I Want That Too - Disney History and Merchandise

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 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

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 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 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. ⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. 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

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what Disney’s upcoming Toy Story 5 might really be about - and why it hits closer to home than you think. From Woody’s absence to Jessie’s promotion, and a new iPad-inspired character named Lilypad, this fifth entry isn’t just a sequel - it might be Disney’s most self-aware film yet. Jim and Lauren discuss how streaming, AI, and even shoppable shows are reshaping how Disney tells stories - and sells them. They also reflect on the history of Toy Story merch, John Lasseter’s mint-in-box rule, and a deeply personal Jessie doll story that brings it all full circle. Toy Story 5’s new challenge: an iPad named Lilypad How Jessie becomes the new Woody in Bonnie’s room The real reason Toy Story 4’s ending felt like closure Disney’s experiments with QR codes, GoPuff, and “Shop the Stream” The merchandising legacy of the Mickey Mouse Club Jim’s personal story of meeting John Lasseter with his daughter’s Jessie doll Whether you’re team Woody, team Jessie, or team “Do we need another sequel?”—this episode will give you plenty to think about. 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

In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist Drew Struzan to the merchandising missteps that infuriated Robin Williams, this show explores how Disney uses poster art to sell stories and spark emotion. Jim explains how Fantasia’s box office flop turned into a midnight movie cult hit, while Lauren shares her family’s New Year’s tradition of painting attraction posters. You’ll hear: Why Robin Williams was furious about Disney’s Aladdin poster The unlikely call that brought Harrison Ford’s face back to Disney marketing A touching update on Drew Struzan’s health and legacy The poster re-release that finally pushed Fantasia into the black Which attraction poster Lauren’s family paints every year Why Disney cast services keeps an evolving gallery of ride posters This episode is packed with nostalgia, history, and a heartfelt look at how much meaning can be packed into a single piece of art. 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 follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode explores how Imagineering has used fragrance for decades to spark emotion, trigger nostalgia, and boost sales. Plus, they dig into scented merch like candles, oils, and the plushie line that smells good enough to eat. How scent became a secret weapon in Disney park design Walt Disney’s original plan to use smells in Fantasia The evolution of “Smellitizers” and where they show up in classic attractions The rise of smell-based merch: Scenty, Magic Candle Co., and Disney oils What munchlings are—and how they combine snacks, scent, and plushies If you’ve ever chased the smell of Main Street popcorn or hunted for the perfect Polynesian candle, this one’s for you. 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 welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Florida’s favorite bakery. The music major turned baker who built Gideon’s from scratch—literally How a secret cookie deal at Polite Pig helped land a spot at Disney Springs The role of community, storytelling, and heartbreak in shaping the brand Why you’ll never see Gideon’s cookies shipped or wholesaled The Edward Gorey-inspired art behind the eerie, yet inviting design What’s next for Steve, his characters, and maybe even a lemon-orange love story Learn more about Gideon’s by visiting https://www.gideonsbakehouse.com 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

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them. Whether you're a mug minimalist or a tumbler hoarder, this one’s for you. 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 celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial. From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the story of how Walt honored his first decade of Disneyland, from airborne Mary Poppins stunts to the birth of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln. The Mickey popcorn bucket that moves, talks, and blinks Why propeller hats and retro logos are making a comeback The gorgeous “padfolio” inspired by Walt Disney’s real desk The true story behind Disneyland’s 10th anniversary (and that weird word “Tencennial”) When Walt thought the park really opened—and how that date changed The crown decorations that accidentally damaged Sleeping Beauty Castle From collectible merch to collectible memories, this episode brings Disneyland’s past and present together in perfect, popcorn-scented harmony. 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 unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go. Also in this episode: Trash can candy containers debut at Disney Springs The DisneyStore.com shipping threshold quietly goes up The latest on Epcot pin trading and Disney's response A listener asks: Are Spirit Jerseys going out of style? The real origin story of the Spirit Jersey Why Tangled’s live-action fate may depend on Stitch’s box office From puck worlds to ballparks, this episode blends nostalgia, merch, and the business of Disney like never before. 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 dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robot uprising. Jim shares the full, unfiltered story of Chris Sanders’ original pitch, including unused scenes, a darker backstory, and a surprisingly heroic role for Pleakley. But first, Lauren recaps her latest Orlando trip with a look at: Discovery Cove travel hacks (bring your own water socks!) Changes at Magic Kingdom’s Emporium and the scattered state of merch The growing mystery of Cinderella Castle’s color shift Stitch merchandise overload ahead of the new live-action film The creepy (and hilarious) quirks of the new “Many Moods of Stitch” plush Puppetmetronics, pin trading, and a Stitch-themed shipping tip From castle color controversies to plushes with personality disorders, this episode proves that even Disney classics have an unexpected side. 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

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE is rooted in actual history—and how it all started with a cartoon. Plus, Lauren recaps her latest visit to Walt Disney World, with new pin trading finds at Epcot, handmade souvenirs in Germany, and must-see graduation merch at Creations. Also: Loungefly alternatives, the secret perks of the Mission: SPACE playground, and how the Plain White T’s ended up in the middle of Flower & Garden. Why Walt Disney worked with Wernher von Braun How a Disney TV special helped get NASA off the ground The story behind Mission: SPACE merch (and crystals) The new must-have black-and-white Disney backpack Tuesday pin drops and pro trading setups at Epcot The make-your-own glass art experience in Germany From space-age storytelling to personalized souvenirs, this episode blends the historical with the hands-on in true I Want That Too fashion. 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 return with a jam-packed episode that blends Disney shopping secrets and animation history. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes visit to Disney’s elusive Property Control store, a cast member-exclusive outlet full of discounted resort furniture, rare park merch, and even frozen food. Hear what she found, what she bought, and why it may be Disney’s best-kept secret. Then Jim dives into the fascinating history of Gertie the Dinosaur—Hollywood Studios’ lakeside icon—tracing her roots back to a 1914 vaudeville act that helped inspire Walt Disney himself. From stamp collecting to Loungefly obsessions, this episode covers the quirky side of fandom and the legacy of one animated Brontosaurus. What Property Control is and how Lauren got in The limited merch, props, and even snacks for sale inside The new Gertie merch spotted at Hollywood Studios How Windsor McCay’s 1914 cartoon dinosaur changed animation forever The real story behind Disney’s ice cream-slinging sauropod From the backlots of Walt Disney World to the foundations of early animation, this episode of I Want That Too digs into Disney history where you’d least expect it. 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 sit down with actor and author Colin Egglesfield (All My Children, Something Borrowed) to revisit one of Disney’s most passionate fan events: Super Soap Weekend. Colin shares what it was like to meet thousands of soap fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, parade through the park with Goofy, and be part of the event’s final years. They also discuss Colin’s time on All My Children, his unforgettable character arc as Erica Kane’s long-lost son, and how he battled cancer behind the scenes—while still showing up to set and filming every day. The story behind Colin’s stolen-fetus storyline and how he landed his role on All My Children What it was like to attend Super Soap Weekend as a featured star The culture of soap opera fandom and merch at Disney, from autographed dolls to signed headshots How Colin’s cancer diagnosis shaped his time on the show and inspired his public speaking career Behind-the-scenes stories about Susan Lucci, cast bonding, and meeting fans at the parks Details about Colin’s books Agile Artist and The Evolved Artist, plus his Inspire retreats and coaching This heartfelt episode blends Disney fan nostalgia, behind-the-scenes soap drama, and the power of showing up through life’s toughest moments. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform. 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