Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a Halloween-packed episode of I Want That Too , diving into the latest spooky Disney merch and a century of witchy stories from the Mouse House. Haunted Mansion peel-and-stick wallpaper and Guillermo del Toro’s obsession The viral Cutie Ghost collection and why the Minnie Mouse ghost lamp is selling out fast A massive Nightmare Before Christmas collection, including a $160 countdown coffin and an epic Jack Skellington water bottle set Disney’s evolving po...
Aug 21, 2025•38 min•Ep. 61
Jim and Lauren serve up a feast of Disney news, collectibles, and one unforgettable personal tale. Recap of Disney’s quarterly earnings call, including streaming’s first profitable quarter Details on Hulu’s full integration into Disney+ by 2026 and the shift away from subscriber count reporting Hidden perks for Disney+ subscribers, including a free D23 Gold membership and exclusive sweepstakes A first look at “Single Riders” – a dating app for Disney and theme park fans Disney’s latest collectib...
Aug 14, 2025•47 min•Ep. 60
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trace the surprising origins of Disney’s licensing empire - back to a time when Walt needed just $300 to keep the studio running. From the Alice Comedies to Donald Duck orange juice and Peter Pan peanut butter, this episode explores how early merchandise deals weren’t just about profit - they were survival. Jim unpacks how licensing set the foundation for everything from Disneyana collectors to the modern parks. Meanwhile, Lauren shares her latest finds in the merch wo...
Aug 07, 2025•58 min•Ep. 59
Lauren returns from an epic summer road trip across nine parks and five hotels, with stories (and shopping bags) in tow. She and Jim break down: The best-kept secret for scoring free Disney water park access How the new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom stacks up (and where to sit) What it’s really like inside Disney’s exclusive Property Control store A merch-lover’s guide to Universal Studios’ 35th anniversary finds Why the new Epic Universe resort Terra Luna is gorgeous—but far The Hersey fami...
Jul 31, 2025•46 min•Ep. 58
In this packed episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey tackle everything from the ZOMBIES 4 merch drought to the 52-item Haunted Mansion collection and the bittersweet farewell line for Animal Kingdom’s Dinosaur ride. But the real surprise? A 1950s Disneyland board game that may have smuggled in Bugs Bunny. Plus, Jim dives into the earliest examples of Disney’s merchandise strategy—souvenir trays, ashtrays, temporary tattoos, and the guidebook Walt insisted on selling at a loss j...
Jul 24, 2025•42 min
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are back with a full dose of Disney merch, from the long-awaited debut of the Starlight Dream the Night Away parade to a viral collector toy that's creeping its way into the parks. Lauren breaks down everything she’s learned about La Boo Boos (and their knockoff cousins), while Jim connects the dots between Disney’s 1950s television strategy and why your Christmas ornaments now cost $80. Also in this episode: What to expect from Disney’s first nighttime parade in a dec...
Jul 17, 2025•45 min•Ep. 56
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey continue their Toy Story series with a deep dive into the franchise's merchandising legacy—and how a scrappy unknown toy company landed the rights that Mattel and Hasbro turned down. From the earliest Thinkway figures to today's collector's items worth thousands, they explore how Toy Story became one of the most profitable and collectible Disney properties of all time. Plus, Jim shares a personal behind-the-scenes story about the original vision for Toy Story 4 , inclu...
Jul 10, 2025•42 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack what Disney’s upcoming Toy Story 5 might really be about - and why it hits closer to home than you think. From Woody’s absence to Jessie’s promotion, and a new iPad-inspired character named Lilypad, this fifth entry isn’t just a sequel - it might be Disney’s most self-aware film yet. Jim and Lauren discuss how streaming, AI, and even shoppable shows are reshaping how Disney tells stories - and sells them. They also reflect on...
Jul 03, 2025•46 min•Ep. 54
In this art-filled episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the colorful world of Disney posters—on screens, in parks, and behind the scenes. From the hand-painted brilliance of legendary artist Drew Struzan to the merchandising missteps that infuriated Robin Williams, this show explores how Disney uses poster art to sell stories and spark emotion. Jim explains how Fantasia’s box office flop turned into a midnight movie cult hit, while Lauren shares her family’s New...
Jun 26, 2025•51 min•Ep. 53
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey follow their cult-favorite “cup” episode with a deep dive into the most powerful sense in the Disney parks—smell. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic to burning Rome and popcorn-scented blowers, this episode explores how Imagineering has used fragrance for decades to spark emotion, trigger nostalgia, and boost sales. Plus, they dig into scented merch like candles, oils, and the plushie line that smells good enough to eat. How scent became a secret weapon in Disney park design W...
Jun 19, 2025•50 min•Ep. 52
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Florida’s favorite bakery. The music major turned baker who built Gideon’s from scratch—literally How a secret...
Jun 12, 2025•54 min•Ep. 51
For the 50th episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them. Whether you're a mug minimalist or a tumbler hoarder, this one’s for you. Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is ...
Jun 05, 2025•58 min•Ep. 50
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 b...
May 29, 2025•46 min•Ep. 49
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 ...
May 22, 2025•48 min
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 y...
May 15, 2025•52 min•Ep. 47
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 souve...
May 08, 2025•52 min•Ep. 43
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—traci...
May 01, 2025•53 min•Ep. 45
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey sit down with actor and author Colin Egglesfield ( All My Children , Something Borrowed ) to revisit one of Disney’s most passionate fan events: Super Soap Weekend. Colin shares what it was like to meet thousands of soap fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, parade through the park with Goofy, and be part of the event’s final years. They also discuss Colin’s time on All My Children , his unforgettable character arc as Erica Kane’s long-lost son, and how he battled cancer...
Apr 24, 2025•50 min•Ep. 44
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey hop into the season with stories of springtime mishaps, Disney merch drops, and a full breakdown of the difference between spoilers and Easter eggs (the movie kind, not the chocolate kind). The infamous Disneyland orchid drop of the 1950s and other early Easter entertainment ideas A look at this year’s Easter basket-ready merch, from plush Stitch bunnies to adorable Ewok Village Dorables Disney’s new Lululemon collection and a pricey hoodie that’s… just a black hoodie ...
Apr 17, 2025•46 min
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie with new Loungefly backpacks, wild Powerline-themed hats, and a deep dive into the film’s fan-favorite status. Then, they break down some of Disney’s latest merch trends - including crossbody water bottle holders, park-inspired baseball jerseys, and popcorn bucket Christmas ornaments… in April. Plus, Jim shares the fascinating story of how Disney built Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! inside two U.S. parks, and wh...
Apr 10, 2025•47 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the colorful world of theme park merchandise—from Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival to Universal’s Epic Universe rollout—and spotlight a pastel plush lineup that’s taking over Japan (and maybe your shelf next). Figment’s Flattening at Flower & Garden – Lauren shares her thoughts on Disney’s 3D-printed topiaries, the orange spirit jersey, and whether Figment is looking a little… squished this year. Captain Cacao and Un...
Apr 03, 2025•53 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey go full collector mode with stories of forgotten plush, rare merch, and the unexpected international success of one very determined Disney bear. The Return of Duffy – From Tokyo-exclusive meet-and-greets to his spot in Disneyland’s new cavalcade, Disney is going all in (again) on Duffy and his friends. The Secret Origin of the Disney Bear – Before he was Duffy, he was an unloved plush at Once Upon a Toy—and Jim shares the wild backs...
Mar 27, 2025•47 min•Ep. 40
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the drama surrounding Disney’s latest projects, from the controversial Snow White live-action remake to a major legal battle over Lady and the Tramp . Snow White’s Live-Action Gamble – How the film’s casting choices, premiere strategy, and audience reactions are shaping its box office projections. Lady and the Tramp’s $3.2 Million Lawsuit – The fascinating story of how Peggy Lee took Disney to court—and won. Disney’s Fortn...
Mar 20, 2025•52 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the secrets behind Disney’s gift shops and why you’re always tempted to buy merch after every ride. From Mattel’s influence in the 1990s to the psychological tricks Imagineers use to boost sales, you’ll never look at a Disney gift shop the same way again. • The 57-Second Rule – How Disney learned that you need to see merch within 57 seconds of exiting a ride for the best chance of making a sale. • The Origins of Post-Ride ...
Mar 06, 2025•49 min
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey uncover the fascinating history of why Disney fans always exit through a gift shop. From strategic design choices to corporate sponsorships, Disney has perfected the art of making sure you leave with a little extra magic in your bag. The Origins of Exit Gift Shops – How early Disney parks positioned stores for maximum spending. Mattel’s Surprising Role in Disney’s Retail Evolution – How a 1990s partnership changed the way we shop at...
Feb 27, 2025•45 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a trip down memory lane to discuss Disney’s long-lost currency, exciting new merch releases, and how Disney fans keep the magic alive through collectibles. The History of Disney Dollars – How Disney once printed its own money, why it disappeared, and whether it could make a comeback. Pin Trading’s 25th Anniversary – The latest must-have pins, why the math isn’t adding up, and how pin trading has become a Disney subculture. Mons...
Feb 20, 2025•42 min•Ep. 36
In this Valentine’s Day episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into all things Disney love, from dream weddings to magical merch and one of the strangest Disney proposals ever. New Cinderella 75th Anniversary Merch – Cakeworthy’s latest collection celebrates the Disney classic with stunning apparel and accessories. Disney Weddings and Vow Renewals – What does it cost to say “I do” in front of Cinderella Castle? We break down the price tags, perks, and hidden surprises of Di...
Feb 13, 2025•49 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill, Lauren Hersey, and special guest Eric Hersey dive into the surprising crossover between Disney and the biggest sporting event of the year—the Super Bowl. The origins of the legendary "I'm Going to Disneyland" phrase and how it all started with Jane Eisner’s brilliant idea. Michael Eisner’s deep love of sports and how it led to Disney owning The Mighty Ducks and The Anaheim Angels . The Super Bowl commercial game—why brands pay millions and how Disne...
Feb 06, 2025•42 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into Disney anniversaries, exciting new merch, and the bittersweet farewell to a fan-favorite attraction. Cinderella’s 75th Anniversary: The surprising history of how Bank of America played a role in bringing this Disney classic to life. Muppet Vision 3D’s Closure: What we know about the end of this beloved attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and what’s rumored to replace it. Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Merch: A brand-ne...
Jan 30, 2025•44 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of I Want That Too , Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the magical intersection of Disney history and merchandise with some fascinating stories and updates: High School Musical: Celebrating the anniversary of this unexpected hit, we uncover behind-the-scenes stories and its massive impact on Disney’s tween empire. Star Wars Merch: From Skeleton Crew collectibles to the franchise’s record-breaking $32 billion in merchandise sales, we explore what makes Star Wars the ultimate merc...
Jan 23, 2025•43 min•Ep. 32
