The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

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

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing which animated features & shorts were nominated for Academy Awards this year. Then Drew shares what he learned from reading the screenplay for Disney’s never-produced, live-action “Gargoyles” movie 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

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing whether “Marvel US Disney” needs to shift to a four-shows-a-month schedule. They then take an in-depth look at Marvel Studios’ first-ever limited series for Disney+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how California’s theme parks are readying to re-open. They then discuss how the delay in the production of “Fantastic Beasts” may impact Universal Orlando’s fourth theme park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing why the Golden Globes recognized Kemp Powers as the co-director of Pixar’s “Soul” just five hours before that awards ceremony. They also talked about who just got signed by Gracie Films to replace Harry Shearer as the official voice of Dr. Julius Hibbert on “The Simpsons” 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

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by marveling at how “The Croods: A New Age” (which was originally released to theaters back in November of last year) is still at the top of the box office. Drew then shares his thoughts on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 59th feature-length production 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how a scene that was cut from “Avengers: Endgame” helped inspire the creation of “WandaVision.” They also discuss Abraham Riesman’s “True Believer: The Rise and Fall of Stan Lee” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by explaining why animation fans should really give Disney’s “Cruella” a chance. They then talk with “Tom & Jerry” director Tim Story about what it took to create a modern-day live-action / CG film which was then based on this 81-year-old set of cartoon characters 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

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill talk about Disney’s short-sighted decision to shutter Blue Sky Studios. They also talk about Netflix’s ongoing efforts to challenge the Mouse’s domination when it comes to animation 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 show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill first talk about how this year’s Mardi Gras celebration at the Universal Orlando Resort is different from years previous. They then talk about Universal Pictures’ plans for a movie version of “Wicked,” the long-running Broadway musical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WARNING! There are all sorts of spoilers ahead as Aaron Adams & Jim Hill discuss Episodes 4 & 5 of Marvel Studios’ first limited series for Disney+. They also share what Tom Holland had to say about Sony’s next “Spider-Man” movie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about which character Luke Evans will be playing in Robert Zemeckis’ live-action redo of Disney’s “Pinocchio.” They then look back at how Pixar genuinely struggled to find a fitting comeuppance for the villain in 2009’s “Up” 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

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by revealing how Blue Sky Studios’ “Epic” was almost made by Pixar. They then talk with writer/director Tailor Meacham & producer Jeff Hermann about how DWA’s latest short was developed. 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

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill talk about the first three episodes of “WandaVision.” They then discuss Chris Evans’ rumored return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill first talk about Season 3 of Matt Groening’s “Disenchantment” on Netflix. They also discuss the “Soul” international dubbing controversy and why it’s important to remember when this Pete Docter movie was originally supposed to be released. 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 show notes are located here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Pete Docter appears to be stepping away from directing films for Pixar Animation Studios. They also explain why the theatrical release of “Bob’s Burger: The Movie” will be a somewhat bittersweet experience for the folks at Bento Box Entertainment 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

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why “WandaVision” wound up beating “Falcon and the Winter Soldier” to Disney+. They then hazard a guess as to which high profile MCU member will be making a surprise appearance on this limited series Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On their last podcast as a team, Dan Zehr & Jim Hill first talk about the challenges that veteran voice actor Tom Kane is now facing. They then pay tribute to the late Jeremy Bulloch, who played Boba Fett in “The Empire Strikes Back” & “Return of the Jedi” 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how many of the animated features are hopefully headed into theaters in 2021. Then Drew takes a look back at the development of Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove” 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

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by acknowledging what would have been Stan Lee’s 98th birthday. Then they talk about how Tom Hanks believes that Marvel Studios may hold the key to movie theaters in the US reclaiming their audiences post-COVID-19. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill starts off this week’s episode by paying tribute to his late father. Then he & Michelle Valladolid look back at how The Walt Disney Company’s decision to shut down its theme parks in March of 2020 impacted McDonald’s’ Happy Meal schedule. 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

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing all of the animation-related news that came out of last week’s Investors Day event. Drew then does a deep dive on the historical significance of WDAS’ 1990 release, “The Rescuers Down Under” 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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing whether a more appropriate title for “Marvel Studios: Legends” might be “Previously on the MCU.” They also reflect on all the Marvel-related news that came out of Disney’s recent Investors Day event Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill discuss all of the Lucasfilm-related news that was revealed as part of last week’s Investors Day presentation. They then try to figure out who’s going to answer Grogu’s call in the Season Two finale of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian” 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

Drew Taylor talks about the worst kept secret in television animation (i.e., That Disney ceased production of its popular “DuckTales” series over a year ago). Then Jim Hill looks back at when Walt Disney Animation Studios seriously toyed with setting 1973’s “Robin Hood” in the Deep South, rather than in Merrie Olde England 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

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

Aaron Adams starts off this week’s show by sharing his thoughts on “The New Mutants.” Then Jim Hill talks about which actors are already quarantining for Marvel Cinematic Universe projects that are expected to start shooting in January Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill discuss how much they enjoyed the “LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special.” ad talk about the most recent episodes of “The Mandalorian” as well as “Willow” casting news. 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

Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing their thoughts on the “Animaniacs!” reboot which debuted on Hulu on November 20th. They then go on talk about how Warner Bros. decision to release “Wonder Woman 1984” to theaters on the exact same day this Patty Jenkins film debuts on HBO Max may change Hollywood forever 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

Aaron Adams & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the new “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales” action-adventure game from Insomniac Games. They share an update on “WandaVision,” that limited series from Marvel Studios which now (finally) has an official debut date on Disney+ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dustin Fuhs & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by looking back at last year’s “Universal Christmas” event. They then list some of the new food & entertainment offerings which debuted this past weekend at the 2020 edition of “Holidays at Universal Orlando” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Zehr & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what the future holds for “Looking at Lucasfilm.” They then share their thoughts on the first three episodes of Season Two of “The Mandalorian” and a feature story about the movie "Red Tails". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices