The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Join Jim Hill and co-hosts Len Testa, Dustin Fuhs, Drew Taylor, Aaron Adams, Michelle C. Valladolid and Dan Zehr 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.

  • 45 minutes 12 seconds
    From Wildcats to World Tours: The High School Musical Phenomenon (Ep. 32)

    In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the magical intersection of Disney history and merchandise with some fascinating stories and updates:


    • High School Musical: Celebrating the anniversary of this unexpected hit, we uncover behind-the-scenes stories and its massive impact on Disney’s tween empire.
    • Star Wars Merch: From Skeleton Crew collectibles to the franchise’s record-breaking $32 billion in merchandise sales, we explore what makes Star Wars the ultimate merch machine.
    • Disney at CES: Discover how Disney’s ad tech innovations are shaping the future of personalized ads across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
    • Mini Mix Plush Hats: Get the latest updates on these quirky park favorites and what’s next in Disney’s unique merchandising trends.


    Whether you’re a fan of Disney history, cutting-edge tech, or just love collecting Disney merch, this episode has something for everyone.


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    23 January 2025, 5:10 am
  • 46 minutes 37 seconds
    How Hades Became the Star of Disney’s Hercules (Ep. 290)

    In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

    • A behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s Hercules, from the creation of Hades to Jeffrey Katzenberg’s surprising influence on the character.
    • The passing of legendary filmmakers David Lynch and Robert Verrall, celebrating their lasting impact on cinema and animation.
    • Box office highlights, including Moana 2 crossing the billion-dollar milestone and Mufasa: The Lion King’s continued success.
    • Exciting new releases, including trailers for Pixar’s Win or Lose and DreamWorks’ Dog Man.

    Join Jim and Drew for insights, stories, and industry updates that celebrate animation’s rich history and exciting future.

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    21 January 2025, 5:10 am
  • 53 minutes 4 seconds
    How to Beat Animal Kingdom Before Breakfast (and What Happened to Reflections?) (Ep. 515)

    This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill share how to conquer Animal Kingdom faster than you can finish a Mickey waffle and dig into the curious case of Disney’s Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge.


    • Animal Kingdom Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to finishing all major rides in under two hours—because who has time to wait in line?
    • Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers the rise, fall, and possible resurrection of Disney’s most mysterious resort project.
    • Tiana’s Bayou Adventure vs. Splash Mountain: Fans weigh in—has Tiana’s really taken the crown from Splash?
    • Smuggler’s Run Upgrades: Could Grogu finally make being an engineer on the Millennium Falcon cool?
    • Dinoland’s New Beat: A drumming band made from recycled materials? That’s the kind of green initiative even Mickey can’t resist.


    Tune in for tips, history, and plenty of questions like, “Is it really a park day if you’re home by 10 a.m.?”


    SHOW NOTES

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    20 January 2025, 5:00 am
  • 58 minutes 2 seconds
    The Monster Mash: Universal’s Classic Crossover Films (Ep. 34)

    In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey howl into the legacy of The Wolfman and explore Universal’s iconic monster history. Plus, they cover a variety of Universal Studios updates and nostalgic gems. Highlights include:


    • The Wolfman’s Legacy: From Lon Chaney Jr.’s classic transformation to Blumhouse’s new reimagining, how the Wolfman defined Universal’s horror legacy.
    • Monster Crossovers: How films like Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman paved the way for today’s cinematic universes.
    • Meet & Greet Updates: Universal Studios Hollywood announces auditions for Back to the Future and Dungeons & Dragons characters for its upcoming FanFest event.
    • The Simpsons Land’s Uncertain Future: What Disney’s recent survey could mean for the beloved Universal attraction.


    Whether you’re a fan of horror classics, theme park updates, or Universal history, this episode has a little something for everyone!

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    17 January 2025, 5:10 am
  • 42 minutes 29 seconds
    Festival of the Arts, A Bug’s Life, and the Secrets of Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek (Ep. 31)

    In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the latest Disney news and fascinating history, including:


    • A look at Epcot’s 2025 Festival of the Arts, featuring Figment-inspired merch, incredible Broadway performances, and more.
    • The surprising story of A Bug’s Life, its connection to Animal Kingdom, and its legacy in Disney history.
    • The evolution of DinoLand USA and what’s next for the space as closures continue.
    • A deep dive into the history behind Animal Kingdom’s Wild Africa Trek, a premium experience born from Disney’s ambitious Night Kingdom plans.


    Whether you're a fan of Disney festivals, park history, or insider stories, this episode is packed with insights and fun surprises.

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    16 January 2025, 12:20 pm
  • 49 minutes 56 seconds
    Wildfires Impact Animation and Josh Gad’s Olaf Journey (Ep. 289)

    In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:


    • The devastating wildfires in Southern California and their impact on the animation industry.
    • Updates on box office hits like Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
    • The intriguing backstory of Olaf’s creation in Frozen and Josh Gad’s journey to voicing the beloved character.
    • Changes to Fox’s Sunday night “Animation Domination” lineup and what it means for The Simpsons.
    • The Visual Effects Society Awards nominees, including The Wild Robot.


    Join Jim and Drew as they highlight the latest animation news, heartwarming stories, and reflections on industry challenges.

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    16 January 2025, 12:00 am
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Taking on Hollywood Studios Without Lightning Lane (and Winning) (Ep. 514)

    This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how to take on Hollywood Studios during peak crowds without relying on Lightning Lane, plus a look at Disney’s music legend George Wilkins and other park updates:


    • Hollywood Studios Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to beating a 9/10 crowd level in six hours flat—without Lightning Lane.
    • George Wilkins Tribute: The Disney composer who wrote EPCOT’s soundtrack and once reworked “Tutti Frutti” in a half-hour.
    • Big Thunder Mountain’s Closure: What it means for Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane priorities (spoiler: it’s chaos).
    • Mandalorian on Smuggler’s Run: Grogu might make engineers the stars of the Millennium Falcon.
    • Dinoland Demolition: What’s next for Animal Kingdom’s most polarizing area?


    Join Len and Jim for strategies, stories, and maybe a few tips on not getting run over by a rope

    dropper.


    SHOW NOTES

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    13 January 2025, 5:00 am
  • 47 minutes 24 seconds
    How the Creators of South Park Tricked A-List Celebrities to Roast Universal (and Drink Seagram’s) (Ep. 33)

    In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the fascinating and hilarious story behind Your Studio and You, a parody film created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker before South Park. Highlights include:


    • The Making of Your Studio and You: How Matt and Trey enlisted A-list celebrities like Steven Spielberg, Angela Lansbury, and Michael J. Fox to poke fun at Universal Studios—and even sip Seagram’s wine coolers—without them realizing the full gag.
    • Mardi Gras 2025 at Universal Orlando: Details on the celebration’s floats, global cuisine, and concerts featuring T-Pain, TLC, and more.
    • Give Kids the World Fundraiser: A look at the upcoming universally ’90s-themed event benefiting an incredible cause.
    • Annual Passholder Perks: From exclusive entrances to special Mardi Gras deals, discover what’s new for Universal passholders this year.


    This episode blends Universal’s latest updates with a humorous dive into its history. If you’re a fan of South Park or theme park lore, you won’t want to miss this one!

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    10 January 2025, 5:10 am
  • 52 minutes 39 seconds
    Disneyland’s 70th Celebration, Haunted Mansion’s New Gift Shop, and the Evolution of Haunted Merch (Ep. 30)

    In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in the New Year with exciting updates from Disneyland Resort, including its upcoming 70th anniversary celebration and the long-awaited opening of a Haunted Mansion-themed gift shop.


    What You’ll Hear:


    • A sneak peek into Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations, including the “Celebrate Happy” theme and the return of fan-favorite nighttime spectaculars like Paint the Night.
    • Insights into the new World of Color: Celebrate Happy show and its connections to Inside Out 2.
    • A deep dive into the history of Haunted Mansion merchandise, from its humble beginnings as a single cart to the immersive new shop, Somewhere Beyond.
    • The evolving passion of Haunted Mansion fans and how Disneyland is leaning into immersive retail experiences for this iconic attraction.


    Whether you’re planning a trip to Disneyland for the 70th festivities or curious about the origins of Haunted Mansion merch, this episode is packed with fun stories and insider details. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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    9 January 2025, 5:10 am
  • 43 minutes 46 seconds
    Animation at the Golden Globes and Donald Duck’s Wartime Legacy (Ep. 288)

    In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:


    • The 82nd Golden Globes nominees for Best Animated Motion Picture, including Inside Out 2, Moana 2, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
    • Hayao Miyazaki’s enduring creative spirit as the Studio Ghibli legend celebrates his 84th birthday.
    • Disney’s history of using Donald Duck to rally Americans during WWII, including the creation of patriotic animated shorts like The New Spirit.
    • Updates on Mufasa: The Lion King’s box office performance and the evolving plans for Disney theme park attractions.
    • A sneak peek at Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man series arriving on Disney+ this month.


    Join Jim and Drew as they explore animation’s rich history, exciting present, and promising future.

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    7 January 2025, 5:10 am
  • 53 minutes 3 seconds
    How Disney’s George Wilkins Created the Soundtrack to Your EPCOT Dreams (Ep. 513)

    This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the remarkable career of Disney composer George Wilkins, the man behind EPCOT’s most iconic music, and discuss the latest park updates and strategies.

    • George Wilkins Tribute: How a 45-year-old jingle writer turned EPCOT into his personal symphony.
    • Free Dining Returns: Disney’s 2025 dining offer is back, but is its timing a response to Universal’s Epic Universe?
    • Big Thunder Mountain Closure: With this fan favorite offline, what should you grab for Lightning Lane instead?
    • Epic Universe Updates: Universal Orlando inches closer to opening with exciting ride testing and big surprises.

    Join Len and Jim as they uncover Disney history, analyze park strategies, and debate the best way to navigate post-Big Thunder chaos.


    SHOW NOTES

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    6 January 2025, 5:00 am
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