Episodes
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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 Frankenstein Experiment attraction. They marvel at the lifelike fluidity of these figures, comparing them to Disney's Na’Vi Shaman and Rise of the Resistance animatronics.
Disney's Tropical Americas Plans: Len and Jim examine Disney's new permit filings, revealing plans to transform Dinoland into Tropical Americas. They explore potential attractions, including a character greeting area, a Mayan-themed play area, and expansive queue designs for upcoming rides.
Listener Questions and Surveys: The episode answers listener questions about various Disney experiences and discusses recent surveys from Universal Orlando and Disney Cruise Line, touching on possible new ticketing options and guest feedback.
Additionally, join us for the grand finale in Jim’s multi-part series on the history of EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo boat ride, where he shares fascinating details about the journey to the Gran Fiesta Tour.
Catch all the latest Disney news, updates, and in-depth theme park insights in this jam-packed episode!
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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 day
Behind-the-scenes of Disney’s Cake Bake Shop pricing
A dive into the fascinating design details and lesser-known facts of El Rio del Tiempo’s
original storyline
Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with Disney lore, Epcot nostalgia, and exclusive theme park insights!
SHOW NOTES
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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 as they cover:
· Epic Universe News: Universal Orlando’s newest park is set to open in May 2025! Jim and Len share exclusive details on the opening, soft launches, and breathtaking new effects.
· Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Get the scoop on Disney’s newest pass option for skipping the lines—what it costs, what it covers, and whether it's worth it.
· The History of El Rio del Tiempo: In Part 1 of this two-part series, Jim takes you back to the 1980s to explore the creation and evolution of Epcot's original Mexico Pavilion boat ride.
Plus, listener questions, Disney news, and the latest park happenings!
Don’t miss out on this jam-packed episode's history, updates, and insider scoops.
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa take you through the latest Disney updates and a deep dive into the fascinating history behind one of Disney’s most ambitious projects.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
Hurricane Milton Update: How the recent storm impacted Disney parks, and why Jim thinks Medieval Times might be the ultimate hurricane shelter.
Disneyland Price Hikes: Len breaks down the latest ticket and annual pass price increases at Disneyland, and what that could mean for your next trip.
Fort Wilderness Innovations: Could autonomous delivery robots soon bring food and merchandise to your cabin at Fort Wilderness? Jim and Len explore the possibilities.
Listener Questions: Why the ghost of the ‘Creepy Clown Pool’ might still haunt Boardwalk Inn’s occupancy rates, and how AI may make your Disney PhotoPass pictures look better than ever.
Main Feature: In a behind-the-scenes look at Disney's battle with Pixar, Jim reveals how Mickey’s PhilharMagicwas developed as a key part of Michael Eisner’s strategy to prove that Disney could create CG animation independently. From its origins as a project for Hong Kong Disneyland to its pivotal role in Disney’s negotiations with Pixar, discover the hidden history behind one of the most beloved 3D attractions in Disney World.
Join Jim and Len for a fun, fact-filled episode full of Disney history, news, and a few laughs along the way!
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill discuss the latest updates and history behind Mickey’s PhilharMagic.
Tune in for:
Autonomous Vehicles at Fort Wilderness?: Could self-driving vehicles soon be delivering food and merchandise around this iconic resort? Jim and Len explore the potential future of tech at Disney.
Occupancy Rates for Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Discover why DVC properties like the Grand Californian and Bay Lake Tower are at the top of the occupancy charts and what makes them so popular.
The Legend of the Lion King: Jim dives deep into the history of this fan-favorite stage show, detailing the ambitious production, massive puppetry, and how it paved the way for future Disney attractions.
This episode is filled with Disney news, unique history, and some listener questions.
SHOW NOTES
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Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week’s episode by sharing a
survey the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out.
They then look back at the 3D movie that eventually led to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic”
Over the course of this show, listeners will learn about:
Why Rodney Dangerfield’s obituary may be the funniest story that the Los
Angeles Times ever ran
How does an RIP Tour compare to a HHN Express Pass
Why it’s unlikely that Disney will ever build a just-for-kids theme park at its Florida
Resort
SHOW NOTES
What’s the name of that 3D Donald Duck cartoon that used to run on a double bill
at the Fantasyland theater
How did Dick Nunis feel about “The Mickey Mouse Revue” attraction at WDW’s
Magic Kingdom
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you the latest updates and an in-depth look at Disney’s past, present, and future.
Tune in as they cover:
Exclusive Interview: Special guest Ricky Debler Jr. from Palmas Restaurant Group shares the inside story behind their iconic Disney dining locations and the evolution of La Cava del Tequila.
Disney Treasure Updates: Get the scoop on the newest details for Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship.
Disney Surveys: Find out what surprising questions Disney is asking guests about their park experiences.
The Untold Story of Big Thunder Mountain: Jim wraps up his series on the history of this beloved attraction and reveals the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland.
Dive into the latest news, fascinating history, and a few laughs in this can’t-miss episode!
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, listener questions, and a deep dive into Disney history.
Tune in as they cover:
Crane Permits and Fort Wilderness Construction: What’s going on at the old River Country site?
Disney Cruise Line’s Future: How jumbo-ification could extend the life of Disney’s Magic and Wonder ships.
The Evolution of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Jim continues his history of this Frontierland classic and the ambitious plans that never made it to Disneyland, including Discovery Bay and Dumbo’s Circus.
Listener Questions: From Rise of the Resistance’s B-mode to the future of Disney’s IP-driven attractions.
Listen now for a fun, fact-filled episode covering the latest updates and Disney history!
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, dive into listener questions, and share some fascinating theme park history.
Tune in for an entertaining and informative discussion featuring:
The History of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Learn how this beloved attraction evolved from the original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland.
Disney’s Tron Lightcycle Run Update: Why Disney is replacing the virtual queue with a traditional standby line and what it means for other park attractions.
Universal Studios’ New How to Train Your Dragon Attraction?: Jim and Len break down a new survey hinting at a potential addition to Universal’s Epic Universe or Hollywood park.
Listener Questions: A lively discussion on Disney’s attraction changes, including the high-cost failures like Galactic Starcruiser.
Nostalgia in Disney Parks: Are Magic Kingdom’s attractions too geared toward older generations, or is there something for everyone?
Join Jim and Len for a fun mix of history, humor, and theme park insights!
Show Notes can be found here.
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Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the three tiers of hotels that the Universal Orlando Resort just rolled out.
They also talk about why Disney wants to know more about how you allocated your cash during your most recent trip to Orlando.
For this episode, listeners will learn about:
Why the Universal Theme Parks want to learn more about which brands & IPs your young daughter is interested
Who was just placed in charge of the committee to find a successor for Disney CEO Bob Iger
Why it’s likely that DCL will soon need to replace the Magic & the Wonder
How many people visited the Magic Kingdom in Florida during the first full year that theme park was in operation
Which opening day attraction for Walt Disney World did Tony Baxter go to the field to install back in 1971
SHOW NOTES
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In a special solo show, Jim Hill first talks about which Disney Villains just made their debut at DCA’s “Oogie Boogie Bash.” He then looks back at how Walt adapted J.B. Barrie’s play & novel to the screen back in 1953For this episode, listeners will learn about;Who did Roger Bart sing for in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Summer release for 1997Who wrote the songs for Disney’s full-length animated feature for 1953When is Disney on Broadway’s new stage production of “Hercules” supposed to open in London’s West EndWhich two animated features was WDI originally considering as their jumping-off point for their upcoming redo of DAK’s Dinoland U.S.A.When was Bob Hope’s sequel to his 1948 Western comedy, “The Paleface,” first released to theatersSHOW NOTESLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Len Testa & Jim Hill start today’s episode by discussing the changes that will soon be coming to Tom Sawyer Island at WDW’s Magic Kingdom.
They also look back at when the “Be Our Guest” restaurant opened at that same theme park back in December of 2012
Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:
For which Disney animated feature from the 1990s did Ricky Martin voice the title character (for the Latin American / Spanish version of this film, that is)
What did the Imagineers once toy with installing inside of the “Hall of Presidents” show building
What does Universal Orlando’s new dining offer tell us about when Epic Universe will likely open to the public
Why did Disney’s Central Reservations Office have to rethink the number of seatings they could book daily at “Be Our Guest” just six months after this new Magic Kingdom restaurant first opened
Why did the load-in of the Ballroom’s chandelier prove to be a challenge to the “Be Our Guest” construction team
SHOW NOTES
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Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by getting the skinny on thinly sliced pieces of bacon.
They then discuss whether the changes that have recently been made to DAS have actually lowered wait times at WDW’s park
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
Where did the wax figures from the “Davy Crockett Frontier Museum” eventually wind up
Why would Disney Procurement likely have bought pork products in bulk last year
When did the West Coast version of “Country Bear Jamboree” first open
What’s the name of that Royal Caribbean stage show themed around superheroes
Which Harvard professor helped to turn the American cowboy into that mythic figure we know today
SHOW NOTES
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Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by reviewing Universal Orlando’s plans for “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic.”
They then talk about which WDW DVC may soon be expanding
Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about:
What’s significant about the survey Universal Orlando recently distributed about possible price points for annual passes
Where does Steven Tyler get the scarves that he uses to decorate his mic stand
How tall was Walt Disney
Which moment from the third episode of the “Davy Crockett” limited series did Disneyland’s Frontier Museum recreate
Why were Fess Parker & Buddy Ebsen wet when they made their entrance in “Dateline Disneyland”
SHOW NOTES
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On this week’s show, Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull & Len’s twin sister, Linda. These four then discuss the news of the day and look back at the grand opening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith.
For this episode, listeners will learn about:
What idea did the Imagineers explore for improving DCA’s Grizzly River Run?
How long has it been since a major new thrill ride opened at one of the theme parks found at the Universal Orlando Resort?
How has the roll-out of Lightning Lane Multi-Pass been going so far
What contributed to Disney’s decision to only present “Rogers: The Musical” in the Hyperion Theater for a single summer
Who influenced Kelsey Mann to find a place for Figment in “Inside Out 2”
SHOW NOTES
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Len Testa starts this week’s show by revealing which attractions will be open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during Extended Evening Hours at that theme park later this year.
And then Jim Hill wraps up his history of Epcot’s “Maelstrom” attraction.
In this episode, listeners will learn about:
Why was the original version of “Country Bear Jamboree” trimmed down back in October 2012
What land does Hong Kong Disneyland that is traditionally found at other castle parks
Why did the Imagineers dial back the North Sea scene in “Maelstrom” just before this World Showcase attraction officially opened in July of 1988
Which animatronic figure from “The Hall of Presidents” can also be found as a eunuch along “Spaceship Earth” ‘s ride track
When – according to the U.S. census – did the wide open spaces of the American West officially come to a close
SHOW NOTES
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Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Disney author & historian Foxx Nolte. Who gives them a preview of his latest book, “Scoundrels, Villains, & Knaves: Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Popular Culture”
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
What are the differences between the VIP tours offered at WDW versus those made available to visitors at the Universal Orlando Resort
Which train show staged back in the mid-1940s reportedly influenced the design of New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park
What’s the rumored reason that character greetings are not being offered as part of Lightning Lane Multi-pass
Which scene was originally designed for the Escher Staircase area for WDW’s version of the Haunted Mansion
What’s kind of intriguing about the fact that the Themed Entertainment Association has yet to release its annual Theme Park Index (which lists theme park attendance numbers) has yet to be released for 2024
Show Notes
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Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the different “lands” that Guests can explore once they board the Disney Adventure (which begins sailing out of Singapore in 2025).
They also share a survey from Universal Orlando about this Resort’s version of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
Which musical acts will be appearing at this year’s “Eat to the Beat” concert series as part of the 2024 edition of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival
When did Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith come back online at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
How many passengers is the Disney Adventure supposed to be able to accommodate on each sailing of this new DCL vessel (Bonus question: How many crew members will be on board to service these passengers)
According to Greek mythology, which three very different things is the God Poseidon supposed to watch over / be in charge of
What happened to attendance levels at EPCOT Center & Disney-MGM Studios theme park right after Disney’s Animal Kingdom first opened in April of 1998
Show Notes
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Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussingWDW’s Genie+ replacement. They then walk through exactly what happened backstage atDisneyland prior to the launch of that Park’s “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworksOver the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How far in advance will on-site Guests be able to book Multi Pass reservations When is this new ride reservation system supposed to officially come online atthe Walt Disney World Resort What holiday-themed projection show is supposed to be updated as part of the2024 edition of “Jollywood Nights” Where did Disneyland used to store its fireworks back in the 1980s Why did Disneyland’s firemen go around backstage checking doors & windowsan hour before “Fantasy in the Sky” launchedShow NotesLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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