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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Join Jim and Len as they serve up another helping of Disney history, humor, and holiday cheer: Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Len breaks down why this year’s merriest event at Hollywood Studios is a must-visit, with mouthwatering popovers, stunning projections, and walk-on rides galore. Cotino Housing Development Tour: Get an insider’s peek at Disney’s new mid-century modern community, where Imagineering meets high-end desert living. Listener Questions: From the best World Showcase bathroom (yes,...
Dec 16, 2024•54 min•Ep 510•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing when “Dinosaur: The Ride” will close at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. They also discuss the new Disney Villains show that’s being prepped for Disney’s Hollywood Studios Listeners will learn about: How did Tokyo Disneyland’s version of “Star Tours” impact WDW’s Tomorrowland Terrace Is there any difference between “Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge” and the Company’s second attempt at getting a resort built at the edge of Bay Lake How did mob...
Dec 09, 2024•55 min•Ep 509•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Jim Shull of “Disney Journeys” &; Eric Hersey of the “Epic Universal Podcast” for an in-depth look at WDW’s Utilidor system. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What did Marty Sklar do back in the mid-1950s that made Walt Disney furious Where can Refreshment Gardens be found at Disneyland Park How many acres do the Utilidors cover at WDW’s Magic Kingdom What reportedly caused the black mold problem in the Men’s Locker Room under the Magic K...
Dec 02, 2024•42 min•Ep 508•Transcript available on Metacast Join Jim and Len as they explore the latest holiday updates, behind-the-scenes details, and listener questions about Disney’s parks and attractions. Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Discover how this year’s event improved on last year, with brighter displays, enhanced entertainment, and reimagined spaces that bring the magic of Hollywood Studios to life. Muppet Vision 3D Updates: Learn about the plans for the Electric Mayhem overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and what it means for Muppets fans. Mic...
Nov 25, 2024•2 hr 32 min•Ep 507•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s Disney Dish Podcast, Jim and Len deliver a mix of Disney news, listener questions, and fascinating history. Tune in as they cover: Villains Land Sneak Peek: Explore which Disney villains are set to star in Magic Kingdom’s highly anticipated new land. Cars Trackless Ride Announced: Learn about the exciting plans for this innovative attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom. Attraction Overlay Origins: In the main segment, Jim dives into the history of Disney attraction overlays, from ...
Nov 18, 2024•47 min•Ep 506•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s episode, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you a packed show with the latest theme park news and the finale of Jim’s deep dive into EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo. Tune in as they cover: Universal’s Year-Round Horror Nights in Las Vegas: Get the details on Universal’s permanent horror attraction, “Universal Horror Unleashed,” set to launch at Area 15 with classic scares from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Exorcist: Believer, and more. Magic Kingdom’s Premier Pass Math: Len and Jim respond to a li...
Nov 11, 2024•44 min•Ep 505•Transcript available on Metacast ver exciting updates and wrap up a beloved EPCOT attraction’s history in the grand finale of their series on El Rio del Tiempo. Here’s what’s in store: Cake Bake Shop Review: Len shares his experience at the newly opened Cake Bake Shop, highlighting the quality of their offerings and discussing the pricing. Universal's Animatronic Monsters: The hosts discuss Universal Orlando's recent trailer featuring 14 advanced animatronic monsters for the upcoming Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experim...
Nov 04, 2024•49 min•Ep 504•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len and Jim explore more of Epcot’s rich history with part two of their series on the Mexico Pavilion’s beloved boat ride, El Rio del Tiempo. Join them as they delve into the ride’s development challenges, the inspiration behind its immersive scenes, and how Disney Imagineers used clever design and technology to bring Mexican culture to life in World Showcase. Tune in for: The latest on Epic Universe’s ticket launch and sold-out opening day Behind-the-...
Oct 28, 2024•52 min•Ep 503•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s Disney Dish, Len and Jim dive into the rich history of one of EPCOT’s lesser-known attractions, "El Rio del Tiempo." Join us for Part 1 of a two-part series as Jim takes us back to the 1982 dedication of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion and shares the fascinating origin of the pavilion's boat ride. Learn about the ambitious plans for "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico," the mysterious German Rivers ride, and how tight budgets and changing politics reshaped EPCOT's World Showcase. Tune in as they...
Oct 21, 2024•50 min•Ep 502•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Jim Hill and Len Testa take you through the latest Disney updates and a deep dive into the fascinating history behind one of Disney’s most ambitious projects. Here’s what you’ll hear: Hurricane Milton Update: How the recent storm impacted Disney parks, and why Jim thinks Medieval Times might be the ultimate hurricane shelter. Disneyland Price Hikes: Len breaks down the latest ticket and annual pass price increases at Disneyland, and what that could mea...
Oct 14, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill discuss the latest updates and history behind Mickey’s PhilharMagic. Tune in for: Autonomous Vehicles at Fort Wilderness?: Could self-driving vehicles soon be delivering food and merchandise around this iconic resort? Jim and Len explore the potential future of tech at Disney. Occupancy Rates for Disney Vacation Club Resorts: Discover why DVC properties like the Grand Californian and Bay Lake Tower are at the top of the occupancy...
Oct 07, 2024•47 min•Ep 500•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa and Jim Hill start this week’s episode by sharing a survey the Universal Orlando Resort recently sent out. They then look back at the 3D movie that eventually led to “Mickey’s PhilharMagic” Over the course of this show, listeners will learn about: Why Rodney Dangerfield’s obituary may be the funniest story that the Los Angeles Times ever ran How does an RIP Tour compare to a HHN Express Pass Why it’s unlikely that Disney will ever build a just-for-kids theme park at its Florida R...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you the latest updates and an in-depth look at Disney’s past, present, and future. Tune in as they cover: Exclusive Interview: Special guest Ricky Debler Jr. from Palmas Restaurant Group shares the inside story behind their iconic Disney dining locations and the evolution of La Cava del Tequila. Disney Treasure Updates: Get the scoop on the newest details for Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship. Disney Surveys: Find out what...
Sep 23, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 498•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 12, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 
