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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trace the surprising origins of Disney’s licensing empire - back to a time when Walt needed just $300 to keep the studio running. From the Alice Comedies to Donald Duck orange juice and Peter Pan peanut butter, this episode explores how early merchandise deals weren’t just about profit - they were survival.
Jim unpacks how licensing set the foundation for everything from Disneyana collectors to the modern parks. Meanwhile, Lauren shares her latest finds in the merch world, including:
Why the Fantastic Four landed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland
The rise of Cakeworthy and modern Disney collabs
Inside Disney’s $63 billion licensing empire
How a peanut butter deal helped fund Disneyland
The origins of Donald Duck Orange Juice and collectible Ariel dolls
Disney's licensing strategy from the 1920s to today
From peanut butter tins to popcorn buckets, this episode dives into how Disney turned product placement into a legacy.
Unlocked Magic
Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.
Learn More
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
By Jim Hill Media Podcast Network4.7
13791,379 ratings
Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trace the surprising origins of Disney’s licensing empire - back to a time when Walt needed just $300 to keep the studio running. From the Alice Comedies to Donald Duck orange juice and Peter Pan peanut butter, this episode explores how early merchandise deals weren’t just about profit - they were survival.
Jim unpacks how licensing set the foundation for everything from Disneyana collectors to the modern parks. Meanwhile, Lauren shares her latest finds in the merch world, including:
Why the Fantastic Four landed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland
The rise of Cakeworthy and modern Disney collabs
Inside Disney’s $63 billion licensing empire
How a peanut butter deal helped fund Disneyland
The origins of Donald Duck Orange Juice and collectible Ariel dolls
Disney's licensing strategy from the 1920s to today
From peanut butter tins to popcorn buckets, this episode dives into how Disney turned product placement into a legacy.
Unlocked Magic
Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.
Learn More
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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