The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

The Canadian Simulator Ride That Changed Theme Parks Forever (Ep. 105) May 29, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the first major Halloween Horror Nights announcement for 2026, dig into Universal’s quiet decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass, and discuss what’s going on with Universal Kids Resort in Texas after a series of accidental leaks. Then Jim looks back at the creation of Back to the Future: The Ride and the forgotten Canadian simulator attraction that helped inspire it, all while tracing the career of visual effects legend Doug Trumbull.

NEWS

• Universal officially announces a Sinners haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood, inspired by the Oscar-winning vampire film set in 1930s Mississippi
• Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood tickets go on sale with RIP Tours, Frequent Fear passes, and premium add-ons already available
• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is quietly removed from Universal Orlando’s Express Pass lineup beginning July 1
• Universal’s Mega Movie Parade return is delayed until June 5 as operational adjustments continue behind the scenes
• Universal Orlando prepares a Steven Spielberg Summer Tribute Store featuring Jaws, E.T., Jurassic Park, and the upcoming Disclosure Day film
• Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas accidentally leaks July opening details and early ticket pricing online

FEATURE

• Jim revisits the origins of Back to the Future: The Ride on its 35th anniversary
• The forgotten Tour of the Universe attraction inside Toronto’s CN Tower helped inspire Star Tours and Universal’s simulator rides
• Visual effects pioneer Doug Trumbull’s work on 2001: A Space Odyssey, Close Encounters, and Blade Runner shaped the future of theme park attractions
• Behind-the-scenes stories from Trumbull’s Massachusetts rope mill studio where the Back to the Future ride film was created
• Why Universal originally planned an entirely different Back to the Future ride experience before switching to the Biff Tannen storyline

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

UnlockedMagic.com - Save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, now including Express Pass options: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=epicjhm

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spoiler Alert: Why We Avoid Disney POV Videos Before Our Trip (Ep. 19) May 28, 2026

Show notes

Eric and Lauren dive into one of the biggest debates in the Disney fan community: should you spoil upcoming attractions before your vacation, or go in completely blind? From ride POV videos and vlog coverage to hotel walkthroughs and foodie recommendations, they unpack when spoilers help and when they ruin the magic. Then, they take a spoiler-free look at Walt Disney World's newest additions, including the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Bluey’s debut at Animal Kingdom, and the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios.

HIGHLIGHTS

Disney fans debate whether ride POV videos enhance vacations or ruin the surprise
The new Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster officially opens at Hollywood Studios
Bluey and Bingo arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new interactive experience
Animation Courtyard gets a major refresh with Disney history Easter eggs and walkaround characters
New entertainment offerings debut across Walt Disney World for “Cool Kids Summer”
Eric and Lauren break down the pros and cons of Disney spoilers before a big trip
Why hotel and resort walkthrough videos may actually improve your vacation planning
The internet reacts to the Muppets coaster retheme and whether younger fans will embrace it
First impressions of Bluey’s Animal Kingdom experience and why fans are already divided

For this episode’s full show notes, ⁠click here⁠.

HOSTS

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by 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

The Disney Store Is Back? Inside the Wild Return of Disney Retail (Ep. 101) May 28, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the surprising return of Disney retail as thousands of fans flood Ross Park Mall for the grand opening of Disney’s newest limited-time store. Along the way, they unpack the latest Disneyland 70th merchandise reveals, the unexpectedly successful Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and why Disney’s renewed focus on immersive shopping experiences may signal a much larger strategy under new CEO Josh D’Amaro. Plus, Lauren shares firsthand stories from standing in line for hours alongside Disney fans from across multiple states just to shop exclusive merch.

NEWS

• Disney and LEGO unveil a massive 3,899-piece Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. set celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary

• The new LEGO set includes Walt Disney’s apartment, Dapper Dans figures, attraction references, and a $399 collector price tag

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets earns rave early reviews from previews at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Disney releases a full line of new Muppets merchandise tied to the coaster retheme, including apparel, magnets, pins, and license plates

• Disney partners with Elf on the Shelf for the first-ever line of Disney-themed scout elves featuring Marvel, Olaf, Mickey, and Minnie-inspired designs

FEATURE

• Lauren shares her firsthand experience attending the grand opening of Disney’s new limited-time store at Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh

• Thousands of Disney fans from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and Canada lined up hours before opening for a chance to shop

• Disney implemented virtual queues, wristbands, timed entry windows, and exclusive Pittsburgh merchandise during opening weekend

• Jim and Lauren explore how Michael Eisner originally launched the Disney Store chain in 1987 and why the stores disappeared

• The conversation examines whether Josh D’Amaro’s focus on immersive retail experiences could lead to a larger Disney Store comeback nationwide

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

• UnlockedMagic.com - Your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets, resorts, and vacation planning assistance.

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

The Mandalorian, Marvel Shakeups, and the Punisher’s 100 Kills (Ep. 18) May 27, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Dan Graney break down a huge week for both Star Wars and Marvel, from the theatrical debut of The Mandalorian and Grogu to major leadership changes inside Marvel Studios and Marvel Comics. They also dig into the evolving future of Galaxy’s Edge, the surprisingly strong response to Punisher: One Last Kill, and why Disney may already be positioning Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter as the franchise’s next major theatrical relaunch.

NEWS

• Jim and Dan share their reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu and discuss whether the film feels like “The Mandalorian: Season 4” on a much bigger scale
• The opening Bond-inspired action sequence signals a more cinematic approach while still leaning heavily into the Disney+ series formula
• Burger King’s Mandalorian and Grogu promotion sparks a deep dive into Disney’s former McDonald’s exclusivity deal and how fast-food tie-ins changed after 2006
• Marvel officially promotes Brad Winderbaum to oversee television, animation, comics, and franchise operations as longtime Marvel executive Dan Buckley steps down
• Vision Quest finally gets a Disney+ release date, positioning it between Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday

FEATURE

• Jim and Dan break down why Punisher: One Last Kill may be Marvel’s strongest street-level project in years
• Jon Bernthal’s creative control over Frank Castle appears to redefine how Marvel approaches mature Disney+ specials moving forward
• The hosts discuss the surprising reveal that Frank Castle racks up exactly 100 kills during the special
• Disney updates Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run with an entirely new Mandalorian-themed adventure featuring Grogu, Coruscant, Endor, and new bounty missions
• Box office projections for The Mandalorian and Grogu shift dramatically over Memorial Day weekend as Disney focuses on theatrical success and Disney+ subscriber impact alike

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
• 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

• 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

Rick & Morty Goes to the Movies While Bluey Takes Over the Parks (Ep. 360) May 26, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation and themed entertainment news, from Warner Bros. officially developing a standalone Rick & Morty movie to Disney’s growing Bluey presence in both Anaheim and Orlando. Along the way, the duo discuss Universal Fan Fest’s future, the surprising Memorial Day box office performance of The Mandalorian & Grogu, and why Disney is already planning big for Mickey’s centennial celebration in 2028. They also pay tribute to legendary voice actor Tom Kane and share updates on Adventure Time, Hello Kitty, and the ever-expanding world of animated features headed to theaters over the next few years.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Warner Bros. officially begins development on a standalone Rick & Morty movie directed by series veteran Jacob Hair
• Disney introduces Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland while Walt Disney World prepares to launch Bluey’s Wild World with a virtual queue system
• Universal may bring Fan Fest to Islands of Adventure as Hollywood’s version wraps up its 2026 run
• The Mandalorian & Grogu overperforms at the Memorial Day box office with projections climbing past $100 million
• Netflix lands Cannes animated feature In Waves while Sony Pictures Classics acquires Iron Boy
• Adventure Time: Side Quests heads to Hulu with Pendleton Ward’s universe continuing to expand
• Disney and licensing insiders preview Frozen 3, Incredibles 3, Gatto, and Star Wars: Starfighter at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas
• Why Warner Bros. believes a Rick & Morty feature film can work as a true theatrical event rather than an extended TV episode
• Drew shares details from Disneyland’s new animation and Bluey-themed experiences, including updates on Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• A look at Universal’s rumored Zelda-themed plans and how Fan Fest could evolve on the East Coast
• Remembering beloved voice actor Tom Kane, from Star Wars and Powerpuff Girls to the voice of the Walt Disney World Monorail

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor - X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

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

UnlockedMagic.com - Save on Disney and Universal theme park tickets with expert planning help and exclusive offers: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Todd Martens on Galaxy’s Edge Reimagined - Plus Muppets Take Over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Ep. 585) May 25, 2026

Show notes

Len Testa and Jim Hill review Walt Disney World’s latest wave of attraction updates, including the new Soarin’ Across America film, the Muppets’ chaotic takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and the newly refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Then, Los Angeles Times columnist Todd Martens joins the show to discuss Disneyland’s evolving version of Galaxy’s Edge, why Disney is pivoting away from strict sequel-era storytelling, and how the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run finally addresses years of guest feedback.

NEWS

• Len shares first impressions of Soarin’ Across America, including the updated Patrick Warburton pre-show and the new opening rocket launch sequence

• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuts with extensive new ride scenes, classic rock parody album covers, and dozens of hidden gags

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens with a smoother ride experience and upgraded effects after its lengthy refurbishment

• Disney expands Walt Disney World luggage transfer service to American, United, and Southwest Airlines

• Universal announces a Sinners-themed Halloween Horror Nights house for both Orlando and Hollywood

FEATURE

• Todd Martens discusses Disneyland’s changing approach to Galaxy’s Edge and the return of classic Star Wars characters and locations

• Why the original immersive “live your own Star Wars story” concept struggled to fully materialize inside the land

• The updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run adds new destinations, including Coruscant, Bespin, Endor, and Tatooine

• How Imagineering redesigned the attraction to improve gameplay for pilots, engineers, and gunners alike

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

• Todd Martens - Bluesky: @toddmartens.bsky.social | Instagram: @toddmartens

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

• UnlockedMagic.com - Save on your next Disney vacation with discounted Walt Disney World tickets: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish

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

How The Wiz Changed Michael Jackson’s Career Forever (Ep. 104) May 22, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the surprising Universal Pictures history behind Michael Jackson’s breakout acting role in The Wiz, exploring how the 1978 musical helped launch one of the most important creative partnerships in pop culture history. Along the way, they also cover new Epic Universe character reveals, Halloween Horror Nights rumors, and what’s next for Universal Orlando’s evolving parks.

NEWS

• Universal officially unveils Captain Cacao, the oversized bear mascot coming to Celestial Park at Epic Universe

• Rumors swirl around a possible Ozzy Osbourne-themed house for Halloween Horror Nights 35

• Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp at DreamWorks Land temporarily closes for refurbishment through July

• Listener theories continue about a possible Zelda-themed replacement for Mythos at Islands of Adventure

• Universal fans debate whether Volcano Bay’s retired “Spirit of the Volcano” effect could inspire a new home for Mystic Fountain

FEATURE

• The surprising story behind how Michael Jackson landed the role of the Scarecrow in Universal’s 1978 film version of The Wiz

• How The Wiz introduced Michael Jackson to legendary producer Quincy Jones during filming in New York City

• Why Universal and Motown took a massive creative gamble adapting Broadway’s urban retelling of The Wizard of Oz

• Behind-the-scenes stories involving Diana Ross, Richard Pryor, Ray Bolger, and the original casting plans for the film

• How Michael Jackson’s performance in The Wiz helped pave the way for Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad

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

UnlockedMagic.com - Save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets, including Express Pass options, when you book through https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=epicjhm

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

Safari Stops and Disney Mount Rushmores (Ep. 18) May 21, 2026

Show notes

Lauren and Eric dive into the viral Walt Disney World story of a guest jumping off Kilimanjaro Safaris mid-ride to use the bathroom and why cast members are begging guests to stop exiting attractions. Along the way, they spiral into stories of other infamous Disney ride exits, from Living with the Land cucumber thefts to Horizons urban explorers. Then things take a more lighthearted turn as they each build their personal Disney “Mount Rushmore” of attractions and resorts, revealing a lot about their Disney personalities in the process.

HIGHLIGHTS

The viral Kilimanjaro Safaris bathroom incident sparks debate about guest behavior at Walt Disney World
Lauren shares cast member reactions to guests exiting attractions and ride vehicles
Eric revisits infamous Disney ride exit stories, including Living with the Land and Horizons
The hosts discuss why guests continue ignoring attraction safety rules
Lauren and Eric build their personal Walt Disney World attraction Mount Rushmores
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Haunted Mansion, PeopleMover, and Spaceship Earth all make the list
The conversation shifts to Disney resort Mount Rushmores and what those choices say about different Disney fans
Pop Century, BoardWalk, Polynesian Village Resort, Beach Club, and more enter the debate

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.

HOSTS

FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by 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

The Disney Tech That Worked - And the Stuff That Didn’t (Ep. 100) May 21, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate 100 episodes of I Want That Too by diving deep into one of Disney’s most fascinating recurring patterns: the company’s obsession with technology. From the rise and fall of Go.com to MagicBands, My Pal Mickey, Disney Infinity, and interactive park experiments that never fully worked, Jim traces Disney’s long history of swinging big on tech innovation. Along the way, they also cover Toy Story 5 fast food partnerships, Alice in Wonderland’s 75th anniversary, and new Small World anniversary merchandise.

NEWS

• Toy Story 5 teams up with Papa Johns in Disney’s latest fast food collaboration push.

• Burger King’s Mandalorian promotion sparks conversation about Disney’s growing restaurant partnerships.

• Alice in Wonderland celebrates its 75th anniversary with restored screenings and limited merch.

• Disney launches America 250 merchandise across Walt Disney World.

• New It’s a Small World 60th anniversary pins and collectibles arrive for Disney Parks fans.

FEATURE

• Jim revisits the rise and rapid collapse of Disney’s Go.com initiative and why the company struggled to compete with Yahoo and AOL.

• The history of Disney’s biggest tech experiments, including holograms for The Black Cauldron and Journey Into Imagination.

• Behind the scenes stories about My Pal Mickey, Glow With the Show ears, and the unrealized ambitions of MagicBands.

• The original interactive plans for MagicBands included personalized Small World dolls, reactive character greetings, and real-time park tracking.

• Disney Infinity, Epic Mickey, Lucky the Dinosaur, and Turtle Talk with Crush reveal how Disney repeatedly reinvents its approach to immersive technology.

• Josh D’Amaro’s latest comments about Disney Plus suggest the company may once again be trying to build a digital centerpiece for the Disney brand.

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

Thanks to 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

The Case for Adult Lounges vs. Family Lounges (Ep. 19) May 20, 2026

Show notes

Len Testa and Chris Cox dive into one of Walt Disney World’s newest debates: adult lounges versus family lounges. From the sleek, spaceship-inspired atmosphere of GEO-82 at EPCOT to the bustling pirate energy of the Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom, they break down which Disney bars are actually worth your time and money. Along the way, they compare Trader Sam’s, Oga’s Cantina, Enchanted Rose, and several hidden gems while unpacking guest satisfaction scores, drink pricing, seating frustrations, and what really separates a “grown-up” Disney lounge from a family-friendly hangout.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Why GEO-82’s futuristic EPCOT theming impresses even as its cocktail prices raise eyebrows

• The biggest issue holding Beak and Barrel back despite its strong Pirates of the Caribbean atmosphere

• How Trader Sam’s continues to outperform newer Disney lounges in guest satisfaction

• Why Oga’s Cantina may be more about the experience than the drinks themselves

• Len reveals the surprisingly high-rated EPCOT lounge that most guests overlook entirely

• Chris and Len debate what actually makes a Disney lounge feel “adult” versus “family-friendly”

• A bizarre true story about missing judge Joseph Force Crater somehow becomes the episode’s opening argument

FOLLOW • Facebook: ⁠⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠⁠ • Instagram: ⁠⁠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 - ⁠⁠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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected