Best Jim Hill Media Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

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Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an Express Pass? (Ep. 534) 52:16

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15h ago52:16

52:16

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion. Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely wa…

1
Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an Express Pass? (Ep. 534) 52:16

15h ago52:16

52:16

This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion. Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely wa…

1
Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney (Ep. 53) 53:52

4d ago53:52

53:52

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lastin…

1
Steven Spielberg’s Quest to Be the Next Walt Disney (Ep. 53) 53:52

4d ago53:52

53:52

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lastin…

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Disneyland at 70: Popcorn Buckets, Padfolios, and the Wild Story of the Tencennial (Ep. 49) 50:02

5d ago50:02

50:02

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial. From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting …

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Lilo & Stitch Surprises at the Box Office, Toy Story 5 Adds Conan, and Epic Universe Impressions (Ep. 308) 54:31

7d ago54:31

54:31

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including: Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases. Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during D…

1
Lilo & Stitch Surprises at the Box Office, Toy Story 5 Adds Conan, and Epic Universe Impressions (Ep. 308) 54:31

7d ago54:31

54:31

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including: Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases. Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during D…

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From Pop-Up to Permanent: Disney’s Tent Obsession and the Accidental Origins of Toontown (Ep. 533) 59:26

8d ago59:26

59:26

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown. Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quic…

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From Pop-Up to Permanent: Disney’s Tent Obsession and the Accidental Origins of Toontown (Ep. 533) 59:26

8d ago59:26

59:26

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown. Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quic…

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Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage, Celebrity Sightings, and the Ghost of Universal Escape (Ep. 52) 51:56

11d ago51:56

51:56

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park. Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous brand…

1
Epic Universe Officially Opens: Live Coverage, Celebrity Sightings, and the Ghost of Universal Escape (Ep. 52) 51:56

11d ago51:56

51:56

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park. Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous brand…

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Why Disney Bought the Mighty Ducks and the Angels (Ep. 48) 52:02

12d ago52:02

52:02

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go. Also in this episode: Trash can …

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Gumby Turns 70, DreamWorks Eyes Cocomelon, and Peppa Pig Teams Up with Walmart (Ep. 307) 45:34

14d ago45:34

45:34

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include: The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids. Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box offi…

1
Gumby Turns 70, DreamWorks Eyes Cocomelon, and Peppa Pig Teams Up with Walmart (Ep. 307) 45:34

14d ago45:34

45:34

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include: The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids. Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box offi…

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Mission: Space – Disney’s Most Ambitious Ride That Guests Don’t Want to Ride Twice (Ep. 532) 1:08:15

15d ago1:08:15

1:08:15

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones. The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbac…

1
Mission: Space – Disney’s Most Ambitious Ride That Guests Don’t Want to Ride Twice (Ep. 532) 1:08:15

15d ago1:08:15

1:08:15

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones. The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbac…

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Why Raptor Encounter Works (and Triceratops Didn’t) (Ep. 51) 50:40

18d ago50:40

50:40

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today…

1
Why Raptor Encounter Works (and Triceratops Didn’t) (Ep. 51) 50:40

18d ago50:40

50:40

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today…

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The Original Stitch Was a Criminal Mastermind? Plus Emporium Updates and Disney Castle Color Confusion (Ep. 47) 56:29

19d ago56:29

56:29

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robot uprising. Jim shares the full, unfiltered story of Chris Sanders’ original pitch, including unused scenes, a darker backsto…

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Lilo & Stitch Controversy, Frozen 3’s Castle Reveal, and Fox Doubles Down on Adult Animation (Ep. 306) 41:36

21d ago41:36

41:36

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a wide range of animation news and commentary while Drew Taylor is away covering the global premiere of Mission: Impossible 8. Topics include: Controversy around Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch – Director Dean Fleischer Camp shares concept art of Pleakley in a dress after Disney reportedly ve…

1
Lilo & Stitch Controversy, Frozen 3’s Castle Reveal, and Fox Doubles Down on Adult Animation (Ep. 306) 41:36

21d ago41:36

41:36

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a wide range of animation news and commentary while Drew Taylor is away covering the global premiere of Mission: Impossible 8. Topics include: Controversy around Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch – Director Dean Fleischer Camp shares concept art of Pleakley in a dress after Disney reportedly ve…

1
The $25 Disaster: Why Disneyland’s Light Magic Parade Failed Spectacularly (Ep. 531) 55:30

22d ago55:30

55:30

Len Testa and Jim Hill dive deep into the infamous debut of Light Magic, Disneyland’s ill-fated replacement for the Main Street Electrical Parade. What was promised as a “street-tacular” became a technical and creative misfire that left tens of thousands of annual passholders asking for refunds - and left behind glitter that haunted ride systems fo…

1
The $25 Disaster: Why Disneyland’s Light Magic Parade Failed Spectacularly (Ep. 531) 55:30

22d ago55:30

55:30

Len Testa and Jim Hill dive deep into the infamous debut of Light Magic, Disneyland’s ill-fated replacement for the Main Street Electrical Parade. What was promised as a “street-tacular” became a technical and creative misfire that left tens of thousands of annual passholders asking for refunds - and left behind glitter that haunted ride systems fo…

1
Universal India Rumors, Tribute Store Props, and the Rise and Fall of Triceratops Encounter (Ep. 50) 59:52

25d ago59:52

59:52

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast by exploring Universal’s rumored expansion into India and taking a deep dive into one of Islands of Adventure’s most ambitious—and short-lived—attractions: Triceratops Encounter. Along the way, they talk tribute store props, Epic Universe operations, and what happens when Florida we…

1
Universal India Rumors, Tribute Store Props, and the Rise and Fall of Triceratops Encounter (Ep. 50) 59:52

25d ago59:52

59:52

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the 50th episode of the podcast by exploring Universal’s rumored expansion into India and taking a deep dive into one of Islands of Adventure’s most ambitious—and short-lived—attractions: Triceratops Encounter. Along the way, they talk tribute store props, Epic Universe operations, and what happens when Florida we…

1
Disney and NASA: The Surprising Space Race Story Behind Mission: SPACE (Ep. 46) 55:47

26d ago55:47

55:47

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE is rooted in actual history—…

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Simpsons Renewed Through Season 40, Thunderbolts Tops the Box Office, and Disney’s Broadway Plans (Ep. 305) 46:54

28d ago46:54

46:54

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation and entertainment industry news, including: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad each get renewed for four more seasons—an unprecedented move ensuring job security and a pipeline of adult animation through the end of the decade. Marvel’s…

1
Simpsons Renewed Through Season 40, Thunderbolts Tops the Box Office, and Disney’s Broadway Plans (Ep. 305) 46:54

28d ago46:54

46:54

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation and entertainment industry news, including: The Simpsons, Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, and American Dad each get renewed for four more seasons—an unprecedented move ensuring job security and a pipeline of adult animation through the end of the decade. Marvel’s…

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How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed New Fantasyland (Ep. 530) 58:38

29d ago58:38

58:38

Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Hol…

1
How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed New Fantasyland (Ep. 530) 58:38

29d ago58:38

58:38

Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Hol…

1
Epic Universe Ticket Drama, TapuTapu Retires, and Triceratops Encounter Origins (Ep. 49) 1:03:55

1M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the recent uproar over Epic Universe preview ticket availability—and why Universal quietly opened the gates to everyone. Then they dive into the surprising retirement of Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu system and the fascinating history behind the short-lived Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe prev…

1
Epic Universe Ticket Drama, TapuTapu Retires, and Triceratops Encounter Origins (Ep. 49) 1:03:55

1M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the recent uproar over Epic Universe preview ticket availability—and why Universal quietly opened the gates to everyone. Then they dive into the surprising retirement of Volcano Bay’s TapuTapu system and the fascinating history behind the short-lived Triceratops Encounter at Islands of Adventure. Epic Universe prev…