The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Latest Episodes:

Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: What became of Disney+’s “Tiana: The Series” (Ep 283) Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

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

They then talk about the role that General Electric’s housewares division played in creating

that beloved holiday special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

For this episode, listeners will learn about:

 How did “Flow” ‘s Per Theater Average over its opening weekend in North

America compare to that of “Wicked – Part One”

 Which Japanese animation studio handled the stop motion on “Rudolph the Red-

Nosed Reindeer”

 What was the title of the very first animated holiday special created for network

television

 Who took over as the new lead writer & director on “Tiana: The Series” back in

2022

 How did “Shrek the Halls” back in 2007 lead to Walt Disney Animation Studio

creating the original “Prep & Landing” in 2009

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Disney Dish with Jim Hill: What’s it really like down in the tunnels under the Magic Kingdom (Ep 508 ) Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Jim Shull of “Disney Journeys” &; Eric Hersey of the “Epic Universal Podcast” for an in-depth look at WDW’s Utilidor system.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

 What did Marty Sklar do back in the mid-1950s that made Walt Disney furious

 Where can Refreshment Gardens be found at Disneyland Park

 How many acres do the Utilidors cover at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

 What reportedly caused the black mold problem in the Men’s Locker Room under

the Magic Kingdom

 What was the secret behind Skippy being transported in “The ExtraTERRORtrial

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Mechanics of Magic: The Ferris Wheel & the Carousel (Ep 13) Nov 30, 2024

Show notes

In the thirteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about the origins of two theme park favorites; how the very first carousels & Ferris Wheels were developed & constructed.

Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:

What do knights have to do with the creation of the very first carousel
What’s the main difference between a carousel and a merry-go-round
How did amusement park operators compel customers to ride the outermost ring of horses on a carousel (which traditionally did not move up & down like the inner circle of horses)
How can the very first Ferris Wheel be traced back to the Columbian Exposition

How were Pleasure Wheels (i.e., the predecessor of the Ferris Wheel) powered

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Epic Universal with Eric Hersey: Wicked Takes Center Stage: From Book to Broadway to Big Screen and Beyond (Ep. 27) Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the latest Universal news, movie milestones, and fascinating theme park updates.

Episode Highlights:

The Magic of Wicked: From record-breaking box office numbers to potential theme park tie-ins, Jim and Eric discuss the film’s impact and Universal’s creative strategies.
Lost Continent's Future: Could the remnants of the Lost Continent become home to a Wicked-themed land?
How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Teaser: The hosts share their thoughts on the first trailer and its connection to Epic Universe.
CityWalk Hollywood’s Epic Universe Store: Why a preview store for a Florida park is opening on the West Coast.
Wicked’s Origin Story: Jim shares how the beloved stage musical began its journey from book to Broadway and finally to the big screen.

Packed with insights and speculation, this episode is perfect for Universal fans and theme park enthusiasts alike. Tune in for the latest stories and stay ahead of the curve!

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I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey: Remembering Disney’s Fifth Avenue Store, Rise of Red Holidays, and Unique Disney Gift Ideas (Ep. 25) Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

In this festive episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to explore Disney’s Fifth Avenue Store—once the largest Disney store in the world. From its stunning design to its unique collectibles, they’ll uncover what made this shopping destination so unforgettable and why it’s still missed today.

The holiday cheer doesn’t stop there! Jim and Lauren dive into the Descendants: Rise of Red holiday takeover, featuring fun new merch, a Christmas music video, and even a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance. Plus, they’re sharing Disney-themed gift ideas for fans of all ages and tips for adding a little Disney magic to your holiday baking.

What You’ll Hear:

The Fifth Avenue Disney Store: Why it was such a special place and the memories it left behind.
Rise of Red Holidays: The latest Descendants merch, a festive music video, and how Disney is keeping the hype alive.
Disney Gift Ideas: From collectible dolls to Disney cookbooks, we’re highlighting the best gifts for Disney lovers this holiday season.
Holiday Baking with Disney Flair: Lauren shares her family’s favorite Disney-inspired treats and how you can recreate park recipes at home.

This episode is packed with holiday magic, fun stories, and must-have shopping tips. Tune in for a festive dose of Disney cheer!

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From Wicked’s Box Office Smash to Oliver & Company’s 80s Charm (Ep. 282) Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor bring you the latest in animation news and insights. Tune in as they dive into:

"Wicked" Dominates the Box Office: Universal Pictures’ adaptation dazzles with a massive opening weekend. Jim and Drew discuss the strategic marketing behind its success and what it means for future blockbusters.
Animated Feature Oscars Update: A record 31 animated films are in the running for this year’s Academy Award. Hear predictions for frontrunners like The Wild Robot and dark horse contenders including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Sonic 3 and The Bad Guys 2: Explore the buzz surrounding upcoming sequels like Sonic 3 (coming this December) and DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys 2, continuing the franchise’s creative streak with festive specials.
Pixar’s "Dream Productions" Limited Series: A sneak peek into Pixar’s upcoming four-episode series debuting on Disney+ this December. Jim and Drew discuss how this unique project breaks new ground for the studio.
"Oliver & Company” Retrospective: Take a nostalgic trip back to Disney’s 1988 animated classic. Learn about its ambitious use of computer-assisted imagery and its surprising connection to the Great Movie Ride.

Don’t miss these stories and more on this week’s Fine Tooning!

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Muppet*Vision 3D’s Curtain Call: Making Way for Electric Mayhem & Jollywood Nights Review! Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

oin Jim and Len as they explore the latest holiday updates, behind-the-scenes details, and listener questions about Disney’s parks and attractions.

Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Discover how this year’s event improved on last year, with brighter displays, enhanced entertainment, and reimagined spaces that bring the magic of Hollywood Studios to life.
Muppet Vision 3D Updates: Learn about the plans for the Electric Mayhem overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and what it means for Muppets fans.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Comparison: Christina Harrison joins the discussion to compare Disney’s two biggest holiday events.
Holiday Attraction Overlays: Jim dives into the history of Disney’s seasonal attraction overlays, featuring the story behind the Country Bear Christmas Special.

Don’t miss this episode packed with holiday cheer, park updates, and Disney history – tune in now!

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Rediscovering Disney’s Lost "Hero of Otherwhere" (Ep. 281) Nov 24, 2024

Show notes

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

The history and mystery behind Disney’s forgotten project The Hero of Otherwhere, a live-action/animation hybrid tied to Pete’s Dragon and Jerome Courtland's career.

The evolution of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, celebrating 15 years of The Princess and the Frog while previewing the updates coming to the reimagined attraction.

Highlights from D23 Brasil, including the announcement of Ice Age 6, Toy Story 5, and Pixar's highly anticipated new feature, Hoppers.

Alan Menken’s enduring musical magic, from The Little Mermaid to his contributions to Netflix’s upcoming Spellbound.

Laika’s Wildwood, Coraline returning in 3D, and fresh updates on Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and more.

Join Jim and Drew as they uncover hidden gems from animation’s past and highlight what’s coming next!

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Wicked, Hitchcock, and Spielberg—Oh My! (Ep. 26) Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the latest Universal news and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.

Episode Highlights:

The Opening of Wicked in Theaters: Jim and Eric discuss the much-anticipated film release and its potential impact on Universal's brand and future strategies.
Facial Recognition Technology at Universal Parks: Eric explores the rollout of this new tech in Express Pass lanes and its implications for guest experiences.
Goodbye to Mannheim Steamroller: A look at Universal’s decision to forego this holiday tradition and what it means for future celebrations.
Donkey Kong Arrives in Japan: Jim provides insights into the debut of Universal Studios Japan's new Donkey Kong-themed land and lessons for Epic Universe.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Legacy at Universal: A nostalgic journey through the history of Hitchcock’s connection to Universal and how it shaped the studio’s identity.

Whether you're a fan of theme park innovation or Universal's rich history, this episode is packed with insights, news, and a touch of nostalgia. Tune in for another exciting installment!

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Moana 2, Disney Holiday Must-Haves, and Disney's Connection to The Wizard of Oz (Ep. 24) Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

On This Week's Episode of I Want That Too:

Join Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey as they explore the holiday season’s biggest Disney highlights! From Moana 2’s release and must-have merch to Disney’s surprising ties to The Wizard of Oz, this episode is packed with fun stories and shopping tips.

What You’ll Hear:

Moana 2: What to expect from Disney’s highly anticipated sequel and the top holiday toys inspired by the film.
Disney and The Wizard of Oz: A deep dive into Disney’s unique history with Oz, from Return to Oz to unmade projects like Rainbow Road to Oz.
Holiday Decor and Gifts: The best Disney-themed holiday decorations spotted at Lowe’s, Target, and online—including ornaments, blow molds, and inflatables.
Wicked vs. Disney: How Moana 2 and Wicked are battling for attention this holiday season.

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