Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Fiberglass Heads and Forbidden Mountains (Ep. 526)
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Fiberglass Heads and Forbidden Mountains (Ep. 526)
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
Support Our Sponsors
DVC Resale Market
Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free.
Learn More
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!
Learn More
Be Our Guest Vacations
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.
Learn More
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
View all episodes
By Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
4.7
13691,369 ratings
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
Support Our Sponsors
DVC Resale Market
Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free.
Learn More
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!
Learn More
Be Our Guest Vacations
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.
Learn More
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More shows like The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network
View all
DIS Unlimited
2,544 Listeners
WDW Radio: Your Guide to the Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise and More Disney Magic!
3,139 Listeners
The WDW News Today Podcast - without News Today
667 Listeners
Be Our Guest WDW Podcast
1,742 Listeners
Unofficial Universal Orlando Podcast
387 Listeners
Disney History Institute Podcast
572 Listeners
Retro Disney World Podcast
550 Listeners
Rope Drop Radio: A Disney Travel Podcast
719 Listeners
Connecting with Walt - A look into the history of the man behind Mickey Mouse, Disneyland and Walt Disney World
770 Listeners
The 3028: Theme Park History & Pop Culture Listory
1,153 Listeners
Imagination Skyway
804 Listeners
Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor
76 Listeners
Marvel Us Disney with Aaron Adams
85 Listeners
Looking at Lucasfilm with Brian Gaughan
62 Listeners
The Disney Dish with Jim Hill
992 Listeners
Epic Universal Podcast
71 Listeners
ParkStop Podcast
222 Listeners
The DVC Show
445 Listeners
Very Amusing with Carlye Wisel - A Theme Park Podcast
2,165 Listeners