

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 10, 2024 • 47min
Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: How Roy E. Disney got “Fantasia Continued” greenlit (Ep 284 )
Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how well “Moana 2” did at the box office over its second weekend in theaters. They also talk about why “Paddington in Peru” had its release date pushed back to February 14, 2025Listeners will learn about these highlights:How long did it take the original “Fantasia” to finally turn a profit
Which spec song led to the creation of the “It’s a SpongeBob Christmas” back in 2012
How many “Best Animated Feature of the Year” awards has “Flow” already claimed
According to James Gunn, why was “Creature Commandos” the very first project out the door after he took over as the new head of DC Studios at Warner Brothers DiscoveryHow long had Disney’s live-action version of “Snow White” been in development prior to the start of production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024 • 53min
Disney Dish with Jim Hill: How Sunny Eclipse came to the Starlight Café (EP 509 )
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing when “Dinosaur: The Ride” will close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They also discuss the new Disney Villains show that’s being prepped for Disney’s Hollywood StudiosListeners will learn about:How did Tokyo Disneyland’s version of “Star Tours” impact WDW’s Tomorrowland TerraceIs there any difference between “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge” and the Company’s second attempt at getting a resort built at the edge of Bay LakeHow did mobile ordering at Disney World impact Guests’ ability to access Cosmic Ray’s Starlight CaféWhy is Mulan considered a Disney PrincessHow will “Project Cyclops” potentially impact your WDW dining experience SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 5, 2024 • 48min
I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey: Prep & Landing Returns, Disney Collabs for the Holidays, and Lorcana Collecting
In this special holiday episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap all things Disney for the holidays—from the exciting return of Prep & Landing to Disney Lorcana, the trading card game everyone’s talking about. Plus, they spotlight this season’s hottest collaborations and must-have merch, making it your ultimate guide to a Disney-filled holiday seasonWhat You’ll Hear:
The Return of Prep & Landing: Jim shares the inside scoop on Prep & Landing: Snowball Protocol, debuting in 2025, plus a hilarious story from D23 about how these holiday elves earned him Disney Animation’s trust.
Lorcana: Disney’s Trading Card Game: Lauren dives into the latest must-have for collectors, with tips on starter packs, rare cards, and what makes Lorcana one of the hottest gifts this holiday season.
Holiday Collabs and Gift Picks: From Harry Styles’ Pleasing x Disney collection to a Frozen-themed Lionel train, Lauren highlights Disney’s best collaborations and merch to add to your shopping list.
Hidden Disney Details: Jim reveals a heartwarming Easter egg in Prep & Landing that connects it to another beloved Disney animated classic.
This episode is filled with behind-the-scenes stories, holiday fun, and must-have gift ideas for Disney fans of all ages. Don’t miss it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 4, 2024 • 46min
Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor: What became of Disney+’s “Tiana: The Series” (Ep 283)
Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how well “Moana 2” did at the domestic box office over its opening weekend. They then talk about the role that General Electric’s housewares division played in creatingthat beloved holiday special, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”For this episode, listeners will learn about: How did “Flow” ‘s Per Theater Average over its opening weekend in NorthAmerica compare to that of “Wicked – Part One” Which Japanese animation studio handled the stop motion on “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” What was the title of the very first animated holiday special created for networktelevision Who took over as the new lead writer & director on “Tiana: The Series” back in2022 How did “Shrek the Halls” back in 2007 lead to Walt Disney Animation Studiocreating the original “Prep & Landing” in 2009 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 2, 2024 • 40min
Disney Dish with Jim Hill: What’s it really like down in the tunnels under the Magic Kingdom (Ep 508 )
Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Jim Shull of “Disney Journeys” &; Eric Hersey of the “Epic Universal Podcast” for an in-depth look at WDW’s Utilidor system.Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What did Marty Sklar do back in the mid-1950s that made Walt Disney furious Where can Refreshment Gardens be found at Disneyland Park How many acres do the Utilidors cover at WDW’s Magic Kingdom What reportedly caused the black mold problem in the Men’s Locker Room underthe Magic Kingdom What was the secret behind Skippy being transported in “The ExtraTERRORtrial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 30, 2024 • 25min
Mechanics of Magic: The Ferris Wheel & the Carousel (Ep 13)
In the thirteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about the origins of two theme park favorites; how the very first carousels & Ferris Wheels were developed & constructed.Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
What do knights have to do with the creation of the very first carousel
What’s the main difference between a carousel and a merry-go-round
How did amusement park operators compel customers to ride the outermost ring of horses on a carousel (which traditionally did not move up & down like the inner circle of horses)
How can the very first Ferris Wheel be traced back to the Columbian Exposition
How were Pleasure Wheels (i.e., the predecessor of the Ferris Wheel) powered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 2024 • 39min
Epic Universal with Eric Hersey: Wicked Takes Center Stage: From Book to Broadway to Big Screen and Beyond (Ep. 27)
In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the latest Universal news, movie milestones, and fascinating theme park updates.Episode Highlights:
The Magic of Wicked: From record-breaking box office numbers to potential theme park tie-ins, Jim and Eric discuss the film’s impact and Universal’s creative strategies.
Lost Continent's Future: Could the remnants of the Lost Continent become home to a Wicked-themed land?
How to Train Your Dragon Live-Action Teaser: The hosts share their thoughts on the first trailer and its connection to Epic Universe.
CityWalk Hollywood’s Epic Universe Store: Why a preview store for a Florida park is opening on the West Coast.
Wicked’s Origin Story: Jim shares how the beloved stage musical began its journey from book to Broadway and finally to the big screen.
Packed with insights and speculation, this episode is perfect for Universal fans and theme park enthusiasts alike. Tune in for the latest stories and stay ahead of the curve! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 2024 • 42min
I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey: Remembering Disney’s Fifth Avenue Store, Rise of Red Holidays, and Unique Disney Gift Ideas (Ep. 25)
In this festive episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to explore Disney’s Fifth Avenue Store—once the largest Disney store in the world. From its stunning design to its unique collectibles, they’ll uncover what made this shopping destination so unforgettable and why it’s still missed today.The holiday cheer doesn’t stop there! Jim and Lauren dive into the Descendants: Rise of Red holiday takeover, featuring fun new merch, a Christmas music video, and even a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade appearance. Plus, they’re sharing Disney-themed gift ideas for fans of all ages and tips for adding a little Disney magic to your holiday baking.What You’ll Hear:
The Fifth Avenue Disney Store: Why it was such a special place and the memories it left behind.
Rise of Red Holidays: The latest Descendants merch, a festive music video, and how Disney is keeping the hype alive.
Disney Gift Ideas: From collectible dolls to Disney cookbooks, we’re highlighting the best gifts for Disney lovers this holiday season.
Holiday Baking with Disney Flair: Lauren shares her family’s favorite Disney-inspired treats and how you can recreate park recipes at home.
This episode is packed with holiday magic, fun stories, and must-have shopping tips. Tune in for a festive dose of Disney cheer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 28, 2024 • 54min
From Wicked’s Box Office Smash to Oliver & Company’s 80s Charm (Ep. 282)
In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor bring you the latest in animation news and insights. Tune in as they dive into:
"Wicked" Dominates the Box Office: Universal Pictures’ adaptation dazzles with a massive opening weekend. Jim and Drew discuss the strategic marketing behind its success and what it means for future blockbusters.
Animated Feature Oscars Update: A record 31 animated films are in the running for this year’s Academy Award. Hear predictions for frontrunners like The Wild Robot and dark horse contenders including Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.
Sonic 3 and The Bad Guys 2: Explore the buzz surrounding upcoming sequels like Sonic 3 (coming this December) and DreamWorks’ The Bad Guys 2, continuing the franchise’s creative streak with festive specials.
Pixar’s "Dream Productions" Limited Series: A sneak peek into Pixar’s upcoming four-episode series debuting on Disney+ this December. Jim and Drew discuss how this unique project breaks new ground for the studio.
"Oliver & Company” Retrospective: Take a nostalgic trip back to Disney’s 1988 animated classic. Learn about its ambitious use of computer-assisted imagery and its surprising connection to the Great Movie Ride.
Don’t miss these stories and more on this week’s Fine Tooning! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 29min
Muppet*Vision 3D’s Curtain Call: Making Way for Electric Mayhem & Jollywood Nights Review!
oin Jim and Len as they explore the latest holiday updates, behind-the-scenes details, and listener questions about Disney’s parks and attractions.
Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Discover how this year’s event improved on last year, with brighter displays, enhanced entertainment, and reimagined spaces that bring the magic of Hollywood Studios to life.
Muppet Vision 3D Updates: Learn about the plans for the Electric Mayhem overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and what it means for Muppets fans.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Comparison: Christina Harrison joins the discussion to compare Disney’s two biggest holiday events.
Holiday Attraction Overlays: Jim dives into the history of Disney’s seasonal attraction overlays, featuring the story behind the Country Bear Christmas Special.
Don’t miss this episode packed with holiday cheer, park updates, and Disney history – tune in now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


