Episodes

  • Manufacturing the Magic: Disney at the Fair

    Manufacturing the Magic: Disney at the Fair
    Oct 25 2025
    In the 25th installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid journey to Flushing Meadows. There, they shine a spotlight on the four attractions that the Imagineers created for the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair. Including the two that Disney Legend Bob Gurr designed. Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: What Disney attractions were influenced by the Magic Skyway at the Ford Wonder Rotunda How many Ford Mustangs were sold at the Fair Where could you go to see “Nuclear Fusion” What Hollywood star talked Walt into doing “it’s a small world” What Disney character was the victim of ball-bearing attacks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    20 mins
  • 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
  • From Disneyland to “Charlotte’s Web”: The Sherman Brothers’ Forgotten Tunes (Ep. 329)

    From Disneyland to “Charlotte’s Web”: The Sherman Brothers’ Forgotten Tunes (Ep. 329)
    Oct 21 2025
    This week on Fine Tooning, Drew Taylor and Jim Hill explore how Disney’s most beloved songwriting duo—the Sherman Brothers—found new creative life after leaving the Mouse House in 1968. From the heartfelt melodies of Snoopy Come Home to the timeless charm of Charlotte’s Web, Jim revisits how their music carried Disney’s spirit into other studios’ animated worlds. Drew shares highlights from the Animation Is Life event, including Q&As for ChaO and Arco Why TRON: Ares’s box office dip has Disney nervous The rise of Gabby’s Dollhouse as a Universal park franchise A live-action Jetsons film that’s finally moving forward—again The legacy of Marsupilami and Nickelodeon’s attempt to revive it Jim wraps things up by celebrating the Sherman Brothers’ post-Disney era—two films that remind us that great songs can make any animation studio feel like home. 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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    54 mins
  • When Disney Becomes the Classroom: Teaching Magic, Strategy, and Imagination (Ep. 554)

    When Disney Becomes the Classroom: Teaching Magic, Strategy, and Imagination (Ep. 554)
    Oct 20 2025
    This week, Len and Jim welcome Dr. Jill Peterfesso from Guilford College to talk about her new book Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning. The conversation explores how Disney is studied in college classrooms, how its mix of “magic and strategy” reveals deeper lessons about creativity and culture, and why professors are turning theme parks into teaching tools. Plus, Jim continues his history of Disney Springs with the rise and fall of Pleasure Island’s West Side expansion and what that meant for future Disney retail and dining districts. How professors are using Disney films, parks, and history to teach everything from religion to marketing The balance of “magic and strategy” that makes Disney both creative and calculated Surprising college courses inspired by Disney, from theme park architecture to environmental storytelling Why Epcot’s Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is removing 3D effects and what it could mean for other attractions New Universal Orlando test for single attraction Express Passes and how guests are reacting Universal Kids Park in Texas reveals themed lands for Shrek, Trolls, and SpongeBob The forgotten Hyperion Wharf project that led to Disney Springs’ modern design From academia to Pleasure Island, this episode connects the art of learning with the business of magic. Whether you’re a Disney scholar, park historian, or just love a good origin story, this one’s packed with imagination and insight. SHOW NOTES 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 18 mins
  • What If Comcast Buys Warner Bros.? Theme Park Dreams and Streaming Wars (Ep. 73)

    What If Comcast Buys Warner Bros.? Theme Park Dreams and Streaming Wars (Ep. 73)
    Oct 17 2025
    Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the big “what if” shaking up Hollywood - what happens if Comcast makes a play for Warner Bros. Discovery? From potential streaming mega-mergers to a theme park fan’s ultimate fantasy lineup, the guys imagine a world where Harry Potter meets Batman on the Universal backlot. Why Warner Bros. turned down Paramount’s $49 billion offer How a Comcast–Warner Bros. deal could reshape Peacock, Max, and the entire streaming landscape The massive IP library that could hit Universal Parks—from DC heroes to Looney Tunes and Lord of the Rings The official reveal of Universal Kids Park in Texas and its new themed lands A nostalgic look back at Universal’s Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater and Angela Lansbury’s legacy Big brands, bigger rumors, and even bigger possibilities. 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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    51 mins
  • From Boo Buckets to Big Macs: Inside Disney’s Golden Era with McDonald’s (Ep. 69)

    From Boo Buckets to Big Macs: Inside Disney’s Golden Era with McDonald’s (Ep. 69)
    Oct 16 2025
    Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull to unwrap the fascinating (and sometimes funny) story of Disney’s long-running partnership with McDonald’s. From the birth of the Happy Meal to fry carts in Frontierland, this episode explores how two of the world’s biggest brands became the ultimate marketing duo - and what really ended their 10-year deal. The surprising Star Trek connection that inspired Disney’s early talks with McDonald’s How Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg turned burgers and fries into box office gold The untold story of the McDonald’s-themed Splash Mountain that almost happened Why the partnership ended amid public pressure over kids’ meals and health The legacy of Disney Happy Meal toys—and how the relationship quietly returned today Whether you remember Boo Buckets, fry carts, or those elusive Happy Meal collectibles, this supersized episode proves that food and nostalgia are a marketing match made in Disney heaven. 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 13 mins