Episodes

508
Dec. 2, 2024

What’s it really like down in the tunnels under the Magic Kingdom (Ep 508 )

Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined by Jim Shull of “Disney Journeys” &; Eric Hersey of the “Epic Universal Podcast” for an in-depth look at WDW’s Utilidor system. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about:  What did Marty Sklar do back in the mid-1950s that made Walt Disney furious  Where can Refreshment Gardens be found at Disneyland Park  How many acres do the Utilidors cover at WDW’s Magic Kingdom  What reportedly caused the black mold problem in the Men’s Locker Room unde...
Nov. 25, 2024

Muppet*Vision 3D’s Curtain Call: Making Way for Electric Mayhem & Jollywood Nights Review!

oin Jim and Len as they explore the latest holiday updates, behind-the-scenes details, and listener questions about Disney’s parks and attractions. Jollywood Nights 2024 Review: Discover how this year’s event improved on last year, with brighter displays, enhanced entertainment, and reimagined spaces that bring the magic of Hollywood Studios to life. Muppet Vision 3D Updates: Learn about the plans for the Electric Mayhem overlay at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and what it means for Muppets fans. M...
505
Nov. 11, 2024

Is Disney’s Premier Pass Really Worth It? Plus, Universal’s Year-Round Horror & El Rio Del Tiempo’s Final Chapter! (Ep. 505)

In this week’s episode, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you a packed show with the latest theme park news and the finale of Jim’s deep dive into EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo. Tune in as they cover: Universal’s Year-Round Horror Nights in Las Vegas: Get the details on Universal’s permanent horror attraction, “Universal Horror Unleashed,” set to launch at Area 15 with classic scares from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Exorcist: Believer, and more. Magic Kingdom’s Premier Pass Math: Len and Jim respond to a...
504
Nov. 4, 2024

Tropical Americas is Coming, $25 Cake Slices, and the Grand Finale of EPCOT’s El Rio Del Tiempo (Ep. 504)

part 3 of Jim’s now four-part history of EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo boat ride!
503
Oct. 28, 2024

Epcot’s Hidden Gems: The Forgotten Details of El Rio del Tiempo (Ep. 503)

II’s part 2 of Jim’s now three-part history of EPCOT’s El Rio del Tiempo boat ride!
502
Oct. 21, 2024

The Lost Rides of Epcot: The Untold History of El Rio del Tiempo (Ep. 502)

In this week’s Disney Dish, Len and Jim dive into the rich history of one of EPCOT’s lesser-known attractions, "El Rio del Tiempo." Join us for Part 1 of a two-part series as Jim takes us back to the 1982 dedication of EPCOT's Mexico Pavilion and shares the fascinating origin of the pavilion's boat ride. Learn about the ambitious plans for "Las Tres Culturas de Mexico," the mysterious German Rivers ride, and how tight budgets and changing politics reshaped EPCOT's World Showcase. Tune in as t...
Sept. 30, 2024

Do you remember Epcot’s “Magic Journeys” (Ep 499)

Jim gives us the history of Mickey’s PhilharMagic!
498
Sept. 23, 2024

Behind the Bar: Ricky Debler Jr. on Creating Disney’s Most Popular Tequila Spot (Ep. 498)

In this episode of The Disney Dish Podcast, Len Testa and Jim Hill bring you the latest updates and an in-depth look at Disney’s past, present, and future. Tune in as they cover: Exclusive Interview: Special guest Ricky Debler Jr. from Palmas Restaurant Group shares the inside story behind their iconic Disney dining locations and the evolution of La Cava del Tequila. Disney Treasure Updates: Get the scoop on the newest details for Disney Cruise Line’s upcoming ship. Disney Surveys: Find out ...
Sept. 16, 2024

Inside Tony Baxter’s 1976 Presentation: Big Thunder’s Forgotten Neighbors (Ep. 497)

Jim continues the history of Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
496
Sept. 9, 2024

Big Thunder's Wild History, Tron’s Queue Overhaul, and Universal’s Next Big Attraction (Ep. 496)

In this episode of The Disney Dish, Jim Hill and Len Testa bring you the latest Disney theme park news, dive into listener questions, and share some fascinating theme park history. Tune in for an entertaining and informative discussion featuring: The History of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Learn how this beloved attraction evolved from the original Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland. Disney’s Tron Lightcycle Run Update: Why Disney is replacing the virtual queue with a traditional standb...
495
Sept. 2, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 495: How a Western River led to Big Thunder Mountain

Jim gives us the history of Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
494
Aug. 26, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 494: How did the Imagineers just update WDW’s “Peter Pan Flight”

Jim looks back at how Walt adapted J.B. Barrie’s play & novel to the screen back in 1953
493
Aug. 19, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 493: Frontierland to trade steamboat ride for “Cars” -themed road rally

Jim gives us the history of Fantasyland’s Be Our Guest restaurant. It’s the Gray Stuff Episode!
Aug. 12, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Special Bonus Episode: What’s next for the Disney Parks

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492
Aug. 12, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 492: Remembering Disneyland’s Indian Village

Jim continues our deep dive into the history - and possibly the future - of Disney’s Frontierland concept.
491
Aug. 5, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 491 : Disney Destiny puts villains in the spotlight

Jim does a deep dive into the history - and possibly the future - of Disney’s Frontierland concept.
490
July 29, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 490: In what month of 2025 is Epic Universe going to open?

Our main segment celebrates the opening of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster 25 years ago TODAY, with special guests Imagineer Jim Shull, who designed the ride, and my twin sister Linda, who got us a hotel room next to Steven Tyler himself for the opening event.
488
July 15, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 488: Disney Cruise Line coming to Japan

Jim and Len speak with author Foxx Nolte on her new book about Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean.
486
July 1, 2024

Disney Dish with Jim Hill Ep 486: How Lightning Lane Multi Pass is supposed to work

Jim gives us one more look into Disneyland’s fireworks shows.