
Hosted by Jim Hill Media Podcast Network · EN

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill cover a packed Disney Dish news lineup, from Disney’s “virtual reservations” patent to new Disney Springs transportation checks, rare two-day ticket discounts, and Disneyland Autopia’s electric future. They also dig into listener questions about steak pricing, Jersey Week crowds, and whether Disney’s new AI trip-planning tools could reshape vacation booking. Then Jim takes us back to the early days of Imagineering’s Living Character Initiative, where Mickey’s Toon Elevator, Dinotopia, and one very complicated dinosaur helped pave the way for interactive characters in the parks. NEWS • Disney’s hotel-room patent appears to confirm how “virtual reservations” can hold back short stays to protect longer bookings. • Walt Disney World expands verification checks for buses and boats leaving Disney Springs. • A rare two-park, two-day ticket deal targets late-summer demand at EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. • Lakeshore Lodge’s Pocahontas-themed pool area, The Wetlands, gets a closer look. • Disneyland’s Autopia faces a February 2027 deadline to retire its gas-powered engines. FEATURE • Jim traces the Living Character Initiative back to Push the Talking Trash Can and Mickey’s Toon Elevator. • Lucky the Dinosaur’s development gets tied to ABC’s short-lived Dinotopia era, allegedly. • Imagineering’s early living-creature tech needed carts, batteries, and a whole lot of legal caution. • The story sets up Disney’s next wave of interactive characters after the Pixar acquisition. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. View transcript here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVCrentalStore.com, offering discounted theme park admission at prices better than Disney’s. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a packed Epic Universal Podcast covering the newest Halloween Horror Nights reveal, fresh Epic Universe developments, and more chatter from Universal Orlando and Hollywood. Eric shares impressions from his Helios Grand Hotel stay, while Jim digs into the latest Universal news from Stranger Things to the United Kingdom resort. Then Jim uses Steven Spielberg’s new UFO movie Disclosure Day as a launchpad for the strange story of Night Skies, the terrifying alien film that nearly became E.T. NEWS • Stranger Things returns to Halloween Horror Nights with a new house tied to the final season of the Netflix series. • Jim and Eric weigh whether Stranger Things or Sinners will be the marquee Halloween Horror Nights draw this year. • Epic Universe prepares to debut Universal’s Celestial Goodnight, a nighttime spectacular with fireworks, fountains, and music. • A major new Dark Universe permit points to a 71,000 square foot structure, fueling speculation about Universal Monsters expansion. • The hosts discuss Universal United Kingdom Resort rumors, including possible James Bond, Back to the Future, Paddington, and Lord of the Rings connections. FEATURE • Jim traces the road from Close Encounters of the Third Kind to the abandoned Night Skies project. • The feature explores the real 1955 Hopkinsville, Kentucky UFO incident that inspired Spielberg’s scarier alien concept. • Jim explains how Melissa Matheson helped transform Night Skies into E.T. while Spielberg was filming Raiders of the Lost Ark. • The story also covers Rick Baker’s unused alien designs, Columbia’s rejection of E.T., and why Disney passed on the project. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Eric Hersey - X/Twitter: @erichersey, Instagram: @erichersey, Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save up to 12% on theme park tickets, with Express Pass options now available for even more savings. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren and Eric are back from another Epic Universe visit, and this time Helios Grand Hotel may have changed the whole conversation. They break down whether one day is enough at Epic, how early entry helped them knock out major attractions before lunch, and why Battle at the Ministry should probably be your first stop. Then they compare Universal attractions to Disney favorites to help Disney fans figure out what belongs on their must-do list. HIGHLIGHTS Lauren and Eric test whether one day is enough at Epic Universe after three separate visits. Helios Grand Hotel early entry proves to be a major advantage for getting to Battle at the Ministry. Their morning strategy includes Hiccup’s Wing Gliders, Monsters Unchained, Stardust Racers, and more before lunch. Lauren shares online feedback from Epic Universe guests debating one day, two days, Express Pass, and resort stays. Disney fans get Universal ride comparisons, including Hiccup’s Wing Gliders and Slinky Dog Dash. Battle at the Ministry gets compared to Rise of the Resistance, especially for its jaw-dropping queue. Monsters Unchained, Donkey Kong Mine-Cart Madness, Yoshi’s Adventure, and The Untrainable Dragon all get matched with Disney-style reference points. Eric and Lauren each pick the Universal experience they think Disney fans should try first. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: DisAndHers.com Instagram: @disandhers TikTok: @disandhers Facebook: Dis and Hers YouTube: Dis & Hers FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: JimHillMediaNews Instagram: JimHillMedia TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & 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

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a merch-packed episode that starts at Target, swings through Walt Disney World, and lands deep in Mickey Mouse history. Lauren shares what she spotted on her latest Florida trip, from Muppets merch and Uncle Deadly deep cuts to Disney’s colorful new Logo Mania collections. Then Jim looks back at Disney’s repeated attempts to give Mickey Mouse a milestone birthday celebration big enough for the big screen, and why those plans often arrived late, changed shape, or became something else entirely. NEWS • Golden Girls returns to the bookstore with Death on the Lanai, the second mystery novel in Disney’s sitcom-inspired series. • Target’s Disney Fan Snacks line brings character-shaped chips to the aisle, including Darth Vader corn chips and Grogu-inspired flavors. • Toy Story 5 merch arrives early with Ginormous, a truly oversized plush pig that may require its own shopping cart. • Lauren checks out Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets merch, including Kermit keychains, Miss Piggy gear, and Animal-focused designs. • Walt Disney World’s Logo Mania collections lean into color-coded Disney fan moments, from Last Day of Trip Blues to Popcorn on Main Street. FEATURE • Jim revisits how The Sorcerer’s Apprentice began as a Mickey birthday short before growing into Fantasia. • Disney’s planned Jack and the Beanstalk feature for Mickey’s 15th birthday was derailed by World War II and eventually reshaped into Fun and Fancy Free. • Mickey’s 60th birthday brought a star-studded NBC special and the temporary Magic Kingdom land that became surprisingly permanent. • The abandoned Search for Mickey Mouse would have sent Disney characters across the animated canon before evolving into Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets. If a trip to the parks is on your radar for 2026, head over to Unlocked Magic and let their team help make your next vacation just a little bit more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The courthouse is drying out, so Jim Hill, Len Testa, and Chris Cox relocate to the mailroom for a listener mail edition of The Case 4. This episode revisits recent debates about Disney World lounges, Disneyland Lightning Lane strategy, and Universal Orlando’s hotel categories. Along the way, the panel weighs in on communal seating, pricey mocktails, park-hopping fatigue, Epic Universe hotel demand, and whether a “throwaway” Universal room can still make vacation math work. HIGHLIGHTS • Listener reactions to Beak and Barrel, GEO-82, and the communal seating problem at Disney World lounges. • A closer look at why $18.50 mocktails may be harder to swallow than $25 cocktails. • Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World Lightning Lane strategy, including why extra park days can beat park hopping. • Why Disneyland’s same-day Lightning Lane drops may work better there than they would in Florida. • Universal Orlando’s “Signature Collection” confusion and whether Helios belongs in that category. • The Universal deluxe hotel math behind Express Pass perks, ghost stays, and throwaway rooms. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com • Chris Cox - X/Twitter: @bigcox, Instagram: @magiccox, Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor look at a packed week in animation, from the box office surprises around Disclosure Day and Obsession to the latest honors for Aardman’s founders. They also preview Pixar’s Gatto, salute Floyd Norman’s upcoming Academy Honorary Award, and remember Tinker Bell reference model Margaret Kerry. The main event is Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch 2, with Chris Sanders returning to write and direct a brand-new story for everyone’s favorite blue alien experiment. NEWS • Disclosure Day opens big for Universal while Obsession continues its remarkable box office run. • Jim and Drew talk physical media, Hoppers on Disney+, and Best Buy’s exit from DVDs and Blu-rays. • Aardman founders Peter Lord and David Sproxton receive knighthoods as the studio celebrates with a Royal Mint coin. • Pixar’s Gatto gets a closer look, including its Venice setting, painterly style, and voice cast. • Floyd Norman is set for an Academy Honorary Award, while Jim and Drew remember Margaret Kerry’s legacy as Tinker Bell’s live-action reference model. FEATURE • Disney moves ahead with live-action Lilo & Stitch 2 for May 2028. • Chris Sanders returns to write and direct after voicing Stitch in both the original animated classic and the 2025 live-action remake. • Jim and Drew discuss how Angel, Stitch’s pink counterpart from the animated series, may factor into the sequel. • The conversation connects Sanders’ busy slate, from The Wild Robot to Lilo & Stitch, with Disney’s long-running affection for Experiment 626. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia • Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored, Instagram: @drewtailored FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, UnlockedMagic.com helps you lock in great ticket prices without the stress. Head to UnlockedMagic.com to grab the best ticket deals and make that future trip just a little more magical. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa start with Monstropolis, Disney park capacity, Universal patents, and the sort of tequila event that makes you check whether your Epcot admission is included. Then Jim looks back at Disneyland’s very first Grad Nite, held on June 15, 1961, when 8,500 well-dressed seniors were locked inside the park until 4:30 a.m. Along the way, they cover Life magazine’s lost photo spread, chaperone lounges, forbidden long hair, and the timeless teenage urge to stash contraband somewhere near Autopia. It is history, logistics, and questionable decision-making, which is to say: high school. NEWS • Monstropolis details reveal “Human Day,” a walking route inspired by Mike and Sulley’s commute, and Disney’s growing fondness for “you’re invited to a special day” ride premises. • Grand Floridian Cafe closes July 19 for refurbishment, raising the important question of whether the menu gets more than new curtains. • La Cava del Tequila hosts a July 14 Epcot event with tastings, cocktails, lunch at San Angel Inn, and a commemorative 1982 menu. • Disneyland restores all-day park hopping, while early signs of DisneylandForward construction point toward a new parking structure and future DCA expansion. • Listener questions cover theme park capacity math, House of Mouse villains, Monstropolis pin trading, and whether Universal’s latest patents could make vending machines and park transportation a lot smarter. FEATURE • Jim traces how Disneyland’s original Grad Nite grew out of Walt’s decision to close Holidayland and Jack Lindquist’s search for a new after-hours revenue stream. • The first Grad Nite brought 8,500 students from 28 Southern California high schools to Disneyland for $6 each, or about $67 in today’s money. • Life magazine sent four photographers and shot thousands of photos, only to bump the planned spread when the Berlin Wall changed the news cycle. • Disneyland’s Grad Nite rules included school buses, dress codes, chaperones, locker checks, planter searches, and haircuts for boys whose hair dared to touch a collar. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVC Rental Store. With the longest days of the year approaching, Unlocked Magic can help you save on your next Disney trip, giving you more time to hunt for the elusive ghost of the forest, Bongo, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor is back from the Toy Story 5 Premiere and Jim Hill gets all the details! They talk about some highly anticipated projects like The Doomies heading to Disney Plus, some Treehouse of Horror-related theming coming to The Simpsons at Universal, and plenty of other animation they’re looking forward to like Gatto from Pixar (with a teaser dropping pretty much right now!) NEWS • Toy Story 5 has it’s premiere, and Drew was there to get the scoop • Ice Age Boiling Point is on it’s way in February 2027 • Pixar’s Gatto is coming shortly after in March 2027, with a teaser trailer dropping June 11th • Universal may be losing The Simpsons theme park rights, but they’re planning some spooky changes in the coming years • Friend of the show Josh Gad karate kicked his way back into Book of Mormon after 14 years at the Tony’s and as it turns out, he’s still amazing FEATURE •Toy Story 5 had its premiere and Drew has now seen the film twice, so what’s going on with all of the Buzz Lightyears? Jim and Drew talk about his reaction (without diving into spoilers) and some of the new tech Drew is hoping will make its way into a movie-accurate Buzz toy. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor - X: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @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 - StrongMindedAgency.com SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, the go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a 2026 theme park vacation is on your radar, their team can help you save money while making the planning process easier. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Jim Hill Media Sponsorship Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Swifties, Cars, and the Mystery of Mickey’s Missing Plaque (Ep. 103) Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey start this week’s episode with a merch-minded look at Disney’s latest collaborations, from Taylor Swift’s Toy Story 5 tie-in to the 20th anniversary of Cars. They also dig into how Disney is already positioning Mickey Mouse for his 100th birthday in 2028 through fashion, music, wellness, and lifestyle partnerships. Then Jim takes Lauren back to Mickey’s 50th anniversary celebration and the strange story of the bronze plaque that once marked the birthplace of Steamboat Willie in New York City. NEWS • Taylor Swift’s newly confirmed Toy Story 5 song sends Swifties hunting for Disney-Pixar Easter eggs. • Toy Story 5 builds even more buzz ahead of its June 2026 theatrical release. • Disney celebrates 20 years of Cars with new anniversary merchandise and a Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket. • The upcoming Piston Peak expansion at Walt Disney World keeps Cars front and center for the next generation. • Disney’s Main Street marketing initiative begins laying the groundwork for Mickey Mouse’s 100th birthday. FEATURE • Jim explains why Mickey Mouse did not always have one official birthday. • The episode traces how Dave Smith and the Disney Archives helped settle on November 18, 1928. • Jim revisits Mickey’s 50th anniversary celebration in New York City, including Ward Kimball’s whistle-stop tour. • The mystery of the missing Steamboat Willie plaque leads to Broadway, Shrek the Musical, and Jeffrey Katzenberg. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2, Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com, your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Dan Graney talk about the latest, highly caffeinated Doomsday advertising stunt, and a certain friendly neighborhood Spider-Man makes his way to a neighborhood across the pond - what exactly is he doing there? Then take a trip down memory lane as they talk about the advertising genius that put Richard Pryor into Star Wars! Or more aptly, put Star Wars into everyone’s favorite 70's variety shows. NEWS • Jim and Dan discuss the surprise pop-up “green” coffee shop which may or may not have held some hidden Doomsday clues in the menu • Spider-Man was recently spotted in London suspiciously filming something at the same time the Russo Brothers are in town, and with Brand New Day coming in July, the guys wonder if this is another Shawarma-style tag or maybe setting the scene for Spider-Man in Doomsday • Stan Lee is back, Excelsior! Only, is that such a good thing? ElevenLabs thinks so, and they’re betting you want him to read you a bedtime story • Darth Vader arrives on Batuu in the new Marvel Comics series Echoes of the Empire, and the Disney folks are finally getting that sweet, sweet corporate synergy between Lucasfilm, Marvel, and the parks FEATURE • Jim and Dan talk about the “Yes, they really did that.” Star Wars television variety show appearances and of course, the much maligned and strangely beloved Star Wars Christmas Special HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com • Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR • UnlockedMagic.com - Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets through the trusted team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=marvelus If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices