Episodes

  • Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97)

    Permits, Annual Passes, HHN 35, and Fan Fest News (Ep. 97)
    Apr 3 2026
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey return with a jam-packed, news-heavy episode as they break down a wave of updates from across Universal Parks and beyond. From Epic Universe expansion permits and annual passholder strategy to Halloween Horror Nights reveals and new Vegas experiences, this episode is wall-to-wall news. If you’ve been waiting for a full download on everything happening at Universal right now, this is the episode. NEWS • Super Mario Bros. Galaxy opens with massive box office projections, signaling strong synergy with Universal’s theme park strategy • Universal FanFest expands with new experiences, including a Scooby-Doo and classic monsters walkthrough and a One Piece live stunt show • Jurassic Park walkthrough experience quietly opens at Universal Hollywood, featuring iconic characters and interactive elements • Universal Hollywood introduces a new all-day dining pass, raising questions about guest spending and in-park strategy • Epic Universe expansion permits reveal new land development, including a briefly leaked “future attraction” • Universal begins hiring for nighttime show roles, hinting that Epic Universe entertainment is moving closer to launch • New Epic Universe annual passholder surveys explore multi-year passes and limited-access tiers • Universal continues to balance demand with controlled attendance as Epic Universe prepares for opening • Halloween Horror Nights 35 announced with Jack the Clown and Dr. Oddfellow returning in a shared house • New “Scream Early” ticket offers guests early access to select houses before the event officially begins • Universal offers discounts to returning Premium Scream Night guests after last year’s mixed debut • Rumors swirl about a potential Fortnite-themed Halloween Horror Nights house • Universal Horror Unleashed introduces discounted “Freddy Cat” tickets for non-house access experiences • New seasonal overlay “Feaster Grievings” brings a horror-themed Easter event to Las Vegas HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and Express Passes with Unlocked Magic If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • D23 Ticketing Turmoil and the Hidden History of Pressed Pennies (Ep. 93)

    D23 Ticketing Turmoil and the Hidden History of Pressed Pennies (Ep. 93)
    Apr 2 2026
    Jim and Lauren dig into the latest updates surrounding the D23 Ultimate Fan Event, including confusing ticket tiers, pin lotteries, and the growing tension between traditional fans and influencer access. From membership strategies to collectible exclusives, they break down what you need to know before tickets go live. Then, in this week’s feature, Jim explores the surprisingly rich history behind pressed pennies—how a simple, low-cost souvenir became a staple of Disney parks and a quiet revenue powerhouse. NEWS • D23 Ultimate Fan Event ticketing rolls out with tiered access, giving paid Gold Members early purchase windows ahead of Disney+ subscribers • Honda Center seating add-ons and limited availability raise concerns for fans trying to secure access to major presentations • Random Selection Process (RSP) pins debut with unclear odds, limited quantities, and eligibility tied to higher-priced ticket packages • Disney+ perk offers 20% off D23 Gold Membership upgrades, prompting fans to weigh whether paid tiers improve ticket chances • Ravensburger announces a Disney Lorcana Championship Qualifier at D23, adding a competitive gaming element to the event FEATURE • Pressed pennies date back to early railroad experiments in the 1800s—but didn’t arrive in Disney parks until 1987 • Introduced during the Michael Eisner era, penny machines were designed as low-cost, high-margin additions to boost in-park spending • Early machines debuted on Main Street, U.S.A., quickly proving successful and expanding across Disney parks worldwide • Modern machines now use pre-made blanks instead of real pennies, reflecting the discontinuation of U.S. penny production HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. If you’re planning a 2026 trip—or heading to D23—visit UnlockedMagic.com to save on park tickets and simplify your planning. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins
  • D23 Strategy, Legends Debate & The Rise of the Bourne Stuntacular (Ep. 11)

    D23 Strategy, Legends Debate & The Rise of the Bourne Stuntacular (Ep. 11)
    Apr 2 2026
    Lauren and Eric break down everything you need to know about D23 2026—from the expanded week-long fan experience to the realities of membership tiers and ticket strategy. They also dive into this year’s Disney Legends class, unpacking fan reactions and notable “snubs.” Then, the conversation shifts to Universal, where an unexpected meme has thrust the Bourne Stuntacular into the spotlight. Finally, they explore underrated Disney park experiences that fans say deserve more love. HIGHLIGHTS D23 2026 expands into a full week of fan experiences leading up to the Anaheim Convention Center expo (August 14–16) Breakdown of D23 membership tiers, including free, Gold Essential, Gold Choice, and Gold Complete options Ticketing strategy insights, including Honda Center access and the challenge of securing premium experiences Disney Legends 2026 class includes Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anne Hathaway, Bob Iger, and more Fan reactions highlight debate over “snubs” like Hilary Duff, Raven-Symoné, and Selena Gomez Why D23 is “Comic-Con for Disney fans” and who it’s really worth it for The viral rise of Universal’s Bourne Stuntacular thanks to in-park signage and social media memes How crowd behavior and visibility impact theme park show attendance Reddit’s best underrated Disney World experiences, from resort boat rides to quiet pavilion corners Personal hidden gems, including Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough and Main Street moments For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@erichersey⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Lauren Hersey – X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@laurenhersey2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauren_hersey_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DisAndHers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@disandhers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis and Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dis & Hers⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMediaNews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/JimHillMedia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Strong Minded Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠reach out today.⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Marvel’s Street-Level Strategy Takes Shape as Doomsday Looms (Ep. 14)

    Marvel’s Street-Level Strategy Takes Shape as Doomsday Looms (Ep. 14)
    Apr 1 2026
    Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack a pivotal week for Marvel, where shifting strategies across film and Disney+ suggest a more deliberate long-term plan. From the rising importance of street-level heroes like Daredevil and the Punisher to the competitive pressure building around Avengers: Doomsday, this episode connects the dots between release dates, character focus, and Marvel’s evolving storytelling approach. Along the way, they also explore what’s missing from the MCU - and why that might matter more than what’s already arrived. NEWS • Avengers: Doomsday faces growing competition, with major franchises positioning themselves for a crowded theatrical window • Spider-Man: Brand New Day teaser surpasses 1 billion views, signaling massive audience anticipation • Marvel adjusts long-term release calendar, pushing a 2028 film and staking out multiple 2029 dates • DC accelerates its interconnected universe plans with new Green Lantern-focused teaser developments • Ryan Coogler’s Sinners success highlights creative crossovers with Marvel’s stalled Blade project FEATURE • Marvel’s “street-level” strategy comes into focus with Daredevil, Punisher, and Spider-Man forming a connected narrative run • Disney+ decisions (Daredevil Season 2, Wonder Man renewal) suggest strategy over pure viewership metrics • The Punisher special, “One Last Kill,” anchors a darker, more grounded tone within the MCU • Rumored deprioritization of legacy characters like Ant-Man signals a shift toward new focal points • A shelved Damage Control series may still play a key role in introducing mutants to the MCU HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Dan Graney - YouTube: @TheHubbubbery | Facebook: /thehubbubbery | Website: thehubbubbery.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlock savings on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at UnlockedMagic.com - powered by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Save up to 12% and make your next trip more affordable. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Super Mario Galaxy Fever, KPop Demon Hunters Mania, and a Shifting Disney Villains Land (Ep. 352)

    Super Mario Galaxy Fever, KPop Demon Hunters Mania, and a Shifting Disney Villains Land (Ep. 352)
    Mar 31 2026
    Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack a packed week in animation, from Universal’s massive push behind Super Mario Bros. Galaxy to the continued global surge of KPop Demon Hunters. They also break down the latest box office winners, Pixar’s underappreciated Hoppers, and what’s really going on with Disney’s evolving Villains Land plans. Plus, a look at DreamWorks’ ambitious Forgotten Island and how live-action remakes keep reshaping animation’s future. HIGHLIGHTS • Super Mario Bros. Galaxy gears up for a massive $150–$165 million opening, with Universal deploying aggressive cross-promotion across NBC and its theme parks • Project Hail Mary holds strong at No. 1 with $300 million worldwide, blending practical puppetry and VFX for its standout character Rocky • Pixar’s Hoppers nears $300 million globally, continuing the studio’s tradition of dual-form character storytelling • KPop Demon Hunters expands into a full franchise with a sequel planned for 2029, a global live tour in development, and continued music dominance • Streaming windows tighten as films like Goat, Zootopia 2, and Search for SquarePants quickly transition to digital platforms • Disney’s Villains Land plans shift toward a more playful, interactive tone, with concepts like an Ursula spinner and a Villains Funhouse coaster resurging • DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island aims for bold, personal storytelling from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish filmmakers Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado • Live-action remake strategy evolves with returning voice actors like Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett, while Moana continues to expand across film and parks HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, Unlocked Magic helps you secure great ticket deals with expert guidance from people who truly know the parks. Start planning your next adventure at UnlockedMagic.com. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • Buzz Lightyear Gets a Major Upgrade, Plus How Disney Finally Acquired the Muppets (Ep. 577)

    Buzz Lightyear Gets a Major Upgrade, Plus How Disney Finally Acquired the Muppets (Ep. 577)
    Mar 30 2026
    Len shares a first-hand look at the newly updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, breaking down what’s changed and whether it improves gameplay. The show also covers Bluey’s wildly popular debut at Disneyland and the operational ripple effects already being felt. In the main segment, Jim unpacks the complicated series of business decisions, ownership changes, and industry shifts that ultimately led to Miss Piggy & pals making their home at the Mouse House. NEWS Len reviews the updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, including new handheld blasters that significantly improve aiming and gameplay Enhanced laser visibility and dual-color targeting (red vs. green) make it easier to track shots and differentiate players Targets are now digital with dynamic scoring tied to color and animation, increasing replayability and challenge A new practice room at the start of the ride helps guests learn the updated system before gameplay begins Bluey’s Best Day Ever at Disneyland sees overwhelming demand, forcing immediate changes to show operations and crowd management FEATURE Jim breaks down why Bear in the Big Blue House ended after four seasons despite its popularity The financial collapse of EMTV and its impact on the Jim Henson Company’s ability to continue production Which companies -- besides Disney -- was interested in acquiring the Muppets back in 2003 Why the Henson family ultimately decided that The Walt Disney Company should be Kermit & Co's "forever home" For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com FOLLOW• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews• Instagram: JimHillMedia• TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORTSupport the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITSEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSORThis episode is sponsored by Unlocked Magic, offering discounted Walt Disney World theme park tickets at prices lower than Disney’s direct rates. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Universal Horror Unleashed Review: Inside Universal’s Year-Round Vegas Horror Experiment (Ep. 96)

    Universal Horror Unleashed Review: Inside Universal’s Year-Round Vegas Horror Experiment (Ep. 96)
    Mar 27 2026
    A first-hand review of Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, as Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore Universal’s bold attempt to bring Halloween Horror Nights to a permanent, year-round venue. Recording from the Luxor, the duo walks through their entire experience - from navigating Area 15 to stepping inside each house, scare zone, and live show. Eric takes on his very first full-scale Universal horror event, while Jim offers behind-the-scenes insight into how these scares are created and why they work so well. The result is a detailed, honest review of what may be the future of Universal’s horror business. HIGHLIGHTS • Full review of Universal Horror Unleashed, including location, layout, and how it compares to traditional Halloween Horror Nights • Texas Chainsaw Massacre house breakdown and why it’s a brutal first experience for newcomers • Scarecrow: The Reaping and how Universal balances original concepts with established horror IP • How “boo holes,” misdirection, and 90-second pulsing create a more intense, personal scare experience • Interactive elements including roaming characters, tarot readings, themed bars, and the Jack the Clown live show HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • The Candy That Clicked: How Disney Turned Pez into a Collectible Empire (Ep. 92)

    The Candy That Clicked: How Disney Turned Pez into a Collectible Empire (Ep. 92)
    Mar 26 2026
    Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey break down Disney’s clever Pixar Merch Madness campaign and debate which franchise will dominate the bracket. They also dive into the overwhelming demand for Bluey in the parks, the rollout of new Bluey merchandise, and how Hannah Montana nostalgia is fueling a fresh wave of Disney consumer products. Then, Jim uncovers the surprising origin story of Disney Pez dispensers and how they became one of the company’s longest-running collectibles. NEWS • Disney launches a Pixar-themed “Merch Madness” bracket on Instagram, letting fans vote daily to determine future limited-release merchandise • Early matchups show strong wins for Cars, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, with Ratatouille narrowly beating Up • Bluey’s Best Day Ever debuts at Disneyland with overwhelming demand, long lines, and immediate operational adjustments • Disney reevaluating Bluey show length after feedback that 40 minutes may be too long for younger audiences • New Bluey merchandise arrives at Disneyland, including apparel and collectible figures designed for both kids and adults • Hannah Montana’s 20th anniversary (“Hannah-versary”) sparks new merch across Disney Store, Amazon, and fashion collaborations FEATURE • Pez was invented in 1927 as a breath freshener alternative to smoking, with dispensers modeled after cigarette lighters • Disney characters first appeared on unauthorized Pez dispensers in 1955, leading to a six-year negotiation before official licensing in 1961 • Early Disney Pez prototypes and discontinued designs are now highly valuable collector’s items, with some selling for thousands • The brand shifted from adult breath mints to kid-focused candy after success with character dispensers and novelty designs • Disney park-exclusive Pez items now include Haunted Mansion and Figment dispensers, along with themed display pieces like monorails • Pez collecting remains a passionate hobby, with conventions like Pezamania and rare pieces driving a strong secondary market HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, visit UnlockMagic.com to lock in great deals and expert support. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min