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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

52:59

How Jack Sparrow Made It Into the Ride (and Why the...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/07/07

Len Testa and Jim Hill tackle a packed show, from new Eat to the Beat concert acts and Test Track Lightning Lane changes to a survey that hints at Disney bundling sports vacations with ESPN and Adventures by Disney. Then in the main segment, Jim unpacks the wild story behind the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise—including how one clever Imagineer added a cursed treasure twist to the ride years before it hit the big screen, and why Michael Eisner insisted on a subtitle that technically made no

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63:48

Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/07/04

In this explosive Fourth of July episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey ride the rails of ghostly New England folklore and land in the middle of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights house reveals. From Norwegian monsters and homicidal dolls to the surprise announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, this episode is packed tighter than a holiday fireworks box.Then, Jim takes us on a moonshot-level deep dive into Apollo 13—the real mission, the Ron Howard film, and

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49:42

Toy Meets Tech: What Toy Story 5 Says About Disney’s...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/07/03

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what Disney’s upcoming Toy Story 5 might really be about - and why it hits closer to home than you think. From Woody’s absence to Jessie’s promotion, and a new iPad-inspired character named Lilypad, this fifth entry isn’t just a sequel - it might be Disney’s most self-aware film yet. Jim and Lauren discuss how streaming, AI, and even shoppable shows are reshaping how Disney tells stories - and sells them. They also reflect on the

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37:24

Lilo & Stitch 2 Announced, Elio Holds, and Akira’s...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/07/01

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite (despite a case of post-Annecy crud) to cover a wide range of animation and industry news, including: Disney officially announces Lilo & Stitch 2 after the live-action original crosses $945M globally. Elio holds better than expected with a solid second weekend as it climbs past $42M domestically. Live-action Tangled delayed to 2029, reportedly to make room for the Lilo & Stitch sequel. Warner Bros. loses the

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49:23

Rebuilding the Future: How Innoventions Replaced...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/30

Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Disney news, including a major update to the dining reservation system, a rerouted parade to improve park flow, and the latest tweaks at Epic Universe. Then, Jim dives into the real story of how Epcot’s CommuniCore was shut down and transformed into Innoventions—Disney’s answer to a park in crisis. With budgets tight and tech aging fast, Michael Eisner turned to Las Vegas for inspiration, resulting in a CES-style exhibit hall packed with rotating sponsors,

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29:48

Manufacturing the Magic: Further Advancement in...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/28

In the seventeenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continue their look back at the history of themed entertainment. This time around, they're joined by veteran Imagineer Joe Lanzisero, who looks back at how AA figures were developed for the Disney Parks.Throughout today's episode, listeners will learn about: How Electro the Robot wowed folks at the 1939 New York World's Fair How "Project Little Man" influenced the creation of "Great Moments with Mr

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47:02

Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/27

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey welcome Universal Creative’s Mike Aiello for a special episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws and his own 30-year journey with the parks. From working as a teenage skipper on the iconic attraction to helping shape Halloween Horror Nights and Epic Universe, Mike shares stories of theme park transformation, Spielberg fandom, and why he always tries to sneak Bruce the Shark into his projects. Plus, Jim and Eric cover the latest on Halloween Horror Nights 34 and the

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55:07

The Poster Wars: How Aladdin, Fantasia, and Drew...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/26

In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist Drew Struzan to the merchandising missteps that infuriated Robin Williams, this show explores how Disney uses poster art to sell stories and spark emotion.Jim explains how Fantasia’s box office flop turned into a midnight movie cult hit, while Lauren shares her family’s New

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45:56

Annecy, Disneyland Paris, and the Animation News You...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/24

On this week’s jet-lagged edition of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor keep things quick but packed with insight. Drew is back from his travels—and despite the sleep deprivation, he’s ready to recap his time at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and his first-ever visit to Disneyland Paris.How Annecy 2025 addressed AI concerns and global animation trends Jared Bush’s surprising hint at the return of hand-drawn animation at Disney Highlights from Annecy’s

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55:04

Michael Eisner’s Teen Crisis: The Birth of Videopolis...

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network ·

2025/06/23

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at recent updates across Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, including a new water play area in Animal Kingdom, a July reopening for Test Track, and a revealing Disney Cruise Line survey. Then in the main segment, Jim takes us back 30 years to the wild creation of Disneyland’s Videopolis—a teen dance club built in just 100 days that introduced churros, challenged norms, and (almost) ran over some tourists. New Indiana Jones-themed play area replaces Animal Kingdom’s

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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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1,350 results

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