The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

Wildwood, Shrek Buckets & the Return of Matt Braly’s Lost Movie (Ep. 359) May 19, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the stunning debut of Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer, the surprising revival of Matt Braly’s cancelled animated feature “Afterworld,” and Universal’s massive push behind the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.” They also discuss Warner Bros. Animation’s uncertain future, Disney’s latest animation-themed park projects, and new details on “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.”

AUDIO DISCLAIMER - we had some tech issues, but things clear up after the first break. Thanks for hanging in there.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer racks up 115 million views in 24 hours as the studio prepares a major theatrical event strategy for the film’s October release.
• Drew previews his upcoming trip to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where “Wildwood” will receive a major presentation.
• Matt Braly’s cancelled Sony animated feature gets new life as Thailand’s MONK Studios acquires the rights to develop “Afterworld.”
• Warner Bros. Pictures Animation hosts an open house amid growing industry concern over the studio’s future during the Paramount acquisition talks.
• Universal begins its full-scale marketing push for “Shrek 5” with anniversary screenings, popcorn buckets, and new theme park expansions.
• A deep dive into DreamWorks Animation’s “Shrek” legacy as the original film celebrates its 25th anniversary.
• How NBCUniversal is leveraging “Shrek” across theme parks, merchandising, stage productions, and future film spin-offs.
• New details on Disney’s reimagined Animation Courtyard and “Magic of Disney Animation” experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
• Fresh casting details for “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and discussion of Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.”

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 your next Disney or Universal vacation with special ticket deals from https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning

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 Great Disneyland Ticket Caper (Ep. 584) May 18, 2026

Show notes

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down a busy week in theme park news, from Bluey crowd control at Animal Kingdom to Universal’s possible drone-show ambitions. Len also crunches the numbers on the best days to visit Magic Kingdom, because nothing says vacation like 22 million wait times and a spreadsheet with emotional damage. Then Jim digs into Disneyland’s opening-day ticket scandal and why Walt Disney may have had very good reasons to sour on Western Publishing.

NEWS

• Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares for Bluey with a virtual queue and some serious toddler-capacity math.

• Len explains why Sundays may be your best Magic Kingdom bet from January through July, while party season flips the calendar.

• Disneyland’s Autopia goes electric in 2027, raising questions about batteries, car design, and Tomorrowland’s long-overdue tune-up.

• Universal Orlando surveys guests about pets, which may hint at Secret Life of Pets possibilities in Florida.

• A new Universal patent features an onboard animated figure, possibly a frog, possibly a nightmare with wheels.

FEATURE

• Jim revisits Disneyland’s chaotic 1955 opening day and the mysterious flood of “legitimate” invitations.

• The story points toward Western Publishing, one of Disneyland’s earliest investors and official printers.

• Walt’s later decision to buy out Western may have had more behind it than simple business strategy.

• Also discussed: C.V. Wood, Black Sunday, Bob Gurr, Richard Nixon, and why the Secret Service probably hated the monorail.

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

The Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the team at DVC Rental Store. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for great deals on Disney theme park admission.

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 Disney Decision That Cost Them Steven Spielberg (Ep. 103) May 15, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack the surprising behind-the-scenes fallout that pushed Steven Spielberg away from Disney and deeper into Universal’s orbit, while also covering major changes coming to Universal Orlando. Plus, the duo explores the lost Casper dark ride that almost became Universal’s answer to Haunted Mansion.

NEWS

• Universal may finally be testing Epic Universe’s long-rumored “open hub” concept for convention guests visiting Celestial Park

• Mythos Restaurant at Islands of Adventure is officially set to close in 2027 as Lost Continent transformation plans move forward

• Rumors intensify that the Mystic Fountain may soon disappear from Islands of Adventure

• Hot Dog Hall of Fame at CityWalk is reportedly closing, with Joey Fatone’s restaurant concept expected to take over the space

• Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show delivers an emotional final performance before its temporary closure and refresh

• Universal and UCF launch a new themed entertainment leadership program focused on training the next generation of park creatives

• New details emerge about Shrek’s role inside Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas as Shrek 5 merchandise plans begin surfacing

FEATURE

• The untold story of how Steven Spielberg’s relationship with Disney soured after Roger Rabbit and Dick Tracy

• Why Universal’s early theme park struggles pushed Spielberg to become more deeply involved with Universal Studios Florida

• The fascinating history of the canceled Casper dark ride that nearly became Universal’s version of Haunted Mansion

• How Men in Black: Alien Attack ultimately replaced the planned Casper attraction

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

If you’re planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World, be sure to visit Unlocked Magic and save today: 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

⁠Go.com⁠ and Disney’s First Internet Misfire (Ep. 99) May 14, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Lauren celebrate Episode 99 of I Want That Too with a packed conversation about Disney’s latest merch experiments, the surprising box office success of Devil Wears Prada 2, and what Disney’s newest earnings call may reveal about the company’s digital future. Along the way, Jim begins a two-part deep dive into Disney’s long history of embracing emerging technology, leading into the cautionary tale of Go.com and the company’s first major internet gamble.

NEWS

• Lauren rope drops the new Mandalorian and Grogu collection at Bath & Body Works and breaks down Disney’s latest franchise licensing strategy.

• Disney continues leaning heavily into Toy Story 5 merchandise months ahead of release, with Jessie emerging as a major focus of the film’s marketing push.

• Jim shares early impressions from the newly released Toy Story 5 Little Golden Book and explains why Jessie appears to be central to the upcoming sequel.

• Devil Wears Prada 2 overperforms at the box office with a remarkably strong second weekend, signaling major audience demand for nostalgia-driven theatrical releases.

• Disney officially moves forward with Hocus Pocus 3 following the breakout success of Devil Wears Prada 2 and renewed interest in female-driven legacy franchises.

FEATURE

• Jim and Lauren unpack Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro’s latest earnings call comments about Disney+, Epic Games, Fortnite, AI, and the company’s evolving “hub and spoke” digital strategy.

• Jim begins Part One of a new series exploring Disney’s complicated history with emerging technology, from Fantasound and Xerox animation to the rise and fall of Go.com.

• The story traces Disney’s aggressive late-1990s internet expansion, including the acquisition of Infoseek and the company’s attempt to build a Disney-controlled online entertainment hub.

• The episode also revisits Michael Eisner passing on Marvel during its 1996 bankruptcy period, years before Disney eventually acquired the company for $4 billion.

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

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 - https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=iwantthat

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

Spirit Airlines’ Collapse, and the Great WDW vs. Disneyland Attraction Debate (Ep. 17) May 14, 2026

Show notes

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy refurbishment, and Disney fans wasted no time flooding Frontierland for the reopening. Lauren and Eric break down the surprisingly massive crowds, debate whether the updated coaster was really worth a multi-hour wait, and compare Walt Disney World’s version of Big Thunder to Disneyland’s and even Disneyland Paris’. They also dive into one of the week’s biggest travel stories: the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and what Disney travelers can do to keep finding affordable flights in an increasingly expensive travel landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad officially reopens at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy refurbishment
Lauren and Eric react to the massive opening day crowds and multi-hour wait times
A coast-to-coast debate over whether Disneyland or Walt Disney World has the better versions of classic attractions
Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World all enter the Disney attraction showdown
Why Disneyland’s Fantasyland feels different and more nostalgic to longtime Disney fans
Spirit Airlines officially shuts down after nearly 34 years in business
The impact Spirit’s closure could have on Disney travelers looking for budget-friendly vacations
Alternative budget airline options for Disney trips including Breeze, Allegiant, Frontier, and Southwest
Travel hacks and booking strategies that can help Disney fans save money on flights
Why flexibility and rebooking may be the key to cheaper Disney vacations moving forward

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

Marvel Fans Survive the Great Doomsday Trailer Drought (Ep. 17) May 13, 2026

Show notes

Marvel Us Disney digs into a very modern fandom problem: there is plenty of Marvel to watch, read, and argue about, but fans are still waiting impatiently for the next Avengers: Doomsday breadcrumb. Jim Hill and Dan Graney talk Daredevil: Born Again, the latest Spider-Man origin debate, Marvel’s visual development shakeups, She-Hulk’s possible future, and why 1989’s Trial of the Incredible Hulk still matters. It is a fandom brunch of news, nostalgia, and courtroom chaos.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Why the missing Avengers: Doomsday trailer has become Marvel fandom’s current obsession

• The renewed debate over whether Tony Stark replaced Uncle Ben in the MCU’s Spider-Man story

• A new Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man art book from Abrams spotlighting the Disney+ animated series

• Daredevil: Born Again brings Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk, and street-level Marvel storytelling back into focus

• John Bernthal’s Punisher raises new questions about Marvel’s shared New York

• Former Marvel artists speak out about layoffs, visual development, and AI anxiety in Hollywood

• Tatiana Maslany comments on how She-Hulk could return to the MCU

• A look back at NBC’s 1989 Trial of the Incredible Hulk and its early Daredevil crossover ambitions

• Jim and Dan compare old-school fandom anticipation with today’s leak-driven Marvel culture

HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | X: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠JimHillMedia.com⁠⁠ • Dan Graney - YouTube: ⁠⁠@TheHubbubbery⁠⁠ | Facebook: ⁠⁠/thehubbubbery⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠thehubbubbery.com⁠⁠

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

Revisiting Animation’s Renaissance Through Tom Sito’s New Book (Ep. 358) May 12, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the latest animation and box office news, from the surprising strength of The Devil Wears Prada 2 to new reveals tied to Toy Story 5, Dragon Striker, and Netflix’s Annecy plans. The duo also discuss upcoming art books, anime releases, and Tom Sito’s new memoir about the animation renaissance of the 1980s and 1990s. Along the way, they reflect on how modern animation continues to blur the line between live-action and CG filmmaking.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Devil Wears Prada 2 narrowly defeats Mortal Kombat II at the North American box office during a crowded Mother’s Day weekend
• Amazon MGM’s Sheep Detective overperforms thanks to strong reviews and audience response
• Target stores begin rolling out extensive Toy Story 5 merchandise months ahead of the film’s theatrical debut
• Jim and Drew discuss the latest trailer for Minions & Monsters and its playful references to classic Hollywood history
• Disney XD and Disney+ finally announce premiere dates for Dragon Striker after the series’ lengthy delay from its original Annecy reveal
• Netflix prepares its latest Annecy Festival animation showcase while GKIDS sets a June release for the anime feature Another World
• New animation art books spotlight Star Trek: Lower Decks, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, and Laika’s upcoming Wildwood
• Tom Sito’s memoir Drawing Life Back into Animation offers firsthand stories from the rise of modern feature animation in Hollywood

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 your next Disney or Universal vacation with exclusive ticket deals from travel experts who know the parks inside and out: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=finetooning

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 Surprisingly Weird Origins of Disney Automation with Roland Betancourt (Ep. 583) May 11, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Len Testa welcome Professor Roland Betancourt to discuss his new book, Disneyland and the Rise of Automation, which somehow connects Walt Disney, Ford factories, magnetic tape, Forest Lawn, Willy Wonka, and ride computers named Fred. They also cover big park updates, from Mythos closing at Universal Orlando to new Walt Disney World previews, Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Roger Rabbit’s safer spin, and Hocus Pocus 3 heading to theaters. Naturally, milk percentages are also examined with the seriousness they deserve.

NEWS

• Universal confirms Mythos will close with Lost Continent, while Thunder Falls Terrace becomes a new full-service signature restaurant in 2027.

• Walt Disney World sets AP preview dates for Soarin’ and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets.

• Magic Kingdom prepares for a fourth ferry boat, the first new one since 1976.

• Disney reveals new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, including a large pool and lazy river area.

• Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin reopens at Disneyland with pre-programmed spinning.

• Disney officially greenlights Hocus Pocus 3, with the Sanderson Sisters reportedly heading beyond the stage show and into the parks.

FEATURE

• Roland Betancourt explains how Ford’s River Rouge plant helped shape Walt Disney’s thinking about automation.

• The discussion traces magnetic tape, Cold War technology, and the real roots of Audio-Animatronics.

• Big Thunder Mountain introduces “anti-Fred logic,” a wonderfully Disney solution to button-related human creativity.

• Harper Goff’s work on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory reveals another strange and delightful bridge between factories and theme parks.

• Why Disneyland surveyed guests like a giant postwar science experiment - and how those surveys still shape the parks today.

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

HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | X: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠JimHillMedia.com⁠⁠ • Len Testa - IG: ⁠⁠@len.testa⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠touringplans.com⁠⁠

GUEST • Roland Betancourt - Book: ⁠⁠⁠Disneyland and the Rise of Automation

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

SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World tickets and plan your next trip at ⁠⁠UnlockedMagic.com⁠⁠

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

Casper and the Universal Walkthrough That Almost Became a Ride (Ep. 102) May 08, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the surprising legacy of 1995’s Casper, from its groundbreaking CGI effects to the Universal Studios attraction that almost happened. They also cover new Harry Potter Butterbeer snacks, surprisingly cheap Grand Helios hotel rates during Halloween Horror Nights, and what’s next for Universal’s classic Horror Makeup Show.

NEWS

• Universal’s Grand Helios Hotel is showing unexpectedly low rates during the opening week of Halloween Horror Nights, sparking speculation about Epic Universe strategy.

• Universal officially closes the Horror Makeup Show on May 12 for a rumored refreshed version of the long-running attraction.

• Permits filed for Thunder Falls Terrace renovations fuel more rumors about major changes coming to Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent area.

• Harry Potter Butterbeer treats arrive at Cinnabon locations nationwide, including Butterbeer-inspired cinnamon rolls and frozen drinks.

• Jim and Eric debate Butterbeer-flavored Goldfish, Hershey’s Kisses, and even Butterbeer Peeps.

FEATURE

• Why 1995’s Casper remains one of the most important CGI films ever made.

• The surprising connection between Casper and Universal Studios Florida’s early walkthrough attractions.

• How Steven Spielberg’s Casper nearly spawned a major Universal theme park ride.

• The long, complicated history of cancelled Casper sequels and reboot attempts.

HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: ⁠@JimHillMedia⁠ | X: ⁠@JimHillMedia⁠ | Website: ⁠JimHillMedia.com⁠• Eric Hersey - IG: ⁠@erichersey⁠ | X: @erichersey | Website: ⁠strongmindedagency.com⁠

FOLLOW• Facebook: ⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠• Instagram: ⁠JimHillMedia⁠• TikTok: ⁠JimHillMedia⁠

PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - ⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠

SPONSORPlanning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and now Express Passes with ⁠Unlocked Magic⁠.

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

Before D23: The Mouse Club Fans Who Changed Disney Forever (Ep. 98) May 07, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into a packed week of Disney merch and fandom news, from Burger King’s surprising Mandalorian and Grogu promotion to the return of toys inside cereal boxes for Toy Story 5. Along the way, Lauren shares how she finally became a Grogu fan after binge-watching The Mandalorian, while Jim unpacks Disney’s rumored “super app” plans and the surprising history behind Disney fan conventions that eventually inspired D23.

NEWS

• Lauren officially joins the Grogu fan club after binge-watching two seasons of The Mandalorian ahead of the upcoming movie release.
• Burger King rolls out a Mandalorian and Grogu menu promotion complete with collectible cups and augmented reality features.
• Jim explains why McDonald’s landed Toy Story 5 while Burger King secured the Star Wars promotion.
• Kellogg’s brings toys back to cereal boxes with creepy Toy Story 5 spoon figures hidden inside select cereals.
• Disneyland quietly phases out MagicBand sales as Disney leans harder into phone-based park technology.
• Disney’s rumored “super app” sparks debate online as fans react to the idea of one app connecting parks, streaming, cruises, shopping, and rewards.

FEATURE

• Jim traces the origins of Disney fandom events from the exclusive Mouse Club conventions of the early 1980s to the creation of the NFFC.
• The story behind Disney’s first official fan conventions and why the company originally abandoned them in the early 2000s.
• Behind-the-scenes stories involving Imagineers, Disney Legends, Andreas Deja, and the early development of Hercules.
• How fan-created convention ideas eventually helped shape what became D23.

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 - Save on your next Disney or Universal vacation with discounted theme park tickets and expert planning help at https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=iwantthat

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected