The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Len and Jim race through a packed week of Disney and Universal updates before diving into how the Roy E. Disney Animation Building went from an architectural showpiece to the creative model for Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Magic of Disney Animation attraction. NEWS • Disney outlines major 2026 refurbishments, Bluey offerings on both coasts, and new character entertainment. • EPCOT confirms Flower & Garden dates, attraction reopenings, and steep winter hotel discounts for Visa cardholders. • Universal celebrates FIA honors while advancing a three-phase transit plan connecting its resorts and parks. • Listener questions lead to discussions on vacation packages, Tron Ares timing, and the rise of non-alcoholic beverage offerings. • Jim and Len break down New Year’s Eve crowd patterns, phased closures, and survival strategies for the busiest days of the year. FEATURE • Jim revisits architect Robert A.M. Stern’s Disney work, from Casting Center to Celebration to the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. • The building

Jim kicks off this week’s show with a wild winter travel saga involving airport shutdowns, missing donuts, and a 3 a.m. pickup run that somehow beats the incoming snowstorm. From there, he and Eric dive into a new Universal survey aimed squarely at teens, explore construction movement in Lost Continent, and track down the long-missing Monsters Café icons now hiding backstage in Dark Universe. They also unpack the Grinch’s sudden takeover of holiday marketing before shifting into a deep-dive feature on the long, winding, neon-lit creation of Universal CityWalk Hollywood—a project Lou Wasserman first dreamed up nearly three decades before it opened. NEWS • Teen-focused Universal survey hints at interest in genre preferences, event awareness, and horror-driven engagement. • Activity in Lost Continent sparks renewed speculation about future land plans and potential tie-ins to Wicked’s box office momentum. • Classic Monsters Café statues resurface behind Dark Universe, raising questions about their next life in

Fresh off the long Thanksgiving weekend, Jim and Lauren crawl out from under their leftover Pilgrim sandwiches to talk about Zootopia 2 absolutely owning the holiday box office, how that might shape Disney’s sequel strategy, and the must-have merch that is already slithering into the parks. They also dig into McDonald’s massive 70th anniversary Happy Meal promotion, Disney’s official holiday book guide, and a couple of doorstop tomes that are now living in the Hersey household. In the back half, Jim takes Lauren on a whirlwind tour through nearly 80 years of Disney’s talking-animal history - from Song of the South all the way to Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde. NEWS • Zootopia 2’s Thanksgiving opening pulls in a projected 156 million dollars domestically and around 400 million dollars overseas in just five days - more than half a billion total and one of the biggest Thanksgiving hauls ever. • How those numbers stack up against Wicked for Good and last year’s Moana 2, plus why Universal probably is not panicking

In this week’s episode of The Case For, Jim and Chris dive deep into the foamy, sugary mystery of Butterbeer – from its first mention in Prisoner of Azkaban to its billion-calorie domination of Universal’s theme parks. Along the way, they track the near-miss Disney deal, J.K. Rowling’s taste-testing power, and exactly why Len Testa is currently horizontal. It’s a sweet, strange, and slightly sticky journey through theme park history. FEATURE • How Butterbeer evolved from J.K. Rowling’s books to real-world theme park phenomenon • Disney’s early plans for a Harry Potter mini-land – and how the deal slipped through their fingers • Universal’s long development process, the top-secret taste test in Scotland, and why the drink became a runaway hit • The many forms of Butterbeer across the Wizarding World, from frozen to fudge to the notorious cream puff HOSTS • Jim Hill – IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Chris Cox – IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Fa

Jim goes solo this week while Drew speeds back toward LA for an early press screening of “Avatar: Fire & Ash.” In the meantime, Jim catches us up on a very eventful week in animation news, from the monster launch of “Zootopia 2” in China to Disney Parks animatronics already slipping into B mode. He also spotlights new shorts, holiday specials, and takes a deep dive into the surprising Hollywood history behind “The Wizard of Oz.” NEWS • Zootopia 2 shatters expectations with a $156M domestic debut and a staggering $275M in China. • Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia Land proves to be a major factor in the sequel’s overseas success. • Early operational issues arise with the Clawhauser animatronic at Animal Kingdom’s new “Zoobetter Together” attraction. • Plymptoons launches a TikTok account and announces a December studio art sale in NYC. • Locksmith Animation debuts “Cardboard,” a touching new short drawing awards-season buzz. FEATURE • Jim traces the fascinating Hollywood history of “The Wizard of Oz,” from Dis

After a week wandering Walt Disney World with Len and Jim Shull, Jim goes solo this episode to share fresh Orlando observations, big theme park news, and the triumphant tale of finally getting inside Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto after a decade of trying. From Zootopia 2’s massive box office to the latest on dynamic pricing, Magic Kingdom expansion hints, and some curious choices around holiday traditions at the Grand Floridian, this one covers a lot of ground. And yes, there will be tiki mugs. NEWS • Disney officially announces that The World of Frozen opens at Disneyland Paris on March 29, 2026. • CFO Hugh Johnston publicly confirms dynamic pricing expansions at Disney parks after a year of corporate pushback. • Zootopia 2 posts a remarkable $556 million global opening weekend. • Ongoing fan hunt for the hidden Joe Rohde at Zootopia Zoo Better Together—Jim Shull reveals where to look. • Early visuals emerge around the Magic Kingdom expansion, with notable activity near Seven Seas Drive and Floridian Way. FEATU

Jim and Eric unwrap a very different kind of holiday story this week: the wild, demanding, and downright unbelievable making of How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). Fresh from Jim’s trip to IAAPA and holiday visits to the Universal parks, the guys trace how the film’s production shaped today’s Grinchmas offerings, from the makeup performers wear to the version of Whoville Universal still uses. Along the way, they dig into this year’s seasonal additions, Wicked’s strong opening, and the latest rumblings from Epic Universe. NEWS• Universal Orlando and Hollywood launch their holiday seasons, including new decorations, Tribute Store theming, and Grinchmas updates • Wicked for Good posts a massive opening weekend, powering Universal’s awards-season buzz• Epic Universe construction heats up with a major new permit near the Ministry of Magic• Butterbeer expands again with Coffee Mate creamers arriving nationwide soon FEATURE• The unbelievable true story of making the 2000 Grinch.• The intense Hollywood bidding w

Jim and Lauren celebrate Thanksgiving with a whirlwind mix of Disney history, holiday nostalgia, and a merch-filled New York adventure. From Wicked-branded ice rinks and a Zootopia 2 takeover at JFK to Macy’s exclusive parade collection and a stop at the Harry Potter Store, Lauren brings back a suitcase full of stories. Jim then dives into the legacy of Don Knotts, his long relationship with Disney, and how he ended up voicing Mayor Turkey Lurkey in Chicken Little. A cozy, funny, and very seasonal edition of I Want That Too. HIGHLIGHTS Lauren’s NYC trip featuring massive Wicked and Zootopia 2 marketing across Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and JFK Inside Macy’s Disney Thanksgiving Day Parade collection, plus Marvel arcade surprises A butterbeer meetup at the Harry Potter Store and standout Potter merch finds Jim’s holiday watchlist, including the debut of Prep and Landing: Snowball Protocol A deep dive into Don Knotts’ Disney career and his final animated role as Turkey Lurkey HOST

Jim and Dan return with a pre-Thanksgiving episode that mixes Orlando sidewalks, MCU speculation, and a defrosting turkey that may or may not be plotting its escape. They cover everything from Universal’s uneven holiday decorations to the unexpectedly emotional Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Chadwick Boseman. From there, the guys dive headfirst into Marvel’s latest rumblings, including Wonder Man’s very meta cameo and the increasingly loud whispers about the Russo Brothers shaping the MCU’s next storytelling era. It’s a lively one, recorded just days before the pie-and-TV marathon begins. NEWS Universal Orlando holiday observations, including the conspicuously undecorated Marvel Super Hero Island and a stellar Captain America meet and greet. Updates on Black Panther 3, including casting buzz and the heartfelt Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring Chadwick Boseman. Early discussion of Doomsday, Secret Wars, and shifting MCU release timelines. New info on Disney Plus’ Wonder Man series an

As Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down just hours before Zootopia 2 preview screenings begin, they dig into the film’s early reactions, the surprising box-office shape of the holiday season, and the escalating economics behind today’s animated franchises. HIGHLIGHTS Early reactions to Zootopia 2 and what Drew learned from scoring sessions and long-lead press days. How Wicked: For Good outpaced the original film’s opening—and why reviews may complicate the long-term outlook. Stephen Schwartz’s long history with animation—from Pocahontas to The Prince of Egypt—and his record-breaking opening weekend. A surprise Thanksgiving return for Prep & Landing and why Snowball Protocol deserved more promotion. Drew breaks down the blockbuster salaries behind Frozen 3 and 4—and how favored-nations deals shaped the cast’s negotiations. Tim Allen completes his Toy Story 5 recording, plus a look back at the franchise’s evolving pay scale. Trailer talk: David, Hoppers, and what Pixar’s 2026 slate sig

Len Testa, Jim Hill, and veteran Imagineer Jim Shull hit the IAAPA Expo show floor in Orlando, exploring the newest ride systems, vendor innovations, and behind-the-scenes stories fueling the future of themed entertainment. NEWS A look at how IAAPA blends professional showcase, industry reunion, and pop-up amusement park—complete with traffic, parking challenges, and surprises at every booth. Zamperla’s full-size demo of its new interactive “flap-to-fly” ride, where sensors track arm movements to lift riders higher. The stacked-track, heart-shaped family coaster concept designed to fit high-capacity thrills into a tiny footprint. Mack Rides’ water-coaster hybrid for Dollywood: a tracked boat that transitions between basins, rapids, and coaster moments. The debut of brand-new industry tech, including an AI park-operations platform launched just two weeks earlier—so new the vendor couldn’t answer most questions yet. Why Imagineers were quietly examining faux-fossil rockwork in a small booth—

On this episode, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into the latest Universal Orlando updates before turning to a deep-dive tribute to Jay Stein — the visionary who transformed Universal’s backlot tour into a spectacle factory and helped define the studio’s signature “JayBang” style of themed entertainment. NEWS NBC’s Wicked: One Wonderful Night special sparks strong reactions as Universal’s cross-promotions continue everywhere from Dunkin’ to TV tie-ins. New 2026 Universal Orlando ticket options clarify how multi-day guests can access Epic Universe more than once. Reddit reactions and critic reviews paint a wide spectrum of opinions on Universal’s latest TV musical marketing moment. Preparations continue around Orlando as fans look ahead to more detailed Epic Universe rollouts. FEATURE — A TRIBUTE TO JAY STEIN How a 26-year-old studio problem-solver was handed one directive: “Fix the tram tour.” The creation of the very first “JayBang”: the 1968 Flash Flood, sending 20,000 gallons of water

Disney merch meets Disney history this week as Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the newest releases tied to Zootopia 2 before shifting gears into a deep dive on one of the most pivotal films in studio history. Then, Disney historian and author Todd James Pierce joins the show to share how Mary Poppins reshaped the future of the company — with behind-the-scenes stories you’ve never heard. NEWS The newest Zootopia 2 merch drops at Disney Store and World of Disney, from Judy Hopps Loungefly to new plush and spirit jerseys. Box-office expectations for the Zootopia sequel as it heads into Thanksgiving weekend. A first look at Disneyland’s odd and delightful new souvenir guide. Disney’s unexpected collaboration with Formula One. FEATURE Interview: Todd James Pierce — The Making of Mary Poppins and How It Transformed Disney How the 1964 classic became the studio’s turning point during Walt’s most ambitious era. Julie Andrews, Hayley Mills furniture, and other wonderfully strange details fro

This week, Jim Hill joins Len Testa and Chris Cox in the Court of the Walt Disney World Resort to open the mailbag and dive into your comments on park hopping, rope dropping, resort strategy, and the joys of solo touring. HIGHLIGHTS What real guests say about when park hopping actually pays off Why longer UK trips flip the park-hop vs. slow-down debate The surprising power of resort location — and why Epcot area hotels keep winning Rope dropping vs. teenagers: an age-old (and very sleepy) dilemma Solo trips, flexibility, and the freedom to wander at will Hosts Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.comLen Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.comChris Cox — X/Twitter: @bigcox | Instagram: @magiccox | Website: magiccox.com Patreon Love the show and want to support more episodes like this? Join us on Patreon and get early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow U

As the long Thanksgiving weekend approaches, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into a flurry of newly dropped animation trailers, surprising box office projections, and the industry shifts shaping Spring and Summer 2026. Recorded just as holiday season ramps up, this week’s Fine Tooning mixes news, nostalgia, and some unexpected industry history. HIGHLIGHTS Why studios dropped so many major trailers this week — and what their early online rollouts say about today’s marketing playbook. A look at the weekend box office projections, including the strong debut for Now You See Me, Now You Don’t 3 and the surprising second-week drop for Predator: Badlands. Angel Studios’ upcoming animated musical David and its early pre-sale strategy heading into the crowded December slate. First impressions of The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — plus memories from the 1980s Jetsons revival session featuring Mel Blanc. Updates on Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie, new leadership at Paramount Animation, and how “e

Jim Hill and Len Testa unpack Disney’s expanding multimodal transportation plans, field listener questions on “Dwarfgate” and the state of restaurant seating, and dig into the remarkable story of how Richard Nixon ended up declaring “I am not a crook” at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort. NEWS Disney expands its airport luggage transfer program to include Southwest Airlines arrivals, bringing back a little bit of that old Magical Express magic. A deeper look at Disney’s FY2025 earnings reveals what that surprising 4% Q4 attendance dip likely means. Updates on the Polynesian Tower’s Wailulu Bar & Grill and the return of the Garden View Lounge afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian. After 35 years, the rights to Roger Rabbit revert to creator Gary K. Wolf—sequels may be on the horizon. Universal explores a new 4–5 mile transportation system linking Epic Universe, CityWalk, and I-Drive. Listener questions on Dwarfgate, Tablegate, and how early to line up for key attractions. A look at

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey trace the ambitious — and ultimately ill-fated — vision for Universal’s Dark Universe, from the scrapped sequel to The Mummy to Tom Cruise’s push to reinvent himself as the studio’s modern Van Helsing. NEWS Universal courts talent and headlines by hiring Mark Platt and director Lorene Scafaria for a Sabrina Carpenter–led Alice in Wonderland musical. Comcast explores a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, with Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs advising. Competing interest from Netflix and Apple raises the stakes ahead of WBD’s planned corporate split. Peacock sets a new premiere date for The Epic Ride documentary, now featuring rare dragon-drone testing footage from Epic Universe. A closer look at how the industry shake-ups could affect theme park rights, licensing, and future Universal IP development. FEATURE The original plan for a direct sequel to 2017’s The Mummy — and how the story would have expanded Dr. Jekyll’s organization and the gods-and-monsters mythology.

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in the holiday season with a look at Disney Lorcana’s newest expansion, Whispers in the Well—a set packed with gorgeous art, new gameplay mechanics, and some of the deepest Disney cuts yet, from The Black Cauldron to Gargoyles. Then they shift from gothic fantasy to nostalgic action as they trace the surprising rise, fall, and resurgence of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, including the merch craze that once swept toy aisles and the collector market that’s exploding again today. HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating Fantasia’s anniversary and the release of JB Kaufman’s new making-of book. Lorcana’s “Whispers,” new boost mechanics, and art featuring The Black Cauldron, Gargoyles, and Zootopia characters. Why fans are hoping for a dedicated Art of Lorcana book. The wild history of Power Rangers merch, from ’90s shortages to today’s sky-high collector prices. How shifting toy trends are affecting Super Sentai in Japan—and why Power Rangers nostalgia is booming again. Hosts

Jim Hill and Dan Graney unwrap a stocking full of Marvel mayhem in this fourth episode of the Marvel Us Disney reboot — a show equal parts MCU, theme-park history, and pop-culture cheer. They start with LEGO’s new Marvel Avengers: Strange Tails (yes, that’s T-A-I-L-S), plus a check-in on Jeremy Renner, David Harbour, and this year’s Marvel merch blitz, Unwrap the Universe. From there it’s on to the big one: Avengers: Doomsday. The Russos return, Robert Downey Jr. re-enters the MCU — as Doctor Doom — and the franchise looks to reset the board ahead of Secret Wars. Later, Jim and Dan explore Simu Liu’s “love letter to superhero movies,” Patrick Stewart’s possible farewell, and a “What If” worth debating — would Marvel even exist without the MCU? Finally, Jim opens the vault for Theme Park Archaeology, uncovering the Marvel attractions that never were — from Hong Kong’s Oscorp Tower of Terror to Disneyland’s unbuilt Wakanda expansion — and a first look at Rocket & Groot’s Galaxy Spin coming to Disney Cruise L

Jim Hill and Drew Taylor salute Veterans Day and talk about Xavier “X” Atencio, the new Disney Editions book celebrating the Imagineer behind the Haunted Mansion’s “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” Then, Drew and Jim dive into the weekend box office — from Predator: Badlands breaking franchise records to the upcoming Zootopia 2 — before Jim goes solo to finish his deep-dive on the 20th anniversary of Chicken Little: Disney’s first CG feature and the film that changed everything at the studio. HIGHLIGHTS Disney Legend spotlight: The new Xavier X. Atencio biography reveals rare sketches, wartime cartoons, and Haunted Mansion concept art — including the one-eyed cat that almost was. Box office breakdown: Predator: Badlands lifts Disney past $4 billion for 2025, while Zootopia 2’s early projections could redeem TRON: Ares’ underperformance. Streaming watch: Netflix’s In Your Dreams wins praise from Collider and The Hollywood Reporter; Star Wars: Visions Vol. 3 drops on Disney+. The forgotten fowl: W