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    The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

    The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

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    Copyright: © 793200

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    Latest Episodes:
    The Gumbo That Imagineering Hid in Plain Sight and the WestCOT Dream That Almost Let You Sleep in the Park (Ep. 581) Apr 27, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim and Len are joined by Sporkful host Dan Pashman to dig into the surprisingly rich stories behind Disney theme park food, including how a handwritten gumbo recipe in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure connects to real culinary history. Along the way, they explore Imagineering’s obsessive attention to detail, from menu design to discarded ideas that probably would’ve attracted bees (and at least one very confused operations team). Then, Jim wraps up the story of WestCOT and Disney’s ambitious “Live the Dream” concept, where guests might have spent the night inside the park itself.

    NEWS
    • Disney quietly discontinues the Pirates Adventure Lightning Lane perk hours after it’s mentioned on the show
    • Opening window set for Lakeshore Lodge at Walt Disney World in summer 2027
    • Smugglers Run update tied to The Mandalorian and Grogu may arrive alongside the film’s May release
    • On-site hotel perks confirmed through 2027, with Fort Wilderness campsites losing eligibility
    • Disney Cruise Line rolls out “kids sail half off” promotions as future bookings soften

    FEATURE
    • The full story of WestCOT, Disney’s planned Epcot-style park for Disneyland’s expansion pad
    • The “Live the Dream” concept, which would have placed hotel rooms directly on top of attractions
    • How guest surveys pushed Imagineering to explore the idea of staying overnight inside a theme park
    • The role of Michael Eisner in driving a more entertaining version of Epcot
    • Why a 300-foot-tall golden version of Spaceship Earth nearly rose over Anaheim
    • How budget cuts, Disneyland Paris struggles, and scope reductions led to the project’s cancellation
    • The surprising ways this idea lived on in later projects like Tokyo DisneySea’s hotels and beyond


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

    HOSTS
    • Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia) – jimhillmedia.com
    • Len Testa (@lentesta.bsky.social) – touringplans.com

    GUEST
    • Dan Pashman – Host of The Sporkful
    • Website: https://www.sporkful.com/
    • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sporkful/id350709629
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesporkful/
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesporkful?lang=en
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sporkful

    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
    Unlock deep discounts on Disney tickets and get your family onto Big Thunder Mountain (doctor’s orders) with Unlocked Magic – https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish

    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


    100 Episodes In, Still Sneaking Into Universal (Ep. 100) Apr 24, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate their 100th episode of the Epic Universal Podcast with listener reviews, a surprise surprisingly heartfelt message from the Broadway cast of Wicked, and a look at the latest developments at Epic Universe. They break down how new facial recognition technology may shape guest flow, explore what annual passes could mean for crowd levels, and recap Universal’s recent CinemaCon reveals. Then Jim delivers a standout story tracing how Walt Disney’s early, unauthorized visits to Universal Studios helped inspire the creation of Disneyland.

    NEWS
    • Epic Universe confirms facial recognition will be used to manage land capacity
    • Ongoing speculation about annual passes and attendance strategy for Epic Universe
    • Universal previews upcoming films at CinemaCon including Disclosure Day and The Odyssey
    • Universal Orlando Resort rolls out special Mother’s Day dining experiences

    FEATURE
    • The origin story of Herbie Ryman’s iconic Disneyland concept artwork
    • Walt Disney’s early ambitions as a live-action filmmaker in Hollywood
    • How Walt secretly explored Universal’s backlot using a fake business card
    • The influence of Universal Studios’ layout on Disneyland’s design philosophy
    • Roy Disney’s surprisingly calm contingency plan if Disneyland failed

    HOSTS

    • Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia

    • Eric Hersey – X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey

    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 Save on your next Universal or Disney vacation with and enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and Express Pass options.

    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


    Epic Universe vs. Walt Disney World: What’s Actually Worth Your Summer Vacation? (Ep. 14) Apr 23, 2026
    Show notes

    Lauren and Eric revisit Universal’s Epic Universe one year after their first visit to see how the park experience has evolved and whether it’s still worth the cost and effort in 2026. From rising hotel prices and long wait times to the reality of Express Pass strategy, they break down what’s changed and what hasn’t. Then, they pivot to Disney’s aggressive summer push, exploring whether discounts, refreshed attractions, and new experiences are enough to keep guests from jumping ship. If you’re planning a summer trip, this episode helps you decide where your time and money should go.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • One year later: how Epic Universe’s crowds, pricing, and ride reliability compare to opening season
    • The real cost of visiting Epic, including Express Pass debates and “ghost room” hacks
    • Summer heat and park design: how Epic’s layout impacts comfort and touring strategy
    • Disney’s $99 room deals and summer promotions aimed at keeping guests on property
    • New vs. refreshed: Muppets coaster overlay, Buzz Lightyear updates, and Smugglers Run changes
    • Family trip planning dilemma: Disney vs. Universal for kids ages 7 to 10
    • Listener perspectives from Reddit and Facebook on whether Epic is “worth it” right now

    HOSTS

    • Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

    • Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DisAndHers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis and Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis & Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

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

    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


    Disney Stores Return… Sort Of (Ep. 96) Apr 23, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack Disney’s latest retail experiment with pop-up stores, explore how movie theaters are turning merch into must-have experiences, and dig into the surprising origins of Disney fandom and collecting. From Pittsburgh store openings to high-fashion popcorn buckets, this episode connects the dots between Disney’s past and its evolving strategy to turn every experience into something you can take home.

    NEWS
    • Disney Store “comeback” revealed as limited-time pop-up retail experiences in select cities
    • First pop-up location announced for Pittsburgh, with another coming to Paramus, New Jersey
    • Disney partners with Go Retail Group to reduce overhead while testing physical retail demand
    • Movie theaters lean into merch with The Devil Wears Prada 2 collectible bundles and fashion-themed popcorn containers
    • Disney introduces “Infinity Vision,” a premium large-format theater experience to compete with IMAX availability

    FEATURE
    • How the 1970 MGM auction helped spark the rise of Disney collecting culture
    • Roy O. Disney’s response: creating the Disney Archives to preserve company history
    • The role of early guidebooks in shaping the Disneyana marketplace
    • Celebrity collectors like Carrie Fisher and Michael Jackson driving up prices in the early 1980s
    • Fan-driven events and communities laying the groundwork for modern Disney fandom

    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


    Universal Orlando’s Deluxe Hotels - Are They Really Worth It? (Ep. 17) Apr 22, 2026
    Show notes

    Len Testa and Chris Cox make their case for (and against) Universal Orlando’s premier on-site hotels, breaking down whether the perks justify the price. From Express Pass math to surprisingly strong guest service, the conversation explores what truly makes these resorts “deluxe.” Jim Hill presides as judge, weighing arguments that range from practical savings strategies to opera singers on Italian-style balconies. If you’ve ever debated splurging on Portofino, Hard Rock, or Royal Pacific, this episode lays it all out.

    HIGHLIGHTS
    • Why staying one night at a Universal deluxe hotel can be cheaper than buying Express Passes outright for a family of four
    • Real-world pricing comparisons for Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific - and how rates fluctuate dramatically day-to-day
    • A deep dive into American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts perks, including $100 credits, free breakfast, upgrades, and a game-changing 4pm checkout
    • The value of proximity - walking paths, boat access, and how these hotels compare to Disney resort distances
    • Guest service highlights, including concierge texting, repeat-guest recognition, and consistently strong staff experiences
    • A full comparison of Universal’s three classic deluxe resorts - Portofino Bay, Hard Rock Hotel, and Royal Pacific - including theming, pools, dining, and overall vibe
    • The surprising “hidden luxury” moments, like Portofino’s nightly opera performances and Hard Rock’s underwater pool music
    • Pros vs. cons: premium pricing, limited Epic Universe proximity, and whether the deluxe label truly holds up against top-tier competitors

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


    Forgotten Island Buzz, CinemaCon Shakeups, and a Very Strange Wonka Future (Ep. 355) Apr 21, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the biggest animation and industry stories coming out of CinemaCon 2026, including Drew’s early look at DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island. They also dig into a surprisingly strong box office weekend, Studio Ghibli’s return to theaters, and some truly unexpected developments in the world of Willy Wonka. Along the way, the two share insights on theatrical windows, upcoming animated projects, and what’s really happening behind the scenes in Hollywood animation.

    HIGHLIGHTS
    • Super Mario Brothers Galaxy nears $750M worldwide as the franchise crosses $2B total
    • Pixar’s Hoppers continues a solid run, with digital and physical release plans coming soon
    • Paramount commits to a 45-day theatrical window while Steven Spielberg pushes for longer exclusivity
    • Studio Ghibli Fest 2026 lineup revealed, including Ponyo, Spirited Away, and anniversary screenings
    • Warner Bros. Animation developing anime-inspired Scooby-Doo series Go-Go Mystery Magic
    • Drew shares his spoiler-free reactions to DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island after CinemaCon screening
    • Netflix’s Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory sets up a darker, heist-style Wonka story
    • Updates on Disney Animation’s Hexed, including casting and creative changes

    HOSTS
    • Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia)
    • Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored)

    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 theme park tickets. Plan smarter, save money, and make your next trip more magical.

    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


    Hotels on Top of Attractions, Muppets at 60 MPH, and the Return of Deluxe Dining (Ep. 580) Apr 20, 2026
    Show notes

    Len Testa and Jim Hill sprint through a packed week of Disney and Universal news, from Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's Muppets makeover to the return of Walt Disney World's deluxe dining plan. Along the way, they dig into Universal's new day-of Express offering, answer listener questions about everything from BioReconstruct to Main Street nostalgia, and somehow still find room for pistachio-based trauma. In the main segment, Jim continues the fascinating story of Disney's ambitious "Live the Dream" concept for Disneyland's second gate, including the idea of building hotels directly on top of attractions.

    NEWS

    • Disney has officially brought back the deluxe dining plan for 2027, adding a higher-end option as the company looks for new ways to fill table-service restaurants.
    • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster reopens on May 26, 2026, with the Electric Mayhem taking over the ride and a set list that mixes classic rock with a few curveballs.
    • Celebrity cameos for the reimagined coaster include Awkwafina, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Wayne Brady, Travis Barker, Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Trejo, Darren Criss, and Weird Al Yankovic.
    • A rumor out of Adventureland suggests that completing A Pirate's Adventure may once again unlock a Lightning Lane for Pirates of the Caribbean.
    • Universal Orlando has launched Universal Express Now, a smartphone-based, day-of skip-the-line option that sounds a bit like Lightning Lane's less patient cousin.

    FEATURE

    • Jim continues the history of Disneyland's "Live the Dream" project, a bold expansion concept tied to the resort's long-discussed second park.
    • This chapter explores Disney's growing realization that hotels were a license to print money, especially after the company began operating its own resorts.
    • The episode also connects that thinking to Anaheim's old "Disney cone" zoning rules, which helped protect Disneyland's sightlines from looming high-rises.
    • Most intriguingly, Jim tees up the wildest part of the story: a version of Disneyland's future where hotels would have been built directly above attractions.


    For this episode's 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

    • Today's episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, with discounted theme park tickets for Disney's newest and reopening attractions.

    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


    Pay-Per-Ride Comes to Epic Universe and the Long Goodbye to Lucy: A Tribute (Ep. 99) Apr 17, 2026
    Show notes

    A new à la carte Express Pass option has Universal fans debating the future of line-skipping, while fresh surveys hint at bigger strategic shifts in Hollywood and Orlando. Jim and Eric break down what a single-ride upcharge could mean for guest spending and park flow, plus what face-scanning tech might signal for Epic Universe’s nighttime plans. Then, inspired by a listener suggestion, they take a deep dive into the surprisingly rich history of Lucy: A Tribute - the long-running attraction that once occupied prime real estate at Universal Studios Florida.

    NEWS
    • Universal begins testing a single-ride Express Pass option, allowing guests to skip lines for select attractions at a per-ride price
    • Early reactions to the pay-per-ride model and how it compares to Disney’s Lightning Lane system
    • Face recognition scanners appear at Epic Universe portals, fueling speculation about crowd control and nighttime access
    • New surveys suggest Universal may adjust operating hours at Hollywood, possibly ahead of major attraction demand
    • Universal explores offering discounted annual passes to Disney passholders to boost cross-park loyalty

    FEATURE
    • The origin story of Lucy: A Tribute and how Lucie Arnaz partnered with Universal to preserve her mother’s legacy
    • Why the attraction lasted decades longer than originally planned at both Universal Studios Hollywood and Florida
    • The role of I Love Lucy in early theme park competition between Universal and Disney-MGM Studios
    • How Lucy Ricardo became a beloved walkaround character - and why Universal recently retired her

    HOSTS
    • Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia
    • Eric Hersey – X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey

    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
    Save on your next Universal or Disney vacation with and enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and Express Pass options.

    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


    Worth the Wait? The Rides We Skip & How Much We Spend on Disney (Ep. 13) Apr 16, 2026
    Show notes

    Eric and Lauren dive into one of the most relatable Disney debates: which rides are actually worth the wait. Inspired by a road trip listen to a popular attraction-ranking podcast and a deep Reddit scroll, they compare their own “line tolerance” for fan-favorite rides like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Frozen Ever After. Then, the conversation shifts to the real cost of Disney vacations, breaking down what families are actually spending per day and where those dollars really go. It’s a mix of hot takes, practical planning, and a little financial reality check for Disney fans.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Breaking down a March Madness-style bracket of the best theme park rides in America
    • Which Disney attractions are not worth a 60+ minute wait according to fans
    • The ongoing debate: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train vs. Slinky Dog Dash
    • Why Frozen Ever After is a must-do for some and a hard pass for others
    • How Reddit users really feel about wait times at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom
    • The surprising “$1,000 per day” rule for Disney vacations
    • Food budgets, Lightning Lane costs, and how quickly expenses add up
    • Hidden pre-trip costs like merch, outfits, and Amazon hauls

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

    HOSTS

    • Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    FOLLOW – DIS & HERS

    • Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DisAndHers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis and Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis & Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA

    • Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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    Muppets on TikTok, Disney Ducks in the Parks, and the $40 Billion Star Wars Merch Machine (Ep. 95) Apr 16, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a surprisingly chaotic Muppets merch rollout on TikTok Shop, explore the viral duck trend making its way into Disney parks, and break down the latest Star Wars Day merchandise strategy. Then, Jim dives deep into the history of the Star Wars licensing deal that changed Hollywood forever—and why it’s still considered one of the smartest (and most lopsided) deals ever made. From plush drops to billion-dollar gambles, this episode connects the dots between fandom, merchandising, and Disney’s evolving playbook.

    NEWS
    • Disney tests a Muppets merch comeback with a TikTok-first exclusive plush launch
    • Fans report confusion and delays during the Muppets TikTok Shop rollout
    • The viral “ducking” trend arrives at Disney parks with new collectible lines
    • Disney Cruise Line draws boundaries on where guests can place or hide ducks
    • Star Wars Day merch drops roll out weekly, building momentum toward May the 4th

    FEATURE
    • The origin of Star Wars merchandising and George Lucas’ unprecedented deal
    • How 20th Century Fox underestimated toy licensing after past failures
    • Why Star Wars has generated over $40 billion in merchandise sales
    • The surprising connection between Disney musicals and Star Wars’ business model

    HOSTS
    • Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia
    • 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
    This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Lock in savings now for your next trip and take the stress out of planning.

    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


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