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The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

587 episodes — Page 6 of 12

Ep 351Disney Dish Episode 351: Remembering the dragon that flew over New Fantasyland

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

Dec 6, 202148 min

Ep 350Disney Dish Episode 350: Remembering Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

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

Nov 29, 202148 min

Disney Dish Episode 349: Remembering the day “Stitch’s Great Escape!” opened

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

Nov 22, 202144 min

Wondery Preview: Flip & Mozi's Guide to How To Be An Earthling

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

Nov 17, 20213 min

Ep 348Disney Dish Episode 348: How to write a Disney World room request that might actually work

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

Nov 15, 202140 min

Ep 347Disney Dish Episode 347: Big Thunder Mountain … the TV series?

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

Nov 8, 202148 min

Disney Dish Episode 346:How did Disney Genie do during its first week

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

Nov 1, 202149 min

Ep 345Disney Dish Episode 345: Is it really necessary to purchase a brand-new Magic Band?

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

Oct 25, 202136 min

Wondery for Kids Preview: Melon's House Party

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

Oct 21, 20215 min

Ep 344Disney Dish Episode 344: How far back was Disney planning an Animal Kingdom for Florida

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

Oct 18, 202139 min

Ep 343Disney Dish Episode 343: How the Walt Disney Waterbridge got built

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

Oct 11, 202153 min

Wondery Preview: Who, When Wow! with Rebecca Sheir

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

Oct 6, 20216 min

Ep 342Disney Dish Episode 342: What it was like at WDW on October 1st

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

Oct 4, 202146 min

Disney Dish Episode 341: Epcot’s new Space 220 restaurant is out-of-this-world

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

Sep 27, 20211h 5m

Ep 340Disney Dish Episode 340: Cinderella Golden Carousel’s costly transformation

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

Sep 20, 202145 min

Ep 339Disney Dish Episode 339: Which Disney annual pass should you be buying

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

Sep 13, 202154 min

Ep 338Disney Dish Episode 338: What not to miss on the menu for La Crêperie de Paris

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

Sep 6, 20211h 11m

Ep 337Disney Dish Episode 337: Remembering Holidayland at Disneyland

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

Aug 30, 202148 min

Ep 336Disney Dish Episode 336: Disney World’s difficult dealings with the NBA

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

Aug 23, 202146 min

Ep 335Disney Dish Episode 335: The ghastly tale of Captain Gore & his wife, Priscilla

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

Aug 16, 202142 min

Ep 334Disney Dish Episode 334: The Spook House at Mickey Mouse Park

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

Aug 9, 20211h 1m

Ep 333Disney Dish Episode 333: Is it getting too costly to stay on WDW property?

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

Aug 2, 202158 min

Ep 332Disney Dish Episode 332: What not to miss at this year’s Food & Wine

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

Jul 26, 20211h 21m

Ep 331Disney Dish Episode 331: Why Disneyland steered clear of a Halloween celebration for decades

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

Jul 19, 202149 min

Ep 330Disney Dish Episode 330: How the Floral Mickey came to be

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

Jul 12, 202150 min

Ep 329Disney Dish Episode 329: runDisney events return to the WDW Resort this November

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

Jul 5, 202158 min

Disney Dish Episode 328: What happens when Mickey enters the public domain

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

Jun 28, 202153 min

Disney Dish Episode 327: When is DCA’s Quinjet attraction likely to take flight

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

Jun 21, 202141 min

Ep 326Disney Dish Episode 326: How DisneyQuest led to Toy Story Midway Mania

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

Jun 14, 20211h 2m

Ep 324Disney Dish Episode 325: Which early Disneyland rides had the highest hourly capacity

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

Jun 7, 202138 min

Disney Dish Episode 324: Splash Mountain’s role in the creation of on-ride photography

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

May 31, 202141 min

Disney Dish Episode 323: How long before RunDisney begins staging events in Florida & California again

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

May 24, 20211h 15m

Wondery IMAGINED LIFE FAMILY : Take a journey and see the world through someone else’s eyes.

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

May 19, 20216 min

Disney Dish Episode 322: Why ABC initially said “No” to “Zorro”

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

May 17, 202139 min

Disney Dish Episode 321: Meet the crew of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

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

May 10, 20211h 11m

Disney Dish Episode 320: Who’s this other family in my Memory Maker account

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

May 3, 202141 min

Disney Dish Episode 319: The day 'Soarin' ' first took flight over Future World"

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

Apr 26, 202156 min

Ep 318Disney Dish Episode 318: How the 50s Prime Time Café paved the road for the Sci-Fi Drive-In Theater Restaurant

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

Apr 20, 202136 min

Disney Dish Episode 317: Looking for a great Disney theme park history book

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

Apr 12, 202150 min

Ep 316Disney Dish Episode 316: Do you remember “Mickey’s Audition”?

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

Apr 5, 202154 min

Disney Dish Episode 315: Remember when Mel Brooks worked for the Mouse

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

Mar 29, 202148 min

Ep 314Disney Dish Episode 314: When Sunset Boulevard got downsized

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

Mar 22, 202137 min

Disney Dish: Epcot’s “American Adventure ‘78” now available to ALL Disney Dish listeners

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

Mar 17, 202136 min

Ep 313Disney Dish Episode 313: The hidden grotto that Disneyland Paris almost got

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

Mar 15, 202149 min

Disney Dish Episode 312: How Geyser Mountain almost got built at Disneyland Paris

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

Mar 8, 202141 min

Disney Dish Episode 311: Turning the Disney Dream & Fantasy into realities

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

Mar 1, 202152 min

Disney Dish Episode 310: Looking back at WDW’s “Legend of the Lion King” show

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

Feb 22, 202142 min

Disney Dish Episode 309: WDW’s Best Outdoor dining

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

Feb 15, 202135 min

Disney Dish Episode 308: Survey sez … WDW’s still concerned about COVID-19

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

Feb 8, 202134 min

Disney Dish Episode 307: How Disneyland may replace its annual pass program

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

Feb 1, 20211h 14m