The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Florida’s...

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-ins—while Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include: Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on? A live-action Tangled revival is gaining momentum, possibly hitting...

Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The show ends with Part 2 of the wild saga behind Jou...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots. How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T. Rick Baker...

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them. Whether you're a mug minimalist or a tumbler hoarder, this o...

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially on the way—with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian...

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion.  Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely want to return Universal's newest theme park later...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lasting impact on themed entertainment. How Disney turne...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial. From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including: Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases. Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation. First look at...

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown. Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quick fix that morphed into a 20-year land. Festival o...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park. Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous branding misfire that nearly doomed it: Universal Studi...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go. Also in this episode: Trash can candy containers debut at Disney Springs The Disne...

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include: The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids. Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box office success of The King of Kings, Fairly OddParents...

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones. The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbacks. What Went Wrong – Mission: Space didn’t just t...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today. The rise and fall of Triceratops Encounter, and...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robot uprising. Jim shares the full, unfiltered story of Chris Sanders’ original pitch, including unused scenes, a darker backstory, and a surprisingly heroic role for Pleakley. B...

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a wide range of animation news and commentary while Drew Taylor is away covering the global premiere of Mission: Impossible 8. Topics include: Controversy around Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch – Director Dean Fleischer Camp shares concept art of Pleakley in a dress after Disney reportedly vetoed the idea. A first look at Elsa’s new castle f...

Len Testa and Jim Hill dive deep into the infamous debut of Light Magic, Disneyland’s ill-fated replacement for the Main Street Electrical Parade. What was promised as a “street-tacular” became a technical and creative misfire that left tens of thousands of annual passholders asking for refunds - and left behind glitter that haunted ride systems for months. The Unraveling of Light Magic – A show s...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast by exploring Universal’s rumored expansion into India and taking a deep dive into one of Islands of Adventure’s most ambitious—and short-lived—attractions: Triceratops Encounter. Along the way, they talk tribute store props, Epic Universe operations, and what happens when Florida weather shuts everything down. Universal India theme...

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE is rooted in actual history—and how it all started with a cartoon. Plus, Laure...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation and entertainment industry news, including: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad each get renewed for four more seasons—an unprecedented move ensuring job security and a pipeline of adult animation through the end of the decade. Marvel’s Thunderbolts debuts at #1 at the domestic box off...

Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Holiday never came to Florida, and why Tim Burton’s w...

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the recent uproar over Epic Universe preview ticket availability—and why Universal quietly opened the gates to everyone. Then they dive into the surprising retirement of Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu system and the fascinating history behind the short-lived Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe preview tickets go public, frustrating some Annual Pas...

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode that blends Disney shopping secrets and animation history. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes visit to Disney’s elusive Property Control store, a cast member-exclusive outlet full of discounted resort furniture, rare park merch, and even frozen food. Hear what she found, what she bought, and why it may be Disney’s best-kept secret. Then...