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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey share Eric’s full first impressions after visiting Epic Universe—just 27 days before its grand opening. From ride reviews to immersive lands, they explore how Universal’s newest park lives up to the hype. Plus, they discuss Annual Passholder perks, new cosplay merch, and Universal’s latest theme park innovations.
Eric shares his thoughts after previewing Epic Universe for the first time
New Dungeons & Dragons animatronic debuts at Universal Studios Hollywood, created in partnership with Jim Henson’s Creature Shop
Passholder perks, merch discounts, and alcohol restrictions tied to the Monster Makeup Experience
Fan Fest Nights merch preview includes Star Trek, One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more
Universal’s $2B economic impact for Florida and $11B national impact highlighted by new reports
This episode combines park preview excitement, detailed ride analysis, and big-picture context for Universal’s most ambitious project yet.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey sit down with actor and author Colin Egglesfield (All My Children, Something Borrowed) to revisit one of Disney’s most passionate fan events: Super Soap Weekend. Colin shares what it was like to meet thousands of soap fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, parade through the park with Goofy, and be part of the event’s final years.
They also discuss Colin’s time on All My Children, his unforgettable character arc as Erica Kane’s long-lost son, and how he battled cancer behind the scenes—while still showing up to set and filming every day.
The story behind Colin’s stolen-fetus storyline and how he landed his role on All My Children
What it was like to attend Super Soap Weekend as a featured star
The culture of soap opera fandom and merch at Disney, from autographed dolls to signed headshots
How Colin’s cancer diagnosis shaped his time on the show and inspired his public speaking career
Behind-the-scenes stories about Susan Lucci, cast bonding, and meeting fans at the parks
Details about Colin’s books Agile Artist and The Evolved Artist, plus his Inspire retreats and coaching
This heartfelt episode blends Disney fan nostalgia, behind-the-scenes soap drama, and the power of showing up through life’s toughest moments. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
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In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor sit down with filmmakers Eric Kimelton, Christopher Ninness, and Scott Seibold to talk about the making of Not Just a Goof, the heartfelt new Disney+ documentary celebrating the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie. They discuss lost footage, creative challenges, pop culture legacy, and their unexpected journey from fans to contributors in Goofy’s story.
Also in this episode:
Star Wars animation news out of Tokyo – Updates on Tales of the Underworld, Visions: Volume 3, The Ninth Jedi, Maul: Shadow Lord, and Young Jedi Adventures.
Tim Allen teases Toy Story 5 – Including the return of multiple Buzz Lightyears and emotional story beats.
Hailee Steinfeld talks Beyond the Spider-Verse – How she’s embracing the long development process.
DreamWorks announces Forgotten Island – A new original comedy rooted in Philippine mythology, coming September 2026.
Big City Greens celebrates its 100th episode, Bill Plympton’s Guard Dog goes free on YouTube, and Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 begins with Kiki’s Delivery Service.
It’s a jam-packed episode full of nostalgia, animation history, and exclusive insights.
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Len Testa, Jim Hill, and Imagineer Jim Shull dig into the wild, weird, and wonderfully unsafe history of Disney’s unbuilt Alice in Wonderland walkthrough attraction—complete with collapsing stairs, spinning barrels, and push-bag trees.
Also in this episode:
Disneyland’s Funhouse That Never Was – Concept art and site plans reveal a walkthrough filled with rotating platforms, disorienting ramps, and a healthy disregard for OSHA.
Why Alice’s Walkthrough Got the Axe – Was it the cost, the chaos, or the fact that guests might leave with concussions and playing cards in their pockets?
Alice’s Maze Lives On – How elements of the walkthrough survived in Paris and Shanghai—hedges, live-action inspiration, and all.
Buzz Lightyear’s Costume Was a Health Risk – The original walk-around suit nearly wrecked cast members’ backs and required Disney to cover chiropractor visits.
Everest and the Yeti (Still Broken) – Jim Shull gives the latest on Disco Yeti, ride longevity, and why any real fix won’t happen until Expedition Everest hits its track expiration date.
Universal’s Deep Survey Dive – A guest poll so long and personal it should’ve come with a HIPAA notice.
From fantasy to funhouse nightmares, and from Buzz to barrel rolls, this week’s show explores the wildest ideas Disney never built—and the things they probably shouldn't have.
SHOW NOTES
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Brian Gaughan & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking up Season Two of “Andor.”
They then closely examine the “Star Wars” -related panels & programming at this year’s WonderCon.
For this episode, listeners will learn about:
Which Cole Porter song features the line “ … what a swell party this is”
How many films based-on-Stephen-King-stories films will Mark Hamill be appearing in this year
Who was a last-minute replacement for Harrison Ford / stood in for this “Star Wars” veteran as a presenter at this year’s Academy Awards
Which film from the first “Star Wars” trilogy will be presented in its original form at this year’s British Film Institute Film on Film Festival
How many pieces are there in the new LEGO Star Wars set which then recreates Jango Fett’s Firespray Class Starship
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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a closer look at Hop, Illumination’s forgotten holiday hopeful, and why Easter has never quite found its Elf or Home Alone. From Universal’s big swings to nostalgic flops, they explore what makes holiday movies stick - and why the Easter Bunny keeps missing the mark.
• Why Hop had all the ingredients for success… but still faded into obscurity
• A look back at forgotten Easter specials like The Tale of the Bunny Picnic and Here Comes Peter Cottontail
• The challenge of making Easter “cinematic” compared to Christmas
• Wicked’s Peacock streaming success and speculation on future park tie-ins
• Epic Universe’s Parisian land and its links to Fantastic Beasts
• Horror Unleashed teases its Las Vegas Scarecrow maze
• Gabby’s Dollhouse heads to the big screen - and maybe to DreamWorks Land
• First look at the Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 trailer and HHN speculation
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey hop into the season with stories of springtime mishaps, Disney merch drops, and a full breakdown of the difference between spoilers and Easter eggs (the movie kind, not the chocolate kind).
The infamous Disneyland orchid drop of the 1950s and other early Easter entertainment ideas
A look at this year’s Easter basket-ready merch, from plush Stitch bunnies to adorable Ewok Village Dorables
Disney’s new Lululemon collection and a pricey hoodie that’s… just a black hoodie
Brooks Run Disney shoes and Lauren’s comfort-first shoe philosophy
The origin of Easter eggs in video games and how Pixar carried the tradition into animation
Hidden details in Frozen, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and The Little Mermaid
The legacy of Disney's Easter TV specials and how hidden Mickeys started as subtle rebellion
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Drew Taylor & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by offering birthday greetings to a modern animation master. They then welcome Neil O’Brien, author of “After Disney,” to discuss what it was like to work on the Burbank Lot back in the Late 1970s / Early 1980s
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
When did “BOOP: The Musical” do its out-of-town try-out in Chicago
How long after Charles Dickens’ death was his short story, “Life of Our Lord,” published
When did Glen Keane first begin working at Walt Disney Animation Studio
Which song from DreamWorks Animation’s “The Prince of Egypt” wound up winning an Oscar
Who did Andreas Deja share a room at Disney Studios with during the development of The Black Cauldron”
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Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined this week by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a super-sized edition of this podcast. As these three first recap Len’s recent visit to Orlando’s newest theme park and then discuss what recent stock market fluctuations might mean for Disney’s previously announced plans for its Florida Resort
Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:
Which “Isle of Berk” attraction might remind Epic Universe visitors of a certain opening day attraction over at IOA
What did Bob Iger reportedly talk about when he dropped in on an ABC News editorial meeting last week?
Why Epic Universe undoubtedly will be a better looking theme park in a year’s time
Which Epic Universe attractions will have the lowest hourly ride capacity?
What percentage of WDW visitors typically travel from Canada to visit that resort annually
SHOW NOTES
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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey break down the biggest stories in the Universal Parks universe, including new details on Epic Universe’s Annual Passholder preview days and Universal’s officially announced theme park in the UK. Plus, they wrap up their deep dive into Universal Studios Hollywood’s 1960s Mardi Gras de Mexico and explore what these early events meant for the future of theme park entertainment.
Epic Universe preview day tickets go live - Eric shares his plan for a family-first experience
The Epic Universe photo ban is lifted - what it means for social media and spoiler-sensitive fans
Speculation on ride tech and show elements, including the Dart animatronic and Dark Universe misdirection
Universal announces its new UK park, with rumored lands pulled from Epic Universe, Beijing - and possibly even a James Bond presence
Ghostbusters props appear at the Film Vault in Orlando - teasing a Horror Nights tie-in or more?
Universal Studios Hollywood's earliest tram tour effects, including foam boulders, flash floods, and parting seas
How Mardi Gras de Mexico and Jesus Christ Superstar helped shape the model for today’s hard-ticket events
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie with new Loungefly backpacks, wild Powerline-themed hats, and a deep dive into the film’s fan-favorite status. Then, they break down some of Disney’s latest merch trends - including crossbody water bottle holders, park-inspired baseball jerseys, and popcorn bucket Christmas ornaments… in April.
Plus, Jim shares the fascinating story of how Disney built Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! inside two U.S. parks, and why the once-hot game show fizzled fast. From lanyards and leather jackets to cruise giveaways and Cloisonné pins, this episode is packed with merch nostalgia and a surprising lesson in theme park timing.
A Goofy Movie 30th anniversary merch breakdown
Popcorn bucket ornaments (and why they’re arriving in spring)
Baseball jersey fashion taking over the parks
Dooney & Bourke’s new line featuring Disney animation classics
The rise and fall of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! at Disney parks
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In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor break down the biggest stories shaking up the animation world, including:
The explosive box office debut of A Minecraft Movie – Surpassing expectations with $157 million, becoming the biggest opening ever for a video game adaptation.
Disney pauses its live-action Tangled remake – After Snow White’s underperformance, the studio rethinks its strategy for adapting more recent animated hits.
CinemaCon 2025 highlights – Major announcements from Paramount and Disney, including updates on Elio, Zootopia 2, How to Train Your Dragon, The Smurfs, and a John Wick animated prequel.
Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke plummets post-IMAX run, while The Day the Earth Blew Up vanishes from the charts.
TV animation shake-ups – New seasons for Phineas & Ferb and South Park, and multi-season renewals for The Simpsons, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy, and American Dad.
Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld – A new animated anthology from Lucasfilm launching May 4 on Disney+.
With so much news packed into one week, Jim and Drew cover everything from theatrical blockbusters to the streaming wars—and what it all means for the future of animation.
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This week, Jim Hill is joined by special guest Ruben Bolling, the award-winning cartoonist behind Tom the Dancing Bug, while Len Testa is off cruising with a buffet (hopefully). From sweaty Brer Bear suits to Buzz Lightyear’s chiropractor bills, Jim and Ruben explore the history—and hazards—of Disney character costumes. Plus, they dive into the future of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, the legacy of Expedition Everest, and how Imagineers tell stories without saying a word.
Costume Carnage – Why early walk-around characters were sweaty, heavy, and occasionally hazardous (spoiler: fiberglass and rebar were involved).
Buzz Lightyear’s Evolution – From the world’s heaviest action figure costume to a full ride refresh coming soon to Magic Kingdom.
Expedition Everest Turns 19 – A look at Animal Kingdom’s mountain masterpiece and whether the Yeti might finally get his glow-up.
Drone Shows Grounded – Following an incident in Orlando, all drone shows are on pause—but what does that mean for Disney’s nighttime future?
Pixar’s 30th Anniversary in the Parks – New shows, character appearances (hello, Rex!), and nostalgic celebrations at Disneyland Resort.
Visual Storytelling 101 – Jim and Ruben connect the dots between comics and Imagineering, from panel layouts to queue design.
It’s a theme park deep dive with a dash of satire and a nod to back problems. Tune in for stories, speculation, and the weirdly enduring smell of Muppet herring.
SHOW NOTES
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In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey take a wild detour into Universal’s 1960s event history—when guests could watch a ceremonial Aztec princess sacrifice as part of the “Mardi Gras to Mexico” celebration. Yes, really.
They also dive into the latest Universal news and rumors leading up to Epic Universe’s debut.
Universal’s new Epic Universe Portal Tour and how it’s drawing nationwide attention
A full breakdown of Epic Universe’s Express Pass pricing and early reactions
The $150 Monster Make-Up Experience—worth the price or a pass?
Rumors surrounding Rip Ride Rockit’s removal and what could replace it
Drones returning to CineSational: how Universal is reviving nighttime shows
The Voladores de Papantla, Aztec dancers, tequila bars, and scripted sacrifices that defined Universal’s wild early festival days
Deep-cut park memories like the Jack Benny vault tour and a Creature from the Black Lagoon meet-and-greet
Show Notes
For links, photos, and more context from this episode, visit:
https://jimhillmedia.com/epic-universal-podcast-aztec-dancers-mariachis-tequila-and-ceremonial-sacrifices-ep-45/
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In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the colorful world of theme park merchandise—from Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival to Universal’s Epic Universe rollout—and spotlight a pastel plush lineup that’s taking over Japan (and maybe your shelf next).
Figment’s Flattening at Flower & Garden – Lauren shares her thoughts on Disney’s 3D-printed topiaries, the orange spirit jersey, and whether Figment is looking a little… squished this year.
Captain Cacao and Universal Merch Madness – Jim breaks down Universal’s plans to “Adopt a Dragon,” upgrade wands with haptic tech, and introduce new mascots, including a butter beer-loving bear.
Cherry Blossom Duffy and the Pastel Plush Invasion – From Baymax in bloom to sleepy Marie, Jim and Lauren review Japan’s newest spring merch—and speculate if Duffy’s soft-spoken friends will ever click stateside.
Bounding for the Gala – Lauren previews her Disneybound look for the Epcot 40th Anniversary Gala, complete with Cinderella blue and glass slipper energy.
Flower & Garden Tips – A rundown of the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt, the collectible prize system, and why it’s one of the best festival activities for families on a budget.
This episode is filled with plush previews, theme park strategies, and the delightful chaos of spring merch season.
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In this milestone 300th episode, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor dig into the biggest animation stories of the week, including:
GKIDS’ 4K re-release of Princess Mononoke – How this Studio Ghibli classic led the box office in per-screen average nearly three decades after its debut.
Disney’s Snow White struggles at the box office – What the 66% second-week drop means for the future of live-action remakes.
Jon Lovitz and Al Jean hint at a revival of The Critic – Could Jay Sherman return for a new season in today’s influencer-driven media world?
Warner Bros. to demolish Building 131, once home to Looney Tunes legends like Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng.
Netflix orders a live-action Scooby-Doo origin series, reimagining the gang’s early days at summer camp.
A Goofy Movie turns 30 – A new Disney+ documentary is on the way, and Disneyland celebrates with a Max-as-Powerline popcorn bucket.
Join Jim and Drew as they celebrate 300 episodes of Fine Tooning with industry insight, animation history, and a look at what’s next.
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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill take you back to a time when Hollywood Studios had no Sunset Boulevard and how a red car, a Rocketeer supper club, and Roger Rabbit rides nearly changed everything. Plus, Universal’s first Epic Universe guest survey raises big questions about whether there’s enough to do on opening day.
Sunset Boulevard: The Original Plan – A deep dive into the never-built red car route, the South Seas Club from The Rocketeer, and a Dick Tracy ride with real Tommy guns.
Roger Rabbit Land That Never Happened – From Baby Herman’s runaway buggy to Mickey’s MovieLand, Jim shares what was almost built.
Epic Universe Survey Leaks – We’ve got the first guest experience survey, and Universal’s biggest concern might be: “Is there enough to do?”
Disney World Discounts Everywhere – Free dining, kids half off, and hotel deals… but why so many at once?
Buzz Lightyear’s Big Upgrade – A new ride vehicle and show scene just in time for Toy Story 5.
DVC Sales Office in Canada? – Why Epcot’s Canada Pavilion is getting a DVC showroom instead of poutine.
Takumi-Tei Menu Confusion – When “plant-based” doesn’t mean vegan, one listener shares a story that has Len fact-checking menus with government definitions.
Join Len and Jim as they explore the theme park “what ifs,” leaked surveys, and the surprising ways Disney’s past nearly looked a lot more like Roger Rabbit.
SHOW NOTES
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DVC Rental Store
Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures!
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Planning your next Disney vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress.
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In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey uncover the surprising 1960s Hollywood event that helped inspire Universal Studios’ Mardi Gras celebrations today. Plus, they unpack the latest rumors, leaks, and hotel openings as Epic Universe edges closer to launch.
• Mardi Gras Origins: How Universal’s “Fiesta Mexicana” and “Mardi Gras de Mexico” laid the groundwork for today’s fan-favorite events.
• Epic Universe Hotel News: Terra Luna opens for bookings—what it means for the summer rush.
• Mario Kart Express Rumors: New signage reveals a possible upgrade to the most popular ride in Super Nintendo World.
• Leaked Footage Controversy: Team member previews are underway, but influencers sneaking in early may risk ruining the magic.
• Power Rangers & Military Discounts: Jim and Eric answer listener questions about live shows and lesser-known perks.
• Abraham Lincoln in the Hills?: The quirky story behind a statue that once stood tall in Universal’s early years.
It’s a mix of park history, speculation, and theme park detective work you won’t want to miss.
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In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey go full collector mode with stories of forgotten plush, rare merch, and the unexpected international success of one very determined Disney bear.
The Return of Duffy – From Tokyo-exclusive meet-and-greets to his spot in Disneyland’s new cavalcade, Disney is going all in (again) on Duffy and his friends.
The Secret Origin of the Disney Bear – Before he was Duffy, he was an unloved plush at Once Upon a Toy—and Jim shares the wild backstory of how he became a phenomenon in Japan.
The Lost Legacy of the Disney Store – With a 38th anniversary celebration underway, Lauren and Jim reflect on the rise and fall of the beloved retail chain.
D23 Frustrations and Freebies – From vanishing magazines to exclusive shopping windows, Lauren makes her case for why members deserve more (and maybe a plus-one).
Collector PSA – If you love Disney merch history, Lauren recommends checking out Up for Auction, the CW series hosted by Chris Hardwick that’s loaded with rare finds.
This episode is full of deep cuts, hot takes, and a two-part Duffy deep dive that might just change the way you look at Disney plush. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!
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In this episode of Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Jim Hill and Drew dive deep into the latest news and developments in the world of animation:
Snow White’s Slow Start – Disney’s live-action remake stumbles at the box office, and Drew shares his take after seeing the film.
Coco 2 Announced (and Unannounced) – A sequel to Pixar’s Coco is confirmed by Bob Iger... and then quietly walked back.
The Elio Overhaul – Pixar’s original story of a shy kid mistaken for Earth’s leader has been rewritten into a buddy comedy. Drew breaks down the changes in tone, direction, and voice cast.
The Long Journey of Toy Story 5 and Tron: Ares – Updates on test screenings and long-in-development sequels finally seeing the light of day.
Forgotten Disney Projects – From the scrapped Rose Red spinoff to the sci-fi Snowstar, Jim and Drew explore the alternate versions of Snow White that never made it to the screen.
Coyote vs. Acme & Looney Tunes Drama – Ketchup Entertainment offers Warner Bros. $50 million for the rights to release Coyote vs. Acme.
Plus, hear about Jim’s surprise birthday video from Josh Gad, Drew’s Art of Amphibia book launch, and how Disney almost brought The Seven Dwarfs back as a fantasy trilogy.
A packed episode filled with history, hot takes, and the latest headlines in animation.
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