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I Want That Too - Disney History and Merchandise
I Want That Too - Disney History and Merchandise
Author: Jim Hill
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Description
Join Lauren Hersey and entertainment expert Jim Hill as they unpack the world of Disney products. From exclusive merchandise to magical collectibles, Lauren and Jim dive into not only what's available but also the stories and history behind these must-have items. Whether you're a collector or just a fan, get insider tips on the latest Disney finds and the fascinating tales that make each piece special.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.”
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a new episode of I Want That Too, diving into Disney Princess Week, new merchandise drops, and the latest Disney history feature. From LEGO sidekicks to Bath & Body Works villains, they’ve got the stories (and opinions) Disney fans will want to hear.
Highlights from Disney Princess Week, including merchandise, sidekick collections, and special events
The “Meant to Be” adult rom-com book series reimagining Disney Princesses in modern settings
Early fan reactions to Bath & Body Works’ Disney Villains collaboration
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival merch, featuring Muppet Labs, Figment, and Chef Mickey collections
Jim and Lauren revisit the story of Kay Kamen and continue their Disney cereal history deep dive
From modern merch drops to classic collectibles, this episode blends Disney history, fan culture, and insider stories from Jim and Lauren.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into the world of Disney merch and history with a mix of spooky snacks and fascinating backstories:
Why Jim bought Count Chocula, Boo Berry, and Franken Berry cereal he can’t eat—thanks to new Jim Henson puppet designs
The launch of Bath & Body Works’ Disney Villains collection, from Maleficent’s plum scents to the Evil Queen’s apple blends
Disney cracking down on resellers and what that means for collectors
New Muppets merchandise teased for Destination D23, plus the latest on the Muppet redo of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The untold story of Kay Kamen, the salesman who turned Disney into a merchandising powerhouse - before his career ended tragically
From collectible cereal boxes to multi-million-dollar licensing deals, Jim and Lauren explore how Disney’s merchandising magic has shaped everything from your breakfast table to the theme parks.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a Halloween-packed episode of I Want That Too, diving into the latest spooky Disney merch and a century of witchy stories from the Mouse House.
Haunted Mansion peel-and-stick wallpaper and Guillermo del Toro’s obsession
The viral Cutie Ghost collection and why the Minnie Mouse ghost lamp is selling out fast
A massive Nightmare Before Christmas collection, including a $160 countdown coffin and an epic Jack Skellington water bottle set
Disney’s evolving portrayal of witches, from Snow White’s “old crone” to Witch Hazel and beyond
How other studios — and even cereals — are cashing in on the witch trend
From Halloween merch mania to deep Disney history, this episode delivers treats, trivia, and plenty of mischief.
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Jim and Lauren serve up a feast of Disney news, collectibles, and one unforgettable personal tale.
Recap of Disney’s quarterly earnings call, including streaming’s first profitable quarter
Details on Hulu’s full integration into Disney+ by 2026 and the shift away from subscriber count reporting
Hidden perks for Disney+ subscribers, including a free D23 Gold membership and exclusive sweepstakes
A first look at “Single Riders” – a dating app for Disney and theme park fans
Disney’s latest collectible craze from Japan: Rupoka-chan
Jim shares his career origin story, starting with a phone call about Donald Duck that led to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a 40-year career covering the Disney Company
From industry insights to adorable merch and a behind-the-scenes career journey, this episode is packed with stories you won’t want to miss.
Unlocked Magic
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trace the surprising origins of Disney’s licensing empire - back to a time when Walt needed just $300 to keep the studio running. From the Alice Comedies to Donald Duck orange juice and Peter Pan peanut butter, this episode explores how early merchandise deals weren’t just about profit - they were survival.
Jim unpacks how licensing set the foundation for everything from Disneyana collectors to the modern parks. Meanwhile, Lauren shares her latest finds in the merch world, including:
Why the Fantastic Four landed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland
The rise of Cakeworthy and modern Disney collabs
Inside Disney’s $63 billion licensing empire
How a peanut butter deal helped fund Disneyland
The origins of Donald Duck Orange Juice and collectible Ariel dolls
Disney's licensing strategy from the 1920s to today
From peanut butter tins to popcorn buckets, this episode dives into how Disney turned product placement into a legacy.
Unlocked Magic
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Lauren returns from an epic summer road trip across nine parks and five hotels, with stories (and shopping bags) in tow. She and Jim break down:
The best-kept secret for scoring free Disney water park access
How the new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom stacks up (and where to sit)
What it’s really like inside Disney’s exclusive Property Control store
A merch-lover’s guide to Universal Studios’ 35th anniversary finds
Why the new Epic Universe resort Terra Luna is gorgeous—but far
The Hersey family’s hot take on Epic Universe’s sold out Friday
From Boo Boos to Back to the Future bucket hats, this episode is packed with tips, deals, and first impressions from Disney and Universal.
Unlocked Magic
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In this packed episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey tackle everything from the ZOMBIES 4 merch drought to the 52-item Haunted Mansion collection and the bittersweet farewell line for Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur ride. But the real surprise? A 1950s Disneyland board game that may have smuggled in Bugs Bunny.
Plus, Jim dives into the earliest examples of Disney’s merchandise strategy—souvenir trays, ashtrays, temporary tattoos, and the guidebook Walt insisted on selling at a loss just to get it on coffee tables across America.
Disney’s ZOMBIES 4 and why merch is mysteriously missing (for now)
A look at the Haunted Mansion’s biggest collection drop yet
The final merch line for Dinosaur before it goes extinct in 2025
Why Muppet Vision 3D fans got left out of the goodbye merch party
A secret cameo by Bugs Bunny in a 1955 Disneyland board game
How Walt used guidebooks and charm bracelets to spread Disney magic
From ashtrays to action figures and park maps to plushies, this episode is a merch history mashup with heart, humor, and a haunted baseball jersey.
Unlocked Magic
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a full dose of Disney merch, from the long-awaited debut of the Starlight Dream the Night Away parade to a viral collector toy that's creeping its way into the parks. Lauren breaks down everything she’s learned about La Boo Boos (and their knockoff cousins), while Jim connects the dots between Disney’s 1950s television strategy and why your Christmas ornaments now cost $80.
Also in this episode:
What to expect from Disney’s first nighttime parade in a decade
Meet Whimsy: the LED-faced character pulling the finale float
Why Main Street is now a runway for fashion-obsessed toy monsters
A closer look at the $29 popcorn bucket ornaments and $80 vault collection set
The real reason Disneyland’s Opera House almost became a TV studio
Walt Disney’s early embrace of television—and how it changed everything
From collectibles to castle corridors, this episode is packed with surprises and nostalgia.
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.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey continue their Toy Story series with a deep dive into the franchise's merchandising legacy—and how a scrappy unknown toy company landed the rights that Mattel and Hasbro turned down. From the earliest Thinkway figures to today's collector's items worth thousands, they explore how Toy Story became one of the most profitable and collectible Disney properties of all time.
Plus, Jim shares a personal behind-the-scenes story about the original vision for Toy Story 4, including his lost interview with John and Nancy Lasseter—and how a Valentine turned into something very different.
Why Thinkway got the Toy Story license when everyone else passed
What Barbie’s deleted scene tells us about Pixar’s early struggles
The rise of collector culture—and what a boxed Buzz goes for now
Jim’s first-day-of-release trip to MGM Studios and the Toy Story parade
The real story behind the development and derailment of Toy Story 4
How John Lasseter’s personal life reshaped the film and Pixar’s future
From Sid’s backyard to $10,000 auctions, this episode is packed with nostalgia, controversy, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
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