The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap a holiday-sized story about Disney’s long, complicated relationship with Sears—from Mickey Mouse watches in the 1930s to the retail giant’s near-sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios. Plus, the duo dives into the rare blue Disney name tag, Wicked-branded cleaning products, and the Jim Henson Company’s upcoming auction filled with Muppet history. The secret history behind Disney’s partnership with Sears—and how it fell apart months before MGM Studios opened How Mickey Mouse watches and Winnie the Pooh merch made Sears a Disney powerhouse The story behind the ultra-rare blue name tag that only 1% of Disney employees earn Wicked’s latest merch crossover with Gain and Cascade Jim Henson Company’s first-ever auction featuring pieces from Labyrinth and Fraggle Rock From rare collectibles to lost sponsorships, Jim and Lauren remind us that Disney history is filled with what-ifs, forgotten deals, and magical mementos worth remembering. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most debated splurges: Club Level rooms. Are they an indulgent upgrade that transforms your trip, or just overpriced cereal and concierge small talk? Chris Cox and Len Testa make their case while Judge Jim Hill hears stories of magical views, cookie deliveries, and Drew Carey cameos. What “Club Level” really includes at Disney resorts - and what it doesn’t Whether unlimited snacks and concierge service justify the sky-high nightly rates The surprising Club Level location that offers the best bang for your buck Why your kids may never forgive you for downgrading after trying it once Hidden perks, real-world tradeoffs, and the psychology of "crying once" over vacation costs Is Club Level the ultimate Disney splurge or an overpriced trap for hungry parkgoers? The verdict is still out. Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Jim Hill and Drew dive into Disney’s animation future, beginning with Drew’s firsthand report from the “Zootopia 2” press day. From the creative direction behind the sequel to updates on everything from “The Simpsons Movie 2” to Quentin Tarantino’s surprise animated project, this episode covers the wild world of animation news and commentary with Jim and Drew’s trademark insight. What Drew learned at Disney’s “Zootopia 2” press day Why “The Simpsons Movie 2” finally got the green light Quentin Tarantino’s new animated sequence for “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair” The legacy of Disney animator Rick Hoppe How Elon Musk’s latest controversy pulled “Dead End: Paranormal Park” back into the spotlight From sequel scoop to animation history, this week’s Fine Tooning is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in for the latest news and a heartfelt tribute to one of Disney’s greats. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into one of the most unexpectedly heartwarming stories in Disney history, the rise (and fall) of Push, the talking trash can who stole hearts in Tomorrowland. From his humble garage-built beginnings to his mysterious disappearance in 2014, Jim reveals how a simple rolling robot outlasted most of Disney’s high-tech character experiments. Plus, the guys tackle the latest Disney and Universal park rumors, strange guest surveys, and Halloween candy economics. Why Disney is quietly rethinking crowd flow and Lightning Lane logistics at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Universal's rumored plans for a Fast & Furious drifting coaster How a new SeaWorld event called "Paradise Nights" could shake up Orlando nightlife The truth behind those "subscription" annual pass surveys at Universal The real story of Push the Talking Trash Can, Disney's low-tech robot with a 19-year run From fun-sized candy drama to a trash can with better comedic timing than most sitcoms, this episode proves Disney magic can roll on two wheels and talk back. SHOW NOTES Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a leaked Universal survey that hints at the future of Fan Fest in Hollywood. From Scooby-Doo teaming up with Universal Monsters to the possibility of Pokemon Go and Sailor Moon activations, the lineup could be one of the most surprising yet. And in the second half, the guys rewind to explore the retro roots and hidden details of Cabana Bay, Universal Orlando’s massive value resort. Marvel Zombies and Fangoria’s bold Halloween crossover at Hollywood Forever Cemetery Survey leaks teasing Scooby-Doo, Pokemon Go, One Piece, and more for Fan Fest 2026 How Sailor Moon could bring anime fandom to the DreamWorks Theater The Simpsons movie sequel and its impact on Universal’s theme park rights Cabana Bay’s history, retro theming, and how it reshaped Universal’s hotel strategy Universal’s future IP plans meet its nostalgic past in a packed episode that covers both zombies and neon retro vibes. Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick off October with a witchy episode of I Want That Too. From the avalanche of Wicked merchandise filling store shelves to Disney’s own magical past, this week’s show dives into collectibles, streaming perks, and even a long-lost Sherman Brothers project that never made it to the screen. The rise of Wicked-themed merch, from dolls and Swarovski ornaments to water bottles and Care Bears Streaming price hikes - and Lauren’s clever tips to save money on Disney+, Hulu, and beyond Nostalgic returns like Disney-themed Lincoln Logs and Gentle Christmas advent calendars A tribute to Disney animator Rick Hopp and his lasting legacy The untold story of Walt Disney’s planned Hansel & Gretel TV musical with songs by the Sherman Brothers Whether you’re hunting the latest collectibles or craving untold Disney stories, this episode has a little magic for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel Us Disney is back! In this inaugural reboot episode, Jim Hill and new co-host Dan Graney dive into the future of Marvel on screen, honoring the show’s roots while exploring the biggest stories shaking up fandom. From Spider-Man’s next chapter to the rise of AI legends and the gory return of Marvel Zombies, this super-sized episode covers it all. The debut of Stan Lee’s hologram experience at L.A. Comic Con: amazing tribute or uncanny valley? Behind the scenes of Spider-Man: Brand New Day with Tom Holland’s accident, practical stunts, and new villains Daredevil and Punisher’s growing role in the MCU’s “street-level” storytelling The legacy of Frank Price and how he helped kickstart Marvel’s TV and film journey Marvel Zombies on Disney+ and how it connects back to Robert Kirkman’s comics and the future of Marvel horror Dan Graney’s bold prediction about a possible Marvel and DC crossover Whether you are here for Spider-Man, nostalgia for Stan, or a little zombie mayhem, this episode sets the stage for what is next in Marvel storytelling. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor wrap up September with a packed episode of Fine Tooning. From this year’s sold-out Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood to the long, winding saga of Richard Williams’ unfinished opus The Cobbler and the Thief, the guys cover the latest in animation news, box office battles, and even a courtroom clash over Steamboat Willie. Highlights from Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 Pixar’s Gatto facing off against heavy-hitting sequels in 2027 Crunchyroll’s Oscar campaign for Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Richard Williams’ book Adventures in Animation and the legacy of The Cobbler and the Thief With October on the horizon, Jim and Drew bring insights, history, and some big questions about the future of animation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Len Testa away this week, Jim Hill is joined by Imagineer Jim Shull and Eric Hersey. Shull shares first-hand stories of the frantic 72 hours before Disney parks open - from sod being laid overnight at the Contemporary Resort in 1971 to carloads of flowers on Main Street Paris. Meanwhile, Eric helps cover the latest Universal Studios news, including surprising plans for Scooby-Doo and a deep dive into the popcorn bucket craze. Why opening a Disney park always comes down to a last-minute scramble Jim Shull’s behind-the-scenes account of preparing Euro Disneyland in 1992 How media crews and Imagineers clashed during opening-week chaos Universal FanFest Nights 2026 and its Scooby-Doo/Monsters mashup The future of collectible popcorn buckets and wild new flavors Theme park history isn’t always polished - sometimes it’s messy, funny, and unforgettable. This episode pulls back the curtain on those final 72 hours. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 In the 23rd installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid head down to the water. To be specific, Santa Monica, California. Where CBS tried to get in the theme park business by radically reimagining a 30-year-old amusement pier. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What was the original name of the first amusement pier in this location What nearby amusement park did Abbott Kinney build What was the first attraction on “The Million Dollar Pier” Who narrated POP’s 1958 guidebook and made an appearance in the Park What were the only two rides added to POP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices