Manufacturing the Magic: Old Mill Rides, Dark Rides & Simulators (EP 15)

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 for Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane priorities (spoiler: it’s chaos). Mandalorian on Smuggler’s Run: Grogu might make engineers the stars of the Millennium Falcon. Dinoland Demolition: What’s next for Animal Kingdom’s most polarizing area? Join Len and Jim for strategies, stories, and maybe a few tips on not getting run over by a rope dropper. SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore the fascinating and hilarious story behind Your Studio and You, a parody film created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker before South Park. Highlights include: The Making of Your Studio and You: How Matt and Trey enlisted A-list celebrities like Steven Spielberg, Angela Lansbury, and Michael J. Fox to poke fun at Universal Studios—and even sip Seagram’s wine coolers—without them realizing the full gag. Mardi Gras 2025 at Universal Orlando: Details on the celebration’s floats, global cuisine, and concerts featuring T-Pain, TLC, and more. Give Kids the World Fundraiser: A look at the upcoming universally ’90s-themed event benefiting an incredible cause. Annual Passholder Perks: From exclusive entrances to special Mardi Gras deals, discover what’s new for Universal passholders this year. This episode blends Universal’s latest updates with a humorous dive into its history. If you’re a fan of South Park or theme park lore, you won’t want to miss this one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey ring in the New Year with exciting updates from Disneyland Resort, including its upcoming 70th anniversary celebration and the long-awaited opening of a Haunted Mansion-themed gift shop. What You’ll Hear: A sneak peek into Disneyland’s 70th anniversary celebrations, including the “Celebrate Happy” theme and the return of fan-favorite nighttime spectaculars like Paint the Night. Insights into the new World of Color: Celebrate Happy show and its connections to Inside Out 2. A deep dive into the history of Haunted Mansion merchandise, from its humble beginnings as a single cart to the immersive new shop, Somewhere Beyond. The evolving passion of Haunted Mansion fans and how Disneyland is leaning into immersive retail experiences for this iconic attraction. Whether you’re planning a trip to Disneyland for the 70th festivities or curious about the origins of Haunted Mansion merch, this episode is packed with fun stories and insider details. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor discuss: The 82nd Golden Globes nominees for Best Animated Motion Picture, including Inside Out 2, Moana 2, and Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. Hayao Miyazaki’s enduring creative spirit as the Studio Ghibli legend celebrates his 84th birthday. Disney’s history of using Donald Duck to rally Americans during WWII, including the creation of patriotic animated shorts like The New Spirit. Updates on Mufasa: The Lion King’s box office performance and the evolving plans for Disney theme park attractions. A sneak peek at Marvel Animation’s Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man series arriving on Disney+ this month. Join Jim and Drew as they explore animation’s rich history, exciting present, and promising future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Lightning Lane instead? Epic Universe Updates: Universal Orlando inches closer to opening with exciting ride testing and big surprises. Join Len and Jim as they uncover Disney history, analyze park strategies, and debate the best way to navigate post-Big Thunder chaos. SHOW NOTES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the fifteenth installment of this educational series, Shelly & Noe Valladolid continued\ their look at the history of themed entertainment. This episode emphasizes how the industry changed after the First World War. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What are the specific components of an Old Mill Ride What is typically found inside of a Tunnel of Love attraction (Besides kissing couples, I mean) Where were the first of these attractions built? When did old flight equipment become fodder for new theme park rides What is considered the first true simulator ride  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of 2025, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey recap Universal’s most exciting moments from the past year, discuss insights from a Universal guest survey, and share bold predictions for the year ahead. Highlights include: Universal’s Guest Survey: Jim and Eric analyze intriguing survey questions about vacation planning, accessibility, and the impact of Universal’s Wicked-themed offerings on guest experiences. Epic Universe Updates: A look back at how Universal kept fans engaged with teasers, construction updates, and marketing ahead of its May 2025 opening. Wicked’s Phenomenal Year: From its box office success to Universal’s creative synergy with theme park experiences. DreamWorks Land in Orlando: How Universal’s new kid-friendly area is already a hit with families. Universal’s Remote Projects: Exploring the potential of the Texas Universal Kids Park and the Las Vegas Haunted House, and how these off-site ventures could shape the future of Universal’s theme park strategy. Jim and Eric also reflect on their first year of podcasting together, share listener questions and insights, and make predictions about Universal’s record-breaking potential in the coming year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this lively New Year episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore Disney’s unique take on wellness, the history of Sports Goofy, and a sneak peek at the latest Valentine’s Day merchandise. What You’ll Hear: Details on Disney Springs’ Wellness Month, including free fitness classes, discounts, and the surprising involvement of Everglazed Donuts. Lauren’s insights on the chocolate-covered strawberry plush line and Valentine-themed MagicBands. Jim’s deep dive into the origins of Sports Goofy and his evolution as Disney’s fitness ambassador. A nostalgic look at Disney’s classic “How To” Goofy shorts and their influence on sports-themed animation. Exclusive tips on snagging rare Valentine’s Day merch at the parks and online. Whether you’re setting wellness goals, collecting Disney merch, or reminiscing about Goofy’s antics, this episode offers something for every Disney fan. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode of Fine Tooning for 2024, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor explore: How Mufasa: The Lion King roared back at the box office, edging out Sonic 3 during the holiday weekend. Updates from Pixar, including Tim Allen’s return as Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story 5 and the lingering delays around Win or Lose. A sneak peek at 2025’s animated lineup, from Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl to Pixar’s Elio and Zootopia 2. The unconventional tradition of watching King Kong to ring in the New Year, and other quirky viewing habits. Join Jim and Drew as they close out the year with a mix of animation insights, industry updates, and a look ahead at what’s coming next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 works. Listener Questions: Where are the best places to rent DVC points, and what’s the deal with Bonnet Creek’s location? Riviera Resort Finale: Jim wraps up the fascinating history of Disney’s most glamorous DVC property. Tune in for Disney history, park updates, and plenty of laughs as Len and Jim close out the year in style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices