In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor bring you the latest in animation news and insights. Tune in as they dive into: "Wicked" Dominates the Box Office: Universal Pictures’ adaptation dazzles with a massive opening weekend. Jim and Drew discuss the strategic marketing behind its success and what it means for future blockbusters. Animated Feature Oscars Update: A record 31 animated films are in the running for this year’s Academy Award. Hear predictions for...

oin Jim and Len as they explore the latest holiday updates, behind-the-scenes details, and listener questions about Disney’s parks and attractions. Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Discover how this year’s event improved on last year, with brighter displays, enhanced entertainment, and reimagined spaces that bring the magic of Hollywood Studios to life. Muppet Vision 3D Updates: Learn about the plans for the Electric Mayhem overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and what it means for Muppets...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey share a first-time experience exploring Universal's Minion Land. Jim provides unique historical insights, connecting the new attractions to Universal’s storied past and its evolution in theme park innovation. Episode Highlights: A First Look at Minion Land: Eric’s first impressions of Minion Land’s unique attractions, rides, and immersive details. History of the Minions at Universal: Jim reveals how the Minions...

This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome a true icon in the theme park industry: Garner Holt, the mastermind behind Garner Holt Productions and the creative force behind some of the most jaw-dropping animatronics in Disney, Universal, and even Chuck E. Cheese locations worldwide! What We Cover: Learn how a young Garner transformed his passion for animatronics in his parents' garage into the largest animatronics company in the world. Hear about Garner's experience...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into some of animation’s quirkiest corners and biggest news: Godzilla’s 70th Anniversary: Celebrating Godzilla Day with a look back at the 1978 Godzilla animated series and the fascinating story behind Hanna-Barbera’s unique take on the King of Monsters. The Wild Robot’s Box Office Success: DreamWorks' hit continues to climb, surpassing $250 million worldwide. "Emily the Strange" Returns: A new animated feature from Warner...

ver exciting updates and wrap up a beloved EPCOT attraction’s history in the grand finale of their series on El Rio del Tiempo. Here’s what’s in store: Cake Bake Shop Review: Len shares his experience at the newly opened Cake Bake Shop, highlighting the quality of their offerings and discussing the pricing. Universal's Animatronic Monsters: The hosts discuss Universal Orlando's recent trailer featuring 14 advanced animatronic monsters for the upcoming Monsters Unchained: The...

In this episode of Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the jaw-dropping Classic Monsters animatronics coming to Epic Universe, with exclusive insights on Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula, and more. Discover Universal Orlando’s must-see holiday festivities, from Grinchmas magic to exclusive Holiday Tour perks.  Pricing tiers and annual pass options for Epic Universe Hotel updates: Stella Nova and Terra Luna resort details Universal's permanent horror attraction...

On this week’s episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by veteran Disney Imagineer Jim Shull to take a deep dive into the world of Disney fun maps. These aren’t just park guides—they’re works of art that have captured the evolution of Disney parks from the earliest days of Disneyland. What We Cover: The origins of Disney fun maps, including Sam McKim’s first Disneyland map in the 1950s How these maps became collector’s items and influenced future Disney park...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore a wide range of animation news and insights: Netflix's Spellbound and Disney’s Thanksgiving Line-Up: A look at Netflix’s upcoming animated feature Spellbound set to compete with Disney’s holiday releases, plus details on Disney’s latest Thanksgiving promotions. King of the Hill Returns: A sneak peek at Hulu’s revival of King of the Hill, including aged-up characters and exclusive artwork reveals. Inside Out Universe...

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len and Jim explore more of Epcot’s rich history with part two of their series on the Mexico Pavilion’s beloved boat ride, El Rio del Tiempo. Join them as they delve into the ride’s development challenges, the inspiration behind its immersive scenes, and how Disney Imagineers used clever design and technology to bring Mexican culture to life in World Showcase. Tune in for: The latest on Epic Universe’s ticket launch and sold-out opening...

 In the twelfth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid talk about how a small, roadside berry stand in Buena Park, CA eventually grew to become one of America’s most popular theme parks Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How an abandoned berry plant found in a ditch became a thriving family business How the tea room at Knott’s Berry Place eventually transformed into Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant How was the piece for Knott’s...

In Episode 22 of the Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the latest details about the highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park, set to open in May 2025. They dive into ticket pricing strategies, hotel deals, and how Universal is setting the stage for an unforgettable guest experience. Highlights include: Epic Universe ticket pricing and vacation packages breakdown. Key details on the hotels launching alongside Epic Universe. A spooky look back at Universal...

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor take you behind the curtain of Moana 2, diving deep into the highlights from Drew’s recent panel at the Animation is Film festival. They explore the exciting details shared by directors David Derrick Jr. and Jason Hand, including Moana’s continued journey, new characters, and thrilling challenges in this upcoming sequel. Jim Hill and Drew Taylor also explore some of the biggest news and exciting developments in animation: "Creature...

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take you back to EPCOT’s grand opening on October 1, 1982. They dive deep into how EPCOT evolved from Walt Disney’s ambitious dream of a futuristic living community to the park we know today. What We Cover: Walt Disney’s original vision for EPCOT as a living, breathing city How Disney leadership navigated the project after Walt's passing How close Disney actually came to breaking ground on Walt’s original city vision –...

In this week’s Disney Dish, Len and Jim dive into the rich history of one of EPCOT’s lesser-known attractions, "El Rio del Tiempo." Join us for Part 1 of a two-part series as Jim takes us back to the 1982 dedication of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion and shares the fascinating origin of the pavilion's boat ride. Learn about the ambitious plans for "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico," the mysterious German Rivers ride, and how tight budgets and changing politics reshaped EPCOT's World Showcase. Tune in...

In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan celebrate October with a special look at horror films and their unexpected ties to Lucasfilm. Brian kicks off by sharing his month-long cinematic Halloween project, while Jim reveals his love for Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein and its surprising connection to Lucasfilm’s scrapped Frankenstein CG film. The episode also pays tribute to the late Lucasfilm producer Robert Watts, dives into the anniversary of Star Wars...