The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

Universal’s Most Dangerous Tram Scene and Why It Disappeared (Ep. 85) Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Jim and Eric kick off this week’s show with listener-driven updates and fresh speculation from the Universal parks beat, before pivoting into a deep historical dive on one of the strangest and most memorable effects ever staged on the Universal Studios Hollywood tram tour. Along the way, there is discussion of low-crowd horror experiences, a surprising Spielberg-themed survey, and a heartfelt remembrance of a YouTube pioneer who helped shape modern theme park fandom.

NEWS
• Fresh rumors swirl around a possible IT / Pennywise presence at Halloween Horror Nights, and why Warner Bros and Six Flags complicate the IP landscape
• Listener reports reveal low crowds but high-quality scares at Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas
• Early construction walls appear in Celestial Park at Epic Universe, hinting at future capacity expansion
• A leaked survey teases a potential Steven Spielberg and Amblin-themed tram-style attraction concept
• Reflections on the legacy of Adam the Woo and his impact on theme park history storytelling

FEATURE
• The forgotten history of Six Points, Texas on the Universal backlot and why it became underused
• How Jay Stein pushed Universal to add bold show scenes to the tram tour in the early 1970s
• The engineering and storytelling behind the Runaway Train effect and why it took five years to build
• Mr. T, The A-Team, and the brief but unforgettable era when a TV star nearly “crashed” the tram

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. Save on Disney and Universal tickets, including park hoppers and Lightning Lane options, by booking through 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

Looking Ahead to 2026: Why Disney’s Quiet Anniversaries Are About to Flood the Shelves (Ep. 81) Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick things off by looking ahead to what’s shaping up to be a massive 2026 for Disney merch fans. From milestone anniversaries Disney rarely shouts about to a packed slate of films and park changes, this episode breaks down why collectors should start paying attention now. And later in the show, Jim dives deep into a Disney history lesson about a beautifully ambitious animated film that failed spectacularly - and how that misfire accidentally paved the way for one of Disney’s most merch-friendly franchises ever.

NEWS
• Why 2026 is stacked with Disney anniversaries, including Disneyland’s 70th, DCA’s 25th, and multiple film milestones
• Major franchise birthdays like High School Musical (20), Cars (20), Zootopia (10), Moana (10), and 101 Dalmatians (65)
• How Pixar’s 40th anniversary and its long partnership with Disney could influence upcoming releases
• A look at 2026 movies driving merch, including Toy Story 5, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and live-action Moana
• Big park changes ahead, from Galaxy’s Edge updates to Disneyland Paris becoming Disney Adventure World

FEATURE
• Why Sleeping Beauty was one of Disney’s most expensive animated gambles - and why it failed at the box office
• How that failure led Disney to completely rethink animation budgets and storytelling
• The surprising connection between Sleeping Beauty’s loss and the creation of One Hundred and One Dalmatians
• How that pivot ultimately set the stage for decades of Cruella-driven merch success

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

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 Unlocked Magic, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If Disney or Universal is anywhere on your 2026 radar, Unlocked Magic is a smart place to start. Their experts know the parks, the seasons, and how to help you plan without overpaying. Head to UnlockedMagic.com for great deals on theme park tickets and 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 Legacy Play: How Marvel Is Reopening Closed Chapters (Ep. 8) Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Marvel Us Disney for the first episode of 2026, where Jim Hill and Dan Graney kick off the year by looking at how Marvel is embracing chaos, memory, and unfinished business. From carefully timed leaks and legacy character returns to the stories and creators who never quite got their final chapter, this episode connects Marvel’s current strategy to the people and moments that shaped it. Along the way, the conversation takes some thoughtful detours into Hollywood history, creator recognition, and one very famous Spider-Man movie that almost happened.

NEWS
• Marvel’s early-2026 rollout leans into controlled chaos, with Avengers: Doomsday teasers, overseas trailer ratings, and leaks that feel increasingly intentional
• The return of legacy characters like Steve Rogers, Thor, and the X-Men signals a broader strategy, not just nostalgia
• Why Marvel’s staggered teaser strategy may be quietly helping Avatar: Fire and Ash dominate IMAX screens
• Disney+ quietly drops all episodes of Wonder Man at once, adding it to the growing list of well-liked Marvel TV “orphans”
• A meaningful tribute to Jack Kirby in New York City highlights how recognition sometimes comes from community, not corporations

FEATURE
• The origin of James Cameron’s unmade Spider-Man film, including scripts, tone, and planned villains
• How Cameron’s darker, more adult take on Peter Parker clashed with a legal maze of rights and lawsuits
• Why this unrealized project still explains Spider-Man’s endless adaptability across reboots and eras
• How Marvel’s biggest “what ifs” continue to echo through today’s franchise decisions

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Dan Graney - 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

The End of Oscar Night on Network TV and the Rise of the 2026 Animation Arms Race (Ep. 340) Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Welcome back to Fine Tooning with Jim Hill and Drew Taylor, who is officially back behind the mic after a very eventful hiatus. Before diving into a mountain of animation news, the guys catch up on where Drew has been, why Burbank’s Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center has more Disney history than you might expect, and why this might be one of the biggest transition moments the entertainment industry has seen in decades.

NEWS
• The Academy Awards announce a major media shift, with the Oscars leaving broadcast television for YouTube beginning in 2029
• Awards season logistics break down, including nomination voting dates, announcement timing, and the March ceremony
• Box office check-in on Avatar: Fire and Ash crossing the billion-dollar mark worldwide
• Zootopia 2 becomes the highest-grossing film ever released by Walt Disney Animation Studios
• A huge year for global animation, with Ne Zha 2, anime theatrical releases, and Netflix hits reshaping the marketplace

FEATURE
• A comprehensive look at the major animated theatrical releases scheduled for 2026
• Pixar, Illumination, Disney, DreamWorks, Sony, Laika, and more line up an unusually crowded slate
• Why films like Toy Story 5, Hoppers, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and Coyote vs. Acme carry especially high expectations
• What shifting release strategies and streaming decisions may signal for animation’s future

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, where you can score real savings on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Unlocked Magic is run by the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. Planning a Central Florida trip in 2026? Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Learn more 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 Patent That May Have Cracked Disney’s Encanto Ride - Plus the Secrets of Castle Care (Ep. 565) Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to the first Disney Dish of the new year, where Jim Hill and Len Testa kick things off with news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history and tech. This week, a newly published Disney patent sparks speculation about how the upcoming Encanto attraction may work, while Jim launches into a fascinating (and surprisingly hands-on) story about how Disney maintains, repairs, and periodically reinvents its iconic theme park castles. Along the way, there are transportation woes, glittering greenhouses, and more than a few once-in-a-lifetime Disney moments.

NEWS
• Disney reveals Buddy, a new helper character coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin when it reopens in 2026 • A newly filed Disney patent hints at holographic characters, with strong evidence pointing toward use in the upcoming Encanto ride • Imagineering files a new construction permit for the Haunted Mansion, likely focused on interior work • Updates on Glittering Greenhouses at EPCOT and extended holiday decorations at Disneyland • Changes to Disneyland perks, including the end of Early Entry and the rollout of a new California resident ticket deal

FEATURE
• Why Disney castles require constant repainting, roof repairs, and drainage fixes • The overlooked engineering challenges of maintaining structures built for 1950s deadlines, not 21st-century weather • How Imagineer Kim Irvine spent decades refining Sleeping Beauty Castle’s look, color palette, and functionality • The surprising amount of artistry that goes into making castle “bricks” look authentically imperfect

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

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

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 UnlockedMagic.com. Planning a Walt Disney World getaway? Our friends at Unlocked Magic offer discounted theme park tickets, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day tickets. Learn more 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 Affordable Housing to a House on Fire – Universal News and the Tram Tour’s Burning Past (Ep. 84) Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

Recording on New Year’s Eve for a show that drops just as 2026 begins, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a full slate of Universal news, rumors, and unexpected updates before shifting into a classic Jim Hill history lesson. The episode starts in the present with major developments at Universal Orlando and ends in the late 1960s on the Hollywood backlot, tracing how one clever Tram Tour gag eventually led to one of Universal’s most iconic fire-based attractions.

NEWS
• Universal Destinations and Experiences begins construction on Catchlight Crossings, a 1,000-unit affordable housing community near Universal Orlando
• What’s included in the development - retail, medical offices, community space, transportation hubs, and a tuition-free Bezos Academy preschool
• How Catchlight Crossings fits into Universal’s long-term Housing for Tomorrow initiative and who the community is designed to serve
• Rumor watch - could Stephen King’s It become a headline house at Halloween Horror Nights 2026, and how that would fit alongside Universal’s existing horror icons
• The planned reimagining of Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show is delayed, keeping the attraction open longer than expected
• Universal’s seasonal Backlot Club holiday card game wraps up and whether it could become a recurring collectible
• Wicked: For Good debuts as the most-watched PVOD title in the U.S. in a single day, with a breakdown of pricing and bonus features

FEATURE
• The surprising origins of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Burning House and why it was added to the Tram Tour in the early 1970s
• How Jay Stein, under Lew Wasserman’s direction, searched for cheap, repeatable, four-minute-resettable spectacle after the success of the Flash Flood
• A short-lived and controversial gorilla gag inspired by Tarzan that generated complaints from parents
• The evolution from jungle sight gags to the Snow Cottage, movie magic illusions, and the push to let guests feel heat instead of cold
• How the Burning House eventually paved the way for Backdraft and future flame-based Universal attractions

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 brought to you by Be Our Guest Vacations. From Universal Orlando and Hollywood to Disney parks, cruises, and beyond, their Platinum-level concierge service takes the stress out of vacation planning. Learn more at beourguestvacations.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

Disney’s $4 Billion Bear: Why Duffy Rules Overseas but Still Baffles the U.S. (Ep. 80) Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

It’s the first episode of the new year, and Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in 2026 by digging into the annual Disney merch reset. From the surprisingly nostalgic look of next year’s dated park souvenirs to a brand-new Star Wars droid collector program, there’s a lot changing on shelves just as holiday decorations disappear overnight. Plus, Jim takes a deep dive into one of Disney’s most baffling merch success stories and why it still doesn’t quite translate stateside.

NEWS
• A first look at Disney’s 2026 dated park merchandise, including a color palette that feels straight out of vintage Walt Disney World road signage • Disney confirms Droid Factory Fridays, a new monthly Star Wars collector program kicking off January 2 • How Disney is using timed drops and bonus build incentives to keep Star Wars fans buying all year long • Valentine’s Day arrives overnight, with Sweethearts’ Nite at Disneyland and new couples-focused merch leading the charge

FEATURE
• Why Stitch dominated 2025 with billions in merch sales following the live-action film • The strange history of Duffy the Disney Bear, from U.S. failure to massive success in Asia • Disney’s new slow-and-steady strategy to finally make Duffy stick with American audiences • How Asian parks are going all-in on Duffy with restaurants, parades, shows, and anniversary celebrations

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 Unlocked Magic, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If a trip to Disney or Universal is in your future, visit UnlockedMagic.com to score great ticket deals from people who truly know Disney travel.

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 Case for Disney World on New Year’s Eve (Ep. 9) Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

Spending New Year’s Eve inside a Disney World theme park sounds like the ultimate “most magical place on Earth” flex - until you remember you’re doing it shoulder-to-shoulder with what feels like the population of a small nation. This week in the Court of the Disney World Resort, Len Testa argues the case for the marathon day, the once-a-year entertainment, and that surreal moment when Adventureland is blasting pop music. Chris Cox counters with big-city New Year’s trauma, crowd math, and the simple question of whether there’s a way to enjoy the fireworks without living inside a human corral for four hours. What does Judge Jim Hill have to say?

HIGHLIGHTS
• The reality of Disney World on New Year’s Eve - a 18-20 hour endurance event with lines for rides, food, bathrooms, and basically oxygen • Why rope-dropping on December 31 can feel weirdly peaceful - and why nobody leaves once the park hits peak capacity • The perks that actually are special: party props, unique entertainment, and a midnight fireworks show with countdown-style pyro (plus perimeter fireworks) • The “cheat code” option - watching the full dress rehearsal fireworks on December 30 from Bay Lake Tower (or another Magic Kingdom-area resort)

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

Fine Tooning Looks Back at 2025, From Disney’s AI Gamble to Animation’s Biggest Wins (Ep. 339) Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

As 2025 comes to a close, Jim Hill flies solo on this Drew-free edition of Fine Tooning to take stock of one of the biggest, strangest, and most consequential years the animation industry has seen in decades. From record-shattering box office runs and surprise streaming hits to uncomfortable conversations about AI and the future of creative labor, this episode connects the dots between where animation has been and where it appears to be heading next.

NEWS
• Why Disney’s $1 billion investment in OpenAI has the animation world divided and how a Jerry Beck-hosted editorial argues that Walt Disney might have embraced AI himself
• A year-end box office check-in including Zootopia 2, Avatar: Fire & Ash, and Angel Studios’ faith-based animated feature David
• Netflix confirms KPop Demon Hunters has been watched more than 500 million times worldwide and what that means for its sequel and merchandising future
• Major release-date shakeups for The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender and Pixar’s Gatto and why March releases are no longer considered box office poison
• A rundown of upcoming animation books, UPA retrospectives, and why supporting animation historians matters more than ever

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 big on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, sometimes up to 12 percent off. Unlocked Magic is run by the same team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, making it easy to plan your 2026 Central Florida vacation. 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

The $7 Million 3D Gamble That Saved Opening Day at EPCOT (Ep. 564) Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Jim and Len kick off the final Disney Dish of the year with holiday crowds, sold-out Lightning Lane Premier Passes, and one last lap through Jollywood Nights before pivoting into surveys, listener questions, and some unexpectedly nerdy math. Along the way, they remember a beloved Imagineer, dig into why Disney asks the survey questions it does, and break down the best times to roll the dice on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind if you are chasing that perfect song. Then Jim takes everyone deep into EPCOT history with the strange, expensive, and surprisingly high-stakes story of Magic Journeys, the 3D film that quietly kept opening day from turning into a full-blown disaster.

NEWS
• Lightning Lane Premier Pass prices hit record highs and still sell out across Walt Disney World during the holiday rush
• Jollywood Nights sticks the landing in its later years and may now be Disney World’s most popular hard-ticket holiday event
• A remembrance of legendary Imagineer Eddie Sato, including unrealized Mission Space concepts and behind-the-scenes stories
• Animal Kingdom survey questions raise eyebrows about shaded seating and what Disney might really be testing

FEATURE
• How Kodak sponsorships, lost 3D filmmaking knowledge, and a $7 million budget led to Magic Journeys
• Why Magic Journeys was one of the only EPCOT opening-day attractions that actually worked as planned
• Murray Lerner, improvisation, and the near-panic inside Imagineering as the film fell behind schedule
• The experimental reach-and-flinch moments that made Magic Journeys unforgettable and unrepeatable

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
This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Start planning your 2026 Disney and Universal vacations with exclusive ticket discounts, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day Walt Disney World tickets. Tickets link directly to your My Disney Experience account, fast and easy. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save big.

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

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected