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The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
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- Today53 min
Stitch Gets a Second Take with Chris Sanders (Ep. 363)
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 Drew talk physical media, Hoppers on Disney+, and Best Buy’s exit from DVDs and Blu-rays. • Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton receive knighthoods as the studio celebrates with a Royal Mint coin. • Pixar’s Gatto gets a closer look, including its Venice setting, painterly style, and voice cast. • Floyd Norman is set for an Academy Honorary Award, while Jim and Drew remember Margaret Kerry’s legacy as Tinker Bell’s live-action reference model. FEATURE • Disney moves ahead with live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 for May 2028. • Chris Sanders returns to write and direct after voicing Stitch in both the original animated classic and the 2025 live-action remake. • Jim and Drew discuss how Angel, Stitch’s pink counterpart from the animated series, may factor into the sequel. • The conversation connects Sanders’ busy slate, from The Wild Robot to Lilo & Stitch, with Disney’s long-running affection for Experiment 626. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia • Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored, Instagram: @drewtailored FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, UnlockedMagic.com helps you lock in great ticket prices without the stress. Head to UnlockedMagic.com to grab the best ticket deals and make that future trip just a little more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Yesterday1h 5m
The Night Disneyland Locked In 8,500 High School Seniors (Ep. 588)
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 • Monstropolis details reveal “Human Day,” a walking route inspired by Mike and Sulley’s commute, and Disney’s growing fondness for “you’re invited to a special day” ride premises. • Grand Floridian Cafe closes July 19 for refurbishment, raising the important question of whether the menu gets more than new curtains. • La Cava del Tequila hosts a July 14 Epcot event with tastings, cocktails, lunch at San Angel Inn, and a commemorative 1982 menu. • Disneyland restores all-day park hopping, while early signs of DisneylandForward construction point toward a new parking structure and future DCA expansion. • Listener questions cover theme park capacity math, House of Mouse villains, Monstropolis pin trading, and whether Universal’s latest patents could make vending machines and park transportation a lot smarter. FEATURE • Jim traces how Disneyland’s original Grad Nite grew out of Walt’s decision to close Holidayland and Jack Lindquist’s search for a new after-hours revenue stream. • The first Grad Nite brought 8,500 students from 28 Southern California high schools to Disneyland for $6 each, or about $67 in today’s money. • Life magazine sent four photographers and shot thousands of photos, only to bump the planned spread when the Berlin Wall changed the news cycle. • Disneyland’s Grad Nite rules included school buses, dress codes, chaperones, locker checks, planter searches, and haircuts for boys whose hair dared to touch a collar. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVC Rental Store. With the longest days of the year approaching, Unlocked Magic can help you save on your next Disney trip, giving you more time to hunt for the elusive ghost of the forest, Bongo, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 days ago44 min
Toy Story 5 Finally Premieres! (Ep. 362)
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 February 2027 • Pixar’s Gatto is coming shortly after in March 2027, with a teaser trailer dropping June 11th • Universal may be losing The Simpsons theme park rights, but they’re planning some spooky changes in the coming years • Friend of the show Josh Gad karate kicked his way back into Book of Mormon after 14 years at the Tony’s and as it turns out, he’s still amazing FEATURE •Toy Story 5 had its premiere and Drew has now seen the film twice, so what’s going on with all of the Buzz Lightyears? Jim and Drew talk about his reaction (without diving into spoilers) and some of the new tech Drew is hoping will make its way into a movie-accurate Buzz toy. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - StrongMindedAgency.com SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, the go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 theme park vacation is on your radar, their team can help you save money while making the planning process easier. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Jim Hill Media Sponsorship Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 5 days ago48 min
Swifties, Cars, and the Mystery of Mickey’s Missing Plaque (Ep. 103)
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 City. NEWS • Taylor Swift’s newly confirmed Toy Story 5 song sends Swifties hunting for Disney-Pixar Easter eggs. • Toy Story 5 builds even more buzz ahead of its June 2026 theatrical release. • Disney celebrates 20 years of Cars with new anniversary merchandise and a Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket. • The upcoming Piston Peak expansion at Walt Disney World keeps Cars front and center for the next generation. • Disney’s Main Street marketing initiative begins laying the groundwork for Mickey Mouse’s 100th birthday. FEATURE • Jim explains why Mickey Mouse did not always have one official birthday. • The episode traces how Dave Smith and the Disney Archives helped settle on November 18, 1928. • Jim revisits Mickey’s 50th anniversary celebration in New York City, including Ward Kimball’s whistle-stop tour. • The mystery of the missing Steamboat Willie plaque leads to Broadway, Shrek the Musical, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2, Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 5 days ago29 min
The Worst Theme Park Clickbait (Ep. 21)
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 A Galveston roller coaster evacuation sparks a bigger conversation about the scariest possible ride breakdowns. Eric shares what it was like being evacuated from Space Mountain with the lights on. Lauren and Eric debate whether attractions like the Skyliner, monorail, Incredicoaster, and Pixar Pal-A-Round are worse in theory than in practice. Disney ride evacuations can feel more like behind-the-scenes adventures than disasters, depending on the attraction. Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and Living with the Land all land on the “wouldn’t mind getting stuck there” list. Hersheypark calls out a misleading theme park news post, kicking off a discussion about Disney clickbait. Clickbait headlines, ad-heavy sites, and vague rumors make theme park news harder to trust. The fan community weighs in on trusted park news sources, from Disney Tourist Blog to BlogMickey and WDWMagic. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: DisAndHers.com Instagram: @disandhers TikTok: @disandhers Facebook: Dis and Hers YouTube: Dis & Hers FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: JimHillMediaNews Instagram: JimHillMedia TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Jenny Snyder & Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 5 days ago51 min
A Doomsday Coffee Shop, Spider-Man Sightings, and Star Wars Variety Shows for the Entire Family (Ep. 19)
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 menu • Spider-Man was recently spotted in London suspiciously filming something at the same time the Russo Brothers are in town, and with Brand New Day coming in July, the guys wonder if this is another Shawarma-style tag or maybe setting the scene for Spider-Man in Doomsday • Stan Lee is back, Excelsior! Only, is that such a good thing? ElevenLabs thinks so, and they’re betting you want him to read you a bedtime story • Darth Vader arrives on Batuu in the new Marvel Comics series Echoes of the Empire, and the Disney folks are finally getting that sweet, sweet corporate synergy between Lucasfilm, Marvel, and the parks FEATURE • Jim and Dan talk about the “Yes, they really did that.” Star Wars television variety show appearances and of course, the much maligned and strangely beloved Star Wars Christmas Special HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com • Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR • UnlockedMagic.com - Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets through the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=marvelus If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago1h 19m
You’ve Got a Land in Me: Toy Story’s Theme Park Journey (Ep. 587)
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 one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey’s Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert’s retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar’s growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy’s backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews, YouTube: @jimhillmedia, TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago57 min
Everything Keeps Catching Fire: Universal’s Backlot Blazes (Ep. 106)
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 has a July 1 grand opening date, with one-day tickets, two-day tickets, annual passes, and resort packages revealed. • Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas appears to be leaning into a year-round event calendar, with rotating seasonal experiences planned through 2027. • Universal Studios Hollywood’s Mega Movie Summer includes The Odyssey props, Minions meet-and-greets, Fast and Furious food, Jaws-themed treats, and Wicked photo opportunities. • Jim and Eric speculate that all the Fast and Furious activity at Universal Hollywood may point to Hollywood Drift getting closer to opening. FEATURE • Jim walks through the major fires that have hit Universal Studios Hollywood, from brush fires in the 1930s and 1940s to suspected arson on the lower lot. • The episode revisits the devastating 1990 fire that destroyed portions of New York Street, Courthouse Square, classic cars, and parts of the tram tour. • Jim explains how the 2008 backlot fire destroyed the King Kong Encounter and led to King Kong 360 3D becoming part of the Studio Tour. • The conversation also touches on Universal’s repeated rebuilding efforts, its water-pressure problems, and why so much of the backlot is more recreation than original movie history. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey, Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Epic Universal listeners can save up to 12% on theme park tickets and now purchase ExpressPass through UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
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