Best Animatronics Podcasts (2025)

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Manufacturing the Magic: Further Advancement in Animatronics 29:48

Play Pause

8d ago29:48

29:48

In the seventeenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continue their look back at the history of themed entertainment. This time around, they're joined by veteran Imagineer Joe Lanzisero, who looks back at how AA figures were developed for the Disney Parks. Throughout today's episode, listeners will learn about: How Ele…

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Cockatoos, Alien Earth, Nuking the Oceans, Animatronic Walt, Galactus Head Popcorn Buckets GIS889 30:53

29d ago30:53

30:53

RobChrisRob returned from their various locations scattered throughout pretend low earth orbit to talk about Cockatoos that have mastered drinking fountain technology, the Ukrainian IP address space changing due to the invasion, the trailer for Alien Earth, the world's tiniest violin, nuking the Ocean to save the environment (what could possibly go…

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Why Apollo 13 Still Lands After 30 Years (Ep. 58) 1:03:48

1d ago1:03:48

1:03:48

In this explosive Fourth of July episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey ride the rails of ghostly New England folklore and land in the middle of this year’s Halloween Horror Nights house reveals. From Norwegian monsters and homicidal dolls to the surprise announcement of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, this episode i…

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Toy Meets Tech: What Toy Story 5 Says About Disney’s Future (Ep. 54) 49:42

3d ago49:42

49:42

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what Disney’s upcoming Toy Story 5 might really be about - and why it hits closer to home than you think. From Woody’s absence to Jessie’s promotion, and a new iPad-inspired character named Lilypad, this fifth entry isn’t just a sequel - it might be Disney’s most self-aware film …

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Lilo & Stitch 2 Announced, Elio Holds, and Akira’s Live-Action Deal Expires (Ep. 313) 37:24

5d ago37:24

37:24

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite (despite a case of post-Annecy crud) to cover a wide range of animation and industry news, including: Disney officially announces Lilo & Stitch 2 after the live-action original crosses $945M globally. Elio holds better than expected with a solid second weekend as it climbs past $42M …

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Ep575: Scary By Nature 1:27:50

5d ago1:27:50

1:27:50

This week a fun Anaheim flyover, the line at Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland might be moving a bit faster now, Oogie Boogie Bash tickets are on sale and we talk about who's returning and who's not, we also talk about who we think a suitable replacement would be if Oogie Boogie Bash was ever rebranded using a new villain, plus we give our ini…

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Rebuilding the Future: How Innoventions Replaced CommuniCore (Ep. 538) 49:23

6d ago49:23

49:23

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 budge…

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Annabelle, Amityville, the Warrens, and More with Chris McKinnell 1:16:56

8d ago1:16:56

1:16:56

Chris Mckinnell, grandson of Ed and Lorraine Warren Stops by for the 150th episode of Moose's Monster Mash! Chris dives into his experiences with the paranormal and shares his recollections on some of his Grandparents now infamous cases. Hear all about, The Warren Foundation, and how you can reach out if you need assistance or would like to offer a…

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Mike Aiello on Jaws, Halloween Horror Nights, and 30 Years at Universal (Ep. 57) 47:02

9d ago47:02

47:02

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey welcome Universal Creative’s Mike Aiello for a special episode celebrating the 50th anniversary of Jaws and his own 30-year journey with the parks. From working as a teenage skipper on the iconic attraction to helping shape Halloween Horror Nights and Epic Universe, Mike shares stories of theme park transformation, Spielber…

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The Poster Wars: How Aladdin, Fantasia, and Drew Struzan Shaped Disney History (Ep. 53) 55:07

10d ago55:07

55:07

In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist Drew Struzan to the merchandising missteps that infuriated Robin Williams, this show explores how Disney uses poster art to se…

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Quizneyland Ep95: Sea of Monsters (but not really) 14:43

11d ago14:43

14:43

To all who come to this wacky place, welcome! Quizneyland is your land. Here Andrew quizzes you on questions from the past… and here you may learn bits of trivia you may use in the future. Quizneyland is dedicated to the ideas, dreams, and hard facts that have created the Disney Company… with hopes that it will be a source of fun and information fo…

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Annecy, Disneyland Paris, and the Animation News You Missed While Drew Was in France (Ep. 312) 45:56

12d ago45:56

45:56

On this week’s jet-lagged edition of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor keep things quick but packed with insight. Drew is back from his travels—and despite the sleep deprivation, he’s ready to recap his time at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and his first-ever visit to Disneyland Paris. How Annecy 2025 addressed AI concerns a…

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Ep574: Park POVs Meow Meow Meow 1:16:00

13d ago1:16:00

1:16:00

This week we're happy and excited to reveal the thank you gift for some of the first people that donate to our fundraiser for cancer research and cures, Peter Pan comes to Disney Dreamlight Valley brings a fun new item, we talk about robots and cakes, and Disney will be releasing official park POVs on Disney+ to celebrate Disneyland's 70th annivers…

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Michael Eisner’s Teen Crisis: The Birth of Videopolis (Ep. 537) 55:04

13d ago55:04

55:04

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 …

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The introduction 30:22

13d ago30:22

30:22

Send us a text On this episode we introduce ourselves, chat about working in a creative field and discuss some of the current projects we're working on.By Patricio Wolovich

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How Abbott & Costello (and a Baseball Bit) Saved Universal (Ep. 56) 51:56

16d ago51:56

51:56

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey step up to the plate with the unbelievable true story of how a simple comedy sketch—Who’s on First—helped pull Universal Studios back from the brink of bankruptcy. Along the way, they cover the box office power of How to Train Your Dragon, a surprising coaster IP twist, and the last remaining piece of the Jaws ride hiding i…

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Scents, Sweets, and Storytelling: How Disney Hooks You with Smell (Ep. 52) 53:30

17d ago53:30

53:30

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode explores how Imagineering has used fragrance for decades to spark emotion, trigger nostalgia, and boost sales. Plus, they di…

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Beauty and the Beast at 30, Elio Projections, and the Live-Action Dragon’s Box Office (Ep. 311) 55:57

19d ago55:57

55:57

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers the latest from the animation and box office world while Drew Taylor wraps up his trip to Annecy and Disneyland Paris. This week’s highlights include: Live-action How to Train Your Dragon opens to $197M globally, including a $83M domestic debut that surpasses every previous entry in the franchis…

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How Miami Nice, Pizza P-eye, and the Imagination Pavilion All Nearly Happened (Ep. 536) 1:06:20

20d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

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 Fi…

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Ep573: Sabers and Googly Eyes 1:23:10

20d ago1:23:10

1:23:10

This week we talk about creators that build a life sized Forky and a working lightsaber, a parody film gets a sequel almost 4 decades later, Andrew goes shows us the contents of his D23 Gold Membership gift, and sadly, we say goodbye to a legendary artist. Listen now at: https://www.podketeers.com/573 or watch this episode at: YouTube.com/Podketeer…

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Slime, Slapstick, and the Secret History of Nickelodeon Studios (Ep. 55) 59:18

23d ago59:18

59:18

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TV—and what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this sum…

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The Cookie King of Disney Springs: Inside the Story of Gideon's Bakehouse with Steve Lewis (Ep. 51) 57:55

24d ago57:55

57:55

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative,…

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Trek Theater, Creapy Realistic Dolls, Poker Face, The Surfer GIS890 29:10

24d ago29:10

29:10

RobChrisRob linked up for an abbreviated episode where we talked about a CD burner program designed to engrave images onto the physical surface of the CD, a seattle acting troup that puts on Star Trek episodes as outdoor plays, a $2M investigation to decide if DEI causes plane crashes, eerily realistic brazillian baby dolls, Florida's record settin…

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Quizneyland Ep94: Dark Territory (but not really) 13:14

24d ago13:14

13:14

To all who come to this wacky place, welcome! Quizneyland is your land. Here Andrew quizzes you on questions from the past… and here you may learn bits of trivia you may use in the future. Quizneyland is dedicated to the ideas, dreams, and hard facts that have created the Disney Company… with hopes that it will be a source of fun and information fo…

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Lilo & Stitch Still Soars, Dragon Whoppers Reviewed, and Fantasia’s Forgotten Soundtrack (Ep. 310) 45:21

25d ago45:21

45:21

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-ins—while Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include: Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on? A live-action Tan…

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Why Disney’s New Lounge Smells Like Crab Cakes (and Kodak Regrets) (Ep. 535) 1:02:29

27d ago1:02:29

1:02:29

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…

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Ep572: Where Are They Putting All This? 1:33:42

27d ago1:33:42

1:33:42

This week we talk about hotdogs and dancing bananas, shows for your DoorDash drivers, getting your LEGO build wrong, we finally know the name of the new Cars area coming to Frontierland at Magic Kingdom and we finally have more information on the Disneyland Forward gateway initiative and the Avatar and Coco areas coming to California Adventure but …

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Harry and the Hendersons, Spielberg’s Lost Alien Film, and the Birth of E.T. (Ep. 54) 56:56

30d ago56:56

56:56

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots. How Nig…

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Sipping Through Disney: Tumblers, Mugs, and the Merch That Keeps Coming Back (Ep. 50) 1:01:57

1M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them. Whether yo…

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Triple Ocho, Bobat Lasers, Peeing Robot Attack Dogs, Builder.AI, Cocaine Flies GIS888 38:26

1M ago38:26

38:26

RobChrisRob started off with a correction regarding last weeks discussion of the paraglider fall, then talked about Bobcats (which are not the same thing as jaguars) not being fooled by laser pointers, a robot attack dog that... pees? Then we explored how much robot dogs cost on Temu, the collapse of builder.ai apparently triggered by the revelatio…

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Pixar’s Elio Revealed, Coco 2 Confirmed & Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Sparks Debate (Ep. 309) 56:17

1M ago56:17

56:17

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially…