I Want That Too - Disney History and Merchandise

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’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

As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick things off by looking ahead to what’s shaping up to be a massive 2026 for Disney merch fans. From milestone anniversaries Disney rarely shouts about to a packed slate of films and park changes, this episode breaks down why collectors should start paying attention now. And later in the show, Jim dives deep into a Disney history lesson about a beautifully ambitious animated film that failed spectacularly - and how that misfire accidentally paved the way for one of Disney’s most merch-friendly franchises ever. NEWS • Why 2026 is stacked with Disney anniversaries, including Disneyland’s 70th, DCA’s 25th, and multiple film milestones • Major franchise birthdays like High School Musical (20), Cars (20), Zootopia (10), Moana (10), and 101 Dalmatians (65) • How Pixar’s 40th anniversary and its long partnership with Disney could influence upcoming releases • A look at 2026 movies driving merch, including Toy Story 5, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and live-action Moana • Big park changes ahead, from Galaxy’s Edge updates to Disneyland Paris becoming Disney Adventure World FEATURE • Why Sleeping Beauty was one of Disney’s most expensive animated gambles - and why it failed at the box office • How that failure led Disney to completely rethink animation budgets and storytelling • The surprising connection between Sleeping Beauty’s loss and the creation of One Hundred and One Dalmatians • How that pivot ultimately set the stage for decades of Cruella-driven merch success HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 | IG: @lauren_hersey_ 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 SPONSORThis episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If Disney or Universal is anywhere on your 2026 radar, Unlocked Magic is a smart place to start. Their experts know the parks, the seasons, and how to help you plan without overpaying. Head to UnlockedMagic.com for great deals on theme park tickets and start planning your next trip. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the first episode of the new year, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in 2026 by digging into the annual Disney merch reset. From the surprisingly nostalgic look of next year’s dated park souvenirs to a brand-new Star Wars droid collector program, there’s a lot changing on shelves just as holiday decorations disappear overnight. Plus, Jim takes a deep dive into one of Disney’s most baffling merch success stories and why it still doesn’t quite translate stateside. NEWS • A first look at Disney’s 2026 dated park merchandise, including a color palette that feels straight out of vintage Walt Disney World road signage • Disney confirms Droid Factory Fridays, a new monthly Star Wars collector program kicking off January 2 • How Disney is using timed drops and bonus build incentives to keep Star Wars fans buying all year long • Valentine’s Day arrives overnight, with Sweethearts’ Nite at Disneyland and new couples-focused merch leading the charge FEATURE • Why Stitch dominated 2025 with billions in merch sales following the live-action film • The strange history of Duffy the Disney Bear, from U.S. failure to massive success in Asia • Disney’s new slow-and-steady strategy to finally make Duffy stick with American audiences • How Asian parks are going all-in on Duffy with restaurants, parades, shows, and anniversary celebrations 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, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If a trip to Disney or Universal is in your future, visit UnlockedMagic.com to score great ticket deals from people who truly know Disney travel. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a Christmas Day edition of I Want That Too, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey wrap up the year with a festive mix of Disney merch news, pop culture crossovers, and a deep dive into Jim Henson’s long love affair with holiday specials. Along the way, the conversation connects some surprising dots between a largely forgotten Henson TV special and the early creative struggles that eventually led Pixar to Toy Story. NEWS • The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta closes out its Festive Features exhibit showcasing rare Jim Henson holiday puppets • Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens early to handle crowds eager to see Taylor Swift Eras Tour costumes • A new Disney Store Princess shirt sparks Swiftie speculation thanks to its lyric-inspired design • Disney Store holiday merchandise drops to 50 percent off before Christmas, shifting end-of-year shopping strategies FEATURE • Why Jim Henson repeatedly turned to holiday specials as creative and financial anchors • How A Christmas Toy reunited the Fraggle Rock team after the series ended • The long-running fan theory connecting A Christmas Toy, Pixar’s Tin Toy, and Toy Story • How Pixar’s abandoned holiday special pitch ultimately became a theatrical classic 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.com, from the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. If a Disney or Universal trip is anywhere on your wish list, UnlockedMagic offers great ticket deals handled by experts who know Disney travel inside and out. 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

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back for a very seasonal edition of I Want That To - and Jim’s latest “project” involves tracking down tiny reindeer snowmobiles to complete his Cars holiday display (because apparently Santa’s sleigh rules apply to Radiator Springs too). From there, the conversation jumps into Disney’s new “Find Merchandise” test inside My Disney Experience, the company’s eye-popping $1 billion investment in OpenAI, and why dynamic pricing is suddenly giving everyone Instacart flashbacks. Then Jim takes Lauren (and all of us) on a deep-dive into the origin story of Disney’s Sing-Along VHS line - including how a Max Fleischer Rudolph short ended up inside Disney’s Very Merry Christmas Songs tape. NEWS• Disney is testing a new “Find Merchandise” feature in the My Disney Experience app to help guests search for specific items and check availability at select locations (including World of Disney at Disney Springs). • Disney’s reported $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI sparks a debate about guardrails, character usage, and curation, especially as AI-generated content gets easier to make (and easier to misuse). • The latest Instacart dynamic pricing controversy raises alarms about different customers seeing different prices, prompting the big question: is Disney heading down a similar road with ticket pricing? • Disney’s CFO signals dynamic pricing for domestic parks in 2026, with Jim and Lauren weighing the business upside against the guest-side pain of budgeting and “reading the room.” FEATURE• A surprisingly twisty history lesson on how Disney’s early VHS strategy helped create the Sing-Along Songs phenomenon - and why making kids sing along was (possibly) the point. • The story behind Very Merry Christmas Songs (1988), including how it had to be assembled on a brutal retail timeline to hit shelves in early October. • How Disney licensed (cheaply) a hand-drawn Max Fleischer Rudolph (1948) short originally made for Montgomery Ward store Santa lines - and why it looks better on YouTube than it did on VHS. • Why this tape became a yearly tradition: the “one remaining VHS player” holiday background classic for tree-decorating season. HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORTSupport the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThis episode of I Want That To is brought to you by our friends at UnlockedMagic.com, the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If you’re planning a Disney trip, they’ve got the best deals on Walt Disney World tickets - visit UnlockedMagic.com to grab the best ticket deals and make your next Disney trip just a little bit 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

Jim and Lauren ring in the holidays with a very merchy episode of I Want That Too, recorded just after Lauren’s family Polar Express adventure. From Disney Visa mailers and annual passholder calendars to Stitch-heavy gift guides, they dig into how Disney is trying to steer your holiday shopping. • Disney’s “Home for the Holidays” Disney Rewards Insider issue and the surprise AP calendar reveal a full-court press of plush, Stitch, cruises, and watch-list marketing aimed at shaping your seasonal shopping. • Stitchmas dominates both online and in-park displays, with plush, pajamas, and matching family sets claiming a massive share of holiday floor space. • Disney Parks Blog releases multiple holiday gift guides spotlighting games, books, Frozen favorites, Zootopia tie-ins, and Lorcana must-haves for fans of all stripes. • While Disney pushes big-ticket items like the $399 LEGO castle, Jim and Lauren highlight personal picks including Dick Van Dyke’s new book, Disney-branded Crocs, the Tokyo Disney Mickey gnome, and the classic monorail set. • Despite limited Cars Land holiday merch in the parks, Jim notes stronger Cars Christmas selections at Kohl’s, Walmart, and BoxLunch, plus his near-purchase of Target’s leftover 2021 Winter Series die-casts. • A listener tip confirms the red truck Mickey popcorn bucket sells out nightly at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, creating steep eBay markups. • Looking ahead, Zootopia 2’s box office success is backed by a large retail program, while Pixar’s Hoppers gets a lighter rollout as Disney gears up for major Toy Story 5 merchandising. • 2025’s Toy Story and Tangled anniversary lines show mixed traction, as Jim previews everything from collector dolls to Woody’s Clint Eastwood-inspired poncho look and recommends watching for Twice Upon a Year markdowns. 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 top-tier deals on Disney and Universal trips, offering discounted tickets and planning tools to make your next Central Florida vacation even 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

Fresh off the long Thanksgiving weekend, Jim and Lauren crawl out from under their leftover Pilgrim sandwiches to talk about Zootopia 2 absolutely owning the holiday box office, how that might shape Disney’s sequel strategy, and the must-have merch that is already slithering into the parks. They also dig into McDonald’s massive 70th anniversary Happy Meal promotion, Disney’s official holiday book guide, and a couple of doorstop tomes that are now living in the Hersey household. In the back half, Jim takes Lauren on a whirlwind tour through nearly 80 years of Disney’s talking-animal history - from Song of the South all the way to Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. NEWS • Zootopia 2’s Thanksgiving opening pulls in a projected 156 million dollars domestically and around 400 million dollars overseas in just five days - more than half a billion total and one of the biggest Thanksgiving hauls ever. • How those numbers stack up against Wicked for Good and last year’s Moana 2, plus why Universal probably is not panicking while it waits for the inevitable Wicked sing-along edition and a newly announced Galinda prequel novel. • The debut of Gary the Snake - a gloriously weird Zootopia 2 sipper at Disneyland - and Jim’s crusade to track down Nog the snow seal pup plush that was gifted to Disney Television Animation staffers. • McDonald’s 70th celebration Happy Meal, featuring 70 different Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and classic character toys with two figures per box - plus online grumbling over who made the cut (hello, Clarabelle) and who suspiciously did not (sorry, Cinderella). • Disney Parks Blog’s holiday book guide, from deep-dive art and history titles like the X Atencio tribute and John Landau’s memoir to Moana’s “What if she stole the heart?” Twisted Tale, kid-friendly atlases, scratch-n-sniff adventures, and the giant Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks and Bring the Magic Home books currently threatening Lauren’s fingernails. FEATURE • A crash course in Disney’s history with anthropomorphized animals - starting with the animated sequences in 1946’s Song of the South and why so many artists remembered that era as their happiest time at the studio after returning from World War II. • The rise and fall of the abandoned Chanticleer project, the “Roy’s Boys” money feud with Walt, and how that detour accidentally sent Mark Davis to Imagineering where he helped create icons like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion. • How The Aristocats, Robin Hood, and even The Jungle Book paved the way for modern animal worlds - including the infamous animation recycling in Robin Hood’s “Phony King of England” sequence that sharp-eyed fans still spot today. • The long development path from the shelved spy thriller Savage Seas, starring Jack Savage, to the fully realized animal metropolis of Zootopia - including John Lasseter’s notes, Jared Bush’s CIA family background, and the last-minute decision to swap Nick Wilde out for Judy Hopps as the true lead. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by our friends at UnlockedMagic.com - the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. If you are planning a trip to Central Florida to visit Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, the Unlocked Magic crew has some of the best deals on tickets, so do yourself a favor and use UnlockedMagic.com to make your next vacation just a little more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Lauren celebrate Thanksgiving with a whirlwind mix of Disney history, holiday nostalgia, and a merch-filled New York adventure. From Wicked-branded ice rinks and a Zootopia 2 takeover at JFK to Macy’s exclusive parade collection and a stop at the Harry Potter Store, Lauren brings back a suitcase full of stories. Jim then dives into the legacy of Don Knotts, his long relationship with Disney, and how he ended up voicing Mayor Turkey Lurkey in Chicken Little. A cozy, funny, and very seasonal edition of I Want That Too. HIGHLIGHTS Lauren’s NYC trip featuring massive Wicked and Zootopia 2 marketing across Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and JFK Inside Macy’s Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade collection, plus Marvel arcade surprises A butterbeer meetup at the Harry Potter Store and standout Potter merch finds Jim’s holiday watchlist, including the debut of Prep and Landing: Snowball Protocol A deep dive into Don Knotts’ Disney career and his final animated role as Turkey Lurkey 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.com, the trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Planning a Disney trip? They can help you secure the best deals on Walt Disney World tickets—sometimes as much as 12 percent off. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and be sure to tell them Jim and Lauren sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Disney merch meets Disney history this week as Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the newest releases tied to Zootopia 2 before shifting gears into a deep dive on one of the most pivotal films in studio history. Then, Disney historian and author Todd James Pierce joins the show to share how Mary Poppins reshaped the future of the company — with behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard. NEWS The newest Zootopia 2 merch drops at Disney Store and World of Disney, from Judy Hopps Loungefly to new plush and spirit jerseys. Box-office expectations for the Zootopia sequel as it heads into Thanksgiving weekend. A first look at Disneyland’s odd and delightful new souvenir guide. Disney’s unexpected collaboration with Formula One. FEATURE Interview: Todd James Pierce — The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney How the 1964 classic became the studio’s turning point during Walt’s most ambitious era. Julie Andrews, Hayley Mills furniture, and other wonderfully strange details from Todd’s research. Why Mary Poppins helped fund the expansion that made Walt Disney World possible. The years-long archival detective work that went into Todd’s book. Walt’s evolving creative priorities — and how this single film changed everything. Guest Todd James Pierce Website: toddjamespierce.com Podcast: Disney History Institute Books: Three Years in Wonderland, The Life and Times of Ward Kimball, The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney Hosts Jim Hill X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia Instagram: @JimHillMedia Website: jimhillmedia.com Lauren Hersey X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ Patreon Support the show and get exclusive content!https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor UnlockedMagic.com — your trusted source for the best Walt Disney World ticket deals, including savings on special event nights like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Make your next Disney trip a little more magical at UnlockedMagic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in the holiday season with a look at Disney Lorcana’s newest expansion, Whispers in the Well—a set packed with gorgeous art, new gameplay mechanics, and some of the deepest Disney cuts yet, from The Black Cauldron to Gargoyles. Then they shift from gothic fantasy to nostalgic action as they trace the surprising rise, fall, and resurgence of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, including the merch craze that once swept toy aisles and the collector market that’s exploding again today. HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating Fantasia’s anniversary and the release of JB Kaufman’s new making-of book. Lorcana’s “Whispers,” new boost mechanics, and art featuring The Black Cauldron, Gargoyles, and Zootopia characters. Why fans are hoping for a dedicated Art of Lorcana book. The wild history of Power Rangers merch, from ’90s shortages to today’s sky-high collector prices. How shifting toy trends are affecting Super Sentai in Japan—and why Power Rangers nostalgia is booming again. Hosts Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Lauren Hersey — X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ Patreon Enjoy bonus episodes and support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market—offering the best deals on Walt Disney World tickets, including the lowest available prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to plan a more magical trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trade glass for grain in this I Want That Too deep dive into Disney’s hidden world of woodwork. From the Arribas Brothers’ new handcrafted photo albums to the retro-chic Mickey Christmas truck popcorn bucket, the episode celebrates the artistry behind Disney’s most tactile treasures. Then, master woodcarver Raymond Kinman joins the show to reveal how his marquees for Indiana Jones Adventure, Country Bear Playhouse, and Pooh Corner helped define the look and feel of Disney parks for generations. HIGHLIGHTS Discover Disney’s new Arribas Brothers wood collection, including carved photo albums and frames that blend luxury with nostalgia. The unexpected rise of wood-inlay trading pins — and why collectors should grab them now before they disappear into the secondary market. A seasonal favorite returns: the Mickey Christmas Truck popcorn bucket rolls into Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Raymond Kinman, Imagineering collaborator and artisan of countless attraction marquees, shares how a single white lie launched his Disney career. Learn the difference between a sign and a marquee—and why those subtle details matter to the storytelling of every attraction. Inside Kinman’s hand-tool craft: from carving Indiana Jones Adventure’s eight-foot mahogany marquee to shaping the beloved Big Al from Country Bear Jamboree. How Kinman overcame setbacks (and even carved one-handed after an accident) to deliver Disney magic on deadline. His modern “Hippie Camp” retreats in Grass Valley, CA—where he now teaches beginners the timeless art of woodcarving. GuestRaymond Kinman — Website: woodcarverguru.com | Facebook: facebook.com/RaymondKinman Hosts Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Lauren Hersey — X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ PatreonSupport I Want That Too and the entire Jim Hill Media Podcast Network at patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow UsFacebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer CreditsEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — your trusted source for discounted Disney tickets and special-event savings. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this jam-packed episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into Disney’s newest fantasy franchise in the making - and how “Impossible Creatures” could become the studio’s answer to Harry Potter. Along the way, they unwrap this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merch, explore Disney’s surprising partnership with a British luxury retailer, and share the little-known story of how Angela Lansbury became Disney’s most magical apprentice witch in Bedknobs and Broomsticks. Why Disney’s new Impossible Creatures book deal has fans speculating about a new cinematic universe The history and evolution of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party merch — and what’s new this year How Disney Parks collectibles are showing up in high-end department stores overseas The rare story behind Angela Lansbury’s casting in Bedknobs and Broomsticks The surprising connection between Disney’s holiday magic and its next big fantasy gamble From collectible cards to Christmas merch to classic movie magic, this episode has something for every Disney fan. 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

This week, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dust off one of Disney’s most underappreciated classics, Bedknobs and Broomsticks. From its wartime origins and lost Mary Poppins connections to Angela Lansbury’s iconic role and Disney’s merchandising mysteries, the duo uncovers how this effects-filled musical became both a box-office sleeper and a cult favorite. Along the way, Lauren connects the dots on what’s next for Disney Consumer Products, from collectibles and nostalgia to digital universes and fashion collabs. The surprising ties between Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks How World War II witches and Walt Disney’s contingency plans shaped the movie Angela Lansbury’s spellbinding performance and the studio’s post-Walt reinvention Disney’s new consumer products strategy, collectibles, fashion, and Fortnite The holiday partnership between Disney and Macy’s that’s bringing Minnie to center stage From forgotten McDonald’s on Disney property to wartime witches flying over London, this episode of I Want That Too proves Disney history is always stranger and more magical than fiction. 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 Lauren Hersey are joined by former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull to unwrap the fascinating (and sometimes funny) story of Disney’s long-running partnership with McDonald’s. From the birth of the Happy Meal to fry carts in Frontierland, this episode explores how two of the world’s biggest brands became the ultimate marketing duo - and what really ended their 10-year deal. The surprising Star Trek connection that inspired Disney’s early talks with McDonald’s How Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg turned burgers and fries into box office gold The untold story of the McDonald’s-themed Splash Mountain that almost happened Why the partnership ended amid public pressure over kids’ meals and health The legacy of Disney Happy Meal toys—and how the relationship quietly returned today Whether you remember Boo Buckets, fry carts, or those elusive Happy Meal collectibles, this supersized episode proves that food and nostalgia are a marketing match made in Disney heaven. 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 Lauren Hersey unwrap a holiday-sized story about Disney’s long, complicated relationship with Sears—from Mickey Mouse watches in the 1930s to the retail giant’s near-sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios. Plus, the duo dives into the rare blue Disney name tag, Wicked-branded cleaning products, and the Jim Henson Company’s upcoming auction filled with Muppet history. The secret history behind Disney’s partnership with Sears—and how it fell apart months before MGM Studios opened How Mickey Mouse watches and Winnie the Pooh merch made Sears a Disney powerhouse The story behind the ultra-rare blue name tag that only 1% of Disney employees earn Wicked’s latest merch crossover with Gain and Cascade Jim Henson Company’s first-ever auction featuring pieces from Labyrinth and Fraggle Rock From rare collectibles to lost sponsorships, Jim and Lauren remind us that Disney history is filled with what-ifs, forgotten deals, and magical mementos worth remembering. 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 Lauren Hersey kick off October with a witchy episode of I Want That Too. From the avalanche of Wicked merchandise filling store shelves to Disney’s own magical past, this week’s show dives into collectibles, streaming perks, and even a long-lost Sherman Brothers project that never made it to the screen. The rise of Wicked-themed merch, from dolls and Swarovski ornaments to water bottles and Care Bears Streaming price hikes - and Lauren’s clever tips to save money on Disney+, Hulu, and beyond Nostalgic returns like Disney-themed Lincoln Logs and Gentle Christmas advent calendars A tribute to Disney animator Rick Hopp and his lasting legacy The untold story of Walt Disney’s planned Hansel & Gretel TV musical with songs by the Sherman Brothers Whether you’re hunting the latest collectibles or craving untold Disney stories, this episode has a little magic for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into Disney’s favorite little purple dragon, Figment. From popcorn bucket mania to a live-action movie that never got off the ground, they trace Figment’s journey from Epcot icon to merchandising powerhouse. Along the way, they detour through Lowe’s and Spirit Halloween to check out exclusive Haunted Mansion décor and giant Rudolph displays that will test your willpower (and your storage space). Haunted Mansion animatronics and holiday mashups spotted at Lowe’s Figment’s rumored movie project with Seth Rogen’s production company The $250 million Imagination Pavilion redo that never happened How merchandise sales drive Disney’s storytelling choices Figment’s surprising cameos in Inside Out 2, Guardians, and beyond Even if the Figment movie remains a dream, Jim and Lauren show how one small dragon continues to cast a very big shadow over Disney history, merch, and fandom. 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 Lauren Hersey take listeners from this year’s stealth Muppets capsule release all the way to the projects Disney almost made — including a trilogy of dwarfs prequels and a Snow White spinoff that never saw the light of day. Along the way, they break down Toy Story’s 30th anniversary tie-ins, the first wave of holiday 2025 ornaments, and speculation out of Shanghai that Frozen 3 may center on the “wedding of the century” in Arendelle. The ultra-limited Muppets drop at Mickey’s of Glendale Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin refurb timed to Toy Story’s 30th Holiday merch highlights — from Madame Leota to a blown-glass ticket book Frozen 3 rumors teased at a Disney licensing event in China The surprising history of Snow White sequels, re-releases, and theme park lore Closing out, Jim and Lauren reflect on Disney’s long tradition of reusing, reviving, and reimagining its classics — and why some stories get told while others sit on the shelf. 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 Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode of I Want That Too, covering the latest Disney merch, clever marketing strategies, and holiday surprises. The rise of popcorn buckets in parks and movie theaters – from talking Mickey to mummy Stitch to a Tron lightcycle How Disney uses psychology to nudge us into spending more, from limited releases to sneaky menu tricks Nightmare Before Christmas merch expansions, books, and light trails around the globe Early Christmas décor spotted at Disneyland Paris – and why Disney (and retailers) get a head start on the holidays The surprising history of Winnie the Pooh at Disney, including cereal crossovers and rare collectibles From ghost Mickey buckets to glow-in-the-dark villain sneakers, Jim and Lauren unpack the ways Disney keeps fans coming back for “just one more thing.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices