Episódios
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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 lasting impact on themed entertainment.
How Disney turned down Spielberg’s offer—and why it shaped his long-term partnership with Universal
The story behind Amazing Stories and its role in Spielberg’s attempt to build a brand beyond film
Why Harry and the Hendersons was seen as a potential franchise—and why it never became the next E.T.
Remembering Ed Gale and his roles in Howard the Duck, Child’s Play, and more
Universal’s Jaws 50th anniversary celebrations and evolving How to Train Your Dragon film updates
This episode blends nostalgic storytelling with industry insight, spotlighting how one filmmaker’s dream to become the next Walt Disney changed the theme park world forever.
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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 the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the story of how Walt honored his first decade of Disneyland, from airborne Mary Poppins stunts to the birth of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
The Mickey popcorn bucket that moves, talks, and blinks
Why propeller hats and retro logos are making a comeback
The gorgeous “padfolio” inspired by Walt Disney’s real desk
The true story behind Disneyland’s 10th anniversary (and that weird word “Tencennial”)
When Walt thought the park really opened—and how that date changed
The crown decorations that accidentally damaged Sleeping Beauty Castle
From collectible merch to collectible memories, this episode brings Disneyland’s past and present together in perfect, popcorn-scented harmony.
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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 Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation.
First look at Zootopia 2 – A mysterious villain, new districts, and plenty of fan theories sparked by the teaser trailer.
Drew’s full report from Epic Universe – A deep dive into Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic, Celestial Park, and the tech behind Monsters Unchained.
A can't-miss episode filled with theatrical wins, sneak peeks, and theme park reveals from one of the biggest weekends in entertainment.
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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 quick fix that morphed into a 20-year land.
Festival of the Lion King - The show that squatted in a space meant for dragons... and thrived.
Magic Kingdom Strategy - How early entry and Lightning Lane stacking can knock out every headliner by noon.
Disney’s Indoor Parks - From DisneyQuest to Abu Dhabi, a look at the past and future of enclosed theme parks.
It’s a celebration of Disney’s most beloved “temporary” projects - and the ones that just refused to leave.
SHOW NOTES
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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 branding misfire that nearly doomed it: Universal Studios Escape.
Coverage breakdown of Epic Universe’s grand opening, from live broadcasts to opening portal ceremonies
Celebrity sightings include Shigeru Miyamoto, Danny Elfman, Warwick Davis, Tony Baxter, and Cody Rhodes
Ygor and the monsters steal the spotlight - again -on national TV
Early first-day reviews highlight light crowds, limited medallion merch, and a rough start for Battle at the Ministry
Jim shares the wild history of Universal’s 1999 park expansion, including Seagram’s chaotic E-Zone plans and the “Universal Studios Escape” branding blunder
How Islands of Adventure overcame early stumbles to become a flagship park - and how Epic Universe is already avoiding those same mistakes
With one park officially launched and another history lesson unpacked, this episode celebrates the present while learning from the past.
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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 candy containers debut at Disney Springs
The DisneyStore.com shipping threshold quietly goes up
The latest on Epcot pin trading and Disney's response
A listener asks: Are Spirit Jerseys going out of style?
The real origin story of the Spirit Jersey
Why Tangled’s live-action fate may depend on Stitch’s box office
From puck worlds to ballparks, this episode blends nostalgia, merch, and the business of Disney like never before.
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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 office success of The King of Kings, Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman launches a new animation studio focused on spiritual storytelling.
DreamWorks embraces early childhood IP – From the upcoming Cocomelon feature to Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie and Bad Guys 2.
Paramount’s shifting release schedule – New dates for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, The Legend of Aang, and Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.
Peppa Pig’s gender reveal episode debuts… on Walmart.com – A bold retail-media crossover with exclusive merchandise tied to streaming content.
Smurfs movie sparks fan backlash – Rihanna’s new song “Friend of Mine” fails to impress her Navy, despite her upcoming role as Smurfette.
AI in animation – With $42 million raised by AI animation startups like Cartwheel and Hedra, concerns about job displacement echo the shift from hand-drawn to CG in the ’90s.
New Shaun the Sheep movie announced – Aardman’s The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives in 2026 with a Halloween theme.
A thoughtful and wide-ranging episode covering preschool hits, legacy IP, streaming trends, theatrical strategy, and the evolving role of AI in the animation industry.
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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 flashbacks.
What Went Wrong – Mission: Space didn’t just thrill—it made people sick, killed plants, and gave Epcot’s custodial team nightmares.
The Shrubbery Crisis – Yes, protein spills killed the landscaping.
Fixing the Fail – How Disney added trash cans, benches, cold air, and a non-spinning version of the ride (that’s actually better).
Ride Longevity – Why guests rarely re-ride, and how Mission: Space quietly became the least essential thrill ride at Walt Disney World.
What Comes Next – With depreciation schedules catching up, is it finally time to replace it? And what’s the likelihood of a Figment/Inside Out combo attraction next door?
A fascinating look at how cutting-edge ambition can spin a little too hard—and what happens when the recovery benches outnumber the ride’s fans.
SHOW NOTES
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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.
The rise and fall of Triceratops Encounter, and why it never worked as a headline attraction
How Raptor Encounter succeeded by being visible, fast, and built for social sharing
Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe livestream and new Peacock documentary The Epic Ride
Mega Movie Summer kicks off at Universal Hollywood with Jaws props and Jurassic World meet-and-greets
Listener feedback: how to hack your Cabana Bay stay, plus an update on walk-around characters at Toothsomes
Whether you're into classic Jurassic nostalgia or watching how Universal adapts its strategy, this episode is all about learning from the past to create blockbuster experiences.
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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 backstory, and a surprisingly heroic role for Pleakley.
But first, Lauren recaps her latest Orlando trip with a look at:
Discovery Cove travel hacks (bring your own water socks!)
Changes at Magic Kingdom’s Emporium and the scattered state of merch
The growing mystery of Cinderella Castle’s color shift
Stitch merchandise overload ahead of the new live-action film
The creepy (and hilarious) quirks of the new “Many Moods of Stitch” plush
Puppetmetronics, pin trading, and a Stitch-themed shipping tip
From castle color controversies to plushes with personality disorders, this episode proves that even Disney classics have an unexpected side.
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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 vetoed the idea.
A first look at Elsa’s new castle from Frozen 3 – How Disney Abu Dhabi’s concept art may hint at major design elements from the upcoming 2027 sequel.
Box office updates – Thunderbolts maintains momentum in its second weekend, and The King of Kings becomes a success story for South Korea’s Mofac Studios.
Fox renews Grimsburg, Krapopolis, and Universal Basic Guys – More early multi-season orders continue the trend of long-term investments in adult animation.
Seth MacFarlane returns for Ted: The Animated Series – A new sequel series is in the works at Peacock, picking up after Ted 2.
Remembering Marc and Alice Davis – A new website offers replicas of artwork by Marc Davis that once adorned the couple’s home.
It’s a packed episode full of industry insight, animation history, and a few heartfelt tributes along the way.
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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 for months.
The Unraveling of Light Magic – A show so complex it couldn’t complete a dress rehearsal before its paid debut
Pixies, Pajamas, and Panic – Why cast members wore half-masks, threw conductive Mylar into the crowd, and unintentionally triggered attraction breakdowns across the park
Mass Refunds and Retail Regret – The merch worked better than the parade, and fans weren’t quiet about it
Disneyland’s Damage Control – How marketing spin, rewrites, and show tweaks couldn’t save it
Legacy of the Street-Tacular – From shelved alien parades to Tinkerbell merchandising, what came out of this high-profile flameout
It’s a hilarious, jaw-dropping look at one of Disney’s most legendary live entertainment flops—where the only thing that worked on opening night was the jacket.
SHOW NOTES
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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 weather shuts everything down.
Universal India theme park rumors emerge just hours after Disney announces a new park in Abu Dhabi
Is the India story a strategic leak or a real expansion plan? Jim breaks down the global pattern
Eric reacts to his family visiting the Universal tribute store without him—and the props they spotted from past Tribute Stores
Annual Passholder discounts and exclusive merch deals return as Epic Universe ramps up
Epic Universe extends park hours—what it means for nighttime crowds and show readiness
What happens when it rains? A long list of outdoor attractions go down at Epic Universe
The ambitious animatronic detail, design goals, and operational struggles behind Triceratops Encounter
Why the attraction was built, how Universal trained for “high touch” interactions, and what ultimately led to its seasonal closure
This episode blends the international future of Universal Parks with one of its most fascinating stories from the past—and sets the stage for the next chapter in Islands of Adventure’s Jurassic Park area.
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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—and how it all started with a cartoon.
Plus, Lauren recaps her latest visit to Walt Disney World, with new pin trading finds at Epcot, handmade souvenirs in Germany, and must-see graduation merch at Creations. Also: Loungefly alternatives, the secret perks of the Mission: SPACE playground, and how the Plain White T’s ended up in the middle of Flower & Garden.
Why Walt Disney worked with Wernher von Braun
How a Disney TV special helped get NASA off the ground
The story behind Mission: SPACE merch (and crystals)
The new must-have black-and-white Disney backpack
Tuesday pin drops and pro trading setups at Epcot
The make-your-own glass art experience in Germany
From space-age storytelling to personalized souvenirs, this episode blends the historical with the hands-on in true I Want That Too fashion.
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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 Thunderbolts debuts at #1 at the domestic box office with $76 million, signaling a possible rebound for the MCU.
Korean animated feature The King of Kings becomes the highest-grossing Korean film in U.S. history, surpassing Parasite.
Big City Greens celebrates its 100th episode with a special titled “One Hundred,” now streaming on Disney+.
Boop! The Musical and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 30th Anniversary Tour – A look at how cartoon-based Broadway shows are faring in 2025 and what’s next for Disney Theatrical.
A heartfelt look at aging voice talent, with reflections on cast longevity for The Simpsons and how Disney once replaced Paul Winchell as Tigger.
Tune in for box office updates, Broadway insights, and thoughtful takes on how long-running franchises are managing the realities of time and talent.
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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 Holiday never came to Florida, and why Tim Burton’s working relationship with Disney ended with Dumbo.
Scrapped plans for a Burton-inspired Mad Tea Party overlay
How Walt Disney World hoped to tap into the Nightmare Before Christmas merch model
Why Haunted Mansion Holiday won’t come to Magic Kingdom
Fantasyland expansion budget and leadership changes
Tim Burton’s final Disney film and his “Dumbo” disillusionment
Plus, listener questions about endangered Disney World attractions and ideas for a Muppets-themed rock bar.
SHOW NOTES
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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 preview tickets go public, frustrating some Annual Passholders
What low crowds and Disney discounts might reveal about this summer’s Orlando tourism outlook
Universal’s guest survey tactics—and how they’re targeting Disney’s “seamless” brand language
Volcano Bay announces the retirement of TapuTapu and a five-month closure for overhaul
Universal Hollywood FanFest reactions and Drew Taylor’s tip for avoiding long lines
The box office power of Wicked, Despicable Me, and Universal’s 360-degree promo strategy
The history of Triceratops Encounter and how a 1960s Easter special led to one of Universal’s biggest animatronic swings
Whether you’re here for the latest theme park headlines or the long-forgotten stories behind Universal’s creative gambles, this episode is packed with insights, speculation, and a few dinosaurs along the way.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode that blends Disney shopping secrets and animation history. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes visit to Disney’s elusive Property Control store, a cast member-exclusive outlet full of discounted resort furniture, rare park merch, and even frozen food. Hear what she found, what she bought, and why it may be Disney’s best-kept secret.
Then Jim dives into the fascinating history of Gertie the Dinosaur—Hollywood Studios’ lakeside icon—tracing her roots back to a 1914 vaudeville act that helped inspire Walt Disney himself. From stamp collecting to Loungefly obsessions, this episode covers the quirky side of fandom and the legacy of one animated Brontosaurus.
What Property Control is and how Lauren got in
The limited merch, props, and even snacks for sale inside
The new Gertie merch spotted at Hollywood Studios
How Windsor McCay’s 1914 cartoon dinosaur changed animation forever
The real story behind Disney’s ice cream-slinging sauropod
From the backlots of Walt Disney World to the foundations of early animation, this episode of I Want That Too digs into Disney history where you’d least expect it.
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In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor cover a busy week in animation and theme park news, including:
Drew’s full report from FanFest Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, including Back to the Future Hill Valley experiences, new anime tie-ins, and what could be coming to the East Coast.
King of the Hill revival update – A new panel announced for the ATX TV Festival, with co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels and voice actors returning.
The Simpsons streaming hiccups – Yellow Planet, the Earth Day episode, struggles to launch properly on Disney+.
Annécy 2025 preview – Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm prepare for a massive presence, including previews for Zootopia 2, Toy Story 5, Elio, and Eyes of Wakanda.
Warner Bros. Animation’s Cartoon Network 25th Anniversary Panel featuring Genndy Tartakovsky, Craig McCracken, Pendleton Ward, and Rebecca Sugar.
Netflix rescues Genndy Tartakovsky’s Fixed after Warner Bros. dropped it—world premiere planned for Annécy.
New announcements – Disney Television Animation’s Dragon Striker series, updates on Combat Carl in Toy Story 5, and more.
Join Jim and Drew for the latest animation industry news, major event coverage, and a look at what’s ahead!
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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into one of the strangest goofs in Disney history—how the restaurant inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom was originally named after the wrong king, and why it took over two decades (and a flood of guest complaints) to finally correct it.
Also in this episode:
The King Stefan Banquet Hall Backstory – Why Imagineering picked the wrong king in the first place—and how nobody caught it before opening day.
Dave Smith and John Hench’s Awkward Phone Call – The archivist and the Imagineer have a polite, slightly painful conversation about medieval royalty.
The 25th Anniversary Castle Cake Fallout – Why complaints about the Pepto-Bismol pink castle pushed Disney to rethink the restaurant’s name.
How Cinderella’s Royal Table Was Finally Born – And how it became one of the most popular (and profitable) restaurants in all of Walt Disney World.
Listener Questions and More – Updates on Disney and Universal surveys, Lightning Lane changes, and Epic Universe tips.
It’s a story of castles, kings, and the longest game of "whoops" in Disney Parks history.
SHOW NOTES
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DVC Rental Store
Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures!
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Be Our Guest Vacations
Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress.
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