The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill and Dan Graney dig into the surprising new footage added to Avengers: Endgame Encore and what it may reveal about Marvel’s road to Avengers: Doomsday. From Loki interrupting Steve and Peggy’s dance to Doctor Doom forging his mask, the re-release adds some major Multiverse Saga connective tissue. They also discuss the end of Daredevil: Born Again, new Spider-Man and Star Wars developments, and the wonderfully bizarre collision of Marvel and the Muppets.

NEWS

• Marvel launches its horror-themed Midnight imprint with a radically reimagined Spider-Man.

• Miss Piggy takes command of the Mila...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor are back with a packed week of animation news, including Disney+ finally ordering its long-in-development Darkwing Duck reboot to series with Mark Hamill, Seth Rogen, and Lizzy Caplan among the announced voice cast. They also check in on DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island, react to the trailer for Skydance Animation's Ray Gunn, and look ahead to the next chapter of Dana Terrace's Knights of Geneviere. Plus, Drew previews the Animation Is Film Festival, Netflix brings KPop Demon Hunters into the real world, and Sherri Shepherd prepares to make Disney Broadway history.

NEWS

Disney surveys are asking increasingly pointed questions about discounts, trip costs, and what actually gets guests to book, while Disneyland history takes center stage with the story of Walt Disney’s never-built Lilliputian Land. Len Testa and Jim Hill also cover changes at Expedition Everest, Haunted Mansion construction, Oogie Boogie Bash availability, and rumors about Darkmoor’s next attraction at Epic Universe. Then Jim traces how Walt’s fascination with miniatures, model trains, and mechanical figures helped shape an unrealized Disneyland land - and eventually Storybook Land.

NEWS

• New Disney surveys dig into whether resort discount...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey catch up on the latest Universal news, from King Kong’s temporarily modified return at Islands of Adventure to fresh progress on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift in Orlando. They also look at Universal’s surprisingly deep catalog of classic characters, including Felix the Cat, and new clues surrounding Universal’s planned UK resort. Then Jim concludes the story of Abbott and Costello with a look at the personal tragedy, professional tensions, health struggles, and Hollywood twists that shaped the comedy team’s final years.

NEWS

• Skull Island: Reign of Kong reopens at...

Disney’s Cars is turning 20, and Lightning McQueen and Mater are still racing through Disney’s merchandise machine with new Loungefly releases, Formula 1 collaborations, and more on the horizon. Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey also explore the merchandise inside the newly opened Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including its animation-inspired Ink & Paint collection. Plus, they look at Disney’s latest experiment in collectible cast member dolls and wonder which theme park roles should get the doll treatment next. Along the way, Lauren reports back from a massive Ohio flea market and what longtime collectors are saying a...

Disney is changing how guests spend - and skip - their time in line. Lauren and Eric look at the retirement of the Disney Play Parks app, what could happen to interactive experiences like Galaxy’s Edge and DuckTales World Showcase Adventure, and the many ways families keep themselves occupied while waiting for attractions. Then they head to Animal Kingdom, where Expedition Everest has ended its longtime single rider option, raising questions about whether Disney is beginning to rethink single rider lines across Walt Disney World.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Disney Play Parks app officially retired on Sept...

What happens if you skip rope drop at Magic Kingdom and deliberately start your Disney day at 9, 10, or even 11 a.m.? Len Testa and Chris Cox explore how late arrivals can still build a smart touring strategy, from starting in Adventureland to exploiting mid-morning wait-time lulls and saving Tomorrowland for after dark. They also look at the trade-offs, including extra walking, afternoon weather, and the point when arriving late makes a comprehensive Magic Kingdom tour impossible. Plus, Jim Hill considers how Piston Peak and Villains Land could completely change these strategies in the years ahead.

HIGHLIGHTS

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into Hasbro’s “Transformers: The Apology Tour,” marking 40 years since Transformers: The Movie traumatized a generation by killing Optimus Prime. They also look at Peter Cullen’s final performance as the Autobot leader, his lesser-known Disney animation work, and Jim Cummings’ pointed reaction to the latest class of Disney Legends. Plus, there’s animation news from DreamWorks, Netflix and Laika, along with a box-office milestone for Coyote vs. Acme.

HIGHLIGHTS

• DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island heads to theaters on September 25 as the studio previews an extended opening...

Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Walt Disney World news, from a Toy Story 5 overlay at Hollywood Studios and shifting timelines for Tropical Americas to Disney’s experiments with themed cruises and DVC owner surveys. They also answer listener questions about Moana’s missing ride presence, Coral Reef surprises, and annual pass payment plans for out-of-state DVC members. Then Jim digs into the surprising history of the Walt Disney Transportation Company, when Disney seriously considered selling PeopleMover technology to airports, shopping centers, and planned communities around the world.

NEWS

• Alien Swirling Saucers gets a Toy...

Jim and Eric dig into a busy week of Universal news, from unexpected trouble with the King Kong animatronic at Islands of Adventure to fresh signs of expansion behind Dark Universe at Epic Universe. They also check out Universal Monsters collectibles at Sonic, a new CityWalk hot dog destination, and The Traitors taking over part of Universal’s Great Movie Escape. Then Jim continues the story of Abbott and Costello, revealing how Lou Costello’s push to change the comedy team’s financial arrangement helped set the stage for serious tensions behind the scenes.

NEWS

• The King...

Disney is leaning harder than ever into adult collectors, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey look at how "kidulting" is reshaping the company's merchandise strategy. They also dig into Disney's upcoming anniversary-driven retail plans, the unusual merchandising challenge surrounding Walt Disney Animation Studios' Hexed, and the growing importance of collectibles aimed squarely at grown-up fans. Then Jim heads back to the earliest days of Disney toys for the story of Marx, Disney Kins, a massive West Virginia toy factory, and one tiny Timothy Mouse who may have gone on a very unexpected adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Disney's He...

Disney vacation planning has never offered more information, so why can it still feel harder than ever to know where to begin? Lauren and Eric look back at Disney’s beloved VHS and DVD planning videos, the TV specials that once helped families get excited for a trip, and the shift toward YouTube, TikTok, creators, and influencers. They also discuss Disney’s new AI-powered vacation planning experience and whether technology can replace the simple, polished overview that once introduced newcomers to Walt Disney World.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Disney is testing a new AI-guided vacation planning experience designed to hel...

Kevin Feige is promising major “pinch-me” moments for Avengers: Secret Wars, and all signs increasingly point to Doctor Doom sitting at the center of Marvel’s next big reset. Jim Hill and Dan Graney break down the newest Avengers: Doomsday rumors, the Russo Brothers’ unusual script process, Wanda speculation, and the possible future of Vision Quest. They also dig into new Marvel casting, Avengers Campus construction, Jack Kirby tributes, Star Wars’ post-sequel plans, and the return of classic Indiana Jones comics.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kevin Feige calls Doctor Doom the centerpiece of Secret Wars and teases crossover moments Marv...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick things off with Drew’s behind-the-scenes perspective on moderating the press day for DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island, the studio’s Filipino mythology-inspired adventure. Then they run through the latest animation and box office news, from Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Coyote vs. Acme to Toy Story 5, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Aardman’s anniversary celebrations. Finally, Drew shares an early look inside the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles and how it compares with the nearby Academy Museum.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drew goes behind the scenes of DreamWorks Animation’...

Len Testa and Jim Hill are back with Disney news, listener questions, and the conclusion of Jim’s history of Disney family suites. They check out the latest Walt Disney World updates, from Magic of Disney Animation previews and EPCOT festival dates to Jollywood Nights demand and new vacation discounts. Then Jim traces how a stalled Pop Century expansion, the success of Nickelodeon Family Suites, and Disney’s experiments at All-Star Music ultimately led to Art of Animation. Plus, the guys look at Disney Cruise Line’s intriguing adults-only survey and wonder what an expanded Skyliner network might have looked...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey start with the latest Universal news, including a new Wicked live-to-film concert tour, Epic Universe performance commentary from Comcast, Rock the Universe 2027, and fresh developments involving Harry Potter. They also look at Universal Pictures crossing the $4 billion mark at the worldwide box office and what recent hits could mean for the parks. Then Jim digs into the remarkable Universal history of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, from helping keep the studio afloat during World War II to the monster-filled movies that gave the comedy duo a second wind.

NEWS

• Wicked Pa...

A thousand pieces of candy from one Oogie Boogie Bash sounds impressive, but is collecting that much really the best way to spend a Disney Halloween party? Lauren and Eric dig into one guest's massive candy haul, debate the best and worst Halloween treats, and compare America's favorite candies. Then they turn to Disney attractions and ask whether guests actually enjoy becoming part of the story - from being "That Guy" at Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor to getting picked as the Rebel Spy on Star Tours.

HIGHLIGHTS
• An Oogie Boogie Bash guest reportedly collected more than 1,000 pi...

Disney World is getting ready to celebrate its 55th anniversary with a retro-inspired merchandise collection, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into why this milestone may be getting more attention than expected. They also look at Disney's decision to close several international online stores and what that move could signal about the company's evolving retail and licensing strategy. Plus, Lauren breaks down Disney's push into premium athleisure and a new mash-up of two popular merchandise trends: customizable headbands and mystery collectibles.

NEWS

• Walt Disney World's 55th anniversary collection brings retro colors, classic Mickey artwork, an...

Theme park POV videos can help you plan a trip, prepare kids for an attraction, and even avoid a motion-sickness disaster - but do they also rob you of the one thing you can never get back: the first-time surprise? Jim Hill presides as Len Testa and Chris Cox debate whether watching ride-through videos counts as useful research or outright spoiling. Along the way, they revisit Rise of the Resistance, Epic Universe, Harry Potter attractions, attraction A and B modes, and some painfully memorable spoilers from movies, television, and books.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Whether watching a theme pa...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed round of animation news, beginning with a fascinating follow-up to their Tim Curry tribute and the real story behind his brief run as the Joker on "Batman: The Animated Series." They break down a record-setting summer at the box office, from "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "The Odyssey" to the theatrical comeback of "Coyote vs. Acme," "Cars," and "Akira." Plus, Jim and Drew look ahead to new projects from Matt Braly and Dana Terrace, the return of "Spirited Away: Live on Stage," and the upcoming opening of the revamped Magic...

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the latest Disney parks news before tracing how Epcot’s humble festival food booths evolved into permanent Global Marketplaces with open kitchens. TouringPlans researchers Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join the show to talk Food & Wine, while Disney surveys hint at possible themed cruises, Halloween party strategy, and how much guests trust Disney’s planning tools. Plus, listener questions cover Tomorrowland, attraction relocations, parking garages, underwater pool music, and one extremely ambitious Carousel of Progress Halloween overlay.

NEWS

• Lakeshore Lodge gets a July 1, 2027 opening date, while Tiana’s Bayou Ad...

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the latest Disney parks news before tracing how Epcot’s humble festival food booths evolved into permanent Global Marketplaces with open kitchens. TouringPlans researchers Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join the show to talk Food & Wine, while Disney surveys hint at possible themed cruises, Halloween party strategy, and how much guests trust Disney’s planning tools. Plus, listener questions cover Tomorrowland, attraction relocations, parking garages, underwater pool music, and one extremely ambitious Carousel of Progress Halloween overlay.

NEWS

• Lakeshore Lodge gets a July 1, 2027 opening date, while Tiana’s Bayou Ad...

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the latest Disney parks news before tracing how Epcot’s humble festival food booths evolved into permanent Global Marketplaces with open kitchens. TouringPlans researchers Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join the show to talk Food & Wine, while Disney surveys hint at possible themed cruises, Halloween party strategy, and how much guests trust Disney’s planning tools. Plus, listener questions cover Tomorrowland, attraction relocations, parking garages, underwater pool music, and one extremely ambitious Carousel of Progress Halloween overlay.

NEWS

• Lakeshore Lodge gets a July 1, 2027 opening date, while Tiana’s Bayou Ad...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack a packed week of Universal news before celebrating Star Trek’s 60th anniversary with a look back at Universal’s surprising history with the franchise. They discuss the closure of Animal Actors on Location, new developments surrounding Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, Universal Nights at Epic Universe, and a major expansion opportunity for Universal Studios Japan. Then Jim revisits Universal Studios Hollywood’s Star Trek Adventure and explains how an ambitious transporter effect later found a second life at Islands of Adventure.

NEWS

• Universal Studios Florida’s Animal Actors on Location w...

Disney merchandise is changing fast, and this week Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into the trends coming out of D23, from bag charms and high-end collectibles to the rise of "quiet luxury" fandom. They also look at the frustration surrounding supposedly special D23 merchandise appearing on DisneyStore.com almost immediately after the event. Then the conversation shifts to World Princess Week, where Disney is pushing its princess brands into fitness, jewelry, fashion, and other lifestyle categories aimed squarely at grown-up fans.

NEWS

• Disney's next limited-time pop-up store heads to Paramus, New Jersey, following the cr...

Halloween keeps arriving earlier, but when does spooky season actually begin? Lauren and Eric look at Disney’s ever-expanding Halloween calendar, the rise of “Summerween,” and whether August is becoming the new October. Then they tackle Disney’s new NFL character collection, debating the pairings that scored big, the choices that left fans scratching their heads, and which characters might have made better hometown mascots.

HIGHLIGHTS

• When should Halloween season officially begin - July, August, September, or October?
• How Disney’s Halloween parties and merchandise keep creeping earlier on the calendar
• Why “Summerween” searches and early H...

Jim Hill and Dan Graney sort through another packed week of Marvel news, from increasingly wild Avengers: Doomsday theories to the surprising changes coming with Avengers: Endgame Encore. They dig into rumors surrounding Spider-Man's symbiote suit, Doctor Doom, Wanda, Hawkeye, and Thanos before looking at Marvel's new Doomsday watch list and the debate over Endgame's revamped color grading. The conversation also turns to the troubling story behind Wonder Man's cancellation and an encouraging first look at Vision Quest, where Ultron, artificial intelligence, and questions of identity take center stage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Avengers: Doomsday rumors include a po...

Coyote vs. Acme finally gets its theatrical moment, and Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into the surprisingly strong opening weekend for the long-shelved Warner Bros. Animation film. They also reflect on the losses of Tim Curry and Peter Cullen, as well as stop-motion and visual-effects legend Phil Tippett’s retirement and the liquidation of Tippett Studio. Plus, the guys run through the latest animation news, from Aardman’s new Pokémon series to changes at Warner Bros. Animation and a promising awards run for Tangles.

NEWS

• Coyote vs. Acme opens to a strong $15.4 million weekend...

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the long road that eventually led Disney to build Art of Animation Resort, from an abandoned Toontown-inspired family suites hotel near the Contemporary to the unfinished half of Pop Century. Along the way, they explore how the success of Nickelodeon’s family-suite hotel caught Disney’s attention, why Bob Iger brought Steve Jobs into the evaluation process, and how Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid became the resort’s defining themes. Plus, Len and Jim discuss Lakeshore Lodge, Disney’s latest premium credit card survey, potential Epic Universe annual p...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey round up the latest Universal news, including Halloween Horror Nights rehearsals, Hamikuma’s arrival in Orlando, Dufftoberfest in Springfield, and new developments tied to Fast & Furious on both coasts. They also look at Universal Studios Hollywood’s new backlot photo experience and what may be ahead for The Simpsons during Halloween Horror Nights. Then Jim remembers Tim Curry with the story behind Ridley Scott’s Legend, from its Disney-inspired origins to Curry’s demanding transformation into the Lord of Darkness.

NEWS

• Halloween Horror Nights rehearsals suggest Sinners and Stranger Things could be a...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey remember Dolly Parton by exploring her long and surprisingly deep connection to Disney. Jim recounts the ambitious Feature Animation Florida project that nearly gave Dolly a starring role in a hand-drawn/CG hybrid set in Appalachia, variously known as My Peoples, Angel and Her No Good Sister, and A Few Good Ghosts. They also look back at Dolly's appearances with Disney, her relationship with Miley Cyrus, the growth of Dollywood and the Imagination Library, and Jim's own conversation with the country music legend.

HIGHLIGHTS

• How Dolly Parton became Miley Cyrus's Au...

A viral Disneyland encounter has the Disney community debating where fandom ends and personal boundaries begin. Lauren and Eric unpack the controversy surrounding "Peter Pan Girl" Tony, the online backlash, and whether character performers need stronger safeguards when guest interactions become uncomfortable. Then they turn to another viral theme park debate: guests renting ECV scooters for races, videos, and general shenanigans at Walt Disney World. Along the way, they consider Disney adults, sports fandom, online bullying, accessibility, and why a little kindness goes a long way in the parks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The viral "Peter Pan Girl" co...

Listener mail takes over the Court of the Disney World Resort as Jim Hill, Len Testa, and Chris Cox revisit some of their most debated Walt Disney World cases. The trio weighs in on the perks guests most want Disney to restore, from Magical Express and package delivery to longer park hours, while listeners make surprisingly persuasive arguments involving everything from deluxe-resort toilet paper to last-day character breakfasts. They also dig into spontaneous character encounters, the operational logic behind the 3 p.m. Festival of Fantasy Parade, and the best viewing spots around Magic Kingdom. Stick around for a bonus...

Fine Tooning is back with a packed post-D23 week of animation news, as Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into fresh trailers, release dates, box-office milestones, and one potentially very big Disney revival. The conversation ranges from Laika’s long-awaited Wildwood and Warner Bros. Animation’s Margie Claus to Blue Eye Samurai, LEGO Star Wars, and the remarkable theatrical run of Toy Story 5. Jim and Drew also discuss Brent Spiner’s unexpected suggestion that a new Gargoyles series may be headed to Disney+, and remember Hayden Panettiere and her early voice work as Princess Dot in A Bug’s Life.

Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack a packed slate of D23 parks announcements, from Disneyland’s newly promised Tomorrowland overhaul to major additions coming to Walt Disney World. They dig into Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, Villains Land, Monstropolis, Figment and Dreamfinder’s return to EPCOT, and Disney’s surprising promise to finally address Expedition Everest’s Yeti. Then Jim looks back at the history of Disney-MGM Studios’ Ewok Village, its connection to Star Tours, and the unusual road that brought George Lucas’ galaxy to a Hollywood-themed park.

NEWS

• Disneyland plans a Tomorrowland overhaul inspired by the land’s ori...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey trace the unlikely journey of Stranger Things from the Duffer Brothers' rejected pitch to one of Netflix's defining franchises - and a recurring Halloween Horror Nights favorite. They revisit how Universal translated Hawkins and the Upside Down into elaborate haunted houses, why the creative partnership worked so well, and how those early attractions helped prove that fans wanted to physically step inside Netflix's worlds. Then Jim and Eric bring the story up to the present with Netflix House in Philadelphia and the latest Stranger Things experience headed to Halloween Horror Nights 35.

FEATURE<...

Fresh from D23 in Anaheim, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what it was really like to shop the show floor, from virtual queues and coveted merchandise to fans finding creative ways around the reservation system. Lauren shares what surprised her about D23 Day at Disneyland, the new Imagineering apparel collection, and Disney’s increasingly social-media-driven activations. Then Jim and Lauren turn to legendary Imagineer Joe Rohde and his new book, Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible, including how Rohde’s work connects the Adventurers Club to Disney’s later Living Character Initiative.

NEWS

• D2...

Eric and Lauren are back from Anaheim with a firsthand look at the highs, lows, long lines, virtual queues, and very passionate Disney fans of D23. They break down what worked at the convention, what frustrated attendees, and whether the experience is worth the trip. Then they turn to Disney's Parks presentation, where exciting updates involving Figment, Dreamfinder, the Expedition Everest Yeti, and more sometimes got lost inside an unusual celebrity-heavy production. From Alan Menken and Bedknobs and Broomsticks to merchandise resellers and one unforgettable Reddit discussion about convention hygiene, this is D23 from his, hers, and your perspective.<...

Jim Hill returns from the D23 Expo with a firsthand look at Marvel’s latest reveals, while Dan Graney digs into a new Avengers: Doomsday trailer that appears to answer several theories from Episode 23. They break down Doctor Doom’s motivations, Marvel’s newly revealed X-Men cast, Vision Quest, and the latest trailer for Ahsoka Season 2. Then the conversation turns to a crossover that once sounded like a Patton Oswalt punchline but is now real: Marvel and Star Wars are officially colliding in the five-issue Hope Assembles comic series.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The new Avengers: Doomsday trailer offers f...

Drew and Jim take a break from Disney’s D23 fan expo festivities to talk about everything they learned in a jam-packed set of panels and announcements!

NEWS

• The End of Oak Street beats Paw Patrol at the box office but Spider-Man: Brand New Day swings into first place again 

• The threequels are coming! Zootopia 3, Frozen 3, and The Incredibles 3 are all on their way

• Jodie Foster has her first animated role in Hexed alongside Walton Goggins as Beef Roger Crumbchuck

• Kingdom Hearts finally gets an ani...