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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

509 episodes — Page 3 of 11

Ep 487Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 487: A look at LEGO’s lengthy relationship with Disney Parks & Experiences

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

Jul 8, 202457 min

Ep 486How Lightning Lane Multi Pass is supposed to work (Ep. 486)

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

Jul 1, 202452 min

Ep 485Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 485: Is WDW getting ready to revamp the My Disney Experience app

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

Jun 24, 202449 min

Ep 484Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 484: How were Disneyland’s fireworks impacted by the Clean Air Act

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

Jun 17, 202441 min

Ep 483Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 483: What were Disneyland’s first fireworks show like

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

Jun 10, 202444 min

Ep 482Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 482: How “Date Nite at Disneyland” got started

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

Jun 3, 202448 min

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 481: Up before dawn with “Disney Dreams That Soar”

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

May 27, 202452 min

Ep 480Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 480: When the Disneyland Hotel had a miniature golf course

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

May 20, 202451 min

Ep 479Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 479: What became of that “Typhoon Lagoon” movie Disney was going to make

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

May 13, 202454 min

Ep 478Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 478: What went wrong with “Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration”

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

May 6, 202443 min

Ep 476Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 477 : Why WDW’s “Fire Mountain” project flamed out

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

Apr 29, 20241h 2m

Ep 476Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 476: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” gets ready for its grand opening

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

Apr 22, 202450 min

Ep 475Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 475: Re-opened 1900 Park Fare serves up a superior character meal

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

Apr 15, 202453 min

Ep 474Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 474: Why Disney World’s Asian Resort never got built

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

Apr 8, 202448 min

Ep 473Do you remember WDW’s Treasure Island (Ep. 473)

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

Apr 1, 202450 min

Ep 472Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 472: Why the “Disney Fairies” franchise faded out

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

Mar 25, 202441 min

Ep 471Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep. 471: When may “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” open at WDW’s Magic Kingdom

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

Mar 18, 202446 min

Ep 470Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 470: How WDW fans plan on gaming that “free water park” perk

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

Mar 11, 20241h 8m

Ep 469Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 469: Will Jollywood Nights return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2024

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

Mar 4, 20241h 0m

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 468: Who just got offered free dining at Walt Disney World

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

Feb 26, 202447 min

Ep 467Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 467: When will WDW’s version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” open

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

Feb 19, 202454 min

Ep 466Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 466: Where might Disney World expand out to next

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

Feb 12, 202442 min

Ep 465Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 465: World Celebration Gardens becomes WDW’s newest wedding venue

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

Feb 5, 202445 min

Ep 464Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 464: What was Epcot’s very first nighttime show like?

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

Jan 29, 202448 min

Ep 463Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 463: Looking back at Disneyland’s House of the Future

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

Jan 22, 20241h 5m

Ep 462Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 462: How Casey Jr. plowed the road to Ghost Galaxy

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

Jan 15, 202454 min

Ep 461The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 461: The Disney Villains coaster that DCA almost got

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

Jan 8, 202452 min

Ep 460The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 460 : Looking back at “Shrunken Ned’s Junior Jungle Boats” game

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

Jan 1, 202435 min

Ep 459The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 459: The “Christmas Carol” ride that EPCOT’s UK pavilion almost got

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

Dec 25, 202348 min

Ep 458The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 458: Remembering Disney Legend Dick Nunis (1932 – 2023)

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

Dec 18, 202346 min

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 457: How many happy haunts now officially reside in WDW’s Haunted Mansion

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

Dec 11, 202354 min

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 456: Is Jollywood Nights now worth spending your Christmas cash on

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

Dec 4, 202349 min

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 455: Which WDW theme park is next slated for expansion

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

Nov 27, 202335 min

Ep 454Disney Dish with Jim Hill - Episode 454: Jollywood Nights is kind of a mixed Santa’s bag

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

Nov 20, 202357 min

Ep 453The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 453: Which “Wish” is which when it comes to Disney Parks, Products & Experiences

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

Nov 13, 202342 min

Ep 452The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 452: How Epcot’s leapfrog fountains came to be

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

Nov 6, 202336 min

Ep 451The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 451: What does the future hold for the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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

Oct 30, 202351 min

Ep 450The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 450: What was Epcot’s “Life & Health” pavilion originally supposed to have been like

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

Oct 23, 202339 min

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 449: Why “Fantasmic Hollywood” never happened at Disney-MGM

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

Oct 16, 202345 min

Ep 448The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 448: Why Hong Kong Disneyland doesn’t have a Peter Pan Flight ride

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

Oct 9, 202335 min

Ep 447the Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 447: Was “Rock’n Rockets” WDW’s best fireworks show ever?

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

Oct 2, 202352 min

Ep 446The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 446: What’s next for “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser”

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

Sep 25, 202346 min

Ep 445The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 445: How Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, is doing post-pandemic

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

Sep 18, 20231h 12m

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 444: How the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique became a worldwide phenomenon

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

Sep 11, 202355 min

Ep 443The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 443: The Mansion expansions that almost happened

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

Sep 4, 202353 min

Ep 442The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 442: The real cost of transforming Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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

Aug 28, 202353 min

Ep 441The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 441: Making the most of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

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

Aug 21, 202340 min

Ep 440The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 440: Why “Tangled” & “Frozen” wound up with one word titles

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

Aug 14, 202345 min

Ep 439Josh Gad dishes Disney with Jim Hill featuring JOSH GAD (Ep. 439)

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

Aug 7, 202358 min

Ep 438The Disney Dish with Jim Hill Episode 438: Is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party actually worth the extra expense

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

Jul 31, 202353 min