Episodes

  • Wicked, Hitchcock, and Spielberg—Oh My! (Ep. 26)

    Wicked, Hitchcock, and Spielberg—Oh My! (Ep. 26)
    Nov 22 2024
    In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive into the latest Universal news and fascinating behind-the-scenes stories. Episode Highlights: The Opening of Wicked in Theaters: Jim and Eric discuss the much-anticipated film release and its potential impact on Universal's brand and future strategies. Facial Recognition Technology at Universal Parks: Eric explores the rollout of this new tech in Express Pass lanes and its implications for guest experiences. Goodbye to Mannheim Steamroller: A look at Universal’s decision to forego this holiday tradition and what it means for future celebrations. Donkey Kong Arrives in Japan: Jim provides insights into the debut of Universal Studios Japan's new Donkey Kong-themed land and lessons for Epic Universe. Alfred Hitchcock’s Legacy at Universal: A nostalgic journey through the history of Hitchcock’s connection to Universal and how it shaped the studio’s identity. Whether you're a fan of theme park innovation or Universal's rich history, this episode is packed with insights, news, and a touch of nostalgia. Tune in for another exciting installment! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Moana 2, Disney Holiday Must-Haves, and Disney's Connection to The Wizard of Oz (Ep. 24)

    Moana 2, Disney Holiday Must-Haves, and Disney's Connection to The Wizard of Oz (Ep. 24)
    Nov 21 2024
    On This Week's Episode of I Want That Too: Join Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey as they explore the holiday season’s biggest Disney highlights! From Moana 2’s release and must-have merch to Disney’s surprising ties to The Wizard of Oz, this episode is packed with fun stories and shopping tips. What You’ll Hear: Moana 2: What to expect from Disney’s highly anticipated sequel and the top holiday toys inspired by the film. Disney and The Wizard of Oz: A deep dive into Disney’s unique history with Oz, from Return to Oz to unmade projects like Rainbow Road to Oz. Holiday Decor and Gifts: The best Disney-themed holiday decorations spotted at Lowe’s, Target, and online—including ornaments, blow molds, and inflatables. Wicked vs. Disney: How Moana 2 and Wicked are battling for attention this holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Rediscovering Disney’s Lost "Hero of Otherwhere" (Ep. 281)

    Rediscovering Disney’s Lost "Hero of Otherwhere" (Ep. 281)
    Nov 20 2024
    In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: The history and mystery behind Disney’s forgotten project The Hero of Otherwhere, a live-action/animation hybrid tied to Pete’s Dragon and Jerome Courtland's career. The evolution of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, celebrating 15 years of The Princess and the Frog while previewing the updates coming to the reimagined attraction. Highlights from D23 Brasil, including the announcement of Ice Age 6, Toy Story 5, and Pixar's highly anticipated new feature, Hoppers. Alan Menken’s enduring musical magic, from The Little Mermaid to his contributions to Netflix’s upcoming Spellbound. Laika’s Wildwood, Coraline returning in 3D, and fresh updates on Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse and more. Join Jim and Drew as they uncover hidden gems from animation’s past and highlight what’s coming next! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    49 mins
  • Villains Land’s 13 Disney Baddies Revealed & How Imagineering Saved Christmas with the Country Bears

    Villains Land’s 13 Disney Baddies Revealed & How Imagineering Saved Christmas with the Country Bears
    Nov 18 2024
    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
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    47 mins
  • What $2.50 Bought You on Universal’s First Tram Tour (Ep. 25)

    What $2.50 Bought You on Universal’s First Tram Tour (Ep. 25)
    Nov 15 2024
    In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a range of Universal-related stories, from unique events to fascinating history: Episode Highlights: Universal’s Garage Sale: Discover the details of the 2024 garage sale, where fans can snag exclusive merchandise and rare finds. Green Eggs and Ham Returns: Eric shares his excitement about the return of this iconic Seuss Landing sign and its connection to holiday celebrations. Epic Universe Promotions: Jim discusses Universal’s early marketing efforts for the highly anticipated Epic Universe. Horror Unleashed in Vegas: A deep dive into the year-round horror attraction featuring Universal Monsters and more. The Birth of the Universal Tram Tour: Jim takes us back to the 1960s to explore the humble beginnings of Universal Studios Hollywood’s iconic tram tour. Whether you're a Universal newbie or a seasoned park-goer, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in for news, nostalgia, and plenty of fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Disney and Macy’s: A 90-Year Thanksgiving Tradition (Ep. 23)

    Disney and Macy’s: A 90-Year Thanksgiving Tradition (Ep. 23)
    Nov 14 2024
    In this festive episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the rich history between Disney and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. From Mickey Mouse’s first parade appearance in 1934 to Minnie Mouse’s brand-new balloon debut in 2024, they uncover fascinating stories about Disney’s presence in this iconic holiday tradition. What We Cover: The origins of Disney’s involvement in the Macy’s Parade, starting with Mickey Mouse’s debut. Behind-the-scenes facts about creating and managing those giant character balloons. Minnie Mouse’s highly anticipated 2024 balloon debut and the Disney Cruise Line float tribute. How Macy’s and Disney teamed up to launch the new Mickey and Minnie shops inside 200 stores nationwide. Nostalgic reflections on Disney’s parade history, including the surprising role of the character warehouse and the evolution of holiday merch. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration between two beloved brands and the holiday magic they bring to life! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Inside the 'Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail': Tim Burton’s Latest Haunting Spectacle (Ep. 280)

    Inside the 'Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail': Tim Burton’s Latest Haunting Spectacle (Ep. 280)
    Nov 12 2024
    In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into the magical world of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Hear all about Jim's recent visit to this dazzling event at the New York Botanical Gardens, where he experienced life-sized sculptures, fog-filled forests, and stunning light displays that bring Burton's eerie, whimsical vision to life. Also in this episode: The Wild Robot still dominates the box office, edging closer to $300 million worldwide. D23 Brasil’s big animation reveals, including a new Ice Age film and Toy Story 5 updates. Behind the scenes on Skydance and Netflix's Spellbound promotion in Times Square. Updates on Marvel’s animated lineup and what’s in store for 2025. Get ready for all this and more on this week’s Fine Tooning! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Is Disney’s Premier Pass Really Worth It? Plus, Universal’s Year-Round Horror & El Rio Del Tiempo’s Final Chapter! (Ep. 505)

    Is Disney’s Premier Pass Really Worth It? Plus, Universal’s Year-Round Horror & El Rio Del Tiempo’s Final Chapter! (Ep. 505)
    Nov 11 2024
    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
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    44 mins