The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

With awards season in full swing, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of animation history. They discuss box office hits like Avatar and Zootopia 2, and share exciting news about a new Phineas & Ferb movie. A deep look at UPA reveals the rise of Mr. Magoo and the studio's complicated legacy, including sidelined characters like Cholly. Shifting cultural norms are examined, with a highlight on Jorge Gutierrez's upcoming Speedy Gonzales film, which could redefine how legacy characters are portrayed.

Explore the surprising decline of summer vacation as peak season at Walt Disney World, with insights from hotel pricing data. Discover the shift in visitor demand towards October, influenced by events like Halloween. Take a historical journey through the beloved Sword in the Stone ceremony, from its 1983 debut to its adaptations worldwide. Learn about the cost-cutting impacts on the ceremony and hear the incredible story of a guest who once pulled the sword from the stone.

Join Jim Hill and Eric Hersey as they dive into the nostalgic charm of a Rockford Files reboot and a vibrant recap of Universal's awards season. Get the scoop on Universal Orlando's exciting 2026 calendar, filled with events like Mardi Gras and Halloween Horror Nights. A listener's query leads to a fascinating exploration of Universal's forgotten 1920s Tarzan serials, revealing the drama behind casting changes and missed silent gems. Plus, discover how Tarzan's legacy intertwines with the backlot's geography.

Disney’s live-action strategy, a surprisingly exclusive D23 merch sale, and a 65-year-old animated classic all collide on this episode of I Want That Too. Jim and Lauren break down why a new casting announcement for Tangled matters far beyond the movie itself, how Disney is quietly rewarding its most dedicated fans, and why 101 Dalmatians feels more relevant today than ever. Along the way, they connect the dots between animation history, modern merchandising, and the business decisions still shaping Disney in 2025. NEWS • Why the newly announced Tangled live-action leads are a smart, generation-spanning choice for Disney • How Disney’s live-action remakes reduce risk and supercharge future merchandise lines • The Twice Upon a Year Sale that most fans know - and the D23-only version many do not • Why D23 memberships are suddenly looking more valuable heading into a busy 2025 FEATURE • How Sleeping Beauty’s box office failure nearly sank Disney animation • The technology shift that made 101 Dalmatians possible with a drastically smaller animation staff • Why Cruella de Vil became the template for Disney villains going forward • How a cost-saving experiment ended up saving Walt Disney Animation Studios HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic. Planning a future Disney or Universal trip? Lock in great ticket deals without the stress at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, Jim Hill convenes court in a flooded courtroom to debate one deceptively big question - which Disney park entrances actually work best. With Len Testa mysteriously missing in action, Jim and Chris take listeners on a globe-spanning tour of arrival sequences, retail corridors, and first impressions, from rope-drop chaos to architectural storytelling. Along the way, they explore how Imagineering intent sometimes collides with real-world park operations and why those first few minutes inside the gates matter more than you think. HIGHLIGHTS • Why Disney’s park entrances function like the opening moments of a movie or stage show • The intentional slow reveal of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and why it frustrates rope droppers • How Main Street U.S.A. sets expectations differently in Anaheim vs. Walt Disney World • Tokyo Disneyland’s oversized walkways and the surprising impact of World Bazaar’s glass roof • The evolution of Disney California Adventure’s entrance from postcard concept to Buena Vista Street HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in as Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore the fascinating intersection of Disney animation history and current industry trends. They dissect this year’s Annie Award nominations, spotlight rising films, and celebrate the legacy of composer Guy Moon. The discussion delves into Don Bluth's creation of 'Banjo the Woodpile Cat' as a pivotal moment that prompted significant talent upheaval at Disney, altering the course of animation. Discover how a shortage of effects animators sparked one of the studio's biggest walkouts and set the stage for an eventual revival.

This week, mind reader and showman Chris Cox, known for his international performances and co-hosting 'The Case For,' joins to discuss some entertaining Disney mishaps. They dive into the recent drama of a runaway boulder during the Indiana Jones show, reflecting on live performance risks. Chris and Jim explore the surprising history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony and the impactful, yet subtle, changes made by Imagineer Kim Irvine to Sleeping Beauty Castle, revealing how holiday decorations led to structural issues.

Join the hosts as they explore fascinating rumors about IT/Pennywise at Halloween Horror Nights and reflect on the legacy of Adam the Woo in theme park vlogging. Delve into the curious history of Six Points, Texas, once a bustling backlot now forgotten, and the bold vision of Jay Stein that shaped the Universal tram tour in the 1970s. Encounter engineering marvels like the Runaway Train effect and discover why this beloved scene vanished. Plus, a sneak peek at new developments at Epic Universe and an exciting Spielberg-themed tram attraction!

As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey kick things off by looking ahead to what’s shaping up to be a massive 2026 for Disney merch fans. From milestone anniversaries Disney rarely shouts about to a packed slate of films and park changes, this episode breaks down why collectors should start paying attention now. And later in the show, Jim dives deep into a Disney history lesson about a beautifully ambitious animated film that failed spectacularly - and how that misfire accidentally paved the way for one of Disney’s most merch-friendly franchises ever. NEWS • Why 2026 is stacked with Disney anniversaries, including Disneyland’s 70th, DCA’s 25th, and multiple film milestones • Major franchise birthdays like High School Musical (20), Cars (20), Zootopia (10), Moana (10), and 101 Dalmatians (65) • How Pixar’s 40th anniversary and its long partnership with Disney could influence upcoming releases • A look at 2026 movies driving merch, including Toy Story 5, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and live-action Moana • Big park changes ahead, from Galaxy’s Edge updates to Disneyland Paris becoming Disney Adventure World FEATURE • Why Sleeping Beauty was one of Disney’s most expensive animated gambles - and why it failed at the box office • How that failure led Disney to completely rethink animation budgets and storytelling • The surprising connection between Sleeping Beauty’s loss and the creation of One Hundred and One Dalmatians • How that pivot ultimately set the stage for decades of Cruella-driven merch success HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X: @laurenhersey2 | IG: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThis episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, the same trusted team behind the DVC Rental Store and the DVC Resale Market. If Disney or Universal is anywhere on your 2026 radar, Unlocked Magic is a smart place to start. Their experts know the parks, the seasons, and how to help you plan without overpaying. Head to UnlockedMagic.com for great deals on theme park tickets and start planning your next trip. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvel is diving into chaos with a strategy of intentional leaks and the return of iconic legacy characters like Steve Rogers and Thor. The discussion explores the impact of unfinished stories, using the example of John Banner's life. A significant segment covers James Cameron's unmade Spider-Man film, revealing its darker tone and complex legal hurdles. The hosts also highlight community recognition for creators, such as the tribute to Jack Kirby in New York. Marvel's approach, bridging nostalgia with new narratives, pushes the boundaries of storytelling.