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Is Marvel Building a New Street-Level Saga? (Ep. 15) Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Dan Graney dig into a week where Marvel quietly laid out the ingredients for something bigger, from Daredevil: Born Again’s turning point episode to new hints about Spider-Man, the Punisher, and the future of the MCU’s street-level storytelling. Along the way, they unpack surprising performance data, X-Men developments, and what might actually be driving Marvel’s next saga. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that connects Disney+, the big screen, and even the theme parks into one evolving strategy.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 signals a major tonal shift, with Kingpin’s story heading into darker territory
• Jon Bernthal’s Punisher return gains new weight, including creative input and ties to upcoming MCU projects
• Rumors of a Daredevil movie suggest Marvel may be building toward a street-level crossover event
• She-Hulk: Attorney at Law may have performed better than expected, despite online fan narratives
• The Avengers’ reduced presence raises questions about who is actually steering the MCU right now
• Spider-Man: Brand New Day reshoots hint at tonal adjustments as Marvel balances grounded storytelling with humor
• X-Men reboot details point to a more character-driven, long-term storytelling approach
• From Disney+ QR codes to podcasts, Marvel is experimenting with ways to deepen audience engagement

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

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Pixar’s “Be Fri” Mystery, Netflix’s Animation Expansion & the Future of Theatrical Animation (Ep. 354) Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Drew dig into a packed week of animation news, from the surprising cancellation of a promising Pixar project to Netflix’s growing global animation footprint. Along the way, they explore box office winners, long-gestating passion projects finally coming to life, and the evolving relationship between streaming, theatrical releases, and viral animation hits. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that highlights just how quickly the animation industry continues to shift.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Pixar’s canceled “Be Fri” project revealed - a female-led film that was deep into development before being shelved amid studio shifts and Disney+ strategy changes
• “Super Mario Galaxy” tops the box office while global competition heats up from international hits like China’s “Pegasus 3”
• Netflix expands its animation empire with a new Vancouver studio hub, joining Disney and Sony in a growing production hotspot
• Fathom Events brings viral hit “The Amazing Digital Circus” to theaters, highlighting the pipeline from YouTube to the big screen
• Brad Bird’s long-awaited “Ray Gunn” finally unveils first images after decades in development
• Warner Bros. and Netflix continue investing in YA and reimagined fairy tale animation, including “Steps” and new book adaptations
• One Piece grows into a full franchise push with new seasons, specials, and theme park experiences

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

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
Planning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Save money and skip the stress with expert help from UnlockMagic.com, your go-to source for theme park tickets and deals.

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

Muppets Take the Coaster & Disney’s “Live the Dream” Park Plan (Ep. 579) Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a mix of Disney Parks news, listener questions, and a fascinating deep-dive into a forgotten concept for Disneyland’s second gate. They discuss Big Thunder Mountain’s updated height requirement, rumors around Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s Muppet makeover, and whether Disney might follow Las Vegas into immersive Sphere-style storytelling. Then Jim explores Disney’s ambitious “Live the Dream” project—an Imagineering concept that would have placed hotels directly inside a theme park.

NEWS
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens May 3 with a lowered height requirement, allowing more younger guests to ride
• Rumblings of a preview for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, including possible Electric Mayhem music
• Media event timing hints at a potential Memorial Day launch window for the updated attraction
• Discussion of how ride vehicles or track changes might support the new height requirement

FEATURE
• The origins of Disney’s “Live the Dream” concept for a second Disneyland park
• Dorothea Redmond’s vision of boutique hotel rooms built inside Magic Kingdom’s Main Street structures
• How early Imagineering explored placing full-scale hotel experiences inside theme parks
• The role of Walt Disney’s obsession with “visual intrusion” in shaping park design
• Why corporate decisions and risk aversion ultimately shelved these ambitious ideas

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

How Universal Transformed the Upper Lot to Build The Wizarding World (Ep. 98) Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey race through breaking Universal news before Eric hits the road, covering everything from a surprising park entry tech failure to visible demolition at Islands of Adventure. They also dig into new developments around Epic Universe expansion plans and international park oddities. Then, in honor of a major milestone, Jim walks through the complex, multi-year transformation that brought The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood.

NEWS
• A temporary entry system failure at Universal Studios Florida raises questions about reliance on facial recognition and fingerprint ticketing
• Demolition begins in Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, with walls up around the former Sinbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury area
• New land clearing near Epic Universe sparks speculation, though Universal calls it routine site prep
• Celestial Park fountain drained as nighttime show development continues at Epic Universe
• Universal Studios Japan adds Peanuts characters to its 25th anniversary celebration with a new live show

FEATURE
• The 10-year anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood
• Why Hollywood’s version took longer to build than Orlando and Japan
• How Universal used the project to justify a $1.6 billion overhaul of the park’s Upper Lot
• Behind-the-scenes look at how Springfield USA and Hogsmeade were designed to visually block each other for immersion

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

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
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

Crocs, Figment, and the Book That Made Disney Take Control (Ep. 94) Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Lauren dig into a surprisingly packed week of Disney merch and history, from Crocs-inspired Minnie ears to rare Figment throwbacks and a new Little Golden Book celebrating Jim Henson. Along the way, they explore the shrinking footprint of Disney Stores - and the possibility of their return. Then Jim dives deep into the moment Disney stopped trusting outside publishers, revealing how one controversial biography changed the company’s approach to storytelling forever.

NEWS
• Disney and Crocs expand their partnership with customizable Mickey and Minnie ear headbands, featuring classic Crocs styling and interchangeable charms
• A rare Disney Store outlet sighting sparks discussion about the future of retail - including rumors of immersive store experiences returning in select markets
• New retro Figment and Dreamfinder shirts celebrate the original Journey Into Imagination attraction with vintage-inspired designs
• A Little Golden Book biography of Jim Henson arrives May 5, introducing younger readers to the creator of the Muppets and his legacy

FEATURE
• How Disney originally relied on outside publishers like Western Publishing to tell its stories
• The 1968 release of a controversial Walt Disney biography that damaged trust and reshaped the company’s publishing strategy
• Why Disney shifted to in-house publishing under Michael Eisner to control its narrative and protect Walt’s legacy
• The ongoing tension between historical accuracy and corporate storytelling, and how it still impacts Disney books today

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

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
This episode is sponsored by Unlock Magic - your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. Whether you're planning ahead for 2026 or heading to a major event like D23, Unlock Magic helps you save money and skip the stress. Visit UnlockMagic.com to start planning your next trip.

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 Utilidor Isn’t So Magical After All (Ep. 12) Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Lauren and Eric go underground this week to unpack their unexpectedly viral TikTok and the surprisingly polarizing reactions to their utilidor-inspired basement. What started as a fun Disney homage quickly turned into a reality check from former cast members who know the tunnels all too well. Then, the conversation moves topside as they explore what it really costs to live near Walt Disney World, from Golden Oak luxury to the curious case of Celebration.

HIGHLIGHTS

A TikTok featuring their utilidor-themed basement sparks viral attention and unexpected cast member reactions
Former Disney cast members reveal the less magical side of the utilidor, including smells, noise, and daily operations
The surprising divide between Disney fan perception and cast member reality when it comes to backstage areas
A breakdown of Golden Oak living, including home prices ranging from $4M to $18M and steep HOA fees
Celebration, Florida examined as Disney’s original master-planned community, with mixed reviews from residents on charm versus “uncanny valley” vibes

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

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

Is Epic Universe Express Pass Worth It? Cost, Wait Times & Strategy Guide (Ep. 16) Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Len Testa and Chris Cox take their case to the court as they debate whether Universal’s Epic Universe Express Pass is worth the hefty price tag. With an upcoming family trip on the line, Chris weighs cost versus convenience, while Len breaks down the math, ride reliability, and real-world touring strategy. Along the way, they explore downtime issues, queue trade-offs, and whether a VIP tour might actually be the smarter splurge. In the end, even the court has to admit: this one’s closer than it seems.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Express Pass pricing ranges from $210 to $360 per person, with per-ride costs that rival Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass
• The biggest benefit: near-guaranteed ability to experience all major attractions in a single day with shorter waits
• Major downside: high cost for families, especially when compared to adding an extra park day instead
• Ride downtime at Epic Universe is משמעותי, with top attractions averaging 45 to 110 minutes of daily closures
• Express Pass acts as “insurance” against breakdowns, reducing risk of missing headliner rides
• Early entry plus Express Pass creates an optimal strategy for repeat rides and a more relaxed touring pace
• Some experiences - including character meets like Toothless and select attractions - are not included in Express Pass
• Queue theming may be partially skipped with Express, raising the question of whether guests miss key storytelling elements

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

Mario’s Massive Opening, AI Animation Backlash, and the Mystery Disney Drone Show (Ep. 353) Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s Fine Tooning with a real-life animation-adjacent story involving Bob’s Burgers’ Eugene Mirman, before diving into a huge Easter weekend box office led by Nintendo’s latest animated hit. From Disney+ shorts and Netflix trailers to Broadway updates and AI controversy, this episode covers a wide swath of animation and industry news. Plus, the guys explore a lingering mystery involving Disney’s experimental drone shows.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Eugene Mirman, the voice of Gene Belcher on Bob’s Burgers, is involved in a serious electric vehicle accident in New Hampshire and shares a humorous recovery update
• The Super Mario Brothers Galaxy Movie opens to a massive $372 million worldwide, outperforming expectations despite mixed reviews
• Pixar’s Hoppers continues its theatrical run with $332 million globally, while Project Hail Mary climbs to $420 million worldwide
• Disney+ debuts “Versa,” a visually ambitious animated short exploring grief and loss, alongside two new Short Circuit entries
• Netflix releases the trailer for Swapped, a new animated feature from Tangled co-director Nathan Greno
• Disney’s Hercules stage musical sets a closing date in London as speculation continues about a possible U.S. transfer
• WildBrain faces backlash for AI-upscaled episodes of The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! airing on MeTV Toons
• A closer look at Disney’s evolving Short Circuit program and the final Disney work of legendary animator Mark Henn
• Updates on Disney theatrical projects including the live-action Tangled and the evolving Hercules film concept
• The growing use of AI in animation restoration and the debate over preserving original artistic integrity

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

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
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, get expert help securing the best ticket deals with no stress. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning your next theme park adventure.

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

Villains Land Hotels & Disneyland’s Golden Bathroom of Tomorrow (Ep. 578) Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Len and Jim follow the money, the zoning maps, and at least one imaginary contractor from 79 A.D. to figure out where new Magic Kingdom hotels might go—and whether you’ll one day be able to literally sleep inside Villains Land. Then Jim digs into one of Disneyland’s strangest early attractions: a fully gold-plated “Bathroom of Tomorrow” that proves Walt Disney could, in fact, make plumbing both educational and slightly terrifying. Along the way: after-2pm tickets, summer crowd tea leaves, and why your next Disney vacation might come with a side of afternoon thunderstorms and existential ride downtime.

NEWS
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin soft-opens at Magic Kingdom with updated gameplay and improved interactivity
• Walt Disney World introduces new after-2pm summer tickets with lower per-hour cost—but higher exposure to Florida’s daily thunderstorm roulette
• Summer 2026 discounts (tickets + hotels) hint at softer-than-expected demand and rising travel costs impacting attendance
• Deposition reveals Disney explored building one or two hotels near Magic Kingdom—raising big questions about location, zoning, and long-term expansion
• Universal quietly moves forward with demolition at Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent as speculation swirls (Zelda, anyone?)

FEATURE
• The real story behind Disneyland’s Bathroom of Tomorrow (1956–1960), designed by industrial legend Henry Dreyfuss
• Why everything in the exhibit was gold-plated—and why diamonds were, regrettably, ruled out
• How Walt Disney’s practical, farm-raised approach to plumbing influenced early park design (and yes, restroom priorities)
• The clash between Dreyfuss’s elegant bathroom design and Monsanto’s… “efficient” House of the Future facilities
• How Disney parks later became a real-world testing lab for product design—including a Polaroid camera shaped by guests fumbling with popcorn-greased fingers

For this episode’s full shownotes click here.
View transcript here.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | 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
This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets—often below Disney’s direct pricing—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

Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97) Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed, news-heavy episode as they break down a wave of updates from across Universal Parks and beyond. From Epic Universe expansion permits and annual passholder strategy to Halloween Horror Nights reveals and new Vegas experiences, this episode is wall-to-wall news. If you’ve been waiting for a full download on everything happening at Universal right now, this is the episode.

NEWS
• Super Mario Bros. Galaxy opens with massive box office projections, signaling strong synergy with Universal’s theme park strategy
• Universal FanFest expands with new experiences, including a Scooby-Doo and classic monsters walkthrough and a One Piece live stunt show
• Jurassic Park walkthrough experience quietly opens at Universal Hollywood, featuring iconic characters and interactive elements
• Universal Hollywood introduces a new all-day dining pass, raising questions about guest spending and in-park strategy
• Epic Universe expansion permits reveal new land development, including a briefly leaked “future attraction”
• Universal begins hiring for nighttime show roles, hinting that Epic Universe entertainment is moving closer to launch
• New Epic Universe annual passholder surveys explore multi-year passes and limited-access tiers
• Universal continues to balance demand with controlled attendance as Epic Universe prepares for opening
• Halloween Horror Nights 35 announced with Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow returning in a shared house
• New “Scream Early” ticket offers guests early access to select houses before the event officially begins
• Universal offers discounts to returning Premium Scream Night guests after last year’s mixed debut
• Rumors swirl about a potential Fortnite-themed Halloween Horror Nights house
• Universal Horror Unleashed introduces discounted “Freddy Cat” tickets for non-house access experiences
• New seasonal overlay “Feaster Grievings” brings a horror-themed Easter event to Las Vegas

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

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
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and 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

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