The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim and Len dig into multimodal transportation news, Epic Universe’s shifting early entry lineup, and a possible successor to Josh D’Amaro before launching a new series on the history of The Great Movie Ride - including how a live performer in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion helped inspire one of Disney-MGM Studios’ most ambitious opening-day attractions. NEWS • Universal selects The Boring Company to develop a resort-wide transportation system connecting parks and hotels • Epic Universe quietly reshuffles early park admission offerings mid-month • Natasha Rafalski emerges as a potential future leader of Disney Experiences • Garden Rocks concert lineup shifts major acts to Friday through Monday dates • Walt Disney World files permits tied to updates at Carousel of Progress FEATURE • How a live “Knight” performer inside Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion in 1985 influenced Michael Eisner • The Main Street Cinema’s Phantom of the Opera stunt and its connection to Universal Studios’ early tram tour • The risks and gues

Jim and Eric kick things off with breaking news from Universal’s Fan Fest - yes, there are now multiple colored Yoshis roaming around. From there, they dig into Universal’s bold Mummy 4 release date, Wicked’s Peacock debut, Mardi Gras madness in Orlando, and that Epic Universe Super Bowl ad that’s clearly aimed at changing everything. Then in the back half, Jim dives into the surprisingly complicated history of The Land Before Time - from Spielberg’s creative notes to 14 installments and those rare Littlefoot walk-around characters at Universal Studios Hollywood. NEWS • Mummy 4 gets a prime summer release date - Universal slots the Brendan Fraser-led sequel for May 19, 2028, signaling major confidence in the franchise’s return. • Wicked heads to Peacock - Universal’s Broadway juggernaut begins streaming March 20, keeping the contractual Wicked mention streak alive. • Universal Mardi Gras 2026 begins - Over 40 international food booths, live concerts, and the debut of Prince Gator at Universal Orlando. • Vol

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 with light-and-sound “smart brick” technology • A global Mickey and Friends x Formula One collaboration races toward 2026 • Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates 20 years of Push the Talking Trash Can with a talking collectible and shoulder plush • Walt Disney World rolls out a sprawling line of vintage park map merchandise, from tumblers to Skyway-inspired planters FEATURE • The ambitious German River Ride once planned for EPCOT’s Ge

Disney is having a moment and this episode covers three very different reasons why. Eric and Lauren dig into the surprise ratings success of The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special, break down why Marvel’s Wonder Man quietly became a sleeper hit on Disney Plus, and wrap things up with a look at Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary and the popcorn bucket chaos that came with it. From broadcast TV demos to streaming strategy and park optics, this one moves fast and covers a lot of ground. HIGHLIGHTS The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special delivers strong ABC ratings and wins the key 18–49 demo Why those numbers matter to advertisers and what they could mean for a potential weekly revival The Sabrina Carpenter bump and how celebrity guests factor into Muppets nostalgia and reach Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro spotted at Disneyland and the symbolism of that park appearance Marvel’s Wonder Man emerges as a sleeper hit with critics and viewers despite minimal marketing Why a lower-budget, char

This session of The Case For lets Judge Jim Hill step out from behind the bench and into the mailroom as Len Testa and Chris Cox react to listener feedback from several recent cases. From after-hours events and dining plans to Butterbeer preferences, New Year’s Eve strategies, and park entrances, this episode is fueled entirely by audience opinions, polls, and personal experiences. HIGHLIGHTS • Listener reactions to After Hours events, including strong praise for Jollywood Nights and whether these parties can replace a full park day • Poll results and personal stories about the Disney Dining Plan, snack credits, and why many guests value stress-free spending over savings • A deep dive into Butterbeer preferences, including frozen vs hot, Epic Universe crepes, and controversial takes on Blue and Green Milk • Real-world feedback on New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World, from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT strategies to crowd survival stories • A surprisingly passionate debate over the best park entrances, from Ani

Welcome back to Fine Tooning, where Drew Taylor and Jim Hill record on Super Bowl Sunday, dodge football talk, and instead zero in on animation news, box office bruises, and one of the biggest corporate shake-ups in Disney history. Along the way, there is chatter about Super Bowl trailers, art books you are not allowed to open yet, and why studios still love spending big bucks for 30 seconds of attention. Then the conversation turns serious as Disney’s future leadership comes sharply into focus. NEWS • Super Bowl 60 trailer watch, including expected spots for Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and whether Universal should hype the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie • A rough North American box office weekend, with Send Help limping to number one and Zootopia 2 still padding its already massive worldwide total • Angel Studios news, including a release date for Andy Serkis’ long-awaited Animal Farm • GKIDS picks up a new original animated feature from Macross creator Shoji Kawamori • Genndy Tartakovsky reportedly circling

A major leadership change headlines this week’s Disney Dish, as Disney officially names Josh D’Amaro its next CEO. Len and Jim break down what this move really means for the company, why Dana Walden’s new role matters just as much, and how this leadership shuffle could shape the future of Disney parks, entertainment, and creative decision-making. After a news-heavy first half, Jim then steps back in time to explain how Universal’s Jurassic Park strategy once forced Disney to rethink Animal Kingdom from the ground up. NEWS• Josh D’Amaro is named Disney’s next CEO, officially replacing Bob Iger• Dana Walden remains with the company as president and chief creative officer, easing industry concerns• Disney Parks earnings show strong spending but hint at softer attendance trends• New permits reveal expanded ferry capacity at the Magic Kingdom ahead of major land expansions• Disneyland-area bus service faces cancellation, raising guest transportation concerns FEATURE• How Universal’s Jurassic Park success pressur

Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with a mix of snarky social media, surprising Super Bowl ads, and listener-driven questions before pivoting into a deep historical dive. From Universal’s well-timed trolling of Disney to a fascinating look at a Middle East theme park that almost happened, this episode blends breaking news with one of those long-form Universal history lessons Jim is known for. NEWS • Universal Orlando trolls Disney following the closure of Dinosaur with a pointed Jurassic Park social post • Xfinity debuts a Super Bowl ad reuniting the original Jurassic Park cast, directed by Taika Waititi • Universal explores walkaround Jurassic Park characters including John Hammond, Ian Malcolm, and Dennis Nedry • Ongoing fan speculation around the Oz-tacular Spectacular trademark and where a Wicked-themed show could land • Listener questions about Epic Universe character appearances, including the elusive Donkey Kong meet-and-greet FEATURE • A detailed history of Universal Studios Dubailand - the amb

Lauren and Eric break down one of the busiest Disney news weeks in recent memory. From record-breaking cold temperatures in Central Florida to the emotional final day of DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A., there was no shortage of headlines. Add in a surprise character debut, a major Disney earnings call, and the official announcement of a new CEO, and this episode is packed wall to wall with news, context, and strong opinions. HIGHLIGHTS Record-breaking cold temperatures in Orlando, freezing pipes, closing water parks, and even icing over the Universal globe DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A. officially close, with five-hour waits, cast member tributes, and the land vanishing from the app overnight Humphrey the Bear makes his first-ever in-park appearance, delighting deep-cut Disney fans Disney’s latest earnings call delivers strong Parks and Experiences results, just ahead of leadership changes A new Disney CEO is officially named, with Bob Iger transitioning into a senior advisor role and a creat

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 Eevee, the towel-animal-inspired plush debuting exclusively onboard starting February 8 • A new Pixar Pal-A-Round interactive popcorn bucket celebrates Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary with swinging gondolas and lighting effects • EPCOT Festival of the Arts unveils an interactive Figment popcorn bucket, complete with removable, color-changing paintbrush • Disney cracks down on resellers with all-sales-final policies at Character Warehouses and cast member stores • High fashion me

Marvel didn’t roll out a red carpet this week. No hype cycle, no countdown, no spectacle. They just quietly released all eight episodes of Wonder Man - and Jim Hill and Dan Graney think that choice says a lot about where Marvel Studios is headed. In this episode, the conversation turns to trust, restraint, and why some of Marvel’s most meaningful moves right now are the ones they are making without fanfare. NEWS • Wonder Man drops all eight episodes at once, earning strong early reactions • Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to be framed as a major tonal shift • Daredevil: Born Again lines up a second season with Jessica Jones returning • Avengers: Doomsday rumors swirl, including unresolved threads from Deadpool & Wolverine • Marvel’s expanding consumer strategy, including a high-profile Marvel Oreo crossover FEATURE • Why Wonder Man is one of Marvel’s most intimate and character-first projects • Simon Williams, mutants, and Marvel’s renewed comfort with narrative gray areas • The Department of Damage Con

This week on Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick things off on Groundhog Day weekend by leaning into an appropriately animal-heavy episode. From Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming sports comedy Goat to Pixar’s sci-fi action comedy Hoppers, the guys break down why animated animals are having a moment and how recent box office and streaming successes are shaping what comes next. Along the way, there’s box office chatter, awards-season surprises, toy fair buzz, and a heartfelt remembrance of one of animation’s great voice talents. NEWS • Goat from Sony Pictures Animation lines up its February 13 release with NBA All-Star Weekend, and Drew shares what he learned talking directly with the filmmakers. • Pixar’s Hoppers draws internal debate over its bold comedy, with Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton stepping in to defend Daniel Chong’s vision. • Zootopia 2 continues its strong box office run, reinforcing why studios are doubling down on animal-driven stories. • Streaming and awards updates include KPop Demon

This week, Jim and Len unpack a packed Disney Dish that starts with theme park news and surveys before taking a deep dive into the frantic, sleep-deprived final months of EPCOT Center construction. Along the way, they translate Disney survey-speak, speculate on where Pokémon could land at Universal, and stumble onto what might be the most diabolically smart fireworks idea Disney has never tried. NEWS • Disney’s guest surveys decoded - What EPCOT and resort questions really reveal about future cuts, changes, and monetization • Animal Kingdom and Disneyland food updates - Harambe Market speeds up its opening while Napa Rose returns with a $188 price tag • Pokemon at Universal - Why Springfield, Lost Continent, or Epic Universe are all in play • Cruise line discounts and CityWalk rethink - What Universal and Disney Cruise Line data gathering tells us about demand • A subtle Josh D’Amaro change - Could a missing voice hint at bigger leadership news? FEATURE • Inside EPCOT’s construction crunch - From 4,000 work

This week, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey connect the dots between an MTV-inspired TV phenomenon and one of the most ambitious nighttime stunt shows ever staged at a Universal theme park. From Brandon Tartikoff’s “MTV Cops” brainstorm to exploding boats on Universal Studios Lagoon, the guys unpack how Miami Vice helped shape theme park history - even when Universal Florida was not allowed to use the name. NEWS • Universal announces a global Pokémon theme park expansion tied to the franchise’s 30th anniversary • Early speculation on where Pokémon could land stateside, including Lost Continent and Simpsons real estate • Universal files a trademark for “OZTACULAR SPECTACULAR,” fueling Oz land rumors for the rumored UK park • First public look at the Universal Kids Resort model ahead of its Frisco, Texas opening • Reactions to Wicked: Part Two being shut out of this year’s Academy Award nominations FEATURE • How Miami Vice evolved from “MTV Cops” into a pop culture juggernaut • Why Universal Studios Hollywood repurpo

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 viral Labubu-style collector economy • Why blind boxes, mystery packs, and “completionist” merch are suddenly Disney’s favorite strategy • Disney Lorcana takes over EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts with a free scavenger hunt and highly coveted promo cards • Marvel’s new color-changing Oreos turn cookies into collectibles, complete with QR codes, lore, and villains • Universal Studios Japan confirms

Lauren and Eric dig into the latest chatter surrounding Disney’s next CEO, unpack mixed reactions to a newly released Disneyland documentary, and explore why Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World struck a nostalgic chord. Along the way, they reflect on what quietly vanished during COVID and which experiences fans still hope might return. HIGHLIGHTS Online reaction to Disney’s CEO succession plan, including why Josh D’Amaro is the public-facing favorite and why some fans are wary of his park-era decisions. A breakdown of Disneyland Handcrafted, its simultaneous release on Disney Plus and YouTube, and why reactions from fans and creators have been so divided. Hallmark filming at Walt Disney World, complete with Polynesian Village Resort guest notices and why the collaboration makes sense for both brands. A nostalgic look back at COVID-era losses across the parks, from tea rooms and spas to parades, shows, and interactive experiences that never returned. The attractions, entertainment, and small

In this session of The Case Four, Judge Jim Hill presides over a lively and surprisingly practical debate about Walt Disney World’s Lightning Lane system. Len Testa and Chris Cox dig into what you really gain - and lose - when you pay to skip the standby line, weighing money, time, stress, and how much of your vacation you want to spend staring at your phone. Along the way, the court grapples with pie-related grievances, parenting realities, and whether Disney’s most premium option might actually make sense. HIGHLIGHTS • A plain-English breakdown of Lightning Lane Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass and how Disney complicates all three • Real-world math on paying to skip lines versus waiting with kids for hours • The mental load of Lightning Lane optimization and how much phone time it actually demands • Touring tactics like rope drop pairing, stacking, burner Lightning Lanes, and the 119-minute grace period • Why Lightning Lane Premier Pass might be the least stressful - and most honest - version of t

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down a very strange January weekend for animation and the box office. Between a massive snowstorm shutting down hundreds of theaters, surprise Oscar nominations, and some heartfelt remembrances of animation legends, this episode covers a lot of ground. There is industry news, Disney history, and a few thoughtful detours along the way. NEWS • How a nationwide snowstorm shut down more than 400 theaters and dragged the North American box office down to just $58 million for the weekend • Why Mercy managed to knock Avatar: Fire & Ash out of the top spot with a historically soft number one opening • Zootopia 2 crosses $400 million domestically and gets a confirmed digital and physical release timeline • Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Short, including why KPop Demon Hunters looks like the current front-runner • A first look teaser for The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie introduces Yoshi ahead of its April release FEATURE • A deep dive into the legacy

This week on the Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa cover a wide range of park news before diving headfirst into one of the most intense construction stories Disney has ever lived through. From Haunted Mansion permits and Animal Kingdom surveys to Hallmark cameras rolling at Walt Disney World, the first half sets the stage for a jaw-dropping look at how EPCOT was nearly derailed before it ever opened. Then Jim walks through the chaotic final year of EPCOT construction, when Disney threw manpower, money, and sanity at the calendar to make an October 1 deadline happen. NEWS • New construction permits near the Haunted Mansion spark speculation about queue changes and future guest flow into Villains Land • Universal confirms a Fast & Furious spinning coaster will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit • Disney surveys reveal how much a re-themed attraction like Zootopia Better Zoo-Gether actually drives intent to visit • Animal Kingdom questions hint at how Disney expects families to split up as thrill rides

This week, Jim and Eric shift from breaking Universal news into a fascinating look back at how the company perfected the art of staged chaos. From the official confirmation of a Fast & Furious coaster to high winds halting Epic Universe testing, the conversation eventually lands on the wonderfully cheesy, sometimes dangerous, and always ingenious Jay Bangs that defined the Universal Studios Hollywood Tram Tour for decades. NEWS • Universal officially confirms a Fast & Furious coaster to replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit • Universal Orlando’s latest emotional ad sparks debate over nostalgia versus party vibes • High winds stall testing on Epic Universe’s Stardust Racers coaster • Mystery concrete and launch tubes hint at a future nighttime spectacular at Epic Universe • A noticeable rise in lawsuits across major theme parks raises industry concerns FEATURE • Why Universal’s Tram Tour illusions were internally known as Jay Bangs • Collapsing bridges, rockslides, spinning tunnels, and other classic disaster ef