The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

Sipping Through Disney: Tumblers, Mugs, and the Merch That Keeps Coming Back (Ep. 50) Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them.

Whether you're a mug minimalist or a tumbler hoarder, this one’s for you.

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Pixar’s Elio Revealed, Coco 2 Confirmed & Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Sparks Debate (Ep. 309) Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially on the way—with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning—though its release date may be in flux.

They also dive into the mixed reactions to Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, including fan frustrations over missing characters and deeper critiques from Hawaiian viewers. Other topics include:

The legacy of Destino and its unlikely connection to a Coronado Springs hotel
The controversy surrounding the live-action Lilo & Stitch ending and themes of colonialism
Streaming stats for Bluey and the puzzling world of animation metrics
Updates on the King of the Hill reboot and Rick & Morty Season 8
Remembering Alf Clausen’s musical legacy on The Simpsons

Plus, Drew shares behind-the-scenes insights from Elio, including a surprise reference to The Shining, its Epcot-like opening scene, and the technical feat that is the Communiverse.

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Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an Express Pass? (Ep. 534) Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion.

Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely want to return Universal's newest theme park later in the day
Film Fight -- How Disney worked out a truce between Kodak & Polaroid back in the 1970s, so that both brands of films could then be sold inside of their theme parks
Parade Reservations – Why -- if you're an Annual Passholder -- you're going to need to plan ahead if you want to see "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" this Summer
Rent-a-Park – Why the Magic Kingdom & Disney's Hollywood Studios aren't available for private parties during certain times of the year
Someday My Prints Will Come -- Which Disney Park icon is one of the most photographed structures in the world

Touring tips, stories about Walt as a grandfather, plus talk of garlic presses —it’s another packed episode of the Disney Dish.

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Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney (Ep. 53) May 30, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lasting impact on themed entertainment.

How Disney turned down Spielberg’s offer—and why it shaped his long-term partnership with Universal
The story behind Amazing Stories and its role in Spielberg’s attempt to build a brand beyond film
Why Harry and the Hendersons was seen as a potential franchise—and why it never became the next E.T.
Remembering Ed Gale and his roles in Howard the Duck, Child’s Play, and more
Universal’s Jaws 50th anniversary celebrations and evolving How to Train Your Dragon film updates

This episode blends nostalgic storytelling with industry insight, spotlighting how one filmmaker’s dream to become the next Walt Disney changed the theme park world forever.

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Disneyland at 70: Popcorn Buckets, Padfolios, and the Wild Story of the Tencennial (Ep. 49) May 29, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial.

From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the story of how Walt honored his first decade of Disneyland, from airborne Mary Poppins stunts to the birth of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

The Mickey popcorn bucket that moves, talks, and blinks
Why propeller hats and retro logos are making a comeback
The gorgeous “padfolio” inspired by Walt Disney’s real desk
The true story behind Disneyland’s 10th anniversary (and that weird word “Tencennial”)
When Walt thought the park really opened—and how that date changed
The crown decorations that accidentally damaged Sleeping Beauty Castle

From collectible merch to collectible memories, this episode brings Disneyland’s past and present together in perfect, popcorn-scented harmony.

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Lilo & Stitch Surprises at the Box Office, Toy Story 5 Adds Conan, and Epic Universe Impressions (Ep. 308) May 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including:

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases.
Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation.

First look at Zootopia 2 – A mysterious villain, new districts, and plenty of fan theories sparked by the teaser trailer.
Drew’s full report from Epic Universe – A deep dive into Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic, Celestial Park, and the tech behind Monsters Unchained.

A can't-miss episode filled with theatrical wins, sneak peeks, and theme park reveals from one of the biggest weekends in entertainment.

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From Pop-Up to Permanent: Disney’s Tent Obsession and the Accidental Origins of Toontown (Ep. 533) May 26, 2025

Show notes

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown.

Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quick fix that morphed into a 20-year land.
Festival of the Lion King - The show that squatted in a space meant for dragons... and thrived.
Magic Kingdom Strategy - How early entry and Lightning Lane stacking can knock out every headliner by noon.
Disney’s Indoor Parks - From DisneyQuest to Abu Dhabi, a look at the past and future of enclosed theme parks.

It’s a celebration of Disney’s most beloved “temporary” projects - and the ones that just refused to leave.

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Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage, Celebrity Sightings, and the Ghost of Universal Escape (Ep. 52) May 23, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park.

Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous branding misfire that nearly doomed it: Universal Studios Escape.

Coverage breakdown of Epic Universe’s grand opening, from live broadcasts to opening portal ceremonies
Celebrity sightings include Shigeru Miyamoto, Danny Elfman, Warwick Davis, Tony Baxter, and Cody Rhodes
Ygor and the monsters steal the spotlight - again -on national TV
Early first-day reviews highlight light crowds, limited medallion merch, and a rough start for Battle at the Ministry
Jim shares the wild history of Universal’s 1999 park expansion, including Seagram’s chaotic E-Zone plans and the “Universal Studios Escape” branding blunder
How Islands of Adventure overcame early stumbles to become a flagship park - and how Epic Universe is already avoiding those same mistakes

With one park officially launched and another history lesson unpacked, this episode celebrates the present while learning from the past.

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Why Disney Bought the Mighty Ducks and the Angels (Ep. 48) May 22, 2025

Show notes

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go.

Also in this episode:

Trash can candy containers debut at Disney Springs
The DisneyStore.com shipping threshold quietly goes up
The latest on Epcot pin trading and Disney's response
A listener asks: Are Spirit Jerseys going out of style?
The real origin story of the Spirit Jersey
Why Tangled’s live-action fate may depend on Stitch’s box office

From puck worlds to ballparks, this episode blends nostalgia, merch, and the business of Disney like never before.

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Gumby Turns 70, DreamWorks Eyes Cocomelon, and Peppa Pig Teams Up with Walmart (Ep. 307) May 20, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include:

The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids.
Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box office success of The King of Kings, Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman launches a new animation studio focused on spiritual storytelling.
DreamWorks embraces early childhood IP – From the upcoming Cocomelon feature to Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie and Bad Guys 2.
Paramount’s shifting release schedule – New dates for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, The Legend of Aang, and Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.
Peppa Pig’s gender reveal episode debuts… on Walmart.com – A bold retail-media crossover with exclusive merchandise tied to streaming content.
Smurfs movie sparks fan backlash – Rihanna’s new song “Friend of Mine” fails to impress her Navy, despite her upcoming role as Smurfette.
AI in animation – With $42 million raised by AI animation startups like Cartwheel and Hedra, concerns about job displacement echo the shift from hand-drawn to CG in the ’90s.
New Shaun the Sheep movie announced – Aardman’s The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives in 2026 with a Halloween theme.

A thoughtful and wide-ranging episode covering preschool hits, legacy IP, streaming trends, theatrical strategy, and the evolving role of AI in the animation industry.

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