Jim Hill and Len Testa share Walt Disney World road and dining updates, a runDisney survey, and listener questions before taking a ride through the early history of Disneyland’s Skyway. Jim explains how Walt acquired a used aerial ropeway and what happened when its manufacturer saw it operating in Anaheim. NEWS New roundabouts near the Grand Floridian and the World Drive North project. The Grand Floridian Cafe reopens with new menu items. Universal’s Earl the Squirrel heads to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. A runDisney survey and listener questions. FEATURE How a tight expansion budget led Walt Disney to buy used attractions for Disneyland. The European origins of the Skyway and its 1956 opening. The manufacturer’s concerns about the original installation and the changes that followed. How the Skyway’s early buckets evolved and what Jim and Len will explore next. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com FOLLOW Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes at patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. 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 Len Testa kick off No Negative November with an expanded airport luggage service at Walt Disney World, fresh theme park attendance estimates, and a nighttime visit to Epic Universe. Listener questions cover park shade, a dream Food & Wine Festival tour, and Mickey Mouse's public-domain era. Then Jim traces the Disney Wilderness Preserve from cattle ranch to conservation success story, explaining how saving Florida wetlands also helped Disney World keep building. NEWS Airport luggage transfers expand to Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, and Port Orleans French Quarter. Universal discusses Epic Universe's capacity and ride reliability, while Jim and Len share their after-dark impressions. The 2025 theme park attendance estimates put Epic Universe's opening year into context. Listener questions explore more trees in the parks and a possible VIP Food & Wine Festival experience. Mickey Mouse's approaching centennial sparks a discussion of public-domain characters and animation history. FEATURE The Celebration-era controversy behind Disney's purchase of Walker Ranch and the creation of the Wilderness Preserve. How wetlands mitigation connects conservation efforts with development at Walt Disney World. The long restoration of former cattle land and the red-cockaded woodpeckers that helped reshape EPCOT's plans. How airport expansion, later land purchases, and a growing conservation corridor fit into the preserve's story. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.View transcript here. HOSTS Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. Visit Be Our Guest Vacations for help planning your Disney vacation. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Jim Hill and Len Testa trace the Disney Wilderness Preserve's surprising development history, plus Epic Universe attendance and Disney World luggage service news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill look back at Halloween Hysteria, the Magic Kingdom’s 1979 party that brought the Police to the park. Jim traces Disney’s early Halloween celebrations before following Sting from that concert to the troubled production of Kingdom of the Sun. Plus, new resort room-request options, a Hollywood Studios survey with a confusing sense of direction, and a listener’s successful return with 1986 Disney tickets. NEWS • Disney updates My Disney Experience room requests, including new preferences and an early-check-in option that can override them. • Coronado Springs gets convention-center concept art, while Jim shares a memorable example of the resort’s service. • A Hollywood Studios survey asks about the park’s “east side,” prompting a look at its layout and possible future expansion. • Listeners weigh in on Disney Cruise Line survey pressure and share how decades-old park tickets found a new use. • Could Universal’s Shrek plans include a dark ride, and when will Skull Island’s Kong animatronic return? FEATURE • From Disneyland’s Parade of Pumpkins to free Haunted Mansion rides, Disney’s earliest Halloween events looked very different. • How the Magic Kingdom’s World Series of Entertainment brought Dr. Hook, Sea Level, and the Police to Halloween Hysteria. • Why Disney recruited Sting for Kingdom of the Sun, and how the project changed on its way to becoming The Emperor’s New Groove. • Jim discusses The Sweatbox and its unusually candid look at a Disney animated film in transition. HOSTS • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com 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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. Plan a fall Orlando getaway with Be Our Guest Vacations. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill wrap up their Disneyland DVC history with a look at how Aulani’s ambitious price tag shaped the hotel projects that followed. Jim connects Disney’s Hawaiian resort to an unbuilt New Hampshire lodge, a canceled Disneyland luxury hotel, and the eventual Discovery Tower. They also discuss new playground plans, Disneyland ticket increases, and what Disney’s surveys might reveal about future attractions. Listener ideas offer fresh possibilities for EPCOT dining and a House of Mouse restaurant. NEWS • New playground plans at Hollywood Studios raise a practical question: what can younger children do while the rest of the family rides?• Len compares Disneyland’s latest ticket increases with Walt Disney World’s and asks whether Southern California is reaching a price ceiling.• The hosts discuss Pokémon possibilities at Universal, Disney Imagination’s planned debut in Japan, and a time-travel television tangent.• Disney Cruise Line survey pressure and an Avatar question prompt a discussion about how guest feedback influences decisions.• Listener proposals pair EPCOT dining with Lightning Lane perks and imagine a House of Mouse makeover for Hollywood Studios dining. FEATURE • The Grand Californian expansion brings Disney Vacation Club to the West Coast, setting the stage for a much bigger Hawaiian investment.• Jim explains how Aulani’s costs affected other resort ambitions, including Disney’s proposed White Mountain Lodge in New Hampshire.• A planned Disneyland luxury hotel runs into sightline concerns and an Anaheim tax-rebate dispute before its cancellation.• The story concludes with the smaller Disneyland Hotel DVC tower, its mix of accommodations, and construction through the pandemic. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.HOSTS • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.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 GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR Leave the holiday decorating to Disney and enjoy the lights from Main Street. Our friends at Be Our Guest Vacations can help plan your Walt Disney World holiday trip. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Len Testa and Jim Hill trace Aulani’s impact on Disneyland’s hotel plans, plus park playgrounds, ticket prices, and Disney guest surveys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack Disney’s latest price increases, from annual passes and tickets to the quick-service meals taking a bigger bite out of vacation budgets. They also check out Monstropolis menu reveals, holiday ride soundtracks, and a Bluey survey that may hint at Animal Kingdom’s plans for next summer. Then Jim continues the history of Disneyland’s DVC resorts with the Grand Californian, the architect who once worked in its parking lot, and the soundproofing that solved one problem only to create another. NEWS• Disney’s annual-pass and ticket increases tell a different story from the sharper jumps in quick-service food prices.• Monstropolis previews eyeball fish cakes, ramen, and the mysterious Blort soda.• Holiday music is coming to Guardians of the Galaxy, Alien Swirling Saucers, and the Muppets’ ‘Obligatory Holiday Overlay.’• A Bluey guest survey prompts a discussion of Animal Kingdom’s summer 2027 entertainment plans.• Len shares a report from Universal Nights at Epic Universe, including short waits and included snacks. FEATURE• Jim remembers architect Peter Dominick, whose Disney resorts include Wilderness Lodge, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Grand Californian.• The unbuilt Cypress Point Lodge helps explain the site and history of Wilderness Lodge.• Building the Grand Californian meant balancing park views, Downtown Disney, the monorail, and resort amenities.• Coaster screams led to extra soundproofing for the Grand Californian’s villas, followed by an inventive solution for guests who could see World of Color but couldn’t hear it. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.View transcript here. HOSTS• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews• YouTube: @jimhillmedia• TikTok: @jimhillmedia• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORTSupport the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSORPlanning a Walt Disney World vacation? Get started with Be Our Guest Vacations. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Jim and Len explore the Grand Californian’s design challenges, its DVC villas, and Disney’s latest price increases. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into Disney’s newly released Monstropolis concept art, Lakeshore Lodge details, a new Kilimanjaro Safaris patent, and some revealing Disney vacation-planning surveys. They also tackle listener questions about Haunted Mansion plumbing, Fantasmic crowds, pricing psychology, and the upcoming Hallmark Christmas movie set at Walt Disney World. Then Jim begins the story of Disney Vacation Club’s long road to Disneyland, including abandoned plans for resorts in Colorado, Times Square, and Newport Beach - and why Disneyland’s Discovery Tower might hint at the future of Tomorrowland. NEWS• New Monstropolis concept art offers a closer look at the Globe Theater, Harryhausen’s, and what may be a new 3D Monsters, Inc. attraction.• Disney reveals additional Lakeshore Lodge artwork, including its expansive lobby and the colorful Branch and Bush Lounge.• Disneyland tests a grab-and-go approach at Rancho del Zocalo.• New Disney surveys may reveal how guest preferences could shape AI-powered vacation planning.• A Disney patent explores notifying guests when animals are especially active on Kilimanjaro Safaris. FEATURE• Jim traces Disney Vacation Club from Old Key West to the company’s early plans for resorts far beyond Walt Disney World.• Disney once considered major DVC properties in Colorado, Times Square, and Newport Beach before changing course in the 1990s.• The disappointing early response to Vero Beach and Hilton Head helped push Disney toward adding more vacation-club inventory at its theme park resorts.• Could Disneyland Hotel’s Discovery Tower be a clue to a future “Discoveryland” reimagining of Tomorrowland? For this episode’s full show notes, click here.HOSTS• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews• YouTube: @jimhillmedia• TikTok: @jimhillmedia• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORTSupport the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSORPlanning a Walt Disney World vacation? Get started with BeOurGuestVacations.com. Jim and Len explore new Disney parks developments before tracing the surprising, decades-long path that finally brought Disney Vacation Club to Disneyland. 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

Disney surveys are asking increasingly pointed questions about discounts, trip costs, and what actually gets guests to book, while Disneyland history takes center stage with the story of Walt Disney’s never-built Lilliputian Land. Len Testa and Jim Hill also cover changes at Expedition Everest, Haunted Mansion construction, Oogie Boogie Bash availability, and rumors about Darkmoor’s next attraction at Epic Universe. Then Jim traces how Walt’s fascination with miniatures, model trains, and mechanical figures helped shape an unrealized Disneyland land - and eventually Storybook Land. NEWS • New Disney surveys dig into whether resort discounts actually persuade guests to book, stay longer, or change hotels. • Expedition Everest replaces its single rider line with an odds-and-evens loading system designed to improve capacity. • Walt Disney Imagineering files a Haunted Mansion construction permit as work prepares the area for future Magic Kingdom expansion. • Oogie Boogie Bash tickets remain available at Disneyland while Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sells out at Walt Disney World. • Rumors point toward a Bride of Frankenstein indoor coaster as a possible future expansion for Darkmoor at Epic Universe. FEATURE • Jim explores Walt Disney’s original plans for Lilliputian Land, a miniature world once envisioned between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. • Walt’s backyard Carolwood Pacific Railroad and his fascination with miniature Americana helped inspire the proposed land. • Project Little Man revealed the technical challenges of building tiny mechanical performers and helped push Disney toward full-sized Audio-Animatronics. • One piece of the Lilliputian Land concept survived, evolving from the opening-day Canal Boats of the World into Disneyland’s Storybook Land Canal Boats. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | 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 Planning your next Disney vacation? Visit BeOurGuestVacations.com to get started. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Walt Disney World news, from a Toy Story 5 overlay at Hollywood Studios and shifting timelines for Tropical Americas to Disney’s experiments with themed cruises and DVC owner surveys. They also answer listener questions about Moana’s missing ride presence, Coral Reef surprises, and annual pass payment plans for out-of-state DVC members. Then Jim digs into the surprising history of the Walt Disney Transportation Company, when Disney seriously considered selling PeopleMover technology to airports, shopping centers, and planned communities around the world. NEWS • Alien Swirling Saucers gets a Toy Story 5-inspired overlay, complete with new music. • The Magic of Disney Animation settles into limited daytime hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. • Disney quietly removes the 2027 date from its Tropical Americas project page as major domestic attraction openings appear to shift toward 2028. • Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show remains closed, with work expected to accelerate after Halloween Horror Nights. • New DVC and Disney Cruise Line surveys explore member finances, contract sales, and just how deeply guests want themed cruises to go. FEATURE • Jim traces the origins of the Walt Disney Transportation Company and Disney’s effort to commercialize its theme park transportation technology. • The Magic Kingdom’s PeopleMover was envisioned as a working showroom for potential clients building airports, shopping centers, and communities. • Disney once planned an extensive transportation network linking the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village with nearby development. • Houston Intercontinental Airport became the rare real-world customer, installing a Disney-designed PeopleMover system that has operated for decades. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | 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 BeOurGuestVacations.com. Whether your team is already struggling through football season or you simply need a Walt Disney World getaway to look forward to, Be Our Guest Vacations can help plan the trip. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill are back with Disney news, listener questions, and the conclusion of Jim’s history of Disney family suites. They check out the latest Walt Disney World updates, from Magic of Disney Animation previews and EPCOT festival dates to Jollywood Nights demand and new vacation discounts. Then Jim traces how a stalled Pop Century expansion, the success of Nickelodeon Family Suites, and Disney’s experiments at All-Star Music ultimately led to Art of Animation. Plus, the guys look at Disney Cruise Line’s intriguing adults-only survey and wonder what an expanded Skyliner network might have looked like. NEWS • Magic of Disney Animation previews reveal Olaf Draws, Off the Page, Once Upon a Studio Theater, and the colorful Drawn to Wonderland play area. • EPCOT sets dates for Festival of the Arts and Flower & Garden while Coral Reef prepares to reopen ahead of the holiday season. • Strong Jollywood Nights sales could point toward an even larger role for the after-hours event in future holiday seasons. • Universal Orlando rolls out an aggressive Florida resident ticket offer covering Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Epic Universe. • Disney Cruise Line surveys guests about adults-only sailings, while dozens of upcoming cruises receive special offers and discounted fares. FEATURE • Jim finishes the story of Disney’s family suites, beginning with Pop Century’s ambitious original plans and the unfinished Legendary Years section. • The surprising success of Nickelodeon Family Suites helped convince Disney that larger family accommodations could be a major draw. • All-Star Music became Disney’s testing ground before the company transformed Pop Century’s abandoned expansion into Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. • Jim explains how Art of Animation’s opening was strategically paired with New Fantasyland - and how the Skyliner later transformed the appeal of Disney’s value and moderate resorts. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | 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 The Disney Dish News is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com. If the back-to-school rush has already worn you out, the team can help you plan some much-needed rest and relaxation at Walt Disney World. Our friends at DVCRentalStore.com can also help you explore Disney Vacation Club rental options for your next stay. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the latest Disney parks news before tracing how Epcot’s humble festival food booths evolved into permanent Global Marketplaces with open kitchens. TouringPlans researchers Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join the show to talk Food & Wine, while Disney surveys hint at possible themed cruises, Halloween party strategy, and how much guests trust Disney’s planning tools. Plus, listener questions cover Tomorrowland, attraction relocations, parking garages, underwater pool music, and one extremely ambitious Carousel of Progress Halloween overlay. NEWS • Lakeshore Lodge gets a July 1, 2027 opening date, while Tiana’s Bayou Adventure prepares for its first major refurbishment. • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is set for an extensive refurbishment, and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is preparing to close at Disney Springs. • Disneyland breaks ground on its new eastern parking and transportation hub as Universal prepares to open Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift. • Disney Cruise Line is returning to New York in 2027, while a new survey tests guest interest in themed Disney cruises. • Amy Schinner and Christina Harrison join Len and Jim for a look at this year’s EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. FEATURE • Jim traces the roots of EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival back to the Walt Disney World Village Wine Festival and its move to EPCOT in 1996. • The California Grill’s successful open-kitchen concept helped inspire a new approach to festival food booths around World Showcase. • Permanent gas, electrical, and water connections transformed temporary booths into the more elaborate Global Marketplace locations guests know today. • With EPCOT operating festivals through much of the year, Disney continues converting temporary food locations into permanent festival infrastructure. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. (Coming Soon) HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia - Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com GUEST • Amy Schinner - TouringPlans researcher • Christina Harrison - TouringPlans researcher 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 The Disney Dish news is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Whether you’re planning Disney or Universal, Be Our Guest Vacations can help make the trip easier for the whole family. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into the long road that eventually led Disney to build Art of Animation Resort, from an abandoned Toontown-inspired family suites hotel near the Contemporary to the unfinished half of Pop Century. Along the way, they explore how the success of Nickelodeon’s family-suite hotel caught Disney’s attention, why Bob Iger brought Steve Jobs into the evaluation process, and how Finding Nemo, Cars, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid became the resort’s defining themes. Plus, Len and Jim discuss Lakeshore Lodge, Disney’s latest premium credit card survey, potential Epic Universe annual pass perks, and listener questions about fireworks, cruise ports, Star Tours, and monorail capacity. NEWS • Disney reveals new Lakeshore Lodge room categories ahead of its July 1, 2027 opening. • A Disney credit card survey tests premium perks including Lightning Lane access, resort benefits, complimentary park tickets, and club-level access. • Universal Orlando surveys guests about Epic Universe annual passes, reservations, Express benefits, parking, and Halloween Horror Nights perks. • Epcot adjusts opening hours for select RunDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend dates. • Universal Orlando debuts the new Nightmare Fuel: Blood Noir show for Halloween Horror Nights. FEATURE • Disney once considered a highly exclusive Toontown-inspired family suites hotel beside the Contemporary Resort. • The financial troubles surrounding Disneyland Paris helped derail Disney’s early family-suite plans. • The success of Nickelodeon’s all-suite Orlando hotel convinced Disney there was significant demand for larger themed accommodations. • Disney transformed the long-abandoned Legendary Years section of Pop Century into Art of Animation Resort. • Bob Iger invited Steve Jobs to review prototype Art of Animation rooms before Disney committed to the project. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | 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 BeOurGuestVacations.com, helping guests plan their next Disney vacation. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack a packed slate of D23 parks announcements, from Disneyland’s newly promised Tomorrowland overhaul to major additions coming to Walt Disney World. They dig into Tropical Americas, Piston Peak, Villains Land, Monstropolis, Figment and Dreamfinder’s return to EPCOT, and Disney’s surprising promise to finally address Expedition Everest’s Yeti. Then Jim looks back at the history of Disney-MGM Studios’ Ewok Village, its connection to Star Tours, and the unusual road that brought George Lucas’ galaxy to a Hollywood-themed park. NEWS • Disneyland plans a Tomorrowland overhaul inspired by the land’s original sense of hope and optimism. • Disney California Adventure’s Pandora project moves behind Tomorrowland while Avengers Infinity Defense, Stark Flight Lab, and the Coco attraction continue taking shape. • Walt Disney World reveals new details for Tropical Americas, Piston Peak National Park, Villains Land, and the phased opening of Monstropolis. • Dreamfinder and Figment are headed back to EPCOT in a still-mysterious new “flight of fancy” into Imagination. • Disney says Expedition Everest’s long-static Yeti will finally be addressed, though exactly what “fixing” the figure means remains to be seen. FEATURE • Jim traces the 1989 opening of the Ewok Village at Disney-MGM Studios, months before Florida’s Star Tours began carrying guests to Endor. • Learn why Florida’s Star Tours wound up at the Studios instead of Tomorrowland and how Disney tried to make George Lucas part of the park’s identity. • The story explores George Lucas’ inspirations for the Ewoks, the abandoned Wookiee plans for Return of the Jedi, and Disney’s enthusiasm for the franchise’s most marketable forest dwellers. • Plus, Jim revisits unrealized ideas including a Sci-Fi Channel UFO headquarters and the Roger Rabbit-themed Toontown Transit simulator. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | 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 BeOurGuestVacations.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.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

Len Testa and Jim Hill are on the ground in Anaheim for D23, where they dig into the week's Disney news before exploring how Anaheim evolved from vineyards and citrus groves into the home of Disneyland. Along the way, they examine a Disney patent that could create the illusion of elevation changes on future attractions, a proposed Spaceship Earth television series, and Bob Chapek's upcoming book. Then Jim traces the fascinating history of the Anaheim Packing House and the agricultural economy that helped make Walt Disney's land purchase possible. NEWS • A newly published Disney patent could make riders feel as though they're climbing or dropping while their ride vehicle remains on a flat surface. • Could the technology be destined for the upcoming Encanto attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom? • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is already selling out select dates at both ends of the 2026 event calendar. • Another infrastructure problem hits Disney's Wilderness Lodge, this time involving water service at Boulder Ridge. • Disney is developing a Spaceship Earth-inspired television project built around teenagers, time travel, and a threat to Earth's future. • Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek prepares to tell his side of the story in his upcoming book, Behind the Castle Walls. FEATURE • Jim traces Anaheim's beginnings to 50 German families who established a thriving wine-growing community in the 1850s. • Root rot pushed the region from vineyards toward orange groves and walnut farms, helping reshape Anaheim's agricultural economy. • Railroad expansion turned the Anaheim Packing District into a major hub for shipping fresh California produce across the country. • Falling agricultural land values helped Harrison "Buzz" Price identify Anaheim as the ideal location for Walt Disney's new family park. • Disneyland's arrival accelerated Anaheim's transformation from an agricultural community into a tourism destination. • The historic Anaheim Packing House survived redevelopment pressure and reopened in 2014 as a modern food hall that preserves a piece of the city's past. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. (Coming Soon) HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | 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 BeOurGuestVacations.com. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is underway, and Be Our Guest Vacations can help you plan a Walt Disney World trip filled with Halloween fun, costumes, and plenty of candy. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into Disney’s latest theme park attendance numbers, new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Disneyland’s possible return to an old favorite, and some surprisingly revealing guest surveys. Listener questions cover everything from GLP-1 drugs and Disney dining to the possible return of Tables in Wonderland and new retail ideas for Disney Springs. Then Jim begins the history of Disney’s family suites by tracing how global events repeatedly reshaped Walt Disney World hotel plans, culminating in the stalled second half of Disney’s Pop Century Resort after 9/11. NEWS • Walt Disney World reports a 3% increase in domestic theme park attendance during Disney’s fiscal third quarter. • Disney adds a new preshow to Zootopia: Better Zoogether to help guests follow the attraction’s story. • New Lakeshore Lodge concept art reveals the resort lobby, Moon Glade restaurant, Bay Lake Provisions, and other dining spaces. • Disneyland rumors suggest the Main Street Electrical Parade could once again return in 2027. • Universal announces Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness and Killer Klowns from Outer Space for Halloween Horror Nights. FEATURE • Jim looks back at Disney hotel projects that were dramatically altered by world events, including the proposed Asian Resort at Seven Seas Lagoon. • The COVID-19 pandemic upends Disney’s ambitious plans for EPCOT and Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. • Disney begins developing Pop Century as another massive value resort near the Wide World of Sports complex. • After 9/11 sends tourism and hotel occupancy plunging, Disney halts work on Pop Century and leaves the unfinished Legendary Years buildings standing for nearly a decade. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - 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 BeOurGuestVacations.com. Plan your Walt Disney World vacation, including a trip to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, with the team at Be Our Guest Vacations. 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 guest co-host Drew Taylor explore the newly updated version of “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, including fresh dialogue designed to make the show’s storyline easier to follow. They also examine the water-pressure failure that temporarily disrupted operations across Disneyland and Anaheim, along with Disney’s long history of conserving and recycling water inside its parks. Then Jim completes his history of “Turtle Talk with Crush,” tracing the interactive show from EPCOT and Disney California Adventure to cruise ships and children’s hospitals. NEWS • “Zootopia: Better Zoogether” receives new introductory dialogue from Mayor Winddancer. • Judy Hopps’ closing lines are revised to clarify Dawn Bellwether’s role in disrupting Zootopia Day. • The changes may help prepare the attraction for a possible future home at Disney California Adventure. • A citywide water-pressure drop temporarily closes Disneyland restaurants and restrooms. • Universal Studios Hollywood begins soft-opening “Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.” FEATURE • “Turtle Talk with Crush” evolves from an unrealized Columbia-based attraction into a global Disney favorite. • The interactive show expands from EPCOT and Disney California Adventure to Hong Kong, Tokyo and Disney Cruise Line. • Disney adapts Crush’s conversations for cruise-ship dining rooms and smaller audiences. • A Children’s Hospital of Orange County installation gives young patients a more intimate opportunity to interact with Crush. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor - X/Twitter: @DrewTailored - Instagram: @drewtailored - drewtaylor.work 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 The Disney Dish news is sponsored by BeOurGuestVacations.com. Their vacation-planning team can help make your next Walt Disney World trip 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill examine a revealing new Disney survey asking whether guests trust DisneyWorld.com, whether the site acts in their best interest, and whether it should be considered the definitive source for vacation planning. They also discuss Disney’s questions about Epic Universe, softer attendance and dining demand, and the growing complexity of planning a theme park vacation. Then Jim continues the history of Imagineering’s Living Characters Initiative by tracing the path from Mickey’s Toon Elevator and Fashion Chat with Cruella de Vil to Stitch’s Photophone, the interactive Disneyland experiment that helped pave the way for Turtle Talk with Crush. NEWS • Disney surveys guests about whether they trust DisneyWorld.com to provide transparent, accurate, and helpful vacation information. • New survey questions explore whether Disney’s website should be considered the source of truth over independent planning sites. • Disney asks Epic Universe visitors whether Universal added days to their vacations or pulled attendance away from Walt Disney World. • Comcast reports continued strength at Epic Universe alongside softer performance across the broader Universal Orlando Resort. • Slower table-service dining demand raises questions about Lightning Lane habits, pricing, GLP-1 medications, and Disney’s future restaurant strategy. FEATURE • Imagineering searches for the right Disney character to lead a real-time interactive experience. • Mickey Mouse proves too polite, while Cruella de Vil proves too intimidating for younger guests. • Stitch’s Photophone opens inside Disneyland’s Innoventions shortly after the release of Lilo & Stitch. • Cast members use cameras, voice performance, pre-animated movements, and personalized jokes to bring Stitch to life. • The attraction’s limited capacity helps Imagineering rethink the format and develop the larger-scale experience that became Turtle Talk with Crush. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - 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 Plan your next Disney vacation with BeOurGuestVacations.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

Disneyland’s sold-out evening tickets, Walt Disney World dining trends, and a possible Space Mountain overhaul lead off this week’s Disney Dish. Len and Jim also answer listener questions about Cars Road Trip and Victoria & Albert’s before returning to the history of Imagineering’s Living Character Initiative. In the main feature, Jim explains how Turtle Talk with Crush emerged amid the deteriorating relationship between Michael Eisner, Steve Jobs, and Pixar. NEWS • Why Disneyland’s $59 evening tickets may owe their existence to Bluey and stroller traffic. • What the Coral Reef Restaurant’s move to seasonal operations could reveal about Lightning Lane spending and declining demand for table-service dining. • How a major Space Mountain refurbishment could improve reliability, capacity, and Tomorrowland operations. • Universal Studios Florida moves up the closing date for Fast & Furious - Supercharged. • Could Universal retain The Simpsons, or might Back to the Future eventually replace Springfield? FEATURE • How Finding Nemo became Pixar’s biggest hit despite Michael Eisner’s doubts about the film. • Why Steve Jobs held Cars back as leverage during Disney and Pixar’s contract negotiations. • How Disney’s Circle 7 Animation plans further damaged its relationship with Pixar. • Why Eisner approved Turtle Talk with Crush without seeking Pixar’s input, and how the experimental attraction outlasted Stitch’s Great Escape. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - 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 Save on discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets through UnlockedMagic.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

Disneyland’s bargain evening tickets disappear, Universal Orlando rolls out an unusually affordable Florida resident pass, and Epic Universe lights up the night with Celestial Goodnight. Len and Jim also examine revealing Disney and Universal guest surveys, a fog-screen patent that may be connected to Tropical Americas, and some wonderfully strange theme park history. Then Jim continues the story of Disney’s Living Character Initiative, tracing how Finding Nemo pushed Imagineering to bring animated characters into the parks faster than ever before. NEWS • Disneyland’s $59 evening tickets have sold out for the remainder of 2026. • Epic Universe debuts Celestial Goodnight, a new nighttime spectacular featuring fountains, fireworks, lighting effects, and the Helios Grand Hotel. • Universal Orlando introduces a $199 Florida resident pass offering unlimited visits to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure through December 16. • New Disney and Universal surveys raise questions about Lightning Lane planning, hotel benefits, dining revenue, and the value of Universal Express. • A Disney patent describes a 360-degree image projected onto a laminar-flow fog screen, potentially for a future animal-filled attraction. FEATURE • Universal’s rapid transformation of popular movies into theme park attractions forced Disney to reconsider its traditionally slow development process. • Finding Nemo became Pixar’s biggest hit to date, leaving Disney Parks searching for a faster way to bring Nemo and his friends to guests. • Before a permanent attraction could be built, Disney experimented with a tiny drivable Nemo character in the Magic Kingdom and at the Transportation and Ticket Center. • Imagineering’s solution became Turtle Talk with Crush, a groundbreaking interactive experience developed in roughly ten months and still entertaining guests today. For show notes for this episode, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - 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 Save on admission to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and select special events with UnlockedMagic.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

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week’s Disney Dish with news from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and the wider entertainment industry before digging into listener questions and recent theme park patent applications. They discuss Typhoon Lagoon’s upcoming maintenance closure, Disneyland’s unusual evening ticket offer, the new pirate-to-skeleton effect in Pirates of the Caribbean, and Universal’s long-awaited Hellraiser Halloween Horror Nights house. Then Jim continues his history of Disney’s Living Character Initiative with a look at Pixar Place, Toy Story Mania, and the short-lived Luxo Jr. figure that hopped into Hollywood Studios history. NEWS • Typhoon Lagoon is scheduled to close for annual maintenance on September 9, 2026, leaving Blizzard Beach as Walt Disney World’s open water park. • Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party sees another sold-out date, with Len and Jim looking at why early weekend parties disappear quickly. • Level99 opens at Disney Springs, prompting a discussion about interactive play spaces, Disney Quest, and why Disney IP is not part of the experience. • Disneyland introduces a $59 evening ticket for select summer nights, suggesting softer attendance in Southern California. • Universal Orlando announces Hellraiser for Halloween Horror Nights, giving Pinhead a long-awaited haunted house spotlight. FEATURE • Jim revisits the Living Character Initiative after Disney’s 2006 Pixar acquisition reshaped priorities inside Imagineering. • Mickey’s Midway Mania becomes Toy Story Mania as Pixar characters move to the center of Disney’s park strategy. • Hollywood Studios’ Pixar Place is designed as a tribute to Pixar’s Emeryville campus, complete with a Florida version of Toy Story Mania. • The Luxo Jr. figure debuts as a six-foot-tall living character but vanishes after only about ten months due to weather exposure and trademark complications. 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 is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill start with snow shovels, snapping turtles, and New Hampshire’s ongoing audition for “America’s Australia,” then move into a packed Disney Dish. This week, they cover Disney’s holiday party calendar, the Grand Floridian gingerbread house retirement, tightening resort-access rules, the BoardWalk’s new Hurley Burley lounge, Disneyland’s Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest, and Universal Kids Resort’s very sunny Texas debut. They also dig into new DVC survey perks, listener questions about Europa Park, Australia in World Showcase, and whether Epcot is due for a monorail-adjacent hotel. Then Jim continues Disney’s living-character history with Dinotopia’s odd but memorable second life at Walt Disney Studios Park. NEWS • Disney’s Hollywood Studios may be targeting August for Magic of Disney Animation, though the building may have opinions of its own. • Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights return with schedules that neatly zip together across the holiday season. • The Grand Floridian gingerbread house is being retired, raising questions about resort crowds, access rules, and guest satisfaction. • Disney’s resort-access language continues to tighten around holiday decorations, dining reservations, and who gets to visit which lobby. • The BoardWalk’s former Jellyrolls space is set to become Hurley Burley, with family entertainment by day and a 21-and-up lounge by night. • Disneyland’s Celebrate Soulfully Yardfest brings HBCU bands, drumlines, and Mickey Mouse as drumline major to Downtown Disney. • Universal Kids Resort opens in Texas with early chatter about short rides, light landscaping, and a shade situation that may require SPF and optimism. FEATURE • Jim explains how sets from ABC’s 2002 Dinotopia miniseries wound up on the Studio Tram Tour at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris. • Waterfall City helped fill out a park that opened with a small budget and a very large need for things guests could see from a tram. • The segment revisits Dinotopia, Reign of Fire, Catastrophe Canyon, and the strange art of letting narration do the work of missing dragons. • Jim sets up next week’s look at Pixar Place, the Living Character Initiative, and the Luxo lamp story that still gives Imagineers the thousand-yard stare. 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 The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the friends at DVC Rental Store. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for 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

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 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

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney’s most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey’s Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert’s retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads. FEATURE • Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles. • The team traces how Pixar’s growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai. • Shull explains the “Andy’s backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land. • The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design. 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 GUEST • Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com FOLLOW • Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - 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 The Disney Dish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for discounts that make your next Disney trip cheaper than ever. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill recap a busy week in the parks, from the debut of Bluey at Disney's Animal Kingdom and the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run experience to Universal's latest expansion rumors. They also dive deep into Disney's surprise announcement that Carousel of Progress will receive its most significant overhaul in decades, including new scenes, new narration, and a fresh look at the future. Along the way, Jim shares the attraction's fascinating history, from its roots in Edison Square to its journey through the 1964 World's Fair and beyond. NEWS • Len shares his experience aboard the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run featuring new Mandalorian and Grogu story elements. • Bluey officially arrives at Disney's Animal Kingdom, drawing massive opening-day crowds and virtual queue demand. • Disney announces a major reimagining of Carousel of Progress, with new time periods and an all-new future scene. • Universal removes Express Pass access from Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure beginning July 1. • New permits and construction activity hint at future expansions for Dark Universe and the Wizarding World at Epic Universe. FEATURE • The surprising origins of Carousel of Progress and Disney's abandoned Edison Square concept. • How General Electric helped transform the attraction from a Disneyland proposal into a 1964 World's Fair centerpiece. • The attraction's move from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and the evolution of its story over six decades. • Why Disney's latest update may secure Carousel of Progress as a Magic Kingdom staple for generations to come. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | 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 UnlockedMagic.com - https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill review Walt Disney World’s latest wave of attraction updates, including the new Soarin’ Across America film, the Muppets’ chaotic takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and the newly refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Then Los Angeles Times columnist Todd Martens joins the show to discuss Disneyland’s evolving version of Galaxy’s Edge, why Disney is pivoting away from strict sequel-era storytelling, and how the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run finally addresses years of guest feedback. NEWS • Len shares first impressions of Soarin’ Across America, including the updated Patrick Warburton pre-show and the new opening rocket launch sequence • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuts with extensive new ride scenes, classic rock parody album covers, and dozens of hidden gags • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens with a smoother ride experience and upgraded effects after its lengthy refurbishment • Disney expands Walt Disney World luggage transfer service to American, United, and Southwest Airlines • Universal announces a Sinners-themed Halloween Horror Nights house for both Orlando and Hollywood FEATURE • Todd Martens discusses Disneyland’s changing approach to Galaxy’s Edge and the return of classic Star Wars characters and locations • Why the original immersive “live your own Star Wars story” concept struggled to fully materialize inside the land • The updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run adds new destinations including Coruscant, Bespin, Endor, and Tatooine • How Imagineering redesigned the attraction to improve gameplay for pilots, engineers, and gunners alike 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 GUEST • Todd Martens - Bluesky: @toddmartens.bsky.social | Instagram: @toddmartens 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 • UnlockedMagic.com - Save on your next Disney vacation with discounted Walt Disney World tickets: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish 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/ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down a busy week in theme park news, from Bluey crowd control at Animal Kingdom to Universal’s possible drone-show ambitions. Len also crunches the numbers on the best days to visit Magic Kingdom, because nothing says vacation like 22 million wait times and a spreadsheet with emotional damage. Then Jim digs into Disneyland’s opening-day ticket scandal and why Walt Disney may have had very good reasons to sour on Western Publishing. NEWS • Disney’s Animal Kingdom prepares for Bluey with a virtual queue and some serious toddler-capacity math. • Len explains why Sundays may be your best Magic Kingdom bet from January through July, while party season flips the calendar. • Disneyland’s Autopia goes electric in 2027, raising questions about batteries, car design, and Tomorrowland’s long-overdue tune-up. • Universal Orlando surveys guests about pets, which may hint at Secret Life of Pets possibilities in Florida. • A new Universal patent features an onboard animated figure, possibly a frog, possibly a nightmare with wheels. FEATURE • Jim revisits Disneyland’s chaotic 1955 opening day and the mysterious flood of “legitimate” invitations. • The story points toward Western Publishing, one of Disneyland’s earliest investors and official printers. • Walt’s later decision to buy out Western may have had more behind it than simple business strategy. • Also discussed: C.V. Wood, Black Sunday, Bob Gurr, Richard Nixon, and why the Secret Service probably hated the monorail. 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 The Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, from the team at DVC Rental Store. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for great deals on Disney theme park admission. 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 welcome Professor Roland Betancourt to discuss his new book, Disneyland and the Rise of Automation, which somehow connects Walt Disney, Ford factories, magnetic tape, Forest Lawn, Willy Wonka, and ride computers named Fred. They also cover big park updates, from Mythos closing at Universal Orlando to new Walt Disney World previews, Lakeshore Lodge concept art, Roger Rabbit’s safer spin, and Hocus Pocus 3 heading to theaters. Naturally, milk percentages are also examined with the seriousness they deserve. NEWS • Universal confirms Mythos will close with Lost Continent, while Thunder Falls Terrace becomes a new full-service signature restaurant in 2027. • Walt Disney World sets AP preview dates for Soarin’ and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets. • Magic Kingdom prepares for a fourth ferry boat, the first new one since 1976. • Disney reveals new Lakeshore Lodge concept art, including a large pool and lazy river area. • Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin reopens at Disneyland with pre-programmed spinning. • Disney officially greenlights Hocus Pocus 3, with the Sanderson Sisters reportedly heading beyond the stage show and into the parks. FEATURE • Roland Betancourt explains how Ford’s River Rouge plant helped shape Walt Disney’s thinking about automation. • The discussion traces magnetic tape, Cold War technology, and the real roots of Audio-Animatronics. • Big Thunder Mountain introduces “anti-Fred logic,” a wonderfully Disney solution to button-related human creativity. • Harper Goff’s work on Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory reveals another strange and delightful bridge between factories and theme parks. • Why Disneyland surveyed guests like a giant postwar science experiment - and how those surveys still shape the parks today. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | X: ⁠⁠@JimHillMedia⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠JimHillMedia.com⁠⁠ • Len Testa - IG: ⁠⁠@len.testa⁠⁠ | Website: ⁠⁠touringplans.com⁠⁠ GUEST • Roland Betancourt - Book: ⁠⁠⁠Disneyland and the Rise of Automation 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 The Disney Dish News is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World tickets and plan your next trip 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a caffeinated mix of Disney news, listener questions, and one deeply researched (and slightly petty) rant about guitar accuracy. They also explore the mystery of Walt’s unfinished apartment bathroom and debate just how early is too early for Halloween. Then Jim brings the main event: the story of how Maxwell House coffee landed on Main Street, missed its big debut, and ultimately got shown the door - paving the way for a quieter, smarter coffee strategy at Disneyland. NEWS Preview dates announced for Soarin’ and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, with guests likely riding by mid-May Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run may finally make the engineer role matter (yes, really) Bluey’s Animal Kingdom appearance may skip meet-and-greets entirely, possibly to avoid crowd-control chaos Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party now starts August 7, because apparently summer needed pumpkins EPCOT Food & Wine Festival returns in late August, continuing Disney’s “why wait for fall?” strategy FEATURE The original deal that brought Maxwell House Coffee to Disneyland - complete with big promises and bigger expectations Why the Main Street coffee house wasn’t ready for opening day (and stayed that way for months) The rain-soaked grand opening that didn’t help Disney’s relationship with its coffee sponsor How Hills Brothers stepped in, kept the New Orleans theming, and quietly made the concept work The evolution of the location from sponsored coffee house to struggling restaurant to retail space For this episode’s full show notes,⁠ click here.⁠ HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: ⁠@JimHillMedia⁠ | X: ⁠@JimHillMedia⁠ | Website: ⁠JimHillMedia.com⁠ • Len Testa - IG: ⁠@len.testa⁠ | Website: ⁠touringplans.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 SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World tickets and plan your next trip 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

Jim and Len are joined by Sporkful host Dan Pashman to dig into the surprisingly rich stories behind Disney theme park food, including how a handwritten gumbo recipe in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure connects to real culinary history. Along the way, they explore Imagineering’s obsessive attention to detail, from menu design to discarded ideas that probably would’ve attracted bees (and at least one very confused operations team). Then, Jim wraps up the story of WestCOT and Disney’s ambitious “Live the Dream” concept, where guests might have spent the night inside the park itself. NEWS • Disney quietly discontinues the Pirates Adventure Lightning Lane perk hours after it’s mentioned on the show • Opening window set for Lakeshore Lodge at Walt Disney World in summer 2027 • Smugglers Run update tied to The Mandalorian and Grogu may arrive alongside the film’s May release • On-site hotel perks confirmed through 2027, with Fort Wilderness campsites losing eligibility • Disney Cruise Line rolls out “kids sail half off” promotions as future bookings soften FEATURE • The full story of WestCOT, Disney’s planned Epcot-style park for Disneyland’s expansion pad • The “Live the Dream” concept, which would have placed hotel rooms directly on top of attractions • How guest surveys pushed Imagineering to explore the idea of staying overnight inside a theme park • The role of Michael Eisner in driving a more entertaining version of Epcot • Why a 300-foot-tall golden version of Spaceship Earth nearly rose over Anaheim • How budget cuts, Disneyland Paris struggles, and scope reductions led to the project’s cancellation • The surprising ways this idea lived on in later projects like Tokyo DisneySea’s hotels and beyond For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia) – jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa (@lentesta.bsky.social) – touringplans.com GUEST • Dan Pashman – Host of The Sporkful • Website: https://www.sporkful.com/ • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sporkful/id350709629 • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesporkful/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesporkful?lang=en • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sporkful 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 Unlock deep discounts on Disney tickets and get your family onto Big Thunder Mountain (doctor’s orders) with Unlocked Magic – https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish 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 go underground this week to unpack their unexpectedly viral TikTok and the surprisingly polarizing reactions to their utilidor-inspired basement. What started as a fun Disney homage quickly turned into a reality check from former cast members who know the tunnels all too well. Then, the conversation moves topside as they explore what it really costs to live near Walt Disney World, from Golden Oak luxury to the curious case of Celebration. HIGHLIGHTS A TikTok featuring their utilidor-themed basement sparks viral attention and unexpected cast member reactions Former Disney cast members reveal the less magical side of the utilidor, including smells, noise, and daily operations The surprising divide between Disney fan perception and cast member reality when it comes to backstage areas A breakdown of Golden Oak living, including home prices ranging from $4M to $18M and steep HOA fees Celebration, Florida examined as Disney’s original master-planned community, with mixed reviews from residents on charm versus “uncanny valley” vibes 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill sprint through a packed week of Disney and Universal news, from Rock 'n' Roller Coaster's Muppets makeover to the return of Walt Disney World's deluxe dining plan. Along the way, they dig into Universal's new day-of Express offering, answer listener questions about everything from BioReconstruct to Main Street nostalgia, and somehow still find room for pistachio-based trauma. In the main segment, Jim continues the fascinating story of Disney's ambitious "Live the Dream" concept for Disneyland's second gate, including the idea of building hotels directly on top of attractions. NEWS • Disney has officially brought back the deluxe dining plan for 2027, adding a higher-end option as the company looks for new ways to fill table-service restaurants. • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster reopens on May 26, 2026, with the Electric Mayhem taking over the ride and a set list that mixes classic rock with a few curveballs. • Celebrity cameos for the reimagined coaster include Awkwafina, John Stamos, Neil Patrick Harris, Wayne Brady, Travis Barker, Yvette Nicole Brown, Danny Trejo, Darren Criss, and Weird Al Yankovic. • A rumor out of Adventureland suggests that completing A Pirate's Adventure may once again unlock a Lightning Lane for Pirates of the Caribbean. • Universal Orlando has launched Universal Express Now, a smartphone-based, day-of skip-the-line option that sounds a bit like Lightning Lane's less patient cousin. FEATURE • Jim continues the history of Disneyland's "Live the Dream" project, a bold expansion concept tied to the resort's long-discussed second park. • This chapter explores Disney's growing realization that hotels were a license to print money, especially after the company began operating its own resorts. • The episode also connects that thinking to Anaheim's old "Disney cone" zoning rules, which helped protect Disneyland's sightlines from looming high-rises. • Most intriguingly, Jim tees up the wildest part of the story: a version of Disneyland's future where hotels would have been built directly above attractions. For this episode's 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 • Today's episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, with discounted theme park tickets for Disney's newest and reopening attractions. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a mix of Disney Parks news, listener questions, and a fascinating deep-dive into a forgotten concept for Disneyland’s second gate. They discuss Big Thunder Mountain’s updated height requirement, rumors around Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s Muppet makeover, and whether Disney might follow Las Vegas into immersive Sphere-style storytelling. Then Jim explores Disney’s ambitious “Live the Dream” project—an Imagineering concept that would have placed hotels directly inside a theme park. NEWS • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens May 3 with a lowered height requirement, allowing more younger guests to ride • Rumblings of a preview for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, including possible Electric Mayhem music • Media event timing hints at a potential Memorial Day launch window for the updated attraction • Discussion of how ride vehicles or track changes might support the new height requirement FEATURE • The origins of Disney’s “Live the Dream” concept for a second Disneyland park • Dorothea Redmond’s vision of boutique hotel rooms built inside Magic Kingdom’s Main Street structures • How early Imagineering explored placing full-scale hotel experiences inside theme parks • The role of Walt Disney’s obsession with “visual intrusion” in shaping park design • Why corporate decisions and risk aversion ultimately shelved these ambitious ideas For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.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 SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World tickets and plan your next trip 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

Len and Jim follow the money, the zoning maps, and at least one imaginary contractor from 79 A.D. to figure out where new Magic Kingdom hotels might go—and whether you’ll one day be able to literally sleep inside Villains Land. Then Jim digs into one of Disneyland’s strangest early attractions: a fully gold-plated “Bathroom of Tomorrow” that proves Walt Disney could, in fact, make plumbing both educational and slightly terrifying. Along the way: after-2pm tickets, summer crowd tea leaves, and why your next Disney vacation might come with a side of afternoon thunderstorms and existential ride downtime. NEWS • Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin soft-opens at Magic Kingdom with updated gameplay and improved interactivity • Walt Disney World introduces new after-2pm summer tickets with lower per-hour cost—but higher exposure to Florida’s daily thunderstorm roulette • Summer 2026 discounts (tickets + hotels) hint at softer-than-expected demand and rising travel costs impacting attendance • Deposition reveals Disney explored building one or two hotels near Magic Kingdom—raising big questions about location, zoning, and long-term expansion • Universal quietly moves forward with demolition at Islands of Adventure’s Lost Continent as speculation swirls (Zelda, anyone?) FEATURE • The real story behind Disneyland’s Bathroom of Tomorrow (1956–1960), designed by industrial legend Henry Dreyfuss • Why everything in the exhibit was gold-plated—and why diamonds were, regrettably, ruled out • How Walt Disney’s practical, farm-raised approach to plumbing influenced early park design (and yes, restroom priorities) • The clash between Dreyfuss’s elegant bathroom design and Monsanto’s… “efficient” House of the Future facilities • How Disney parks later became a real-world testing lab for product design—including a Polaroid camera shaped by guests fumbling with popcorn-greased fingers For this episode’s full shownotes click here. View transcript here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets—often below Disney’s direct pricing—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

Len shares a first-hand look at the newly updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, breaking down what’s changed and whether it improves gameplay. The show also covers Bluey’s wildly popular debut at Disneyland and the operational ripple effects already being felt. In the main segment, Jim unpacks the complicated series of business decisions, ownership changes, and industry shifts that ultimately led to Miss Piggy & pals making their home at the Mouse House. NEWS Len reviews the updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, including new handheld blasters that significantly improve aiming and gameplay Enhanced laser visibility and dual-color targeting (red vs. green) make it easier to track shots and differentiate players Targets are now digital with dynamic scoring tied to color and animation, increasing replayability and challenge A new practice room at the start of the ride helps guests learn the updated system before gameplay begins Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland sees overwhelming demand, forcing immediate changes to show operations and crowd management FEATURE Jim breaks down why Bear in the Big Blue House ended after four seasons despite its popularity The financial collapse of EMTV and its impact on the Jim Henson Company’s ability to continue production Which companies -- besides Disney -- was interested in acquiring the Muppets back in 2003 Why the Henson family ultimately decided that The Walt Disney Company should be Kermit & Co's "forever home" For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORTSupport the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, offering discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets at prices lower than Disney’s direct rates. 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

Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack a newly discovered Disney patent that may hint at the ride system for Piston Peak, along with updates from Disneyland construction, Disney Cruise Line, and Epic Universe. They also dig into recent survey data revealing how Disney is tracking guest spending and behavior. Then, in the first installment of a new series, Jim explores how Bear in the Big Blue House became a key piece in Disney’s long pursuit of the Muppets and how that history connects directly to Bluey today. NEWS • A newly surfaced Disney patent suggests a possible trackless, free-range ride system for Piston Peak, featuring dynamic terrain elements like logs and geysers • Cast Member previews begin for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin update at Walt Disney World • Disneyland construction continues on the Coco attraction and new parking infrastructure near Harbor Boulevard • Anaheim Transportation Network shutdown could impact 22,000 daily riders, with Garden Grove launching replacement shuttle service • Disney Cruise Line announces the Disney Believe, with speculation about Galveston becoming a future home port FEATURE • The origin story of Bear in the Big Blue House and how it became a breakout hit for Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney block • How Disney used its partnership with the Jim Henson Company to strategically position itself for a future Muppets acquisition • The surprising role of Sesame Street ownership in derailing Disney’s early attempts to buy Henson • Why Disney once considered acquiring Bear in the Big Blue House alone instead of the full Muppets library Show Notes for this episode can be found here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR The Disney Dish is sponsored by Unlock Magic. Save on Walt Disney World tickets with exclusive discounts 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

This week’s Disney Dish mixes a packed Walt Disney World news round-up with a deeply nostalgic trip through one of Disney-MGM Studios’ most beloved lost attractions. Jim and Len break down a wave of reopening dates, new discount strategy, annual passholder survey oddities, and a fresh round of listener questions before returning to Jim’s ongoing history of The Great Movie Ride. The main story this time shifts backstage, focusing on the cast members, timing, choreography, and split-second performance work that made the attraction feel so alive. It is part park operations deep dive, part oral history, and pure Disney nerd catnip. NEWS • Walt Disney World rolls out a cluster of reopening dates, including Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin on April 8, Soarin’ Around America and Bluey at Animal Kingdom on May 26, plus more returning offerings later this summer. • Disney also unveils new summer and fall offers, including free dining and a 4-Day, 4-Park Magic Ticket, signaling a coordinated push to fill rooms after the spring reopening window. • Universal Studios Hollywood begins ride cycling Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, offering a first look at the drifting ride vehicle tech expected to influence the Orlando version. • Disney names Thomas Mazloum chairman of Disney Experiences, setting off a broader leadership reshuffle across Disneyland, Parks International, and Consumer Products. • A new annual passholder survey raises eyebrows by spotlighting Zootopia-themed offerings at Animal Kingdom, fueling more speculation about where Disney may lean with that IP in the future. FEATURE • Jim continues the history of The Great Movie Ride by focusing on the cast members who brought the attraction to life, from auditioning tour guides to the performers who earned the right to play the gangster and bank robber. • The episode explores the ride’s hidden operational complexity, including synchronized tram timing, live performance beats, emergency exits, and the backstage choreography required to make two different versions of the attraction work at once. • Jim also shares stories about effects changes, guest complaints, on-the-job mishaps, and the strong sense of community that kept former cast members emotionally attached to the attraction long after its 2017 closure. • The result is a vivid look at why The Great Movie Ride was not just a ride system and a script, but a live performance machine that depended on timing, talent, and nerves. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. View transcript here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR Our friends at Unlocked Magic have discounted theme park tickets starting at just one day of admission, with prices better than Disney’s. Get your Walt Disney World tickets now and see all the new and returning offerings opening soon. 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 Len Testa discuss Villains Land expansion permits, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s refurbishment timeline, and how negotiations over the Chinese Theatre helped shape Disney’s use of Carthay Circle as a park icon. Plus, listener questions, MuppetVision’s future on Apple Vision Pro, and a standout cheesecake discovery at Walt Disney World.  NEWS • Updated permits show Villains Land attractions expanding, with both the dark ride and coaster buildings increasing in size. • Infrastructure work for Piston Peak and Villains Land is currently scheduled to be completed by December 2027. • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith has closed for refurbishment, with a possible Memorial Day reopening target. • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s refurbishment permit has been extended through August 31, 2026. • Brian Henson says MuppetVision 3D is coming to Apple Vision Pro with selectable viewing seats. • Len shares a rave review of the brulée Basque cheesecake at Bourbon Steak in the Walt Disney World Dolphin. FEATURE • Jim continues the history of The Great Movie Ride and Disney’s negotiations with theater owner Tedd Mann. • The story explains why Disney insisted on calling the building simply the Chinese Theatre. • Jim also details how the Carthay Circle Theatre eventually became the icon of Disney California Adventure. • Early plans for the building included a ride, stage show, film attraction, and museum before it became a restaurant. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia | X: https://twitter.com/JimHillMedia | Website: https://JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: https://www.instagram.com/len.testa | Website: https://touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR The Disney Dish news is sponsored by our friends at Unlocked Magic. Looking for discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets - including hard-to-find 1- and 2-day options? Head to unlockedmagic.com to find deals that can beat Disney’s direct pricing. 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

This week, Jim and Len explore how the most famous movie palace in Hollywood became the centerpiece of Disney’s Hollywood Studios… and somehow never its official icon. Along the way, Olaf teaches drawing lessons (to himself), Millennium Falcon gets a name that even Disney couldn’t commit to, Butterbeer achieves new levels of sugar density, Disneyland Paris flirts with character hotel makeovers, and Disney Cruise Line tries to figure out exactly how much of a discount it takes to get you off the couch. NEWS • Olaf hosts a new drawing experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including a wonderfully meta segment where Olaf learns to draw Olaf. • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run briefly adds “A New Mission” to its name before Disney quietly rethinks the branding. • Universal’s Butterbeer Season returns with waffles, cream puffs, and what your cardiologist calls “concerns.” • Joe Rohde releases “Floating Mountains,” blending travel stories and creative philosophy. • Disneyland Paris surveys suggest Newport Bay Club rooms may soon feature aquatic Disney IP overlays. • A Disney Cruise Line survey reveals how many clicks it takes before 30 percent off starts sounding persuasive. FEATURE The History of The Great Movie Ride – Part 2 • Why the Chinese Theatre replica sits in icon position but never officially became the park’s symbol. • How Sid Grauman turned an earthquake, a tent, and a projector into a Hollywood empire. • Walt Disney’s long affection for the Chinese Theatre, from Flowers and Trees to the Mary Poppins premiere. • The subtle design tweaks that made Florida’s version taller, shinier, and occasionally slippery. • How The Great Movie Ride building carried more history than most guests ever realized. For this episode’s full show notes, click here.⁠ HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at prices better than gate rates by visiting 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

Len reports on a behind-the-scenes rethink of Magic Kingdom’s upcoming Villains Land, with Imagineering now under pressure to deliver not just “like” but “love.” The guys also touch on Epic Universe’s revenue strategy, Universal’s aggressive 2026 ticket bundles, and what a Mayan archaeology conference might reveal about the future of Indiana Jones at Animal Kingdom. NEWS• Magic Kingdom reverses the second Disney Starlight parade route to ease Main Street exits.• Universal debuts a 6- or 7-day ticket with Epic Universe access and a $300 hotel dining credit.• Epic Universe updates Early Park Admission again, adding Battle at the Ministry and more Dragon experiences.• Universal taps The Boring Company for a potential next-gen transportation system.• “Project Atlas” is believed to be Shanghai Disneyland’s second gate.• Villains Land concepts revisited post-holidays, with Imagineering asked to go bigger and bolder.• The indoor dark ride is now positioned as the long-term Lightning Lane Single Pass anchor.• Restaurant design shaped by fixed-price dining and per-cap revenue goals.• Mayan mythology themes - bats, jaguars, owls - surface at an archaeology conference tied to Indy research. FEATURE• The 1992 debut of Disney’s Hotel New York at Euro Disneyland and Michael Eisner’s “architecture patron” era.• How architect Michael Graves’ postmodern, Art Deco-inspired design celebrated early 20th-century Manhattan.• Why the 561-room hotel closed in 2019 for a full reinvention into Disney Hotel New York - The Art of Marvel.• Inside the 2021 reopening: 350+ Marvel artworks, exclusive commissioned pieces, and Tony Stark’s wall of armor.• The new coffee table book, Disney Hotel New York: The Complete Art Collection, and why it finally makes every piece viewable. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThe Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com from our friends at DVCRentalStore.com. Save on Walt Disney World theme park tickets - often below Disney’s direct pricing - and get expert help planning your next trip. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to start planning today. 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 and Len dig into multimodal transportation news, Epic Universe’s shifting early entry lineup, and a possible successor to Josh D’Amaro before launching a new series on the history of The Great Movie Ride - including how a live performer in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion helped inspire one of Disney-MGM Studios’ most ambitious opening-day attractions. NEWS • Universal selects The Boring Company to develop a resort-wide transportation system connecting parks and hotels • Epic Universe quietly reshuffles early park admission offerings mid-month • Natasha Rafalski emerges as a potential future leader of Disney Experiences • Garden Rocks concert lineup shifts major acts to Friday through Monday dates • Walt Disney World files permits tied to updates at Carousel of Progress FEATURE • How a live “Knight” performer inside Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion in 1985 influenced Michael Eisner • The Main Street Cinema’s Phantom of the Opera stunt and its connection to Universal Studios’ early tram tour • The risks and guest reactions that ended the Haunted Mansion live-performer experiment • The origins of The Great Movie Ride’s ambitious blend of live actors and animatronics For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Save on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets 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

A major leadership change headlines this week’s Disney Dish, as Disney officially names Josh D’Amaro its next CEO. Len and Jim break down what this move really means for the company, why Dana Walden’s new role matters just as much, and how this leadership shuffle could shape the future of Disney parks, entertainment, and creative decision-making. After a news-heavy first half, Jim then steps back in time to explain how Universal’s Jurassic Park strategy once forced Disney to rethink Animal Kingdom from the ground up. NEWS• Josh D’Amaro is named Disney’s next CEO, officially replacing Bob Iger• Dana Walden remains with the company as president and chief creative officer, easing industry concerns• Disney Parks earnings show strong spending but hint at softer attendance trends• New permits reveal expanded ferry capacity at the Magic Kingdom ahead of major land expansions• Disneyland-area bus service faces cancellation, raising guest transportation concerns FEATURE• How Universal’s Jurassic Park success pressured Disney in the 1990s• Why DinoLand USA moved ahead of Beastly Kingdom in Animal Kingdom’s original plans• How Disney used dinosaurs to counter Universal’s Islands of Adventure before it opened• Why the Indiana Jones ride system became the foundation for Dinosaur the Ride For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Len Testa - Instagram: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR The Disney Dish Podcast is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com from our friends at DVC Rental Store. If you’re looking for discounted Disney theme park tickets that can help boost your vacation budget, visit UnlockedMagic.com and start planning your next fairy tale adventure. 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

This week, Jim and Len unpack a packed Disney Dish that starts with theme park news and surveys before taking a deep dive into the frantic, sleep-deprived final months of EPCOT Center construction. Along the way, they translate Disney survey-speak, speculate on where Pokémon could land at Universal, and stumble onto what might be the most diabolically smart fireworks idea Disney has never tried. NEWS • Disney’s guest surveys decoded - What EPCOT and resort questions really reveal about future cuts, changes, and monetization • Animal Kingdom and Disneyland food updates - Harambe Market speeds up its opening while Napa Rose returns with a $188 price tag • Pokemon at Universal - Why Springfield, Lost Continent, or Epic Universe are all in play • Cruise line discounts and CityWalk rethink - What Universal and Disney Cruise Line data gathering tells us about demand • A subtle Josh D’Amaro change - Could a missing voice hint at bigger leadership news? FEATURE • Inside EPCOT’s construction crunch - From 4,000 workers to 10,000 almost overnight • Why most builders had no idea what they were building - And how Disney fixed that problem • The overnight concrete pours and brutal schedules - 75 straight days on the job in Florida heat • How worker preview days helped push EPCOT across the finish line For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR • Be Our Guest Vacations - beourguestvacations.com • DVC Rental Store - dvcrentalstore.com • DVC Resale Market - dvcresalemarket.com • Unlocked Magic - 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

This week on the Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa cover a wide range of park news before diving headfirst into one of the most intense construction stories Disney has ever lived through. From Haunted Mansion permits and Animal Kingdom surveys to Hallmark cameras rolling at Walt Disney World, the first half sets the stage for a jaw-dropping look at how EPCOT was nearly derailed before it ever opened. Then Jim walks through the chaotic final year of EPCOT construction, when Disney threw manpower, money, and sanity at the calendar to make an October 1 deadline happen. NEWS • New construction permits near the Haunted Mansion spark speculation about queue changes and future guest flow into Villains Land • Universal confirms a Fast & Furious spinning coaster will replace Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit • Disney surveys reveal how much a re-themed attraction like Zootopia Better Zoo-Gether actually drives intent to visit • Animal Kingdom questions hint at how Disney expects families to split up as thrill rides expand • A Hallmark holiday movie films on location at Walt Disney World, including a surprise Jodi Benson cameo FEATURE • Inside EPCOT’s final year of construction, when the project ballooned to 10,000 workers on site • How endangered woodpeckers, sinkholes, and shifting plans pushed EPCOT dangerously behind schedule • Why Disney was forced to spend billions to meet a non-negotiable opening date • Stories from the worksite that explain why veterans still describe it as chaotic, dangerous, and unforgettable For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by DVC Resale Market - get expert help buying or selling Disney Vacation Club points at DVCResaleMarket.com. Also sponsored by DVC Rental Store - save on your next Disney vacation by renting points at DVCRentalStore.com. Planning your next trip? Let Be Our Guest Vacations handle the details at BeOurGuestVacations.com. And by Unlocked Magic, offering concierge-level Disney planning services 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

This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into a deceptively simple question with big implications for trip planning: when exactly did “summer vacation” stop being peak season at Walt Disney World? Using years of hotel pricing data as a proxy for crowd demand, Len walks through what the numbers say - and the results may surprise longtime fans. Then Jim takes listeners on a deep historical tour of one of the parks’ most quietly beloved traditions, the Sword in the Stone ceremony, tracing its evolution across Disney parks worldwide. NEWS • Why Disney hotel pricing data suggests summer is no longer peak season at Walt Disney World • A breakdown of how demand has shifted from summer to fall travel, especially October • Updates on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishments and new cave effects • Casting and timing details for the upcoming Bluey experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom • Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge timeline expansion, adding characters from across all Star Wars eras FEATURE • The full history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony, from Disneyland in 1983 to parks around the globe • Why Imagineers were obsessed with The Sword in the Stone long before the ceremony debuted • How budget cuts slowly transformed a full-scale show into today’s simpler experience • The true story of the guest who actually pulled the sword completely out of the stone For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR This episode of Disney Dish is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, powered by our friends at DVC Rental Store. Save $50 or more per person on select multi-day Walt Disney World tickets and take the stress out of planning your next vacation. Visit UnlockedMagic.com for details. 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

This week on Disney Dish, Jim Hill is joined by mind reader and showman Chris Cox, who steps in for Len Testa and immediately finds himself in the middle of some very Disney-sized mishaps. From a runaway Indiana Jones boulder at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to the surprisingly fragile roof of Sleeping Beauty Castle, the conversation explores what happens when iconic park moments go just a little too far. Along the way, Jim and Chris dig into forgotten ceremonies, cutback entertainment, and the Imagineering decisions that quietly shaped Disneyland over the decades. NEWS • A 400-pound boulder goes off track during a performance of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and what that means for show safety going forward • The temporary removal of the iconic boulder scene and why Disney is famously cautious after incidents like this • The Atlantic Dance Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk cuts back to a three-night schedule and what that signals about nightlife at the resort • Listener mail on working New Year’s Eve at Disney parks and why January 1 might secretly be the best day to visit FEATURE • The long and surprisingly complicated history of the Sword in the Stone ceremony and how it really worked behind the scenes • How Imagineer Kim Irvine subtly transformed Sleeping Beauty Castle over four decades without sparking guest outrage • Why holiday overlays and anniversary bling eventually caused serious structural damage to the castle roof • The 60th anniversary decorations that led to a six-figure repair and a full castle roof replacement 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

Welcome to the first Disney Dish of the new year, where Jim Hill and Len Testa kick things off with news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history and tech. This week, a newly published Disney patent sparks speculation about how the upcoming Encanto attraction may work, while Jim launches into a fascinating (and surprisingly hands-on) story about how Disney maintains, repairs, and periodically reinvents its iconic theme park castles. Along the way, there are transportation woes, glittering greenhouses, and more than a few once-in-a-lifetime Disney moments. NEWS • Disney reveals Buddy, a new helper character coming to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin when it reopens in 2026 • A newly filed Disney patent hints at holographic characters, with strong evidence pointing toward use in the upcoming Encanto ride • Imagineering files a new construction permit for the Haunted Mansion, likely focused on interior work • Updates on Glittering Greenhouses at EPCOT and extended holiday decorations at Disneyland • Changes to Disneyland perks, including the end of Early Entry and the rollout of a new California resident ticket deal FEATURE • Why Disney castles require constant repainting, roof repairs, and drainage fixes • The overlooked engineering challenges of maintaining structures built for 1950s deadlines, not 21st-century weather • How Imagineer Kim Irvine spent decades refining Sleeping Beauty Castle’s look, color palette, and functionality • The surprising amount of artistry that goes into making castle “bricks” look authentically imperfect For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa 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 sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Planning a Walt Disney World getaway? Our friends at Unlocked Magic offer discounted theme park tickets, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day tickets. Learn more 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

Jim and Len kick off the final Disney Dish of the year with holiday crowds, sold-out Lightning Lane Premier Passes, and one last lap through Jollywood Nights before pivoting into surveys, listener questions, and some unexpectedly nerdy math. Along the way, they remember a beloved Imagineer, dig into why Disney asks the survey questions it does, and break down the best times to roll the dice on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind if you are chasing that perfect song. Then Jim takes everyone deep into EPCOT history with the strange, expensive, and surprisingly high-stakes story of Magic Journeys, the 3D film that quietly kept opening day from turning into a full-blown disaster. NEWS • Lightning Lane Premier Pass prices hit record highs and still sell out across Walt Disney World during the holiday rush • Jollywood Nights sticks the landing in its later years and may now be Disney World’s most popular hard-ticket holiday event • A remembrance of legendary Imagineer Eddie Sato, including unrealized Mission Space concepts and behind-the-scenes stories • Animal Kingdom survey questions raise eyebrows about shaded seating and what Disney might really be testing FEATURE • How Kodak sponsorships, lost 3D filmmaking knowledge, and a $7 million budget led to Magic Journeys • Why Magic Journeys was one of the only EPCOT opening-day attractions that actually worked as planned • Murray Lerner, improvisation, and the near-panic inside Imagineering as the film fell behind schedule • The experimental reach-and-flinch moments that made Magic Journeys unforgettable and unrepeatable For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.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 SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com. Start planning your 2026 Disney and Universal vacations with exclusive ticket discounts, including savings of $50 or more per person on four-day Walt Disney World tickets. Tickets link directly to your My Disney Experience account, fast and easy. Visit UnlockedMagic.com to save big. 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

Sam from Sam’s Disney Diary joins Len and Jim to spill the (highly theatrical) tea on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny - where character “meet-and-greets” have evolved into full-on, semi-improvised encounters that can follow you across the voyage. Then Jim heads back to where Disney’s in-park 3D film history really begins, from the 1950s 3D Jamboree at Disneyland to the studio’s eternal talent for repurposing anything that is not nailed down. NEWS • Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour costumes will stay on display at Walt Disney Presents: One Man’s Dream through January 23, 2026 • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith plays its final riff on March 1, 2026 - with a “summer” reopen that is, as always, Disney-flexible • The Muppet Show special with Sabrina Carpenter hits Disney+ on February 4 - and may be a stealth pilot for a bigger revival • The Boathouse at Disney Springs lands as one of America’s top-grossing independent restaurants - fueled by sheer, glorious volume • A reported FTC allegation about Pepsi + Walmart “pricing power” takes an extra twist once Len connects the dots to Disney’s current CFO talk about dynamic pricing FEATURE • Sam breaks down how Disney Destiny’s characters run “meet-and-play” moments - Pirates pub invites, Cruella’s improv songwriting, and other “be here later” surprises • The ship’s hero-vs-villain throughline (hello, Loki) and why it feels like Disney quietly recycled some Galactic Starcruiser know-how • The Haunted Mansion parlor sticks around - now with an in-app AR hunt to round up “escaped” ghosts • Jim rewinds to Disney’s earliest 3D experiments, including Disneyland’s 1956-era 3D Jamboree and the studio’s short-lived 1950s 3D flirtation For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com GUEST • Sam Marraccini - IG: @samsdisneydaily | X: @SamsDisneyDiary | Website: SamsDisneyDiary.com Sam's Disney Diary+2X (formerly Twitter)+2 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 sponsored by Unlocked Magic - visit UnlockedMagic.com for special discounts on Disney theme park tickets for 2026. 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

Construction at Animal Kingdom’s upcoming Encanto attraction is finally starting to pop above the fence line, and Jim and Len do what they do best - stare at aerial photos until they start seeing ride-height changes and possible “big thing” anchors. Then the show veers into a surprisingly tight math problem: is it actually cheaper for an American couple to fly to Japan and do Tokyo Disney than it is to do a weekend at Walt Disney World? (Spoiler: the internet is almost right, which is somehow worse.) NEWS• Aerial photos suggest the Encanto ride site at Animal Kingdom may include a ride-height change (and at least one very suspicious hole in the ground).• Orange County tourist tax collections hit a new record for October, up 15 percent year over year - yes, people are still going to Orlando.• Disney Cruise Line Port Canaveral numbers show strong October sailings - Disney Magic at 81 percent occupancy, Treasure and Wish at 89 percent.• Hallmark and Disney team up for the first in-park holiday movie, “Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True,” arriving in 2026.• Disney’s surprise AI headline: a reported $1 billion OpenAI investment tied to Disney characters appearing in Sora, and what Disney might really be building toward. FEATURE• Why Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (and its Paris counterpart) reportedly switched from 3D to 2D - guest comfort, visibility, and the ongoing cost of 3D glasses.• The long history of Disney’s ever-changing 3D eyewear “story names,” from MuppetVision safety goggles to opera glasses and beyond.• The wild near-miss: Avatar: Flight of Passage allegedly came close to becoming 2D, and how producer Jon Landau pushed back. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThis episode’s Disney-ish News is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com - from our friends at DVCRentalStore.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

Len and Jim race through a packed week of Disney and Universal updates before diving into how the Roy E. Disney Animation Building went from an architectural showpiece to the creative model for Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Magic of Disney Animation attraction. NEWS • Disney outlines major 2026 refurbishments, Bluey offerings on both coasts, and new character entertainment. • EPCOT confirms Flower & Garden dates, attraction reopenings, and steep winter hotel discounts for Visa cardholders. • Universal celebrates FIA honors while advancing a three-phase transit plan connecting its resorts and parks. • Listener questions lead to discussions on vacation packages, Tron Ares timing, and the rise of non-alcoholic beverage offerings. • Jim and Len break down New Year’s Eve crowd patterns, phased closures, and survival strategies for the busiest days of the year. FEATURE • Jim revisits architect Robert A.M. Stern’s Disney work, from Casting Center to Celebration to the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. • The building’s iconic exterior contrasts with an interior layout that frustrated traditional animation workflows. • Lasseter’s renovation sends teams to a former WDI fabrication site where films like Zootopia and Moana take shape amid industrial ambiance. • The redesigned building’s collaborative layout now inspires Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Magic of Disney Animation experience. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.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 SPONSOR The Disney Dish news segment is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com from DVC Rental Store, offering discounted 2026 Disney theme park tickets. 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

After a week wandering Walt Disney World with Len and Jim Shull, Jim goes solo this episode to share fresh Orlando observations, big theme park news, and the triumphant tale of finally getting inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto after a decade of trying. From Zootopia 2’s massive box office to the latest on dynamic pricing, Magic Kingdom expansion hints, and some curious choices around holiday traditions at the Grand Floridian, this one covers a lot of ground. And yes, there will be tiki mugs. NEWS • Disney officially announces that The World of Frozen opens at Disneyland Paris on March 29, 2026. • CFO Hugh Johnston publicly confirms dynamic pricing expansions at Disney parks after a year of corporate pushback. • Zootopia 2 posts a remarkable $556 million global opening weekend. • Ongoing fan hunt for the hidden Joe Rohde at Zootopia Zoo Better Together—Jim Shull reveals where to look. • Early visuals emerge around the Magic Kingdom expansion, with notable activity near Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way. FEATURE • The full saga of Jim’s 10-year quest to enter Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. • Why going late - very late - is the key to getting inside this tiny tiki temple. • Comparisons between Trader Sam’s, the new Beacon Barrel in Adventureland, and The Perch at the Grand Floridian. • Updates on this year’s missing Grand Floridian Gingerbread House and what might happen next. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.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 SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by UnlockedMagic.com, the same team behind the DVC Rental Store. If you're planning a trip to Central Florida and want discounted tickets to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando - often 10 to 12 percent less than elsewhere - visit 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

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment. NEWS A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth. Zamperla’s full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher. The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint. Mack Rides’ water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments. The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn’t answer most questions yet. Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—possible clues to future projects. A vendor’s dramatic countdown-clock presentation that fell apart when no one realized the microphone was dead. The team’s ongoing quest for pickle-flavored cotton candy and other baffling IAAPA food innovations. Len’s impromptu pitch to Doppelmayr about Universal’s transportation RFQ—and the unexpectedly enthusiastic response. Why IAAPA acts as “old home week” for themed entertainment pros, with surprise run-ins, backstage conversations, and stories that won’t be public for years. Full show notes available here: Show Notes Hosts Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.comJim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comJim Shull (Veteran Imagineer) — X/Twitter: @JimShull | YouTube: @jimhshull | Website: jimhshull.com Patreon Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive content, early episodes, and behind-the-scenes stories. Join us at:https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agencyhttps://strongmindedagency.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store — offering discounted Disney theme park tickets, including special events. Save on your next trip with Unlocked Magic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa unpack Disney’s expanding multimodal transportation plans, field listener questions on “Dwarfgate” and the state of restaurant seating, and dig into the remarkable story of how Richard Nixon ended up declaring “I am not a crook” at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. NEWS Disney expands its airport luggage transfer program to include Southwest Airlines arrivals, bringing back a little bit of that old Magical Express magic. A deeper look at Disney’s FY2025 earnings reveals what that surprising 4% Q4 attendance dip likely means. Updates on the Polynesian Tower’s Wailulu Bar & Grill and the return of the Garden View Lounge afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian. After 35 years, the rights to Roger Rabbit revert to creator Gary K. Wolf—sequels may be on the horizon. Universal explores a new 4–5 mile transportation system linking Epic Universe, CityWalk, and I-Drive. Listener questions on Dwarfgate, Tablegate, and how early to line up for key attractions. A look at why Disney still asks detailed spending questions on surveys—even when they already know many of the answers. FEATURE The full story of why President Richard Nixon’s “I am not a crook” press conference happened at the Contemporary Resort, and how that moment shaped Disney’s early public image. Full show notes available here: Show Notes Hosts Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com Patreon Enjoying the show? Support the Disney Dish and get exclusive bonus content at:https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, from the team at DVC Rental Store—where you can save 10% on regular and special-event Disney tickets, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill continue No Negative November with a look at Zootopia’s new 4D adventure, listener trip-planning wisdom, and the surprising book that inspired Disneyland’s first mountain. NEWS Zootopia: Better Zoo-gether debuts at Animal Kingdom — The Tree of Life theater gets a major refresh with a new story, water gags, and a charming Benjamin Clawhauser animatronic. Holiday highlights return — Tree of Life Awakenings now plays nightly thanks to early sunsets, and the beloved Merry Menagerie puppet experience returns November 14. Storytime with Santa Deadpool — A holiday twist hits Avengers Campus, complete with meta Christmas jokes and Greek Orthodox canon accuracy. Listener questions answered — From the best Bay Lake Tower villas for New Year’s Eve fireworks to whether it’s time for Tables in Wonderland to return. Disney’s shrinking parades — Why the Festival of Fantasy looks lighter on dancers and floats—and how Disney’s still managing two parades a day at Magic Kingdom. FEATURE The Making of the Matterhorn — Jim shares the wild story of how a 1950s family film led Walt Disney to send a postcard from Switzerland that simply said: “Build this.” How Banner in the Sky and Third Man on the Mountain inspired Walt’s alpine obsession. Why the Matterhorn nearly became a luge-style attraction (yes, really). The creative legacy of director Ken Annakin, whose films also led to Swiss Family Treehouse and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Full show notes available here: Show Notes HostsJim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comLen Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com Support the Show Love what we do? Support The Disney Dish on Patreon for exclusive bonus shows and early access: patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Produced by Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store. Save up to 10% on Disney park and event tickets, including Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights — only at unlockedmagic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim wraps up the story of Raglan Road and explains how one Irish pub helped inspire the full transformation of Pleasure Island into today’s Disney Springs. Along the way, Len kicks off No Negative November and the crew answers listener trip-planning questions with their best “only happy thoughts” energy. The origins of Raglan Road and how authentic Irish design found a home at Walt Disney World Why its immediate success made Disney rethink the entire Pleasure Island plan How that rethink led from Hyperion Wharf to the Disney Springs we know today EPCOT strategy debate: one-day visit vs. After Hours event Jollywood Nights character advice and what to prioritize Updates on Disney and Universal ticket options and offerings A classic Disney story that starts in a pub and ends with a whole new district. SHOW NOTES Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss Disney’s newest attraction update — Soarin’ Across America, debuting at EPCOT and Disney California Adventure in 2026 — and what it means for the company’s strategy ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary. They also break down the just-released TEA Global Attendance Report and what the latest theme park numbers reveal about Disney, Universal, and the post-pandemic recovery. The new Soarin’ Across America film and why Disney’s betting on nostalgia over novelty Key takeaways from the 2024 TEA Global Attendance Report — who’s up, who’s down, and why Disney Cruise Line’s new discount strategy and survey data collection The surprising link between Disney tech and U.S. military innovations The unbuilt Legend of Sleepy Hollow attraction that could have haunted the Magic Kingdom From ride refreshes to record books, Jim and Len explore how attendance trends, patriotic tie-ins, and spooky forgotten projects all shape Disney’s next chapter. SHOW NOTES Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len and Jim welcome Dr. Jill Peterfeso from Guilford College to talk about her new book Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning. The conversation explores how Disney is studied in college classrooms, how its mix of “magic and strategy” reveals deeper lessons about creativity and culture, and why professors are turning theme parks into teaching tools. Plus, Jim continues his history of Disney Springs with the rise and fall of Pleasure Island’s West Side expansion and what that meant for future Disney retail and dining districts. How professors are using Disney films, parks, and history to teach everything from religion to marketing The balance of “magic and strategy” that makes Disney both creative and calculated Surprising college courses inspired by Disney, from theme park architecture to environmental storytelling Why Epcot’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is removing 3D effects and what it could mean for other attractions New Universal Orlando test for single attraction Express Passes and how guests are reacting Universal Kids Park in Texas reveals themed lands for Shrek, Trolls, and SpongeBob The forgotten Hyperion Wharf project that led to Disney Springs’ modern design From academia to Pleasure Island, this episode connects the art of learning with the business of magic. Whether you’re a Disney scholar, park historian, or just love a good origin story, this one’s packed with imagination and insight. SHOW NOTES Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa uncover how a single Irish pub reshaped Disney Springs. From the forgotten Pleasure Island Jazz Company to the birth of Raglan Road, this episode reveals how one restaurant sparked a renaissance in Disney dining. Plus, the guys tackle Disney’s latest round of price increases, Universal’s updated safety policies, and a listener’s perfect park-free resort itinerary. Disney’s latest ticket and Lightning Lane price hikes and how far above inflation they’ve gone The long-awaited opening details for Zootopia: Better Zoo Gether at Animal Kingdom Universal’s new accessibility rules following a tragic ride incident Planning the ultimate resort-only day at Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge The untold history of Pleasure Island’s Jazz Company and how it paved the way for Raglan Road From gated nightclubs to Guinness on tap, this week’s show traces the evolution of Disney nightlife and how Raglan Road set the stage for everything that came after. SHOW NOTES Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into one of the most unexpectedly heartwarming stories in Disney history, the rise (and fall) of Push, the talking trash can who stole hearts in Tomorrowland. From his humble garage-built beginnings to his mysterious disappearance in 2014, Jim reveals how a simple rolling robot outlasted most of Disney’s high-tech character experiments. Plus, the guys tackle the latest Disney and Universal park rumors, strange guest surveys, and Halloween candy economics. Why Disney is quietly rethinking crowd flow and Lightning Lane logistics at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Universal's rumored plans for a Fast & Furious drifting coaster How a new SeaWorld event called "Paradise Nights" could shake up Orlando nightlife The truth behind those "subscription" annual pass surveys at Universal The real story of Push the Talking Trash Can, Disney's low-tech robot with a 19-year run From fun-sized candy drama to a trash can with better comedic timing than most sitcoms, this episode proves Disney magic can roll on two wheels and talk back. SHOW NOTES Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Len Testa away this week, Jim Hill is joined by Imagineer Jim Shull and Eric Hersey. Shull shares first-hand stories of the frantic 72 hours before Disney parks open - from sod being laid overnight at the Contemporary Resort in 1971 to carloads of flowers on Main Street Paris. Meanwhile, Eric helps cover the latest Universal Studios news, including surprising plans for Scooby-Doo and a deep dive into the popcorn bucket craze. Why opening a Disney park always comes down to a last-minute scramble Jim Shull’s behind-the-scenes account of preparing Euro Disneyland in 1992 How media crews and Imagineers clashed during opening-week chaos Universal FanFest Nights 2026 and its Scooby-Doo/Monsters mashup The future of collectible popcorn buckets and wild new flavors Theme park history isn’t always polished - sometimes it’s messy, funny, and unforgettable. This episode pulls back the curtain on those final 72 hours. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Imagineer Jim Shull joins Jim Hill and Len Testa to finish the wild story of how Cars Land was built at Disney California Adventure. Along the way, the guys cover everything from gorillas and Muppets to a scuba diver who robbed Paddlefish. Tomorrowland’s Cool Ship replacement that looks suspiciously like a McDonald’s drive-thru The life of Gino the gorilla and why Animal Kingdom will never be the same A Florida man in scuba gear robs Paddlefish and swims away with the cash Sabrina Carpenter, Seth Rogen, and the Muppets’ big 50th anniversary comeback How Disney pulled off Cars Land’s massive rockwork and what it means for Piston Peak at Magic Kingdom From new construction projects to classic park traditions, this episode looks at the details shaping Disney’s past, present, and future. SHOW NOTES Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into the wild backstory of Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land and the strange “what ifs” that could’ve changed Radiator Springs forever. From Marty's Malt Shop to a road trip attraction fueled by beef jerky and Diet Mountain Dew, the alternate ideas were as quirky as they were ambitious. A new Disneyland ticket discount that signals softer bookings Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’s Earth, Wind & Fire overlay Disney Cruise Line’s delay of the Disney Adventure out of Singapore Universal Orlando’s Golden Ticket Award wins and Len’s trip to Halloween Horror Nights The evolution of Cars Land - and how close we came to driving through “Cruise Street” instead Whether you’re here for the theme park news, HHN survival tips, or Jim’s deep dive into Disney Imagineering history, this episode has something for every fan. Buckle up - Radiator Springs wasn’t always the only road Disney could’ve taken. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Case For (and Against) Park Hopping at Walt Disney World Is park hopping the best way to squeeze every drop of Disney magic out of your vacation - or just an overpriced bus pass with extra steps? In this first episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, mind reader and performer Chris Cox squares off against theme park expert Len Testa, while Disney historian Jim Hill dons judge’s robe to deliver a verdict. What’s on trial this week: The strange history of park hopping at Walt Disney World (including a giant ticket costume) Costs, trade-offs, and whether that money is better spent on Dole Whip or dinner The joy - or misery - of buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner How Lightning Lane, rope drops, and UK vs. US vacation styles change the debate Why some families say “yes” to more rides, while others say “slow down and enjoy the parks” The verdict? You be the judge. Tell us if park hopping is your go-to Disney strategy - or just a fast pass to frustration. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Next case: rope dropping at Disney Parks - because nothing says “vacation” like a 5 a.m. wake-up call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a Disney Dish full of hard-hitting questions like: is a popcorn bucket a collectible, a food container, or proof of life’s absurdity? Along the way, they tackle Disney’s latest surveys, new overlays, and a franchise that almost stalled out before becoming a billion-dollar juggernaut. Disney sets the closing date for Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom and spruces up Carousel of Progress with a new Walt Disney animatronic Tron Lightcycle Run trades neon blue for Nine Inch Nails red in a Tron: Ares overlay Disneyland Paris ticket pricing hints at when World of Frozen may open in 2026 Universal ponders the true meaning of souvenir popcorn buckets, from Aristotle to social media influencers Jim explains how Pixar’s Cars almost didn’t get made — and how Radiator Springs ended up saving Disney California Adventure From castle cake flashbacks to Schrödinger’s popcorn, this episode mixes history, news, and a little bit of existential dread — all with the usual Testa-Hill banter. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a packed episode of The Disney Dish to discuss Magic Kingdom’s brand new Beak & Barrel Lounge, an immersive pirate-themed bar near Pirates of the Caribbean. Len shares firsthand impressions of the decor, the elusive animatronic pirate Rummy, and why it’s already drawing Trader Sam’s comparisons. Also in this episode: Why Disney villains might be the next big meet and greet trend Early entry’s 70 million dollar cost-cutting math Len’s thoughts on all-inclusive dining plans (and horrifying Gold Key memories) A hard truth about Jungle Cruise’s future in the Magic Kingdom The story behind Cars Land’s origins and how an unrealized DCA parade inspired it Plus: shoutouts to Surrey bike designers, a blood alcohol calculator for Food & Wine, and ashtray trauma from the 1970s. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill welcome award-winning mind reader and performer Chris Cox (BBC and Broadway) for a deep dive into one of Disney’s most fascinating “what could have been” stories. The ambitious plans for David Copperfield’s Magic Underground restaurant How the New York flagship nearly opened before money troubles pulled the plug Michael Eisner’s enthusiasm for magic and themed dining in the 1990s Why Disney-MGM Studios was slated to host Copperfield’s magical dining experience How timing, costs, and the decline of themed restaurants caused the project to vanish From collapsing billboards in Times Square to a restaurant where your table might levitate, this is the story of the Disney dining experience that almost was — and why it disappeared. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into how fans really rate Disney’s nighttime spectaculars — and why those scores decide which shows stay and which ones fade away. Along the way, they cover the latest park news and wrap up the story of how Jack Sparrow sailed into Pirates of the Caribbean. TouringPlans survey data reveals the winners and losers among Disney’s fireworks and nighttime shows Why “average” ratings are the kiss of death for spectaculars like Enchantment New menus and a $65 all-you-can-eat croissant buffet at Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival Destination D23 schedule updates, including hints of a Villains Land presentation Construction progress on Disneyland’s new Marvel e-ticket attraction Universal’s permit filing that could mean another Epic Universe hotel How Johnny Depp, Captain Barbossa, and Davy Jones made their way into the Pirates of the Caribbean rides From fan-favorite fireworks to the behind-the-scenes drama of Pirates overlays, this episode blends data, history, and Disney news you won’t hear anywhere else. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Disney’s latest earnings call, including park attendance trends, hotel occupancy shifts, and how Epic Universe may be quietly impacting Orlando tourism. They also review a fascinating new Disney Cruise Line survey that tests potential discounts and onboard perks, as well as what those offers could mean for future sailings. Listener questions cover everything from the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow projection tech to Walt Disney World’s mysterious white bus lane lights, and Jim continues his multi-part history of how Jack Sparrow and Hector Barbossa found their way into the Pirates of the Caribbean attractions. Along the way, they explore the behind-the-scenes stories of the Pirate Tutorial, the Pirates League, and Disney’s new Beak and Barrel lounge at Magic Kingdom. Disney’s domestic attendance and hotel occupancy results How Epic Universe is influencing local tourism What a Disney Cruise Line survey reveals about future promotions Why Captain Jack’s meet-and-greets were tightly controlled The evolution of pirate-themed experiences in the parks Time Stamps Intro (00:18:18) Break 1 (00:29:24) Break 2 (00:42:05) SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠ DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠ DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offprovideciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Len Testa enjoys a well-earned week off, Jim Hill is joined by special guest AJ Wolfe of the Disney Food Blog to talk about her new book Disney Adults: Exploring and Falling in Love with a Magical Subculture. But first, Jim shares updates from around Walt Disney World, including real demolition progress for the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster, the curious lack of vertical construction for Encanto Land, and new details about the General Joe Potter ferry accident currently under investigation. Why Disney Adults may be “the most hated group on the internet” What’s missing from Animal Kingdom’s Encanto and Zootopia areas The Monsters Inc. Door Coaster transforms Muppet Studios Fantastic Four meet-and-greet rules (and international waters loopholes) A heartfelt tribute to longtime podcast collaborator Brian Gaughan AJ Wolfe also shares behind-the-scenes stories from her Disney Food Blog journey, the early days of Disney dining coverage, and why writing Disney Adults meant sharing some very personal truths—debt, joy, and all. Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Adults-Exploring-Falling-Subculture/dp/1668069210 Support Our Sponsors Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠ DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠ DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offprovideciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! ⁠⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠⁠ Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by taking a close look at the recently announced plans to revamp the Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They then continue their interview with Don Hahn & Chris Merritt, the authors of “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland” For this episode, listeners will learn about: ·       What aspect of the actual entrance to Disney Studios out in Burbank is about to be replicated in Florida   Why do you want to pay close attention to those sets of dancers that are positioned between the floats for Disney World’s new nighttime parade     Where will the new “Drawn to Wonderland” aspect of DHS’s “Magic of Disney Animation” likely be located inside the old Walt Disney Feature Animation – Florida building Which almost-built Disneyland attraction would have sent you home with a perhaps unhealthy glow  Why is it already difficult to find an on-property room at the WDW Resort for a reasonable price during mid-December of this year SHOW NoTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. ⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠ DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offprovideciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! ⁠⁠Learn More⁠⁠ Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Don Hahn & Chris Merrit, the authors of “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland.” This show kicks off a two-part interview that reveals how Walt’s family fun park first came to be. For this episode, listeners will learn about: Who bought the very first admission to Disneyland Park back in July of 1955 When is the third “Prep & Landing” holiday special – “The Snowball Protocol” – expected to debut on ABC Who did Walt bring in to help the Evans brothers with the horticultural aspect of Disneyland Park What did Adventures by Disney’s “Take Me Out to the Ballparks” trip entail Why was DHS’s “Legend of Jack Sparrow” show so short-lived SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. ⁠Learn More⁠ DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! ⁠Learn More⁠ Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at Disney’s latest surveys, hotel rumors, and Halloween Horror Nights announcements—then plunge into the second half of their deep-dive on Pirates of the Caribbean. This time, Jim reveals how Disney navigated a real-life guest frenzy over Captain Jack Sparrow, the surprisingly expensive costume drama that followed, and the face character chaos that nearly derailed New Orleans Square. Plus, early plans for a pirates-themed restaurant, and how Dead Man’s Chest almost broke the box office and the parks. Why a cleared canal near Magic Kingdom might be future hotel space Christmas party dates, Festival of the Holidays updates, and DJ Dance Pants How Disneyland kept guests from mobbing Jack Sparrow face characters The $60,000 costume that sparked a parade of cease and desist letters A scrapped pirates dining experience that had Jack eating off your plate Also: Warner Bros. surveys some Vegas-worthy IP ideas, Morrissey or Horror Night house?, and why Robin Williams’ mime days live on in Disney animation trivia. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill tackle a packed show, from new Eat to the Beat concert acts and Test Track Lightning Lane changes to a survey that hints at Disney bundling sports vacations with ESPN and Adventures by Disney. Then in the main segment, Jim unpacks the wild story behind the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise—including how one clever Imagineer added a cursed treasure twist to the ride years before it hit the big screen, and why Michael Eisner insisted on a subtitle that technically made no sense. New Eat to the Beat lineup adds Bowling for Soup, Jordin Sparks, and The Beach Boys Disney files plans for the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster building—yes, it’s a real land ESPN and ABD surveys tease premium sports-based vacation packages What really happened to Pixar’s Elio, and how politics may have changed the movie Behind the scenes of Curse of the Black Pearl: casting, rewrites, and a fake curse Plus, Len pitches a villains-themed restaurant where customer service is intentionally bad, and Jim explains why Tower of Terror on TV paved the way for Jack Sparrow in theaters. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Disney news, including a major update to the dining reservation system, a rerouted parade to improve park flow, and the latest tweaks at Epic Universe. Then, Jim dives into the real story of how Epcot’s CommuniCore was shut down and transformed into Innoventions—Disney’s answer to a park in crisis. With budgets tight and tech aging fast, Michael Eisner turned to Las Vegas for inspiration, resulting in a CES-style exhibit hall packed with rotating sponsors, interactive demos, and a built-in refresh cycle. Disney’s new patent could make Haunted Mansion feel spookier A smarter parade route helps clear Main Street faster Why Tron still isn’t available during Early Entry Epic Universe’s early admission strategy evolves again The creation, success, and legacy of Innoventions It’s a look at how Disney reimagined the future—and managed to sell it to sponsors one booth at a time. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at recent updates across Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, including a new water play area in Animal Kingdom, a July reopening for Test Track, and a revealing Disney Cruise Line survey. Then in the main segment, Jim takes us back 30 years to the wild creation of Disneyland’s Videopolis—a teen dance club built in just 100 days that introduced churros, challenged norms, and (almost) ran over some tourists. New Indiana Jones-themed play area replaces Animal Kingdom’s Boneyard Test Track reopens July 22—why we still don’t know what’s inside Epic Universe adds stage permits and steampunk restaurant progress A Disney Cruise Line survey that might explain recent price drops The teen problem Disney had to solve—and how Videopolis became the answer Churros, breakdancing, and Michael Eisner’s MTV-fueled moonshot Videopolis wasn’t just a dance floor—it was a cultural reset, a churro revolution, and a crash course in fast-tracking theme park design. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Figment almost got replaced by Michael Jordan—and how one flubbed line at an NBC upfront helped create The Golden Girls. Updated Monstropolis plans hint at a larger land—and a suspiciously vacant cast parking lot Could a new DVC resort be rising near Blizzard Beach? Western Way roadwork says yes Disneyland's expansion plan: Coco, Avatar, and the final frontier of backstage space The doomed celebrity era of Imagineering, featuring Cheers-inspired Tiki Room and Wallace & Gromit Journey Into Imagination 3.0: how a triage effort (and stored figment AAs) saved the ride The DVC lounge dilemma: why redoing Imagination may need a bit more imagination Big plans, big ideas, and one very unfortunate cheese room. ⁠SHOW NOTES⁠ Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Journey into Imagination’s 2002 reopening, featuring a side of Art Linkletter, Henry Fonda, and bitter corporate rivalries. First thoughts on Disney’s new Piston Peak National Park concept art The EPCOT GEO82 Lounge: gorgeous views, high prices, strict timers Disney trains to run in reverse—literally Why a DVC rental checkbox could be tied to speculative booking issues The forgotten film war: Kodak, Polaroid, and the $10M that didn’t pay off How Art Linkletter turned a favor into Disneyland’s most profitable deal Whether you’re craving peanut brittle from a charcuterie plate or just here for vintage theme park trivia, this episode has you covered. ⁠SHOW NOTES⁠ Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 in the day Film Fight -- How Disney worked out a truce between Kodak & Polaroid back in the 1970s, so that both brands of films could then be sold inside of their theme parks Parade Reservations – Why -- if you're an Annual Passholder -- you're going to need to plan ahead if you want to see "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" this Summer Rent-a-Park –  Why the Magic Kingdom & Disney's Hollywood Studios aren't available for private parties during certain times of the year Someday My Prints Will Come -- Which Disney Park icon is one of the most photographed structures in the world Touring tips, stories about Walt as a grandfather, plus talk of garlic presses —it’s another packed episode of the Disney Dish. SHOW NOTES Full URL: https://jimhillmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-06-02_Show.pdf Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 of the Lion King - The show that squatted in a space meant for dragons... and thrived. Magic Kingdom Strategy - How early entry and Lightning Lane stacking can knock out every headliner by noon. Disney’s Indoor Parks - From DisneyQuest to Abu Dhabi, a look at the past and future of enclosed theme parks. It’s a celebration of Disney’s most beloved “temporary” projects - and the ones that just refused to leave. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 thrill—it made people sick, killed plants, and gave Epcot’s custodial team nightmares. The Shrubbery Crisis – Yes, protein spills killed the landscaping. Fixing the Fail – How Disney added trash cans, benches, cold air, and a non-spinning version of the ride (that’s actually better). Ride Longevity – Why guests rarely re-ride, and how Mission: Space quietly became the least essential thrill ride at Walt Disney World. What Comes Next – With depreciation schedules catching up, is it finally time to replace it? And what’s the likelihood of a Figment/Inside Out combo attraction next door? A fascinating look at how cutting-edge ambition can spin a little too hard—and what happens when the recovery benches outnumber the ride’s fans. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 so complex it couldn’t complete a dress rehearsal before its paid debut Pixies, Pajamas, and Panic – Why cast members wore half-masks, threw conductive Mylar into the crowd, and unintentionally triggered attraction breakdowns across the park Mass Refunds and Retail Regret – The merch worked better than the parade, and fans weren’t quiet about it Disneyland’s Damage Control – How marketing spin, rewrites, and show tweaks couldn’t save it Legacy of the Street-Tacular – From shelved alien parades to Tinkerbell merchandising, what came out of this high-profile flameout It’s a hilarious, jaw-dropping look at one of Disney’s most legendary live entertainment flops—where the only thing that worked on opening night was the jacket. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 working relationship with Disney ended with Dumbo. Scrapped plans for a Burton-inspired Mad Tea Party overlay How Walt Disney World hoped to tap into the Nightmare Before Christmas merch model Why Haunted Mansion Holiday won’t come to Magic Kingdom Fantasyland expansion budget and leadership changes Tim Burton’s final Disney film and his “Dumbo” disillusionment Plus, listener questions about endangered Disney World attractions and ideas for a Muppets-themed rock bar. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into one of the strangest goofs in Disney history—how the restaurant inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom was originally named after the wrong king, and why it took over two decades (and a flood of guest complaints) to finally correct it. Also in this episode: The King Stefan Banquet Hall Backstory – Why Imagineering picked the wrong king in the first place—and how nobody caught it before opening day. Dave Smith and John Hench’s Awkward Phone Call – The archivist and the Imagineer have a polite, slightly painful conversation about medieval royalty. The 25th Anniversary Castle Cake Fallout – Why complaints about the Pepto-Bismol pink castle pushed Disney to rethink the restaurant’s name. How Cinderella’s Royal Table Was Finally Born – And how it became one of the most popular (and profitable) restaurants in all of Walt Disney World. Listener Questions and More – Updates on Disney and Universal surveys, Lightning Lane changes, and Epic Universe tips. It’s a story of castles, kings, and the longest game of "whoops" in Disney Parks history. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining the Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and Imagineer Jim Shull dig into the wild, weird, and wonderfully unsafe history of Disney’s unbuilt Alice in Wonderland walkthrough attraction—complete with collapsing stairs, spinning barrels, and push-bag trees. Also in this episode: Disneyland’s Funhouse That Never Was – Concept art and site plans reveal a walkthrough filled with rotating platforms, disorienting ramps, and a healthy disregard for OSHA. Why Alice’s Walkthrough Got the Axe – Was it the cost, the chaos, or the fact that guests might leave with concussions and playing cards in their pockets? Alice’s Maze Lives On – How elements of the walkthrough survived in Paris and Shanghai—hedges, live-action inspiration, and all. Buzz Lightyear’s Costume Was a Health Risk – The original walk-around suit nearly wrecked cast members’ backs and required Disney to cover chiropractor visits. Everest and the Yeti (Still Broken) – Jim Shull gives the latest on Disco Yeti, ride longevity, and why any real fix won’t happen until Expedition Everest hits its track expiration date. Universal’s Deep Survey Dive – A guest poll so long and personal it should’ve come with a HIPAA notice. From fantasy to funhouse nightmares, and from Buzz to barrel rolls, this week’s show explores the wildest ideas Disney never built—and the things they probably shouldn't have. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined this week by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a super-sized edition of this podcast. As these three first recap Len’s recent visit to Orlando’s newest theme park and then discuss what recent stock market fluctuations might mean for Disney’s previously announced plans for its Florida Resort Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which “Isle of Berk” attraction might remind Epic Universe visitors of a certain opening day attraction over at IOA What did Bob Iger reportedly talk about when he dropped in on an ABC News editorial meeting last week? Why Epic Universe undoubtedly will be a better looking theme park in a year’s time Which Epic Universe attractions will have the lowest hourly ride capacity? What percentage of WDW visitors typically travel from Canada to visit that resort annually SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jim Hill is joined by special guest Ruben Bolling, the award-winning cartoonist behind Tom the Dancing Bug, while Len Testa is off cruising with a buffet (hopefully). From sweaty Brer Bear suits to Buzz Lightyear’s chiropractor bills, Jim and Ruben explore the history—and hazards—of Disney character costumes. Plus, they dive into the future of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, the legacy of Expedition Everest, and how Imagineers tell stories without saying a word. Costume Carnage – Why early walk-around characters were sweaty, heavy, and occasionally hazardous (spoiler: fiberglass and rebar were involved). Buzz Lightyear’s Evolution – From the world’s heaviest action figure costume to a full ride refresh coming soon to Magic Kingdom. Expedition Everest Turns 19 – A look at Animal Kingdom’s mountain masterpiece and whether the Yeti might finally get his glow-up. Drone Shows Grounded – Following an incident in Orlando, all drone shows are on pause—but what does that mean for Disney’s nighttime future? Pixar’s 30th Anniversary in the Parks – New shows, character appearances (hello, Rex!), and nostalgic celebrations at Disneyland Resort. Visual Storytelling 101 – Jim and Ruben connect the dots between comics and Imagineering, from panel layouts to queue design. It’s a theme park deep dive with a dash of satire and a nod to back problems. Tune in for stories, speculation, and the weirdly enduring smell of Muppet herring. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill take you back to a time when Hollywood Studios had no Sunset Boulevard and how a red car, a Rocketeer supper club, and Roger Rabbit rides nearly changed everything. Plus, Universal’s first Epic Universe guest survey raises big questions about whether there’s enough to do on opening day. Sunset Boulevard: The Original Plan – A deep dive into the never-built red car route, the South Seas Club from The Rocketeer, and a Dick Tracy ride with real Tommy guns. Roger Rabbit Land That Never Happened – From Baby Herman’s runaway buggy to Mickey’s MovieLand, Jim shares what was almost built. Epic Universe Survey Leaks – We’ve got the first guest experience survey, and Universal’s biggest concern might be: “Is there enough to do?” Disney World Discounts Everywhere – Free dining, kids half off, and hotel deals… but why so many at once? Buzz Lightyear’s Big Upgrade – A new ride vehicle and show scene just in time for Toy Story 5. DVC Sales Office in Canada? – Why Epcot’s Canada Pavilion is getting a DVC showroom instead of poutine. Takumi-Tei Menu Confusion – When “plant-based” doesn’t mean vegan, one listener shares a story that has Len fact-checking menus with government definitions. Join Len and Jim as they explore the theme park “what ifs,” leaked surveys, and the surprising ways Disney’s past nearly looked a lot more like Roger Rabbit. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by DVC expert Paul Krieger to finally wrap up the long-running series on Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge—now Lakeshore Lodge. They explore how this project evolved from concept to construction, what’s next for the Fort Wilderness area, and how Disney Vacation Club is changing the way it builds and brands new resorts. Reflections Becomes Lakeshore Lodge – How Disney quietly rebranded and reimagined the long-delayed Bay Lake resort. DVC's Changing Design Philosophy – From rustic to refined: Why today’s DVC resorts look more like luxury hotels than themed lodges. Water Features and Cabins Revealed – What new blueprints and site plans tell us about the size of the pool complex and three distinct cabin types. The Rise of Fort Wilderness as a DVC Mega-Resort – 350 cabins, plus Lakeshore Lodge, could make it the largest DVC footprint at Walt Disney World. DVC History with Paul Krieger – A crash course in the evolution of the Disney Vacation Club—from Old Key West and Vero Beach to the Island Tower at the Polynesian. Will We Ever Get Buffalo Junction or a Fort Wilderness Railroad? – Jim and Len speculate on what could still be built if Lakeshore Lodge succeeds. It’s the end of the Reflections series and a deep dive into how Disney builds resorts, tells stories, and sells timeshares—DVC style. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down new details about the Indiana Jones ride at Animal Kingdom, explore the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster ride system, and take a deep dive into how Disney’s concept art often differs from reality—sometimes dramatically. Monsters Inc. Door Coaster – Disney shares the latest look at this first-of-its-kind suspended coaster at South by Southwest. Disney Concept Art vs. Reality – The long history of Disney’s over-promising concept art, from Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Cars Road Rally. Frontierland’s Future at Magic Kingdom – With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Cars Road Rally, will Frontierland and Liberty Square still exist in their current form? Mandalorian Missions at Smuggler’s Run – New destinations and gameplay elements are coming in 2026. Universal’s Epic Universe Updates – The latest on character meet-and-greets and interactive elements in Universal’s upcoming park. Join Len and Jim as they separate theme park concept art fantasy from reality, uncover new attraction details, and discuss how Disney and Universal are evolving their parks for the future. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal new details about the Indiana Jones ride planned for Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas land, including early concept art, ride storylines, and how Imagineering is staying true to Maya culture. Plus, Len shares insights from an archaeology conference where Disney presented these plans to Maya experts. Indiana Jones Ride Concept Art – A closer look at the Maya-inspired temple, its intricate carvings, and the hints at the ride’s storyline. Mayan Gods and the Ride’s Story – How the rain god Chok and the feathered serpent Kukulkan might fit into the plot. Temple of the Forbidden Eye Connection – Why this ride could be the spiritual successor to the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland. Dinoland’s New Direction – What the demolition of Cementosaurus and the overhaul of Dino-Rama mean for Animal Kingdom’s future. Universal’s Next Big Event – Early hints about a FanFest at Universal Orlando featuring sci-fi, fantasy, and anime franchises. Join Len and Jim as they explore the future of Animal Kingdom, Universal’s bold new plans, and what it all means for theme park fans. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by award-winning journalist Neil O’Brien to explore the most under-reported period in Disney’s history—the years between Walt’s death and Michael Eisner’s arrival. Neil’s new book, "After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company," uncovers how Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law and former CEO, helped shape the modern Disney we know today. The Rise and Fall of Ron Miller – How Walt’s son-in-law launched the Disney Channel, Touchstone Pictures, and Epcot, only to be forced out in 1984. The Black Cauldron’s Lost Ride – Ron’s ambitious plan for a Black Cauldron-themed boat ride at Disney parks that never happened. Secrets of Epcot’s Design – How a vacant lot in Diane Disney’s neighborhood inspired Walt’s vision for a utopian city. Universal’s New Fan Event? – Is Universal planning a sci-fi, fantasy, and anime-themed fan festival at Universal Orlando Resort? Join Len, Jim, and Neil for a deep dive into Disney’s forgotten history, abandoned projects, and the decisions that shaped the company’s future. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill, joined by former Imagineer Jim Shull, dive into the fascinating history of Buffalo Junction, the resort Disney almost built between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. Inspired by Disneyland Paris, this Wild West-themed destination was set to include a working railroad, frontier town-style hotel, and a live Buffalo Bill Wild West show—so what happened? Buffalo Junction: The Resort That Never Was – Disney’s ambitious plan for an Old West town complete with a steam train and dinner show. How Disneyland Paris Inspired This Resort – The success of Frontierland and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show nearly brought the idea stateside. The End of the Fort Wilderness Railroad – Why Disney abandoned steam trains at Fort Wilderness and how they almost made a comeback. Universal’s Year-Round Halloween Horror Nights – Details on Universal Horror Unleashed, opening in Las Vegas this summer. Virtual Queues Ending at Disney Parks – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind drop their virtual queues—what it means for guests. Join Len, Jim, and Jim Shull for a deep dive into Disney’s lost resort projects, Fort Wilderness expansion plans, and how theme park design continues to evolve. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Hollywood Studios’ unannounced Villaintines Day event, Disney’s history of lost resort projects, and Universal’s wild new food lineup for Epic Universe. Villaintines Day at Hollywood Studios – How Disney surprised guests with an unannounced villains-themed event, complete with rare character greetings and themed giveaways. Cypress Point Lodge: The Disney Resort That Never Was – The story behind Disney’s planned moderate resort and why it never happened. Monorail Expansion Plans – Disney once had a serious plan to extend the monorail to Disney Springs—what happened? Epic Universe Food Preview – Universal’s upcoming theme park reveals its menu, featuring everything from blood orange chicken sandwiches to a one-pound meatball. Star Wars Updates at Disneyland – A new projection show and character greeting suggest Disney is relaxing Galaxy’s Edge’s original timeline. Join Len and Jim as they explore Disney’s secret events, abandoned projects, and the latest theme park surprises. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dive into the history of Fort Wilderness and River Country, including the expansion that almost happened and how Disney’s first water park became a fan favorite before shutting down. Plus, Jim continues the story of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge and why it never made it off the ground. River Country’s Rise and Fall: How Disney’s first water park became wildly popular—and why it ultimately closed for good. Fort Wilderness Expansion Plans: Disney once planned a whole Western-themed town for guests to explore—so what happened? Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers more about the shelved resort project and what Disney originally planned for Bay Lake. Lightning Lane Premier Pass Updates: Disney’s premium skip-the-line pass is selling out even on slow days—so is another price increase coming? Epic Universe Previews Begin: What we know about Universal’s upcoming soft openings and when guests might get their first look. Join Len and Jim for a deep dive into Disney history, surprising theme park changes, and what could be next for Fort Wilderness and Bay Lake. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the surprising history of annual passes—how Disneyland accidentally created a theme park membership program and what Disney might have in store next. Plus, Jim continues the saga of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the resort that made it to the concept art phase but never to reality. The Origins of Annual Passes: How Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom Club set the stage for the modern theme park pass and why Disney might be rethinking it. Hollywood Studios Updates: What’s closing, what’s opening, and why Muppet*Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s, and Pizza Rizzo are all saying goodbye. Universal’s New Events: Mardi Gras, Volcano Bay Nights, and Butterbeer Season—because Universal understands that food-based festivals are the true theme park superpower. Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim dives into Disney’s big plans for Bay Lake, why they hit pause, and whether this project will ever return. Muppets at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?: Is Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem really taking over from Aerosmith? And is that actually a bad thing? Join Len and Jim as they break down Disney history, park updates, and whether we’ll ever see a new resort built before the next iteration of Genie+. SHOW NOTES  Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison to explore the best (and worst) of Epcot’s Festival of the Arts while diving into the intriguing history of Disney’s shelved resort project, Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge. Festival of the Arts Food Tour: Christina breaks down the must-try dishes, including the return of Japan’s Taiyaki and the surprising stars of the Painted Panda booth. Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim continues the story of Disney’s abandoned Bay Lake resort and what might take its place. Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Is it worth the cost when crowd levels drop below a 5? Universal’s Stella Nova Resort: Christina shares her review of Universal’s new value hotel, including the perks of staying near Epic Universe. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Update: Why is Disney adjusting operating hours so soon after its debut? Join Len, Jim, and Christina for a delicious deep dive into Epcot’s festival eats, Disney history, and Universal’s latest addition. SHOW NOTES Support Our Sponsors DVC Resale Market Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free. Learn More DVC Rental Store Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures! Learn More Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill share how to conquer Animal Kingdom faster than you can finish a Mickey waffle and dig into the curious case of Disney’s Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge. Animal Kingdom Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to finishing all major rides in under two hours—because who has time to wait in line? Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers the rise, fall, and possible resurrection of Disney’s most mysterious resort project. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure vs. Splash Mountain: Fans weigh in—has Tiana’s really taken the crown from Splash? Smuggler’s Run Upgrades: Could Grogu finally make being an engineer on the Millennium Falcon cool? Dinoland’s New Beat: A drumming band made from recycled materials? That’s the kind of green initiative even Mickey can’t resist. Tune in for tips, history, and plenty of questions like, “Is it really a park day if you’re home by 10 a.m.?” SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how to take on Hollywood Studios during peak crowds without relying on Lightning Lane, plus a look at Disney’s music legend George Wilkins and other park updates: Hollywood Studios Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to beating a 9/10 crowd level in six hours flat—without Lightning Lane. George Wilkins Tribute: The Disney composer who wrote EPCOT’s soundtrack and once reworked “Tutti Frutti” in a half-hour. Big Thunder Mountain’s Closure: What it means for Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane priorities (spoiler: it’s chaos). Mandalorian on Smuggler’s Run: Grogu might make engineers the stars of the Millennium Falcon. Dinoland Demolition: What’s next for Animal Kingdom’s most polarizing area? Join Len and Jim for strategies, stories, and maybe a few tips on not getting run over by a rope dropper. SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the remarkable career of Disney composer George Wilkins, the man behind EPCOT’s most iconic music, and discuss the latest park updates and strategies. George Wilkins Tribute: How a 45-year-old jingle writer turned EPCOT into his personal symphony. Free Dining Returns: Disney’s 2025 dining offer is back, but is its timing a response to Universal’s Epic Universe? Big Thunder Mountain Closure: With this fan favorite offline, what should you grab for Lightning Lane instead? Epic Universe Updates: Universal Orlando inches closer to opening with exciting ride testing and big surprises. Join Len and Jim as they uncover Disney history, analyze park strategies, and debate the best way to navigate post-Big Thunder chaos. SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the jaw-dropping prices of Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which sold out at a whopping $478 per person during the holidays. Premier Pass Sticker Shock: Is there a limit to how much Disney fans will pay for shorter wait times? Bluey Comes to Disney: The beloved pup makes her way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Universal Orlando Updates: Epic Universe rides ramp up testing, and a new Fast & Furious coaster is in the works. Listener Questions: Where are the best places to rent DVC points, and what’s the deal with Bonnet Creek’s location? Riviera Resort Finale: Jim wraps up the fascinating history of Disney’s most glamorous DVC property. Tune in for Disney history, park updates, and plenty of laughs as Len and Jim close out the year in style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Len Testa and Jim Hill as they dive into the fascinating and occasionally outrageous story of how Disney transformed Caribbean Beach into their 15th DVC property: Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Len reviews Disney’s newest addition, featuring epic Magic Kingdom views, thoughtful amenities, and… chump prices? Caribbean Beach to Riviera Resort: Jim uncovers the competitive forces and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that turned a moderate resort into a deluxe DVC powerhouse. Listener Questions: Why isn’t there a Magic Kingdom resort between the Contemporary and TTC? And what’s the deal with Bonnet Creek’s proximity to Disney property? Dynamic Pricing at Disney: Len speculates on Disney’s next big move for hotels and tickets—and what it might mean for annual passholders. Discover the stories behind Disney’s resorts, along with plenty of laughs and fascinating insights. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jim and Len as they serve up another helping of Disney history, humor, and holiday cheer: Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Len breaks down why this year’s merriest event at Hollywood Studios is a must-visit, with mouthwatering popovers, stunning projections, and walk-on rides galore. Cotino Housing Development Tour: Get an insider’s peek at Disney’s new mid-century modern community, where Imagineering meets high-end desert living. Listener Questions: From the best World Showcase bathroom (yes, really) to a Muppet-inspired Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster playlist, fans bring the fun and creativity. Riviera Resort History: Jim digs deep into how Disney turned Caribbean Beach into Riviera Resort, a deluxe DVC destination with a European flair—and a hefty price tag. Tune in for a laugh-filled journey through Disney’s past, present, and possibly a restroom or two. Don’t miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Studios Listeners will learn about: How did Tokyo Disneyland’s version of “Star Tours” impact WDW’s Tomorrowland Terrace Is 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 Lake How did mobile ordering at Disney World impact Guests’ ability to access Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café Why is Mulan considered a Disney Princess How will “Project Cyclops” potentially impact your WDW dining experience  SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 under the Magic Kingdom What was the secret behind Skippy being transported in “The ExtraTERRORtrial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join 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

In this week’s Disney Dish Podcast, Jim and Len deliver a mix of Disney news, listener questions, and fascinating history. Tune in as they cover: Villains Land Sneak Peek: Explore which Disney villains are set to star in Magic Kingdom’s highly anticipated new land. Cars Trackless Ride Announced: Learn about the exciting plans for this innovative attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom. Attraction Overlay Origins: In the main segment, Jim dives into the history of Disney attraction overlays, from their surprising beginnings to how they’ve evolved into beloved seasonal experiences like The Country Bear Christmas Show. Listener Questions: Get the inside scoop on Dinoland’s props, farewell merch, and more! From news to nostalgia, this episode is packed with insider stories and expert analysis. Don’t miss the history, updates, and laughs in this week’s show! SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you a packed show with the latest theme park news and the finale of Jim’s deep dive into EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo. Tune in as they cover: Universal’s Year-Round Horror Nights in Las Vegas: Get the details on Universal’s permanent horror attraction, “Universal Horror Unleashed,” set to launch at Area 15 with classic scares from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Exorcist: Believer, and more. Magic Kingdom’s Premier Pass Math: Len and Jim respond to a listener’s cost breakdown for Disney’s new Premier Pass. Does the math make sense? Frozen Holiday Surprise: Disney surprised everyone with an early start to this fan-favorite holiday event at the Magic Kingdom. El Rio del Tiempo’s Journey to Gran Fiesta Tour: In the final part of Jim’s history series, learn about Eric and Susan Goldberg’s transformation of the Mexico Pavilion’s iconic boat ride into Gran Fiesta Tour and the arrival of animatronic versions of the Three Caballeros. Listener questions, Disney news, and inside scoops make this an episode you won’t want to miss! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ver exciting updates and wrap up a beloved EPCOT attraction’s history in the grand finale of their series on El Rio del Tiempo. Here’s what’s in store: Cake Bake Shop Review: Len shares his experience at the newly opened Cake Bake Shop, highlighting the quality of their offerings and discussing the pricing. Universal's Animatronic Monsters: The hosts discuss Universal Orlando's recent trailer featuring 14 advanced animatronic monsters for the upcoming Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment attraction. They marvel at the lifelike fluidity of these figures, comparing them to Disney's Na’Vi Shaman and Rise of the Resistance animatronics. Disney's Tropical Americas Plans: Len and Jim examine Disney's new permit filings, revealing plans to transform Dinoland into Tropical Americas. They explore potential attractions, including a character greeting area, a Mayan-themed play area, and expansive queue designs for upcoming rides. Listener Questions and Surveys: The episode answers listener questions about various Disney experiences and discusses recent surveys from Universal Orlando and Disney Cruise Line, touching on possible new ticketing options and guest feedback. Additionally, join us for the grand finale in Jim’s multi-part series on the history of EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo boat ride, where he shares fascinating details about the journey to the Gran Fiesta Tour. Catch all the latest Disney news, updates, and in-depth theme park insights in this jam-packed episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len and Jim explore more of Epcot’s rich history with part two of their series on the Mexico Pavilion’s beloved boat ride, El Rio del Tiempo. Join them as they delve into the ride’s development challenges, the inspiration behind its immersive scenes, and how Disney Imagineers used clever design and technology to bring Mexican culture to life in World Showcase. Tune in for: The latest on Epic Universe’s ticket launch and sold-out opening day Behind-the-scenes of Disney’s Cake Bake Shop pricing A dive into the fascinating design details and lesser-known facts of El Rio del Tiempo’s original storyline Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with Disney lore, Epcot nostalgia, and exclusive theme park insights! SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s Disney Dish, Len and Jim dive into the rich history of one of EPCOT’s lesser-known attractions, "El Rio del Tiempo." Join us for Part 1 of a two-part series as Jim takes us back to the 1982 dedication of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion and shares the fascinating origin of the pavilion's boat ride. Learn about the ambitious plans for "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico," the mysterious German Rivers ride, and how tight budgets and changing politics reshaped EPCOT's World Showcase. Tune in as they cover: ·      Epic Universe News: Universal Orlando’s newest park is set to open in May 2025! Jim and Len share exclusive details on the opening, soft launches, and breathtaking new effects. ·      Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Get the scoop on Disney’s newest pass option for skipping the lines—what it costs, what it covers, and whether it's worth it. ·      The History of El Rio del Tiempo: In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jim takes you back to the 1980s to explore the creation and evolution of Epcot's original Mexico Pavilion boat ride. Plus, listener questions, Disney news, and the latest park happenings! Don’t miss out on this jam-packed episode's history, updates, and insider scoops. SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa take you through the latest Disney updates and a deep dive into the fascinating history behind one of Disney’s most ambitious projects. Here’s what you’ll hear: Hurricane Milton Update: How the recent storm impacted Disney parks, and why Jim thinks Medieval Times might be the ultimate hurricane shelter. Disneyland Price Hikes: Len breaks down the latest ticket and annual pass price increases at Disneyland, and what that could mean for your next trip. Fort Wilderness Innovations: Could autonomous delivery robots soon bring food and merchandise to your cabin at Fort Wilderness? Jim and Len explore the possibilities. Listener Questions: Why the ghost of the ‘Creepy Clown Pool’ might still haunt Boardwalk Inn’s occupancy rates, and how AI may make your Disney PhotoPass pictures look better than ever. Main Feature: In a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's battle with Pixar, Jim reveals how Mickey’s PhilharMagicwas developed as a key part of Michael Eisner’s strategy to prove that Disney could create CG animation independently. From its origins as a project for Hong Kong Disneyland to its pivotal role in Disney’s negotiations with Pixar, discover the hidden history behind one of the most beloved 3D attractions in Disney World. Join Jim and Len for a fun, fact-filled episode full of Disney history, news, and a few laughs along the way! SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill discuss the latest updates and history behind Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Tune in for: Autonomous Vehicles at Fort Wilderness?: Could self-driving vehicles soon be delivering food and merchandise around this iconic resort? Jim and Len explore the potential future of tech at Disney. Occupancy Rates for Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Discover why DVC properties like the Grand Californian and Bay Lake Tower are at the top of the occupancy charts and what makes them so popular. The Legend of the Lion King: Jim dives deep into the history of this fan-favorite stage show, detailing the ambitious production, massive puppetry, and how it paved the way for future Disney attractions. This episode is filled with Disney news, unique history, and some listener questions. SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week’s episode by sharing a survey the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out. They then look back at the 3D movie that eventually led to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” Over the course of this show, listeners will learn about:  Why Rodney Dangerfield’s obituary may be the funniest story that the Los Angeles Times ever ran  How does an RIP Tour compare to a HHN Express Pass  Why it’s unlikely that Disney will ever build a just-for-kids theme park at its Florida Resort SHOW NOTES  What’s the name of that 3D Donald Duck cartoon that used to run on a double bill at the Fantasyland theater  How did Dick Nunis feel about “The Mickey Mouse Revue” attraction at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you the latest updates and an in-depth look at Disney’s past, present, and future. Tune in as they cover: Exclusive Interview: Special guest Ricky Debler Jr. from Palmas Restaurant Group shares the inside story behind their iconic Disney dining locations and the evolution of La Cava del Tequila. Disney Treasure Updates: Get the scoop on the newest details for Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship. Disney Surveys: Find out what surprising questions Disney is asking guests about their park experiences. The Untold Story of Big Thunder Mountain: Jim wraps up his series on the history of this beloved attraction and reveals the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland. Dive into the latest news, fascinating history, and a few laughs in this can’t-miss episode! SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history. Tune in as they cover: Crane Permits and Fort Wilderness Construction: What’s going on at the old River Country site? Disney Cruise Line’s Future: How jumbo-ification could extend the life of Disney’s Magic and Wonder ships. The Evolution of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Jim continues his history of this Frontierland classic and the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland, including Discovery Bay and Dumbo’s Circus. Listener Questions: From Rise of the Resistance’s B-mode to the future of Disney’s IP-driven attractions. Listen now for a fun, fact-filled episode covering the latest updates and Disney history!  SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, dive into listener questions, and share some fascinating theme park history. Tune in for an entertaining and informative discussion featuring: The History of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Learn how this beloved attraction evolved from the original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. Disney’s Tron Lightcycle Run Update: Why Disney is replacing the virtual queue with a traditional standby line and what it means for other park attractions. Universal Studios’ New How to Train Your Dragon Attraction?: Jim and Len break down a new survey hinting at a potential addition to Universal’s Epic Universe or Hollywood park. Listener Questions: A lively discussion on Disney’s attraction changes, including the high-cost failures like Galactic Starcruiser. Nostalgia in Disney Parks: Are Magic Kingdom’s attractions too geared toward older generations, or is there something for everyone? Join Jim and Len for a fun mix of history, humor, and theme park insights! Show Notes can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the three tiers of hotels that the Universal Orlando Resort just rolled out. They also talk about why Disney wants to know more about how you allocated your cash during your most recent trip to Orlando. For this episode, listeners will learn about: Why the Universal Theme Parks want to learn more about which brands & IPs your young daughter is interested Who was just placed in charge of the committee to find a successor for Disney CEO Bob Iger Why it’s likely that DCL will soon need to replace the Magic & the Wonder How many people visited the Magic Kingdom in Florida during the first full year that theme park was in operation Which opening day attraction for Walt Disney World did Tony Baxter go to the field to install back in 1971 SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special solo show, Jim Hill first talks about which Disney Villains just made their debut at DCA’s “Oogie Boogie Bash.” He then looks back at how Walt adapted J.B. Barrie’s play & novel to the screen back in 1953 For this episode, listeners will learn about; Who did Roger Bart sing for in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Summer release for 1997 Who wrote the songs for Disney’s full-length animated feature for 1953 When is Disney on Broadway’s new stage production of “Hercules” supposed to open in London’s West End Which two animated features was WDI originally considering as their jumping-off point for their upcoming redo of DAK’s Dinoland U.S.A. When was Bob Hope’s sequel to his 1948 Western comedy, “The Paleface,” first released to theaters SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start today’s episode by discussing the changes that will soon be coming to Tom Sawyer Island at WDW’s Magic Kingdom. They also look back at when the “Be Our Guest” restaurant opened at that same theme park back in December of 2012 Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: For which Disney animated feature from the 1990s did Ricky Martin voice the title character (for the Latin American / Spanish version of this film, that is) What did the Imagineers once toy with installing inside of the “Hall of Presidents” show building What does Universal Orlando’s new dining offer tell us about when Epic Universe will likely open to the public Why did Disney’s Central Reservations Office have to rethink the number of seatings they could book daily at “Be Our Guest” just six months after this new Magic Kingdom restaurant first opened Why did the load-in of the Ballroom’s chandelier prove to be a challenge to the “Be Our Guest” construction team SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by getting the skinny on thinly sliced pieces of bacon. They then discuss whether the changes that have recently been made to DAS have actually lowered wait times at WDW’s park Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Where did the wax figures from the “Davy Crockett Frontier Museum” eventually wind up Why would Disney Procurement likely have bought pork products in bulk last year When did the West Coast version of “Country Bear Jamboree” first open What’s the name of that Royal Caribbean stage show themed around superheroes Which Harvard professor helped to turn the American cowboy into that mythic figure we know today SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by reviewing Universal Orlando’s plans for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.” They then talk about which WDW DVC may soon be expanding Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What’s significant about the survey Universal Orlando recently distributed about possible price points for annual passes Where does Steven Tyler get the scarves that he uses to decorate his mic stand How tall was Walt Disney Which moment from the third episode of the “Davy Crockett” limited series did Disneyland’s Frontier Museum recreate Why were Fess Parker & Buddy Ebsen wet when they made their entrance in “Dateline Disneyland” SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s show, Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull & Len’s twin sister, Linda. These four then discuss the news of the day and look back at the grand opening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. For this episode, listeners will learn about: What idea did the Imagineers explore for improving DCA’s Grizzly River Run? How long has it been since a major new thrill ride opened at one of the theme parks found at the Universal Orlando Resort? How has the roll-out of Lightning Lane Multi-Pass been going so far What contributed to Disney’s decision to only present “Rogers: The Musical” in the Hyperion Theater for a single summer Who influenced Kelsey Mann to find a place for Figment in “Inside Out 2” SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts this week’s show by revealing which attractions will be open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Extended Evening Hours at that theme park later this year. And then Jim Hill wraps up his history of Epcot’s “Maelstrom” attraction. In this episode, listeners will learn about: Why was the original version of “Country Bear Jamboree” trimmed down back in October 2012 What land does Hong Kong Disneyland that is traditionally found at other castle parks Why did the Imagineers dial back the North Sea scene in “Maelstrom” just before this World Showcase attraction officially opened in July of 1988 Which animatronic figure from “The Hall of Presidents” can also be found as a eunuch along “Spaceship Earth” ‘s ride track When – according to the U.S. census – did the wide open spaces of the American West officially come to a close SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Disney author & historian Foxx Nolte. Who gives them a preview of his latest book, “Scoundrels, Villains, & Knaves: Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Popular Culture”  Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What are the differences between the VIP tours offered at WDW versus those made available to visitors at the Universal Orlando Resort Which train show staged back in the mid-1940s reportedly influenced the design of New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park What’s the rumored reason that character greetings are not being offered as part of Lightning Lane Multi-pass Which scene was originally designed for the Escher Staircase area for WDW’s version of the Haunted Mansion What’s kind of intriguing about the fact that the Themed Entertainment Association has yet to release its annual Theme Park Index (which lists theme park attendance numbers) has yet to be released for 2024 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the different “lands” that Guests can explore once they board the Disney Adventure (which begins sailing out of Singapore in 2025). They also share a survey from Universal Orlando about this Resort’s version of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which musical acts will be appearing at this year’s “Eat to the Beat” concert series as part of the 2024 edition of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival When did Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith come back online at Disney’s Hollywood Studios How many passengers is the Disney Adventure supposed to be able to accommodate on each sailing of this new DCL vessel (Bonus question: How many crew members will be on board to service these passengers) According to Greek mythology, which three very different things is the God Poseidon supposed to watch over / be in charge of What happened to attendance levels at EPCOT Center & Disney-MGM Studios theme park right after Disney’s Animal Kingdom first opened in April of 1998 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing WDW’s Genie+ replacement. They then walk through exactly what happened backstage at Disneyland prior to the launch of that Park’s “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:  How far in advance will on-site Guests be able to book Multi Pass reservations  When is this new ride reservation system supposed to officially come online at the Walt Disney World Resort  What holiday-themed projection show is supposed to be updated as part of the 2024 edition of “Jollywood Nights”  Where did Disneyland used to store its fireworks back in the 1980s  Why did Disneyland’s firemen go around backstage checking doors & windows an hour before “Fantasy in the Sky” launched Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking at the “Dark Universe” concept art that the Universal Orlando Resort just revealed. Then they wrap up their history of fireworks displays at Disneyland Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Who was Disney’s partner when it came to developing a compressed air-based launch system for its fireworks displays When is work supposed to get underway on the refurbishment of WDW’s version of Big Thunder Mountain Why do golf enthusiasts love the 18-hole putting green over at the Palm & Magnolia course Where had the Imagineers originally wanted to build an Ursula-themed spinner at Disney California Adventure What was the computer-controlled fireworks firing system that Harold “Mickey” Aronson designed for the Disney Parks called Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the operational issues that “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” continues to have during its preview period. They also share listeners' theories about why WDW sit-down restaurants have seemed so empty lately Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What changes have been made to the on-board narration for Disneyland’s Mark Twain When will the revamped version of “Country Bear Jamboree” be opening at the Magic Kingdom in Florida Who personally supervised the fireworks display over Seven Seas Lagoon back on October 23, 1971 What’s happening with WDW’s old “Pirates Leagues” facility Why were the fast food restaurants & motels built around Disneyland back in the Late 1950s / early 1960s all clustered around the corner of Harbor & Katella Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the technical issues “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” has been facing during its Cast Member preview period. They also take a look at the room décor for WDW Island Tower (i.e., that new DVC which will be opening right next to WDW’s Polynesian Village Resort on December 17th) In this episode, listeners will learn about: Why would Owen & Dolly Pope always tour the corrals at Disneyland’s Circle D Ranch the mornings after fireworks had been shot off at Walt’s family fun park When will Jollywood Nights be returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year How far back can the Disneyland tradition of a rope drop at the opening of the park be traced Where did Disneyland management turn when it needed to recruit additional security officers to help man that theme park Which Tomorrowland attraction back in the 1960s was able to handle 4000 Guests an hour Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the opening weekend of performances of “Disney Dreams That Soar.” They then look back at how fireworks got started at Disneyland Park in the late 1950s In this episode, listeners will learn about: Why Universal Orlando decided to change the name of Epic Universe’s racing coaster When will work begin on the retheming of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Which musical acts is Universal Creative reportedly considering using as the jumping-off point for a maze at a future Halloween Horror Night Why are dining reservations suddenly far easier to get at WDW’s sit-down restaurants Where will road improvements soon begin on Disney World property Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa shares what it was like to watch Disney Springs’ new nighttime show from Saratoga Springs. Jim Hill then finishes his history of the miniature golf courses at the WDW Resort Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Why do Disney execs really need to pay attention to what Jenny Nicolson shared throughout her four-hour-long “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” video What makes the Bacchus hole at “Fantasia Gardens” so difficult for golfers How long after the theme for “Winter Summerland” was selected did this miniature golf course open up right next door to Blizzard Beach What did Tiger Woods have to say about “Fantasia Fairways” Which buildings at Disney’s Saratoga Springs should offer the very best views of “Disney Dreams That Soar” (EDITOR’S NOTE: on the side facing Disney Springs Lake) Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing who gets to experience “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” when as part of that WDW attraction’s month-long grand opening event. They then take a look at the interior of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What does Disney’s Hollywood Studios do when the IT system at the WDW Resort crashes When might we see a second Taylor Swift concert film show up on Disney+ How did Jack Wrather deal with Disneyland being closed on Mondays & Tuesdays during that theme park’s off-season starting back in the late 1950s What does the future hold for Magic Bands Why is it very appropriate that the road directly behind the Disneyland Hotel is called Walnut Street Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about what happens next with Disneyland Forward now that the Anaheim City Council has officially approved this project. They also discuss what Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed at the Company’s most recent earnings call. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How long will the WDW version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad be down for rehab What’s interesting about Disney’s decision to extend the permit it had with the South Florida Water Management District for the area between Fort Wilderness & Wilderness Lodge for another 5 years Which moderate resort at WDW will be having its guest room refurbished now through November What did Michael Eisner want to originally call the water thrill park that the Company first announced for Florida back in December of 1985 Who did Disney initially hire to write the screenplay for that Studio’s “Typhoon Lagoon” movie Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest news coming out about the Epic Universe project. They also talk about why Bay Lake Tower is undergoing a year-long refurbishment in the not-so-distant future Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which crime figure from the 1930s inspired Ma Beagle & the Beagle Boys How is Fort Wilderness’ remote location reportedly impacting DVC sales for the cabins there How many animated series featuring  Disney’s “Stitch” character have been produced to date How could the Beyond Big Thunder project potentially impact the Rivers of America at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Which two living character initiative shows plowed the road for “Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by congratulating Israel Perez & the team at WDW’s Victoria & Albert’s for the Michelin star they were just awarded. They then welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a discussion of WDSP’s upcoming “Alice & the Red Queen: Back in Wonderland” show For this episode, listeners will learn about: Why – when WDW Cast Members finally get to preview “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” – they may come at this revamped flume ride from backstage How far along is the “Disneyland Forward” project when it comes to Anaheim’s approval process What’s interesting about that construction permit that just got pulled for Epcot’s “Journey into Imagination” pavilion The “Frozen” star recently got the opportunity to try his hand at conducting on the Disneyland Railroad Why – when it comes to updating and/or making significant changes to the African side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom – the Imagineers have very limited choices Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts at Universal Orlando. They then look back at Disney’s reaction to Mattel’s 1972 announcement of its Circus World theme park project Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How many times will Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights be presented this year What’s the name of the bay that the “World of Frozen” is built alongside at the theme park formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris What price range is Universal reportedly considering when it comes to admission to its new kid-friendly park currently under construction in Bliss, TX Why are the popcorn buckets sold at the Disney Parks in Anaheim & Tokyo so much nicer than the ones that are sold at the WDW Resort How were the elephants dressed at the groundbreaking ceremony for Circus World back in April of 1973 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by deep-diving into the changes the Disney Parks are about to make to their DAS policy. They also continue their look back at WDW’s Tomorrowland Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How many episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” has Ice-T appeared in to date What were Disney Legend John Hench’s concerns about the version of World Showcase that was almost built next to WDW’s TTC How long did it take the team at WDW’s Food Labs to create that translucent fruit that was served aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” When was Phase One of “Project Florida” originally supposed to end construction How tall was Thunder Mesa (i.e., the table-top mountain that was supposed to house WDW’s “Western River Expedition” ride) supposed to be Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how the Shooting Gallery at WDW’s Magic Kingdom will soon close to become a DVC lounge. They also take a look back at Tomorrowland in this same theme park circa late 1971 / early 1972. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which then-husband & wife team were originally supposed to play the leads in Disney’s never-produced “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” sequel When does it appear that the Magic Kingdom will be opening its version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” Which “Avatar” film is the new experience that Bob Iger recently revealed was in the works for Disneyland in Anaheim supposed to be based on What significant eco-friendly change is supposedly in the works for Florida’s version of Autopia According to John Hench, which proposed WDW resorts were deliberately designed in such a way that they could then be seen from inside of the Magic Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the truce-of-sorts that’s recently been brokered between the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District & Disney. They also talk about the drone show that will debut at Disney Springs on May 24th Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which annual event – which is held over in Tampa – made the Imagineers hesitant to bring Disneyland’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride to Florida Why is much of Epcot’s Morocco pavilion currently hidden behind construction fences When did Walt Disney make his very last visit to the Studios that he & his brother Roy built in Burbank What is Tiana asking Guests to help out with when they set sail on her “Bayou Adventure” How did WDI upset the turkey vultures who frequent the WDW Resort Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the construction permits that just got filed for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They then discuss the “Encanto” -themed show that will be presented in front of CommuniCore Plaza later this Summe Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What’s the difference between a Milky Way bar and Three Musketeers Which Dinoland U.S.A. structures are supposed to survive this side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom being transformed into an “Encanto” -themed area What toy line did Disney Consumer Products launch in the mid-2000s with the hope that it would then become a “Disney Princesses” -like success with little boys Which “Clueless” star did Disney originally cast as Tinker Bell’s speaking voice How did Tom Staggs alter Jay Rasulo’s original plans for the Fantasyland expansion that was first announced back in September of 2009  Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Disney World’s latest ticket offer for Florida residents. They’re then joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull who shares some behind-the-scenes stories Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What’s significant about the dates that WDW’s latest ticket offer is available for Where is the control booth for DCA’s “Grizzly River Run” attraction located Why are Universal Orlando officials so interested in learning where people plan on starting their next Florida vacation Where was the NYC version of David Copperfield’s Magic Underground restaurant supposed to be located What happens when you make the Cast Members who drive the monorail nervous   Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 theme parks still stocking “Monsters University” merch, more than a decade after this Pixar film was first released to theaters Which hit Fox TV series from the 1990s is The Walt Disney Company reportedly considering reviving When do young girls supposedly age out of being fans of the Disney Princess franchise How soon after the first “Frozen” film first opened in theaters did the Oriental Land Company announce that it would be adding a land keying off of that Academy Award-winning animated feature to Tokyo DisneySea Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 different about the newly updated Tequila Experience at Epcot’s La Cava Where did hundreds of thousands of snow geese stop for a bite as they’re flying back to Canada When did the very first “Tomorrowland” -themed episode of  the “Disneyland” TV show air during the first season of this ABC series Which Disney animator handled the ID monster in MGM’s “Forbidden Planet” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 World” movie Why did the Imagineers insert all of those CG animals into “Soarin’ Around the World” What was originally supposed to transport Disneyland visitors from the Hub all the way to the very back of that theme park’s “World of Tomorrow” Where in World Celebration Gardens should you go if you want to do some people watching When did Disneyland’s Junior Autopia get renamed the Fantasyland Autopia Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Cruise Line – you should always take the GYT How close does the Ultidor system at the Magic Kingdom get to that theme park’s Tomorrowland Speedway What was the difference between the construction materials that were used to build Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park in Anaheim back in 1955 versus the materials that were used to build a second version of this iconic structure at Hong Kong Disneyland  Why did LegCo turn down the opportunity to have a “Star Tours” attraction added to Hong Kong Disneyland in the 2010s Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa What did the most recent earnings call reveal about attendance level & hotel room occupancy rates at the WDW Resort How will Disney, taking a $1.5 billion equity stake in Epic Games, potentially impact the Company’s rivals in the themed entertainment business Why would it have been a mistake to view the world premiere of “Illuminations” from the Norway pavilion back in late January 1988 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Helios Grand Hotel positioned the way it is, facing into Epic Universe Park How Universal Studios Hollywood plans to use the cars themselves that Guests will ride in on that theme park’s new “Fast & Furious” coaster to mitigate noise pollution in the surrounding community Where did WDW Entertainment come across the searchlights that then added a popular feature  to “A New World Fantasy” Why did Walt Disney Productions suddenly decide to buy the Gibson Greeting Card company in the Late Spring of 1984 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 de Lumiere” Why is the Magic Kingdom running its “Festival of Fantasy” parade twice daily on certain days during the month of February How is Disney+ potentially impacting the Company’s spending with it comes to Disney’s theme parks When it comes to Disney theme park rides, what’s the difference between on-board audio and attraction narration Should the Hatbox Ghost be counted as one of the 999 Happy Haunts that reside in Disney’s Haunted Mansion Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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’s different about the 2024 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival ending on May 27th When is it expected that Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion will re-open to the public later this year Which Disney Legend was effectively the person in charge of the House of the Future / oversaw its three updates Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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” be closing for its previously announced reimagining / retooling Which two restaurants in the southwest corner of WDW’s Magic Kingdom share a common kitchen When did Disneyland’s version of Space Mountain suddenly close with little or no notice to that theme park’s Cast or the general public What’s kind of concerning about the new floor plan for the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about spending New Year’s Eve aboard the Disney Wish. Then Jim Hill takes a look at WDI’s plans for a second gate at the Disneyland Resort Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: In which regions of Canada & the United States can you find candlepin bowl How did wait times at WDW’s theme parks in 2023 compare to wait times back in 2019 What special feature does the Rainforest Spa aboard the Disney Wish have that other ships in the DCL lack How would the World Showcase portion of Westcot differed from the original in Florida What powered California Screamin’s 0 – 55 MPH launch Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by sharing a survey about Epcot’s holiday decorations. They then take a close look at what it cost to have dinner at Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant back in 1977 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They also chat about a new survey that the Mouse just sent out which seeks specific information about where Guests spent their money while vacationing at the WDW Resort Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how WDW’s Entertainment team turned Jollywood Nights around. They then look at the 44 year-long career of the man who started as an hourly employee at Disneyland and eventually became the Chairman of Disney Parks worldwide Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show with a brief recap of the 2023 Gingersnap Challenge. Then they discuss Epcot’s new nighttime extravaganza, “LuminoUS: The Symphony of Us” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill offer up their opinions of the new holiday hard ticket that’s being presented on select nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They then talk about how Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures roadside attraction eventually grew into a full-sized Dino-Rama Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill starts off a solo edition of this podcast by discussing the changes that have recently been made to Jollywood Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. He also wraps up his “Disney Princesses in the Parks” series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison, who offers up her take on Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ new holiday hard ticket. They then continue their look at Disney Princesses in the Parks Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing which Disney songs will be featured in Epcot’s new nighttime show, “Luminous: The Symphony of Us.” They then also share some patents for new technologies that could be coming into the Disney Parks very soon Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what happened to Monorail Yellow at the WDW Resort last week. They also take a look at recent price hikes when it comes to Universal Orlando’s theme parks Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out about the use of QR codes at the restaurants in their theme parks. They then look back at when Walt Disney Productions celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1973. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by looking back on his recent VIP tour of the two theme parks at the Universal Orland Resort. Then Jim Hill talks about why Rolly Crump was one of Walt Disney’s favorite Imagineers Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that reveals what the Universal Orlando Resort has in the works to keep Guests coming in 2024 out ahead of Epic Universe opening in 2025. They then look back at what WDW Entertainment originally wanted to present as a nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by discussing the meal he recently had at EPCOT’s Shiki-Sai restaurant (which recently opened at the Japan pavilion in World Showcase. Then he & Jim Hill discuss the latest round of discounts which are now being offered for vacation packages to WDW & the Disneyland Resort Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a one-on-one survey that was recently done on “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” They also take a close look at the most recent round of hotel room discounts offered at Walt Disney World Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some thoughts on what that proposed $60 billion investment really means for Disney Parks, Experiences & Products. Jim Hill then shines a spotlight on the “Disney Rock’n Rockets” show Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing many of the upcoming projects for the Disney Parks that were recently revealed at Destination D23. FYI: They group these items from “Very Likely to Happen” to “Hey, Pal. You Should Live So Long” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what the Disney Cruise Line recently revealed about the Treasure’s features. Mr. Testa also offers up his take on the “Journey of Water: Inspired by Moana” walk-thru at Epcot Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing whether Disney’s Animal Kingdom may be reviving its nighttime offerings. They then share some surveys coming out of Florida which suggest that the Resort is rethinking how it showcases its Food & Beverage opportunities online Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

im Shull returns to discuss how WDI justifies tearing down entire parts of parks (EX: The Streets of America at DHS) to then build brand-new lands like “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” He also shares with Len & Jim how WDW’s drainage canal system was altered to make way for the Feature Animation – Florida building Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa start off this week’s show by sharing Christina Harrison’s experiences at the first two presentations of this year’s trick-or-treat hard ticket event at WDW. Then Jim Hill finishes his series about the Spain pavilion which was almost built at Epcot. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa returns from his European vacation with tales of his time aboard the Disney Wish. Then he & Jim Hill review the news highlights coming out of The Walt Disney Company’s most recent quarterly earnings call. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when Len Testa goes on vacation? You bring in a genuine Disney Legend to discuss topics that range from "Once Upon a Studio" (i.e., that soon-to-be-released Disney100 short) to Epcot's Spain pavilion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back longtime Imagineer Jim Shull, who then talks about the many years he spent working on both Toy Story Land & the Toy Story Hotel for the Shanghai Disneyland Resort Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the new DreamWorks-themed land that was just announced for Universal Studios Florida. They then take a look at the Lightning-Lane-to-Stand-By ratio which TouringPlans just noted for WDW’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Bob Iger’s contract extension at The Walt Disney Company through December of 2026. They also take a look at the Florida version of “Toy Story Midway Mania” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by discussing how Guests using WDW’s DAS may be impacting Lighting Lane. Jim Hill then talks about the challenges that the Imagineers faced during the construction phase of “Toy Story Midway Mania” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the per-park pricing that went into effect at WDW for Genie+. They then wrap up their look back at the Walt Disney World Speedway Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off of this week’s episode by sharing some listener questions. They then talk about how Mr. Eisner’s trip to Indiana in May of 1985 led to an ambitious project being built in the parking lot for WDW’s Magic Kingdom. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the jump in attendance levels that Universal’s two Florida parks have recently experienced. They also look back at the Summer of 1983 and how Walt Disney Productions celebrated its 60th anniversary. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about a survey that the Universal Orlando Resort just sent out to recent Guests. Jim Hill also concludes his look back at the development of the Disneyland Hotel Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Len Testa explores the State of Maine, Jim Hill discusses the recent closure of Disneyland’s version of Splash Mountain. He also continues his look back at the expansion of the Disneyland Hotel in the 1960s & 1970s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about all of the annual passholder discounts & exclusives that will be available at WDW through the end of June. They also discuss how the Disney Parks has begun setting the stage for “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a super-sized episode, Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss all of this past week’s breaking news coming out of Florida. They also take a look at when Disneyland tried to get an Indiana Jones-inspired “Jedi Training Academy” -like experience up & running in Anaheim. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episodes by reviewing the changes Walt Disney World has in the works for 2024. They then look back at that short-lived Disneyland show which replaced the Tahitian Terrace Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the new trip planning service that the Mouse is making available to DVC members. They also look back at what happened when the air conditioning for every attraction but one broke down at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the lawsuit The Walt Disney Company just filed against Florida governor Ron DeSantis. They also discuss what happened with the dragon prop featured in Disneyland’s “Fantasmic! . Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the Fort Wilderness Cabins will soon be getting a facelift. They also share the latest news in regard to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District debacle. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the new “Star Tours” ride film that will reportedly debut at the Disney Parks in 2015. They also discuss the latest State-of-Florida / Reedy Creek developments  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing what’s been going on with Reedy Creek over the past few weeks. They then look back at when DHS had game show-based attractions like “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It!” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a very interesting survey that just got sent out to WDW annual passholders. They then look back at what influence the look & the layout of the Casting Center that Robert A.M. Stern designed for Disney World back in the late 1980s Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about their recent behind-the-scenes adventures out in Southern California. Then Chrissy Harrison reports in from the very first day that Roundup Rodeo BBQ is open to the public at DHS’ Toy Story Land Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill welcomes guest host Jim Shull to a special edition of Disney Dish. Where these two then take listeners behind-the-scenes at two classic theme park attractions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by celebrating the 10th anniversary of the launch of the “Disney Dish” podcast. They then talk about the Tokyo Disneyland import that eventually led to the creation of Disney Princess Fairytale Hall Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the After Hours events that have just been announced for Epcot & Typhoon Lagoon. They also offer up some opinions on where the very best places at the WDW Resort are when it comes to outdoor dining Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special solo edition of Disney Dish, Jim Hill shares a survey about Disneyland’s new nighttime show, “Wonderous Journeys.” He also answers listener mail about an Abraham Lincoln attraction that was once proposed for Frontierland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing what he knows about the State of Florida’s upcoming overhaul of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Then Jim Hill looks back at when Walt & Roy O. Disney brawled over WED Enterprises Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa reports in from his experience at the Cast Member Preview for Tomorrowland’s newest addition. Then Jim Hill talks about how KUKA arms went from being a tool used on industrial assembly lines to theme park attractions Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a Disneyland guest opinion poll from April of 1960. They also look back at when the Happiest Place on Earth used to be closed on Mondays & Tuesdays during the off-season Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome two guests to this week’s show: Christina Harrison from TouringPlans.com (who talks about the food items that can be found at the 2023 edition of Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts) & Bethanee Bemis (museum specialist at the Smithsonian Museum of American History) Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the dates for the 2023 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. They also discuss a new set of surveys which suggest that Disney officials are getting increasingly concerned about how many of the Company’s formerly loyal customers seem to have soured on the Mouse. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the two projects that Universal just announced. They also discuss what can now be heard as one wanders through Epcot’s Morocco pavilion Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show talking about the modified dining plan that WDW is offering Guests who book rooms between June 25th & September 14th. They then shared what they’ve learned about those “Disney After Hours” hard ticket events being held at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the return of the Walt Disney World Railroad after a four year-long rehab. They also talk about when “Super Nintendo World” will be opening at Universal Studios Hollywood in the coming year  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill take a close look at all of the people & stories that helped shape the past year in theme parks & entertainment. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the Universal Creative vets who recently opted to take early retirement packages. They also talk about the various Disneyland second gate plans WDI cooked up before finally settling on DCA. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the new “Villain Con: Minion Blast” attraction that just got officially announced for Universal Studios Florida. They also take a look back at the mid-1980s when The Walt Disney Company decided to start acquiring hotels in Orange County, CA Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a recent survey where WDW visitors were asked to share their opinions of Disney’s Riviera Resort. Jim Hill then looks back at Walt Disney World’s “100 Years of Magic” celebration Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by revealing which Epcot attractions have already received their seasonal overlays. Jim Hill then finishes up his history of McDonald’s relationship with the Walt Disney Company Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

en Testa & Jim Hill share everything that they’ve been told by Mouse House insiders about Bob Iger’s return. Likewise how long Chapek’s dismissal has actually been in the works Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a trip-planning surveythat Disney Visa recently sent out. They then continue their look at Disney Corporate’s decades-long relationship with the McDonald’s restaurant chain Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by paying tribute to the late Disney Legend, Alice Estes Davis. They then talk about Villains Lair, the new fireworks dessert party being offered at the Top of the World lounge at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey which suggests that WDW officials are getting increasingly concerned about the Universal Orlando Resort. They then take a look at when the Disney Vacation Club began concentrating its expansion plans around Seven Seas Lagoon. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the entertainment line-up for this year’s International Festival of the Holidays. They also look back at what led up to the ill-fated 1999 update of Future World’s “Journey into Imagination” pavilion. Show notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing that the recently re-opened Monsieur Paul now has a dress code. They also talk about how Walt Disney World will soon begin cutting back on character greetings across property Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the price increases that were just announced for the Disneyland and WDW Resorts. They then continue their look at the controversial “Journey into Imagination” redo that went live in October of 1999 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the entertainment line-up for this year’s International Festival of the Holidays. They also look back at what led up to the ill-fated 1999 update of Future World’s “Journey into Imagination” pavilion. Show Notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show with a brief recap of their recent “Disney Dish on the Disney Wish” event. They then take a look at the dark rides that the Imagineers were originally development for WDW’s Magic Kingdom back in the late 1960s Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a show that suddenly became far more newsworthy than they’d initially intended, Len Testa and Jim Hill talk about how the WDW Cast readies that Resort when a tropical storm is bearing down on Central Florida. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this Journey of Water and Blue Sweek’s show by talking about why the opening of TRON Lightcycle Run has been pushed ‘til the Spring of 2023. They also discuss the Blue Sky Projects that were talked about at the Parks presentation at this year’s D23 Expo Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what may turn out to be Universal Orlando’s next big promotional campaign. They then look back at how Michael Eisner started adding celebrities to Disney theme park attractions in the mid-to-late 1980s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by musing on when performances of “Fantasmic!” may begin at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They then look back at the Fall of 1995. Which is when Magic Kingdom managers snookered Michael Ovitz, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company. Show notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing some long-needed changes that were recently made to Disney’s park reservation system. They also take a look back at the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant at Disneyland Park show notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill welcomes Chrissy Harrison from TouringPlans.com. Who then shares her impressions of the latest booths to open at Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival as well as the 2022 edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the most recent Disney earnings call. They then wrap up their series about WDW’s Millennium Celebration. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

en Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that reveals Universal Orlando’s keen interest in people’s most recent trips to WDW. They then take a look back at Epcot’s Millennium Celebration Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill welcome Mrs. Shannon Ford, who talks about her experience aboard the Disney Wish. They then discuss what’s happening with Disney’s “Hercules,” which may be the Company’s next animated feature to be headed to Broadway Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back Christina Harrison from Touring Plans, who talks about the 2022 edition of the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. They then share Josh Gad’s memories of working on “Frozen Ever After” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by revealing which three WDW restaurants will begin offering character dining again. They then talk about why Epcot’s “SeaVenture” attraction got its name changed to “Maelstrom” Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Banks Lee joins Jim Hill on a special edition of the Disney Dish. As they look at how Cypress Gardens (which was a favorite Central Florida attraction of Roy O. & Edna Disney) spent the past 10 years transforming into the 5th LEGO Park in the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Bob Chapek’s contract being extended by Disney’s Board of Directors. They talk about where the Brightline Train Service may be stopping in the Orlando area now that a station at Disney Springs is no longer in the cards Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some surveys that Guests who stayed at WDW’s monorail resorts recently received. They also talk about Michael Eisner’s 1985 trip to the Chautauqua Institute inspired him to start offering education-based vacation experiences to WDW visitors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christina Harrison reports on her recent stay at Disney’s resort & spa on Oahu. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of the House of the Future at Disneyland Park Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a fairly blunt survey that the WDW Resort recently sent out about Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. Then Jim Hill talks about how – once upon a time – Pioneer Hall was supposed to have been the very first part of Florida’s Frontier Town project Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

en Testa & Jim Hill welcome Arthur Levine from About Theme Parks, who then talks about his new Substack project. These three then talk about an intriguing bit of construction that’s now underway at WDW’s Blizzard Beach water park Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing some tips about how to score an ILL for “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.” They also answer some listeners' mail related to DVC members still being unable to purchase annual passes to the Disney Parks Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing yet another survey. This one revealing that WDW officials have grown very concerned about visitors to Florida preferring Universal Express to Genie, Genie+ & Lightning Lane Show notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a recent survey that the Universal Orlando Resort sent out to Harry Potter fans. Jim then continues his look back at “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” and how that film series made its way into the Disney Parks. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back Christina Harrison, who talks about the surprisingly tasty gluten-free offerings that can be found around WDW property. Jim then starts a new series about Disney’s science-based gimmick comedies of the 1960s & 1970s that led to the “Honey, I Shrunk” attractions in the Parks Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing a recent survey the Universal Orlando Resort sent out about an after-hours Mardi Gras hard ticket event they’re considering holding in the Parks. They then discuss the various legal reasons The Walt Disney Company is supremely confident they’ll prevail in court next year. Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some restaurant-related news that pertains to WDW’s monorail resorts. Jim Hill then continues his look back at the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the new technology that will soon be powering image capture at WDW’s meet-n-greets. They also continue their look back at the formation of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing WDW’s latest set of surveys (which -- this time -- touch on annual passholders). They then talk about Walt’s first meeting with Florida officials & local business leaders back in November of 1965 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing a survey that the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out which reveals possible pricing structures that are being considered for its opening-in-2025 Epic Universe theme park. They also reveal which WDW attractions have -- on average -- the most downtime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how WDW’s theme parks will be adjusting their operating hours over the rest of Spring Break. They also reveal that Mouse House managers still seem very concerned with how Disney World’s 50th-anniversary celebration is being perceived  Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison from TouringPlans. Who -- having just returned from Epcot -- gives them the full run-down of what not to miss at this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about “Festival of Fantasy” ‘s return to WDW’s Magic Kingdom. They also talk about the challenge that the Imagineers faced when they decided to add a water coaster to Typhoon Lagoon Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Christina Harrison have just disembarked from the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” In a special edition of Disney Dish, these two share with Jim Hill their fresh-off-the-boat impressions of this immersive experience Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about what Disney’s new Chief Corporate Affairs Officer may have just revealed about “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.” They then reminisce about how the 2012 Leap Year was celebrated at WDW’s Magic Kingdom as well as at Disneyland Park in California Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing whether Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is getting ready to re-open. They also share a recent “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” survey that suggests that WDW execs are growing increasingly concerned about this soon-to-open Resort  Show notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing the Disney Parks news that came out of the Company’s most recent earnings call. They then continue their look at what CommuniCore was like when EPCOT Center first opened back in October of 1982 Show notes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back Chrissy Harrison from TouringPlans, who offers up her take on what foodies should definitely seek out at the 2022 edition of Festival of the Arts. They then talk about how Imagineer George Rester designed EPCOT’s CommuniCore section Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts things off by sharing a survey that wouldn’t allow WDW visitors to say that they didn’t use all of the benefits of staying onsite at that Resort. Jim Hill then looks back at EPCOT Center in the months just prior to the opening of Disney World’s second theme park Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill share a recent WDW survey that asks would-be Orlando visitors what it’s going to take for them to fully commit to booking a vacation package to that Resort in the near future. They also conclude their look at the development of “The Iron Man Experience” at Hong Kong Disneyland Show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing what they’ve heard about when “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” might open at Epcot. They then talk about the very first Disney theme park attraction to be built around a Marvel Superhero Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome special guest Becky Gandillon. This data storyteller then explains which Genie+ reservations will save Guests the most time in line at all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some off-site suggestions where WDW visitors can stay if they’re looking to vacation with multiple family members. Jim Hill then talks about why Disney’s Board of Directors was initially reluctant to fund the construction of Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Show Notes here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In their last podcast for 2021, Len Testa & Jim Hill revealed which WDW water park will be opening on January 2nd. They also look back at the colorful career of Paul Castle, who was Disneyland’s “Main Mouse” from 1961 - 1986 Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing several surprising surveys. They then talk about how Disneyland Cast Members got a flood-damaged “it’s a small world holiday” up & running earlier this month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome two guests: Kevin Perjurer of Defunctland and Christina Harrison from TouringPlans.com. They talk about the role that Nixon’s National Security Advisor played in the creation of Epcot-the-theme-park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the recent changes that have been made at WDI & to Disney’s Board of Directors. These two also answer their last batch of listener mail. Show Notes: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how Walt Disney World paused sales of three different annual passes for that Resort’s theme parks. They also look back at “100 Years of Magic” & the four parades that were created for this 15-month-long celebration. This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim start off this week’s show by revealing where the 2022 Disney Dish Live event will be held. They then answer listener mail that touches on issues like Easter Eggs that can be spotted in the “Mission: SPACE” ride film & how one might get a 3D printed kidney & bladder by WDW Security Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Flip & Mozi’s Guide to How to be an Earthling, the intergalactic musical podcast that brings conservation into the conversation for kids and their grown-ups. From the creators of the #1 Kids and Family podcast, Wow in the World, in collaboration with Grammy-nominated, The Pop Ups, each audio animated, humor-filled episode inspires a sense of environmental stewardship, both for the Earth and all of its animal earthlings. Visit flipandmozi.com for more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering listener mail. They then talk about how the success of Disney’s Boardwalk led to the Company’s decision to build vacation villas next to Wilderness Lodge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Drew Taylor of “Light the Fuse.” These three then answer listener mail and discuss how the characters from Disney’s “Lone Ranger” movies almost became fixtures in Frontierland Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing his experience of what it was like to use Disney Genie while visiting the Studios at WDW. Jim Hill then talks about the early Tomorrowland attraction that was the predecessor for Epcot’s “Space 220” restaurant  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering some questions from Disney Dish listeners. They then look back at the creation of that WDW favorite, the Electrical Water Pageant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Melon’s House Party! Did you know that the objects in your house sing and speak all day long? They just do so in a key only dogs can hear. Enter, Melon, an eight pound dog with a thousand pound heart who is the key to a world right under our noses! She lives in a world full of friends; an always singing record player, a soulless computer, her bookshelf therapist and many more. But her best friend in the world is Couch. No musical adventure is too big for Melon and Couch as long as they can figure out a way to do it together. As Melon learns about herself and the world around her, she shows us how to appreciate the little things in life and the importance of friendship and family. This is just a preview of Melon’s House Party but you can listen to the rest of the episode now at https://wondery.com/shows/melons-house-party/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the return of live entertainment to WDW’s theme parks. They then share some of the more entertaining anecdotes from the Orlando Sentinel’s unofficial WDW history book, “Disney World at 50” Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill welcomes Christina Harrison as the special guest host of this week’s episode. They discuss which foods & activities WDW visitors should seek out during that Resort’s 50th-anniversary celebration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing... Who, When, Wow! A new Tinkercast original podcast from the creators of the #1 kids & family podcast, Wow in the World. Join host Rebecca Sheir on auditory journeys into the lives of history's unsung heroes and amazing humans who make us say "WOW!" This is just a preview of Who, When, Wow! But you can listen to the full episode at https://wondery.com/shows/who-when-wow/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa recalls what it was like to be inside of the Magic Kingdom on the day that Disney World officially kicked off its 50th-anniversary celebration. Jim Hill then talks about how “HarmonioUS” exemplifies the Company’s new take on Epcot Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Christina Harrison, who reports on what “Rise of the Resistance” was like on its very first day as a virtue-queue-less attraction. They then ponder what could happen if another division of Disney decides to go The-Children’s-Place route Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by sharing a survey that the Disneyland Resort sent out to Oogie Boogie Bash event attendees. They then look back at September of 1971 and the final frantic days of WDW construction. Show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering a metric ton of listener mail. They then wrap their look back at the development of the Haunted Mansion attraction for the Disney Parks. Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Christina Harrison report on World Showcase’s newest attraction, “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.” Then Jim Hill continues his series on the development of the Haunted Mansion attraction for the Disney Parks Show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by digging through a pile of listener mail related to recent changes at the WDW Resort. Jim then continues his history of the development of The Haunted Mansion attraction Show notes here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Mouse House management is frustrated with the narrative that’s now out there about Disney Parks & Resorts. They then continue their new series on the decade-long development of The Haunted Mansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering listener mail & then sharing some recent surveys from the WDW Resort. Jim then continues his history of The Haunted Mansion and talks about the original walk-thru version of this attraction that Disney Legend Ken Anderson developed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss the news of the week, including Disneyland’s new Magic Key program and the sample package rates that were recently revealed for “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser.” They then begin a new series on the development of Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction. Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Disney World’s new policies regarding mask use at the Parks. They then look back at why the Imagineers spent 18 months & $25 million to dredge a channel at Castaway Cay This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome special guest Christina Harrison, who talks up where to find the very best eats -- and the strongest air conditioning -- at the 2021 edition of Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa amd Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the “Disney Very Merry After Hours Special Event” at WDW’s Magic Kingdom. They also look back at October 31, 1994, and KIIS 102.7 FM’s infamous promotional event at Disneyland Park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about which WDW Resorts will be re-opening over the next three months. They also look back at the horticultural challenges that Disneyland Park faced less than 10 days from its grand opening back in July of 1955 Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this episode by discussing WDW’s decision to reportedly make Evening Extra Magic Hours a Deluxe Resorts & DVC Member exclusive. They also conclude their look at the history of “Toy Story Midway Mania!” Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by listing the nighttime shows which will soon be returning to the WDW Resort. They then look back at many of the concepts for Mickey Mouse-based rides, shows & attractions that never quite made it off of WDI’s drawing board Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering all sorts of listener questions. They then talk about how the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park almost encircled a Mickey & Minnie Mouse-themed island, rather than Tom Sawyer Island Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by planning out the perfect progressive dinner for fans of WDW’s monorail resorts. He & Jim Hill then reveal when they each believe Disney World’s golden age occurred  Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how WDW Resort Guests will have the inside track when it comes to scoring tickets for “Disney After Hours Boo Bash.” They then talk about how Disneyland’s “Rocket to the Moon” ride became a “Mission to Mars” Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Universal’s decision to raise the starting wage for new Team Members to $15-an-hour says about the tightening Orlando labor market. They then share stories about how miserable service on Disney’s Magic Express has reportedly gotten. Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode about the DVC-related change that’s coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in 2022. They then finish their look at Davy Crockett & Zorro in the Disney Parks Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagined Life Family immerses you in the surprising moments and challenges that shaped someone’s life before they became successful-- but there’s a catch. You won’t find out who you are until the end of the episode unless you follow the clues along the way! In this episode, you long to go to Africa and have adventures like Tarzan. But everyone tells you girls aren’t supposed to do things like that. You’ll just have to prove them wrong. Take a journey with Imagined Life Family and see the world through someone else’s eyes.  Listen at http://wondery.fm/ILF_DisneyDish Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the news that came out of the most recent Disney quarterly earnings call. Then Jim Hill reveals why the founder of the American Broadcasting Company didn’t think that Roy & Walt were very good businessmen. Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by comparing WDW’s Boo Bash Disney After Hours event to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They then continue their look back at Fess Parker’s time at Walt Disney Studios. Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing some of the bars & the restaurants that just got revealed for the Disney Wish. They then discuss the huge part that Davy Crockett played in the first year or so of Disneyland Park’s operation This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Disney’s decision to update its guidance when it comes to Cast Member grooming & appearance will impact the rest of the hospitality industry. They then look back at how the Farmers Market at EPCOT Center’s The Land paved the way for food courts at WDW Resorts. This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So what happens when Len Testa & Jim Hill each record their contributions to a Disney Dish episode separately? You’re about to find. Special thanks to editor extraordinaire Aaron Adams who stitched this show together. Check out the Show Notes for this episode here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how the Anaheim version of the Avengers Campus is supposed to be opening at DCA on June 4th. They then discuss why the Imagineers opted to transform the Papeete Bay Verandah at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort into ‘Ohana. This episode's Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about how the “HarmonioUS” barges haven’t exactly improved the view WDW visitors have as they look out on World Showcase Lagoon. Jim Hill then completes his five-part history of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the Disneyland Resort is actively getting ready to re-open its theme parks. They also talk about how facial recognition technology may play a role in the next generation of rides, shows & attractions that WDI is developing for Disney Parks. Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Disneyland’s announced April 30th re-opening. Jim then continues his series on the development of the Tower of Terror attraction. Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As of today, this formerly-Bandcamp-Exclusive show can now be heard by everyone. Check out what the Imagineers were originally thinking of as they tried to create an Audio Animatronic extravaganza that could then be presented inside of Epcot’s United States pavilion. Cast Listing: Narrator … Barry Silverman Ben Franklin … David Chatel Young Ben Franklin … Peyton Clarkson Mary Twain … Jerry Powell Pilgrim Father / Town Crier … Dennis Gould Susan B. Anthony … Wilma Haupt Will Rogers … Aaron Adams Tech Credits: Audio Engineer … Denny Gould Executive Producer … Aaron Adams Producer … Len Testa Special thanks to Jessica Nolan of ASCAP for setting up all of the musical licenses for this presentation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the challenges the Disneyland Resort faces as it readies for re-opening. They then talk about why the Imagineers couldn’t decide where to build a Freefall-inspired attraction at Euro Disneyland. This episode's Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing a survey that shows that the WDW Resort may be rethinking how it handles attraction photos. They then discuss how a thrill ride at Magic Mountain inspired the Imagineers to develop an ambitious addition for EDL’s Frontierland area. This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about when the Walt Disney College Program should resume operations. They also look back at when the Disney Cruise Line first began to expand its fleet. This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the new mobile checkout feature at Epcot’s Mouse Gear store. They then talk about how the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” puppet-based show led to the Magic Kingdom’s “Legend of the Lion King.” This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Epcot’s revamped & repositioned “Leave a Legacy” display. They then complete their look at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort This episode's shownotes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by answering listeners' questions. Then Jim continues his history of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort by talking about Fantasy Island, Frontier Village, and the Magic Kingdom Suites hotel. Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Seth Kubersky, author of the “Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2021.” These three then discuss the latest theme park-related news coming out of Orlando, Anaheim & Osaka. Shownotes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Disneyland Resort’s decision to cancel its annual passholder program. They then look back at when the Imagineers proposed building “Disney by the Sea” in Brevard County back in the early 1970s. This episode's shownotes are located here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about WDW’s decision to shut down the Magical Express as well as “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.” Jim then reveals Disney’s long-range plans for Epcot’s “Person of the Century” poll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why WDW may be suggesting that Resort Guests use their own cars to get over to the theme parks. Then they look back on the origins of the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show Show notes are available here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how parking the HarmonioUS barges out in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon is actually a return to the way Disneyland Park used to do things back in the 1960s & the 1970s. They then discuss the Company’s post-pandemic plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what sort of discounts the Walt Disney World Resort will be rolling out in 2021 in order to entice more people into traveling down to Orlando. Then Jim looks back at when a key member of the Fab Four stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in December of 1974 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about why WDW’s Coronado Springs Resort may have changed the name of its Pepper Market food court. Then Jim Hill talks about how Southern Californians seeming to lose interest in Disneyland’s “Bear Country” area led to the creation of “The Country Bear Christmas Special” Shownotes here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len talks about how the Spice Road Table restaurant at World Showcase’s Morocco pavilion may soon see a menu change. Then Jim Hill shares the tale of the Southern Californian family which provided Disneyland Park with its Christmas Trees for nearly two decades Shownotes here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wondery’s newest podcast, Little Stories Everywhere, is the perfect immersive experience to share by the fireplace with loved ones this holiday season.  Each episode will be the reading of a children’s classic - some of the most magical stories ever told, now reimagined with enchanting sound design for families to enjoy together or adults to enjoy on their own.  Little Stories Everywhere is out now, premiering with A Merry Christmas, a collection of holiday tales by Louisa May Alcott that truly embody the holiday spirit, no matter what you celebrate.  Listen today at http://wondery.fm/disneydish_LSE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by describing WDW’s new character caravan, which is now making regular stops at several on-property hotels. They then look back at how Disneyland Entertainment director Tommy Walker made that theme park’s earlier holiday celebrations look bigger & grander than they actually were Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by looking back on the career of Joe Rohde, who recently announced that he will be retiring from Walt Disney Imagineering in January. Jim then concluded his series on the renaming / rebranding of Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a real Thanksgiving dinner conversation starter, the Cube Rule of Food. Jim Hill then continues his series about the development of the Port Orleans & Dixie Landings Resort for the WDW Resort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why WDW officials have decided to hold off opening “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” at Epcot ‘til the first quarter of 2021. They then share a recent survey that throws a spotlight on what the WDW Resort is considering offering to lure Guests back down to Central Florida once a coronavirus vaccine is readily available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa shares news about how the Disney Cruise Line must first go through simulated cruises where the boats remain tied up to the dock before the CDC will then clear them for sailings. Then Jim Hill talks about how Dick Nunis once wanted to use the Empress Lilly as the jumping-off point for a Southern-themed expansion of the Walt Disney World Village at Lake Buena Vista Ep 295 Shownotes here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a survey Six Flags recently sent out, which shines a spotlight on the grim reality that the entire theme park industry is facing right now. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of River Country, WDW’s first water park. Disney Dish Ep 294 shownotes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this episode by talking about the problems he has with Governor Newsom’s guidelines for the re-opening of California’s theme parks. Jim Hill then looks back on why it took Epcot’s “Wonders of Life” 12 years to move from its initial design phase in 1977 to when this Future World pavilion officially opens its doors back in October of 1989. Shownotes: https://tinyurl.com/y4tuj9kp Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin’s decision to switch over from WDW’s bus system to Mears. Then they welcome their special guest, Smithsonian museum specialist Bethanee Bemis, who talks about Disney theme parks and the American Experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts out this week’s show with an enthusiastic review of Foxx Nolte’s “Boundless Realm” book, which takes its readers behind-the-scenes at the Haunted Mansion. Then Jim Hill concludes his Disney Princesses in the Parks series by talking about how WDW’s New Fantasyland project changed course in mid-construction Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the recent round of layoffs at Disney Parks & Resorts. Jim then explains how Tom Staggs swapping jobs with Jay Rasulo impacted WDI’s original expansion plans for Fantasyland at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show with an update on the walkway being constructed between Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and WDW’s Magic Kingdom. Jim Hill then talks about why the Imagineer were initially reluctant to embrace the Disney Princess brand  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by answering a listener question about those “Oseola Class” sidewheelers that used to cruise around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. They then discuss the role draining the Rivers of America back in the Fall of 1972 played in the construction of WDW’s version of Tom Sawyer Island. Vintage photos are available on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFYa1Hyj1OO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how COVID-19 is forcing The Walt Disney World Resort to deck its halls a little differently in 2020. They then discuss why it took WDAS 30 years after “Sleeping Beauty” was first released to theaters to make another Disney Princess movie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the significance of WDW’s decision to shutter the Polynesian Village Resort until the Spring of 2021. They then check out a selection of 50-year-old slides that a Disney Dish listener was kind enough to share with the show. If you'd like to see those images of 1960s Disneyland that Len & Jim are discussing on this week's Disney Dish, please follow this link: http://superfluffybunny.com/disney-dish-photo-essay-feature/1.jpg (Change the 1 to 2, 2 to 3, etc, to see the whole set.) Please note that there is a 13a and a 16 They are also on Instagram in these 3 posts: (swipe left to see all of the pics) https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2k4CGDXZr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2q9Lyj5yM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CE2sYGHDiLI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing some cost savings tips when it comes to staying on WDW property. Then they offer up the long-awaited conclusion to a feature piece about the construction of Kali River Rapids at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about changes The Walt Disney World has recently made to accommodate more annual passholders at its theme parks. Then Jim wraps up his tale of why “Rivers of Light” went up the creek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill share what they’ve learned from a round of surveys that Central Florida’s biggest resorts recently sent out. Then Jim talks about how Disney’s Animal Kingdom tried to solve its everyone-leaves-this-theme-park-by-1-p.m. problem  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using his keen deductive skills, Len Testa reveals what year the first scene of “Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress” is actually set in. Then Jim Hill looks back at the circumstances that forced Walt Disney Productions to go from being a privately owned to a publicly held company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa recounts his recent walk-throughs of The Magic Kingdom & Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the WDW Resort continues to tweak its coronavirus-related procedures. Then Jim Hill talks about how Paul Comstock found all of the full-sized trees he needed in order to make Anaheim’s Downtown Disney look like a lush garden district ***Jim had the wrong input selected while recording, so he sounds a bit strange in this episode.. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about how The Walt Disney Company is still struggling when it comes to the proper way to compensate annual passholders & DVC members for coronavirus-related disruptions-in-service. Then Jim Hill looks back at what it took to change the Disneyland Hotel’s Vacationland Recreational Vehicle Park into the Mickey & Friends Parking Structure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa talks about what’s changed at the recently re-opened Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Then Jim Hill shares how the Disneyland Resort got ready for DCA’s grand opening in January of 2001 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa describes what was done to this theme park -- post-COVID-19 outbreak -- to get it ready for the return of Guests. Jim Hill then looks at Disney’s America and some of the innovative rides, shows & attractions that were planned for this proposed history park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the Walt Disney World Resort is getting ready for the NBA. Jim then reveals how the recent redo of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean Ride” opened the door for retheming “Splash Mountain” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa recounts his visit to the recently re-opened Disney Vacation Club properties that are located around WDW’s Seven Seas Lagoon. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this episode by talking about some of the hiccups WDW’s new Park Pass reservation system experienced during its first morning of operation. Jim Hill talks about ESPN’s report -- keying off of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Florida -- which has some NBA players saying that they’re reluctant to begin training in Orlando Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about his first visit to Universal Studios Florida since that theme park began practicing social distancing. Then Jim Hill looks back at when a successful Frontierland restaurant resulted in Quaker Oats being on the wrong side of the Civil Rights movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill share late-breaking news coming out of Orlando. Including how Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has been canceled for all of 2020 and how Epcot is getting a super-sized version of its International Food & Wine Festival this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by drilling down into a new annual passholder survey, as Disney World tries to get a handle on what Guests expectations are out ahead of next month’s re-opening of that Resort. Then Jim Hill talks about how changing “Splash Mountain” over to a “Princess & the Frog” theme would be a lot tougher than it looks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing a survey that the Disneyland Resort recently sent out seeking input regarding when it seemed right to re-open the Company’s theme parks in Southern California. Then Jim shines a spotlight on how -- back in the 1960s & 1970s -- Disneyland used to turn a blind eye when it came to in-park weddings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing Disney World’s recently-announced plans to re-open its theme parks in July. Jim then goes on to reveal the hidden history of Epcot’s Millennium Icon Tower AKA the Mickey arm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special Disney Dish minisode Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss WDW's decision to cancel all FastPasses dining reservations & dining plans out ahead of the Resort's mid-June re-opening Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some listener suggestions when it comes to keeping costs down when vacationing at the WDW Resort. Then Jim Hill looks back at some of the seasonal events that Disneyland staged back in the mid-to-late 1980s to get Southern Californians to visit that theme park during the slower times of year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing some patents that are sure to impact Guests’ experiences at WDW’s still-under-construction “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” resort. Then Jim Hill looks back at all of the shows that have been presented at the “Monster Sound Show” theater over the past 30+ years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how the phased re-opening of Shanghai Disneyland might impact the Company’s stateside parks. Jim then reveals how Mr. Toad -- a character that Walt didn’t much like -- got his own ride at Disneyland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill answer listener questions about the challenges that the WDW Resort faces as execs there search for ways to safely reopen those theme parks. They then look back at how “The Wind in the Willows” (a book that Walt himself said was “… awful corny”) wound up being animated by Disney Studios Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by reviewing some of the safety policies & procedures that Disney & Universal may employ as they begin to re-open their theme parks. They then look back at the Summer of 2002. Which is when EPCOT’s Norway pavilion received a royal makeover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week by talking about which of the Bobs is really in charge of the Mouse House these days. Then they discuss how DCA’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror got transformed into “Guardians of the Galaxy -- Mission: BREAKOUT !” in just 5 months Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing a survey that was recently sent out to Disney Vacation Club members. Then Jim Hill looks back at the Fall of 1997 and the role that the “Jurassic Park” franchise played in Disney’s decision to change out three attractions at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the 26.3 acres of land that Disney just bought to the west of WDW’s Magic Kingdom. They then go on to discuss how the construction of Innoventions impacted Future World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by offering an update on the impact COVID-19 has had on Disney Parks & Resorts. Jim then shares a story about the “Carousel of Progress / Horizons” hybrid that the Imagineers once pitched to General Electric Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing what they’ve learned about COVID-19’s impact on the themed entertainment industry. Then Jim talks about how Kermit & Co. continue to be crowded out by other Disney-owned properties like Pixar, Marvel & Lucasfilm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk about the impact that COVID19 has been having on the Disney Parks (Editor’s note: This was before Disney Parks announced on the evening of March 12th that they’d be closing all of their theme parks in the United States & France). Then Jim takes a look at how WDW’s Typhoon Lagoon wound up with a water coaster Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by reviewing some of the food offerings found at this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot. Then Jim Hill talks about how Disney’s earlier trackless attractions influenced the design of “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by reviewing many of the menu offerings at the Regal Eagle Smokehouse, which recently opened at Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion. Then Jim Hill looks back at the career of Disney CEO Bob Iger. More importantly, how Iger has been trying to exit the Mouse House since 2016. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about how all of the construction that’s been going on towards the front of Future World has been negatively impacting Epcot’s “The Seas with Nemo & Friends” pavilion. Then Jim Hill does a deep dive on the development of “Ratatouille: L’Adventure” for Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about the very best way to plan out your FastPasses while visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Jim Hill then talks about why Epcot’s Liberty Inn was recently transformed into the Regal Eagle Smokehouse  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by reviewing some of the patents that The Walt Disney Company has recently filed (Including one or two that soon may be in use as part of the Avenger Campus). Then Jim talks about Michael Eisner’s decade-long effort to get a Chautauqua-inspired resort built at Walt Disney World. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the Imagineers are using survey results to help them determine how scary Epcot’s “Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind” ride should be. They then review some of the more short-lived rides, shows & attraction at the Disney theme parks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about the FastPass-related changes that will be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting on February 19th. Then Jim Hill looks back at the history of what was once considered the gateway to Future World, Epcot’s Communicore / Innoventions area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing his thoughts about “Awesome Planet,” “Canada: Far and Wide” as well as the “Beauty & the Beast Sing-along.” Jim Hill then talks about the carousel theater show that was originally supposed to be the centerpiece attraction at World Showcase’s Japan pavilion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts out this week’s show by revealing how Disney World is using an upcoming Free Dining promotion to deliberately steer people away from visiting that Resort over the long Fourth of July Weekend. Then Jim Hill talks about the Imagineers kept circling back on a certain set of ideas when it came to Epcot’s long-in-development Space pavilion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some surveys that Disney Dish listeners have recently received. Then Jim Hill looks ahead to the coming year and talks about what 2020 will bring to the Disney Parks & Resorts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by revealing how TouringPlans actually cracked Priceline’s code when it came to unnamed WDW resorts. Then Jim Hill talks about the living nativity that used to be a holiday highpoint at the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing his impressions of the latest Disney Vacation Club property to open at Walt Disney World. Then Jim Hill shares the history of the hotel that shares this space with WDW’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this show by talking about the challenges that WDW Guests still face if they want to experience DHS’ “Star Wars: The Rise of the Resistance” attraction in the coming weeks. Then Jim Hill does a deep dive on the history of CircleVision 360 at the Disney theme parks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa shares his experiences from both the press event for “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance” as well as opening day for this new Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction. He then offers his advice on how to increase your chances of actually getting to experience this ambitious ride while the Imagineers work out its kinks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First Len Testa previews some of the cutting-edge tech that will possibly power Guest interactions at WDW’s “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” resort.  Then Jim Hill talks about how the Imagineers have tweaked the “Snow White and her Adventures” attraction since this dark ride first opened at Disneyland Park back in July of 1955. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how a patent Disney Parks & Resorts recently filed may eventually impact classic attractions like Space Mountain. Then Jim talks about some of the newer holiday offerings he enjoyed during a recent visit to the Walt Disney World Resort  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Leslie Iwerks' “Imagineering” documentary series on Disney+ is a must-see for theme park fans. They then discuss why the construction of Hyperion Wharf (i.e., the Downtown Disney renewal project that was originally supposed to replace Pleasure Island) never went forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how Disney & Las Vegas’ never-ending battle for your tourism dollars would up impacting Epcot’s “Space 220” restaurant. Then Jim walks listeners through WDI’s 66-year-old long struggle to get a Mickey Mouse-themed ride built at a Disney theme park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing why Disney Parks & Resorts is exploring the idea of a subscription-based service and/or a loyalty program out ahead of WDW’s 50th anniversary celebration. Then Len & Jim look back at that WDW holiday favorite, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Disney’s recent test of easier-to-understand names for the menu items served at “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Then Len reunites with his old “WDW Today” co-host Mike Scopa as these two discuss this year’s offering at Epcot’s International Food & Wine Festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the changes that have been made to the menus found inside of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Then Len shares an interview that he recently did with Robert & Alyssa Simmons, a couple who are spending a solid year only staying in hotel rooms at various Walt Disney World resorts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing a first-person account about what it was like to be stranded on WDW’s Skyliner back on Saturday, October 5th. Jim Hill then talks about the changes that have recently been made to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about some of the operational issues WDW’s Skyliner has had. Len & Jim then talk about “Epcot Forever,” the new nighttime show which debuted out on/over World Showcase Lagoon this past week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by sharing his experience at a Cast Member Only preview of WDW’s new Skyliner system. Then Jim Hill looks back at “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth,” the millennium-themed nighttime show that was originally only supposed to run at Epcot for 18 months but wound up wowing the crowds around World Showcase Lagoon for 19 years instead Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about some rare home movies that he’s recently seen from the early days of Disneyland Park. Jim Hill then talks about how the roles that castles play at the Disney Parks have evolved over the past 64 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why it’s crucial that WDW’s new Skyliner transportation system has a trouble-free debut. Jim then reveals how WDI used fossil fuels as an excuse to recycle one of the more popular aspects of the Ford Wonder Rotunda at the 1964 – 1965 New York World’s Fair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by describing what the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” was like on opening day. He then describes what it was like to go straight from Batuu to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episodes by talking about the “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” Coca-Cola “thermal detonator” controversy. Then special guest Christina Testa-Harrison offers her take on the 2019 edition of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pass & Mid-Day Magic ticket that the WDW Resort recently began offering. Jim then shines a spotlight on how – back in the mid-1970s – the Imagineers turned Disneyland’s “Mine Train thru Nature’s Wonderland” attraction into the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and guest host Dan Zehr talk about how Halloween is celebrated at Disney theme parks around the globe. Dan then looks back at the three different experiences he had while participating in WDW’s College Program Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this episode with a run-down of the past week’s news, including Universal Orlando’s announcement of their Epic Universe project. Jim then shines a spotlight on Walt Disney Productions’ second attempt to build a ski resort up in Northern California Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about some of the new holiday-themed offerings that will be debuting at Disney World this November. Jim then shares some excerpts from “Magic Journey,” longtime Imagineer Kevin Rafferty’s soon-to-be-published memoir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start things off by talking about what The Walt Disney Company is expected to unveil/announce at this year’s D23 Expo. Len then shares a rumor that he recently heard about an Osborne Lights-like experience that’s supposedly in the works for World Showcase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk about WDW’s plans to link the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to the Magic Kingdom via the walk-around-the-world (and what this potentially means for the Electrical Water Pageant). Jim then looks back at what it was like to be at Disneyland’s “Invitational Press Preview” as well as on the very first day that this family fun park was open to the public.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about his recent visit to Takumi-Tei (i.e., the signature restaurant that just opened at Epcot’s Japan pavilion) and the extraordinary experience he had while dining there. Jim Hill then looks back at the history of WDW’s convention facilities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing which aspects of Future World’s old Communicore / Innoventions area are due to shuttered soon as Epcot gets a facelift out ahead of WDW’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Jim then talks about Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences & Products Bob Chapek’s reported frustration with the cost & speed with which WDI develops immersive lands for the Company’s theme parks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about his visit to the newly opened Surfside Inn & Suites, which is Phase One of Universal Orlando’s Endless Summer Resort. Jim Hill then looks back at Skyleidscope, Epcot’s initial attempt at staging a daytime extravaganza out on World Showcase Lagoon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the troubled history of “Primeval Whirl.” Jim then looks back on when greenmailers Saul Steinberg & Irwin Jacobs were making runs at Walt Disney Productions and threatening to sell off underperforming divisions of the Company to the highest bidders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len & Jim start off this week’s podcast by discussing how Disney’s Hollywood Studios plans on dealing with the crowds once that theme park’s version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” opens. Jim then talks about the various ideas that the Imagineers have considered as they’ve looked for ways to expand the U.K. pavilion at Epcot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While waiting for Len Testa to return from Batuu, Jim Hill shares a story about the thrill ride that the Magic Kingdom almost got back in the early 2000s. One that took its inspiration from “Atlantis: The Lost Empire” and would have sent Guests through an erupted volcano aboard a transforming coaster   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Len’s getting ready for the opening of Anaheim’s “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” Jim Hill shares an interview that he did with former Imagineer Terri Hardin. She then reveals the role that she played in the creation of a proposed attraction for Disney-MGM Studios Japan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk about the significance of a number of surveys that The Walt Disney World Resort has sent out to Guests recently. Jim then discusses how Bob Chapek’s decision to focus in on the Company’s billion-dollar IPs is changing Disney Parks & Resorts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the mysterious construction that’s going on at Disney’s Animal Kingdom out behind Pandora – The World of Avatar. Jim then talks about “The Ride of a Lifetime,” Bob Iger’s soon-to-be-released memoir (which will hit store shelves on September 10th) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off of this week’s episode by discussing why WDW management opted to push off the opening of “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios ‘til the Spring of 2020. Jim then continues his Chronological Disneyland series by pointing out how Bob Iger’s approach to that Anaheim Resort differed from Michael Eisner’s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing what’s significant about that new Disney Cruise Line survey which is currently making the rounds. Jim then talks about how the Imagineers keep trying to get the theme park-going public to embrace an attraction that features binaural sound.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off by talking about how “Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy” will use promotion to try & overcome its unfortunate, out-of-the-way positioning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They also talk about a patent that The Walt Disney Company has recently filed which  Mouse House managers hope will get Guests to look up from the screens on their iPhones. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Disney Villains After Hours, that new hard ticket for WDW’s Magic Kingdom which will be offered on select nights in June, July & August. They also do a deeper dive on that Universal Parks & Resorts survey which offers some clues about what sorts of rides, shows & attractions are possibly in the mix for Universal Orlando’s Fantastic Worlds theme park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how The Walt Disney Company is still struggling with “Song of the South.” Jim then continues his Chronological Disneyland series by revealing why the Rockets Rods went down for rehab in September of 2000 and never re-opened Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this episode with an enthusiastic review of Disney Spring’s latest addition, Jaleo by José Andrés. Len & Jim then share a survey that Universal Parks & Resorts is using to zero in on just the right mix of rides, shows & attractions for Theme Park No. 4 (i.e., Universal’s Fantastic Worlds)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by dissecting Disney World’s latest round of ticket price increases and what that will mean for Resort Guests in the coming months. Jim Hill then talks about the behind-the-scenes decisions that led to the Company recently revealing that “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” would open in Anaheim on May 31st and in Orlando on August 29th a_edr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how the Imagineers plan on reconfiguring the front half of WDW’s science & discovery park. They also continue their Chronological Disneyland series by discussing how Michael Eisner’s Montana-inspired visions of the future eventually translated into Tomorrowland having decorative displays of kumquats & kale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the progress that’s been made to date with WDW’s Skyliner system. They also point out that Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is obviously supposed to serve as a rebuttal to any theme park fan who claims that “Universal Creative only builds screen-based attractions.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill talk with Carlye Wisel of “Travel & Leisure” magazine. Ms. Wisel shares what she learned about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” while participating in that three day-long media event that Disney Parks & Resorts held this past weekend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some of the promotional slogans that the WDW Resort are reportedly considering adopting in the near future. He & Jim then talk about The Walt Disney Company’s forward-thinking approach when it comes to mitigating the impact that climate change will potentially have on Florida tourism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill goes it alone in a special Presidents Day edition of the Disney Dish podcast. He first talks about what’s been going on with Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts. Jim then shares how the “Disney’s America” project almost caused a motion-based simulator attraction to be built in the Liberty Square section of WDW’s Magic Kingdom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill complete their November 2018 walk-thru of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a stroll around Echo Lake. En route, Len & Jim discuss what WDI has planned for the near-term when it comes to “Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” and the “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing some of Touring Plans’ more recent discoveries about Disney World’s transportation system. Jim Hill then talks about how the Disney Princess & Disney Fairies franchises originally heavily influenced both the design of & the attraction line-up at New Fantasyland at WDW’s Magic Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their November 2018 walk-through of Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a visit to that theme park’s newest “land”. They discuss how the June 2018 opening of Toy Story Land has fundamentally changed the way Guests experience WDW’s third gate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show with an update on WDW’s Skyliner system as well as offering some additional info on that resort’s pricey new “World of Dreams” tour. Len also shares some stories from the Monsanto corporate archives, included what it actually took to tear down Disneyland’s House of the Future back in December of 1967 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Disney’s Riveria Resort (which recently began accepting reservations for stays beginning on December 16th). They also discuss Anaheim’s “Project Stardust,” which is being done out ahead of the opening of the Disneyland Park version of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of the 200th episode of Disney Dish, Len Testa & Jim Hill give a shout-out to the very first folks to subscribe to this podcast. They then share what they’ve learned about what Disney Parks & Resorts is doing to school Cast Members about “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge” ‘s marquee attractions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss what new shows & attractions the Imagineers hope to have up & running at Disney’s Hollywood Studios by May 2019 (just in time for this theme park’s 30th anniversary celebration). They also talk about how the tests that are currently going on in Epcot’s parking lot in regards to Uber & Lyft could impact the layout of parking lots at Disney’s other theme parks. Len & Jim then continued their Chronological Disneyland series with the initial construction of DCA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their November 2018 walking tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As they explore the part of this theme park that was formerly known as the Muppets Courtyard, Len & Jim discuss everything that the Imagineers have done in the past year to ready DHS for the opening of “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their walk-thru of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in November of 2018, they turn their attention to the Animation Courtyard area. In particular how the Imagineers have tried to balance this theme park’s celebration of Old Hollywood with WDW Guests desire to find brand-new rides, shows & attractions to experience whenever they visit DHS.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why the menu at Tiffins has been mutating over these past few months.  They also discuss the DVC Resorts that Disney execs ultimately decided not to build, including the Times Square Villas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off their November 2018 tour of Disney’s Hollywood Studios by checking out all of the holiday decorations along Hollywood & Sunset Boulevards. They also discuss WDW Entertainment’s plan to replace “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage!” with a new “Tangled” -themed show out ahead of the Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this episode by talking about one of Disney’s biggest concerns when it comes to “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Which is that people’s need to get selfies of themselves in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon will then significantly slow down the load / unload time for “Smugglers Run.” Len then talks some of his recent dining experiences around the WDW Resort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Len Testa & Jim Hill conclude their 2018 walk-thru of WDW’s Magic Kingdom, they discuss many of the changes that have been made to Tomorrowland over the past few years. The topics covered included the U.S. version of Shanghai Disneyland’s TRON Lightcycle Power Run Coaster as well as what WDI possibly has in the works to replace “Stitch’s Great Escape.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their audio tour of the 2018 version of WDW’s Magic Kingdom with a stroll along the Rivers of America. They discuss how a Guest who’d been an annual passholder for 24 years found out the hard way what happens when you test Disney Corporate’s patience one two many times. Len & Jim also talk about how recent changes to the props used to decorate the queue space with “Splash Mountain” illustrate the Company’s continuing efforts to stay PC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their walking tour of WDW’s Magic Kingdom by strolling through Fantasyland. They talk about Guests’ increasing use of mobile devices forced the creation of in-park charging stations like the ones found around the Rapunzel Tower. Len & Jim also discuss why Disney World’s Safety team ordered that changes be made to the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak water play area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by reflecting on what millenniums now expect to find in their hotel rooms heavily influenced the design of “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge,” “The Cove,” and Universal’s Aventura Hotel. They also look ahead to the construction challenges that WDW’s Entertainment team will be facing as they ready World Showcase Lagoon for Epcot’s new nighttime extravaganza (which is slated to open in 2020). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill continue their walk-thru of WDW’s Magic Kingdom by exploring the colonial corner of this theme park. As they head towards the Hall of Presidents, Len & Jim talk about the stylized open sewer that the Imagineers inserted in this land. They also talk about why the Haunted Mansion’s interactive queue has had trouble  connected with international visitors to this Resort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill kick off this week's show by talking about Walt Disney Studios’ decision to push back the release of “The Jungle Cruise” movie from October 2019 to July 2020 is new impacting the Imagineers’ long-in-development plans to overhaul Adventureland. They then discuss how the Jungle Skipper Cantina Restaurant has been a real challenge for WDW’s Food & Beverage team. Len & Jim close things out by pointing out how “A Pirate’s Adventure: Treasures of the Seven Seas” is similar to the Magic Kingdom’s “Dumbo the Flying Elephant” spinner ride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill kick off a brand-new walk-thru of WDW's Magic Kingdom by exploring Main Street, U.S.A. This tour starts off with an update on that theater project which Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek first revealed at 2017's D23 Expo. Len & Jim then discuss how the redo of this theme park's Central Plaza didn't go quite as the Imagineers had hoped.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill kick off this week's show talking about how EPCOT will be expanding its International Festival of the Arts to seven days a week in 2019. They then discuss those "Rehire James Gunn" billboards that have been erected outside of the Disney Parks & Anaheim. They also contrast Disneyland Park's plan to handle the crowds for "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" with the way Disney's Hollywood Studios is thinking about having Guests queue up for this 14-acre land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a special listener mail edition of the Disney Dish podcast. Len Testa and Jim Hill start things off by discussing the history of Epcot's Garden Railway. They then reveal Joffrey's wound up at the specialty coffee and tea provider for Disney Parks & Resorts. Len then shares a bunch of patents that The Walt Disney Company recently filed and speculates on how all of this cutting-edge technology may be employed as part of "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill starts off this episode by talking about how Disney World finally officially announcing that long-rumored DVC which will be built where Fort Wilderness' River Country was once located. After that, Len and Jim discuss WDW's new date-based ticket pricing system (which debuted on October 16th). They then share new information about the Marvel superhero-themed land that's being built at Disney California Adventure Park.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week's podcast by talking about the name that Disney Vacation Club is considering for the new resort they're planning on building on top of River Country's old location. Len and Jim then speculate on what Disney Parks & Resorts will charge for early morning access to "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge." Finally, Jim reveals how the placement of the banks & camera stores at WDW's Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park influenced where Walt Disney Imagineering placed the in-park Starbucks  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this listener question show by revisiting WDW's Skyliner system. They then encourage a Disney Dish listener to brave the crowds at Black Spire Outpost when "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" first opens in to the public in Anaheim in the late Spring / early Summer of 2019. Finally Len & Jim weigh in on the new tool that's about to come online for Disney World's flexible ticket pricing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill discuss the impact that swapping out  Epcot's nighttime show will have on all the restaurants around World  Showcase. Then Len & Jim look back at "Thunder in Paradise," the  short-lived syndicated series from the producers of "Bay Watch" that was  shot around the Walt Disney World Resort in the early 1990s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa starts off this episode by discussing what changes are in the works for Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort & Mickey's Backyard BBQ at the Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort. Next Jim Hill talks up Evermore Park, that immersive theatrical experience which is about to throw open its doors in Pleasant Grove, Utah. Then Len & Jim discuss how Port Canaveral is getting ready for the next three ships that are about to be added to the Disney Cruise Line's fleet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len starts this week's podcast off with his impressions of Disney Springs' newest eateries, Chicken Guy! and Terralina Crafted Italian. Mr. Testa then shares his thoughts about how Epcot's International Food & Wine Festival could be improved (i.e., Ice Cream 'round the World). Then Jim uses the closure of "A Bug's Land" at Disney California Adventure Park as an excuse to look back at the closing of "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" at WDW's Magic Kingdom as well as offering a construction update on the TRON Lightcycle coaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len braves the Florida heat to get the latest news from Toy Story Land and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. He also can't resist talking about this episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color in which Walt takes Ambassador Julie on a tour of Imagineering for Disneyland's 10th anniversary. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0768379/ And to prove that the use of technology in and around the parks is advancing by leaps and bounds, Jim and Len discuss the possible application of a novel floor system for a person walking in a VR environment in both The Void Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire (video below) and Galaxy's Edge. https://youtu.be/Oad_t6k3w5c Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Len update us on new info about the Skyliner that changes everything we thought we knew.  And also get fidgety when talking about taking a spin around the new Aventura Hotel.  (That will make sense after you hear the show, promise.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a transportation themed Disney Dish. Instead of trains, planes and automobiles, Jim and Len talk about increasing cruise prices, the helicopters that you used to be able to take to Disneyland and how real do they really want to make the interactive part of the Millenium Falcon ride. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa & Jim Hill check out "TRON" coaster construction as well as the Magic Kingdom's new Instagrammable beverages. They also reveal the unlikely places where you can get some of the very best eats in Orlando (EX: An outdoor grill right next to the Hall of Presidents as well as inside of Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando's water theme park). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What will, won't or may happen in Epcot and elsewhere in WDW could depend on the numbers. Check out a time-lapse video of the construction of the massive Guardians of the Galaxy ride in EPCOT - https://youtu.be/gOrxEam1X64 . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Len discuss what's happening restaurant-wise in Disney Springs plus answer a few listener questions before getting into which restaurant ratings. Get ready for some surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this latest Disney Dish podcast, Len & Jim give listeners an update on Disney's Hollywood Studios. To be specific, how construction of "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" is proceeding and how "Toy Story Land" has fared over its first few weeks of operation. Then Len and Jim talk about "Superboy," the very first TV series to be produced at DHS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len walks through Toy Story Land right before it floods. A listener sends in a survey question from Universal Orlando that hints at something big. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Come walk through Toy Story Land and ride the rides with Len. Plus Jim tells us what else is coming up in the next year for the Studios.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We also review new Disney survey questions on ride sharing and new technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim also a listener question about how Annual Passholder park dates might change around Galaxy's Edge opening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len visits Donald's Dino-Bash at the Animal Kingdom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Also Len visits Disney's Animal Kingdom for the new Up! bird show and Satuli Canteen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim also explains how crowd control is likely to work when Galaxy's Edge opens in Disneyland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our main story we talk about changes to Disney's Photopass system using artificial intelligence to make better photos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We also cover the Maleficient Dragon fire during the Festival of Fantasy parade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len and Jim talk about the new WDW one-day tickets that come with pre-selected FASTPASS options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len visits Epcot to see whether there's enough space at International Gateway for Skyliner traffic.  Len also goes over hints about how gameplay at the Star Wars hotel might work, based on academic papers published by Disney. Jim talks about the Guardians coaster, and more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In news, Len and Jim talk about Animal Kingdom's extended morning EMH throughout early summer 2018. Len also talks DHS waits with Toy Story Land opens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len talks about new Disney patents for self-driving cars and virtual reality and a new update to the Agent P game in World Showcase. Jim hears more about Disney's concerns for Epcot's Skyliner station capacity, and how they might deal with it in the short- and long-term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In other news, Disney announced a new app called "Play Disney Parks", with features Len and Jim hinted about last November. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len notes that Disney has quiety announced new Flamingo Crossing apartment developments, and Jim points out how this ties in to the closing of Crossroads Plaza. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len eats at Jiko and Enzo's Hideaway and wonders when menus became incomprehensible. Jim begins telling the history of Disney California Adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len finds some interesting pricing trends in Disney's latest hotel discounts, and Jim explains the strategy Disney's using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim tells a story Len's never heard before about how Pirates of the Caribbean almost got a holiday overlay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In news, we talk about the Disney corporate re-organization and how it'll affect the parks, a quick take on parking fees, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In news, Len talks about how Disney World is handling spring break crowds, including whether older rides can reliably run at full capacity for days on end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In news, we talk about Disney's latest price increases and what we can expect between now and when Galaxy's Edge opens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In news, we also talk about what Black Panther's success means for Disney's theme parks, the new changes at Be Our Guest, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To do this, Disney make a TV movie called 'Totally Minnie Mouse.' Not only was it Minnie's first solo starring role, it included TV personalities Suzanne Somers, Vanna White, and (somehow) Elton John. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim casually drops news that the new name for Hollywood Studuios is 'Disney Cinemagine Park', and goes through all the other name options considered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Also, Jim not being Norwegian, can't pronounce 'Akershus'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len talks about his holiday trip to Disneyland and DCA, including his take on Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout, It's a Small World Holiday, and Haunted Mansion Holiday, plus Galaxy's Edge construction progress and rumors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim focuses on the D23 announcements, including new Star Wars details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim also reviews the details of the now-official Disney/Fox merger, including what it means for the film franchises and theme parks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In other news, Jim previews what a Disney/Fox merger might look like, and we talk about Disney's decision to retain the Shutters name for their new Caribbean Beach sit-down restaurant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Camp is the author of "Mickey Mouse Muzak: Shaping Experience Musically at Walt Disney World" - a peer-reviewed paper that explores Disney theme park music. You can read the paper at www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-society-for-american-music/article/mickey-mouse-muzak-shaping-experience-musically-at-walt-disney-world/72153D79F0A596EC3DBCED02EFBDBAF0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim's never seen these slides before, and has no idea what's in the presentation. He's doing all of this off the top of his head. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We also go over news about Caribbean Beach and Coronado Springs development, plus Universal's news that they bought 110 more acres. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the first episode in Jim's new series covering the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let us know how it sounds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about our live event at http://storybookdestinations.com/disneydish/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a bonus iTunes show. If you like this content, hear more at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the impending re-opening of Disneyland's Fantasmic!, Jim walks us through the history of the attraction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim walks through the history of Pixar's involvement in Disney's theme parks, from inspiring films, to parades, and rides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim starts a history of character meet-and-greets in Walt Disney World, beginning with how they're hired. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim attends the opening day ceremonies at Universal's Volcano Bay water park, then flies across the country for the debut of Guardians of the Galaxy at DCA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We talk about the possibility that Volcano Bay is causing accidents on I-4, along with Pandora's nighttime lighting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode includes a walk around the Valley of Mo'ara, plus the Na'vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage rides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

...it all gets intertwined with Disney wanting to build a mag-lev train from the airport to WDW, Disney buying a monorail manufacturer, and other strange twists and turns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len and Jim also discuss news about Universal's permit filing for a new hotel, and the sorts of transportation challenges that Universal faces with these kinds of expansions on separate properties. We also talk about the "queue-less" Jimmy Fallon ride and the implications of no lines for rides on how people walk around a theme park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len and Jim also discuss Pandora updates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start, of course, with Pandora, and then go across all four theme parks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See the show photos and notes here https://www.flickr.com/photos/25733122@N03/albums/72157677565924463 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next episode we continue our Chronological Disneyland story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See disneydish.bandcamp.com for our Unbuilt Disney shows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See disneydish.bandcamp.com for our Unbuilt Disney shows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See disneydish.bandcamp.com for more Unbuilt Disney shows! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How good is Rogue One? Jim and Len talk about the movie, the plot, and the reason behind all of the reshoots that took place Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visit DisneyDish.Bandcamp.Com for the "director's cut" version of this show, with an additional 17 minutes of content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We also talk about Buzz Price's take on these ideas - the memo we're reading from has Buzz's handwritten notes on it. He had very strong feelings about rats in restaurants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to Part 1 of the story here: https://disneydish.bandcamp.com/track/why-for-the-headless-horseman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue our Chronological Disneyland series with some unbuilt Disney ideas in Long Beach. We also talk about new projection shows at the Magic Kingdom, fireworks at DHS, Rivers of Light at Animal Kingdom Park, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Other things we'll be covering on November 12 include Disney's Australia Park, Westernworld, Mineral King, and the SS Disney. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the story, with no side digressions. The longer episode, with 7 minutes (woo!) of side stories, is available to subscribers at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the story, with no side digressions. The longer episode, with 10 minutes (woo!) of side stories, is available to subscribers at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the story, with no side digressions. The longer episode, with 10 minutes (woo!) of side stories, is available to subscribers at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We pick up the story after Disney has just sold out the Rather Corporation to corporate raiders, in exchange for the rights to the property around Los Angeles, including the Disneyland Hotel. But what is Disney going to do with all of these real estate holdings? Jim tells the story.  This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the story, with no side digressions. The longer episode, with 5 minutes (woo!) of side stories, is available to subscribers at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the news, with no side stories or digressions. The longer episode, with 18 minutes of side stories, is available at DisneyDish.Bandcamp.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the full version of the show, with about 14 extra minutes of side stories. A condensed version is also available, focusing on just the media event. Let us know which version you prefer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This version of the show is condensed to focus on just the Media Preview event, with no side stories or digressions. The full episode, with side stories, is also available. Let us know which version you prefer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Check out our other shows at http://disneydish.bandcamp.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices