I Want That Too - Disney History and Merchandise

40 Episodes
Subscribe

By: Jim Hill

Join Lauren Hersey and entertainment expert Jim Hill as they unpack the world of Disney products. From exclusive merchandise to magical collectibles, Lauren and Jim dive into not only what's available but also the stories and history behind these must-have items. Whether you're a collector or just a fan, get insider tips on the latest Disney finds and the fascinating tales that make each piece special.

✂️ Clip this podcast
Disney Merch Goes Quiet Luxury - and D23 Exclusives Go Wide
Disney Merch Goes Quiet Luxury - and D23 Exclusives Go Wide episode artwork
#115
Today at 4:00 AM

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...


The Dolly Parton Disney Movie That Almost Was
The Dolly Parton Disney Movie That Almost Was episode artwork
#114
08/27/2026

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...


D23 Shopping, Popcorn Bucket Chaos, and Joe Rohde’s “Floating Mountains”
D23 Shopping, Popcorn Bucket Chaos, and Joe Rohde’s “Floating Mountains” episode artwork
#113
08/20/2026

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...


D23 Merch, Park Surprises, and the Return of Atari (Ep. 112)
D23 Merch, Park Surprises, and the Return of Atari (Ep. 112) episode artwork
#112
08/13/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are packing their bags for Anaheim and previewing what Disney fans can expect from D23 Day and the 2026 D23 Ultimate Fan Event. They dig into Disneyland exclusives, anniversary merchandise, rare character appearances, and some unexpected collectibles hitting the show floor. Along the way, Jim explains the history behind the Disneylandia name, Lauren investigates Disney's growing interest in repurposing park materials, and both try to make sense of Atari's surprising return to the Disney gaming conversation.


HIGHLIGHTS


• D23 Day at Disneyland brings exclusive merchandise, commemorative ea...


Disney’s Merch Machine Moves Closer to the Movies
Disney’s Merch Machine Moves Closer to the Movies episode artwork
#111
08/06/2026

Jim and Lauren examine Disney’s decision to move Consumer Products under the studio umbrella and what it reveals about the company’s larger “One Disney” strategy. They explore how films such as Toy Story 5 can generate value far beyond the box office through streaming, merchandise, and long-term franchise growth. The conversation also covers Disney’s new NFL merchandise collection before Jim concludes his three-part history of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, from its Mary Blair mural and Top of the World restaurant to Bay Lake Tower and the expansion of Disney Vacation Club.

NEWS

• Why Disney is movi...


Disney Outlets, Yen Sid Style, and the Contemporary’s Construction Chaos
Disney Outlets, Yen Sid Style, and the Contemporary’s Construction Chaos episode artwork
#110
07/30/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore how Disney is rethinking retail, from temporary Disney Store locations and outlet oddities to Imagineering’s new Yen Sid lifestyle brand. They also recap their Pennsylvania road trip, including Netflix House, the surviving Disney Store outlet in Lancaster, and some surprisingly stubborn souvenir prices. Then Jim continues the story of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, revealing how prefabricated rooms, U.S. Steel, and a costly construction crisis nearly derailed Walt Disney World’s opening.

NEWS

• Disney Store pop-ups in Pittsburgh and Paramus appear set to remain open through the 2026 holiday season.<...


The Contemporary’s Surprisingly Smelly Origin Story
The Contemporary’s Surprisingly Smelly Origin Story episode artwork
#109
07/23/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a whirlwind week of Disney and Universal discoveries, from a chaotic Lorcana release to a little-known Walt Disney World store hidden inside an Orlando parking garage. Lauren shares highlights from her latest theme park merchandise haul, including deeply discounted Universal gear and retro-inspired Contemporary Resort merchandise. Then Jim digs into the surprisingly smelly construction history connecting Seven Seas Lagoon, EPCOT, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Walt Disney World’s original hotels.

NEWS

• A limited-edition Disney Lorcana release creates massive crowds at Disney Springs and forces the cancellation of a Lond...


From All-Stars to Art of Animation: Disney’s Value Resort Story
From All-Stars to Art of Animation: Disney’s Value Resort Story episode artwork
#108
07/16/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick off this week’s I Want That Too with concert merch sticker shock, a new family dog named Luna, and a surprising amount of Disney pet gear at Petco. They also dig into Disney’s new auction partnership with Heritage Auctions and the build-a-bag trend popping up in the parks. Then Jim traces the history of Walt Disney World’s value resorts, from the All-Stars to Pop Century to Art of Animation, and explains how 9/11 unexpectedly changed Disney’s hotel strategy.

NEWS

• Lauren shares the story of Luna the Wonder Dog...


Halloween Shows Up Early, D23 Gets a Merch Glow-Up, and the All-Stars Take the Stage
Halloween Shows Up Early, D23 Gets a Merch Glow-Up, and the All-Stars Take the Stage episode artwork
#107
07/09/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick off this week’s I Want That Too with a post-Fourth-of-July check-in, one very late ghost train, and a look ahead to Disney’s fast-arriving Halloween season. They dig into the latest D23: The Ultimate Fan Event merchandise previews, the surprisingly early Walt Disney World Halloween drop, and the return of 1990s-style Disney windbreakers. Then Jim explains how Disney’s moderate and value resorts reshaped Walt Disney World’s future, from Caribbean Beach and Port Orleans to the rise of the All-Star Resorts.

NEWS

• D23: The Ultimate Fan Event merchandis...


Texposition: Disney’s Forgotten Dallas Destination
Texposition: Disney’s Forgotten Dallas Destination episode artwork
#106
07/02/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick things off with Fourth of July traditions, viral Disney merch, and the growing strategy behind park-specific popcorn buckets and venue-branded souvenirs. Lauren digs into the early arrival of 2027 Walt Disney World merchandise, the mini Mickey ear keychains taking over social media, and why Hollywood Studios suddenly feels like a collectible popcorn bucket hotspot. Then Jim shares the story of Disney Texposition, a proposed Dallas-area regional entertainment concept that could have brought a little bit of Walt Disney World magic to Texas decades before Universal Kids Resort.

NEWS

• Disney’s 2027 date...


Toy Story 5, Lorcana Mania, and Disney’s Summer of Smart Merch
Toy Story 5, Lorcana Mania, and Disney’s Summer of Smart Merch episode artwork
#105
06/25/2026

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...


Mickey’s Big Birthday Plans Keep Missing Their Cue
Mickey’s Big Birthday Plans Keep Missing Their Cue episode artwork
#104
06/18/2026

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...


Swifties, Cars, and the Mystery of Mickey’s Missing Plaque
Swifties, Cars, and the Mystery of Mickey’s Missing Plaque episode artwork
#103
06/11/2026

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...


The Animation Courtyard Has a Florida-Sized Footnote
The Animation Courtyard Has a Florida-Sized Footnote episode artwork
#102
06/04/2026

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...


The Disney Store Is Back? Inside the Wild Return of Disney Retail
The Disney Store Is Back? Inside the Wild Return of Disney Retail episode artwork
#101
05/28/2026

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

<...


The Disney Tech That Worked - And the Stuff That Didn’t
The Disney Tech That Worked - And the Stuff That Didn’t episode artwork
#100
05/21/2026

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...


⁠Go.com⁠ and Disney’s First Internet Misfire
⁠Go.com⁠ and Disney’s First Internet Misfire episode artwork
#99
05/14/2026

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...


Before D23: The Mouse Club Fans Who Changed Disney Forever
Before D23: The Mouse Club Fans Who Changed Disney Forever episode artwork
#98
05/07/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into a packed week of Disney merch and fandom news, from Burger King’s surprising Mandalorian and Grogu promotion to the return of toys inside cereal boxes for Toy Story 5. Along the way, Lauren shares how she finally became a Grogu fan after binge-watching The Mandalorian, while Jim unpacks Disney’s rumored “super app” plans and the surprising history behind Disney fan conventions that eventually inspired D23.

NEWS

• Lauren officially joins the Grogu fan club after binge-watching two seasons of The Mandalorian ahead of the upcoming movie release.
• Burger King...


When Fans Build the Disney Store Disney Didn’t
When Fans Build the Disney Store Disney Didn’t episode artwork
#97
04/30/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore how fan-driven Disney markets, unusual Grogu merch, and long-forgotten animation art traditions reveal what the company can’t ignore about its audience.

Jim and Lauren kick things off with fresh chatter about a possible Apple-Disney partnership before diving into the rise of fan-created Disney shopping experiences like Orlando’s “Happiest Market.” From there, they explore how fandom is shaping retail trends, react to some delightfully strange new Grogu merchandise, and spotlight a book designed to bring Disney-style design into your home. Jim then continues his deep-dive series on the origins of Disney f...


Disney Stores Return… Sort Of
Disney Stores Return… Sort Of episode artwork
#96
04/23/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack Disney’s latest retail experiment with pop-up stores, explore how movie theaters are turning merch into must-have experiences, and dig into the surprising origins of Disney fandom and collecting. From Pittsburgh store openings to high-fashion popcorn buckets, this episode connects the dots between Disney’s past and its evolving strategy to turn every experience into something you can take home.

NEWS
• Disney Store “comeback” revealed as limited-time pop-up retail experiences in select cities
• First pop-up location announced for Pittsburgh, with another coming to Paramus, New Jersey
• Disney partners with Go Retail...


Muppets on TikTok, Disney Ducks in the Parks, and the $40 Billion Star Wars Merch Machine
Muppets on TikTok, Disney Ducks in the Parks, and the $40 Billion Star Wars Merch Machine episode artwork
#95
04/16/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a surprisingly chaotic Muppets merch rollout on TikTok Shop, explore the viral duck trend making its way into Disney parks, and break down the latest Star Wars Day merchandise strategy. Then, Jim dives deep into the history of the Star Wars licensing deal that changed Hollywood forever—and why it’s still considered one of the smartest (and most lopsided) deals ever made. From plush drops to billion-dollar gambles, this episode connects the dots between fandom, merchandising, and Disney’s evolving playbook.

NEWS
• Disney tests a Muppets merch comeback with a TikTok...


Crocs, Figment, and the Book That Made Disney Take Control
Crocs, Figment, and the Book That Made Disney Take Control episode artwork
#94
04/09/2026

Jim and Lauren dig into a surprisingly packed week of Disney merch and history, from Crocs-inspired Minnie ears to rare Figment throwbacks and a new Little Golden Book celebrating Jim Henson. Along the way, they explore the shrinking footprint of Disney Stores - and the possibility of their return. Then Jim dives deep into the moment Disney stopped trusting outside publishers, revealing how one controversial biography changed the company’s approach to storytelling forever.

NEWS
• Disney and Crocs expand their partnership with customizable Mickey and Minnie ear headbands, featuring classic Crocs styling and interchangeable charms
• A rare...


D23 Ticketing Turmoil and the Hidden History of Pressed Pennies
D23 Ticketing Turmoil and the Hidden History of Pressed Pennies episode artwork
#93
04/02/2026

Jim and Lauren dig into the latest updates surrounding the D23 Ultimate Fan Event, including confusing ticket tiers, pin lotteries, and the growing tension between traditional fans and influencer access. From membership strategies to collectible exclusives, they break down what you need to know before tickets go live. Then, in this week’s feature, Jim explores the surprisingly rich history behind pressed pennies—how a simple, low-cost souvenir became a staple of Disney parks and a quiet revenue powerhouse.

NEWS
• D23 Ultimate Fan Event ticketing rolls out with tiered access, giving paid Gold Members early purchase window...


The Candy That Clicked: How Disney Turned Pez into a Collectible Empire
The Candy That Clicked: How Disney Turned Pez into a Collectible Empire episode artwork
#92
03/26/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey break down Disney’s clever Pixar Merch Madness campaign and debate which franchise will dominate the bracket. They also dive into the overwhelming demand for Bluey in the parks, the rollout of new Bluey merchandise, and how Hannah Montana nostalgia is fueling a fresh wave of Disney consumer products. Then, Jim uncovers the surprising origin story of Disney Pez dispensers and how they became one of the company’s longest-running collectibles.

NEWS
• Disney launches a Pixar-themed “Merch Madness” bracket on Instagram, letting fans vote daily to determine future limited-release merchandise
• Early matchu...


Merch Madness at Disneyland’s 70th and Beyond
Merch Madness at Disneyland’s 70th and Beyond episode artwork
#91
03/18/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey recap a whirlwind West Coast trip packed with Disneyland 70th anniversary finds, surprising merch hacks, and a few Universal curveballs. From deep discounts and rare pins to interactive collectibles and nostalgic throwbacks, this episode is a treasure trove for Disney shoppers and collectors alike. Plus, the duo ventures into Universal Hollywood and Vegas to compare how other parks are stepping up their merch game. It’s part shopping guide, part history lesson, and all Disney enthusiasm.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Disneyland 70th anniversary merch hits steep discounts, with select items marked down up to 40% as D...


Princess Running Shoes, Walt’s L.A. Tour, and the Long Road to Disney Springs
Princess Running Shoes, Walt’s L.A. Tour, and the Long Road to Disney Springs episode artwork
#90
03/12/2026

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into a mix of new Disney merch, fan experiences, and theme park history. They break down the newly revealed Disney Princess running shoes from Brooks, preview merchandise coming to EPCOT’s Flower & Garden Festival, and look at a premium new D23 tour that takes fans through Walt Disney’s Los Angeles. Then Jim returns with Part 2 of the story of how a struggling shopping area at Walt Disney World evolved from the Disney Village Marketplace into the sprawling Disney Springs destination we know today. 

NEWS...


The Surprisingly Complicated Origins of Disney Springs
The Surprisingly Complicated Origins of Disney Springs episode artwork
#89
03/05/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the latest Disney Springs news, from towering CrazyShakes and a savory new concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse to a possible interactive gaming venue taking over the old NBA Experience building. They also spotlight a subtle new Disney-inspired apparel brand before diving into the surprisingly complicated early history of Disney Springs. In part one of this deep dive, Jim traces the story all the way back to Walt Disney’s original EPCOT city plans and the unlikely beginnings of what eventually became Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district.

NEWS

• Bl...


Labyrinth at 40: From Box Office Bomb to Cult Classic
Labyrinth at 40: From Box Office Bomb to Cult Classic episode artwork
#88
02/26/2026

Jim and Lauren follow the winding path of Labyrinth as it turns 40, exploring how a film that underperformed in 1986 became one of the most beloved cult classics of the home video era - and how its legacy nearly intertwined with Disney in a much bigger way.

In this episode of I Want That Too, we connect the dots between Jim Henson’s ambitious fantasy film, its surprising international success, and the long road that led Disney to acquire the Muppets - but not Labyrinth. Along the way, we look at the massive 40th anniversary merch push and wh...


The Main Street Replica That Sparked a Corporate Rift
The Main Street Replica That Sparked a Corporate Rift episode artwork
#87
02/19/2026

Jim and Lauren dive into the late-80s Sears exclusive Disney World Town Square replica - the ambitious “starter set” that promised Main Street magic at home just as Disney Stores began popping up in malls nationwide.

Lauren’s Valentine’s gift to Eric sparks a deep dive into one of the most fascinating Disney retail experiments of the 1980s: the Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica. Jim explains how this surprisingly elaborate playset - complete with bendable Mickey and Minnie figures and optional upgrades like working streetlights and a smoking train - was born out of a maj...


The River That Never Flowed - EPCOT’s Lost German Cruise
The River That Never Flowed - EPCOT’s Lost German Cruise episode artwork
#86
02/12/2026

Jim and Lauren kick off Super Bowl Sunday by diving into the biggest toy expo in the world and what it reveals about the future of Disney licensing. From LEGO’s new screen-free “smart” bricks to Formula One collaborations and a surprising resurgence of theme park trash can merch, this episode blends breaking toy news with classic Disney history - including the Epcot attraction that almost was.

NEWS

• Highlights from Germany’s massive Spielwarenmesse toy fair - and what it signals for global licensing trends
• LEGO unveils new Smart Play sets, including interactive Star Wars builds...


Evie Goes to Sea While a Ferris Wheel Swings Back Into the Spotlight
Evie Goes to Sea While a Ferris Wheel Swings Back Into the Spotlight episode artwork
#85
02/05/2026

Jim and Lauren break down Disney’s latest merch moves, where experiences become collectibles and collectibles become strategy. From an emotional towel animal turned cruise ship plush to popcorn buckets that literally demand attention, this episode covers how Disney is driving hype across price points. Then, in the feature, Jim digs deep into the long, misunderstood history of Disney California Adventure’s giant wheel and why it has always been more controversial than fans remember.

NEWS
• Disney Cruise Line introduces Evie, the towel-animal-inspired plush debuting exclusively onboard starting February 8
• A new Pixar Pal-A-Round interactive popcorn bucket c...


The Pokémon Effect: Why Collectibles, Cookies, and Theme Parks Are All Chasing Pikachu
The Pokémon Effect: Why Collectibles, Cookies, and Theme Parks Are All Chasing Pikachu episode artwork
#84
01/29/2026

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dig into why collectibles are suddenly everywhere you look, from Disney merch shelves to grocery store cookie aisles and even inside theme parks themselves. This episode connects the dots between blind box culture, viral collectibles, and why companies like Disney and Universal are aggressively courting adult collectors and Gen Z fans. Along the way, the conversation builds toward a genuinely jaw-dropping realization about which media franchise quietly became the most valuable of all time.

NEWS
• Disney’s Zootopia 2 teams up with Pop Mart for blind box collectibles, tapping directly into the vira...


Winnie the Pooh at 100: How Disney’s Most Gentle Icon Became a Merchandising Powerhouse (Ep. 83)
Winnie the Pooh at 100: How Disney’s Most Gentle Icon Became a Merchandising Powerhouse (Ep. 83) episode artwork
#83
01/22/2026

As Winnie the Pooh turns 100, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a deep dive into how Disney is kicking off a year-long centennial celebration and what the first wave of merchandise already reveals about the strategy behind it. From understated lifestyle apparel to a knit plush that collectors immediately zeroed in on, this episode explores why Pooh still resonates after a century. Then, Jim unpacks the surprisingly complex business history that transformed a simple bedtime story into one of Disney’s most carefully managed and profitable characters.

NEWS
• Disney officially unveils its Winnie the Pooh 100th anni...


How Tangled’s Live-Action Future Connects Back to 101 Dalmatians’ Past
How Tangled’s Live-Action Future Connects Back to 101 Dalmatians’ Past episode artwork
#82
01/15/2026

Disney’s live-action strategy, a surprisingly exclusive D23 merch sale, and a 65-year-old animated classic all collide on this episode of I Want That Too. Jim and Lauren break down why a new casting announcement for Tangled matters far beyond the movie itself, how Disney is quietly rewarding its most dedicated fans, and why 101 Dalmatians feels more relevant today than ever. Along the way, they connect the dots between animation history, modern merchandising, and the business decisions still shaping Disney in 2025.

NEWS
• Why the newly announced Tangled live-action leads are a smart, generation-spanning choice for Disney • How Di...


Looking Ahead to 2026: Why Disney’s Quiet Anniversaries Are About to Flood the Shelves
Looking Ahead to 2026: Why Disney’s Quiet Anniversaries Are About to Flood the Shelves episode artwork
#81
01/08/2026

As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick things off by looking ahead to what’s shaping up to be a massive 2026 for Disney merch fans. From milestone anniversaries Disney rarely shouts about to a packed slate of films and park changes, this episode breaks down why collectors should start paying attention now. And later in the show, Jim dives deep into a Disney history lesson about a beautifully ambitious animated film that failed spectacularly - and how that misfire accidentally paved the way for one of Disney’s most merch-friendly franchises ever.

<...


Disney’s $4 Billion Bear: Why Duffy Rules Overseas but Still Baffles the U.S.
Disney’s $4 Billion Bear: Why Duffy Rules Overseas but Still Baffles the U.S. episode artwork
#80
01/01/2026

It’s the first episode of the new year, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in 2026 by digging into the annual Disney merch reset. From the surprisingly nostalgic look of next year’s dated park souvenirs to a brand-new Star Wars droid collector program, there’s a lot changing on shelves just as holiday decorations disappear overnight. Plus, Jim takes a deep dive into one of Disney’s most baffling merch success stories and why it still doesn’t quite translate stateside.

NEWS
• A first look at Disney’s 2026 dated park merchandise, including a color palette that f...


How a Jim Henson Christmas Special Helped Point Pixar Toward Toy Story
How a Jim Henson Christmas Special Helped Point Pixar Toward Toy Story episode artwork
#79
12/25/2025

It’s a Christmas Day edition of I Want That Too, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey wrap up the year with a festive mix of Disney merch news, pop culture crossovers, and a deep dive into Jim Henson’s long love affair with holiday specials. Along the way, the conversation connects some surprising dots between a largely forgotten Henson TV special and the early creative struggles that eventually led Pixar to Toy Story.

NEWS
• The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta closes out its Festive Features exhibit showcasing rare Jim Henson holiday puppets
• Disney’s Hollywoo...


Dynamic Pricing Raises Eyebrows as Disney Sing-Alongs Raise the Volume
Dynamic Pricing Raises Eyebrows as Disney Sing-Alongs Raise the Volume episode artwork
#78
12/18/2025

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back for a very seasonal edition of I Want That To - and Jim’s latest “project” involves tracking down tiny reindeer snowmobiles to complete his Cars holiday display (because apparently Santa’s sleigh rules apply to Radiator Springs too). From there, the conversation jumps into Disney’s new “Find Merchandise” test inside My Disney Experience, the company’s eye-popping $1 billion investment in OpenAI, and why dynamic pricing is suddenly giving everyone Instacart flashbacks. Then Jim takes Lauren (and all of us) on a deep-dive into the origin story of Disney’s Sing-Along VHS line - includi...


How Disney Wants You to Shop This Holiday Season
How Disney Wants You to Shop This Holiday Season episode artwork
#77
12/11/2025

Jim and Lauren ring in the holidays with a very merchy episode of I Want That Too, recorded just after Lauren’s family Polar Express adventure. From Disney Visa mailers and annual passholder calendars to Stitch-heavy gift guides, they dig into how Disney is trying to steer your holiday shopping.



• Disney’s “Home for the Holidays” Disney Rewards Insider issue and the surprise AP calendar reveal a full-court press of plush, Stitch, cruises, and watch-list marketing aimed at shaping your seasonal shopping.
• Stitchmas dominates both online and in-park displays, with plush, pajamas, and matching family sets...


Zootopia 2’s Record Thanksgiving and Disney’s Long Love Affair With Talking Animals
Zootopia 2’s Record Thanksgiving and Disney’s Long Love Affair With Talking Animals episode artwork
#76
12/04/2025

Fresh off the long Thanksgiving weekend, Jim and Lauren crawl out from under their leftover Pilgrim sandwiches to talk about Zootopia 2 absolutely owning the holiday box office, how that might shape Disney’s sequel strategy, and the must-have merch that is already slithering into the parks. They also dig into McDonald’s massive 70th anniversary Happy Meal promotion, Disney’s official holiday book guide, and a couple of doorstop tomes that are now living in the Hersey household. In the back half, Jim takes Lauren on a whirlwind tour through nearly 80 years of Disney’s talking-animal history - from Song of...