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...
Sep 16, 2024•42 min
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 l...
Sep 09, 2024•49 min•Ep. 496
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...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 495
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 1953 For this episode, listeners will learn about; Who did Roger Bart sing for in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Summer release for 1997 Who wrote the songs for Disney’s full-length animated feature for 1953 When is Disney on Broadway’s new stage production of “Hercules” supposed to ope...
Aug 26, 2024•38 min•Ep. 494
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 ...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 493
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Aug 12, 2024•51 min
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...
Aug 12, 2024•53 min•Ep. 492
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 mom...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 491
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-...
Jul 29, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 490
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 bac...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 489
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 Disne...
Jul 15, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 488
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 & Win...
Jul 08, 2024•59 min•Ep. 487
Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing WDW’s Genie+ replacement. They then walk through exactly what happened backstage at Disneyland prior to the launch of that Park’s “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks Over 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 at the Walt Disney World Resort What holiday-themed...
Jul 01, 2024•53 min•Ep. 486
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking at the “Dark Universe” concept art that the Universal Orlando Resort just revealed. Then they wrap up their history of fireworks displays at Disneyland Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Who was Disney’s partner when it came to developing a compressed air-based launch system for its fireworks displays When is work supposed to get underway on the refurbishment of WDW’s version of Big Thunder Mountain Why do golf enthusiasts ...
Jun 24, 2024•52 min•Ep. 485
Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the operational issues that “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” continues to have during its preview period. They also share listeners' theories about why WDW sit-down restaurants have seemed so empty lately Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What changes have been made to the on-board narration for Disneyland’s Mark Twain When will the revamped version of “Country Bear Jamboree” be opening at the Magic Kingdom in Florida W...
Jun 17, 2024•43 min•Ep. 484
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the technical issues “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” has been facing during its Cast Member preview period. They also take a look at the room décor for WDW Island Tower (i.e., that new DVC which will be opening right next to WDW’s Polynesian Village Resort on December 17th) In this episode, listeners will learn about: Why would Owen & Dolly Pope always tour the corrals at Disneyland’s Circle D Ranch the mornings after fireworks had been shot of...
Jun 10, 2024•46 min•Ep. 483
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the opening weekend of performances of “Disney Dreams That Soar.” They then look back at how fireworks got started at Disneyland Park in the late 1950s In this episode, listeners will learn about: Why Universal Orlando decided to change the name of Epic Universe’s racing coaster When will work begin on the retheming of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Which musical acts is Universal Creative reportedly considering using as the j...
Jun 03, 2024•51 min•Ep. 482
Len Testa shares what it was like to watch Disney Springs’ new nighttime show from Saratoga Springs. Jim Hill then finishes his history of the miniature golf courses at the WDW Resort Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Why do Disney execs really need to pay attention to what Jenny Nicolson shared throughout her four-hour-long “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” video What makes the Bacchus hole at “Fantasia Gardens” so difficult for golfers How long after the theme for “Winter Su...
May 27, 2024•55 min
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing who gets to experience “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” when as part of that WDW attraction’s month-long grand opening event. They then take a look at the interior of the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What does Disney’s Hollywood Studios do when the IT system at the WDW Resort crashes When might we see a second Taylor Swift concert film show up on Disney+ How did Jack Wrather deal...
May 20, 2024•53 min•Ep. 480
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about what happens next with Disneyland Forward now that the Anaheim City Council has officially approved this project. They also discuss what Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed at the Company’s most recent earnings call. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How long will the WDW version of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad be down for rehab What’s interesting about Disney’s decision to extend the permit it had with the South Florida W...
May 13, 2024•56 min•Ep. 479
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the latest news coming out about the Epic Universe project. They also talk about why Bay Lake Tower is undergoing a year-long refurbishment in the not-so-distant future Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which crime figure from the 1930s inspired Ma Beagle & the Beagle Boys How is Fort Wilderness’ remote location reportedly impacting DVC sales for the cabins there How many animated series featuring Disney’s “Stitch” char...
May 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 478
Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by congratulating Israel Perez & the team at WDW’s Victoria & Albert’s for the Michelin star they were just awarded. They then welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a discussion of WDSP’s upcoming “Alice & the Red Queen: Back in Wonderland” show For this episode, listeners will learn about: Why – when WDW Cast Members finally get to preview “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” – they may come at this revamped flume ride from backstage How far along is ...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 476
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the Stella Nova & Terra Luna Resorts at Universal Orlando. They then look back at Disney’s reaction to Mattel’s 1972 announcement of its Circus World theme park project Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How many times will Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights be presented this year What’s the name of the bay that the “World of Frozen” is built alongside at the theme park formerly known as Walt Disney Studios Park...
Apr 22, 2024•52 min•Ep. 476
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by deep-diving into the changes the Disney Parks are about to make to their DAS policy. They also continue their look back at WDW’s Tomorrowland Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How many episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” has Ice-T appeared in to date What were Disney Legend John Hench’s concerns about the version of World Showcase that was almost built next to WDW’s TTC How long did it take the team at WDW’s Food Labs to create that tr...
Apr 15, 2024•56 min•Ep. 475
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing how the Shooting Gallery at WDW’s Magic Kingdom will soon close to become a DVC lounge. They also take a look back at Tomorrowland in this same theme park circa late 1971 / early 1972. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which then-husband & wife team were originally supposed to play the leads in Disney’s never-produced “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” sequel When does it appear that the Magic Kingdom will be opening its version...
Apr 08, 2024•50 min•Ep. 474
Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing the truce-of-sorts that’s recently been brokered between the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District & Disney. They also talk about the drone show that will debut at Disney Springs on May 24th Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which annual event – which is held over in Tampa – made the Imagineers hesitant to bring Disneyland’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride to Florida Why is much of Epcot’s Morocco pavilion ...
Apr 01, 2024•52 min•Ep. 473
Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the construction permits that just got filed for Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They then discuss the “Encanto” -themed show that will be presented in front of CommuniCore Plaza later this Summe Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What’s the difference between a Milky Way bar and Three Musketeers Which Dinoland U.S.A. structures are supposed to survive this side of Disney’s Animal Kingdom being transformed into a...
Mar 25, 2024•43 min•Ep. 472
Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing Disney World’s latest ticket offer for Florida residents. They’re then joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull who shares some behind-the-scenes stories Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What’s significant about the dates that WDW’s latest ticket offer is available for Where is the control booth for DCA’s “Grizzly River Run” attraction located Why are Universal Orlando officials so interested in learning where...
Mar 18, 2024•49 min•Ep. 471
Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison, who talks up the very best eats to be found at the 2024 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival. Len & Jim then take a closer look at Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea On this episode, listeners will learn about: Which attraction in Dreamworks Land will key off of “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” Why are stores at the Disney theme parks still stocking “Monsters University” merch, more than a decade after this Pixar film was ...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 470
Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s episode by talking about why the WDW Resort revealed its hotel rates for 2025 months ahead of schedule. They then wrap up their series about the construction of Tomorrowland at Disneyland Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Where the math actually maths for WDW’s free-entry-into-the-water-parks-on-arrival-day offer What’s different about the newly updated Tequila Experience at Epcot’s La Cava Where did hundreds of thousands of s...
Mar 04, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 469
