Podcast
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
- Places & Travel chart
- #34
- Episodes
- 1,650
- Releases
- Daily
- Typical length
- 47 min
- On air since
- 2012
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
1,650 episodes, newest first
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49 min
Disney’s Unmade Don Quixote and the Brizzi Brothers’ Next Chapter
Episode 381
Show notes
Jim Hill and Drew Taylor revisit Disney’s unmade Don Quixote and the ambitious animation projects that slipped away as the studio grew more cautious. A graphic novel by the Brizzi brothers offers a new reason to explore their extraordinary visual storytelling. They also discuss Wildwood’s PG-13 rating, Jim’s visit to The Magic of Disney Animation, and the latest animation books and Pikmin shorts.
NEWS
• Wildwood and the double standard facing PG-13 animation.
• Drew’s Cat in the Hat panel and his enthusiasm for its animation and score.
• The Magic of Disney Animation’s Once Upon a Studio touches and a nod to My Peoples.
• Animation books, from The Owl House to Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn.
• Patrick Stewart and Eric Bauza’s voice work, plus Nintendo’s charming Pikmin shorts.FEATURE
• How the Brizzi brothers’ work on Hunchback and Fantasia 2000 led to an ambitious Don Quixote proposal.
• Why Disney’s changing priorities left bold projects unmade, and how a graphic novel brings the brothers’ storytelling back into view.HOSTS
• Jim Hill: Instagram @JimHillMedia | X @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.com/
• Drew Taylor: Instagram @drewtailored | X @DrewTailored | https://drewtaylor.work/FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmediaSUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded AgencySPONSOR
Be Our Guest Vacations offers free planning services for Disney and Universal vacations, including help with hotels, park admission, and dining reservations.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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48 min
How Saving Wetlands Helped Disney World Keep Growing
Episode 608
Show notes
Jim Hill and Len Testa kick off No Negative November with an expanded airport luggage service at Walt Disney World, fresh theme park attendance estimates, and a nighttime visit to Epic Universe. Listener questions cover park shade, a dream Food & Wine Festival tour, and Mickey Mouse's public-domain era. Then Jim traces the Disney Wilderness Preserve from cattle ranch to conservation success story, explaining how saving Florida wetlands also helped Disney World keep building.
NEWS
• Airport luggage transfers expand to Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter.
• Universal discusses Epic Universe's capacity and ride reliability, while Jim and Len share their after-dark impressions.
• The 2025 theme park attendance estimates put Epic Universe's opening year into context.
• Listener questions explore more trees in the parks and a possible VIP Food & Wine Festival experience.
• Mickey Mouse's approaching centennial sparks a discussion of public-domain characters and animation history.FEATURE
• The Celebration-era controversy behind Disney's purchase of Walker Ranch and the creation of the Wilderness Preserve.
• How wetlands mitigation connects conservation efforts with development at Walt Disney World.
• The long restoration of former cattle land and the red-cockaded woodpeckers that helped reshape EPCOT's plans.
• How airport expansion, later land purchases, and a growing conservation corridor fit into the preserve's story.For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
View transcript here.HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.com
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | https://touringplans.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmediaSUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
The Disney Dish news is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. Visit Be Our Guest Vacations for help planning your Disney vacation.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Jim Hill and Len Testa trace the Disney Wilderness Preserve's surprising development history, plus Epic Universe attendance and Disney World luggage service news.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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57 min
The Invisible Man's Hollywood History Comes Out of Hiding
Episode 126
Show notes
Jim Hill is back from Universal Orlando with firsthand reports from Wicked's Oztacular celebration at CityWalk and the after-hours Epic Universe Nights event. He and Eric Hersey discuss surprisingly short ride wait times, the magic of seeing Dark Universe after dark, and Earl the Squirrel's big Thanksgiving Day Parade debut. Then, inspired by a memorable encounter in Darkmoor, Jim pulls back the curtain on Universal's 1933 classic The Invisible Man, exploring director James Whale's complicated Hollywood career, Claude Rains' unforgettable performance, and the ingenious special effects that helped launch a monster movie franchise.
NEWS
• Wicked's Oztacular takes over Universal CityWalk with Glinda and Elphaba meet-and-greets, LEGO displays, and a few confusing signs.
• Epic Universe Nights delivers nighttime access, remarkably short attraction waits, complimentary snacks, and a spectacular Celestial Goodnight fountain show.
• Universal introduces Florida resident single-day Epic Universe tickets, with some surprising differences in pricing and availability compared to annual passholder offers.
• Earl the Squirrel prepares for his balloon debut in the 100th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade before heading to Universal Studios Florida for the holidays.
• Jim checks out CityWalk's new Fat One's and Five Guys locations while Eric previews their new eight-part Patreon series exploring professional wrestling and theme park history.FEATURE
• A nighttime encounter with the Invisible Man in Dark Universe leads to a look back at Universal's groundbreaking 1933 horror classic.
• How director James Whale went from Frankenstein and The Old Dark House to casting Claude Rains in The Invisible Man.
• The practical effects, elaborate camera tricks, and painstaking frame-by-frame work that made an invisible character believable nearly a century ago.
• How Universal reinvented the Invisible Man through sequels, comedies, wartime adventures, and Abbott and Costello crossovers.HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.com
• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter and Instagram: @erichersey | https://strongmindedagency.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmediaSUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a Universal Orlando Resort vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations can help take the guesswork out of your getaway. Their travel professionals work with you one-on-one to find the right hotel, theme park tickets, and extras to fit your budget, priorities, and travel style. Visit https://beourguestvacations.com/ and mention that the Epic Universal Podcast sent you.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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32 min
What Really Counts as a Disney Halloween Movie?
Episode 40
Show notes
Is Coco really a Halloween movie? Does Return to Oz belong on your spooky-season watchlist? Eric and Lauren Hersey debate what makes a Disney Halloween classic, revisit the wonderfully weird Ernest Scared Stupid, and explore why movies like Hocus Pocus arrived in theaters months before October. Plus, they uncover the fascinating story of how Jim Hill and his writing partner nearly brought their own Haunted Mansion movie to life at Disney, not once, but twice.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Coco sparks a Halloween debate, raising questions about the differences between Día de los Muertos and traditional Halloween celebrations.
• Return to Oz, Casper, and Hocus Pocus challenge the idea that Halloween movies need October release dates.
• From Halloweentown to Maleficent, Eric and Lauren question which Disney movies really deserve a spot on the Halloween watchlist.
• Ernest Scared Stupid gets a family rewatch, complete with surprising details about its elaborate animatronic troll costumes and Nashville filming locations.
• Jim Hill's unproduced Haunted Mansion screenplay resurfaces, revealing how Disney considered bringing his story to the screen twice during the 1990s.HOSTS
• Lauren Hersey - Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ | X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2
• Eric Hersey - Instagram/X: @erichersey | https://strongmindedagency.com/FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Website: https://www.jimhillmedia.com/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com/
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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42 min
A Hallmark Holiday Shopping Spree at Disney Springs
Episode 123
Show notes
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey go shopping for Disney history as Jim shares highlights from his latest Florida trip. They check in on the Character Warehouse’s planned move, explore rare finds at Recycling the Magic, and celebrate World of Disney’s 30th anniversary. Then Jim reports from the Disney Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Store at Disney Springs, where holiday merchandise is selling fast and some sought-after items are easier to find online.
NEWS
• An on-site update on the Character Warehouse’s move into the former Timberland space at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, including hopes for an opening before the holidays.
• Recycling the Magic offers retired attraction props, park signs, and animation maquettes, plus a surprise Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster photo featuring Imagineer Jim Shull.
• World of Disney marks 30 years, prompting memories of its original artwork, enormous layout, and longtime cast members.
• Jim discovers Buc-ee’s travel-center spectacle, from character merchandise and seasonal displays to Beaver Nuggets.
FEATURE
• Inside the Disney Hallmark Holiday Pop-Up Store at Disney Springs and its merchandise tied to Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True.
• How brisk sales changed the store’s selection between Jim’s visits, with spirit jerseys and pajamas proving especially popular.
• Why checking the Hallmark Channel Store online helped Nancy find pajamas that were unavailable during their Disney Springs visit.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a Disney or Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations can help you find the best options and handle the details, with planning services at no additional cost to you. Start planning at https://beourguestvacations.com/.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1 hr 12 min
The Superman II That Never Was
Episode 29
Show notes
Jim Hill and Dan Graney are back with a packed week of Marvel news, from Robert Downey Jr.'s Doctor Doom and a new Loki theory to rumors surrounding the MCU's X-Men reboot. They also dig into the future of Marvel television, including VisionQuest, Zodiac, and Daredevil: Born Again, before checking in on Star Wars and DC Studios. Then, in the latest installment of Comic Book Movies That Never Were, Jim and Dan revisit the behind-the-scenes battle over Superman II and the Richard Donner version that audiences didn't get to see until decades later.
NEWS
• Avengers: Doomsday takes over the World Series, while Dan pitches a theory involving Loki, Steve Rogers, Thor, and Mjolnir.
• X-Men casting rumors swirl around Peter Claffey as Beast and WWE's Cody Rhodes, while Ryan Gosling's Ghost Rider reportedly moves forward.
• VisionQuest raises questions about Scarlet Witch's fate, and Marvel's upcoming spy series Zodiac fuels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. speculation.
• Daredevil: Born Again's three-season plan, Finn Jones' Iron Fist return, and Brad Winderbaum's fight to save Wonder Man.
• Star Wars heads to the Super Bowl, Starfighter's reported budget climbs, and Taika Waititi puts his long-delayed movie on ice.
FEATURE
• Superman II and the creative conflict that split the sequel between directors Richard Donner and Richard Lester.
• How producer disputes, Marlon Brando's missing scenes, and extensive reshoots transformed the 1981 theatrical release.
• The differences between Lester's Superman II and Donner's darker, more dramatic vision.
• How the 2006 Richard Donner Cut gave fans a glimpse of the movie that might have been, years before Zack Snyder's Justice League.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | thehubbubbery.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a legendary vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is an EarMarked by Disney travel agency at the Platinum level and a Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner. From hotels and theme park tickets to dining reservations, cruises, and all the little details, their team can help you plan your next getaway at no additional cost to you. Start planning at https://beourguestvacations.com/.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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47 min
How Don Bluth’s Disney Exit Changed Animation (Ep. 380)
Episode 380
Show notes
Jim Hill opens the archives for a special look at Don Bluth, the animator whose departure from Disney helped change the industry. Drawing on past conversations with Drew Taylor and Eric Hersey, this retrospective follows Bluth from Disney’s animation department to the arcade success of Dragon’s Lair and his collaborations with Steven Spielberg. Along the way, they revisit The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, and the footage removed from The Land Before Time.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Why Don Bluth and a group of fellow animators left Disney, and how Banjo the Woodpile Cat helped set the stage.
• The production pressures surrounding Pete’s Dragon, The Fox and the Hound, and The Black Cauldron.
• How The Secret of NIMH’s box-office disappointment led to the unlikely arcade breakthrough of Dragon’s Lair.
• How Steven Spielberg and George Lucas became involved in Bluth’s animated films, and why the Spielberg partnership eventually ended.
• The Land Before Time’s deleted footage, its rivalry with Oliver & Company, and Bluth’s willingness to make animation a little scary.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - https://jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X/Twitter: @DrewTailored - Instagram: @drewtailored - https://drewtaylor.work
• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter and Instagram: @erichersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Jim Hill revisits Don Bluth’s Disney departure, Dragon’s Lair, and the Spielberg collaborations that helped reshape animation.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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47 min
When the Police Played the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween Party
Episode 607
Show notes
Len Testa and Jim Hill look back at Halloween Hysteria, the Magic Kingdom’s 1979 party that brought the Police to the park. Jim traces Disney’s early Halloween celebrations before following Sting from that concert to the troubled production of Kingdom of the Sun. Plus, new resort room-request options, a Hollywood Studios survey with a confusing sense of direction, and a listener’s successful return with 1986 Disney tickets.
NEWS
• Disney updates My Disney Experience room requests, including new preferences and an early-check-in option that can override them.
• Coronado Springs gets convention-center concept art, while Jim shares a memorable example of the resort’s service.
• A Hollywood Studios survey asks about the park’s “east side,” prompting a look at its layout and possible future expansion.
• Listeners weigh in on Disney Cruise Line survey pressure and share how decades-old park tickets found a new use.
• Could Universal’s Shrek plans include a dark ride, and when will Skull Island’s Kong animatronic return?
FEATURE
• From Disneyland’s Parade of Pumpkins to free Haunted Mansion rides, Disney’s earliest Halloween events looked very different.
• How the Magic Kingdom’s World Series of Entertainment brought Dr. Hook, Sea Level, and the Police to Halloween Hysteria.
• Why Disney recruited Sting for Kingdom of the Sun, and how the project changed on its way to becoming The Emperor’s New Groove.
• Jim discusses The Sweatbox and its unusually candid look at a Disney animated film in transition.
HOSTS
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - https://touringplans.com
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - https://jimhillmedia.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
The Disney Dish news is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. Plan a fall Orlando getaway with Be Our Guest Vacations.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Len Testa and Jim Hill revisit Halloween Hysteria, trace Sting’s Disney animation detour, and unpack new resort room requests.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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52 min
How Shrek 4-D Became the Secret Sequel to Shrek
Episode 125
Show notes
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey head back to Far Far Away to uncover how Universal's Shrek 4-D became an unlikely bridge between the first two Shrek movies. Jim reveals the creative challenges behind Shrek 2, the surprising connection to a shelved Disney animated project, and why Universal may be preparing to give its favorite ogre a much bigger theme park presence. Plus, the latest Universal Orlando holiday announcements, a troubling incident at Stardust Racers, and some monstrous Halloween surprises at Universal's resort hotels.
NEWS
• Universal Orlando reveals its 2026 holiday lineup, including Snoggletog at Epic Universe, Super Nintendo World decorations, Grinchmas, and the return of the Macy's Holiday Parade.
• Could Shrek 5 bring updated characters to Universal's holiday parade, and is the Dronkey balloon being retired?
• A falling overhead fan at Stardust Racers raises new questions about the roller coaster's troubled first year.
• Universal Orlando's resort hotels embrace Halloween with Universal Monsters at Royal Pacific, alien invasions, zombie rockers, and the return of the Pumpkin Lord.
• Jim prepares for Universal's Oz-Tacular celebration and an after-hours visit to Epic Universe, while discovering that Buc-ee's might just be a theme park without rides.FEATURE
• How DreamWorks struggled to develop Shrek 2 after exhausting the story possibilities of William Steig's original 32-page children's book.
• Why Jeffrey Katzenberg gave Universal Creative a tiny window between Shrek and Shrek 2 to develop Shrek 4-D, and how the attraction became a clever continuation of the original film.
• Jim shares the surprising story of a Disney animation project inspired by The Frog Princess and its alleged connection to Shrek 2's development.
• With Shrek 5 arriving in 2027 and a Donkey spinoff planned for 2028, could Universal Orlando eventually build a full-fledged Shrek dark ride?HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - https://jimhillmedia.com
• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter and Instagram: @erichersey - https://strongmindedagency.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmediaSUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Be Our Guest Vacations takes the guesswork out of your vacation with free, personalized trip planning. Their travel professionals help you choose the right hotel, park tickets, dining reservations, and extras to fit your budget and travel style. Visit https://beourguestvacations.com/ and tell them Jim and Eric sent you.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the creation of Shrek 4-D, the behind-the-scenes history of Shrek 2, and the latest Universal Orlando holiday and theme park news.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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33 min
You Paid HOW Much for a Disney Tiki Bird?
Episode 39
Show notes
How much would you pay to own a piece of Disney history? Eric and Lauren Hersey take a deep dive into Disney's most expensive collectibles, from a $425,000 Enchanted Tiki Room bird to Haunted Mansion ghosts and the legendary Hollywood memorabilia once sold at Sid Cahuenga's. Inspired by Kelly Clarkson's viral mechanical bird controversy, they explore the surprising world of animatronic collecting, extravagant theme park purchases, and the practical challenges of getting oversized souvenirs home. Plus, a complaint at Magic Kingdom's Sunglass Hut brings the conversation right back to where it started.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Kelly Clarkson's viral dispute with New York's Art of Play over a mechanical singing bird takes an unexpected $15 million turn.
• From Garner Holt's build-your-own Tiki birds to a $425,000 José animatronic, Eric and Lauren explore the surprising market for Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room collectibles.
• Rare Disney auction treasures command staggering prices, including Haunted Mansion Hitchhiking Ghosts approaching $400,000 and original stretching room artwork.
• How to ship large Walt Disney World souvenirs and artwork home, including combining purchases at resort gift shops and navigating shipping costs.
• The extravagant crystal Cinderella Castle sculptures sold at Disney parks and the surprising stories behind their purchases.
• A nostalgic look inside Sid Cahuenga's at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where authentic Hollywood props, celebrity memorabilia, and Dick Van Dyke's Mary Poppins jacket once carried hefty price tags.
• From Stormtrooper armor to designer sunglasses, Eric and Lauren discuss the most expensive Disney purchases and a Magic Kingdom Sunglass Hut review that brings the story full circle.
HOSTS
• Lauren Hersey - Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ | X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2
• Eric Hersey - Instagram: @erichersey | X/Twitter: @erichersey | https://strongmindedagency.com/
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Instagram: @JimHillMedia
• X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia
• Website: https://www.jimhillmedia.com/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com/
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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42 min
The Monsters, Inc. Coaster Disney Almost Built in 2008
Episode 122
Show notes
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey open the door to a Monsters, Inc. coaster project that surfaced back in 2008, long before the attraction announced at D23 in 2024. Jim explains how an accidental cast-member video revealed the plans, from a Celia-led reception area to a chaotic finale with Mike and Sulley. They also discuss changes at Disney’s Character Warehouse outlets and the appeal of McDonald’s Disney Villains Boo Buckets.
NEWS
• Disney’s Character Warehouse at the Vineland outlets prepares to move into a larger space, while Jim and Lauren consider what outlet expansion could mean for leftover park merchandise.
• McDonald’s Disney Villains Boo Buckets mix Halloween nostalgia with familiar characters as the bucket tradition marks its 40th anniversary.
• Jim plans a visit to the Hallmark holiday pop-up at Disney Springs, and the hosts look at Monsters, Inc. anniversary merchandise.FEATURE
• Pete Docter’s door-hangar chase inspires an early coaster concept for Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the former Mickey Avenue soundstages in the mix.
• A video appearing on the cast-member portal in July 2008 gives Jim an unexpected look at a project envisioned for Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary in 2011.
• The proposed ride includes a Monsters, Inc. open house, scream and laugh canisters, and an explosive finale that leaves Mike and Sulley needing bigger canisters.
• Jim traces how the financial crisis shelved that proposal and reflects on the long road to the Monsters, Inc. land announced in 2024.HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning your next Disney or Universal vacation? https://beourguestvacations.com/ can help with hotels, theme park tickets, and dining reservations at no additional cost to you. As a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and a Universal U-Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team can help you plan your next getaway. Be sure to tell them Lauren and Jim from I Want That Too sent you!
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Jim and Lauren explore an early Monsters, Inc. coaster plan, Disney outlet changes, and the nostalgia behind McDonald’s Boo Buckets.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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36 min
Listener Mailbag: Alien Encounter, Rope Drop & Disney Water Parks
Episode 30
Show notes
Chris Cox, Len Testa, and Jim Hill reopen the listener mailbag for another session of the Court of the Disney World Resort. A terrifying first date on Alien Encounter leads to a story of nearly 30 years of marriage, while other listeners explain when a ride spoiler can be a kindness. The court also weighs sleeping in at Magic Kingdom, finding a quiet corner, and choosing between Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Stick around after the closing remarks for a bonus quiz that pits Jim against Len over the listeners’ poll results.
HIGHLIGHTS
• An Alien Encounter date becomes an unlikely love story, alongside memories of the attraction’s scares and its place in Magic Kingdom.
• Listeners make the case for pool mornings, later park arrivals, and After Hours tickets instead of an early alarm.
• Quiet Magic Kingdom hideaways offer a break from the crowds, from Main Street’s train station to Storybook Circus seating.
• Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach return to court, with shade, slides, theming, and a formidable wave pool entering the evidence.
• Ride previews divide the jury: preserving a surprise versus preparing children and anxious riders, followed by a bonus listener-poll showdown.HOSTS
• Chris Cox - X/Twitter: @bigcox | Instagram: @magiccox | https://magiccox.com
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | https://touringplans.com
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmediaSUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comIf you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Chris Cox, Len Testa, and Jim Hill revisit listener verdicts on rope drop, Disney water parks, and ride spoilers, including one unforgettable Alien Encounter date.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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49 min
Disney's Hexed Casts a Colorful Spell on Animation
Episode 379
Show notes
Jim Hill and Drew Taylor have plenty to discuss as Disney's upcoming animated feature Hexed takes center stage, with a fresh trailer, striking visual designs, and new details about the creative team. They also explore the latest animation announcements from New York Comic Con, a milestone anniversary for It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and the next chapter for Disney's long-running Broadway productions. Plus, Don Bluth gets the documentary treatment, LAIKA prepares to unveil Wildwood, and KPop Demon Hunters heads to the Criterion Collection.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Disney's Hexed reveals more of its magical world ahead of its November 25 theatrical debut, with directors Jason Hand, Josie Trinidad, and Fawn Veerasunthorn at the helm.
• Drew shares insights from Disney's recent press event, including a look at the new animated short Lilo & Scratch and the jewel-toned visual style of Hexed.
• New York Comic Con brings updates on Avatar: Seven Havens, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and Marvel's upcoming animated projects.
• It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown celebrates its 60th anniversary with a Starbucks merchandise collection that disappears almost as quickly as it arrives.
• Disney's The Lion King prepares to reimagine its record-breaking North American tour, while BOOP! The Musical hits the road.
• Animation legend Don Bluth gets a new documentary, while Ron Clements shares decades of Disney history in Making Disney Magic.
• LAIKA's Wildwood heads to theaters, and KPop Demon Hunters receives a Criterion Collection release packed with bonus features.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | drewtaylor.work
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a fall getaway to Orlando? https://beourguestvacations.com/ can help take the stress out of your next Disney or Universal vacation. As both a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and a Universal U-Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team can assist with hotels, theme park tickets, and dining reservations at no additional cost to you. Be sure to tell them Jim and Drew from Fine Tooning sent you!
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Disney's Hexed takes the spotlight alongside New York Comic Con animation news, Peanuts' 60th anniversary, Broadway updates, and a celebration of Don Bluth's legacy.
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52 min
How Aulani’s Price Tag Reshaped Disneyland’s Hotels
Episode 606
Show notes
Len Testa and Jim Hill wrap up their Disneyland DVC history with a look at how Aulani’s ambitious price tag shaped the hotel projects that followed. Jim connects Disney’s Hawaiian resort to an unbuilt New Hampshire lodge, a canceled Disneyland luxury hotel, and the eventual Discovery Tower. They also discuss new playground plans, Disneyland ticket increases, and what Disney’s surveys might reveal about future attractions. Listener ideas offer fresh possibilities for EPCOT dining and a House of Mouse restaurant.
NEWS
• New playground plans at Hollywood Studios raise a practical question: what can younger children do while the rest of the family rides?
• Len compares Disneyland’s latest ticket increases with Walt Disney World’s and asks whether Southern California is reaching a price ceiling.
• The hosts discuss Pokémon possibilities at Universal, Disney Imagination’s planned debut in Japan, and a time-travel television tangent.
• Disney Cruise Line survey pressure and an Avatar question prompt a discussion about how guest feedback influences decisions.
• Listener proposals pair EPCOT dining with Lightning Lane perks and imagine a House of Mouse makeover for Hollywood Studios dining.FEATURE
• The Grand Californian expansion brings Disney Vacation Club to the West Coast, setting the stage for a much bigger Hawaiian investment.
• Jim explains how Aulani’s costs affected other resort ambitions, including Disney’s proposed White Mountain Lodge in New Hampshire.
• A planned Disneyland luxury hotel runs into sightline concerns and an Anaheim tax-rebate dispute before its cancellation.
• The story concludes with the smaller Disneyland Hotel DVC tower, its mix of accommodations, and construction through the pandemic.For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | https://touringplans.com
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | https://jimhillmedia.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmediaSUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
Leave the holiday decorating to Disney and enjoy the lights from Main Street. Our friends at Be Our Guest Vacations can help plan your Walt Disney World holiday trip.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Len Testa and Jim Hill trace Aulani’s impact on Disneyland’s hotel plans, plus park playgrounds, ticket prices, and Disney guest surveys.
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54 min
How Mike Myers Changed Shrek Forever
Episode 124
Show notes
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey continue the story of Shrek, following the difficult decisions DreamWorks faced after the death of original star Chris Farley. Jim explains how Mike Myers came aboard and why a new voice for the ogre also led to a change for Princess Fiona. They also discuss Blumhouse joining Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show, lower prices at Horror Unleashed, and holiday plans on both coasts. Plus, a look at the early attempt to bring Wicked to the screen.
NEWS
• A new Glinda novel sparks a look back at Demi Moore’s early Wicked movie plans and the creative talent involved.
• Universal’s Horror Make-Up Show prepares for a Blumhouse reimagining, raising questions about the balance between modern scares and classic monster history.
• Eric rounds up Universal Orlando refurbishments and clarifies that Animal Actors on Location remains open until its announced November closure.
• Horror Unleashed lowers selected Las Vegas ticket prices for November and December, while Jim and Eric check in on plans for Chicago.
• Hollywood adds Merry Minions to its holiday lineup, and a licensing report hints at Snoggletog in Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk; the hosts caution that Orlando’s plans still need official confirmation.FEATURE
• DreamWorks considers ways to finish Chris Farley’s version of Shrek before ultimately recasting the lead role.
• Jim compares the challenge with other productions that had to continue after losing a performer, including The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Furious 7.
• A chance meeting at the Saving Private Ryan premiere brings Mike Myers into Shrek’s story, changing the ogre’s personality and the balance of the cast.
• Cameron Diaz replaces Janeane Garofalo as Fiona, and Shrek’s eventual success sets up a sequel and a future in Universal’s theme parks.HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | strongmindedagency.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
Planning a Universal getaway? The travel professionals at Be Our Guest Vacations can work with you one on one to find the right hotel, park admission, and extras for your budget, priorities, and travel style. Mention that Eric and Jim at the Epic Universal Podcast sent you.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Shrek’s recasting reshaped the film, plus Universal’s horror attractions, refurbishments, and holiday plans.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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35 min
Disney's AI Takeover: Magic Shots, Layoffs, and the Human Touch
Episode 38
Show notes
Disney is bringing artificial intelligence into nearly every corner of its business, but how much AI is too much magic? This week, Lauren and Eric Hersey explore the debate surrounding Haunted Mansion PhotoPass Magic Shots, Disney's growing use of AI in employee performance reviews, and the company's ongoing restructuring and layoffs. They also examine AI-powered vacation planning, Disney+ search, shopping recommendations, and new technology designed to improve theme park operations. From helpful innovations to concerns about replacing human creativity, they're asking where Disney should draw the line.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Haunted Mansion Magic Shots: New PhotoPass images transforming guests into stone busts spark debate over possible generative AI use, artistic ownership, and Disney's creative standards.
• AI in Employee Reviews: Disney reportedly encourages employees to use approved AI tools to prepare performance evaluations and goals, raising questions about efficiency and authenticity.
• Disney Layoffs and Restructuring: Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw challenges Dana Walden about Disney's repeated workforce reductions and the company's push toward a more unified operation.
• AI-Powered Vacation Planning: Disney explores personalized vacation planning tools while Eric and Lauren question whether AI can match the expertise of experienced travel advisors.
• AI Across Disney's Businesses: New AI applications include Disney+ and ESPN search, Disney Store shopping recommendations, streaming advertising tools, ride safety systems, and animal monitoring at Kilimanjaro Safaris.
• Efficiency vs. Creativity: Where should Disney embrace AI to simplify operations, and where does automation threaten the work of artists, animators, and other creative professionals?
• Digital Performances and Voice Replication: A Gene Wilder-inspired AI voice in a Netflix game show sparks discussion about performer consent, legacy characters, and the future of voice acting.
• Finding Disney's AI Boundaries: From improving attraction safety to generating new entertainment, the hosts debate which uses of AI enhance the Disney experience and which go too far.
HOSTS
• Lauren Hersey - Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2
• Eric Hersey - Instagram: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Strong Minded Agency
FOLLOW
• Website: https://www.jimhillmedia.com
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: @JimHillMedia
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited and Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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44 min
Frozen Pajamas, Darth on the Hearth, and Disney’s Missing Tornado
Episode 121
Show notes
Lauren Hersey and Jim Hill explore how familiar favorites find new life, from Frozen’s latest merchandise push to Darth Vader’s holiday makeover. Lauren takes a closer look at Frozen Fan Fest, pajama-clad Anna and Elsa, and the Christmas joke becoming “Darth on the Hearth.” Jim shares highlights from his visit to the Land of Oz before revealing how a two-minute licensing limit cost the Great Movie Ride its tornado. Along the way, they discuss oversized Olaf hats, Oz at the Sphere, and the enduring appeal of the Yellow Brick Road.
NEWS
• Frozen Fan Fest returns with a storybook-style YouTube adventure, new pajamas, and American Girl’s Anna and Elsa baby sets.
• Walt Disney World’s holiday merchandise includes plaid apparel, a miniature Christmas monorail, festive Buzz Lightyear, and a towering Olaf hat.
• “Darth on the Hearth” turns a Star Wars holiday joke into merchandise, with Lauren exploring what the trademark filing might suggest for its future.
• The Wizard of Oz gets new attention at the Sphere and on broadcast television, while Disney’s Hallmark holiday pop-up arrives at Disney Springs.FEATURE
• Jim visits Autumn at Oz on Beech Mountain and walks the restored Yellow Brick Road through the seasonal Land of Oz park.
• How Disney’s agreement to recreate two minutes of The Wizard of Oz shaped the Great Movie Ride’s finale.
• Why a planned tornado gave way to Fantasia, and how Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway finally brought a twister into the building.
• From classic-film collectibles to retro park T-shirts, Oz’s appeal keeps the merchandise moving.HOSTS
• Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 - Instagram: @lauren_hersey_
• Jim Hill - X/Instagram: @JimHillMedia - https://jimhillmedia.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning your next getaway to Disney or Universal? Be Our Guest Vacations can help with hotels, theme park tickets, dining reservations, and the details of your Central Florida vacation. As a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team knows both destinations. Their vacation planning services come at no additional cost to you. Visit Be Our Guest Vacations to start planning.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Lauren Hersey and Jim Hill unpack Frozen Fan Fest, Star Wars holiday merchandise, and the Wizard of Oz scene cut from the Great Movie Ride.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1 hr 5 min
Blade, Superman Lives, and the Comic Book Movies That Never Were
Episode 28
Show notes
Jim Hill and Dan Graney open the case files on comic book movies that never made it to theaters, from Mahershala Ali’s Blade to Nicolas Cage’s Superman Lives. Their new recurring feature explores the creative clashes, production delays, and unlikely detours behind some of Hollywood’s most intriguing superhero projects. They also discuss Avengers: Endgame’s box office rematch with Avatar, the latest Avengers: Doomsday speculation, and Marvel’s New York Comic Con television and animation reveals. Plus, a spoiler-filled look at the Lanterns finale, Sean Gunn’s work beyond Rocket, and the latest Star Wars chatter.
NEWS
• Avengers: Endgame’s encore run sparks another round of box office competition with Avatar, while Doomsday merchandise fuels new Doctor Doom theories.
• Jim and Dan sort through Doomsday casting chatter, Loki’s potential next chapter, and unconfirmed Secret Wars production rumors.
• Marvel’s New York Comic Con panel brings discussion of Daredevil: Born Again, Zodiac, Marvel Zombies, X-Men ’97, and VisionQuest.
• The hosts unpack the Lanterns finale with spoilers, discuss Clayface’s horror direction, and reflect on Sean Gunn’s on-set work as Rocket.
• Ahsoka, Timothy Zahn, and a Star Wars/Marvel crossover round out the conversation.FEATURE
• Why Blade earns a place in the hosts’ new “Comic Book Movies That Never Were” series after years of development.
• The unrealized Batman project that could have paired Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy, plus an early Batman sequel concept.
• Kevin Smith’s Superman Lives script, Jon Peters’ giant-spider demand, and the Nicolas Cage and Tim Burton production that never took flight.
• How George Miller’s Justice League Mortal became another ambitious superhero team-up that never reached the screen.HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Instagram: @JimHillMedia - https://jimhillmedia.com
• Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery - Facebook: /thehubbubbery - https://thehubbubbery.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning your next Disney or Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations can help with hotels, theme park tickets, dining reservations, cruises, and more. As a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team can help you plan your getaway at no additional cost. Visit https://beourguestvacations.com/ and tell them Jim and Dan sent you.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Jim Hill and Dan Graney explore unmade superhero films, Avengers: Doomsday speculation, and Marvel’s New York Comic Con reveals.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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47 min
Woody Woodpecker, Walter Lantz, and the Last Man Standing in Animation
Episode 378
Show notes
Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take a trip through animation history as they explore the life and legacy of Walter Lantz, the creator of Woody Woodpecker. Following Drew's visit to Lantz's historic Toluca Lake home, Jim traces the animator's unlikely career, from inheriting Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to becoming one of the last producers of theatrical cartoon shorts. Along the way, they discuss Disney's latest Netflix licensing strategy, the London Film Festival premieres of Wildwood and Ray Gunn, and the return of Coco to the concert stage. Plus, why Lantz's greatest contribution to animation may have been keeping his artists employed long after other studios had moved on.
NEWS
• Wildwood and Brad Bird's Ray Gunn make their London Film Festival debuts, with Tom Waits lending his voice to both animated features.
• Disney licenses all five Ice Age films to Netflix ahead of Ice Age: Boiling Point, while keeping major franchises like Frozen and Toy Story exclusive to Disney+.
• Pixar's Coco hits the road with a live-to-film concert tour as Disney continues developing a theatrical sequel.
• The stage adaptation of Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away prepares for its exclusive U.S. engagement in Los Angeles in 2027.
• Forgotten Island continues its theatrical run as Wildwood and The Cat in the Hat prepare to enter the family animation market.
FEATURE
• Drew visits Walter Lantz's restored Art Deco home in Toluca Lake, where the legendary animator lived for decades.
• Jim explores how Lantz inherited Oswald the Lucky Rabbit after Walt Disney lost the character, sparking a decades-long professional friendship and rivalry.
• From Andy Panda to Woody Woodpecker, Lantz built an animation studio that followed industry trends while giving generations of artists steady work.
• Why Walter Lantz Studios outlasted Disney and Warner Bros. in theatrical cartoon production, finally closing its doors in 1972.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored - Instagram: @drewtailored - drewtaylor.work
FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com
SPONSOR
Planning a fall getaway to Orlando? Be Our Guest Vacations can help you book hotels, theme park tickets, dining reservations, and more for both Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. As a Platinum-level EarMarked Disney travel agency and Universal U Preferred Platinum Planning Partner, their team knows the ins and outs of both destinations. Best of all, their vacation planning services come at no additional cost to you. Visit https://beourguestvacations.com/ and tell them Jim and Drew sent you.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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54 min
When the Grand Californian’s Soundproofing Worked Too Well
Episode 605
Show notes
Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack Disney’s latest price increases, from annual passes and tickets to the quick-service meals taking a bigger bite out of vacation budgets. They also check out Monstropolis menu reveals, holiday ride soundtracks, and a Bluey survey that may hint at Animal Kingdom’s plans for next summer. Then Jim continues the history of Disneyland’s DVC resorts with the Grand Californian, the architect who once worked in its parking lot, and the soundproofing that solved one problem only to create another.
NEWS
• Disney’s annual-pass and ticket increases tell a different story from the sharper jumps in quick-service food prices.
• Monstropolis previews eyeball fish cakes, ramen, and the mysterious Blort soda.
• Holiday music is coming to Guardians of the Galaxy, Alien Swirling Saucers, and the Muppets’ ‘Obligatory Holiday Overlay.’
• A Bluey guest survey prompts a discussion of Animal Kingdom’s summer 2027 entertainment plans.
• Len shares a report from Universal Nights at Epic Universe, including short waits and included snacks.FEATURE
• Jim remembers architect Peter Dominick, whose Disney resorts include Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Grand Californian.
• The unbuilt Cypress Point Lodge helps explain the site and history of Wilderness Lodge.
• Building the Grand Californian meant balancing park views, Downtown Disney, the monorail, and resort amenities.
• Coaster screams led to extra soundproofing for the Grand Californian’s villas, followed by an inventive solution for guests who could see World of Color but couldn’t hear it.For this episode’s full show notes,click here.
View transcript here.HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com
• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.comFOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia.PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.comSPONSOR
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Get started with Be Our Guest Vacations.If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Jim and Len explore the Grand Californian’s design challenges, its DVC villas, and Disney’s latest price increases.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices
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