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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing what’s about to happen to the NBA Experience at Disney Springs. They then talk about why kids back in the 1950s were absolutely crazed when it came to Disneyland’s “Autopia” Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which “Star Wars” movie director just got hired by Universal Pictures to direct their next “Jurassic World” movie Why did the Imagineers insert all of those CG animals into “Soarin’ Around the World” Wha...
Feb 26, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then explains how Hong Kong Disneyland’s version of Sleeping Beauty Castle was transformed into the Castle of Magical Dreams Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: How many ECVs can the new bus that’s joining the WDW transportation fleet carry at one time Why – when you’re given the opportunity by the Disney Cruise Line – you should always take the GYT How close does the Ultidor system at the Magic Kingdom ...
Feb 19, 2024•57 min•Ep 467•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by discussing a new land use plan that’s recently been revealed for the WDW Resort. They also wrap their series on the history of “Illuminations” SHOW BREAKDOWN: Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Why did the Imagineers just hate Epcot’s “Surprise in the Sky” show Which characters will soon begin making appearances at 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa What did the most recent earnings call reveal about attendance...
Feb 12, 2024•44 min•Ep 466•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by taking a close look at Epic Universe concept art. They then continue their discussion of the development “Illuminations,” EPCOT Center’s break-through nighttime show Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: When (just to be safe) one should go about ordering their tickets for Pride Nite at Disneyland Why is the Universal Helios Grand Hotel positioned the way it is, facing into Epic Universe Park How Universal Studios Hollywoo...
Feb 05, 2024•48 min•Ep 465•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by talking about the NextGen wands that may soon begin appearing in the Wizarding World over at the Universal Parks. They also discuss Disney’s possible plans to expand the Indiana Jones franchise. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What was especially innovative (circa 1982) about the barges that were used in “Le Carnaval de Lumiere” Why is the Magic Kingdom running its “Festival of Fantasy” parade twice daily on certain ...
Jan 29, 2024•50 min•Ep 464•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Disney historian Dave Bossert to the show. They then discuss what made this Tomorrowland walk-thru exhibit so memorable to park guests Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which sitcom star voiced Nine Eyes in the American version of “The Timekeeper” In what far-flung corner of the globe did Dave Bossert recently encounter a cocoanut chair What’s different about the 2024 edition of Epcot’s International Flower & Garden Festival ending on May 2...
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep 463•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome back veteran Imagineer Jim Shull. Who then shares stories about WDI’s years-long effort to create synced-up soundtracks for thrill rides at the Disney theme parks For this episode, listeners will learn about: How you can best take advantage of the snack credits when it comes to WDW’s recently relaunched Dining Plan When will Florida’s version of “Country Bear Jamboree” be closing for its previously announced reimagining / retooling Which two restaurants in the southw...
Jan 15, 2024•54 min•Ep 462•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa starts off this week’s show by talking about spending New Year’s Eve aboard the Disney Wish. Then Jim Hill takes a look at WDI’s plans for a second gate at the Disneyland Resort Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: In which regions of Canada & the United States can you find candlepin bowl How did wait times at WDW’s theme parks in 2023 compare to wait times back in 2019 What special feature does the Rainforest Spa aboard the Disney Wish have that other ships in ...
Jan 08, 2024•52 min•Ep 461•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s show by sharing a survey about Epcot’s holiday decorations. They then take a close look at what it cost to have dinner at Disneyland’s Blue Bayou restaurant back in 1977 Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 01, 2024•36 min•Ep 460•Transcript available on Metacast Len Testa & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing how the “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They also chat about a new survey that the Mouse just sent out which seeks specific information about where Guests spent their money while vacationing at the WDW Resort Show Notes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 25, 2023•49 min•Ep 459•Transcript available on Metacast 
