Episodes

Join Jim and Len as they discuss the history, development and evolution of Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Seas. Initially rebuffed in the 1960's by the Disney Company in its efforts to build a Disney theme park, the Oriental Land Company found itself in much better position in the late 1970's, when Disney needed cash to finish Epcot. Hear how those negotiations went and how the rides were designed, plus a lot more.creditsreleased July 25, 2016 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testalice...

Grab a soda (Jim and Len did!) and listen to us talk about Epcot's new fitness- and diet-themed Habit Heroes exhibit at Innoventions. Jim also talks about the new IBM Think! exhibit and gives some background on the history of Future World.creditsreleased March 18, 2013 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jim and Len as they walk through the newly-refurbished Test Track pavilion and ride. We also discuss rumors about the future of the Imagination pavilion.creditsreleased March 18, 2013 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim tells how New Fantasyland came to be, from Walt's idea for a Seven Dwarfs coaster back in the 40's, to the first, estrogen-heavy plans for New Fantasyland in 2010. Think the Swiss Family Treehouse will be a good place for Pixie Hollow? Hear Len vow to fling himself from the branches.creditsreleased July 25, 2016 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim tells the story of how Disney's idea for a Western River Expedition complex ended up as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.creditsreleased July 25, 2016 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From early demos using the head of Confucius, to then state-of-the-art animatronics for Abe Lincoln, Jim tells the story of how Walt got the idea for a patriotic show, then iterated through its design to its current form.creditsreleased February 26, 2013 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From PBS to ABC to Disney to German conglomerates, Jim tells the story of how Disney and the Muppets came together. It's a four-decade story, and you may be surprised that one of the people that comes out well from it is Michael Eisner! He was, apparently, a big Henson fan from very early on.creditsreleased January 22, 2013 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa explore the history of Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland Theater, from the Mickey Mouse Revue and Legend of the Lion King to Mickey’s PhilharMagic and its role in Disney computer animation.

Jim Hill and Len Testa trace Disneyland Tomorrowland history through Rocket to the Moon, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, and decades of unbuilt futuristic attractions.

Referencing everything from Schrodinger's cat, the rise of videotape in the 1980s, the cartoon short in front of Spielberg's Arachnaphobia, to how EuroDisney impacted Toontown's construction budget, Jim tells the tale of how Toontown gets built.creditsreleased December 27, 2012 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fantasyland is one of the most frequently updated areas in Disneyland. Jim describes what Fantasyland was like when it opened, the changes made during its fitst big re-do, and Fantasyland's role in today's park environment.creditsreleased December 22, 2012 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Len Testa reveal how Breezy Osborne’s Christmas wish, a neighborhood lawsuit, millions of lights, and a misplaced purple Halloween cat created Disney’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

When Disneyland's big bet on Country Bear Jamboree falls short of expectations, Disney execs explore how to draw people back into this remote section of the park. Ideas included a stand-up Mark Twain show, a flume ride with shooting, moonshining bears, and a vampire-themed Halloween overlay for Country Bears itself. Recorded live at Disneyland. Presented by AAA.creditsreleased December 17, 2012 Audio: Len Testa with Jim Hill Edited by: Len Testa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

Jim Hill and Len Testa trace Disneyland Frontierland history from Davy Crockett and Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland to Big Thunder Mountain and Disney’s lost expansion plans.

Jim Hill and Len Testa explore the history of Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, including Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, Fantasmic, and the Rivers of America.

Jim Hill and Len Testa explore the history of Disneyland’s Adventureland, including the Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room, Swiss Family Treehouse, Indiana Jones Adventure, and Tarzan’s Treehouse.

Jim Hill and Len Testa explore the surprising shops, financing schemes, abandoned expansions, and cinematic design behind Disneyland’s original Main Street U.S.A.

Jim Hill and Len Testa uncover the studio tours, trains, television deals, financial risks, and colorful dealmakers that helped inspire and build Disneyland.

Jim Hill and Len Testa explain how Buena Vista Street, World of Color, The Little Mermaid, and Cars Land transformed Disney California Adventure from a troubled second gate into a destination.

Jim Hill and Len Testa revisit Disney’s California Adventure from 2001 to 2005, tracing its troubled opening, early attractions, and first attempts at reinvention.

Jim Hill and Len Testa trace how Disney’s California Adventure and Downtown Disney grew from canceled concepts into the foundation of a transformed Disneyland Resort.

Jim Hill and Len Testa explore how River Country, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach shaped the history of Walt Disney World’s water parks.

Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the architecture, hidden details, and layered history behind Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and its villas.

Recorded on location, Jim Hill reveals how Fort Wilderness was built, how Hoop-Dee-Doo and River Country took shape, and how the campground inspired Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.