In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a deep dive into the history of How to Train Your Dragon and how it became one of DreamWorks’ most beloved franchises. Plus, they break down all the latest Universal news! First-Time Viewing Experience: Eric shares his reaction to watching How to Train Your Dragon for the first time and how it changed his excitement for Epic Universe’s Isle of Berk. The Making of How to Train Your Dragon: How DreamWorks nearly made a ve...
Feb 07, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Disney’...
Feb 06, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: Dog Man’s impressive $36M opening weekend and what it means for DreamWorks Animation. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the fascinating history behind Splash Mountain’s reimagining. Will Ferrell’s viral Buddy the Elf moment at an LA Kings game and his surprising reason for rejecting Elf 2. Updates on The Simpsons’ upcoming season and exclusive Disney+ episodes. The changing landscape of animated indie films like The Day the Earth Blew ...
Feb 04, 2025•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the surprising history of annual passes—how Disneyland accidentally created a theme park membership program and what Disney might have in store next. Plus, Jim continues the saga of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the resort that made it to the concept art phase but never to reality. The Origins of Annual Passes: How Disneyland’s Magic Kingdom Club set the stage for the modern theme park pass and why Disney might be rethinking it. Hollywood Studios...
Feb 03, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore Universal’s updates and dive into the rich history of The Munsters. Highlights include: The Munsters’ Origins: How a pitch for an animated series turned into one of TV’s most beloved sitcoms. Wicked’s Box Office Success: Its award potential and the announcement of the new subtitle, For Good. Universal Studios Florida Updates: New entrance music and digital signage enhancing the guest experience. Stella Nova Resort: F...
Jan 31, 2025•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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-new...
Jan 30, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: Warner Bros. Animation’s ambitious adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go! and its 2028 release plans. The marketing genius behind DreamWorks’ Dog Man, including a new The Bad Guys short premiering with the film. Animated Academy Award nominees, from The Wild Robot to Flow, and surprising snubs like Moana 2. The evolving Oscars strategy for animated features, including Disney’s hits and misses in the Best Song category...
Jan 29, 2025•54 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison to explore the best (and worst) of Epcot’s Festival of the Arts while diving into the intriguing history of Disney’s shelved resort project, Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge. Festival of the Arts Food Tour: Christina breaks down the must-try dishes, including the return of Japan’s Taiyaki and the surprising stars of the Painted Panda booth. Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge: Jim continues the story of Disney’s abandoned Bay Lake ...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Looking at Lucasfilm, Jim Hill and Brian Gaughan dive into a mix of Lucasfilm updates, thought-provoking stories, and industry reflections: A retrospective on Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, exploring its strengths, challenges, and future prospects. Insights into James Mangold’s ambitious Dawn of the Jedi project, a sweeping tale exploring the origins of the Force. The fascinating story of George Lucas’s attempt to recruit David Lynch for Return of the Jedi—and why Lynch ultimately ...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey tackle a variety of Universal Studios updates and dive into the history of The Munsters. Highlights include: Wildfires and Universal Hollywood’s Closure: How recent California wildfires forced a rare closure of Universal Studios Hollywood, plus ways to support relief efforts. Rock the Universe: A preview of Universal Orlando’s Christian music festival and why it’s a great weekend to visit the parks. The Stella Nova Resort: F...
Jan 24, 2025•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 merch...
Jan 23, 2025•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: A behind-the-scenes look at Disney’s Hercules, from the creation of Hades to Jeffrey Katzenberg’s surprising influence on the character. The passing of legendary filmmakers David Lynch and Robert Verrall, celebrating their lasting impact on cinema and animation. Box office highlights, including Moana 2 crossing the billion-dollar milestone and Mufasa: The Lion King’s continued success. Exciting new releases, including trailers fo...
Jan 21, 2025•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill share how to conquer Animal Kingdom faster than you can finish a Mickey waffle and dig into the curious case of Disney’s Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge. Animal Kingdom Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to finishing all major rides in under two hours—because who has time to wait in line? Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge: Jim uncovers the rise, fall, and possible resurrection of Disney’s most mysterious resort project. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure vs. Splash Mountain:...
Jan 20, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey howl into the legacy of The Wolfman and explore Universal’s iconic monster history. Plus, they cover a variety of Universal Studios updates and nostalgic gems. Highlights include: The Wolfman’s Legacy: From Lon Chaney Jr.’s classic transformation to Blumhouse’s new reimagining, how the Wolfman defined Universal’s horror legacy. Monster Crossovers: How films like Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman paved the way for today’s cinema...
Jan 17, 2025•58 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the latest Disney news and fascinating history, including: A look at Epcot’s 2025 Festival of the Arts, featuring Figment-inspired merch, incredible Broadway performances, and more. The surprising story of A Bug’s Life, its connection to Animal Kingdom, and its legacy in Disney history. The evolution of DinoLand USA and what’s next for the space as closures continue. A deep dive into the history behind Animal Kingdom’s Wild...
Jan 16, 2025•42 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: The devastating wildfires in Southern California and their impact on the animation industry. Updates on box office hits like Moana 2, Mufasa: The Lion King, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The intriguing backstory of Olaf’s creation in Frozen and Josh Gad’s journey to voicing the beloved character. Changes to Fox’s Sunday night “Animation Domination” lineup and what it means for The Simpsons. The Visual Effects Society Awards nominees,...
Jan 16, 2025•50 min•Ep 289•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how to take on Hollywood Studios during peak crowds without relying on Lightning Lane, plus a look at Disney’s music legend George Wilkins and other park updates: Hollywood Studios Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to beating a 9/10 crowd level in six hours flat—without Lightning Lane. George Wilkins Tribute: The Disney composer who wrote EPCOT’s soundtrack and once reworked “Tutti Frutti” in a half-hour. Big Thunder Mountain’s Closure: What it means...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep 514•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the fascinating and hilarious story behind Your Studio and You, a parody film created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker before South Park. Highlights include: The Making of Your Studio and You: How Matt and Trey enlisted A-list celebrities like Steven Spielberg, Angela Lansbury, and Michael J. Fox to poke fun at Universal Studios—and even sip Seagram’s wine coolers—without them realizing the full gag. Mardi Gras 2025 at ...
Jan 10, 2025•47 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in the New Year with exciting updates from Disneyland Resort, including its upcoming 70th anniversary celebration and the long-awaited opening of a Haunted Mansion-themed gift shop. What You’ll Hear: A sneak peek into Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations, including the “Celebrate Happy” theme and the return of fan-favorite nighttime spectaculars like Paint the Night. Insights into the new World of Color: Celebrate Happy sh...
Jan 09, 2025•53 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: The 82nd Golden Globes nominees for Best Animated Motion Picture, including Inside Out 2, Moana 2, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Hayao Miyazaki’s enduring creative spirit as the Studio Ghibli legend celebrates his 84th birthday. Disney’s history of using Donald Duck to rally Americans during WWII, including the creation of patriotic animated shorts like The New Spirit. Updates on Mufasa: The Lion King’s box office pe...
Jan 07, 2025•44 min•Ep 288•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the remarkable career of Disney composer George Wilkins, the man behind EPCOT’s most iconic music, and discuss the latest park updates and strategies. George Wilkins Tribute: How a 45-year-old jingle writer turned EPCOT into his personal symphony. Free Dining Returns: Disney’s 2025 dining offer is back, but is its timing a response to Universal’s Epic Universe? Big Thunder Mountain Closure: With this fan favorite offline, what should you grab for Lightni...
Jan 06, 2025•53 min•Ep 513•Transcript available on Metacast In the fifteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continued\ their look at the history of themed entertainment. This episode emphasizes how the industry changed after the First World War. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What are the specific components of an Old Mill Ride What is typically found inside of a Tunnel of Love attraction (Besides kissing couples, I mean) Where were the first of these attractions built? When did old flight equipment ...
Jan 05, 2025•28 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast In this first episode of 2025, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey recap Universal’s most exciting moments from the past year, discuss insights from a Universal guest survey, and share bold predictions for the year ahead. Highlights include: Universal’s Guest Survey: Jim and Eric analyze intriguing survey questions about vacation planning, accessibility, and the impact of Universal’s Wicked-themed offerings on guest experiences. Epic Universe Updates: A look back at how Universal kept fans engaged with tea...
Jan 03, 2025•48 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast In this lively New Year episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore Disney’s unique take on wellness, the history of Sports Goofy, and a sneak peek at the latest Valentine’s Day merchandise. What You’ll Hear: Details on Disney Springs’ Wellness Month, including free fitness classes, discounts, and the surprising involvement of Everglazed Donuts. Lauren’s insights on the chocolate-covered strawberry plush line and Valentine-themed MagicBands. Jim’s deep dive into the origins of...
Jan 02, 2025•44 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast In this final episode of Fine Tooning for 2024, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore: How Mufasa: The Lion King roared back at the box office, edging out Sonic 3 during the holiday weekend. Updates from Pixar, including Tim Allen’s return as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 5 and the lingering delays around Win or Lose. A sneak peek at 2025’s animated lineup, from Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl to Pixar’s Elio and Zootopia 2. The unconventional tradition of watching King Kong to ring in the New Ye...
Dec 31, 2024•43 min•Ep 285•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the jaw-dropping prices of Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which sold out at a whopping $478 per person during the holidays. Premier Pass Sticker Shock: Is there a limit to how much Disney fans will pay for shorter wait times? Bluey Comes to Disney: The beloved pup makes her way to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. Universal Orlando Updates: Epic Universe rides ramp up testing, and a new Fast & Furious coaster is in the work...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr•Ep 512•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey discuss the upcoming closure of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and what it means for Universal Studios Florida’s future. Highlights include: The End of Rip Ride Rockit: A look at the iconic coaster’s history, its groundbreaking music selection feature, and the rumored Fast and Furious-themed coaster set to take its place. Universal’s new name tags for team members featuring Epic Universe branding. The temporary removal of drones ...
Dec 27, 2024•50 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast In this post-Christmas episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the world of Disney shopping, employee engagement, and the fascinating history of the Walt Disney Company. What You’ll Hear: Insider tips on scoring the best post-holiday Disney merchandise deals, from ornaments to exclusive Twice Upon a Year Sale items. Lauren’s experience at the Disney Institute’s engagement training and behind-the-scenes access to cast services at Epcot. Jim’s storytelling on Disney’s tran...
Dec 26, 2024•50 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dive into: The excitement surrounding Bluey's upcoming presence in Disney theme parks and its debut on Disney Cruise Line. Highlights from the Annie Awards, where The Wild Robot, Inside Out 2, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl lead the nominations. The box office performance of Mufasa: The Lion King and how franchise timing and audience expectations played a role. Updates on Netflix and Sony’s animated Ghostbusters project, direct...
Dec 24, 2024•42 min•Ep 286•Transcript available on Metacast Join Len Testa and Jim Hill as they dive into the fascinating and occasionally outrageous story of how Disney transformed Caribbean Beach into their 15th DVC property: Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Resort: Len reviews Disney’s newest addition, featuring epic Magic Kingdom views, thoughtful amenities, and… chump prices? Caribbean Beach to Riviera Resort: Jim uncovers the competitive forces and behind-the-scenes maneuvering that turned a moderate resort into a deluxe DVC powerhouse. Listener...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 511•Transcript available on Metacast 
