The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Len Testa and Jim Hill recap a busy week in the parks, from the debut of Bluey at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience to Universal's latest expansion rumors. They also dive deep into Disney's surprise announcement that Carousel of Progress will receive its most significant overhaul in decades, including new scenes, new narration, and a fresh look at the future. Along the way, Jim shares the attraction's fascinating history, from its roots in Edison Square to its journey through the 1964 World's Fair and beyond. NEWS • Len shares his experience aboard the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring new Mandalorian and Grogu story elements. • Bluey officially arrives at Disney's Animal Kingdom, drawing massive opening-day crowds and virtual queue demand. • Disney announces a major reimagining of Carousel of Progress, with new time periods and an all-new future scene. • Universal removes Express Pass access from Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adven

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the first major Halloween Horror Nights announcement for 2026, dig into Universal’s quiet decision to remove Hagrid’s from Express Pass, and discuss what’s going on with Universal Kids Resort in Texas after a series of accidental leaks. Then Jim looks back at the creation of Back to the Future: The Ride and the forgotten Canadian simulator attraction that helped inspire it, all while tracing the career of visual effects legend Doug Trumbull. NEWS • Universal officially announces a Sinners haunted house for Halloween Horror Nights in both Orlando and Hollywood, inspired by the Oscar-winning vampire film set in 1930s Mississippi • Halloween Horror Nights Hollywood tickets go on sale with RIP Tours, Frequent Fear passes, and premium add-ons already available • Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is quietly removed from Universal Orlando’s Express Pass lineup beginning July 1 • Universal’s Mega Movie Parade return is delayed until June 5 as operational adjustments

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the surprising return of Disney retail as thousands of fans flood Ross Park Mall for the grand opening of Disney’s newest limited-time store. Along the way, they unpack the latest Disneyland 70th merchandise reveals, the unexpectedly successful Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and why Disney’s renewed focus on immersive shopping experiences may signal a much larger strategy under new CEO Josh D’Amaro. Plus, Lauren shares firsthand stories from standing in line for hours alongside Disney fans from across multiple states just to shop exclusive merch. NEWS • Disney and LEGO unveil a massive 3,899-piece Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. set celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary • The new LEGO set includes Walt Disney’s apartment, Dapper Dans figures, attraction references, and a $399 collector price tag • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets earns rave early reviews from previews at Disney’s Hollywood Studios • Disney releases a full line of new Muppe

Eric and Lauren dive into one of the biggest debates in the Disney fan community: should you spoil upcoming attractions before your vacation, or go in completely blind? From ride POV videos and vlog coverage to hotel walkthroughs and foodie recommendations, they unpack when spoilers help and when they ruin the magic. Then, they take a spoiler-free look at Walt Disney World's newest additions, including the Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Bluey’s debut at Animal Kingdom, and the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios. HIGHLIGHTS Disney fans debate whether ride POV videos enhance vacations or ruin the surprise The new Muppets-themed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster officially opens at Hollywood Studios Bluey and Bingo arrive at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with a new interactive experience Animation Courtyard gets a major refresh with Disney history Easter eggs and walkaround characters New entertainment offerings debut across Walt Disney World for “Cool Kids Summer” Eric and Lau

Jim Hill and Dan Graney break down a huge week for both Star Wars and Marvel, from the theatrical debut of The Mandalorian and Grogu to major leadership changes inside Marvel Studios and Marvel Comics. They also dig into the evolving future of Galaxy’s Edge, the surprisingly strong response to Punisher: One Last Kill, and why Disney may already be positioning Ryan Gosling’s Star Wars: Starfighter as the franchise’s next major theatrical relaunch. NEWS • Jim and Dan share their reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu and discuss whether the film feels like “The Mandalorian: Season 4” on a much bigger scale • The opening Bond-inspired action sequence signals a more cinematic approach while still leaning heavily into the Disney+ series formula • Burger King’s Mandalorian and Grogu promotion sparks a deep dive into Disney’s former McDonald’s exclusivity deal and how fast-food tie-ins changed after 2006 • Marvel officially promotes Brad Winderbaum to oversee television, animation, comics, and franchise operations

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation and themed entertainment news, from Warner Bros. officially developing a standalone Rick & Morty movie to Disney’s growing Bluey presence in both Anaheim and Orlando. Along the way, the duo discuss Universal Fan Fest’s future, the surprising Memorial Day box office performance of The Mandalorian & Grogu, and why Disney is already planning big for Mickey’s centennial celebration in 2028. They also pay tribute to legendary voice actor Tom Kane and share updates on Adventure Time, Hello Kitty, and the ever-expanding world of animated features headed to theaters over the next few years. HIGHLIGHTS • Warner Bros. officially begins development on a standalone Rick & Morty movie directed by series veteran Jacob Hair • Disney introduces Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland while Walt Disney World prepares to launch Bluey’s Wild World with a virtual queue system • Universal may bring Fan Fest to Islands of Adventure as Hollywood’s version wraps up its 2026 ru

Len Testa and Jim Hill review Walt Disney World’s latest wave of attraction updates, including the new Soarin’ Across America film, the Muppets’ chaotic takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and the newly refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Then, Los Angeles Times columnist Todd Martens joins the show to discuss Disneyland’s evolving version of Galaxy’s Edge, why Disney is pivoting away from strict sequel-era storytelling, and how the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run finally addresses years of guest feedback. NEWS • Len shares first impressions of Soarin’ Across America, including the updated Patrick Warburton pre-show and the new opening rocket launch sequence • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuts with extensive new ride scenes, classic rock parody album covers, and dozens of hidden gags • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens with a smoother ride experience and upgraded effects after its lengthy refurbishment • Disney expands Walt Disney World luggage transfer service to A

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the surprising Universal Pictures history behind Michael Jackson’s breakout acting role in The Wiz, exploring how the 1978 musical helped launch one of the most important creative partnerships in pop culture history. Along the way, they also cover new Epic Universe character reveals, Halloween Horror Nights rumors, and what’s next for Universal Orlando’s evolving parks. NEWS • Universal officially unveils Captain Cacao, the oversized bear mascot coming to Celestial Park at Epic Universe • Rumors swirl around a possible Ozzy Osbourne-themed house for Halloween Horror Nights 35 • Po’s Kung Fu Training Camp at DreamWorks Land temporarily closes for refurbishment through July • Listener theories continue about a possible Zelda-themed replacement for Mythos at Islands of Adventure • Universal fans debate whether Volcano Bay’s retired “Spirit of the Volcano” effect could inspire a new home for Mystic Fountain FEATURE • The surprising story behind how Michael Jackson landed

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate 100 episodes of I Want That Too by diving deep into one of Disney’s most fascinating recurring patterns: the company’s obsession with technology. From the rise and fall of Go.com to MagicBands, My Pal Mickey, Disney Infinity, and interactive park experiments that never fully worked, Jim traces Disney’s long history of swinging big on tech innovation. Along the way, they also cover Toy Story 5 fast food partnerships, Alice in Wonderland’s 75th anniversary, and new Small World anniversary merchandise. NEWS • Toy Story 5 teams up with Papa Johns in Disney’s latest fast food collaboration push. • Burger King’s Mandalorian promotion sparks conversation about Disney’s growing restaurant partnerships. • Alice in Wonderland celebrates its 75th anniversary with restored screenings and limited merch. • Disney launches America 250 merchandise across Walt Disney World. • New It’s a Small World 60th anniversary pins and collectibles arrive for Disney Parks fans. FEATURE • Jim r

Lauren and Eric dive into the viral Walt Disney World story of a guest jumping off Kilimanjaro Safaris mid-ride to use the bathroom and why cast members are begging guests to stop exiting attractions. Along the way, they spiral into stories of other infamous Disney ride exits, from Living with the Land cucumber thefts to Horizons urban explorers. Then things take a more lighthearted turn as they each build their personal Disney “Mount Rushmore” of attractions and resorts, revealing a lot about their Disney personalities in the process. HIGHLIGHTS The viral Kilimanjaro Safaris bathroom incident sparks debate about guest behavior at Walt Disney World Lauren shares cast member reactions to guests exiting attractions and ride vehicles Eric revisits infamous Disney ride exit stories, including Living with the Land and Horizons The hosts discuss why guests continue ignoring attraction safety rules Lauren and Eric build their personal Walt Disney World attraction Mount Rushmores Guardians of the

Len Testa and Chris Cox dive into one of Walt Disney World’s newest debates: adult lounges versus family lounges. From the sleek, spaceship-inspired atmosphere of GEO-82 at EPCOT to the bustling pirate energy of the Beak and Barrel at Magic Kingdom, they break down which Disney bars are actually worth your time and money. Along the way, they compare Trader Sam’s, Oga’s Cantina, Enchanted Rose, and several hidden gems while unpacking guest satisfaction scores, drink pricing, seating frustrations, and what really separates a “grown-up” Disney lounge from a family-friendly hangout. HIGHLIGHTS • Why GEO-82’s futuristic EPCOT theming impresses even as its cocktail prices raise eyebrows • The biggest issue holding Beak and Barrel back despite its strong Pirates of the Caribbean atmosphere • How Trader Sam’s continues to outperform newer Disney lounges in guest satisfaction • Why Oga’s Cantina may be more about the experience than the drinks themselves • Len reveals the surprisingly high-rated EPCOT lounge tha

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the stunning debut of Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer, the surprising revival of Matt Braly’s cancelled animated feature “Afterworld,” and Universal’s massive push behind the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.” They also discuss Warner Bros. Animation’s uncertain future, Disney’s latest animation-themed park projects, and new details on “CoCoMelon: The Movie” and Apple TV’s upcoming “Snoopy Unleashed.” AUDIO DISCLAIMER - we had some tech issues, but things clear up after the first break. Thanks for hanging in there. HIGHLIGHTS • Laika’s “Wildwood” teaser trailer racks up 115 million views in 24 hours as the studio prepares a major theatrical event strategy for the film’s October release. • Drew previews his upcoming trip to the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where “Wildwood” will receive a major presentation. • Matt Braly’s cancelled Sony animated feature gets new life as Thailand’s MONK Studios acquires the rights to develop “Afterworld.” • Warner Bros.

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down a busy week in theme park news, from Bluey crowd control at Animal Kingdom to Universal’s possible drone-show ambitions. Len also crunches the numbers on the best days to visit Magic Kingdom, because nothing says vacation like 22 million wait times and a spreadsheet with emotional damage. Then Jim digs into Disneyland’s opening-day ticket scandal and why Walt Disney may have had very good reasons to sour on Western Publishing. NEWS • Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares for Bluey with a virtual queue and some serious toddler-capacity math. • Len explains why Sundays may be your best Magic Kingdom bet from January through July, while party season flips the calendar. • Disneyland’s Autopia goes electric in 2027, raising questions about batteries, car design, and Tomorrowland’s long-overdue tune-up. • Universal Orlando surveys guests about pets, which may hint at Secret Life of Pets possibilities in Florida. • A new Universal patent features an onboard animated figure, possibl

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey unpack the surprising behind-the-scenes fallout that pushed Steven Spielberg away from Disney and deeper into Universal’s orbit, while also covering major changes coming to Universal Orlando. Plus, the duo explores the lost Casper dark ride that almost became Universal’s answer to Haunted Mansion. NEWS • Universal may finally be testing Epic Universe’s long-rumored “open hub” concept for convention guests visiting Celestial Park • Mythos Restaurant at Islands of Adventure is officially set to close in 2027 as Lost Continent transformation plans move forward • Rumors intensify that the Mystic Fountain may soon disappear from Islands of Adventure • Hot Dog Hall of Fame at CityWalk is reportedly closing, with Joey Fatone’s restaurant concept expected to take over the space • Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show delivers an emotional final performance before its temporary closure and refresh • Universal and UCF launch a new themed entertainment leadership program focused on tr

Jim and Lauren celebrate Episode 99 of I Want That Too with a packed conversation about Disney’s latest merch experiments, the surprising box office success of Devil Wears Prada 2, and what Disney’s newest earnings call may reveal about the company’s digital future. Along the way, Jim begins a two-part deep dive into Disney’s long history of embracing emerging technology, leading into the cautionary tale of Go.com and the company’s first major internet gamble. NEWS • Lauren rope drops the new Mandalorian and Grogu collection at Bath & Body Works and breaks down Disney’s latest franchise licensing strategy. • Disney continues leaning heavily into Toy Story 5 merchandise months ahead of release, with Jessie emerging as a major focus of the film’s marketing push. • Jim shares early impressions from the newly released Toy Story 5 Little Golden Book and explains why Jessie appears to be central to the upcoming sequel. • Devil Wears Prada 2 overperforms at the box office with a remarkably strong second weekend

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy refurbishment, and Disney fans wasted no time flooding Frontierland for the reopening. Lauren and Eric break down the surprisingly massive crowds, debate whether the updated coaster was really worth a multi-hour wait, and compare Walt Disney World’s version of Big Thunder to Disneyland’s and even Disneyland Paris’. They also dive into one of the week’s biggest travel stories: the shutdown of Spirit Airlines and what Disney travelers can do to keep finding affordable flights in an increasingly expensive travel landscape. HIGHLIGHTS Big Thunder Mountain Railroad officially reopens at Magic Kingdom after a lengthy refurbishment Lauren and Eric react to the massive opening day crowds and multi-hour wait times A coast-to-coast debate over whether Disneyland or Walt Disney World has the better versions of classic attractions Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and It’s a Small World all enter the Disney attra

Marvel Us Disney digs into a very modern fandom problem: there is plenty of Marvel to watch, read, and argue about, but fans are still waiting impatiently for the next Avengers: Doomsday breadcrumb. Jim Hill and Dan Graney talk Daredevil: Born Again, the latest Spider-Man origin debate, Marvel’s visual development shakeups, She-Hulk’s possible future, and why 1989’s Trial of the Incredible Hulk still matters. It is a fandom brunch of news, nostalgia, and courtroom chaos. HIGHLIGHTS • Why the missing Avengers: Doomsday trailer has become Marvel fandom’s current obsession • The renewed debate over whether Tony Stark replaced Uncle Ben in the MCU’s Spider-Man story • A new Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man art book from Abrams spotlighting the Disney+ animated series • Daredevil: Born Again brings Matt Murdock, Wilson Fisk, and street-level Marvel storytelling back into focus • John Bernthal’s Punisher raises new questions about Marvel’s shared New York • Former Marvel artists speak out about layoffs,

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the latest animation and box office news, from the surprising strength of The Devil Wears Prada 2 to new reveals tied to Toy Story 5, Dragon Striker, and Netflix’s Annecy plans. The duo also discuss upcoming art books, anime releases, and Tom Sito’s new memoir about the animation renaissance of the 1980s and 1990s. Along the way, they reflect on how modern animation continues to blur the line between live-action and CG filmmaking. HIGHLIGHTS • The Devil Wears Prada 2 narrowly defeats Mortal Kombat II at the North American box office during a crowded Mother’s Day weekend • Amazon MGM’s Sheep Detective overperforms thanks to strong reviews and audience response • Target stores begin rolling out extensive Toy Story 5 merchandise months ahead of the film’s theatrical debut • Jim and Drew discuss the latest trailer for Minions & Monsters and its playful references to classic Hollywood history • Disney XD and Disney+ finally announce premiere dates for Dragon Striker after the seri

Jim Hill and Len Testa welcome Professor Roland Betancourt to discuss his new book, Disneyland and the Rise of Automation, which somehow connects Walt Disney, Ford factories, magnetic tape, Forest Lawn, Willy Wonka, and ride computers named Fred. They also cover big park updates, from Mythos closing at Universal Orlando to new Walt Disney World previews, Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Roger Rabbit’s safer spin, and Hocus Pocus 3 heading to theaters. Naturally, milk percentages are also examined with the seriousness they deserve. NEWS • Universal confirms Mythos will close with Lost Continent, while Thunder Falls Terrace becomes a new full-service signature restaurant in 2027. • Walt Disney World sets AP preview dates for Soarin’ and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets. • Magic Kingdom prepares for a fourth ferry boat, the first new one since 1976. • Disney reveals new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, including a large pool and lazy river area. • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin reopens at Disneyland with

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the surprising legacy of 1995’s Casper, from its groundbreaking CGI effects to the Universal Studios attraction that almost happened. They also cover new Harry Potter Butterbeer snacks, surprisingly cheap Grand Helios hotel rates during Halloween Horror Nights, and what’s next for Universal’s classic Horror Makeup Show. NEWS • Universal’s Grand Helios Hotel is showing unexpectedly low rates during the opening week of Halloween Horror Nights, sparking speculation about Epic Universe strategy. • Universal officially closes the Horror Makeup Show on May 12 for a rumored refreshed version of the long-running attraction. • Permits filed for Thunder Falls Terrace renovations fuel more rumors about major changes coming to Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent area. • Harry Potter Butterbeer treats arrive at Cinnabon locations nationwide, including Butterbeer-inspired cinnamon rolls and frozen drinks. • Jim and Eric debate Butterbeer-flavored Goldfish, Hershey’s Kisses, and eve