The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Len Testa and Jim Hill start with snow shovels, snapping turtles, and New Hampshire’s ongoing audition for “America’s Australia,” then move into a packed Disney Dish. This week, they cover Disney’s holiday party calendar, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house retirement, tightening resort-access rules, the BoardWalk’s new Hurley Burley lounge, Disneyland’s Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest, and Universal Kids Resort’s very sunny Texas debut. They also dig into new DVC survey perks, listener questions about Europa Park, Australia in World Showcase, and whether Epcot is due for a monorail-adjacent hotel. Then Jim continues Disney’s living-character history with Dinot...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a very Oz-heavy opening, from new Wicked-adjacent publishing news to the limited reopening dates for North Carolina’s Land of Oz. Then they unpack the latest Halloween Horror Nights announcements, Universal Studios Hollywood’s new security setup, and the early reactions to Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. The episode wraps with a fond farewell to CityWalk Orlando’s Hot Dog Hall of Fame and a deep dive into Steven Schussler, the Rainforest Cafe creator whose themed-dining imagination helped shape restaurants at Disney, Universal, and beyond.

NEWS

• Land of Oz ti...

Disney Springs transportation changes have the Disney community split, and Lauren and Eric dig into why this resort bus and water taxi policy is about more than just closing a parking hack. They look at how resort amenities, beignets, pools, and fireworks viewing have all become part of the broader “who gets access?” debate. Then they shift to Pixar, Toy Story 5, online movie rankings, and the surprisingly passionate arguments over WALL-E, Monsters Inc., Onward, Lightyear, and Cars 2.

HIGHLIGHTS

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey look at how Toy Story 5 is already reshaping the summer box office, the Disney collector market, and the fast-food promotional landscape. Lauren digs into Lorcana’s sudden surge, Disney Springs’ new merch-drop rules, and the growing trading-card gold rush around Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Magic: The Gathering. Then Jim and Lauren unpack Disney Store’s AI shopping experiment, the new Hakuna Matata Lion King Broadway collection, Cinderella Castle snow globe nostalgia, and why Disney picked Papa John’s, Wendy’s, Subway, and McDonald’s for this summer’s movie tie-in...

Jim Hill and Dan Graney dig into a wild week of Marvel speculation, from murky Avengers: Doomsday leak drama to Sony’s carefully controlled Spider-Man: Brand New Day rollout. They also spotlight the Muppets’ latest Marvel crossover before Dan unveils a Doctor Doom theory that may reframe Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU return entirely. Plus, brisket, burnt ends, Muppet Treasure Island covers, and one very big question: what if Tony Stark was never the rule, but the exception?

HIGHLIGHTS

• Jim and Dan break down the blurry Avengers: Doomsday footage leak and the debate over whether it was r...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill cover a packed Disney Dish news lineup, from Disney’s “virtual reservations” patent to new Disney Springs transportation checks, rare two-day ticket discounts, and Disneyland Autopia’s electric future. They also dig into listener questions about steak pricing, Jersey Week crowds, and whether Disney’s new AI trip-planning tools could reshape vacation booking. Then Jim takes us back to the early days of Imagineering’s Living Character Initiative, where Mickey’s Toon Elevator, Dinotopia, and one very complicated dinosaur helped pave the way for interactive characters in the parks.

NEWS

• Disney...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a packed Epic Universal Podcast covering the newest Halloween Horror Nights reveal, fresh Epic Universe developments, and more chatter from Universal Orlando and Hollywood. Eric shares impressions from his Helios Grand Hotel stay, while Jim digs into the latest Universal news from Stranger Things to the United Kingdom resort. Then Jim uses Steven Spielberg’s new UFO movie Disclosure Day as a launchpad for the strange story of Night Skies, the terrifying alien film that nearly became E.T.

NEWS

• Stranger Things returns to Halloween Horror Nights with a ne...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a merch-packed episode that starts at Target, swings through Walt Disney World, and lands deep in Mickey Mouse history. Lauren shares what she spotted on her latest Florida trip, from Muppets merch and Uncle Deadly deep cuts to Disney’s colorful new Logo Mania collections. Then Jim looks back at Disney’s repeated attempts to give Mickey Mouse a milestone birthday celebration big enough for the big screen, and why those plans often arrived late, changed shape, or became something else entirely.

NEWS

• Golden Girls returns to the bo...

Lauren and Eric are back from another Epic Universe visit, and this time Helios Grand Hotel may have changed the whole conversation. They break down whether one day is enough at Epic, how early entry helped them knock out major attractions before lunch, and why Battle at the Ministry should probably be your first stop. Then they compare Universal attractions to Disney favorites to help Disney fans figure out what belongs on their must-do list.

HIGHLIGHTS

The courthouse is drying out, so Jim Hill, Len Testa, and Chris Cox relocate to the mailroom for a listener mail edition of The Case 4. This episode revisits recent debates about Disney World lounges, Disneyland Lightning Lane strategy, and Universal Orlando’s hotel categories. Along the way, the panel weighs in on communal seating, pricey mocktails, park-hopping fatigue, Epic Universe hotel demand, and whether a “throwaway” Universal room can still make vacation math work.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Listener reactions to Beak and Barrel, GEO-82, and the communal seating problem at Disney World lounges.

• A closer look at wh...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor look at a packed week in animation, from the box office surprises around Disclosure Day and Obsession to the latest honors for Aardman’s founders. They also preview Pixar’s Gatto, salute Floyd Norman’s upcoming Academy Honorary Award, and remember Tinker Bell reference model Margaret Kerry. The main event is Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch 2, with Chris Sanders returning to write and direct a brand-new story for everyone’s favorite blue alien experiment.

NEWS

• Disclosure Day opens big for Universal while Obsession continues its remarkable box office run.

• Jim and...

Jim Hill and Len Testa start with Monstropolis, Disney park capacity, Universal patents, and the sort of tequila event that makes you check whether your Epcot admission is included. Then Jim looks back at Disneyland’s very first Grad Nite, held on June 15, 1961, when 8,500 well-dressed seniors were locked inside the park until 4:30 a.m. Along the way, they cover Life magazine’s lost photo spread, chaperone lounges, forbidden long hair, and the timeless teenage urge to stash contraband somewhere near Autopia. It is history, logistics, and questionable decision-making, which is to say: high school.

NEWS

• Monstr...

Drew Taylor is back from the Toy Story 5 Premiere and Jim Hill gets all the details! They talk about some highly anticipated projects like The Doomies heading to Disney Plus, some Treehouse of Horror-related theming coming to The Simpsons at Universal, and plenty of other animation they’re looking forward to like Gatto from Pixar (with a teaser dropping pretty much right now!)

NEWS

• Toy Story 5 has it’s premiere, and Drew was there to get the scoop

• Ice Age Boiling Point is on it’s way in Februar...

Swifties, Cars, and the Mystery of Mickey’s Missing Plaque (Ep. 103)

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey start this week’s episode with a merch-minded look at Disney’s latest collaborations, from Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 tie-in to the 20th anniversary of Cars. They also dig into how Disney is already positioning Mickey Mouse for his 100th birthday in 2028 through fashion, music, wellness, and lifestyle partnerships. Then Jim takes Lauren back to Mickey’s 50th anniversary celebration and the strange story of the bronze plaque that once marked the birthplace of Steamboat Willie in New York C...

Lauren and Eric talk through the nightmare scenario every theme park fan secretly worries about: getting stuck high above the ground on a ride. From a real-world roller coaster evacuation in Galveston to Disney attractions like the Skyliner, Space Mountain, Incredicoaster, and the monorail, they weigh which breakdowns would be terrifying and which might actually be kind of cool. Then they pivot to another theme park hazard: clickbait Disney news sites, including Hersheypark’s online clapback and the outlets fans trust most.

HIGHLIGHTS

Jim Hill and Dan Graney talk about the latest, highly caffeinated Doomsday advertising stunt, and a certain friendly neighborhood Spider-Man makes his way to a neighborhood across the pond - what exactly is he doing there? Then take a trip down memory lane as they talk about the advertising genius that put Richard Pryor into Star Wars! Or more aptly, put Star Wars into everyone’s favorite 70's variety shows.

NEWS

• Jim and Dan discuss the surprise pop-up “green” coffee shop which may or may not have held some hidden Doomsday clues in the m...

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney’s most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least on...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a busy Universal news week, from Universal Kids Resort pricing and seasonal operations to new rotating experiences planned for Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas. They also check in on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Mega Movie Summer, including Wicked meet-and-greets, Minions menu items, Fast and Furious teases, Jaws treats, and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey getting some serious backlot synergy. Then Jim digs into the surprisingly fiery history of Universal Studios Hollywood, tracing nearly a century of backlot blazes, rebuilds, and close calls.

NEWS

• Universal Kids Resort in Frisco now ha...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into Disney’s latest wave of merch-driven experiences, from a London pop-up built around Disney UU collectibles to Trader Sam’s 15th anniversary tiki mug celebration. They also track the growing Toy Story 5 promotional push, including Papa John’s Pizza Planet packaging, movie theater collectibles, and Grogu’s new blue Nilla Nummies. Then Jim turns to Disney’s newly reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios and asks whether Disney will properly honor the Florida animation team that helped create Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Brother Bear, and more.

NEWS

• Disney tests another tick...

Lauren and Eric explore why Disney fans seem to be craving real-world experiences again, from the surprising turnout at the reopening of the Disney Store in Pittsburgh to Disney's continued push toward immersive entertainment. They discuss what thousands of fans standing in line for a retail opening reveals about today's Disney audience, whether digital fatigue is driving people back to physical spaces, and how Disney may be adapting to that demand. Then they dive into Disney's newly announced overhaul of Carousel of Progress, examining the planned updates, fan reactions, and what the changes could mean for one of Walt...

On this episode of The Case For, Len Testa and Chris Cox debate one of the most practical planning questions facing Disneyland visitors: if you can only choose one upgrade, should you spend your money on Park Hopper access or Lightning Lane? Along the way, they compare the unique advantages of Disneyland's compact layout, discuss how Lightning Lane functions differently in California, and explore whether staying off-site might actually unlock a better overall vacation strategy. As always, Jim Hill presides over the proceedings before inviting listeners to help render the final verdict.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Len and Ch...

Drew Taylor and Jim Hill dive into one of the busiest weeks in animation and entertainment news, from early reactions to Pixar's Toy Story 5 and its surprisingly Jessie-focused story to major developments involving Rick & Morty, X-Men '97, Jorge Gutierrez, and Netflix animation. Along the way, they unpack box office surprises, discuss the end of Disney Twenty-Three magazine, and explore what the future may hold for some of animation's biggest franchises. This episode also includes Drew's thoughts after seeing the first 45 minutes of Toy Story 5 and a look at why Pixar may have another blockbuster on its hands.

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Len Testa and Jim Hill recap a busy week in the parks, from the debut of Bluey at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience to Universal's latest expansion rumors. They also dive deep into Disney's surprise announcement that Carousel of Progress will receive its most significant overhaul in decades, including new scenes, new narration, and a fresh look at the future. Along the way, Jim shares the attraction's fascinating history, from its roots in Edison Square to its journey through the 1964 World's Fair and beyond.

NEWS

• Len shares his experience ab...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the first major Halloween Horror Nights announcement for 2026, dig into Universal’s quiet decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass, and discuss what’s going on with Universal Kids Resort in Texas after a series of accidental leaks. Then Jim looks back at the creation of Back to the Future: The Ride and the forgotten Canadian simulator attraction that helped inspire it, all while tracing the career of visual effects legend Doug Trumbull.

NEWS

• Universal officially announces a Sinners haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando...

Eric and Lauren dive into one of the biggest debates in the Disney fan community: should you spoil upcoming attractions before your vacation, or go in completely blind? From ride POV videos and vlog coverage to hotel walkthroughs and foodie recommendations, they unpack when spoilers help and when they ruin the magic. Then, they take a spoiler-free look at Walt Disney World's newest additions, including the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Bluey’s debut at Animal Kingdom, and the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios.

HIGHLIGHTS

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the surprising return of Disney retail as thousands of fans flood Ross Park Mall for the grand opening of Disney’s newest limited-time store. Along the way, they unpack the latest Disneyland 70th merchandise reveals, the unexpectedly successful Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and why Disney’s renewed focus on immersive shopping experiences may signal a much larger strategy under new CEO Josh D’Amaro. Plus, Lauren shares firsthand stories from standing in line for hours alongside Disney fans from across multiple states just to shop exclusive merch.

NEWS

Jim Hill and Dan Graney break down a huge week for both Star Wars and Marvel, from the theatrical debut of The Mandalorian and Grogu to major leadership changes inside Marvel Studios and Marvel Comics. They also dig into the evolving future of Galaxy’s Edge, the surprisingly strong response to Punisher: One Last Kill, and why Disney may already be positioning Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter as the franchise’s next major theatrical relaunch.

NEWS

• Jim and Dan share their reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu and discuss whether the film feels like “The Mandal...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation and themed entertainment news, from Warner Bros. officially developing a standalone Rick & Morty movie to Disney’s growing Bluey presence in both Anaheim and Orlando. Along the way, the duo discuss Universal Fan Fest’s future, the surprising Memorial Day box office performance of The Mandalorian & Grogu, and why Disney is already planning big for Mickey’s centennial celebration in 2028. They also pay tribute to legendary voice actor Tom Kane and share updates on Adventure Time, Hello Kitty, and the ever-expanding world of animated features headed to theaters over t...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation and themed entertainment news, from Warner Bros. officially developing a standalone Rick & Morty movie to Disney’s growing Bluey presence in both Anaheim and Orlando. Along the way, the duo discuss Universal Fan Fest’s future, the surprising Memorial Day box office performance of The Mandalorian & Grogu, and why Disney is already planning big for Mickey’s centennial celebration in 2028. They also pay tribute to legendary voice actor Tom Kane and share updates on Adventure Time, Hello Kitty, and the ever-expanding world of animated features headed to theaters over t...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation and themed entertainment news, from Warner Bros. officially developing a standalone Rick & Morty movie to Disney’s growing Bluey presence in both Anaheim and Orlando. Along the way, the duo discuss Universal Fan Fest’s future, the surprising Memorial Day box office performance of The Mandalorian & Grogu, and why Disney is already planning big for Mickey’s centennial celebration in 2028. They also pay tribute to legendary voice actor Tom Kane and share updates on Adventure Time, Hello Kitty, and the ever-expanding world of animated features headed to theaters over t...

Len Testa and Jim Hill review Walt Disney World’s latest wave of attraction updates, including the new Soarin’ Across America film, the Muppets’ chaotic takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and the newly refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Then, Los Angeles Times columnist Todd Martens joins the show to discuss Disneyland’s evolving version of Galaxy’s Edge, why Disney is pivoting away from strict sequel-era storytelling, and how the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run finally addresses years of guest feedback.

NEWS

• Len shares first impressions of Soarin’ Across America, including the updated Patrick Warburton pre-show...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the surprising Universal Pictures history behind Michael Jackson’s breakout acting role in The Wiz, exploring how the 1978 musical helped launch one of the most important creative partnerships in pop culture history. Along the way, they also cover new Epic Universe character reveals, Halloween Horror Nights rumors, and what’s next for Universal Orlando’s evolving parks.

NEWS

• Universal officially unveils Captain Cacao, the oversized bear mascot coming to Celestial Park at Epic Universe

• Rumors swirl around a possible Ozzy Osbourne-themed house for Halloween Horror Nights 35

• Po...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate 100 episodes of I Want That Too by diving deep into one of Disney’s most fascinating recurring patterns: the company’s obsession with technology. From the rise and fall of Go.com to MagicBands, My Pal Mickey, Disney Infinity, and interactive park experiments that never fully worked, Jim traces Disney’s long history of swinging big on tech innovation. Along the way, they also cover Toy Story 5 fast food partnerships, Alice in Wonderland’s 75th anniversary, and new Small World anniversary merchandise.

NEWS

• Toy Story 5 teams up with Papa Johns in D...

Lauren and Eric dive into the viral Walt Disney World story of a guest jumping off Kilimanjaro Safaris mid-ride to use the bathroom and why cast members are begging guests to stop exiting attractions. Along the way, they spiral into stories of other infamous Disney ride exits, from Living with the Land cucumber thefts to Horizons urban explorers. Then things take a more lighthearted turn as they each build their personal Disney “Mount Rushmore” of attractions and resorts, revealing a lot about their Disney personalities in the process.

HIGHLIGHTS

Len Testa and Chris Cox dive into one of Walt Disney World’s newest debates: adult lounges versus family lounges. From the sleek, spaceship-inspired atmosphere of GEO-82 at EPCOT to the bustling pirate energy of the Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom, they break down which Disney bars are actually worth your time and money. Along the way, they compare Trader Sam’s, Oga’s Cantina, Enchanted Rose, and several hidden gems while unpacking guest satisfaction scores, drink pricing, seating frustrations, and what really separates a “grown-up” Disney lounge from a family-friendly hangout.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Why GEO-82’s fut...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the stunning debut of Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer, the surprising revival of Matt Braly’s cancelled animated feature “Afterworld,” and Universal’s massive push behind the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.” They also discuss Warner Bros. Animation’s uncertain future, Disney’s latest animation-themed park projects, and new details on “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.”

AUDIO DISCLAIMER - we had some tech issues, but things clear up after the first break. Thanks for hanging in there.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Laika’s “Wildwood” tease...

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down a busy week in theme park news, from Bluey crowd control at Animal Kingdom to Universal’s possible drone-show ambitions. Len also crunches the numbers on the best days to visit Magic Kingdom, because nothing says vacation like 22 million wait times and a spreadsheet with emotional damage. Then Jim digs into Disneyland’s opening-day ticket scandal and why Walt Disney may have had very good reasons to sour on Western Publishing.

NEWS

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares for Bluey with a virtual queue and some serious toddler-capacity math.

•...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack the surprising behind-the-scenes fallout that pushed Steven Spielberg away from Disney and deeper into Universal’s orbit, while also covering major changes coming to Universal Orlando. Plus, the duo explores the lost Casper dark ride that almost became Universal’s answer to Haunted Mansion.

NEWS

• Universal may finally be testing Epic Universe’s long-rumored “open hub” concept for convention guests visiting Celestial Park

• Mythos Restaurant at Islands of Adventure is officially set to close in 2027 as Lost Continent transformation plans move forward

• Rumors intensify that the Mystic Fount...

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy refurbishment, and Disney fans wasted no time flooding Frontierland for the reopening. Lauren and Eric break down the surprisingly massive crowds, debate whether the updated coaster was really worth a multi-hour wait, and compare Walt Disney World’s version of Big Thunder to Disneyland’s and even Disneyland Paris’. They also dive into one of the week’s biggest travel stories: the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and what Disney travelers can do to keep finding affordable flights in an increasingly expensive travel landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

Jim and Lauren celebrate Episode 99 of I Want That Too with a packed conversation about Disney’s latest merch experiments, the surprising box office success of Devil Wears Prada 2, and what Disney’s newest earnings call may reveal about the company’s digital future. Along the way, Jim begins a two-part deep dive into Disney’s long history of embracing emerging technology, leading into the cautionary tale of Go.com and the company’s first major internet gamble.

NEWS

• Lauren rope drops the new Mandalorian and Grogu collection at Bath & Body Works and breaks down Disney’s lat...