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Is Disney Actually Listening… (Ep. 16) May 07, 2026

Show notes

Lauren and Eric dig into a question Disney fans have been quietly (and loudly) asking: is Disney finally starting to listen again? From ride reliability to cast member culture shifts and the return of meaningful passholder perks, the duo breaks down what’s changed and what might just be clever business strategy.

Then they pivot to the dollars-and-cents reality of annual passes in 2026, exploring whether the latest discounts and perks actually make them worth it. Along the way, they balance optimism with skepticism and invite listeners to decide for themselves what’s really driving Disney’s recent moves.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ride reliability improvements point to proactive maintenance and fewer breakdowns across major attractions
Disney acknowledges post-COVID hiring gaps and refocuses on cast member hospitality training
Fan influence shows up in visible changes like the Magic Kingdom castle repaint
Major 2026 refurbishments planned for classic rides including Big Thunder Mountain and Buzz Lightyear
Galaxy’s Edge begins shifting to include classic Star Wars characters after years of fan feedback
VIP Passholder Summer Days expands with deeper perks and a longer three-month run
40% dining discounts and upgraded lounges highlight Disney’s push to reward loyalty
Annual pass math reveals most guests need multiple trips to truly break even

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

Lightning Lanes, Skyliner Dreams, and the Great Disney Mailbag Debate (Ep. 18) May 06, 2026

Show notes

In this listener-driven episode, Jim Hill presides as Len Testa and Chris Cox dig into a packed mailbag covering everything from Lightning Lane frustrations to ambitious transportation ideas at Walt Disney World. From Skyliner expansions to merch delivery debates, the trio weighs what guests really want versus what Disney actually delivers. Along the way, they explore how convenience, cost, and crowd levels shape the modern park experience. As always, the verdict is anything but final.

HIGHLIGHTS

Listener pitches for expanding the Skyliner to Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs gain major support
Debate over eliminating the Magic Kingdom express monorail in favor of more flexible transit options
The case for bringing back merch delivery and why Disney may have abandoned it
Lightning Lane Premier Pass sparks strong opinions on value, convenience, and screen time
Poll results reveal which attractions guests are most willing to pay to skip the line for
Creative strategies like split stays and Deluxe resort perks as alternatives to paid line-skipping

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

The Devil’s in the Box Office: Prada 2 Shocks Hollywood (Ep. 357) May 05, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed episode that jumps from a galaxy far, far away to the runways of a surprise box office hit. They break down the evolving strategy behind Disney’s theatrical releases, spotlight a full-circle Star Wars character comeback, and dig into the unexpected success of a long-awaited sequel. Along the way, they explore new animation experiments, streaming debuts, and what’s next for both studios and theaters as summer heats up.

HIGHLIGHTS
• “The Devil Wore Prada 2” stuns with a $236 million global opening weekend, far exceeding expectations
• Strong ongoing demand suggests the sequel has real staying power beyond its debut
• Disney’s $80 million marketing push helps turn the film into a true theatrical event
• “The Mandalorian & Grogu” positions itself as a lower-risk, high-upside Star Wars release
• Rotta the Hutt returns in a full-circle moment from Dave Filoni’s earliest Star Wars work
• “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord” continues expanding the Disney+ storytelling universe
• Disney experiments with ASL storytelling via “Songs in Sign Language” featuring Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana 2
• Pixar’s “Hoppers” crosses $375 million globally and shows strong post-theatrical life on digital
• Annecy 2026 lineup teases the next wave of global animation talent and projects

HOSTS
• Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia) – jimhillmedia.com
• Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) – 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
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Whether you’re planning ahead or finally ready to book that 2026 trip, their team helps you save money and skip the stress so you can focus on the fun.

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

Disney’s First Coffee Deal Was a Disaster (Ep. 582) May 04, 2026

Show notes

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a caffeinated mix of Disney news, listener questions, and one deeply researched (and slightly petty) rant about guitar accuracy. They also explore the mystery of Walt’s unfinished apartment bathroom and debate just how early is too early for Halloween. Then Jim brings the main event: the story of how Maxwell House coffee landed on Main Street, missed its big debut, and ultimately got shown the door - paving the way for a quieter, smarter coffee strategy at Disneyland.

NEWS

Preview dates announced for Soarin’ and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, with guests likely riding by mid-May
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run may finally make the engineer role matter (yes, really)
Bluey’s Animal Kingdom appearance may skip meet-and-greets entirely, possibly to avoid crowd-control chaos
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party now starts August 7, because apparently summer needed pumpkins
EPCOT Food & Wine Festival returns in late August, continuing Disney’s “why wait for fall?” strategy

FEATURE

The original deal that brought Maxwell House Coffee to Disneyland - complete with big promises and bigger expectations
Why the Main Street coffee house wasn’t ready for opening day (and stayed that way for months)
The rain-soaked grand opening that didn’t help Disney’s relationship with its coffee sponsor
How Hills Brothers stepped in, kept the New Orleans theming, and quietly made the concept work
The evolution of the location from sponsored coffee house to struggling restaurant to retail space

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

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

FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101) May 01, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down Universal’s ambitious FanFest 2026 event at Universal Studios Hollywood, from interactive Scooby-Doo mysteries to One Piece stunt shows and the Wizarding World’s Forbidden Forest expansion. Then, Chris Cox joins the show to share his first-ever visit to Epic Universe, offering a candid look at what’s working, what’s not, and why Isle of Berk may be the park’s biggest success story. From cutting-edge attractions to operational growing pains, it’s a wide-ranging conversation about where Universal is thriving - and where it still has room to grow.

NEWS
• FanFest 2026 launches at Universal Studios Hollywood with limited-night immersive experiences
• Scooby-Doo and Universal Monsters walkthrough blends classic animation with horror icons
• Harry Potter Forbidden Forest experience expands using existing attraction spaces
• One Piece stunt show debuts with strong fan response and anime-style action
• Dungeons & Dragons walkthrough returns, leveraging Jim Henson creature work

FEATURE
• Chris Cox visits Epic Universe for the first time, one year after previews began
• Helios Hotel access proves a major advantage for convenience and park immersion
• Super Nintendo World delivers interactive gameplay, but Mario Kart divides opinions
• Donkey Kong coaster struggles with downtime and long Express Pass waits
• Isle of Berk stands out as the park’s most complete and family-friendly land
• Ministry of Magic impresses visually, but its ride and stage show feel underdeveloped

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 CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
Planning 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

Top 10 Disney Rookie Mistakes (and Why the Lines Feel Worse Than Ever) (Ep. 15) Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

Lauren and Eric break down the biggest Disney rookie mistakes that can quietly derail your trip, from poor planning to painful footwear, and why so many guests end up frustrated before the day is done. Drawing from hundreds of community responses, they count down the most common missteps first-time visitors make and share how to avoid them. Then, they pivot to a growing concern across the parks: why lines do not just feel long, they feel worse than ever. From Lightning Lane dynamics to queue etiquette, this episode connects the dots between planning mistakes and longer, more frustrating waits.

HIGHLIGHTS

The top 10 Disney rookie mistakes, crowdsourced from hundreds of guest experiences
Why forgetting basics like sunscreen, water, and ponchos can cost you comfort and money
The real impact of wearing the wrong shoes on a high-step park day
How failing to plan for weather can lead to expensive last-minute purchases
Why not understanding park layout leads to wasted time and unnecessary walking
Why using the My Disney Experience app is essential for wait times, mobile ordering, and navigation
How dining reservations or lack of them can derail your day
The importance of rope dropping and setting realistic time expectations
Why showing up without a plan often leads to frustration and missed experiences
The psychology behind why Disney lines feel longer than they actually are
Lightning Lane versus standby and how shifting ratios are impacting perceived wait times
The rise in line-cutting complaints and the gray areas around queue re-entry

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

When Fans Build the Disney Store Disney Didn’t (Ep. 97) Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

im Hill and Lauren Hersey explore how fan-driven Disney markets, unusual Grogu merch, and long-forgotten animation art traditions reveal what the company can’t ignore about its audience.

Jim and Lauren kick things off with fresh chatter about a possible Apple-Disney partnership before diving into the rise of fan-created Disney shopping experiences like Orlando’s “Happiest Market.” From there, they explore how fandom is shaping retail trends, react to some delightfully strange new Grogu merchandise, and spotlight a book designed to bring Disney-style design into your home. Jim then continues his deep-dive series on the origins of Disney fandom, sharing incredible stories about animation art, early collectors, and the first grassroots Disney fan organization.

NEWS
• Rumblings of a potential Apple and Disney partnership or acquisition resurface amid leadership changes
• Fan-created Disney “farmers markets” like The Happiest Market gain popularity in Orlando
• Disney pop-up retail strategy may reflect grassroots demand from fan communities
• New “Bring the Magic Home” book taps into the trend of Disney-inspired interior design

FEATURE
• Grogu merch gets weird with Furblets, vinyl collectibles, and “Grogu-boo” crossovers
• The surprising story of how Disney once had zero Baby Yoda merch at launch
• Jim’s personal history collecting original animation cels in the 1970s and 80s
• The origin of the Mouse Club fan organization and early Disneyana conventions
• How Disney initially resisted nostalgia before embracing fandom-driven events

HOSTS • Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia) • Lauren Hersey (@laurenhersey2)

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 This episode is brought to you by ⁠UnlockedMagic.com⁠ – your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, they’ll help you lock in the best deals with expert support every step of the way.

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

Endgame Isn’t Over Yet: How Marvel Is Rewriting Its Own Finale (Ep. 16) Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack Marvel’s latest wave of announcements, from Avengers: Endgame returning to theaters with new footage to the growing sense that Doomsday is directly rewriting what came before. Along the way, they explore CinemaCon reveals, Infinity Vision, and what Disney’s internal shifts could mean for the future of the MCU. It’s a conversation about spectacle, strategy, and whether Marvel is quietly reshaping its own legacy in real time.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Avengers: Endgame returns to theaters with newly added footage that directly connects to Avengers: Doomsday
• CinemaCon reactions point to a massive, Endgame-scale story with Doctor Doom positioned as an even greater threat than Thanos
• Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom is driven by performance, not just star power
• Infinity Vision debuts as a premium theatrical format designed to create a must-see, big-screen experience
• Marvel may be repositioning Doomsday as a direct sequel to Endgame, potentially reshaping the Multiverse Saga
• Rumors suggest Spider-Man’s Ned could take a surprising new path after MIT, tied to his magical abilities
• Deadpool may shift into a supporting role as Marvel builds toward a more ensemble-driven future
• X-Men are emerging as a central pillar of Marvel’s long-term storytelling plans
• Disney layoffs impact Marvel’s visual development team, raising questions about the studio’s signature visual style
• AI and freelance workflows could become a bigger part of Marvel’s production pipeline moving forward
• “FOMO-vision” highlights Marvel’s strategy to turn theatrical releases into can’t-miss events
• Comparisons to classic theatrical gimmicks show how Hollywood continues to sell spectacle as experience

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

Why Mixing Animation and Live-Action Is Harder Than Hollywood Thinks (Ep. 356) Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill goes solo this week while Drew Taylor is off moderating panels at a film festival, delivering a packed episode that jumps from animation industry headlines to box office chatter and even a bit of theme park savings strategy. Along the way, Jim reflects on past California travels, breaks down major animation announcements, and then dives deep into why Hollywood continues to struggle with blending animation and live-action. From legacy hits to modern misfires, it’s a thoughtful look at what works, what doesn’t, and why.

NEWS
• “Ne Zha 2” heads to HBO after becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time
• Bong Joon Ho’s animated feature “Ally” announced for 2027 release
• Illumination’s “Minions & Monsters” to open Annecy 2026 ahead of its July theatrical debut
• Disney and Pixar preview new projects including “Hexed,” “Gatto,” and a Cars preschool series
• “Coyote vs. Acme” back on track with a confirmed 2026 theatrical release

FEATURE
• A look back at “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and why it remains the gold standard for hybrid films
• How “Space Jam” and its successors highlight the difficulty of scaling cartoon concepts to feature length
• Behind-the-scenes challenges that have plagued projects like “Coyote vs. Acme”
• Why blending animation and live-action continues to be one of Hollywood’s toughest creative balancing acts

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia

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 - The go-to place for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, their team helps you lock in savings and plan smarter.

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

MARVEL US DISNEY PREVIEW: Endgame Isn’t Over Yet: How Marvel Is Rewriting Its Own Finale (Ep. 16) Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

HIGHLIGHTS • Avengers: Endgame returns to theaters with newly added footage that directly connects to Avengers: Doomsday • CinemaCon reactions point to a massive, Endgame-scale story with Doctor Doom positioned as an even greater threat than Thanos • Robert Downey Jr.’s casting as Doctor Doom is driven by performance, not just star power • Infinity Vision debuts as a premium theatrical format designed to create a must-see, big-screen experience • Marvel may be repositioning Doomsday as a direct sequel to Endgame, potentially reshaping the Multiverse Saga • Rumors suggest Spider-Man’s Ned could take a surprising new path after MIT, tied to his magical abilities • Deadpool may shift into a supporting role as Marvel builds toward a more ensemble-driven future • X-Men are emerging as a central pillar of Marvel’s long-term storytelling plans • Disney layoffs impact Marvel’s visual development team, raising questions about the studio’s signature visual style • AI and freelance workflows could become a bigger part of Marvel’s production pipeline moving forward • “FOMO-vision” highlights Marvel’s strategy to turn theatrical releases into can’t-miss events • Comparisons to classic theatrical gimmicks show how Hollywood continues to sell spectacle as experience

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

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