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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

51:56

How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/20

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey step up to the plate with the unbelievable true story of how a simple comedy sketch—Who’s on First—helped pull Universal Studios back from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way, they cover the box office power of How to Train Your Dragon, a surprising coaster IP twist, and the last remaining piece of the Jaws ride hiding in plain sight.Abbott & Costello’s rise from burlesque to box office saviors How Who’s on First became a studio-saving sensation Fast &

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53:30

Scents, Sweets, and Storytelling: How Disney Hooks...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/19

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode explores how Imagineering has used fragrance for decades to spark emotion, trigger nostalgia, and boost sales. Plus, they dig into scented merch like candles, oils, and the plushie line that smells good enough to eat.How scent became a secret weapon in Disney park

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55:57

Beauty and the Beast at 30, Elio Projections, and the...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/17

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers the latest from the animation and box office world while Drew Taylor wraps up his trip to Annecy and Disneyland Paris. This week’s highlights include:Live-action How to Train Your Dragon opens to $197M globally, including a $83M domestic debut that surpasses every previous entry in the franchise. Disney’s Lilo & Stitch nears the billion-dollar mark, with over $858M earned just four weeks after release. Pixar’s Elio faces a soft

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66:20

How Miami Nice, Pizza P-eye, and the Imagination...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/16

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Figment almost got replaced by Michael Jordan—and how one flubbed line at an NBC upfront helped create The Golden Girls. Updated Monstropolis plans

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52:48

Slime, Slapstick, and the Secret History of...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/13

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TV—and what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this summer’s biggest park updates, movie tie-ins, and a few theme park throwbacks that might be making a comeback.Why Nickelodeon built a studio in

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51:25

The Cookie King of Disney Springs: Inside the Story...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/12

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Florida’s favorite bakery. The music major turned baker who built Gideon’s from scratch—literally How a

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45:21

Lilo & Stitch Still Soars, Dragon Whoppers Reviewed,...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/10

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-ins—while Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include: Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on? A live-action Tangled revival is gaining momentum, possibly hitting theaters in 2029. Burger King’s How to Train Your Dragon menu gets taste-tested,

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62:29

Why Disney’s New Lounge Smells Like Crab Cakes (and...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/09

Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The show ends with Part 2 of the wild saga behind Journey into Imagination’s 2002 reopening, featuring a side of Art Linkletter, Henry Fonda, and bitter

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56:56

Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/06

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots.How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T. Rick Baker’s original designs for a much scarier alien crew Why the Bigfoot suit in Harry and the

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61:57

Sipping Through Disney: Tumblers, Mugs, and the Merch...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/05

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them.Jim adds historical perspective on why certain designs return year after year and what makes drinkware one of the most profitable (and divisive) types of merch in

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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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1,340 results

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