Afleveringen
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In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers the latest from the animation and box office world while Drew Taylor wraps up his trip to Annecy and Disneyland Paris. This week’s highlights include:
Live-action How to Train Your Dragon opens to $197M globally, including a $83M domestic debut that surpasses every previous entry in the franchise.
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch nears the billion-dollar mark, with over $858M earned just four weeks after release.
Pixar’s Elio faces a soft box office forecast, but Jim urges caution against writing it off before opening weekend.
Peter Sohn tapped to direct Incredibles 3, with a screenplay by Brad Bird and expectations riding high after Elemental's surprise turnaround.
Jim interviews Matt West, director of the 30th Anniversary Tour of Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical, and shares the story of how the animated film came together after a theme park pre-show opened doors for new talent.
From billion-dollar contenders to Broadway anniversaries and surprise animation industry milestones, it’s a jam-packed episode filled with insight, stories, and a little history.
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Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Figment almost got replaced by Michael Jordan—and how one flubbed line at an NBC upfront helped create The Golden Girls.
Updated Monstropolis plans hint at a larger land—and a suspiciously vacant cast parking lot
Could a new DVC resort be rising near Blizzard Beach? Western Way roadwork says yes
Disneyland's expansion plan: Coco, Avatar, and the final frontier of backstage space
The doomed celebrity era of Imagineering, featuring Cheers-inspired Tiki Room and Wallace & Gromit
Journey Into Imagination 3.0: how a triage effort (and stored figment AAs) saved the ride
The DVC lounge dilemma: why redoing Imagination may need a bit more imagination
Big plans, big ideas, and one very unfortunate cheese room.
â SHOW NOTESâ
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TV—and what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this summer’s biggest park updates, movie tie-ins, and a few theme park throwbacks that might be making a comeback.
Why Nickelodeon built a studio in Orlando—with 13 years of free rent
The slime geyser, baked beans, and septic trucks of Double Dare
Universal’s latest Ghostbusters tribute sparks ride rumors
Megan hordes, Wicked meet-and-greets, and summer movie tie-ins
FanFest returning in 2026—and the dream of bringing it to Orlando
Blue Man Group’s history with Nick’s old soundstages
The episode wraps with a nostalgic tribute to the Nickelodeon generation and the unexpected ways its legacy still echoes through the Universal parks.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideon’s Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Florida’s favorite bakery.
The music major turned baker who built Gideon’s from scratch—literally
How a secret cookie deal at Polite Pig helped land a spot at Disney Springs
The role of community, storytelling, and heartbreak in shaping the brand
Why you’ll never see Gideon’s cookies shipped or wholesaled
The Edward Gorey-inspired art behind the eerie, yet inviting design
What’s next for Steve, his characters, and maybe even a lemon-orange love story
Learn more about Gideon’s by visiting https://www.gideonsbakehouse.com
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In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-ins—while Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include:
Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on?
A live-action Tangled revival is gaining momentum, possibly hitting theaters in 2029.
Burger King’s How to Train Your Dragon menu gets taste-tested, including the Dragon Flame-Grilled Whopper and Viking’s Chocolate Sundae.
Universal’s Simpsons rights could end in 2028, putting attractions like Krusty Burger on the clock.
The forgotten Dolby stereo Fantasia soundtrack from 1982, featuring a 125-piece orchestra, Jimmy Macdonald’s new click track, and backlash from classical music fans.
Plus: LEGO’s $200 Krusty Burger, Seth Rogen’s porcine resume, and why blue drinks raise red flags. It’s a classic Jim-only episode packed with oddball insight and animation industry intel.
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Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The show ends with Part 2 of the wild saga behind Journey into Imagination’s 2002 reopening, featuring a side of Art Linkletter, Henry Fonda, and bitter corporate rivalries.
First thoughts on Disney’s new Piston Peak National Park concept art
The EPCOT GEO82 Lounge: gorgeous views, high prices, strict timers
Disney trains to run in reverse—literally
Why a DVC rental checkbox could be tied to speculative booking issues
The forgotten film war: Kodak, Polaroid, and the $10M that didn’t pay off
How Art Linkletter turned a favor into Disneyland’s most profitable deal
Whether you’re craving peanut brittle from a charcuterie plate or just here for vintage theme park trivia, this episode has you covered.
â SHOW NOTESâ
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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots.
How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T.
Rick Baker’s original designs for a much scarier alien crew
Why the Bigfoot suit in Harry and the Hendersons almost wasn’t eligible for an Oscar
John Lithgow’s role in reshaping the script (and the heart) of the film
The connection between Predator, Harry, and Universal Studios Hollywood
Why the movie’s emotional ending still holds up after 38 years
Also in this episode: a new Wicked trailer drop, Hagrid’s joins Express Pass, Rip Ride Rockit gets a closing date, and Halloween Horror Nights adds Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy’s to the mix.
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For the 50th episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey raise a glass to one of Disney’s most collected—and controversial—categories: cups. From ceramic mugs and stainless steel tumblers to the infamous souvenir sippers, Lauren recaps her recent mission to find the perfect Disney drinkware and why fans can’t stop buying them.
Whether you're a mug minimalist or a tumbler hoarder, this one’s for you.
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Jim Hill and Drew Taylor unpack the biggest stories in the animation world, including Drew’s visit to Pixar for an exclusive look at Elio. The upcoming original film continues to evolve creatively, now led by Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, and features bold technical advances and emotional storytelling. The duo also confirms Coco 2 is officially on the way—with directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina returning—though its release date may be in flux.
They also dive into the mixed reactions to Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch, including fan frustrations over missing characters and deeper critiques from Hawaiian viewers. Other topics include:
The legacy of Destino and its unlikely connection to a Coronado Springs hotel
The controversy surrounding the live-action Lilo & Stitch ending and themes of colonialism
Streaming stats for Bluey and the puzzling world of animation metrics
Updates on the King of the Hill reboot and Rick & Morty Season 8
Remembering Alf Clausen’s musical legacy on The Simpsons
Plus, Drew shares behind-the-scenes insights from Elio, including a surprise reference to The Shining, its Epcot-like opening scene, and the technical feat that is the Communiverse.
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This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion.
Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely want to return Universal's newest theme park later in the day
Film Fight -- How Disney worked out a truce between Kodak & Polaroid back in the 1970s, so that both brands of films could then be sold inside of their theme parks
Parade Reservations – Why -- if you're an Annual Passholder -- you're going to need to plan ahead if you want to see "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" this Summer
Rent-a-Park – Why the Magic Kingdom & Disney's Hollywood Studios aren't available for private parties during certain times of the year
Someday My Prints Will Come -- Which Disney Park icon is one of the most photographed structures in the world
Touring tips, stories about Walt as a grandfather, plus talk of garlic presses —it’s another packed episode of the Disney Dish.
SHOW NOTES
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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Steven Spielberg’s early ambitions to follow in Walt Disney’s footsteps shaped both Universal Studios and modern theme park storytelling. From his failed pitch to Disney to his work on Amazing Stories and Harry and the Hendersons, this episode connects the dots between Spielberg’s cinematic vision and his lasting impact on themed entertainment.
How Disney turned down Spielberg’s offer—and why it shaped his long-term partnership with Universal
The story behind Amazing Stories and its role in Spielberg’s attempt to build a brand beyond film
Why Harry and the Hendersons was seen as a potential franchise—and why it never became the next E.T.
Remembering Ed Gale and his roles in Howard the Duck, Child’s Play, and more
Universal’s Jaws 50th anniversary celebrations and evolving How to Train Your Dragon film updates
This episode blends nostalgic storytelling with industry insight, spotlighting how one filmmaker’s dream to become the next Walt Disney changed the theme park world forever.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the launch of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary with a merch-packed episode filled with popcorn buckets, collectible props, and a deep dive into Walt’s original 10th anniversary celebration—aka the Tencennial.
From animatronic Mickey souvenirs to retro Vault Collection hats, Lauren shares the standout items hitting the parks. Then Jim takes us back to 1965 for the story of how Walt honored his first decade of Disneyland, from airborne Mary Poppins stunts to the birth of Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.
The Mickey popcorn bucket that moves, talks, and blinks
Why propeller hats and retro logos are making a comeback
The gorgeous “padfolio” inspired by Walt Disney’s real desk
The true story behind Disneyland’s 10th anniversary (and that weird word “Tencennial”)
When Walt thought the park really opened—and how that date changed
The crown decorations that accidentally damaged Sleeping Beauty Castle
From collectible merch to collectible memories, this episode brings Disneyland’s past and present together in perfect, popcorn-scented harmony.
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In this episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor reunite to cover a packed Memorial Day weekend full of animation and theme park headlines, including:
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch stuns with a $183M opening, far surpassing projections and proving the power of theatrical releases.
Conan O’Brien joins Toy Story 5 as Smarty Pants, revealed during Disney’s Licensing Expo presentation.
First look at Zootopia 2 – A mysterious villain, new districts, and plenty of fan theories sparked by the teaser trailer.
Drew’s full report from Epic Universe – A deep dive into Isle of Berk, Ministry of Magic, Celestial Park, and the tech behind Monsters Unchained.
A can't-miss episode filled with theatrical wins, sneak peeks, and theme park reveals from one of the biggest weekends in entertainment.
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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown.
Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quick fix that morphed into a 20-year land.
Festival of the Lion King - The show that squatted in a space meant for dragons... and thrived.
Magic Kingdom Strategy - How early entry and Lightning Lane stacking can knock out every headliner by noon.
Disney’s Indoor Parks - From DisneyQuest to Abu Dhabi, a look at the past and future of enclosed theme parks.
It’s a celebration of Disney’s most beloved “temporary” projects - and the ones that just refused to leave.
SHOW NOTES
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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of Universal’s Epic Universe. They recap the TODAY Show broadcast, blue carpet livestream, celebrity sightings, and first-day feedback from guests inside the park.
Then, they flash back to Universal’s last major theme park debut - Islands of Adventure in 1999 - and the infamous branding misfire that nearly doomed it: Universal Studios Escape.
Coverage breakdown of Epic Universe’s grand opening, from live broadcasts to opening portal ceremonies
Celebrity sightings include Shigeru Miyamoto, Danny Elfman, Warwick Davis, Tony Baxter, and Cody Rhodes
Ygor and the monsters steal the spotlight - again -on national TV
Early first-day reviews highlight light crowds, limited medallion merch, and a rough start for Battle at the Ministry
Jim shares the wild history of Universal’s 1999 park expansion, including Seagram’s chaotic E-Zone plans and the “Universal Studios Escape” branding blunder
How Islands of Adventure overcame early stumbles to become a flagship park - and how Epic Universe is already avoiding those same mistakes
With one park officially launched and another history lesson unpacked, this episode celebrates the present while learning from the past.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack the unexpected history of Disney’s brief run as a pro sports owner. From Michael Eisner’s synergy strategy to Gene Autry’s $1-a-year land deal, this episode dives into how the House of Mouse ended up with the Mighty Ducks and the Anaheim Angels - and why they eventually let them go.
Also in this episode:
Trash can candy containers debut at Disney Springs
The DisneyStore.com shipping threshold quietly goes up
The latest on Epcot pin trading and Disney's response
A listener asks: Are Spirit Jerseys going out of style?
The real origin story of the Spirit Jersey
Why Tangled’s live-action fate may depend on Stitch’s box office
From puck worlds to ballparks, this episode blends nostalgia, merch, and the business of Disney like never before.
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In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill dives into a packed week of animation news while Drew Taylor covers the opening of Epic Universe in Florida. Topics include:
The 70th anniversary of Gumby – A look back at Art Clokey’s clay-animated classic and upcoming updates like Gumby Kids.
Faith-based animation on the rise – Following the box office success of The King of Kings, Fairly OddParents creator Butch Hartman launches a new animation studio focused on spiritual storytelling.
DreamWorks embraces early childhood IP – From the upcoming Cocomelon feature to Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie and Bad Guys 2.
Paramount’s shifting release schedule – New dates for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, The Legend of Aang, and Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie.
Peppa Pig’s gender reveal episode debuts… on Walmart.com – A bold retail-media crossover with exclusive merchandise tied to streaming content.
Smurfs movie sparks fan backlash – Rihanna’s new song “Friend of Mine” fails to impress her Navy, despite her upcoming role as Smurfette.
AI in animation – With $42 million raised by AI animation startups like Cartwheel and Hedra, concerns about job displacement echo the shift from hand-drawn to CG in the ’90s.
New Shaun the Sheep movie announced – Aardman’s The Beast of Mossy Bottom arrives in 2026 with a Halloween theme.
A thoughtful and wide-ranging episode covering preschool hits, legacy IP, streaming trends, theatrical strategy, and the evolving role of AI in the animation industry.
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Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones.
The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbacks.
What Went Wrong – Mission: Space didn’t just thrill—it made people sick, killed plants, and gave Epcot’s custodial team nightmares.
The Shrubbery Crisis – Yes, protein spills killed the landscaping.
Fixing the Fail – How Disney added trash cans, benches, cold air, and a non-spinning version of the ride (that’s actually better).
Ride Longevity – Why guests rarely re-ride, and how Mission: Space quietly became the least essential thrill ride at Walt Disney World.
What Comes Next – With depreciation schedules catching up, is it finally time to replace it? And what’s the likelihood of a Figment/Inside Out combo attraction next door?
A fascinating look at how cutting-edge ambition can spin a little too hard—and what happens when the recovery benches outnumber the ride’s fans.
SHOW NOTES
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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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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey explore how Universal turned a high-maintenance animatronic failure into one of its most popular and shareable meet-and-greets with Raptor Encounter. From behind-the-scenes strategy to guest visibility, they break down what Triceratops Encounter taught Universal—and how that shaped the Jurassic Park experience we know today.
The rise and fall of Triceratops Encounter, and why it never worked as a headline attraction
How Raptor Encounter succeeded by being visible, fast, and built for social sharing
Universal’s upcoming Epic Universe livestream and new Peacock documentary The Epic Ride
Mega Movie Summer kicks off at Universal Hollywood with Jaws props and Jurassic World meet-and-greets
Listener feedback: how to hack your Cabana Bay stay, plus an update on walk-around characters at Toothsomes
Whether you're into classic Jurassic nostalgia or watching how Universal adapts its strategy, this episode is all about learning from the past to create blockbuster experiences.
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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the surprising origin of Stitch—and it’s not as cuddly as you think. Before becoming Disney’s mischievous blue icon, Stitch was pitched as a green, intergalactic outlaw leading a robot uprising. Jim shares the full, unfiltered story of Chris Sanders’ original pitch, including unused scenes, a darker backstory, and a surprisingly heroic role for Pleakley.
But first, Lauren recaps her latest Orlando trip with a look at:
Discovery Cove travel hacks (bring your own water socks!)
Changes at Magic Kingdom’s Emporium and the scattered state of merch
The growing mystery of Cinderella Castle’s color shift
Stitch merchandise overload ahead of the new live-action film
The creepy (and hilarious) quirks of the new “Many Moods of Stitch” plush
Puppetmetronics, pin trading, and a Stitch-themed shipping tip
From castle color controversies to plushes with personality disorders, this episode proves that even Disney classics have an unexpected side.
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