The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

Manufacturing the Magic: Roller Coasters (Ep. 14) Dec 22, 2024

Show notes

In the fourteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid look at the history of this seminal thrill ride. Which started off as a strictly seasonal offering but eventually grew to become an amusement park mainstay.

Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:

· What are the icy origins of the roller coaster

· What is an Americanski Gorsky

· What was the first looping coaster

· When was the Golden Age of Roller Coaster in the United States

· What was unusual about the orientation of the seats on early coasters

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Universal Orlando Holidays: Not a Trip Report (But Totally a Trip Report) (Ep. 30) Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

n this festive episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the magic of Universal Orlando’s holiday offerings and share exciting park updates.

Episode Highlights:

Universal’s Holiday Magic: Eric shares his first-ever experience of the holidays at Universal, from Grinchmas and Seuss Landing to the magical projection show at Hogwarts Castle.
Earl the Squirrel Adventures: Learn how this quirky character continues to charm visitors and drive holiday merch sales.
Macy’s Holiday Parade: Thoughts on the festive parade and how it stacks up to Universal’s other offerings.
Hot Butterbeer Review: Eric ranks this seasonal favorite among Universal’s signature beverages.
Perks of Annual Passes: Hear how Universal’s buy-two-days-get-two-free ticket deal turned Eric’s family into annual passholders.

Get ready for a holiday-themed deep dive into what makes Universal Orlando a must-visit destination this time of year!

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2025 Disney Merch & Emerging Trends: What You Need to Know (Ep. 27) Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of I Want That Too, Lauren Hersey shares highlights from her recent holiday trips to Disney and Universal, spotlighting the first wave of Disney’s 2025 dated merch, viral trends making waves in the parks, and budget-friendly travel tips. Meanwhile, Jim Hill recounts his trip to Christmas Con and explores the surprising connections between Hallmark and Disney.

2025 Dated Disney Merch:
Sneak peeks at pins, apparel, and glow-in-the-dark Passholder exclusives.
How Disney’s bold new designs celebrate a big year for the parks.
Viral Disney Trends:
The rise of magnetic plushies and their must-have holiday appeal.
Tokyo-inspired plush hats and their potential to be the next big thing in U.S. parks.
Universal Holiday Highlights:
Grinchmas, Earl the Squirrel merch, and the Tribute Store experience.
Comparing Universal’s holiday offerings to Disney’s legendary festive merch.
Disney Resort Festivities:
Tropical Christmas vibes at the Polynesian Village Resort.
Holiday treats like Honolulu Cookie Company shortbread cookies and why they’re a perfect gift.
Unique Disney Collaborations:
Disney x Scentsy fragrances at Epcot and other exclusive finds.
Disney-fied board games perfect for family game nights.
Travel Hacks & Money-Saving Tips:
How Lauren saved big with Universal’s annual passes.
Why staying at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort might be the ultimate budget-friendly choice.
Tokyo Disney’s Influence:
How trends from Tokyo, like make-your-own headbands, are shaping U.S. park experiences.

Don’t miss this jam-packed episode full of shopping tips, park insights, and holiday cheer!

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How Disney Flattened a Chunk of Caribbean Beach to Pave the Way for Their Priciest DVC Resort (Ep. 510) Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Join Jim and Len as they serve up another helping of Disney history, humor, and holiday cheer:

Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Len breaks down why this year’s merriest event at Hollywood Studios is a must-visit, with mouthwatering popovers, stunning projections, and walk-on rides galore.
Cotino Housing Development Tour: Get an insider’s peek at Disney’s new mid-century modern community, where Imagineering meets high-end desert living.
Listener Questions: From the best World Showcase bathroom (yes, really) to a Muppet-inspired Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster playlist, fans bring the fun and creativity.
Riviera Resort History: Jim digs deep into how Disney turned Caribbean Beach into Riviera Resort, a deluxe DVC destination with a European flair—and a hefty price tag.

Tune in for a laugh-filled journey through Disney’s past, present, and possibly a restroom or two. Don’t miss it!

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Celebrating 35 Years of The Simpsons and Bluey’s Big Screen Debut (Ep. 285) Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss:

The 35th anniversary of The Simpsons debut with "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire," and how production challenges shaped its legacy.
The upcoming Bluey feature film, its creator’s vision, and how the beloved pup is heading to theaters in 2027.
Warner Bros. Animation’s Dynamic Duo, an innovative mix of animation, puppetry, and CG that explores the origins of two iconic Robins.
Sony’s Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and what’s next for the groundbreaking trilogy.
Updates on Disney+ animated premieres, including Win or Lose and Marvel’s What If… Season 3.

Join Jim and Drew as they explore the latest animation news and uncover hidden details from entertainment’s past!

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Does Skeleton Crew Signal a New Era for Star Wars? Plus Indiana Jones and John Williams (Ep. 101) Dec 14, 2024

Show notes

In this December episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan explore the latest updates and stories from the world of Lucasfilm:

A festive nod to Life Day and Star Wars-themed holiday treats.
A deep dive into Star Wars: Skeleton Crew—does this series mark a turning point for the franchise?
Exclusive updates on The Mandalorian & Grogu movie, including casting news and plot hints.
A closer look at the new Indiana Jones console game, The Great Circle, and its place in the franchise’s future.
A tribute to John Williams, his legendary career, and the new Disney+ documentary, Music by John Williams.

From upcoming Disney+ releases to Lucasfilm’s gaming ventures, join Jim and Brian for an insightful discussion on the future of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and beyond.

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Meet Earl the Squirrel: Universal’s Unlikely Holiday Icon (Ep. 29) Dec 13, 2024

Show notes

In this festive episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into Universal’s holiday celebrations and exciting announcements.

Episode Highlights:

Earl the Squirrel’s Backstory: Discover how a mischievous rodent became Universal’s beloved holiday mascot.
Universal’s Holiday Events: From Butterbeer season to Macy’s Christmas Parade, explore what makes this time of year magical at Universal Studios.
Exclusive Park Perks: Hear about special events like Passholder Appreciation Days and upcoming fan fests.
Universal Kids Hotel in Texas: Updates on the colorful, kid-focused resort coming in 2026.
New Year’s Eve at Universal: Why celebrating at the parks is an unforgettable experience.

Get the inside scoop on holiday magic and upcoming projects that make Universal a must-visit destination this season!

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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: How Roy E. Disney got “Fantasia Continued” greenlit (Ep 284 ) Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how well “Moana 2” did at the box office over its second weekend in theaters.

They also talk about why “Paddington in Peru” had its release date pushed back to February 14, 2025

Listeners will learn about these highlights:

How long did it take the original “Fantasia” to finally turn a profit

Which spec song led to the creation of the “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas” back in 2012
How many “Best Animated Feature of the Year” awards has “Flow” already claimed

According to James Gunn, why was “Creature Commandos” the very first project out the door after he took over as the new head of DC Studios at Warner Brothers Discovery

How long had Disney’s live-action version of “Snow White” been in development prior to the start of production

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: How Sunny Eclipse came to the Starlight Café (EP 509 ) Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing when “Dinosaur: The Ride” will close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

They also discuss the new Disney Villains show that’s being prepped for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Listeners will learn about:

How did Tokyo Disneyland’s version of “Star Tours” impact WDW’s Tomorrowland Terrace

Is there any difference between “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge” and the Company’s second attempt at getting a resort built at the edge of Bay Lake

How did mobile ordering at Disney World impact Guests’ ability to access Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

Why is Mulan considered a Disney Princess

How will “Project Cyclops” potentially impact your WDW dining experience

SHOW NOTES

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey: Prep & Landing Returns, Disney Collabs for the Holidays, and Lorcana Collecting Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

In this special holiday episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap all things Disney for the holidays—from the exciting return of Prep & Landing to Disney Lorcana, the trading card game everyone’s talking about.

Plus, they spotlight this season’s hottest collaborations and must-have merch, making it your ultimate guide to a Disney-filled holiday season

What You’ll Hear:

The Return of Prep & Landing: Jim shares the inside scoop on Prep & Landing: Snowball Protocol, debuting in 2025, plus a hilarious story from D23 about how these holiday elves earned him Disney Animation’s trust.
Lorcana: Disney’s Trading Card Game: Lauren dives into the latest must-have for collectors, with tips on starter packs, rare cards, and what makes Lorcana one of the hottest gifts this holiday season.
Holiday Collabs and Gift Picks: From Harry Styles’ Pleasing x Disney collection to a Frozen-themed Lionel train, Lauren highlights Disney’s best collaborations and merch to add to your shopping list.
Hidden Disney Details: Jim reveals a heartwarming Easter egg in Prep & Landing that connects it to another beloved Disney animated classic.