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PODCAST

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

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.

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All Episodes

56:17

Pixar’s Elio Revealed, Coco 2 Confirmed & Live-Action...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/03

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially on the way—with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning—though its release date may be in flux.They also dive into the mixed reactions to

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52:16

Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/02

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion. Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely want to return Universal's newest theme park later in the day Film Fight -- How Disney worked out a truce between Kodak & Polaroid back in the

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53:52

Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/30

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lasting impact on themed entertainment.How Disney turned down Spielberg’s offer—and why it shaped his long-term partnership with Universal The story

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50:02

Disneyland at 70: Popcorn Buckets, Padfolios, and the...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/29

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial. From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the story of how Walt honored his first decade of Disneyland, from airborne Mary Poppins stunts to the

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54:31

Lilo & Stitch Surprises at the Box Office, Toy Story...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/27

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including:Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases. Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation. First look at Zootopia 2 – A mysterious villain, new districts, and plenty of fan theories sparked

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59:26

From Pop-Up to Permanent: Disney’s Tent Obsession and...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/26

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown. Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quick fix that morphed into a 20-year land. Festival of the Lion King - The show that squatted in a space meant for dragons... and thrived.

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51:56

Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage,...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/23

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park.Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous branding misfire that nearly doomed it: Universal Studios Escape. Coverage breakdown of Epic Universe’s grand opening, from live broadcasts to opening

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52:02

Why Disney Bought the Mighty Ducks and the Angels...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/22

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go.Also in this episode: Trash can candy containers debut at Disney Springs The DisneyStore.com shipping threshold quietly goes up The latest on Epcot pin trading and

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45:34

Gumby Turns 70, DreamWorks Eyes Cocomelon, and Peppa...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/20

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include:The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids. Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box office success of The King of Kings, Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman launches a new animation studio focused on spiritual storytelling.

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68:15

Mission: Space – Disney’s Most Ambitious Ride That...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/19

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones.The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbacks. What Went Wrong – Mission: Space didn’t just thrill—it made people sick, killed plants, and gave Epcot’s custodial team nightmares.

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50:40

Why Raptor Encounter Works (and Triceratops Didn’t)...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/16

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today. The rise and fall of Triceratops Encounter, and why it never worked as a headline attraction How Raptor Encounter succeeded by being visible,

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56:29

The Original Stitch Was a Criminal Mastermind? Plus...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/15

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robot uprising. Jim shares the full, unfiltered story of Chris Sanders’ original pitch, including unused scenes, a darker backstory, and a surprisingly heroic role for Pleakley.But first, Lauren recaps her latest Orlando trip with a look at: Discovery Cove travel hacks (bring

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41:36

Lilo & Stitch Controversy, Frozen 3’s Castle Reveal,...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/13

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a wide range of animation news and commentary while Drew Taylor is away covering the global premiere of Mission: Impossible 8. Topics include:Controversy around Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch – Director Dean Fleischer Camp shares concept art of Pleakley in a dress after Disney reportedly vetoed the idea. A first look at Elsa’s new castle from Frozen 3 – How Disney Abu Dhabi’s concept art may hint at major design elements from the

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55:30

The $25 Disaster: Why Disneyland’s Light Magic Parade...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/12

Len Testa and Jim Hill dive deep into the infamous debut of Light Magic, Disneyland’s ill-fated replacement for the Main Street Electrical Parade. What was promised as a “street-tacular” became a technical and creative misfire that left tens of thousands of annual passholders asking for refunds - and left behind glitter that haunted ride systems for months. The Unraveling of Light Magic – A show so complex it couldn’t complete a dress rehearsal before its paid debut Pixies, Pajamas, and

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59:52

Universal India Rumors, Tribute Store Props, and the...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/09

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast by exploring Universal’s rumored expansion into India and taking a deep dive into one of Islands of Adventure’s most ambitious—and short-lived—attractions: Triceratops Encounter. Along the way, they talk tribute store props, Epic Universe operations, and what happens when Florida weather shuts everything down. Universal India theme park rumors emerge just hours after Disney announces a new park in Abu Dhabi Is the India

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55:47

Disney and NASA: The Surprising Space Race Story...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/08

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE is rooted in actual history—and how it all started with a cartoon.Plus, Lauren recaps her latest visit to Walt Disney World, with new pin trading finds at Epcot, handmade souvenirs

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46:54

Simpsons Renewed Through Season 40, Thunderbolts Tops...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/06

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation and entertainment industry news, including:The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad each get renewed for four more seasons—an unprecedented move ensuring job security and a pipeline of adult animation through the end of the decade. Marvel’s Thunderbolts debuts at #1 at the domestic box office with $76 million, signaling a possible rebound for the MCU. Korean animated feature

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58:38

How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/05

Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Holiday never came to Florida, and why Tim Burton’s working relationship with Disney ended with Dumbo. Scrapped plans for a Burton-inspired Mad Tea

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63:55

Epic Universe Ticket Drama, TapuTapu Retires, and...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/02

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the recent uproar over Epic Universe preview ticket availability—and why Universal quietly opened the gates to everyone. Then they dive into the surprising retirement of Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu system and the fascinating history behind the short-lived Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure.Epic Universe preview tickets go public, frustrating some Annual Passholders What low crowds and Disney discounts might reveal about this summer’s Orlando

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56:59

The Secret World of Property Control and the History...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/05/01

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode that blends Disney shopping secrets and animation history. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes visit to Disney’s elusive Property Control store, a cast member-exclusive outlet full of discounted resort furniture, rare park merch, and even frozen food. Hear what she found, what she bought, and why it may be Disney’s best-kept secret.Then Jim dives into the fascinating history of Gertie the Dinosaur—Hollywood Studios’ lakeside icon—tracing

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1,350 results

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