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Sneaking Into Sam’s: Jim Finally Cracks the Grog Grotto Code (Ep. 560) Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

After a week wandering Walt Disney World with Len and Jim Shull, Jim goes solo this episode to share fresh Orlando observations, big theme park news, and the triumphant tale of finally getting inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto after a decade of trying. From Zootopia 2’s massive box office to the latest on dynamic pricing, Magic Kingdom expansion hints, and some curious choices around holiday traditions at the Grand Floridian, this one covers a lot of ground. And yes, there will be tiki mugs.

NEWS
• Disney officially announces that The World of Frozen opens at Disneyland Paris on March 29, 2026.
• CFO Hugh Johnston publicly confirms dynamic pricing expansions at Disney parks after a year of corporate pushback.
• Zootopia 2 posts a remarkable $556 million global opening weekend.
• Ongoing fan hunt for the hidden Joe Rohde at Zootopia Zoo Better Together—Jim Shull reveals where to look.
• Early visuals emerge around the Magic Kingdom expansion, with notable activity near Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way.

FEATURE
• The full saga of Jim’s 10-year quest to enter Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.
• Why going late - very late - is the key to getting inside this tiny tiki temple.
• Comparisons between Trader Sam’s, the new Beacon Barrel in Adventureland, and The Perch at the Grand Floridian.
• Updates on this year’s missing Grand Floridian Gingerbread House and what might happen next.

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.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, the same team behind the DVC Rental Store. If you're planning a trip to Central Florida and want discounted tickets to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando - often 10 to 12 percent less than elsewhere - 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

How Jim Carrey Survived Becoming the Grinch (Ep. 79) Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

Jim and Eric unwrap a very different kind of holiday story this week: the wild, demanding, and downright unbelievable making of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Fresh from Jim’s trip to IAAPA and holiday visits to the Universal parks, the guys trace how the film’s production shaped today’s Grinchmas offerings, from the makeup performers wear to the version of Whoville Universal still uses. Along the way, they dig into this year’s seasonal additions, Wicked’s strong opening, and the latest rumblings from Epic Universe.

NEWS
• Universal Orlando and Hollywood launch their holiday seasons, including new decorations, Tribute Store theming, and Grinchmas updates
• Wicked for Good posts a massive opening weekend, powering Universal’s awards-season buzz
• Epic Universe construction heats up with a major new permit near the Ministry of Magic
• Butterbeer expands again with Coffee Mate creamers arriving nationwide soon

FEATURE
• The unbelievable true story of making the 2000 Grinch.
• The intense Hollywood bidding war that secured Dr. Seuss’s beloved book for Universal
• What Jim Carrey endured inside a full yak-fur bodysuit, yellow contacts, and nine-hour makeup sessions
• The military-level torture survival training Carrey received just to get through filming
• How Ron Howard, Rick Baker, and even Eddie Murphy tried to keep morale up on set
• And how all of this still influences the Grinch performers greeting guests at Universal today

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

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

SPONSOR
This week’s episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. Save on regular Disney theme park tickets and discounted after-hours event tickets when you book through UnlockedMagic.com. Lock in your winter plans while deals last!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don Knotts, Chicken Little, and a Very Disney Thanksgiving (Ep. 75) Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Jim and Lauren celebrate Thanksgiving with a whirlwind mix of Disney history, holiday nostalgia, and a merch-filled New York adventure. From Wicked-branded ice rinks and a Zootopia 2 takeover at JFK to Macy’s exclusive parade collection and a stop at the Harry Potter Store, Lauren brings back a suitcase full of stories. Jim then dives into the legacy of Don Knotts, his long relationship with Disney, and how he ended up voicing Mayor Turkey Lurkey in Chicken Little. A cozy, funny, and very seasonal edition of I Want That Too.

HIGHLIGHTS

Lauren’s NYC trip featuring massive Wicked and Zootopia 2 marketing across Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and JFK
Inside Macy’s Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade collection, plus Marvel arcade surprises
A butterbeer meetup at the Harry Potter Store and standout Potter merch finds
Jim’s holiday watchlist, including the debut of Prep and Landing: Snowball Protocol
A deep dive into Don Knotts’ Disney career and his final animated role as Turkey Lurkey

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 unlockedmagic.com, the trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Planning a Disney trip? They can help you secure the best deals on Walt Disney World tickets—sometimes as much as 12 percent off. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and be sure to tell them Jim and Lauren sent you.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When the Russo Brothers Crash the Multiverse (Ep. 5) Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Jim and Dan return with a pre-Thanksgiving episode that mixes Orlando sidewalks, MCU speculation, and a defrosting turkey that may or may not be plotting its escape. They cover everything from Universal’s uneven holiday decorations to the unexpectedly emotional Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Chadwick Boseman. From there, the guys dive headfirst into Marvel’s latest rumblings, including Wonder Man’s very meta cameo and the increasingly loud whispers about the Russo Brothers shaping the MCU’s next storytelling era. It’s a lively one, recorded just days before the pie-and-TV marathon begins.

NEWS

Universal Orlando holiday observations, including the conspicuously undecorated Marvel Super Hero Island and a stellar Captain America meet and greet.
Updates on Black Panther 3, including casting buzz and the heartfelt Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring Chadwick Boseman.
Early discussion of Doomsday, Secret Wars, and shifting MCU release timelines.
New info on Disney Plus’ Wonder Man series and its unexpectedly meta Josh Gad connection.
The Avatar: Fire and Ash runtime reveal and how it ties into the first Doomsday trailer launch.

FEATURE

Why the Russo Brothers may return as creative architects of Marvel’s “Mutant Saga,” and what that means after the bumpy post-Endgame years.
How the MCU’s parliament is shifting strategy away from homework-heavy storytelling.
What the Russos must resolve as Marvel transitions out of the multiverse era and toward a unified, mutant-inclusive future.

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

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

SPONSOR

Unlock real discounts on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets with Unlocked Magic. Sometimes savings reach up to 12 percent, and the service is run by the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and go. Tell them Jim and Dan sent you.
Website: Unlocked Magic

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside the Animation Money Machine: Zootopia 2, Frozen Paydays & the New Economics of Disney Franchises (Ep. 334) Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

As Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down just hours before Zootopia 2 preview screenings begin, they dig into the film’s early reactions, the surprising box-office shape of the holiday season, and the escalating economics behind today’s animated franchises. HIGHLIGHTS

Early reactions to Zootopia 2 and what Drew learned from scoring sessions and long-lead press days.
How Wicked: For Good outpaced the original film’s opening—and why reviews may complicate the long-term outlook.
Stephen Schwartz’s long history with animation—from Pocahontas to The Prince of Egypt—and his record-breaking opening weekend.
A surprise Thanksgiving return for Prep & Landing and why Snowball Protocol deserved more promotion.
Drew breaks down the blockbuster salaries behind Frozen 3 and 4—and how favored-nations deals shaped the cast’s negotiations.
Tim Allen completes his Toy Story 5 recording, plus a look back at the franchise’s evolving pay scale.
Trailer talk: David, Hoppers, and what Pixar’s 2026 slate signals for the studio.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Drew Taylor — X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work Follow Us

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip at UnlockedMagic.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inside IAAPA 2025: Big Rides, Bold Tech, and the Industry’s Next Moves (Ep. 559) Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment.

NEWS

A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth.
Zamperla’s full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher.
The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint.
Mack Rides’ water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments.
The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn’t answer most questions yet.
Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—possible clues to future projects.
A vendor’s dramatic countdown-clock presentation that fell apart when no one realized the microphone was dead.
The team’s ongoing quest for pickle-flavored cotton candy and other baffling IAAPA food innovations.
Len’s impromptu pitch to Doppelmayr about Universal’s transportation RFQ—and the unexpectedly enthusiastic response.
Why IAAPA acts as “old home week” for themed entertainment pros, with surprise run-ins, backstage conversations, and stories that won’t be public for years.

Full show notes available here: Show Notes

Hosts

Patreon

Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes stories. Join us at:
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency
https://strongmindedagency.com

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip with Unlocked Magic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Man Who Made Universal Explode: Jay Stein and the Birth of the JayBang (Ep. 78) Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

On this episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal Orlando updates before turning to a deep-dive tribute to Jay Stein — the visionary who transformed Universal’s backlot tour into a spectacle factory and helped define the studio’s signature “JayBang” style of themed entertainment.

NEWS

NBC’s Wicked: One Wonderful Night special sparks strong reactions as Universal’s cross-promotions continue everywhere from Dunkin’ to TV tie-ins.
New 2026 Universal Orlando ticket options clarify how multi-day guests can access Epic Universe more than once.
Reddit reactions and critic reviews paint a wide spectrum of opinions on Universal’s latest TV musical marketing moment.
Preparations continue around Orlando as fans look ahead to more detailed Epic Universe rollouts.

FEATURE — A TRIBUTE TO JAY STEIN

How a 26-year-old studio problem-solver was handed one directive: “Fix the tram tour.”
The creation of the very first “JayBang”: the 1968 Flash Flood, sending 20,000 gallons of water rushing past the tram.
The shift from generic “movie magic” to effects pulled straight from current Universal Pictures releases.
The Eiger Sanction–inspired glacier tunnel illusion, which evolved into one of the most memorable tram finales ever built.
Why Jay Stein’s fingerprints can still be felt across every fireball, near-miss shark, collapsing bridge, and runaway vehicle in Universal’s attraction lineup.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

Eric Hersey — X/Twitter: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey | Website: erichersey.com

Patreon

Enjoying the show? Your support helps us bring more insider history, analysis, and interviews to the feed. Join us at: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

YouTube: @jimhillmedia

TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, where listeners can save up to 12% on Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World tickets — including select after-hours events.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Mary Poppins Rewrote Disney History: A Conversation with Todd James Pierce (Ep. 74) Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

Disney merch meets Disney history this week as Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the newest releases tied to Zootopia 2 before shifting gears into a deep dive on one of the most pivotal films in studio history. Then, Disney historian and author Todd James Pierce joins the show to share how Mary Poppins reshaped the future of the company — with behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard.

NEWS

The newest Zootopia 2 merch drops at Disney Store and World of Disney, from Judy Hopps Loungefly to new plush and spirit jerseys.
Box-office expectations for the Zootopia sequel as it heads into Thanksgiving weekend.
A first look at Disneyland’s odd and delightful new souvenir guide.
Disney’s unexpected collaboration with Formula One.

FEATURE

Interview: Todd James Pierce — The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney

How the 1964 classic became the studio’s turning point during Walt’s most ambitious era.
Julie Andrews, Hayley Mills furniture, and other wonderfully strange details from Todd’s research.
Why Mary Poppins helped fund the expansion that made Walt Disney World possible.
The years-long archival detective work that went into Todd’s book.
Walt’s evolving creative priorities — and how this single film changed everything.

Guest

Todd James Pierce
Website: toddjamespierce.com
Podcast: Disney History Institute
Books: Three Years in Wonderland, The Life and Times of Ward Kimball, The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney

Hosts

Jim Hill
X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia Instagram: @JimHillMedia Website: jimhillmedia.com

Lauren Hersey
X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2
Instagram: @lauren_hersey_

Patreon Support the show and get exclusive content!
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia

Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

UnlockedMagic.com — your trusted source for the best Walt Disney World ticket deals, including savings on special event nights like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Make your next Disney trip a little more magical at UnlockedMagic.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Your Verdicts on Park Hopping, Rope Drops, and Solo Trips (Ep. 6) Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

This week, Jim Hill joins Len Testa and Chris Cox in the Court of the Walt Disney World Resort to open the mailbag and dive into your comments on park hopping, rope dropping, resort strategy, and the joys of solo touring.

HIGHLIGHTS

What real guests say about when park hopping actually pays off
Why longer UK trips flip the park-hop vs. slow-down debate
The surprising power of resort location — and why Epcot area hotels keep winning
Rope dropping vs. teenagers: an age-old (and very sleepy) dilemma
Solo trips, flexibility, and the freedom to wander at will

Hosts

Patreon

Love the show and want to support more episodes like this? Join us on Patreon and get early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Production Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailers, Box Office Surprises & SpongeBob’s Return: Animation’s Holiday Push (Ep. 333) Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

As the long Thanksgiving weekend approaches, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into a flurry of newly dropped animation trailers, surprising box office projections, and the industry shifts shaping Spring and Summer 2026. Recorded just as holiday season ramps up, this week’s Fine Tooning mixes news, nostalgia, and some unexpected industry history.

HIGHLIGHTS

Why studios dropped so many major trailers this week — and what their early online rollouts say about today’s marketing playbook.
A look at the weekend box office projections, including the strong debut for Now You See Me, Now You Don’t 3 and the surprising second-week drop for Predator: Badlands.
Angel Studios’ upcoming animated musical David and its early pre-sale strategy heading into the crowded December slate.
First impressions of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — plus memories from the 1980s Jetsons revival session featuring Mel Blanc.
Updates on Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie, new leadership at Paramount Animation, and how “evergreen” franchises like Toy Story continue to evolve.
A quick detour into the Magic Castle, close-up magic legends, and why those spaces still influence entertainment creatives today.

Hosts

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Drew Taylor — X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work

Patreon

Love what we do? Support the show and get exclusive content at:
https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
YouTube: @jimhillmedia
TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits

Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, where you can save up to 12% on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets — including select after-hours events and holiday offerings. Run by the same trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. When you book, tell them Drew & Jim sent you!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices