The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

In this episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the latest in animation news, including: Ne Zha 2’s historic box office run – How the Chinese animated epic became the highest-grossing animated film worldwide, surpassing Frozen 2. Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King and DreamWorks’ Dog Man hit digital – What their home release means for the industry. The rise of adult animation – Robot Chicken celebrates 20 years, while Nikelodeon expands its lineup with Avatar: The Seven Havens. Disney+’s latest animation drops – Thoughts on Win or Lose and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. The Simpsons’ Disney+ exclusives – Are they living up to the hype? Tune in for expert analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and the latest in animation! Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey hop into the season with stories of springtime mishaps, Disney merch drops, and a full breakdown of the difference between spoilers and Easter eggs (the movie kind, not the chocolate kind). The infamous Disneyland orchid drop of the 1950s and other early Easter entertainment ideas A look at this year’s Easter basket-ready merch, from plush Stitch bunnies to adorable Ewok Village Dorables Disney’s new Lululemon collection and a pricey hoodie that’s… just a black hoodie Brooks Run Disney shoes and Lauren’s comfort-first shoe philosophy The origin of Easter eggs in video games and how Pixar carried the tradition into animation Hidden details in Frozen, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Little Mermaid The legacy of Disney's Easter TV specials and how hidden Mickeys started as subtle rebellion Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More 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

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

Avengers: Endgame heads back to theaters, the Road to Doomsday widens, theme park tectonics start shifting, and Hulk’s stair-related temper sets off an unintended butterfly effect across the entire MCU. Jim and Dan break down Marvel’s theatrical chess moves, assemble Sam Wilson’s emerging Avengers roster, and dive into a feature story where one very irritated green guy accidentally rewrites the multiverse. It’s a packed episode that swings from box office strategy to deep-cut timeline chaos. NEWS • Avengers: Endgame returns to theaters in September 2026 as a strategic warm-up for Avengers: Doomsday • Dan unveils a new theory about the Endgame metal-pounding audio, suggesting the 2026 rerelease could reveal Doctor Doom forging his mask as a symbolic handoff from Tony Stark • Early Doomsday lineup reveals Sam Wilson’s Avengers team, including Thor, Loki, Shang-Chi, Falcon, and Ant-Man • Universal reportedly explores DC character licensing, creating the possibility of Marvel and DC living side-by-side in Orlando • Rumor Corner: Destin Daniel Cretton may direct the first post–Secret Wars Avengers film; She-Hulk’s MCU future remains uncertain FEATURE • How one joke in Endgame – Hulk being forced to take the stairs – becomes the domino that creates the entire Multiverse Saga • Loki’s escape, the TVA’s rise and fall, and the chain of events that leads to No Way Home, Wanda’s rampage, and Steve and Tony’s emotional finales • Why Hulk’s bad stair day may be the secret narrative blueprint the Russos lean on for Avengers: Doomsday 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 UnlockedMagic.com – Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes upwards of 12 percent off. Planning a 2026 trip? Choose your dates, grab your tickets, and enjoy the savings. And be sure to tell them Jim and Dan sent you.Unlocked Magic 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 Dan return with a pre-Thanksgiving episode that mixes Orlando sidewalks, MCU speculation, and a defrosting turkey that may or may not be plotting its escape. They cover everything from Universal’s uneven holiday decorations to the unexpectedly emotional Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Chadwick Boseman. From there, the guys dive headfirst into Marvel’s latest rumblings, including Wonder Man’s very meta cameo and the increasingly loud whispers about the Russo Brothers shaping the MCU’s next storytelling era. It’s a lively one, recorded just days before the pie-and-TV marathon begins. NEWS Universal Orlando holiday observations, including the conspicuously undecorated Marvel Super Hero Island and a stellar Captain America meet and greet. Updates on Black Panther 3, including casting buzz and the heartfelt Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring Chadwick Boseman. Early discussion of Doomsday, Secret Wars, and shifting MCU release timelines. New info on Disney Plus’ Wonder Man series and its unexpectedly meta Josh Gad connection. The Avatar: Fire and Ash runtime reveal and how it ties into the first Doomsday trailer launch. FEATURE Why the Russo Brothers may return as creative architects of Marvel’s “Mutant Saga,” and what that means after the bumpy post-Endgame years. How the MCU’s parliament is shifting strategy away from homework-heavy storytelling. What the Russos must resolve as Marvel transitions out of the multiverse era and toward a unified, mutant-inclusive future. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. 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 Unlock real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets with Unlocked Magic. Sometimes savings reach up to 12 percent, and the service is run by the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Tell them Jim and Dan sent you. Website: Unlocked Magic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unwrap a stocking full of Marvel mayhem in this fourth episode of the Marvel Us Disney reboot — a show equal parts MCU, theme-park history, and pop-culture cheer. They start with LEGO’s new Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails (yes, that’s T-A-I-L-S), plus a check-in on Jeremy Renner, David Harbour, and this year’s Marvel merch blitz, Unwrap the Universe. From there it’s on to the big one: Avengers: Doomsday. The Russos return, Robert Downey Jr. re-enters the MCU — as Doctor Doom — and the franchise looks to reset the board ahead of Secret Wars. Later, Jim and Dan explore Simu Liu’s “love letter to superhero movies,” Patrick Stewart’s possible farewell, and a “What If” worth debating — would Marvel even exist without the MCU? Finally, Jim opens the vault for Theme Park Archaeology, uncovering the Marvel attractions that never were — from Hong Kong’s Oscorp Tower of Terror to Disneyland’s unbuilt Wakanda expansion — and a first look at Rocket & Groot’s Galaxy Spin coming to Disney Cruise Line. HIGHLIGHTS LEGO Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails debuts Nov 14 on Disney+ Avengers: Doomsday trailer drops Dec 19 with Avatar: Fire & Ash Simu Liu’s “love letter” to superhero movies & Patrick Stewart’s rumored retirement MCU legacy talk: Kang, Shuri, and the future of Black Panther Theme Park Archaeology: the Marvel rides that never made it to the parks Rocket & Groot’s Galaxy Spin sets sail March 10, 2026 aboard the Disney Adventure Hosts Jim Hill — @JimHillMedia | @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.comDan Graney — @TheHubbubbery | @TheHubbubbery | thehubbubbery.com Support the Show Enjoy Marvel Us Disney? Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early-access episodes:patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Production Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — the smarter way to book Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, with real discounts up to 12% off, including after-hours events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this monster-sized episode of Marvel Us Disney, Jim Hill and Dan Graney celebrate Halloween week by looking at the King of the Monsters’ surprising return to comics — and how Godzilla is now battling heroes across both the Marvel and DC universes. Along the way, the duo breaks down Marvel Zombies’ success, Jessica Jones’ comeback, and new details from Disney’s ever-evolving Avengers attractions. How Godzilla Destroys the Marvel Universe and Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong became a reality The long, strange history of Godzilla’s connection to Marvel Comics Marvel Zombies’ strong Disney+ debut and what it means for a possible sequel Kristen Ritter’s return as Jessica Jones and what it signals for Daredevil: Born Again Updates on Avengers Campus attractions — and why Marvel’s theme park rights are still a legal maze Big monsters, bigger crossovers, and a dash of Disney history — it’s a jam-packed Halloween edition of Marvel Us Disney. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack the latest Marvel headlines from New York Comic Con and beyond, starting with James Gunn’s near-miss MCU to DCU crossover featuring Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. From “Deadpool Batman” hitting comic shelves to clues about the next Avengers film, the guys trace what’s real, what’s rumor, and what it all means for the Marvel multiverse. James Gunn confirms he wanted Deadpool to cameo in Peacemaker Season 2 Inside the new Deadpool Batman comic by Zeb Wells Russo Brothers’ cryptic “look hard” post and what it might reveal about Avengers: Doomsday Disney quietly removing a 2027 Marvel release to make room for The Simpsons Vision Quest’s surprising connection to WandaVision, Agatha, and Avengers: Doomsday Marvel’s future is shifting fast. Jim and Dan break down the clues, the cancellations, and the comic book crossover we never thought we’d see. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel Us Disney is back! In this inaugural reboot episode, Jim Hill and new co-host Dan Graney dive into the future of Marvel on screen, honoring the show’s roots while exploring the biggest stories shaking up fandom. From Spider-Man’s next chapter to the rise of AI legends and the gory return of Marvel Zombies, this super-sized episode covers it all. The debut of Stan Lee’s hologram experience at L.A. Comic Con: amazing tribute or uncanny valley? Behind the scenes of Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Tom Holland’s accident, practical stunts, and new villains Daredevil and Punisher’s growing role in the MCU’s “street-level” storytelling The legacy of Frank Price and how he helped kickstart Marvel’s TV and film journey Marvel Zombies on Disney+ and how it connects back to Robert Kirkman’s comics and the future of Marvel horror Dan Graney’s bold prediction about a possible Marvel and DC crossover Whether you are here for Spider-Man, nostalgia for Stan, or a little zombie mayhem, this episode sets the stage for what is next in Marvel storytelling. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill & Eric Hersey kick off a brand-new show which offers a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. Highlights include an interview with Carson Luter from Universal Creative about “Villain Con Minion Blast” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How did the 24 films that Universal Pictures released in 2023 do at the worldwide box office Which character from an Alfred Hitchcock film is paid tribute to in “Villain Con Minion Blast” What’s significant about the name Universal choses for its Texas park project, at least from a SEO perspective Which Marvel-themed attraction just closed at Universal Studios Japan What’s the secret to racking up a big score on “Villain Con Minion Blast”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how difficult it’s been to keep up with Universal Orlando’s rapidly changing COVID-related safety policies. They then discuss NBC Sports’ concerns about the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey look at the past and future of Universal’s Fast & Furious presence in the parks, just as Universal Studios Hollywood prepares to debut its new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift coaster. Along the way, they discuss the franchise’s surprising influence on theme park attractions, why the original tram-tour finale is closing, and what the next era of Universal expansion looks like - from Osaka to Texas. They also break down several recent Universal news stories, including a new parade at Universal Studios Japan and the latest developments at Universal Orlando.  NEWS • Universal Studios Japan announces a 25th anniversary parade featuring Pokémon, Mario Kart characters, Sesame Street, and the Minions. • Universal Orlando removes its self-service ticket kiosks as mobile ticketing becomes the preferred guest option. • Luke Combs’ Category 10 live-music venue is coming to Universal CityWalk Orlando. • New concept footage highlights Jurassic World and SpongeBob lands at the upcoming Universal Kids Resort in Texas. • Pteranodon Flyers at Islands of Adventure will remain closed through May 14, 2026. FEATURE • A preview of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift and the new ride vehicles debuting at Universal Studios Hollywood. • How the Fast & Furious film series evolved from street racing into a global blockbuster franchise. • The behind-the-scenes challenge of completing Furious 7 after the death of Paul Walker. • Why the Fast & Furious Supercharged tram-tour finale is closing and what comes next for the attraction space. 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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning your next Universal or Disney trip? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum-level earmarked travel agency, they specialize in planning unforgettable vacations to Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. 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 episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into a mix of new Disney merch, fan experiences, and theme park history. They break down the newly revealed Disney Princess running shoes from Brooks, preview merchandise coming to EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival, and look at a premium new D23 tour that takes fans through Walt Disney’s Los Angeles. Then Jim returns with Part 2 of the story of how a struggling shopping area at Walt Disney World evolved from the Disney Village Marketplace into the sprawling Disney Springs destination we know today.  NEWS • Brooks and runDisney unveil the 2026 Disney Princess Half Marathon weekend shoe collection featuring Rapunzel, Belle, and Moana inspired designs - including braided laces, lantern motifs, and ocean themed colorways.• Registration prices for the Disney Princess Half Marathon continue to climb, now landing between $259 and $269, adding to the debate around race merch availability and resellers.• D23 launches the premium Walt’s Los Angeles Tour for Gold Members - a $1,999 guided experience visiting Walt Disney Studios, Imagineering, Walt’s former home, the Carolwood Barn, and ending with dinner at one of Walt’s favorite restaurants.• A preview of EPCOT’s 2026 Flower & Garden Festival merchandise highlights new Orange Bird apparel, a retro inspired button down, Spike the Bee accessories, and Annual Passholder exclusives.• Disney California Adventure prepares for the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, including new marketplace booths and the Sip and Savor Pass that lets guests prepay for festival items. FEATURE • Part 2 of the Disney Springs story: how Michael Eisner inherited the underperforming Walt Disney World Shopping Village in the 1980s.• The creation of Pleasure Island in 1989 as Disney’s answer to Orlando’s Church Street Station nightlife.• The evolution into Downtown Disney in the 1990s with additions like Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Cafe, LEGO Imagination Center, DisneyQuest, and Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba.• Why Pleasure Island ultimately closed in 2008 - and the short lived Hyperion Wharf concept that almost replaced it.• How a major rethink under Disney Parks leadership led to the massive Disney Springs redevelopment, expanding the complex to more than 150 shops and restaurants across four themed districts. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic. If a Disney or Universal trip is anywhere on your radar for 2026, the team at UnlockedMagic can help you secure great ticket deals with guidance from people who truly know the parks. Learn more and lock in your future trip at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

What would happen if Len Testa and Chris Cox were suddenly handed the keys to The Walt Disney Company? In this spirited session of The Case For, Jim Hill presides as the guys pitch their boldest, nerdiest, and occasionally unhinged ideas for the future of Walt Disney World. From resurrecting Magical Express to replacing Jungle Cruise with a Moana and Lilo & Stitch volcano coaster, nothing is off the table. HIGHLIGHTS • Should Disney bring back Magical Express and resort package delivery, possibly with paid expedited options to drive incremental revenue? • Len proposes accepting international Annual Passes at domestic parks in 2026 to offset projected declines in overseas travel. • A controversial pitch to replace Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise with a family-friendly Fire Mountain coaster themed to Moana and Lilo & Stitch. • Extending the Skyliner to connect Animal Kingdom, Coronado Springs, All-Stars, and Blizzard Beach to increase resort occupancy and reduce bus demand. • A Villains-themed breakfast at Be Our Guest as a test kitchen for the upcoming Villains Land. • Chris suggests an AI-powered Memory Maker upgrade that auto-edits photos and creates shareable reels for guests. • The long-lost Adventures Club, the future of the monorail system, airline luggage check-in at resorts, and even a “Need a Pee” line re-entry pass all make the docket. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor are back together after Drew's birthday escape to Palm Springs, and they've got plenty of animation news to talk about. Pixar has its biggest ever box office for an original film opening, Pete Docter's Wall Street Journal interview takes an odd turn but at least they have a musical on the way, and of course there are the Old Spice marketing tie-ins to the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie that want you to smell like Bowser. HIGHLIGHTS • Disney Legend Floyd Norman's screening and Q&A at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC has been postponed with no rescheduled date available as of yet • Hoppers has the best opening for a Pixar original film yet with an 88 million dollar worldwide gross • The first 40,000 fans through the gates on March 31st at the L.A. Dodgers game against the Cleveland Guardians will get an exclusive Yoshi bobblehead • Drew drops an exclusive story about the upcoming sequel to The Wild Robot • Cartoon Lagoon has a new film, Kindred Spirits, coming in 2028  • Jim and Drew discuss Pete Docter's recent interview with the Wall Street Journal and the reactions to it 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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlock MagicPlanning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Unlock Magic helps you secure the very best deals on theme park tickets, with expert support from people who truly know the parks. Visit unlockedmagic.com to start planning your next adventure. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss Villains Land expansion permits, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s refurbishment timeline, and how negotiations over the Chinese Theatre helped shape Disney’s use of Carthay Circle as a park icon. Plus, listener questions, MuppetVision’s future on Apple Vision Pro, and a standout cheesecake discovery at Walt Disney World.  NEWS • Updated permits show Villains Land attractions expanding, with both the dark ride and coaster buildings increasing in size. • Infrastructure work for Piston Peak and Villains Land is currently scheduled to be completed by December 2027. • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has closed for refurbishment, with a possible Memorial Day reopening target. • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s refurbishment permit has been extended through August 31, 2026. • Brian Henson says MuppetVision 3D is coming to Apple Vision Pro with selectable viewing seats. • Len shares a rave review of the brulée Basque cheesecake at Bourbon Steak in the Walt Disney World Dolphin. FEATURE • Jim continues the history of The Great Movie Ride and Disney’s negotiations with theater owner Tedd Mann. • The story explains why Disney insisted on calling the building simply the Chinese Theatre. • Jim also details how the Carthay Circle Theatre eventually became the icon of Disney California Adventure. • Early plans for the building included a ride, stage show, film attraction, and museum before it became a restaurant. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia | X: https://twitter.com/JimHillMedia | Website: https://JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: https://www.instagram.com/len.testa | Website: https://touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by our friends at Unlocked Magic. Looking for discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets - including hard-to-find 1- and 2-day options? Head to unlockedmagic.com to find deals that can beat Disney’s direct pricing. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick off a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast while preparing for an upcoming trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. Along the way, they dig into current park news, new Wizarding World treats, and construction updates affecting CityWalk. The back half of the show dives deep into the surprising origin story of the Fast & Furious franchise and how it eventually made its way into Universal’s theme parks.  NEWS • King Kong 360 3D on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour temporarily closes for refurbishment through March 14, meaning some guests may miss the massive Peter Jackson–inspired attraction sequence featuring Kong battling V-Rex dinosaurs. • Sidewalk and infrastructure construction is underway at Universal CityWalk Hollywood near the security checkpoint as the resort continues repositioning its entrance and preparing space for a future on-site Universal hotel. • Butterbeer Season expands across Universal parks worldwide, bringing themed treats like butterbeer waffles, cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, candy apples, and new merchandise including Butterbeer spirit jerseys. • Wizarding World snack lineup grows with new Hogwarts house-themed “ice lollies” (popsicles) available at Diagon Alley’s Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Counter and the Hopping Pot area. • Jim and Eric discuss planning tips for first-time visits to Universal Studios Hollywood, including how the CityWalk layout and security process differ from Universal Orlando. FEATURE • The unexpected origin of the Fast & Furious franchise, inspired by a 1998 Vibe magazine article about illegal street racing in New York City. • How the first film’s $38 million budget turned into a $200+ million worldwide hit and launched one of Universal’s most valuable film franchises. • Why Vin Diesel initially refused to return for the sequel despite a $25 million offer and how the franchise nearly shifted direction without its biggest stars. • The surprising role Universal Home Entertainment played in pushing for additional sequels after massive DVD and VHS sales. • Early theme park integration of the franchise, including the short-lived Fast & Furious Extreme Close-Up Experience on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour. • How that stunt demonstration used early KUKA robotic arm technology, which later powered Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. 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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning your next theme park vacation? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you plan the perfect trip to Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. Get started 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 Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the latest Disney Springs news, from towering CrazyShakes and a savory new concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse to a possible interactive gaming venue taking over the old NBA Experience building. They also spotlight a subtle new Disney-inspired apparel brand before diving into the surprisingly complicated early history of Disney Springs. In part one of this deep dive, Jim traces the story all the way back to Walt Disney’s original EPCOT city plans and the unlikely beginnings of what eventually became Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district. NEWS • Black Tap CrazyShake pop-up arrives at Disney Springs with over-the-top milkshakes, including a Disney-exclusive Mickey-themed shake available for a limited 90-day run • Six Ravens announced as a new savory concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse founder Steve Lewis, featuring “coffins” (old-school hand pies), smashed potatoes, and local beer • Level 99 interactive challenge venue rumored for the former NBA Experience building, bringing 60 physical and mental challenge rooms plus food and drinks • The Aerophile balloon ride at Disney Springs returns with a brand-new balloon, once again offering aerial views of Walt Disney World FEATURE • Why Disney Springs exists at all - and how its origins trace back to Walt Disney’s original EPCOT city concept in the 1960s • The opening of the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in 1975 and why Disney initially designed it for residents, not tourists • How the Empress Lily riverboat restaurant helped introduce Disney’s first-ever character dining experience in 1978 • Early resort expansion plans around the shopping village, including a proposed New Orleans Square-themed hotel district that never happened 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, the go-to place for some of the best deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 park trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you lock in great prices and plan ahead with confidence. Visit: unlockedmagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices