The Disney Dish with Jim Hill - podcast cover

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

Jim Hill Media Podcast Networkwww.podpage.com
The Disney Dish Podcast with Jim Hill and Len Testa Dive into the fascinating world of Disney with theme park historian Jim Hill and Len Testa as they uncover the stories behind the magic. From breaking news and in-depth analyses to quirky historical tidbits and behind-the-scenes secrets, The Disney Dish offers a unique blend of humor, expertise, and insider knowledge. Whether you're a die-hard Disney fan, a theme park aficionado, or just curious about the history and future of Disney parks and resorts, this podcast has something for everyone. What to Expect: Breaking Disney News: Stay up to date on the latest happenings at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney's global parks. Historical Deep Dives: Learn how classic attractions were created, the stories behind Disney's biggest decisions, and the Imagineering ingenuity that brought it all to life. Listener Q&A: Get answers to your burning questions about the parks, attractions, and Disney culture. Exclusive Insights: Gain access to insider details and stories you won’t find anywhere else. Fun & Humor: Enjoy the wit and camaraderie of two Disney enthusiasts who know how to make even the most technical details entertaining. With decades of combined experience and an unmatched passion for all things Disney, Jim and Len guide you through the parks, the stories, and the magic in a way only they can. Your journey to the happiest podcast on earth starts here. Subscribe today!

Episodes

Disney Dish Episode 322: Why ABC initially said “No” to “Zorro”

Len Testa and Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about the news that came out of the most recent Disney quarterly earnings call. Then Jim Hill reveals why the founder of the American Broadcasting Company didn’t think that Roy & Walt were very good businessmen. Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 17, 202141 min

Disney Dish Episode 321: Meet the crew of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by comparing WDW’s Boo Bash Disney After Hours event to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. They then continue their look back at Fess Parker’s time at Walt Disney Studios. Show Notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 10, 20211 hr 14 min

Disney Dish Episode 320: Who’s this other family in my Memory Maker account

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing some of the bars & the restaurants that just got revealed for the Disney Wish. They then discuss the huge part that Davy Crockett played in the first year or so of Disneyland Park’s operation This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 03, 202144 min

Disney Dish Episode 319: The day 'Soarin' ' first took flight over Future World"

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how Disney’s decision to update its guidance when it comes to Cast Member grooming & appearance will impact the rest of the hospitality industry. They then look back at how the Farmers Market at EPCOT Center’s The Land paved the way for food courts at WDW Resorts. This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 26, 202159 min

Disney Dish Episode 317: Looking for a great Disney theme park history book

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing how the Anaheim version of the Avengers Campus is supposed to be opening at DCA on June 4th. They then discuss why the Imagineers opted to transform the Papeete Bay Verandah at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort into ‘Ohana. This episode's Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 12, 202152 min

Disney Dish Episode 316: Do you remember “Mickey’s Audition”?

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about how the “HarmonioUS” barges haven’t exactly improved the view WDW visitors have as they look out on World Showcase Lagoon. Jim Hill then completes his five-part history of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 05, 202156 minEp. 316

Disney Dish Episode 315: Remember when Mel Brooks worked for the Mouse

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about how the Disneyland Resort is actively getting ready to re-open its theme parks. They also talk about how facial recognition technology may play a role in the next generation of rides, shows & attractions that WDI is developing for Disney Parks. Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 29, 202150 min

Disney Dish Episode 314: When Sunset Boulevard got downsized

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about Disneyland’s announced April 30th re-opening. Jim then continues his series on the development of the Tower of Terror attraction. Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 22, 202140 minEp. 314

Disney Dish: Epcot’s “American Adventure ‘78” now available to ALL Disney Dish listeners

As of today, this formerly-Bandcamp-Exclusive show can now be heard by everyone. Check out what the Imagineers were originally thinking of as they tried to create an Audio Animatronic extravaganza that could then be presented inside of Epcot’s United States pavilion. Cast Listing: Narrator … Barry Silverman Ben Franklin … David Chatel Young Ben Franklin … Peyton Clarkson Mary Twain … Jerry Powell Pilgrim Father / Town Crier … Dennis Gould Susan B. Anthony … Wilma Haupt Will Rogers … Aaron Adams ...

Mar 17, 202136 min

Disney Dish Episode 313: The hidden grotto that Disneyland Paris almost got

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the challenges the Disneyland Resort faces as it readies for re-opening. They then talk about why the Imagineers couldn’t decide where to build a Freefall-inspired attraction at Euro Disneyland. This episode's Show Notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 15, 202152 minEp. 313

Disney Dish Episode 312: How Geyser Mountain almost got built at Disneyland Paris

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by sharing a survey that shows that the WDW Resort may be rethinking how it handles attraction photos. They then discuss how a thrill ride at Magic Mountain inspired the Imagineers to develop an ambitious addition for EDL’s Frontierland area. This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 08, 202143 min

Disney Dish Episode 311: Turning the Disney Dream & Fantasy into realities

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about when the Walt Disney College Program should resume operations. They also look back at when the Disney Cruise Line first began to expand its fleet. This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 01, 202154 min

Disney Dish Episode 310: Looking back at WDW’s “Legend of the Lion King” show

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by discussing the new mobile checkout feature at Epcot’s Mouse Gear store. They then talk about how the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” puppet-based show led to the Magic Kingdom’s “Legend of the Lion King.” This episode's show notes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 22, 202144 min

Disney Dish Episode 309: WDW’s Best Outdoor dining

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about Epcot’s revamped & repositioned “Leave a Legacy” display. They then complete their look at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort This episode's shownotes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 15, 202138 min

Disney Dish Episode 308: Survey sez … WDW’s still concerned about COVID-19

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by answering listeners' questions. Then Jim continues his history of Disney’s Vero Beach Resort by talking about Fantasy Island, Frontier Village, and the Magic Kingdom Suites hotel. Show notes for this episode are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 08, 202137 min

Disney Dish Episode 307: How Disneyland may replace its annual pass program

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Seth Kubersky, author of the “Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2021.” These three then discuss the latest theme park-related news coming out of Orlando, Anaheim & Osaka. Shownotes are here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 01, 20211 hr 16 min

Disney Dish Episode 306: Why Disney World really built River Country

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the Disneyland Resort’s decision to cancel its annual passholder program. They then look back at when the Imagineers proposed building “Disney by the Sea” in Brevard County back in the early 1970s. This episode's shownotes are located here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 25, 202140 minEp. 306

Disney Dish Episode 305: Are you ready for “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure”?

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about WDW’s decision to shut down the Magical Express as well as “Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom.” Jim then reveals Disney’s long-range plans for Epcot’s “Person of the Century” poll Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 18, 202156 minEp. 305

Disney Dish Episode 304: The Muppety “Mermaid” you missed

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why WDW may be suggesting that Resort Guests use their own cars to get over to the theme parks. Then they look back on the origins of the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show Show notes are available here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 11, 202145 minEp. 304

Disney Dish Episode 303: Looking ahead to 2021 at the Disney Parks

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about how parking the HarmonioUS barges out in the middle of World Showcase Lagoon is actually a return to the way Disneyland Park used to do things back in the 1960s & the 1970s. They then discuss the Company’s post-pandemic plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 04, 202143 min

Disney Dish Episode 302: Which Beatle really enjoyed driving the Monorail

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about what sort of discounts the Walt Disney World Resort will be rolling out in 2021 in order to entice more people into traveling down to Orlando. Then Jim looks back at when a key member of the Fab Four stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in December of 1974 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 28, 202048 minEp. 302

Disney Dish Episode 301: Why Disney supposedly passed on the chance to make “E.T.”

Len Testa starts off this week’s episode by talking about why WDW’s Coronado Springs Resort may have changed the name of its Pepper Market food court. Then Jim Hill talks about how Southern Californians seeming to lose interest in Disneyland’s “Bear Country” area led to the creation of “The Country Bear Christmas Special” Shownotes here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 21, 202034 min

Disney Dish Episode 300: The secret behind Disney’s perfect looking Christmas trees

Len talks about how the Spice Road Table restaurant at World Showcase’s Morocco pavilion may soon see a menu change. Then Jim Hill shares the tale of the Southern Californian family which provided Disneyland Park with its Christmas Trees for nearly two decades Shownotes here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 14, 202043 minEp. 300

Wondery Little Stories Everywhere

Wondery’s newest podcast, Little Stories Everywhere, is the perfect immersive experience to share by the fireplace with loved ones this holiday season. Each episode will be the reading of a children’s classic - some of the most magical stories ever told, now reimagined with enchanting sound design for families to enjoy together or adults to enjoy on their own. Little Stories Everywhere is out now, premiering with A Merry Christmas, a collection of holiday tales by Louisa May Alcott that truly em...

Dec 07, 20205 min

Disney Dish Episode 299: Disneyland’s first real Christmas Parade

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by describing WDW’s new character caravan, which is now making regular stops at several on-property hotels. They then look back at how Disneyland Entertainment director Tommy Walker made that theme park’s earlier holiday celebrations look bigger & grander than they actually were Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 07, 202038 minEp. 299

Disney Dish Episode 298: Park hopping returns at WDW starting on January 1st

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by looking back on the career of Joe Rohde, who recently announced that he will be retiring from Walt Disney Imagineering in January. Jim then concluded his series on the renaming / rebranding of Disney’s Dixie Landings Resort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 30, 202047 min

Disney Dish Episode 297: WDW adjusts its 50th anniversary plans again

Len Testa starts off this week’s show by sharing a real Thanksgiving dinner conversation starter, the Cube Rule of Food. Jim Hill then continues his series about the development of the Port Orleans & Dixie Landings Resort for the WDW Resort Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 23, 202048 min

Disney Dish Episode 296: What to expect from a post-COVID Disney World

Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about why WDW officials have decided to hold off opening “Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure” at Epcot ‘til the first quarter of 2021. They then share a recent survey that throws a spotlight on what the WDW Resort is considering offering to lure Guests back down to Central Florida once a coronavirus vaccine is readily available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 16, 20201 hr 10 minEp. 296

Disney Dish Episode 295: Is WDW considering a socially-distant New Year’s Celebration?

Len Testa shares news about how the Disney Cruise Line must first go through simulated cruises where the boats remain tied up to the dock before the CDC will then clear them for sailings. Then Jim Hill talks about how Dick Nunis once wanted to use the Empress Lilly as the jumping-off point for a Southern-themed expansion of the Walt Disney World Village at Lake Buena Vista Ep 295 Shownotes here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 09, 202040 min