Claim OwnershipThe Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
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Join Jim Hill and co-hosts Len Testa, Drew Taylor, Brian Gaughan, Eric Hersey, and Lauren Hersey as they talk about the multi-faceted Walt Disney Company - including Pixar, Lucasfilm and Disney Studios - as well as Universal Studios and the world of collectibles.
1142 Episodes
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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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In this December episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the latest updates and stories from the world of Lucasfilm:
A festive nod to Life Day and Star Wars-themed holiday treats.
A deep dive into Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—does this series mark a turning point for the franchise?
Exclusive updates on The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, including casting news and plot hints.
A closer look at the new Indiana Jones console game, The Great Circle, and its place in the franchise’s future.
A tribute to John Williams, his legendary career, and the new Disney+ documentary, Music by John Williams.
From upcoming Disney+ releases to Lucasfilm’s gaming ventures, join Jim and Brian for an insightful discussion on the future of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and beyond.
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In this festive episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into Universal’s holiday celebrations and exciting announcements.
Episode Highlights:
Earl the Squirrel’s Backstory: Discover how a mischievous rodent became Universal’s beloved holiday mascot.
Universal’s Holiday Events: From Butterbeer season to Macy’s Christmas Parade, explore what makes this time of year magical at Universal Studios.
Exclusive Park Perks: Hear about special events like Passholder Appreciation Days and upcoming fan fests.
Universal Kids Hotel in Texas: Updates on the colorful, kid-focused resort coming in 2026.
New Year’s Eve at Universal: Why celebrating at the parks is an unforgettable experience.
Get the inside scoop on holiday magic and upcoming projects that make Universal a must-visit destination this season!
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Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how well “Moana 2” did at the box office over its second weekend in theaters.
They also talk about why “Paddington in Peru” had its release date pushed back to February 14, 2025
Listeners will learn about these highlights:
How long did it take the original “Fantasia” to finally turn a profit
Which spec song led to the creation of the “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas” back in 2012
How many “Best Animated Feature of the Year” awards has “Flow” already claimed
According to James Gunn, why was “Creature Commandos” the very first project out the door after he took over as the new head of DC Studios at Warner Brothers Discovery
How long had Disney’s live-action version of “Snow White” been in development prior to the start of production
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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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In this special holiday episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap all things Disney for the holidays—from the exciting return of Prep & Landing to Disney Lorcana, the trading card game everyone’s talking about.
Plus, they spotlight this season’s hottest collaborations and must-have merch, making it your ultimate guide to a Disney-filled holiday season
What You’ll Hear:
The Return of Prep & Landing: Jim shares the inside scoop on Prep & Landing: Snowball Protocol, debuting in 2025, plus a hilarious story from D23 about how these holiday elves earned him Disney Animation’s trust.
Lorcana: Disney’s Trading Card Game: Lauren dives into the latest must-have for collectors, with tips on starter packs, rare cards, and what makes Lorcana one of the hottest gifts this holiday season.
Holiday Collabs and Gift Picks: From Harry Styles’ Pleasing x Disney collection to a Frozen-themed Lionel train, Lauren highlights Disney’s best collaborations and merch to add to your shopping list.
Hidden Disney Details: Jim reveals a heartwarming Easter egg in Prep & Landing that connects it to another beloved Disney animated classic.
This episode is filled with behind-the-scenes stories, holiday fun, and must-have gift ideas for Disney fans of all ages. Don’t miss it
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Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how well “Moana 2” did at the domestic box office over its opening weekend.
They then talk about the role that General Electric’s housewares division played in creating
that beloved holiday special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
For this episode, listeners will learn about:
How did “Flow” ‘s Per Theater Average over its opening weekend in North
America compare to that of “Wicked – Part One”
Which Japanese animation studio handled the stop motion on “Rudolph the Red-
Nosed Reindeer”
What was the title of the very first animated holiday special created for network
television
Who took over as the new lead writer & director on “Tiana: The Series” back in
2022
How did “Shrek the Halls” back in 2007 lead to Walt Disney Animation Studio
creating the original “Prep & Landing” in 2009
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Len 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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In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the latest Universal news, movie milestones, and fascinating theme park updates.
Episode Highlights:
The Magic of Wicked: From record-breaking box office numbers to potential theme park tie-ins, Jim and Eric discuss the film’s impact and Universal’s creative strategies.
Lost Continent's Future: Could the remnants of the Lost Continent become home to a Wicked-themed land?
How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Teaser: The hosts share their thoughts on the first trailer and its connection to Epic Universe.
CityWalk Hollywood’s Epic Universe Store: Why a preview store for a Florida park is opening on the West Coast.
Wicked’s Origin Story: Jim shares how the beloved stage musical began its journey from book to Broadway and finally to the big screen.
Packed with insights and speculation, this episode is perfect for Universal fans and theme park enthusiasts alike. Tune in for the latest stories and stay ahead of the curve!
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In this festive episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to explore Disney’s Fifth Avenue Store—once the largest Disney store in the world. From its stunning design to its unique collectibles, they’ll uncover what made this shopping destination so unforgettable and why it’s still missed today.
The holiday cheer doesn’t stop there! Jim and Lauren dive into the Descendants: Rise of Red holiday takeover, featuring fun new merch, a Christmas music video, and even a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance. Plus, they’re sharing Disney-themed gift ideas for fans of all ages and tips for adding a little Disney magic to your holiday baking.
What You’ll Hear:
The Fifth Avenue Disney Store: Why it was such a special place and the memories it left behind.
Rise of Red Holidays: The latest Descendants merch, a festive music video, and how Disney is keeping the hype alive.
Disney Gift Ideas: From collectible dolls to Disney cookbooks, we’re highlighting the best gifts for Disney lovers this holiday season.
Holiday Baking with Disney Flair: Lauren shares her family’s favorite Disney-inspired treats and how you can recreate park recipes at home.
This episode is packed with holiday magic, fun stories, and must-have shopping tips. Tune in for a festive dose of Disney cheer!
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In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor bring you the latest in animation news and insights. Tune in as they dive into:
"Wicked" Dominates the Box Office: Universal Pictures’ adaptation dazzles with a massive opening weekend. Jim and Drew discuss the strategic marketing behind its success and what it means for future blockbusters.
Animated Feature Oscars Update: A record 31 animated films are in the running for this year’s Academy Award. Hear predictions for frontrunners like The Wild Robot and dark horse contenders including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Sonic 3 and The Bad Guys 2: Explore the buzz surrounding upcoming sequels like Sonic 3 (coming this December) and DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys 2, continuing the franchise’s creative streak with festive specials.
Pixar’s "Dream Productions" Limited Series: A sneak peek into Pixar’s upcoming four-episode series debuting on Disney+ this December. Jim and Drew discuss how this unique project breaks new ground for the studio.
"Oliver & Company” Retrospective: Take a nostalgic trip back to Disney’s 1988 animated classic. Learn about its ambitious use of computer-assisted imagery and its surprising connection to the Great Movie Ride.
Don’t miss these stories and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!
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oin 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 episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:
The history and mystery behind Disney’s forgotten project The Hero of Otherwhere, a live-action/animation hybrid tied to Pete’s Dragon and Jerome Courtland's career.
The evolution of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, celebrating 15 years of The Princess and the Frog while previewing the updates coming to the reimagined attraction.
Highlights from D23 Brasil, including the announcement of Ice Age 6, Toy Story 5, and Pixar's highly anticipated new feature, Hoppers.
Alan Menken’s enduring musical magic, from The Little Mermaid to his contributions to Netflix’s upcoming Spellbound.
Laika’s Wildwood, Coraline returning in 3D, and fresh updates on Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and more.
Join Jim and Drew as they uncover hidden gems from animation’s past and highlight what’s coming next!
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In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the latest Universal news and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.
Episode Highlights:
The Opening of Wicked in Theaters: Jim and Eric discuss the much-anticipated film release and its potential impact on Universal's brand and future strategies.
Facial Recognition Technology at Universal Parks: Eric explores the rollout of this new tech in Express Pass lanes and its implications for guest experiences.
Goodbye to Mannheim Steamroller: A look at Universal’s decision to forego this holiday tradition and what it means for future celebrations.
Donkey Kong Arrives in Japan: Jim provides insights into the debut of Universal Studios Japan's new Donkey Kong-themed land and lessons for Epic Universe.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Legacy at Universal: A nostalgic journey through the history of Hitchcock’s connection to Universal and how it shaped the studio’s identity.
Whether you're a fan of theme park innovation or Universal's rich history, this episode is packed with insights, news, and a touch of nostalgia. Tune in for another exciting installment!
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On This Week's Episode of I Want That Too:
Join Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey as they explore the holiday season’s biggest Disney highlights! From Moana 2’s release and must-have merch to Disney’s surprising ties to The Wizard of Oz, this episode is packed with fun stories and shopping tips.
What You’ll Hear:
Moana 2: What to expect from Disney’s highly anticipated sequel and the top holiday toys inspired by the film.
Disney and The Wizard of Oz: A deep dive into Disney’s unique history with Oz, from Return to Oz to unmade projects like Rainbow Road to Oz.
Holiday Decor and Gifts: The best Disney-themed holiday decorations spotted at Lowe’s, Target, and online—including ornaments, blow molds, and inflatables.
Wicked vs. Disney: How Moana 2 and Wicked are battling for attention this holiday season.
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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 episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a range of Universal-related stories, from unique events to fascinating history:
Episode Highlights:
Universal’s Garage Sale: Discover the details of the 2024 garage sale, where fans can snag exclusive merchandise and rare finds.
Green Eggs and Ham Returns: Eric shares his excitement about the return of this iconic Seuss Landing sign and its connection to holiday celebrations.
Epic Universe Promotions: Jim discusses Universal’s early marketing efforts for the highly anticipated Epic Universe.
Horror Unleashed in Vegas: A deep dive into the year-round horror attraction featuring Universal Monsters and more.
The Birth of the Universal Tram Tour: Jim takes us back to the 1960s to explore the humble beginnings of Universal Studios Hollywood’s iconic tram tour.
Whether you're a Universal newbie or a seasoned park-goer, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for news, nostalgia, and plenty of fun!
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In this festive episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the rich history between Disney and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. From Mickey Mouse’s first parade appearance in 1934 to Minnie Mouse’s brand-new balloon debut in 2024, they uncover fascinating stories about Disney’s presence in this iconic holiday tradition.
What We Cover:
The origins of Disney’s involvement in the Macy’s Parade, starting with Mickey Mouse’s debut.
Behind-the-scenes facts about creating and managing those giant character balloons.
Minnie Mouse’s highly anticipated 2024 balloon debut and the Disney Cruise Line float tribute.
How Macy’s and Disney teamed up to launch the new Mickey and Minnie shops inside 200 stores nationwide.
Nostalgic reflections on Disney’s parade history, including the surprising role of the character warehouse and the evolution of holiday merch.
Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration between two beloved brands and the holiday magic they bring to life!
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In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into the magical world of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Hear all about Jim's recent visit to this dazzling event at the New York Botanical Gardens, where he experienced life-sized sculptures, fog-filled forests, and stunning light displays that bring Burton's eerie, whimsical vision to life.
Also in this episode:
The Wild Robot still dominates the box office, edging closer to $300 million worldwide.
D23 Brasil’s big animation reveals, including a new Ice Age film and Toy Story 5 updates.
Behind the scenes on Skydance and Netflix's Spellbound promotion in Times Square.
Updates on Marvel’s animated lineup and what’s in store for 2025.
Get ready for all this and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!
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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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Leslie Bricusse... who wrote the Christmas Carol songs. His last name is pronounced 'brick-cuss', not 'brew-sick'.
James - If you're going to do a show about the origins of the ELP, you need to go to Amazon Kindle and get a copy of Lights by Ben Sherman... It's the backstage story with some of the names (barely!) changed to protect the innocent. RS
Jim - Ashamed to tell you I HAD a copy of the Roger Rabbit Hollywood-based prequel script and lost it when I lost my storage space years ago. I got some juicy details I can share if you're interested... RS
Len's obnoxious and constant laughter combined with Jim's amazing insight and knowledge made this episode particularly trying... but necessary... to endure.
Really, Jim? "Rod Sterling"?! It's Serling.
Jim - 1970... The year I worked Xmas parade costume issue, the top 10 feet of the Main St. tree burned after park hours. The company bought a tree from a local lot, hoisted it up and decorated it. By morning the next day no one could tell the difference!
Jim - There is STILL no 'P' in Bibbidy-Bobbidi-Boo! RS
Jim - AL SMITH?!
Jim - Thanks so much for sharing Ron's story. I wept at the telling... RS
Jim - There is no 'P' in 'Bippity Boppity Boo'... "The thingamabob that does the job" is pronounced 'BiBBidy BoBBidy Boo'! RS
Jim - Have you ever heard of a type of cannon called a 'howitzer'? That's where WED got the idea for the name of their scent cannons, as used in Imagination and Energy. It's not pronounced "how-iss-sizer"... it's called a 'Smellitzer'!