The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey race through breaking Universal news before Eric hits the road, covering everything from a surprising park entry tech failure to visible demolition at Islands of Adventure. They also dig into new developments around Epic Universe expansion plans and international park oddities. Then, in honor of a major milestone, Jim walks through the complex, multi-year transformation that brought The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood. NEWS • A temporary entry system failure at Universal Studios Florida raises questions about reliance on facial recognition and fingerprint ticketing • Demolition begins in Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, with walls up around the former Sinbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury area • New land clearing near Epic Universe sparks speculation, though Universal calls it routine site prep • Celestial Park fountain drained as nighttime show development continues at Epic Universe • Universal Studios Japan adds Peanuts characters to its 25th ann

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 Disney Store outlet sighting sparks discussion about the future of retail - including rumors of immersive store experiences returning in select markets • New retro Figment and Dreamfinder shirts celebrate the original Journey Into Imagination attraction with vintage-inspired designs • A Little Golden Book biography of Jim Henson arrives May 5, introducing younger readers to

Lauren and Eric go underground this week to unpack their unexpectedly viral TikTok and the surprisingly polarizing reactions to their utilidor-inspired basement. What started as a fun Disney homage quickly turned into a reality check from former cast members who know the tunnels all too well. Then, the conversation moves topside as they explore what it really costs to live near Walt Disney World, from Golden Oak luxury to the curious case of Celebration. HIGHLIGHTS A TikTok featuring their utilidor-themed basement sparks viral attention and unexpected cast member reactions Former Disney cast members reveal the less magical side of the utilidor, including smells, noise, and daily operations The surprising divide between Disney fan perception and cast member reality when it comes to backstage areas A breakdown of Golden Oak living, including home prices ranging from $4M to $18M and steep HOA fees Celebration, Florida examined as Disney’s original master-planned community, with mixed reviews fr

Len Testa and Chris Cox take their case to the court as they debate whether Universal’s Epic Universe Express Pass is worth the hefty price tag. With an upcoming family trip on the line, Chris weighs cost versus convenience, while Len breaks down the math, ride reliability, and real-world touring strategy. Along the way, they explore downtime issues, queue trade-offs, and whether a VIP tour might actually be the smarter splurge. In the end, even the court has to admit: this one’s closer than it seems. HIGHLIGHTS • Express Pass pricing ranges from $210 to $360 per person, with per-ride costs that rival Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass • The biggest benefit: near-guaranteed ability to experience all major attractions in a single day with shorter waits • Major downside: high cost for families, especially when compared to adding an extra park day instead • Ride downtime at Epic Universe is משמעותי, with top attractions averaging 45 to 110 minutes of daily closures • Express Pass acts as “insurance” against

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s Fine Tooning with a real-life animation-adjacent story involving Bob’s Burgers’ Eugene Mirman, before diving into a huge Easter weekend box office led by Nintendo’s latest animated hit. From Disney+ shorts and Netflix trailers to Broadway updates and AI controversy, this episode covers a wide swath of animation and industry news. Plus, the guys explore a lingering mystery involving Disney’s experimental drone shows. HIGHLIGHTS • Eugene Mirman, the voice of Gene Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, is involved in a serious electric vehicle accident in New Hampshire and shares a humorous recovery update • The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie opens to a massive $372 million worldwide, outperforming expectations despite mixed reviews • Pixar’s Hoppers continues its theatrical run with $332 million globally, while Project Hail Mary climbs to $420 million worldwide • Disney+ debuts “Versa,” a visually ambitious animated short exploring grief and loss, alongside two new Short Cir

Len and Jim follow the money, the zoning maps, and at least one imaginary contractor from 79 A.D. to figure out where new Magic Kingdom hotels might go—and whether you’ll one day be able to literally sleep inside Villains Land. Then Jim digs into one of Disneyland’s strangest early attractions: a fully gold-plated “Bathroom of Tomorrow” that proves Walt Disney could, in fact, make plumbing both educational and slightly terrifying. Along the way: after-2pm tickets, summer crowd tea leaves, and why your next Disney vacation might come with a side of afternoon thunderstorms and existential ride downtime. NEWS • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin soft-opens at Magic Kingdom with updated gameplay and improved interactivity • Walt Disney World introduces new after-2pm summer tickets with lower per-hour cost—but higher exposure to Florida’s daily thunderstorm roulette • Summer 2026 discounts (tickets + hotels) hint at softer-than-expected demand and rising travel costs impacting attendance • Deposition reveals Dis

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed, news-heavy episode as they break down a wave of updates from across Universal Parks and beyond. From Epic Universe expansion permits and annual passholder strategy to Halloween Horror Nights reveals and new Vegas experiences, this episode is wall-to-wall news. If you’ve been waiting for a full download on everything happening at Universal right now, this is the episode. NEWS • Super Mario Bros. Galaxy opens with massive box office projections, signaling strong synergy with Universal’s theme park strategy • Universal FanFest expands with new experiences, including a Scooby-Doo and classic monsters walkthrough and a One Piece live stunt show • Jurassic Park walkthrough experience quietly opens at Universal Hollywood, featuring iconic characters and interactive elements • Universal Hollywood introduces a new all-day dining pass, raising questions about guest spending and in-park strategy • Epic Universe expansion permits reveal new land development, including

Lauren and Eric break down everything you need to know about D23 2026—from the expanded week-long fan experience to the realities of membership tiers and ticket strategy. They also dive into this year’s Disney Legends class, unpacking fan reactions and notable “snubs.” Then, the conversation shifts to Universal, where an unexpected meme has thrust the Bourne Stuntacular into the spotlight. Finally, they explore underrated Disney park experiences that fans say deserve more love. HIGHLIGHTS D23 2026 expands into a full week of fan experiences leading up to the Anaheim Convention Center expo (August 14–16) Breakdown of D23 membership tiers, including free, Gold Essential, Gold Choice, and Gold Complete options Ticketing strategy insights, including Honda Center access and the challenge of securing premium experiences Disney Legends 2026 class includes Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, and more Fan reactions highlight debate over “snubs” like Hilary Duff, Raven-Symoné,

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 windows ahead of Disney+ subscribers • Honda Center seating add-ons and limited availability raise concerns for fans trying to secure access to major presentations • Random Selection Process (RSP) pins debut with unclear odds, limited quantities, and eligibility tied to higher-priced ticket packages • Disney+ perk offers 20% off D23 Gold Membership upgrades, prompting fans to weigh whether paid

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack a pivotal week for Marvel, where shifting strategies across film and Disney+ suggest a more deliberate long-term plan. From the rising importance of street-level heroes like Daredevil and the Punisher to the competitive pressure building around Avengers: Doomsday, this episode connects the dots between release dates, character focus, and Marvel’s evolving storytelling approach. Along the way, they also explore what’s missing from the MCU - and why that might matter more than what’s already arrived. NEWS • Avengers: Doomsday faces growing competition, with major franchises positioning themselves for a crowded theatrical window • Spider-Man: Brand New Day teaser surpasses 1 billion views, signaling massive audience anticipation • Marvel adjusts long-term release calendar, pushing a 2028 film and staking out multiple 2029 dates • DC accelerates its interconnected universe plans with new Green Lantern-focused teaser developments • Ryan Coogler’s Sinners success highlights creative

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation, from Universal’s massive push behind Super Mario Bros. Galaxy to the continued global surge of KPop Demon Hunters. They also break down the latest box office winners, Pixar’s underappreciated Hoppers, and what’s really going on with Disney’s evolving Villains Land plans. Plus, a look at DreamWorks’ ambitious Forgotten Island and how live-action remakes keep reshaping animation’s future. HIGHLIGHTS • Super Mario Bros. Galaxy gears up for a massive $150–$165 million opening, with Universal deploying aggressive cross-promotion across NBC and its theme parks • Project Hail Mary holds strong at No. 1 with $300 million worldwide, blending practical puppetry and VFX for its standout character Rocky • Pixar’s Hoppers nears $300 million globally, continuing the studio’s tradition of dual-form character storytelling • KPop Demon Hunters expands into a full franchise with a sequel planned for 2029, a global live tour in development, and continued music dominan

Len shares a first-hand look at the newly updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, breaking down what’s changed and whether it improves gameplay. The show also covers Bluey’s wildly popular debut at Disneyland and the operational ripple effects already being felt. In the main segment, Jim unpacks the complicated series of business decisions, ownership changes, and industry shifts that ultimately led to Miss Piggy & pals making their home at the Mouse House. NEWS Len reviews the updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, including new handheld blasters that significantly improve aiming and gameplay Enhanced laser visibility and dual-color targeting (red vs. green) make it easier to track shots and differentiate players Targets are now digital with dynamic scoring tied to color and animation, increasing replayability and challenge A new practice room at the start of the ride helps guests learn the updated system before gameplay begins Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland sees overwh

A first-hand review of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, as Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore Universal’s bold attempt to bring Halloween Horror Nights to a permanent, year-round venue. Recording from the Luxor, the duo walks through their entire experience - from navigating Area 15 to stepping inside each house, scare zone, and live show. Eric takes on his very first full-scale Universal horror event, while Jim offers behind-the-scenes insight into how these scares are created and why they work so well. The result is a detailed, honest review of what may be the future of Universal’s horror business. HIGHLIGHTS • Full review of Universal Horror Unleashed, including location, layout, and how it compares to traditional Halloween Horror Nights • Texas Chainsaw Massacre house breakdown and why it’s a brutal first experience for newcomers • Scarecrow: The Reaping and how Universal balances original concepts with established horror IP • How “boo holes,” misdirection, and 90-second pulsing create a more inten

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 matchups show strong wins for Cars, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, with Ratatouille narrowly beating Up • Bluey’s Best Day Ever debuts at Disneyland with overwhelming demand, long lines, and immediate operational adjustments • Disney reevaluating Bluey show length after feedback that 40 minutes may be too long for younger audiences • New Bluey merchandise arrives at Disneyland, including ap

Eric and Lauren recap a whirlwind West Coast trip that somehow included perfect Disneyland weather, a near-lost family heirloom, a surprise ER visit, and a first-ever Universal Hollywood experience. From standout meals and parade magic to unexpected disappointments and unforgettable moments with friends, this special trip report covers it all. Plus, the highs and lows of taking the whole family to Vegas for a taste of Horror Unleashed. HIGHLIGHTS March at Disneyland delivers ideal hoodie weather, smaller crowds than summer, and a surprise overlap with Food & Wine Festival Staying off-property at the Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance proves more affordable, spacious, and just as convenient as Disney hotels Paint the Night parade lives up to the hype, while fireworks are a no-show thanks to Santa Ana winds Plaza Inn emerges as the best meal of the trip, beating out expectations including Blue Bayou A magical recovery story as a lost diamond ring is found in a hotel hot tub against all odds

Are Disney World character meals a brilliant time-saving hack or an overpriced distraction from the parks? In this episode of The Case For, Len Testa and Chris Cox step into the courtroom to debate the true value of character dining at Walt Disney World. From princess breakfasts to Stitch sightings and dining plan math gymnastics, they weigh the food, the photos, and the fan-favorite interactions to decide if these meals are worth the reservation. HIGHLIGHTS • Why character meals can be a strategic win for parents looking to combine dining, autographs, and air-conditioned downtime in one experience • The real math behind Disney’s Dining Plan and how character meals can maximize value, especially during Free Dining promotions • Top-rated options like Topolino’s Terrace vs. lower-rated but character-heavy experiences like Akershus Royal Banquet Hall • Resort character dining vs. in-park meals - which offers the more relaxed and rewarding experience? • The pros and cons of Cinderella’s Royal Table, Chef Mickey

Jim Hill returns from Los Angeles with stories from animation bookstores, gallery visits, and Pixar’s latest hit, while Drew Taylor dives into a packed week of industry news. From “Zootopia 2” nearing another major milestone to surprise revivals like “Firefly,” this episode covers the evolving animation landscape across film, TV, and streaming. Plus, the Oscars shake things up and new theatrical experiments blur the line between TV and cinema. HIGHLIGHTS • “Zootopia 2” continues its global box office dominance, closing in on another billion-dollar milestone as rumors swirl about a possible themed land at Disney California Adventure • Pixar’s “Hoppers” shows strong legs in its third weekend, crossing $240 million worldwide and earning praise as one of the studio’s funniest recent releases • The 98th Academy Awards make history as “KPop Demon Hunters” becomes the first non-Disney or Pixar animated film to win two Oscars • An animated “Firefly” revival is officially in development, potentially arriving in 2027

Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack a newly discovered Disney patent that may hint at the ride system for Piston Peak, along with updates from Disneyland construction, Disney Cruise Line, and Epic Universe. They also dig into recent survey data revealing how Disney is tracking guest spending and behavior. Then, in the first installment of a new series, Jim explores how Bear in the Big Blue House became a key piece in Disney’s long pursuit of the Muppets and how that history connects directly to Bluey today. NEWS • A newly surfaced Disney patent suggests a possible trackless, free-range ride system for Piston Peak, featuring dynamic terrain elements like logs and geysers • Cast Member previews begin for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin update at Walt Disney World • Disneyland construction continues on the Coco attraction and new parking infrastructure near Harbor Boulevard • Anaheim Transportation Network shutdown could impact 22,000 daily riders, with Garden Grove launching replacement shuttle service • Disney

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey record on-location from Universal Studios Hollywood as Eric experiences the park for the very first time. From the iconic tram tour to Super Nintendo World, WaterWorld, and a close-up look at the new Fast & Furious coaster, they break down what surprised them most about Universal’s original park. Plus, how Hollywood compares to Orlando and what’s next for this evolving destination. HIGHLIGHTS • Eric’s first-ever visit to Universal Studios Hollywood and how it compares to Universal Orlando • The world-famous Studio Tram Tour - what still works, what feels dated, and the impact of recent changes • A closer look at the new Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift coaster and why it could be a game-changer for the park • WaterWorld stunt show review - why this decades-old attraction still delivers • Super Nintendo World Hollywood vs. Epic Universe - key differences in scale, immersion, and experience • Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash - an underrated dark ride that deserved better timing •

Jim Hill and Dan Graney finally record face-to-face from Anaheim, sharing a sun-scorched Disneyland trip, firsthand impressions of Avengers Campus, and a candid look at what’s working - and what’s not. From ride reactions to walkaround characters and future Marvel attractions, this vacation edition mixes on-the-ground observations with big-picture theme park thinking. Plus, Jim reports in from the Academy Museum and a surprising Marvel presence, while both weigh in on the evolving entertainment landscape beyond the parks. HIGHLIGHTS • Dan shares his updated take on Avengers Campus, including Web Slingers, character encounters, and why the land still feels incomplete without a true E-ticket attraction • A brutally hot Disneyland visit reveals how extreme weather impacts guest experience, ride decisions, and character availability • Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout continues to impress with its pre-show, even as the ride experience proves divisive • Jim breaks down the long-rumored Avengers Campus ex