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Description
The Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill and Len Testa
Dive into the fascinating world of Disney with theme park historian Jim Hill and Len Testa as they uncover the stories behind the magic. From breaking news and in-depth analyses to quirky historical tidbits and behind-the-scenes secrets, The Disney Dish offers a unique blend of humor, expertise, and insider knowledge.
Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan, a theme park aficionado, or just curious about the history and future of Disney parks and resorts, this podcast has something for everyone.
What to Expect:
Breaking Disney News: Stay up to date on the latest happenings at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney's global parks.
Historical Deep Dives: Learn how classic attractions were created, the stories behind Disney's biggest decisions, and the Imagineering ingenuity that brought it all to life.
Listener Q&A: Get answers to your burning questions about the parks, attractions, and Disney culture.
Exclusive Insights: Gain access to insider details and stories you won’t find anywhere else.
Fun & Humor: Enjoy the wit and camaraderie of two Disney enthusiasts who know how to make even the most technical details entertaining.
With decades of combined experience and an unmatched passion for all things Disney, Jim and Len guide you through the parks, the stories, and the magic in a way only they can.
Your journey to the happiest podcast on earth starts here. Subscribe today!
436 Episodes
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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill share how to conquer Animal Kingdom faster than you can finish a Mickey waffle and dig into the curious case of Disney’s Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge.
Animal Kingdom Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to finishing all major rides in under two hours—because who has time to wait in line?
Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers the rise, fall, and possible resurrection of Disney’s most mysterious resort project.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure vs. Splash Mountain: Fans weigh in—has Tiana’s really taken the crown from Splash?
Smuggler’s Run Upgrades: Could Grogu finally make being an engineer on the Millennium Falcon cool?
Dinoland’s New Beat: A drumming band made from recycled materials? That’s the kind of green initiative even Mickey can’t resist.
Tune in for tips, history, and plenty of questions like, “Is it really a park day if you’re home by 10 a.m.?”
SHOW NOTES
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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how to take on Hollywood Studios during peak crowds without relying on Lightning Lane, plus a look at Disney’s music legend George Wilkins and other park updates:
Hollywood Studios Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to beating a 9/10 crowd level in six hours flat—without Lightning Lane.
George Wilkins Tribute: The Disney composer who wrote EPCOT’s soundtrack and once reworked “Tutti Frutti” in a half-hour.
Big Thunder Mountain’s Closure: What it means for Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane priorities (spoiler: it’s chaos).
Mandalorian on Smuggler’s Run: Grogu might make engineers the stars of the Millennium Falcon.
Dinoland Demolition: What’s next for Animal Kingdom’s most polarizing area?
Join Len and Jim for strategies, stories, and maybe a few tips on not getting run over by a rope
dropper.
SHOW NOTES
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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the remarkable career of Disney composer George Wilkins, the man behind EPCOT’s most iconic music, and discuss the latest park updates and strategies.
George Wilkins Tribute: How a 45-year-old jingle writer turned EPCOT into his personal symphony.
Free Dining Returns: Disney’s 2025 dining offer is back, but is its timing a response to Universal’s Epic Universe?
Big Thunder Mountain Closure: With this fan favorite offline, what should you grab for Lightning Lane instead?
Epic Universe Updates: Universal Orlando inches closer to opening with exciting ride testing and big surprises.
Join Len and Jim as they uncover Disney history, analyze park strategies, and debate the best way to navigate post-Big Thunder chaos.
SHOW NOTES
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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the jaw-dropping prices of Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which sold out at a whopping $478 per person during the holidays.
Premier Pass Sticker Shock: Is there a limit to how much Disney fans will pay for shorter wait times?
Bluey Comes to Disney: The beloved pup makes her way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line.
Universal Orlando Updates: Epic Universe rides ramp up testing, and a new Fast & Furious coaster is in the works.
Listener Questions: Where are the best places to rent DVC points, and what’s the deal with Bonnet Creek’s location?
Riviera Resort Finale: Jim wraps up the fascinating history of Disney’s most glamorous DVC property.
Tune in for Disney history, park updates, and plenty of laughs as Len and Jim close out the year in style.
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Join Len Testa and Jim Hill as they dive into the fascinating and occasionally outrageous story of how Disney transformed Caribbean Beach into their 15th DVC property:
Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Len reviews Disney’s newest addition, featuring epic Magic Kingdom views, thoughtful amenities, and… chump prices?
Caribbean Beach to Riviera Resort: Jim uncovers the competitive forces and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that turned a moderate resort into a deluxe DVC powerhouse.
Listener Questions: Why isn’t there a Magic Kingdom resort between the Contemporary and TTC? And what’s the deal with Bonnet Creek’s proximity to Disney property?
Dynamic Pricing at Disney: Len speculates on Disney’s next big move for hotels and tickets—and what it might mean for annual passholders.
Discover the stories behind Disney’s resorts, along with plenty of laughs and fascinating insights.
Show Notes
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Join Jim and Len as they serve up another helping of Disney history, humor, and holiday cheer:
Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Len breaks down why this year’s merriest event at Hollywood Studios is a must-visit, with mouthwatering popovers, stunning projections, and walk-on rides galore.
Cotino Housing Development Tour: Get an insider’s peek at Disney’s new mid-century modern community, where Imagineering meets high-end desert living.
Listener Questions: From the best World Showcase bathroom (yes, really) to a Muppet-inspired Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster playlist, fans bring the fun and creativity.
Riviera Resort History: Jim digs deep into how Disney turned Caribbean Beach into Riviera Resort, a deluxe DVC destination with a European flair—and a hefty price tag.
Tune in for a laugh-filled journey through Disney’s past, present, and possibly a restroom or two. Don’t miss it!
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Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing when “Dinosaur: The Ride” will close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
They also discuss the new Disney Villains show that’s being prepped for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Listeners will learn about:
How did Tokyo Disneyland’s version of “Star Tours” impact WDW’s Tomorrowland Terrace
Is there any difference between “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge” and the Company’s second attempt at getting a resort built at the edge of Bay Lake
How did mobile ordering at Disney World impact Guests’ ability to access Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café
Why is Mulan considered a Disney Princess
How will “Project Cyclops” potentially impact your WDW dining experience
SHOW NOTES
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1Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Jim Shull of “Disney Journeys” &; Eric Hersey of the “Epic Universal Podcast” for an in-depth look at WDW’s Utilidor system.
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
What did Marty Sklar do back in the mid-1950s that made Walt Disney furious
Where can Refreshment Gardens be found at Disneyland Park
How many acres do the Utilidors cover at WDW’s Magic Kingdom
What reportedly caused the black mold problem in the Men’s Locker Room under the Magic Kingdom
What was the secret behind Skippy being transported in “The ExtraTERRORtrial
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Join Jim and Len as they explore the latest holiday updates, behind-the-scenes details, and listener questions about Disney’s parks and attractions.
Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Discover how this year’s event improved on last year, with brighter displays, enhanced entertainment, and reimagined spaces that bring the magic of Hollywood Studios to life.
Muppet Vision 3D Updates: Learn about the plans for the Electric Mayhem overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and what it means for Muppets fans.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Comparison: Christina Harrison joins the discussion to compare Disney’s two biggest holiday events.
Holiday Attraction Overlays: Jim dives into the history of Disney’s seasonal attraction overlays, featuring the story behind the Country Bear Christmas Special.
Don’t miss this episode packed with holiday cheer, park updates, and Disney history – tune in now!
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In this week’s Disney Dish Podcast, Jim and Len deliver a mix of Disney news, listener questions, and fascinating history.
Tune in as they cover:
Villains Land Sneak Peek: Explore which Disney villains are set to star in Magic Kingdom’s highly anticipated new land.
Cars Trackless Ride Announced: Learn about the exciting plans for this innovative attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom.
Attraction Overlay Origins: In the main segment, Jim dives into the history of Disney attraction overlays, from their surprising beginnings to how they’ve evolved into beloved seasonal experiences like The Country Bear Christmas Show.
Listener Questions: Get the inside scoop on Dinoland’s props, farewell merch, and more!
From news to nostalgia, this episode is packed with insider stories and expert analysis. Don’t miss the history, updates, and laughs in this week’s show!
SHOW NOTES
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In this week’s episode, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you a packed show with the latest theme park news and the finale of Jim’s deep dive into EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo.
Tune in as they cover:
Universal’s Year-Round Horror Nights in Las Vegas: Get the details on Universal’s permanent horror attraction, “Universal Horror Unleashed,” set to launch at Area 15 with classic scares from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Exorcist: Believer, and more.
Magic Kingdom’s Premier Pass Math: Len and Jim respond to a listener’s cost breakdown for Disney’s new Premier Pass. Does the math make sense?
Frozen Holiday Surprise: Disney surprised everyone with an early start to this fan-favorite holiday event at the Magic Kingdom.
El Rio del Tiempo’s Journey to Gran Fiesta Tour: In the final part of Jim’s history series, learn about Eric and Susan Goldberg’s transformation of the Mexico Pavilion’s iconic boat ride into Gran Fiesta Tour and the arrival of animatronic versions of the Three Caballeros.
Listener questions, Disney news, and inside scoops make this an episode you won’t want to miss!
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ver exciting updates and wrap up a beloved EPCOT attraction’s history in the grand finale of their series on El Rio del Tiempo.
Here’s what’s in store:
Cake Bake Shop Review: Len shares his experience at the newly opened Cake Bake Shop, highlighting the quality of their offerings and discussing the pricing.
Universal's Animatronic Monsters: The hosts discuss Universal Orlando's recent trailer featuring 14 advanced animatronic monsters for the upcoming Monsters Unchained:
The Frankenstein Experiment attraction. They marvel at the lifelike fluidity of these figures, comparing them to Disney's Na’Vi Shaman and Rise of the Resistance animatronics.
Disney's Tropical Americas Plans: Len and Jim examine Disney's new permit filings, revealing plans to transform Dinoland into Tropical Americas. They explore potential attractions, including a character greeting area, a Mayan-themed play area, and expansive queue designs for upcoming rides.
Listener Questions and Surveys: The episode answers listener questions about various Disney experiences and discusses recent surveys from Universal Orlando and Disney Cruise Line, touching on possible new ticketing options and guest feedback.
Additionally, join us for the grand finale in Jim’s multi-part series on the history of EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo boat ride, where he shares fascinating details about the journey to the Gran Fiesta Tour.
Catch all the latest Disney news, updates, and in-depth theme park insights in this jam-packed episode!
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len and Jim explore more of Epcot’s rich history with part two of their series on the Mexico Pavilion’s beloved boat ride, El Rio del Tiempo.
Join them as they delve into the ride’s development challenges, the inspiration behind its immersive scenes, and how Disney Imagineers used clever design and technology to bring Mexican culture to life in World Showcase.
Tune in for:
The latest on Epic Universe’s ticket launch and sold-out opening day
Behind-the-scenes of Disney’s Cake Bake Shop pricing
A dive into the fascinating design details and lesser-known facts of El Rio del Tiempo’s
original storyline
Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with Disney lore, Epcot nostalgia, and exclusive theme park insights!
SHOW NOTES
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In this week’s Disney Dish, Len and Jim dive into the rich history of one of EPCOT’s lesser-known attractions, "El Rio del Tiempo."
Join us for Part 1 of a two-part series as Jim takes us back to the 1982 dedication of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion and shares the fascinating origin of the pavilion's boat ride.
Learn about the ambitious plans for "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico," the mysterious German Rivers ride, and how tight budgets and changing politics reshaped EPCOT's World Showcase.
Tune in as they cover:
· Epic Universe News: Universal Orlando’s newest park is set to open in May 2025! Jim and Len share exclusive details on the opening, soft launches, and breathtaking new effects.
· Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Get the scoop on Disney’s newest pass option for skipping the lines—what it costs, what it covers, and whether it's worth it.
· The History of El Rio del Tiempo: In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jim takes you back to the 1980s to explore the creation and evolution of Epcot's original Mexico Pavilion boat ride.
Plus, listener questions, Disney news, and the latest park happenings!
Don’t miss out on this jam-packed episode's history, updates, and insider scoops.
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa take you through the latest Disney updates and a deep dive into the fascinating history behind one of Disney’s most ambitious projects.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
Hurricane Milton Update: How the recent storm impacted Disney parks, and why Jim thinks Medieval Times might be the ultimate hurricane shelter.
Disneyland Price Hikes: Len breaks down the latest ticket and annual pass price increases at Disneyland, and what that could mean for your next trip.
Fort Wilderness Innovations: Could autonomous delivery robots soon bring food and merchandise to your cabin at Fort Wilderness? Jim and Len explore the possibilities.
Listener Questions: Why the ghost of the ‘Creepy Clown Pool’ might still haunt Boardwalk Inn’s occupancy rates, and how AI may make your Disney PhotoPass pictures look better than ever.
Main Feature: In a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's battle with Pixar, Jim reveals how Mickey’s PhilharMagicwas developed as a key part of Michael Eisner’s strategy to prove that Disney could create CG animation independently. From its origins as a project for Hong Kong Disneyland to its pivotal role in Disney’s negotiations with Pixar, discover the hidden history behind one of the most beloved 3D attractions in Disney World.
Join Jim and Len for a fun, fact-filled episode full of Disney history, news, and a few laughs along the way!
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill discuss the latest updates and history behind Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
Tune in for:
Autonomous Vehicles at Fort Wilderness?: Could self-driving vehicles soon be delivering food and merchandise around this iconic resort? Jim and Len explore the potential future of tech at Disney.
Occupancy Rates for Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Discover why DVC properties like the Grand Californian and Bay Lake Tower are at the top of the occupancy charts and what makes them so popular.
The Legend of the Lion King: Jim dives deep into the history of this fan-favorite stage show, detailing the ambitious production, massive puppetry, and how it paved the way for future Disney attractions.
This episode is filled with Disney news, unique history, and some listener questions.
SHOW NOTES
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Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week’s episode by sharing a
survey the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out.
They then look back at the 3D movie that eventually led to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic”
Over the course of this show, listeners will learn about:
Why Rodney Dangerfield’s obituary may be the funniest story that the Los
Angeles Times ever ran
How does an RIP Tour compare to a HHN Express Pass
Why it’s unlikely that Disney will ever build a just-for-kids theme park at its Florida
Resort
SHOW NOTES
What’s the name of that 3D Donald Duck cartoon that used to run on a double bill
at the Fantasyland theater
How did Dick Nunis feel about “The Mickey Mouse Revue” attraction at WDW’s
Magic Kingdom
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you the latest updates and an in-depth look at Disney’s past, present, and future.
Tune in as they cover:
Exclusive Interview: Special guest Ricky Debler Jr. from Palmas Restaurant Group shares the inside story behind their iconic Disney dining locations and the evolution of La Cava del Tequila.
Disney Treasure Updates: Get the scoop on the newest details for Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship.
Disney Surveys: Find out what surprising questions Disney is asking guests about their park experiences.
The Untold Story of Big Thunder Mountain: Jim wraps up his series on the history of this beloved attraction and reveals the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland.
Dive into the latest news, fascinating history, and a few laughs in this can’t-miss episode!
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history.
Tune in as they cover:
Crane Permits and Fort Wilderness Construction: What’s going on at the old River Country site?
Disney Cruise Line’s Future: How jumbo-ification could extend the life of Disney’s Magic and Wonder ships.
The Evolution of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Jim continues his history of this Frontierland classic and the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland, including Discovery Bay and Dumbo’s Circus.
Listener Questions: From Rise of the Resistance’s B-mode to the future of Disney’s IP-driven attractions.
Listen now for a fun, fact-filled episode covering the latest updates and Disney history!
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, dive into listener questions, and share some fascinating theme park history.
Tune in for an entertaining and informative discussion featuring:
The History of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Learn how this beloved attraction evolved from the original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.
Disney’s Tron Lightcycle Run Update: Why Disney is replacing the virtual queue with a traditional standby line and what it means for other park attractions.
Universal Studios’ New How to Train Your Dragon Attraction?: Jim and Len break down a new survey hinting at a potential addition to Universal’s Epic Universe or Hollywood park.
Listener Questions: A lively discussion on Disney’s attraction changes, including the high-cost failures like Galactic Starcruiser.
Nostalgia in Disney Parks: Are Magic Kingdom’s attractions too geared toward older generations, or is there something for everyone?
Join Jim and Len for a fun mix of history, humor, and theme park insights!
Show Notes can be found here.
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