisingly exclusive D23 merch sale, and a 65-year-old animated classic all collide on this episode of I Want That Too. Jim and Lauren break down why a new casting announcement for Tangled matters far beyond the movie itself, how Disney is quietly rewarding its most dedicated fans, and why 101 Dalmatians feels more relevant today than ever. Along the way, they connect the dots between animation history, modern merchandising, and the business decisions still shaping Disney in 2025. NEWS • Why the newly announced Tangled live-action leads are a smart, generation-spanning choice for Disney • How Disney's live-action remakes reduce risk and supercharge future merchandise lines • The Twice Upon a Year Sale that most fans know - and the D23-only version many do not • Why D23 memberships are suddenly looking more valuable heading into a busy 2025 FEATURE • How Sleeping Beauty's box office failure nearly sank Disney animation • The technology shift that made 101 Dalmatians possible with a drastically smaller animation staff • Why Cruella de Vil became the template for Disney villains going forward • How a cost-saving experiment ended up saving Walt Disney Animation Studios HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic. Planning a future Disney or Universal trip? Lock in great ticket deals without the stress at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
Right in the thick of awards season, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down to read the tea leaves on this year's animation race while also digging into a pivotal - and often misunderstood - moment in Disney animation history. From Annie Award trends and box office signals to Don Bluth's garage-era rebellion, this episode covers how a shortage of effects animation talent helped spark one of the biggest talent walkouts the studio ever faced. NEWS • Why KPop Demon Hunters and Pixar's Elio leading the Annie nominations could matter as Academy voting begins • The third Avatar film dominates the box office again as Zootopia 2 closes in on Lion King-level numbers • GKIDS picks up Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom for a Halloween release • Remembering composer Guy Moon and his legacy across The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, and more FEATURE • How shrinking FX animation departments in the 1970s quietly changed Disney's films • Why Don Bluth created Banjo the Woodpile Cat as a “training exercise pretending to be a movie” • Ron Miller's rejection of Banjo and how that decision helped trigger Bluth's mass exit from Disney • The ripple effects that delayed The Fox and the Hound, reshaped the studio, and helped set the stage for Disney's 1980s reboot HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets - sometimes up to 12 percent off - at UnlockedMagic.com. When you book, please let them know Drew and Jim sent you. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
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