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The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

By: Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
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 Join Jim Hill and co-hosts Len Testa, Drew Taylor, Brian Gaughan, Eric Hersey, and Lauren Hersey as they talk about the multi-faceted Walt Disney Company - including Pixar, Lucasfilm and Disney Studios - as well as Universal Studios and the world of collectibles.Copyright Jim Hill Media 2025 Art Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • How a Budget Cut Created Back to the Future’s Lightning Strike Moment (Ep. 74)

    How a Budget Cut Created Back to the Future’s Lightning Strike Moment (Ep. 74)
    Oct 24 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate Back to the Future Day by revealing how one of cinema’s most iconic moments, the lightning strike finale, was born from a Universal Studios budget cut. Plus, the duo unwrap the latest holiday news from Universal Orlando and Hollywood, discuss a controversial new “pay-per-ride” Express Pass test, and share updates from the Wicked movie preview at the parks. Universal’s 2024 holiday celebrations at Orlando and Hollywood Super Nintendo World’s first-ever holiday overlay and exclusive merch Why Universal is testing single-ride Express Passes and what it could mean for guests Michael J. Fox’s new memoir and his first trip to Universal Studios Hollywood How a budget cut led to Back to the Future’s unforgettable lightning strike finale Even 40 years later, Back to the Future proves that great ideas and great movies are timeless. Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • The Magic Behind Bedknobs and Broomsticks: How Disney’s Forgotten Fantasy Took Flight (Ep. 70)

    The Magic Behind Bedknobs and Broomsticks: How Disney’s Forgotten Fantasy Took Flight (Ep. 70)
    Oct 23 2025
    This week, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dust off one of Disney’s most underappreciated classics, Bedknobs and Broomsticks. From its wartime origins and lost Mary Poppins connections to Angela Lansbury’s iconic role and Disney’s merchandising mysteries, the duo uncovers how this effects-filled musical became both a box-office sleeper and a cult favorite. Along the way, Lauren connects the dots on what’s next for Disney Consumer Products, from collectibles and nostalgia to digital universes and fashion collabs. The surprising ties between Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomsticks How World War II witches and Walt Disney’s contingency plans shaped the movie Angela Lansbury’s spellbinding performance and the studio’s post-Walt reinvention Disney’s new consumer products strategy, collectibles, fashion, and Fortnite The holiday partnership between Disney and Macy’s that’s bringing Minnie to center stage From forgotten McDonald’s on Disney property to wartime witches flying over London, this episode of I Want That Too proves Disney history is always stranger and more magical than fiction. Unlocked Magic Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS. ⁠⁠Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • After Hours at Disney: Magical Bonus or Midnight Money Pit? (Ep. 4)

    After Hours at Disney: Magical Bonus or Midnight Money Pit? (Ep. 4)
    Oct 22 2025
    In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most exclusive experiences: after hours hard ticket events. From Boo Bash to Jollywood Nights, are these late-night parties packed with unique perks, or are they just overpriced parades, cocoa, and chaos? Chris Cox and Len Testa present both sides while Judge Jim Hill keeps the cocoa flowing and the wardrobe sequins shimmering. What’s on trial this week: The history of after hours events and how they evolved from one-night novelties to multi-month marathons Whether reduced crowds, short ride times, and exclusive parades justify the hefty ticket price The reality of hauling sleepy kids through midnight Magic Kingdom—and missing rope drop the next morning Unique snacks, trick-or-treating, and photo ops with rare characters like Zombie Goofy and the Seven Dwarfs Why weather, timing, and strategy can make or break your experience—and how to avoid the rookie mistakes Are these late-night parties the secret sauce of a magical Disney trip, or just an expensive way to ruin your socks in the rain? The verdict is still out. Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
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