The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

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The Knight in the Haunted Mansion to The Great Movie Ride Origins (Ep. 571) Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Len dig into multimodal transportation news, Epic Universe’s shifting early entry lineup, and a possible successor to Josh D’Amaro before launching a new series on the history of The Great Movie Ride - including how a live performer in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion helped inspire one of Disney-MGM Studios’ most ambitious opening-day attractions.

NEWS
• Universal selects The Boring Company to develop a resort-wide transportation system connecting parks and hotels
• Epic Universe quietly reshuffles early park admission offerings mid-month
• Natasha Rafalski emerges as a potential future leader of Disney Experiences
• Garden Rocks concert lineup shifts major acts to Friday through Monday dates
• Walt Disney World files permits tied to updates at Carousel of Progress

FEATURE
• How a live “Knight” performer inside Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion in 1985 influenced Michael Eisner
• The Main Street Cinema’s Phantom of the Opera stunt and its connection to Universal Studios’ early tram tour
• The risks and guest reactions that ended the Haunted Mansion live-performer experiment
• The origins of The Great Movie Ride’s ambitious blend of live actors and animatronics

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 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

From American Tail to Littlefoot – Don Bluth and Spielberg’s Unlikely Alliance (Ep. 90) Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Eric kick things off with breaking news from Universal’s Fan Fest - yes, there are now multiple colored Yoshis roaming around. From there, they dig into Universal’s bold Mummy 4 release date, Wicked’s Peacock debut, Mardi Gras madness in Orlando, and that Epic Universe Super Bowl ad that’s clearly aimed at changing everything. Then in the back half, Jim dives into the surprisingly complicated history of The Land Before Time - from Spielberg’s creative notes to 14 installments and those rare Littlefoot walk-around characters at Universal Studios Hollywood.

NEWS

• Mummy 4 gets a prime summer release date - Universal slots the Brendan Fraser-led sequel for May 19, 2028, signaling major confidence in the franchise’s return.
• Wicked heads to Peacock - Universal’s Broadway juggernaut begins streaming March 20, keeping the contractual Wicked mention streak alive.
• Universal Mardi Gras 2026 begins - Over 40 international food booths, live concerts, and the debut of Prince Gator at Universal Orlando.
• Volcano Bay goes cashless - Starting February 25, the water park transitions to card-only transactions.
• Epic Universe Super Bowl commercial - A sibling rivalry story spotlights Stardust Racers and positions Universal Orlando as a multi-day destination experience.

FEATURE

• The Land Before Time’s surprising origin story - How Steven Spielberg partnered with Don Bluth after The Secret of NIMH and reshaped a dinosaur tale to be less terrifying for kids.
• Scenes cut for being “too scary” - Nearly 10 minutes were removed before the 1988 theatrical release of The Land Before Time.
• From theatrical hit to direct-to-video empire - Universal ultimately produced 14 installments, with the final entry arriving in 2016.
• Rare Universal Studios walk-around characters - Littlefoot and Sarah once appeared in the parks - and Jim wants proof from listeners who remember them.

HOSTS

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

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 adventure? The experts at Be Our Guest Vacations are a Platinum Level Universal and Disney travel agency, offering concierge-level planning for Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Disney parks, cruises, and more. Start planning 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.

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The River That Never Flowed - EPCOT’s Lost German Cruise (Ep. 86) Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Lauren kick off Super Bowl Sunday by diving into the biggest toy expo in the world and what it reveals about the future of Disney licensing. From LEGO’s new screen-free “smart” bricks to Formula One collaborations and a surprising resurgence of theme park trash can merch, this episode blends breaking toy news with classic Disney history - including the Epcot attraction that almost was.

NEWS

• Highlights from Germany’s massive Spielwarenmesse toy fair - and what it signals for global licensing trends
• LEGO unveils new Smart Play sets, including interactive Star Wars builds with light-and-sound “smart brick” technology
• A global Mickey and Friends x Formula One collaboration races toward 2026
• Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates 20 years of Push the Talking Trash Can with a talking collectible and shoulder plush
• Walt Disney World rolls out a sprawling line of vintage park map merchandise, from tumblers to Skyway-inspired planters

FEATURE

• The ambitious German River Ride once planned for EPCOT’s Germany pavilion
• How the attraction would have blended miniatures, cultural history, and even a surprise Snow White moment
• The financial realities of early EPCOT - and why World War II sensitivities may have sealed the ride’s fate
• The mural inside Biergarten that quietly marks where the attraction entrance was supposed to be

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, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you secure great ticket prices without the stress - all handled by experts who know the parks and how to save you money. Start planning your next adventure 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

The Muppets Win the Ratings Game While Wonder Man Sneaks Up on Disney+ (Ep. 4) Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Disney is having a moment and this episode covers three very different reasons why. Eric and Lauren dig into the surprise ratings success of The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special, break down why Marvel’s Wonder Man quietly became a sleeper hit on Disney Plus, and wrap things up with a look at Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary and the popcorn bucket chaos that came with it. From broadcast TV demos to streaming strategy and park optics, this one moves fast and covers a lot of ground.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Muppets’ 50th anniversary special delivers strong ABC ratings and wins the key 18–49 demo
Why those numbers matter to advertisers and what they could mean for a potential weekly revival
The Sabrina Carpenter bump and how celebrity guests factor into Muppets nostalgia and reach
Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro spotted at Disneyland and the symbolism of that park appearance
Marvel’s Wonder Man emerges as a sleeper hit with critics and viewers despite minimal marketing
Why a lower-budget, character-driven Marvel series may point to a smarter streaming future
Disney California Adventure turns 25 and sparks long lines thanks to a high-tech Ferris wheel popcorn bucket
The ongoing reseller debate and whether Disney should crack down harder on merch flippers

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

Listener Mailbag - Butterbeer, After Hours, and New Year’s Eve Crowds (Ep. 12) Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

This session of The Case For lets Judge Jim Hill step out from behind the bench and into the mailroom as Len Testa and Chris Cox react to listener feedback from several recent cases. From after-hours events and dining plans to Butterbeer preferences, New Year’s Eve strategies, and park entrances, this episode is fueled entirely by audience opinions, polls, and personal experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Listener reactions to After Hours events, including strong praise for Jollywood Nights and whether these parties can replace a full park day
• Poll results and personal stories about the Disney Dining Plan, snack credits, and why many guests value stress-free spending over savings
• A deep dive into Butterbeer preferences, including frozen vs hot, Epic Universe crepes, and controversial takes on Blue and Green Milk
• Real-world feedback on New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World, from Hollywood Studios and EPCOT strategies to crowd survival stories
• A surprisingly passionate debate over the best park entrances, from Animal Kingdom’s Oasis to EPCOT’s International Gateway

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

Josh D’Amaro Gets the Big Chair, Dana Walden Gets the Creative Keys at Disney (Ep. 345) Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Fine Tooning, where Drew Taylor and Jim Hill record on Super Bowl Sunday, dodge football talk, and instead zero in on animation news, box office bruises, and one of the biggest corporate shake-ups in Disney history. Along the way, there is chatter about Super Bowl trailers, art books you are not allowed to open yet, and why studios still love spending big bucks for 30 seconds of attention. Then the conversation turns serious as Disney’s future leadership comes sharply into focus.

NEWS
• Super Bowl 60 trailer watch, including expected spots for Toy Story 5, Hoppers, and whether Universal should hype the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy Movie
• A rough North American box office weekend, with Send Help limping to number one and Zootopia 2 still padding its already massive worldwide total
• Angel Studios news, including a release date for Andy Serkis’ long-awaited Animal Farm
• GKIDS picks up a new original animated feature from Macross creator Shoji Kawamori
• Genndy Tartakovsky reportedly circling an animated Game of Thrones spin-off, plus a look at Netflix’s Stranger Things: Tales from ’85

FEATURE
• Disney announces its next era as Josh D’Amaro is named CEO, effective March 18, 2026
• A deep dive into D’Amaro’s path through Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, and why Iger ultimately chose him
• Dana Walden promoted to President and Chief Creative Officer, with oversight of Disney’s vast entertainment portfolio
• What this leadership pairing signals for Disney’s creative direction, corporate culture, and long-term strategy

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
Unlocked Magic helps you save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Just pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Visit UnlockedMagic.com and be sure to tell them Drew and Jim sent you.

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’s New CEO and the Time Universal Forced Disney to Build Dinosaurs (Ep. 570) Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

A major leadership change headlines this week’s Disney Dish, as Disney officially names Josh D’Amaro its next CEO. Len and Jim break down what this move really means for the company, why Dana Walden’s new role matters just as much, and how this leadership shuffle could shape the future of Disney parks, entertainment, and creative decision-making. After a news-heavy first half, Jim then steps back in time to explain how Universal’s Jurassic Park strategy once forced Disney to rethink Animal Kingdom from the ground up.

NEWS
• Josh D’Amaro is named Disney’s next CEO, officially replacing Bob Iger
• Dana Walden remains with the company as president and chief creative officer, easing industry concerns
• Disney Parks earnings show strong spending but hint at softer attendance trends
• New permits reveal expanded ferry capacity at the Magic Kingdom ahead of major land expansions
• Disneyland-area bus service faces cancellation, raising guest transportation concerns

FEATURE
• How Universal’s Jurassic Park success pressured Disney in the 1990s
• Why DinoLand USA moved ahead of Beastly Kingdom in Animal Kingdom’s original plans
• How Disney used dinosaurs to counter Universal’s Islands of Adventure before it opened
• Why the Indiana Jones ride system became the foundation for Dinosaur the Ride

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

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

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

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

SPONSOR
The Disney Dish Podcast is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com from our friends at DVC Rental Store. If you’re looking for discounted Disney theme park tickets that can help boost your vacation budget, visit UnlockedMagic.com and start planning your next fairy tale 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

When Universal Tried to Build a Theme Park in the Desert (Ep. 89) Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with a mix of snarky social media, surprising Super Bowl ads, and listener-driven questions before pivoting into a deep historical dive. From Universal’s well-timed trolling of Disney to a fascinating look at a Middle East theme park that almost happened, this episode blends breaking news with one of those long-form Universal history lessons Jim is known for.

NEWS
• Universal Orlando trolls Disney following the closure of Dinosaur with a pointed Jurassic Park social post
• Xfinity debuts a Super Bowl ad reuniting the original Jurassic Park cast, directed by Taika Waititi
• Universal explores walkaround Jurassic Park characters including John Hammond, Ian Malcolm, and Dennis Nedry
• Ongoing fan speculation around the Oz-tacular Spectacular trademark and where a Wicked-themed show could land
• Listener questions about Epic Universe character appearances, including the elusive Donkey Kong meet-and-greet

FEATURE
• A detailed history of Universal Studios Dubailand - the ambitious Middle East park that was announced, partially built, and ultimately abandoned
• How the Great Recession stalled Universal’s international expansion plans
• Why Universal quietly walked away from Dubailand after nearly a decade
• How this abandoned project connects to Universal’s renewed interest in the Middle East and a possible Saudi Arabia theme park

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
Be Our Guest Vacations
Are you planning your next Universal or Disney adventure? Let the experts at Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details. As a Platinum level Authorized Vacation Planner, they offer top-tier concierge service for Universal Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney destinations, cruises, and more.
Start planning today at BeOurGuestVacations.com and be sure to let them know the Epic Universal Podcast sent you.

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

Eevee Goes to Sea While a Ferris Wheel Swings Back Into the Spotlight (Ep. 85) Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Lauren break down Disney’s latest merch moves, where experiences become collectibles and collectibles become strategy. From an emotional towel animal turned cruise ship plush to popcorn buckets that literally demand attention, this episode covers how Disney is driving hype across price points. Then, in the feature, Jim digs deep into the long, misunderstood history of Disney California Adventure’s giant wheel and why it has always been more controversial than fans remember.

NEWS
• Disney Cruise Line introduces Eevee, the towel-animal-inspired plush debuting exclusively onboard starting February 8
• A new Pixar Pal-A-Round interactive popcorn bucket celebrates Disney California Adventure’s 25th anniversary with swinging gondolas and lighting effects
• EPCOT Festival of the Arts unveils an interactive Figment popcorn bucket, complete with removable, color-changing paintbrush
• Disney cracks down on resellers with all-sales-final policies at Character Warehouses and cast member stores
• High fashion meets fairy tales with the Victor & Rolf Cinderella collector doll, debuting during Paris Fashion Week

FEATURE
• The Pixar Pal-A-Round is not a Ferris wheel but an eccentric wheel, and that distinction matters
• Why Disney fans long believed Walt Disney hated Ferris wheels, and where that myth really came from
• From the Chicago World’s Fair to Disneyland’s State Fair, how spinning rides shaped Disney park design
• The behind-the-scenes reason icons like the Partners statue exist and what they were meant to prevent

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 of I Want That Too is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 trip is on your radar, Unlocked Magic helps you lock in prices early, stress-free, and with expert guidance from people who know the parks inside and out. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning today.

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 Names a New CEO as Orlando Freezes & DINOSAUR Goes Extinct (Ep. 3) Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Lauren and Eric break down one of the busiest Disney news weeks in recent memory. From record-breaking cold temperatures in Central Florida to the emotional final day of DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A., there was no shortage of headlines. Add in a surprise character debut, a major Disney earnings call, and the official announcement of a new CEO, and this episode is packed wall to wall with news, context, and strong opinions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Record-breaking cold temperatures in Orlando, freezing pipes, closing water parks, and even icing over the Universal globe
DINOSAUR and DinoLand U.S.A. officially close, with five-hour waits, cast member tributes, and the land vanishing from the app overnight
Humphrey the Bear makes his first-ever in-park appearance, delighting deep-cut Disney fans
Disney’s latest earnings call delivers strong Parks and Experiences results, just ahead of leadership changes
A new Disney CEO is officially named, with Bob Iger transitioning into a senior advisor role and a creative shakeup at the top

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

HOSTS