The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the 96th Academy Awards. They then take a look at how well “Kung Fu Panda 4” did at the domestic box office over this past weekend.  Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What did Totie Fields say to Gene Simmons when they met backstage at “The Mike Douglas Show” Which animated feature did many Hollywood insider...

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison, who talks up the very best eats to be found at the 2024 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. Len & Jim then take a closer look at Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea On this episode, listeners will learn about: Which attraction in Dreamworks Land will key off of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” Why are stores at the Disney t...

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing why “The Mandalorian & Grogu” will be shot in the State of California. They also talk about the first five episodes of Season 3 of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When will the new version of the “Star Tours: The Adventures Continue” ride film debut at Disneyland Park in Anaheim,...

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Sean Bailey’s sudden departure from Walt Disney Studios. They then talk about why WDAS vet Hyrum Osmond will be sorely missed by “Frozen” fans Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How has the “Curious George Goes to Town” area at Universal Studios Florida been repurposed When was “Song of the South” last releas...

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why the WDW Resort revealed its hotel rates for 2025 months ahead of schedule. They then wrap up their series about the construction of Tomorrowland at Disneyland Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Where the math actually maths for WDW’s free-entry-into-the-water-parks-on-arrival-day offer What’s differen...

Dive into the world of Disney merch with Lauren Hersey and Jim Hill as they explore the iconic Mickey Mouse Ear Hats. Learn how these beloved hats made their way into the parks and evolved into the Minnie Mouse Ear headband craze we see today, all starting from the Mickey Mouse Club.  In this episode, Lauren and Jim cover a wide range of topics, including: -The legacy of "The Lion King" from its o...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the change that’s reportedly in the works for “Skull Island: Reign of Kong.” They also talk about the Universal Monsters Tribute Store that just opened at CityWalk out in Hollywood Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When – according to Vin Diesel – will the “grand finale” of the “Fast & Furious” film series final...

 Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Warner Bros Discovery’s Q4 earnings call. They then talk about which animated features & shorts took home awards at this year’s Annies Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What was the name of the “Fantasia” follow-up that Disney had in the works in the early 1980s How many nominations did “Nimona” have goi...

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what’s about to happen to the NBA Experience at Disney Springs. They then talk about why kids back in the 1950s were absolutely crazed when it came to Disneyland’s “Autopia”  Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which “Star Wars” movie director just got hired by Universal Pictures to direct their next “Jurassic W...

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the construction permit that has just been filed down in Florida for “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” They then talk about how the characters from the “Young Jedi Adventures” animated series just visited Black Spire Outpost Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How many mattresses did General George Washingt...

 Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then explains how Hong Kong Disneyland’s version of Sleeping Beauty Castle was transformed into the Castle of Magical Dreams Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How many ECVs can the new bus that’s joining the WDW transportation fleet carry at one time Why – when you’re given the opportunity by the Disney...

 Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Disney Eats” line of home goods, accessories and apparel. They then talk about what’s been going on with the live-action version of “Lilo & Stitch” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When did the Mickeyhead balloon initially come on the market How many popcorn carts in the Magic Kingdom did you hav...

Drew Taylor returns with a detailed recap of what’s been going on with “Coyote vs Acme.” Then Jim Hill talks about the recently released trailer for “Iwaju,” that animated limited series from Disney & Kugali Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When will the “Valley of the Witches” be opening at Ghibli Park over in Japan Who reportedly personally petitioned Disney execs & D...

Eric Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Universal-related trailers that aired during Super Bowl LVIII. They then pivot to talking about that 7-minute-long Epic Universe video that debuted online last week Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which Universal theme park offered its Guests the opportunity to view a trimmed down version of the Broadw...

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing a new land use plan that’s recently been revealed for the WDW Resort. They also wrap their series on the history of “Illuminations” SHOW BREAKDOWN: Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Why did the Imagineers just hate Epcot’s “Surprise in the Sky” show Which characters will soon begin making appearances at 1900 Park Fare at...

 Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by taking a close look at Epic Universe concept art. They then continue their discussion of the development “Illuminations,” EPCOT Center’s break-through nighttime show Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When (just to be safe) one should go about ordering their tickets for Pride Nite at Disneyland Why is the Universal Helio...

Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how much they’re looking forward to the final season of “Star Wars: The Bad Batch.” They also talk about where the upcoming “Great Circle” game fits in chronologically with the first three “Indiana Jones” films Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which character from the “Star Wars” prequels is Marvel Comics...

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the NextGen wands that may soon begin appearing in the Wizarding World over at the Universal Parks. They also discuss Disney’s possible plans to expand the Indiana Jones franchise. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What was especially innovative (circa 1982) about the barges that were used in “Le Carnaval d...

 Jim Hill & Eric Hersey kick off a brand-new show which offers a different take on Universal Parks & Experiences. Highlights include an interview with Carson Luter from Universal Creative about “Villain Con Minion Blast” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How did the 24 films that Universal Pictures released in 2023 do at the worldwide box office Which character from an A...

Jim Hill starts off this week’s show with a solo news section. Then Drew Taylor joins the fun in a pre-taped segment that looks back at Gary Rydstrom’s animated films Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How many Annie nominations did Pixar’s “Elemental” receive this year Which William Shakespeare play provided the inspiration for “Strange Magic” What Pixar movie were the b...

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Disney historian Dave Bossert to the show. They then discuss what made this Tomorrowland walk-thru exhibit so memorable to park guests Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which sitcom star voiced Nine Eyes in the American version of “The Timekeeper” In what far-flung corner of the globe did Dave Bossert recently encounter a cocoanut chair What’...

 Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the recently announced “Mandalorian & Grogu” film project. They also discuss how the first C3PO AA figure was created for “Star Tours” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What are Kylo Ren’s original story in the Disney-produced “Star Wars” trilogy supposed to have been like Why has production of the pre...

 In a solo show this week, Jim Hill starts things off by recapping what happened at this year’s Golden Globe. He shares what he’s heard about the lay-offs that are reportedly coming to Pixar Animation Studios later this year. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about; When will the Blu-ray version of Disney’s “Wish” be hitting store shelves Where did Bill Hanna & Joe Barbera set...

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then shares stories about WDI’s years-long effort to create synced-up soundtracks for thrill rides at the Disney theme parks For this episode, listeners will learn about: How you can best take advantage of the snack credits when it comes to WDW’s recently relaunched Dining Plan When will Florida’s version of “Country Bear Jamboree”...

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing which animated films are up for awards at the 2024 Golden Globes. They take a look at some of the superhero-themed animation that’s headed your way. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What did Disney initially charge for VHS and beta versions of that Studio’s films When will Season 2 of “Moon Girl & Devil Din...