The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the series finale for that Lucasfilm Animation production, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” They then talk about how pleased Paramount+ is with the debut of its “Knuckles” mini-series Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Where did the “Bluey’s Big Play” traveling stage show make its North American debut When will “The Fairly OddParents: A New Wish” be debuting on Nickelodeon Who was supposed to voice the title character in Jorge Guiterrez’ “I, Chihuahua” When did the $70 million custom-built Walt Disney Feature Animation – Florida production facility officially come online Which animation historian will be creating original content for the Classic television Network’s soon-to-debut channel, MeTV Toons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest news coming out about the Epic Universe project. They also talk about why Bay Lake Tower is undergoing a year-long refurbishment in the not-so-distant future Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which crime figure from the 1930s inspired Ma Beagle & the Beagle Boys How is Fort Wilderness’ remote location reportedly impacting DVC sales for the cabins there How many animated series featuring Disney’s “Stitch” character have been produced to date How could the Beyond Big Thunder project potentially impact the Rivers of America at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Which two living character initiative shows plowed the road for “Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Star Wars Day, Disney-Henson Complex History and Rare Muppet Collectibles Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey start this week’s show by discussing the latest developments in the "Disneyland Forward" project and what this means for future expansions. They talk about Star Wars Day Merch and share the deep and complex history between Disney and the Jim Henson Company, highlighting how this relationship has evolved over the years. In This Episode: New Pandora Merch lighting up Animal Kingdom Sneak Peek at Donald Duck's 90th Collection. Muppets in Space and the Disney-Henson Relationship: Learn about the significance of this project in their complex history. Jim's Rare Muppet Collection and the story behind it. YouTube Title- Part 1: New Experience Coming to Disneyland, Pandora Merch, and Sneak Peek Donald Duck 90th Anniversary collection. Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey share the stories behind the Disney collectibles. In this episode, they kick things off with the "Disneyland Forward" Updates and the exciting expansion plans at Disneyland. They look at the New Pandora Merch coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and share a sneak peek of the highly anticipated Donald Duck 90th Anniversary Collection. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: patreon.com/jimhillmedia WEBSITE: jimhillmedia.com SUBSCRIBE to JIM HILL MEDIA: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimhillmedia SUBSCRIBE TO DISNEY UNPACKED! https://www.youtube.com/@DisneyUnpacked LISTEN TO THE JIM HILL MEDIA PODCAST NETWORK ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/1aaVkv92h4H7kGxrZE5qMH STAY CONNECTED: LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/JimHillMediaNews X (TWITTER): https://twitter.com/JimHillMedia INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jimhillmedia EMAIL: jim@jimhillmedia.com, lauren@laurenhersey.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by congratulating Israel Perez & the team at WDW’s Victoria & Albert’s for the Michelin star they were just awarded. They then welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a discussion of WDSP’s upcoming “Alice & the Red Queen: Back in Wonderland” show For this episode, listeners will learn about: Why – when WDW Cast Members finally get to preview “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” – they may come at this revamped flume ride from backstage How far along is the “Disneyland Forward” project when it comes to Anaheim’s approval process What’s interesting about that construction permit that just got pulled for Epcot’s “Journey into Imagination” pavilion The “Frozen” star recently got the opportunity to try his hand at conducting on the Disneyland Railroad Why – when it comes to updating and/or making significant changes to the African side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the Imagineers have very limited choices Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up Pixar Fest (which starts this weekend at Disneyland Park). They then look ahead to which studios will be doing presentations at this year’s Annecy International Animation Film Festival & Market For this episode, listeners will learn about: How many Disney-related items are coming up for bid at Van Eaton Galleries’ next big event, “The Joel Magee Auction: Part Two” Which Pixar veteran is directing “Transformers One” for Paramount Animation When will “Robot Dreams” be released to select theaters in North America What became of the plaque in the lobby of NYC’s Broadway Theater which commemorates “Steamboat Willie” ‘s world premiere in that same space back in 1928 Who was supposed to originally voice Fiona in the “Shrek” film series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the tram accident that happened this past weekend at Universal Studios Hollywood. They then take a close look at the perks annual passholders will be able to enjoy at the Universal Orlando parks starting in May. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Universal horror classic got transformed from a silent film to a sound picture in 1929 Why did Universal Studios Florida push back the opening of “Twister … Ride It Out” from March of 1998 to early May of that same year Which store used to occupy the space in Universal CityWalk that’s now being transformed into the Epic Universe preview center Back in 1931, who did Universal Pictures originally announce was going to star in that Studio’s upcoming production of “Frankenstein” Which cartoon character is at the wheel of that popcorn bucket that Universal Hollywood is now selling to commemorate the 60th anniversary of that theme park’s tram tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by revisiting the whole did-Greedo-shoot-first issue. They then talk about what the last few episodes of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” seem to be setting up Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What honor will George Lucas be receiving at this year’s Cannes Film Festival Where can Disneyland visitors view that theme park’s “Fire of the Rising Moons” fireworks display What did Harrison Ford want to have happen to Han Solo in “Return of the Jedi” Which animated series was the first “Star Wars” show to be set in the era of the High Republic How did Leslie Headland – the showrunner for “Star Wars: The Acolyte” – describe this new limited series for Disney+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts at Universal Orlando. They then look back at Disney’s reaction to Mattel’s 1972 announcement of its Circus World theme park project Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How many times will Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights be presented this year What’s the name of the bay that the “World of Frozen” is built alongside at the theme park formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris What price range is Universal reportedly considering when it comes to admission to its new kid-friendly park currently under construction in Bliss, TX Why are the popcorn buckets sold at the Disney Parks in Anaheim & Tokyo so much nicer than the ones that are sold at the WDW Resort How were the elephants dressed at the groundbreaking ceremony for Circus World back in April of 1973 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking up "Ultraman: Rising.” They then discuss which animation studio is soon to be honored with a Palme D’Odr at this year’s Cannes Film Festival For this episode, listeners will learn about: Which character in Pixar’s “Up” did Peter Docter’s daughter Elizabeth voice What does the future potentially hold for the “Bluey” animated series Which Pixar film was “B.O.O,” DreamWorks Animation’s cancelled supernatural comedy, supposed to go head-to-head with back in June of 2015 How long is the “Mary Blair’s Wonderland: Imagining Disney’s Alice” exhibit running at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University Which Animal Planet series from the 2000s is Warner Bros. Pictures Animation reportedly using as the jumping-off point for a feature-length project Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about the merch locations that are being readied for the WDW version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.” They then discuss how Disney helped promote the U.S. Forest Service’s fire prevention program Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: When did Walt Disney Animation Studios finally shut production of shorts for theatrical release What did Rankin-Bass produce as their follow-up to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” When is Walt Disney World’s redo of “Splash Mountain” rumored to re-open What’s the name of the bear at the bottom of that totem pole that Guests encounter right outside of the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile Which legendary big-screen romance first opened in theaters back in January of 1943 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by deep-diving into the changes the Disney Parks are about to make to their DAS policy. They also continue their look back at WDW’s Tomorrowland Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How many episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” has Ice-T appeared in to date What were Disney Legend John Hench’s concerns about the version of World Showcase that was almost built next to WDW’s TTC How long did it take the team at WDW’s Food Labs to create that translucent fruit that was served aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” When was Phase One of “Project Florida” originally supposed to end construction How tall was Thunder Mesa (i.e., the table-top mountain that was supposed to house WDW’s “Western River Expedition” ride) supposed to be Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the M3gan horde became the break-out hit at last year’s Halloween Horror Nights. They also discuss Universal Orlando’s Stella Nova & Terra Luna resorts Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What role did Michael Eisner play in setting Paramount Pictures’ “King Kong” remake in motion back in the mid-1970s Why did Universal Pictures insist that certain scenes in “M3gan” be reshot Why did Universal Studios Hollywood temporarily shut down “Earthquake: The Big One” back in October of 1989 Which Universal Pictures release back in November of 1974 introduced the world to Sensurround Which after-hours event at the Disney Parks inspired Universal’s Grad Bash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by looking back at how Walt Disney Studios did effects back in the 1960s. They also talk about the version of “Toy Story 3” that Circle 7 Studios had in development Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When will “Kung Fu Panda 4” be available for viewing on digital platforms like Amazon Video & iTunes How far back did the release date of Disney’s live-action version of “Moana” get pushed back When did Happy Meals toys rethemed around Pixar’s “Elio” become available for purchase in Mexico What name did Disney used for “The Good Dinosaur” when this Pixar production was first announced at the D23 Expo back in August of 2011 Who will be voicing the Mother of the title character in Pixar’s “Elio” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how the Shooting Gallery at WDW’s Magic Kingdom will soon close to become a DVC lounge. They also take a look back at Tomorrowland in this same theme park circa late 1971 / early 1972. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which then-husband & wife team were originally supposed to play the leads in Disney’s never-produced “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” sequel When does it appear that the Magic Kingdom will be opening its version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” Which “Avatar” film is the new experience that Bob Iger recently revealed was in the works for Disneyland in Anaheim supposed to be based on What significant eco-friendly change is supposedly in the works for Florida’s version of Autopia According to John Hench, which proposed WDW resorts were deliberately designed in such a way that they could then be seen from inside of the Magic Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 4 of "I Want That Too," where we venture into the world of Disney merchandise, with a special focus on the Tiki culture found within the Disney universe. Join entertainment writer Jim Hill and co-host Lauren Hersey as they uncover the stories behind Disney collectibles, explore the history of the Enchanted Tiki Room, and dive into the resurgence of Tiki culture among Disney fans and collectors. In This Episode: The Significance of April 5th in Disney Park History: Discover why this date holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans. Spotlight on Tiki Culture: A deep dive into the history of the Enchanted Tiki Room and its controversial management change, exploring how Tiki culture has been integrated into the Disney parks and merchandise. Featured Merchandise: The newly released Zazu shoulder plush in celebration of "The Lion King's" 30th anniversary and a look at the coveted Tiki mugs that have become a collector's dream. Book Review: "Before the Birds Sang Words" by Ken Bruce, offers an in-depth exploration of Disney's feathered friends and the technology behind their creation. Sponsor Shoutout: A big thank you to TouringPlans.com for making this deep dive into Disney's Tiki culture possible. Listener Engagement: We invite our listeners to share their Disney collections and stories. Reach out to us at Lauren@laurenhersey.com or Jim@jimhillmedia.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about many of the animation-related books that will hit store shelves later this year. They also discuss how “Aladdin” commemorated its 10th year on Broadway Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which member of the “Frozen” voice cast just collaborated on a Putnum’s Book for Young Readers How does “Disney Junior’s Ariel!” blend the 1989 animated feature with the 2023 live-action reboot What made the Hanna Barbera-produced “Popeye” cartoons different from the shorts that previously starred this character from King’s Feature Syndicate When was “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” originally supposed to be released to theaters How old were Hiccup & Astrid originally supposed to be in Dreamworks’ first “How to Train Your Dragon” movie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the truce-of-sorts that’s recently been brokered between the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District & Disney. They also talk about the drone show that will debut at Disney Springs on May 24th Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which annual event – which is held over in Tampa – made the Imagineers hesitant to bring Disneyland’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride to Florida Why is much of Epcot’s Morocco pavilion currently hidden behind construction fences When did Walt Disney make his very last visit to the Studios that he & his brother Roy built in Burbank What is Tiana asking Guests to help out with when they set sail on her “Bayou Adventure” How did WDI upset the turkey vultures who frequent the WDW Resort Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by taking a look back at the “How to Train Your Dragon” film franchise. They then pivot to discussing the latest land to be unveiled for Epic Universe Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which character did Wayne Brady almost get heat stroke playing at a Disney Park How many different movie studios have released “How to Train Your Dragon” films over the past 14 years What was especially cool about the “Casper the Friendly Ghost” ride that Universal Creative developed for that Company’s theme parks Who was originally supposed to be the lead of the first “Ghostbusters” movie Residents of which two states can take advantage of the latest Universal Orlando ticket offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Imperial March.” They then discuss why “Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny” wound up being such a disappointment Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Who threw the switch at the Empire State Building to start a celebration of Star Wars villainy Which UK Prime Minister played a part in the launching of “May the Fourth Be With You” as a popular phrase among Star Wars fans Who’s writing that “Star Wars ICONS Darth Vader” book that Insight Editions will be publishing later this Fall Which “Rebel Moon” star auditioned to play the role of Anakin Skywalker in “Attack of the Clones” When did Captain Rex, Captain Gregor & Commander Wolffe first appear on “Star Wars: Rebels” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the construction permits that just got filed for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They then discuss the “Encanto” -themed show that will be presented in front of CommuniCore Plaza later this Summe Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What’s the difference between a Milky Way bar and Three Musketeers Which Dinoland U.S.A. structures are supposed to survive this side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom being transformed into an “Encanto” -themed area What toy line did Disney Consumer Products launch in the mid-2000s with the hope that it would then become a “Disney Princesses” -like success with little boys Which “Clueless” star did Disney originally cast as Tinker Bell’s speaking voice How did Tom Staggs alter Jay Rasulo’s original plans for the Fantasyland expansion that was first announced back in September of 2009 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices