The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation news and insights: Netflix's Spellbound and Disney’s Thanksgiving Line-Up: A look at Netflix’s upcoming animated feature Spellbound set to compete with Disney’s holiday releases, plus details on Disney’s latest Thanksgiving promotions. King of the Hill Returns: A sneak peek at Hulu’s revival of King of the Hill, including aged-up characters and exclusive artwork reveals. Inside Out Universe Expands: Updates on Pixar’s Inside Out spinoff series, Dream Productions, and what fans can expect from Riley’s imaginative world. SpongeBob’s New Stop-Motion Christmas Special: Details on SpongeBob and Sandy’s Country Christmas, the latest festive stop-motion treat featuring everyone's favorite sea sponge. Disney's Lost Hitchcock Tribute: A deep dive into Frady Cat, Disney's ambitious but abandoned Hitchcock-inspired animated film. Discover the story of how it almost became a Halloween classic. Tune in for all this and more

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len and Jim explore more of Epcot’s rich history with part two of their series on the Mexico Pavilion’s beloved boat ride, El Rio del Tiempo. Join them as they delve into the ride’s development challenges, the inspiration behind its immersive scenes, and how Disney Imagineers used clever design and technology to bring Mexican culture to life in World Showcase. Tune in for: The latest on Epic Universe’s ticket launch and sold-out opening day Behind-the-scenes of Disney’s Cake Bake Shop pricing A dive into the fascinating design details and lesser-known facts of El Rio del Tiempo’s original storyline Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with Disney lore, Epcot nostalgia, and exclusive theme park insights! SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 In the twelfth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about how a small, roadside berry stand in Buena Park, CA eventually grew to become one of America’s most popular theme parks Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How an abandoned berry plant found in a ditch became a thriving family business How the tea room at Knott’s Berry Place eventually transformed into Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant How was the piece for Knott’s “Ghost Town Village” acquired Which piece of the Roaring ’20s is still in operation within the Park How did Knott’s annual Halloween Haunt hard ticket get its start Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 22 of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the latest details about the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open in May 2025. They dive into ticket pricing strategies, hotel deals, and how Universal is setting the stage for an unforgettable guest experience. Highlights include: Epic Universe ticket pricing and vacation packages breakdown. Key details on the hotels launching alongside Epic Universe. A spooky look back at Universal Studios Florida’s former haunted attractions. The story behind Universal's original Halloween events, including Beetlejuice's Graveyard Tours. A tribute to the iconic Alfred Hitchcock attractions and their eerie impact on Universal's history. Get ready for an episode packed with news, travel tips, and spooky Universal nostalgia! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take you behind the curtain of Moana 2, diving deep into the highlights from Drew’s recent panel at the Animation is Film festival. They explore the exciting details shared by directors David Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand, including Moana’s continued journey, new characters, and thrilling challenges in this upcoming sequel. Jim Hill and Drew Taylor also explore some of the biggest news and exciting developments in animation: "Creature Commandos" Preview: Dive into DC Studios' upcoming animated series, set to premiere on Max this December. With James Gunn at the helm and voice talents like Alan Tudyk and David Harbour, this series is set to shake up the DC animated universe. Halloween-Themed Animated Shorts: From The Simpsons to Sing, we break down the latest Halloween-inspired shorts, including a nod to Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" and Disney+’s spooky surprises. The Wild Robot's Box Office Success: The Wild Robot continues to dominate, having sur

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take you back to EPCOT’s grand opening on October 1, 1982. They dive deep into how EPCOT evolved from Walt Disney’s ambitious dream of a futuristic living community to the park we know today. What We Cover: Walt Disney’s original vision for EPCOT as a living, breathing city How Disney leadership navigated the project after Walt's passing How close Disney actually came to breaking ground on Walt’s original city vision – spoiler: they nearly did! The creation of Future World and World Showcase, born from two distinct Imagineer pitches EPCOT’s rocky opening day, including malfunctioning rides and a surprising merchandising misstep The pivotal role EPCOT played in Michael Eisner’s rise to power at Disney, and how his vision reshaped the park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Disney Dish, Len and Jim dive into the rich history of one of EPCOT’s lesser-known attractions, "El Rio del Tiempo." Join us for Part 1 of a two-part series as Jim takes us back to the 1982 dedication of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion and shares the fascinating origin of the pavilion's boat ride. Learn about the ambitious plans for "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico," the mysterious German Rivers ride, and how tight budgets and changing politics reshaped EPCOT's World Showcase. Tune in as they cover: ·      Epic Universe News: Universal Orlando’s newest park is set to open in May 2025! Jim and Len share exclusive details on the opening, soft launches, and breathtaking new effects. ·      Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Get the scoop on Disney’s newest pass option for skipping the lines—what it costs, what it covers, and whether it's worth it. ·      The History of El Rio del Tiempo: In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jim takes you back to the 1980s to explore the creation and evolution of Epcot's origina

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan celebrate October with a special look at horror films and their unexpected ties to Lucasfilm. Brian kicks off by sharing his month-long cinematic Halloween project, while Jim reveals his love for Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein and its surprising connection to Lucasfilm’s scrapped Frankenstein CG film. The episode also pays tribute to the late Lucasfilm producer Robert Watts, dives into the anniversary of Star Wars Rebels, and previews the upcoming John Williams documentary debuting on Disney+. Also in this episode: The removal of the Indiana Jones films from Disney+ and what’s behind the licensing shuffle. Updates on The Mandalorian and Grogu feature film, set to hit theaters in 2026. A deep dive into Radio Land Murders as it celebrates its 30th anniversary, and how it laid the groundwork for future Lucasfilm projects. Join Jim and Brian for a nostalgic, fun, and insightful journey through the world of Lucasfilm, just in time for

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into breaking news about Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open May 22, 2025. They discuss the potential impact of this new park and how long they've known about this announcement.  Additionally, the hosts continue their fascinating exploration of the history behind Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Jim reveals the story of how Universal could have secured the theme park rights to Willy Wonka, but instead created their own steampunk-inspired chocolate factory that has become a fan favorite. Highlights include: Discussion of the confirmed Epic Universe opening date. New Offerings at Universal Studio Hollywood’s FanFest event. Insights into Toothsome Chocolate Emporium's creation and Universal's choice to move away from a Willy Wonka theme. How Universal cleverly developed its own chocolatier, Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker Toothsome, and her robotic sidekick Jacques. Whether you're curious about upcoming the

n this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take you on a fascinating journey through Disney’s forgotten Mickey Mouse projects, including the untold story of "Mickey Columbus" and other abandoned ideas that never made it to the big screen. They also dive into Disney's challenges while bringing Mickey into the world of CGI, from his iconic ears to scrapped anniversary projects like "The Search for Mickey.” The Wild Robot's Box Office Triumph: DreamWorks Animation's The Wild Robot continues its strong performance at the box office, paving the way for a sequel. Jim and Drew discuss what’s next for this hit film, based on Peter Brown’s popular book series. Wallace & Gromit Are Back!: Aardman Animations is bringing the beloved duo back to the screen with Vengeance Most Fowl. Jim and Drew break down the significance of this return and what fans can expect from the upcoming Christmas release. What’s Next for Animation Fans: With new releases like Transformers One and the latest from Aardman,

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa take you through the latest Disney updates and a deep dive into the fascinating history behind one of Disney’s most ambitious projects. Here’s what you’ll hear: Hurricane Milton Update: How the recent storm impacted Disney parks, and why Jim thinks Medieval Times might be the ultimate hurricane shelter. Disneyland Price Hikes: Len breaks down the latest ticket and annual pass price increases at Disneyland, and what that could mean for your next trip. Fort Wilderness Innovations: Could autonomous delivery robots soon bring food and merchandise to your cabin at Fort Wilderness? Jim and Len explore the possibilities. Listener Questions: Why the ghost of the ‘Creepy Clown Pool’ might still haunt Boardwalk Inn’s occupancy rates, and how AI may make your Disney PhotoPass pictures look better than ever. Main Feature: In a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's battle with Pixar, Jim reveals how Mickey’s PhilharMagicwas developed as a ke

In the seventh installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about how a working ranch & farm in the San Fernando Valley eventually became one of Southern California’s most popular tourist attractions  Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: When was Universal City officially founded Which Disney vet designed the Glamour Trams Who built the 50-foot-tall King Kong animatronic for this theme park On what floor of “Back to the Future: The Ride” was Steve Spielberg’s room located Where does the simulated quake that Universal visitors experience during” Earthquake: The Big One” reportedly fall on the Richter scale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey kick things off by discussing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles touring show and the impact of Hurricane Milton on theme parks. But the main feature of this episode dives into the origins of one of Universal’s most beloved dining experiences—Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Highlights include: The latest Epic Universe Construction Photo Drop by @bioreconstruct The Harry Potter-themed Hershey Chocolate Collection How the closure of NBA City paved the way for Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. The fascinating backstory of how Universal almost created a Willy Wonka-themed restaurant. Whether you're curious about theme park history or just love chocolate, tune in to discover the story behind The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by Brandon Sheddon, the founder and CEO of Cakeworthy, to discuss the brand that perfectly blends fan culture with fashion-forward designs. Brandon shares the story behind Cakworthy's humble beginnings and how it grew into a pop culture phenomenon. They dive into some of Cakeworthy’s most popular items, the inspiration behind their signature flannels, and the details of a special Cakeworthy collection that’s making its way into Disney theme parks! What We Cover: Cakeworthy’s journey from a small screen-printing operation to a global brand. The secrets behind their most popular pieces, including their iconic flannel shirts. How Cakeworthy keeps designs both stylish and true to Disney and Universal fandoms. Inside scoop on the latest Cakeworthy collections coming to Disney theme parks. Cakeworthy’s creative process and fan feedback's role in designing new items. Listen in to discover how Cakeworthy brings beloved fandom

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into the latest animation news and rumors. With Drew Taylor away, Jim covers: Unraveling Studio Feuds and Hollywood Drama: What caused the downfall of Fleischer Studios and their ultimate takeover by Paramount Pictures? Jennifer Lee’s Next Move: Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Officer steps down to focus on Frozen 3 and Frozen 4, while Jared Bush steps in. Joker: Folie à Deux’s Box Office Struggles**: Warner Bros. Discovery faces losses as the Joker sequel underperforms despite the original film's success. MuppetVision 3D’s Future: Rumors swirl about the potential impact of Disney’s new Monsters Inc. door coaster on MuppetVision 3D at Hollywood Studios. Plus, updates on DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot and Warner Bros.’ upcoming Dynamic Duo superhero film using innovative animation techniques. Don’t miss this deep dive into the latest animation industry news and history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill discuss the latest updates and history behind Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Tune in for: Autonomous Vehicles at Fort Wilderness?: Could self-driving vehicles soon be delivering food and merchandise around this iconic resort? Jim and Len explore the potential future of tech at Disney. Occupancy Rates for Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Discover why DVC properties like the Grand Californian and Bay Lake Tower are at the top of the occupancy charts and what makes them so popular. The Legend of the Lion King: Jim dives deep into the history of this fan-favorite stage show, detailing the ambitious production, massive puppetry, and how it paved the way for future Disney attractions. This episode is filled with Disney news, unique history, and some listener questions. SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey discuss the fascinating history and rise of Disney Villains in the parks, from their early appearances to the exciting new Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom. They discuss how the villains have transformed from side characters to central attractions.  What We Cover: The announcement of Villains Land at Magic Kingdom and what we know so far. Concept art and ride speculation, including a potential Maleficent roller coaster. How Disney is competing with Universal's Monsters Land. The history of Disney Villains in the parks. Special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Villains After Hours. New villain merchandise, including some limited edition finds.  Upcoming villain-themed shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Story Behind Cinderellas Castle Mystery Tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the fascinating tale of how the Looney Tunes almost became part of Universal Orlando’s second gate. A listener question sparked a deep dive into the history of these iconic characters and their long-standing presence at Six Flags. Jim uncovers the intricate details behind Universal’s interest in the Looney Tunes, and the potential licensing challenges that ultimately led to a different path for Universal. Also in this episode: Eric’s family trip to Hershey Park’s Dark Nights and what it taught him about Halloween Horror Nights. Updates from New York Comic Con about Universal’s Epic Universe panel. Honoring Dame Maggie Smith with a special tribute. A look at the new Harry Potter experiences at Universal Studios Hollywood’s Fan Fest Nights. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Universal Studios Hollywood? Jim and Eric NEED YOUR HELP! Get ready for a nostalgic dive into theme park history, character licensing, and some fun b

Jim Hill starts a solo edition of this podcast by discussing how well “The Wild Robot” did at the domestic box office this past weekend. He then discusses the Halloween-themed “The Bad Guys” special which will soon be debuting on Netflix Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How will Warner Bros. Discovery be celebrating Scooby Doo this month Who will be introducing “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” at this year’s Animation is Film Festival What did the “Mufasa: The Lion King” production do to differentiate this film from Disney’s photo-realistic “Lion King” from 2019 Where did “Shrek the Musical” do its out-of-town try-out Why was Jeffery Katzenberg reportedly upset with a plaque he found in the lobby of the Broadway Theater Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week’s episode by sharing a survey the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out. They then look back at the 3D movie that eventually led to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” Over the course of this show, listeners will learn about:  Why Rodney Dangerfield’s obituary may be the funniest story that the Los Angeles Times ever ran  How does an RIP Tour compare to a HHN Express Pass  Why it’s unlikely that Disney will ever build a just-for-kids theme park at its Florida Resort SHOW NOTES  What’s the name of that 3D Donald Duck cartoon that used to run on a double bill at the Fantasyland theater  How did Dick Nunis feel about “The Mickey Mouse Revue” attraction at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices