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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.

    Advertise

    Copyright: © 793200

    • Apple Podcasts
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    Latest Episodes:
    The Case for CEO: Fire Mountain, Skyliners & a Villains Brunch (Ep. 14) Mar 11, 2026
    Show notes

    What would happen if Len Testa and Chris Cox were suddenly handed the keys to The Walt Disney Company? In this spirited session of The Case For, Jim Hill presides as the guys pitch their boldest, nerdiest, and occasionally unhinged ideas for the future of Walt Disney World. From resurrecting Magical Express to replacing Jungle Cruise with a Moana and Lilo & Stitch volcano coaster, nothing is off the table.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Should Disney bring back Magical Express and resort package delivery, possibly with paid expedited options to drive incremental revenue?
    • Len proposes accepting international Annual Passes at domestic parks in 2026 to offset projected declines in overseas travel.
    • A controversial pitch to replace Magic Kingdom’s Jungle Cruise with a family-friendly Fire Mountain coaster themed to Moana and Lilo & Stitch.
    • Extending the Skyliner to connect Animal Kingdom, Coronado Springs, All-Stars, and Blizzard Beach to increase resort occupancy and reduce bus demand.
    • A Villains-themed breakfast at Be Our Guest as a test kitchen for the upcoming Villains Land.
    • Chris suggests an AI-powered Memory Maker upgrade that auto-edits photos and creates shareable reels for guests.
    • The long-lost Adventures Club, the future of the monorail system, airline luggage check-in at resorts, and even a “Need a Pee” line re-entry pass all make the docket.

    HOSTS

    • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
    • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | 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


    Hoppers Leaps to Number One, The Wild Robot gets a Sequel, and Cartoon Lagoon Has New Projects Coming (Ep. 349) Mar 10, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor are back together after Drew's birthday escape to Palm Springs, and they've got plenty of animation news to talk about. Pixar has its biggest ever box office for an original film opening, Pete Docter's Wall Street Journal interview takes an odd turn but at least they have a musical on the way, and of course there are the Old Spice marketing tie-ins to the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy movie that want you to smell like Bowser.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Disney Legend Floyd Norman's screening and Q&A at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC has been postponed with no rescheduled date available as of yet

    • Hoppers has the best opening for a Pixar original film yet with an 88 million dollar worldwide gross

    • The first 40,000 fans through the gates on March 31st at the L.A. Dodgers game against the Cleveland Guardians will get an exclusive Yoshi bobblehead

    • Drew drops an exclusive story about the upcoming sequel to The Wild Robot

    • Cartoon Lagoon has a new film, Kindred Spirits, coming in 2028

    • Jim and Drew discuss Pete Docter's recent interview with the Wall Street Journal and the reactions to it

    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

    Unlock Magic
    Planning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Unlock Magic helps you secure the very best deals on theme park tickets, with expert support from people who truly know the parks. Visit unlockedmagic.com to start planning your next 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


    The Great Movie Ride, Carthay Circle, and the Cheesecake That Stole the Show (Ep. 574) Mar 09, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss Villains Land expansion permits, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s refurbishment timeline, and how negotiations over the Chinese Theatre helped shape Disney’s use of Carthay Circle as a park icon. Plus, listener questions, MuppetVision’s future on Apple Vision Pro, and a standout cheesecake discovery at Walt Disney World.

    NEWS

    • Updated permits show Villains Land attractions expanding, with both the dark ride and coaster buildings increasing in size.

    • Infrastructure work for Piston Peak and Villains Land is currently scheduled to be completed by December 2027.

    • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has closed for refurbishment, with a possible Memorial Day reopening target.

    • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s refurbishment permit has been extended through August 31, 2026.

    • Brian Henson says MuppetVision 3D is coming to Apple Vision Pro with selectable viewing seats.

    • Len shares a rave review of the brulée Basque cheesecake at Bourbon Steak in the Walt Disney World Dolphin.

    FEATURE

    • Jim continues the history of The Great Movie Ride and Disney’s negotiations with theater owner Tedd Mann.

    • The story explains why Disney insisted on calling the building simply the Chinese Theatre.

    • Jim also details how the Carthay Circle Theatre eventually became the icon of Disney California Adventure.

    • Early plans for the building included a ride, stage show, film attraction, and museum before it became a restaurant.

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

    HOSTS

    • Jim Hill - IG: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia | X: https://twitter.com/JimHillMedia | Website: https://JimHillMedia.com

    • Len Testa - IG: https://www.instagram.com/len.testa | Website: https://touringplans.com

    FOLLOW

    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimHillMediaNews
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia
    • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.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 news is sponsored by our friends at Unlocked Magic. Looking for discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets - including hard-to-find 1- and 2-day options? Head to unlockedmagic.com to find deals that can beat Disney’s direct pricing.

    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


    Fast & Furious: From Street Racing Article to Universal Attraction (Ep.93) Mar 06, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick off a packed episode of the Epic Universal Podcast while preparing for an upcoming trip to Universal Studios Hollywood. Along the way, they dig into current park news, new Wizarding World treats, and construction updates affecting CityWalk. The back half of the show dives deep into the surprising origin story of the Fast & Furious franchise and how it eventually made its way into Universal’s theme parks.

    NEWS

    • King Kong 360 3D on the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour temporarily closes for refurbishment through March 14, meaning some guests may miss the massive Peter Jackson–inspired attraction sequence featuring Kong battling V-Rex dinosaurs.

    • Sidewalk and infrastructure construction is underway at Universal CityWalk Hollywood near the security checkpoint as the resort continues repositioning its entrance and preparing space for a future on-site Universal hotel.

    • Butterbeer Season expands across Universal parks worldwide, bringing themed treats like butterbeer waffles, cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, candy apples, and new merchandise including Butterbeer spirit jerseys.

    • Wizarding World snack lineup grows with new Hogwarts house-themed “ice lollies” (popsicles) available at Diagon Alley’s Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Counter and the Hopping Pot area.

    • Jim and Eric discuss planning tips for first-time visits to Universal Studios Hollywood, including how the CityWalk layout and security process differ from Universal Orlando.

    FEATURE

    • The unexpected origin of the Fast & Furious franchise, inspired by a 1998 Vibe magazine article about illegal street racing in New York City.

    • How the first film’s $38 million budget turned into a $200+ million worldwide hit and launched one of Universal’s most valuable film franchises.

    • Why Vin Diesel initially refused to return for the sequel despite a $25 million offer and how the franchise nearly shifted direction without its biggest stars.

    • The surprising role Universal Home Entertainment played in pushing for additional sequels after massive DVD and VHS sales.

    • Early theme park integration of the franchise, including the short-lived Fast & Furious Extreme Close-Up Experience on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour.

    • How that stunt demonstration used early KUKA robotic arm technology, which later powered Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

    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 your next theme park vacation? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations can help you plan the perfect trip to Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more. Get started today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to mention the Epic Universal Podcast.

    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 Surprisingly Complicated Origins of Disney Springs (Ep. 89) Mar 05, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the latest Disney Springs news, from towering CrazyShakes and a savory new concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse to a possible interactive gaming venue taking over the old NBA Experience building. They also spotlight a subtle new Disney-inspired apparel brand before diving into the surprisingly complicated early history of Disney Springs. In part one of this deep dive, Jim traces the story all the way back to Walt Disney’s original EPCOT city plans and the unlikely beginnings of what eventually became Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district.

    NEWS

    • Black Tap CrazyShake pop-up arrives at Disney Springs with over-the-top milkshakes, including a Disney-exclusive Mickey-themed shake available for a limited 90-day run
    • Six Ravens announced as a new savory concept from Gideon’s Bakehouse founder Steve Lewis, featuring “coffins” (old-school hand pies), smashed potatoes, and local beer
    • Level 99 interactive challenge venue rumored for the former NBA Experience building, bringing 60 physical and mental challenge rooms plus food and drinks
    • The Aerophile balloon ride at Disney Springs returns with a brand-new balloon, once again offering aerial views of Walt Disney World

    FEATURE

    • Why Disney Springs exists at all - and how its origins trace back to Walt Disney’s original EPCOT city concept in the 1960s
    • The opening of the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in 1975 and why Disney initially designed it for residents, not tourists
    • How the Empress Lily riverboat restaurant helped introduce Disney’s first-ever character dining experience in 1978
    • Early resort expansion plans around the shopping village, including a proposed New Orleans Square-themed hotel district that never happened

    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 brought to you by Unlocked Magic, the go-to place for some of the best deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 park trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you lock in great prices and plan ahead with confidence.
    Visit: 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


    Are Disney Villains Losing Their Edge? And What’s Behind the Olaf Outrage (Ep. 7) Mar 05, 2026
    Show notes

    Eric and Lauren break down a massive week in the Disney Parks community, from the emotional final launch of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith to swirling speculation about Magic Kingdom’s Villains Land. They also react to Joe Rohde’s surprise book announcement and the passionate fan debate over Olaf taking over Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith officially closed on March 2, drawing multi-hour waits as fans packed Disney’s Hollywood Studios to say goodbye to the 1999 launch coaster.
    • Fresh reporting suggests major creative shifts for Villains Land, including a possible Emperor’s New Groove coaster, a Maleficent boat ride E-ticket, and an Ursula-inspired flat ride.
    • Fans are divided over whether Villains Land should lean dark and intimidating or embrace a more whimsical, family-friendly tone.
    • Joe Rohde announces a new book, Floating Mountains: The Art of Imagining the Impossible, sparking renewed conversation about the most influential Imagineers of the modern era.
    • A new Olaf-hosted Animation Academy experience will use pre-recorded instruction from Disney Animation artists, prompting debate over the loss of live instructor interaction.

    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
    • 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


    A New CEO and a Different Marvel Strategy (Ep. 12) Mar 04, 2026
    Show notes

    In this episode, Jim Hill and Dan Graney zoom out and look at the chessboard. With Josh D’Amaro stepping into the CEO role and a noticeably restrained tone coming out of Disney leadership, the conversation isn’t about splashy announcements. It’s about positioning. From Avengers: Doomsday reshoots and Doctor Doom Oreo rollouts to Sony’s Spider-Man reset and Lucasfilm’s next theatrical move, this week felt less like checkmate and more like pieces quietly sliding into place.

    HIGHLIGHTS
    • A major executive profile previews Josh D’Amaro’s March 18 CEO transition and underscores how Parks and Experiences now drive the majority of Disney’s operating income.
    • Disney leadership publicly tempers expectations around Marvel while privately expressing confidence in Avengers: Doomsday as a potential 2026 event film.
    • Reports of three weeks of Doomsday reshoots in London raise the question: routine refinement or cause for concern?
    • A premium screen showdown looms as Doomsday is currently slated opposite Dune: Part Three, which holds IMAX exclusivity opening weekend.
    • Marvel lays groundwork for Doctor Doom across publishing and consumer products, including a coordinated comic relaunch and national Oreo promotion.
    • Sony Pictures signals a “full-scale reboot” of its live-action Spider-Man villain universe, pivoting back toward hero-centered storytelling and deeper collaboration with Kevin Feige.
    • A quick Star Wars temperature check, including internal reactions to The Mandalorian & Grogu marketing and early buzz around Star Wars: Starfighter.

    SPONSOR
    This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. Save up to 12% on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets with the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and start saving today at
    https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=marvelus

    When you book, be sure to tell them Dan and Jim sent you.

    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


    Criterion Crowns KPop, Zootopia 2 Climbs Higher & Smiling Friends Signs Off (Ep. 348) Mar 03, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor kick off this week’s show a little early to accommodate Drew’s Palm Springs getaway, but that doesn’t slow down the animation news. From Netflix making a rare physical media play with KPop Demon Hunters to Zootopia 2 quietly becoming 2025’s biggest domestic hit, there’s a lot to unpack. They also look at Smiling Friends stepping away at its peak, new anime headed to theaters, and a wave of animation-themed events happening coast to coast.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • KPop Demon Hunters lands a rare Criterion Collection physical media release after sweeping major awards, signaling a big win for Netflix animation.

    • Zootopia 2 becomes 2025’s top domestic release and sees strong demand for its 4K Steelbook on launch day.

    • Smiling Friends ends on its own terms, with two final episodes set to air April 12.

    • Crunchyroll dates the next That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime movie for May 2026 as Season Four arrives this spring.

    • Hulu’s upcoming animated comedy Swap Meet begins development at 20th Television Animation and Sony Pictures Television.

    • Don Hahn’s Huz: Drawn to Life spotlights Disney animator Ron Husband and his legacy.

    • Dana Terrace premieres The Knights of Guinevere pilot and plans a March panel and gallery event in Alhambra.

    • Drawing Magic: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida opens in Orlando with a March 8 creators panel.

    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

    Unlock Magic
    Planning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Unlock Magic helps you secure the very best deals on theme park tickets, with expert support from people who truly know the parks. Visit unlockedmagic.com to start planning your next 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


    The Chinese Theater That Wasn’t the Icon (Ep. 573) Mar 02, 2026
    Show notes

    This week, Jim and Len explore how the most famous movie palace in Hollywood became the centerpiece of Disney’s Hollywood Studios… and somehow never its official icon. Along the way, Olaf teaches drawing lessons (to himself), Millennium Falcon gets a name that even Disney couldn’t commit to, Butterbeer achieves new levels of sugar density, Disneyland Paris flirts with character hotel makeovers, and Disney Cruise Line tries to figure out exactly how much of a discount it takes to get you off the couch.

    NEWS

    • Olaf hosts a new drawing experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including a wonderfully meta segment where Olaf learns to draw Olaf.

    • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run briefly adds “A New Mission” to its name before Disney quietly rethinks the branding.

    • Universal’s Butterbeer Season returns with waffles, cream puffs, and what your cardiologist calls “concerns.”

    • Joe Rohde releases “Floating Mountains,” blending travel stories and creative philosophy.

    • Disneyland Paris surveys suggest Newport Bay Club rooms may soon feature aquatic Disney IP overlays.

    • A Disney Cruise Line survey reveals how many clicks it takes before 30 percent off starts sounding persuasive.

    FEATURE

    The History of The Great Movie Ride – Part 2

    • Why the Chinese Theatre replica sits in icon position but never officially became the park’s symbol.

    • How Sid Grauman turned an earthquake, a tent, and a projector into a Hollywood empire.

    • Walt Disney’s long affection for the Chinese Theatre, from Flowers and Trees to the Mary Poppins premiere.

    • The subtle design tweaks that made Florida’s version taller, shinier, and occasionally slippery.

    • How The Great Movie Ride building carried more history than most guests ever realized.

    For this episode’s full show notes, click 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. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at prices better than gate rates by visiting 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


    Universal Wants to Be Your Week-Long Vacation (Ep. 92) Feb 27, 2026
    Show notes

    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack Universal’s latest ticketing survey, the studio’s continued confidence in Wicked, and the surprising Epcot-inspired expansion that reshaped Universal Studios Hollywood in the late 1980s.

    NEWS

    • Universal tests “Make it a week you’ll never forget” messaging in a new survey, hinting at a major push to reposition Universal Orlando Resort as a full-week destination
    • Guest perception questions compare park counts at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, signaling confidence in the four-park narrative
    • Wicked crosses $1.2 billion globally across its two films, as NBCUniversal leadership confirms interest in expanding the Oz universe
    • Universal Studios Hollywood named the official theme park partner of the LA 2028 Olympic Games
    • Jurassic Park and Jurassic World props spotted backstage in Hollywood, fueling speculation about possible additions to Fan Fest
    • All the Books You Can Read in Seuss Landing quietly closes, raising questions about retail strategy inside Islands of Adventure

    FEATURE

    • Why Universal executives studied EPCOT’s World Showcase before expanding the Hollywood upper lot
    • The creation of “Streets of the World,” a $75 million expansion designed to let guests walk through detailed movie-quality sets
    • How Parisian cafés, Sherlock Holmes’ 221B Baker Street, and even an Animal House façade briefly brought film environments to life
    • The surprising ways these sets were actually used in production, including scenes for Beverly Hills, 90210
    • How character encounters and celebrity lookalikes helped this area function like a Disney-style themed land
    • Why much of this expansion eventually gave way to newer attractions like The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash

    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

    This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Epic Universal listeners can take advantage of a limited-time ticket offer: get seven days in the parks for the price of five at Universal Orlando Resort. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to secure this special offer and start planning your next Universal vacation.

    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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