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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This week on I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the surprising (and very real) connection between Disney and NASA. From Walt’s passion for futurism to the pivotal role of the Disneyland TV show in helping launch America’s space program, this episode tracks how a theme park attraction like Mission: SPACE is rooted in actual history—and how it all started with a cartoon.

Plus, Lauren recaps her latest visit to Walt Disney World, with new pin trading finds at Epcot, handmade souvenirs in Germany, and must-see graduation merch at Creations. Also: Loungefly alternatives, the secret perks of the Mission: SPACE playground, and how the Plain White T’s ended up in the middle of Flower & Garden.

Why Walt Disney worked with Wernher von Braun

How a Disney TV special helped get NASA off the ground

The story behind Mission: SPACE merch (and crystals)

The new must-have black-and-white Disney backpack

Tuesday pin drops and pro trading setups at Epcot

The make-your-own glass art experience in Germany

From space-age storytelling to personalized souvenirs, this episode blends the historical with the hands-on in true I Want That Too fashion.

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.

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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey return with a jam-packed episode that blends Disney shopping secrets and animation history. Lauren shares her behind-the-scenes visit to Disney’s elusive Property Control store, a cast member-exclusive outlet full of discounted resort furniture, rare park merch, and even frozen food. Hear what she found, what she bought, and why it may be Disney’s best-kept secret.

Then Jim dives into the fascinating history of Gertie the Dinosaur—Hollywood Studios’ lakeside icon—tracing her roots back to a 1914 vaudeville act that helped inspire Walt Disney himself. From stamp collecting to Loungefly obsessions, this episode covers the quirky side of fandom and the legacy of one animated Brontosaurus.

What Property Control is and how Lauren got in

The limited merch, props, and even snacks for sale inside

The new Gertie merch spotted at Hollywood Studios

How Windsor McCay’s 1914 cartoon dinosaur changed animation forever

The real story behind Disney’s ice cream-slinging sauropod

From the backlots of Walt Disney World to the foundations of early animation, this episode of I Want That Too digs into Disney history where you’d least expect it.

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.

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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey sit down with actor and author Colin Egglesfield (All My Children, Something Borrowed) to revisit one of Disney’s most passionate fan events: Super Soap Weekend. Colin shares what it was like to meet thousands of soap fans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, parade through the park with Goofy, and be part of the event’s final years.

They also discuss Colin’s time on All My Children, his unforgettable character arc as Erica Kane’s long-lost son, and how he battled cancer behind the scenes—while still showing up to set and filming every day.

This heartfelt episode blends Disney fan nostalgia, behind-the-scenes soap drama, and the power of showing up through life’s toughest moments. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

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.

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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey hop into the season with stories of springtime mishaps, Disney merch drops, and a full breakdown of the difference between spoilers and Easter eggs (the movie kind, not the chocolate kind).

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.

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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey celebrate the 30th anniversary of A Goofy Movie with new Loungefly backpacks, wild Powerline-themed hats, and a deep dive into the film’s fan-favorite status. Then, they break down some of Disney’s latest merch trends - including crossbody water bottle holders, park-inspired baseball jerseys, and popcorn bucket Christmas ornaments… in April.

Plus, Jim shares the fascinating story of how Disney built Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! inside two U.S. parks, and why the once-hot game show fizzled fast. From lanyards and leather jackets to cruise giveaways and Cloisonné pins, this episode is packed with merch nostalgia and a surprising lesson in theme park timing.

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.

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In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey explore the colorful world of theme park merchandise—from Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival to Universal’s Epic Universe rollout—and spotlight a pastel plush lineup that’s taking over Japan (and maybe your shelf next).

This episode is filled with plush previews, theme park strategies, and the delightful chaos of spring merch season.

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

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In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey go full collector mode with stories of forgotten plush, rare merch, and the unexpected international success of one very determined Disney bear.

This episode is full of deep cuts, hot takes, and a two-part Duffy deep dive that might just change the way you look at Disney plush. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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.

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In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the drama surrounding Disney’s latest projects, from the controversial Snow White live-action remake to a major legal battle over Lady and the Tramp.

From legal battles to marketing strategies, this episode is packed with hot takes, controversy, and insider insights. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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

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In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the secrets behind Disney’s gift shops and why you’re always tempted to buy merch after every ride. From Mattel’s influence in the 1990s to the psychological tricks Imagineers use to boost sales, you’ll never look at a Disney gift shop the same way again.

• The 57-Second Rule – How Disney learned that you need to see merch within 57 seconds of exiting a ride for the best chance of making a sale.

• The Origins of Post-Ride Gift Shops – How Mattel’s push for in-park sales changed Disney’s approach to retail.

• The Tower of Terror Drama – Why Tower Hotel Gifts was doomed to fail and how Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster fixed Disney’s merch strategy.

• Springtime Traditions at Disney – Lauren previews the Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt and new pastel plush collections.

• Disney Adults and Expensive Vacations – Why Disney is marketing more to adult fans and the rising costs of theme park trips.

Whether you’re a Disney merch collector or love uncovering theme park secrets, this episode is packed with fascinating stories and insider info. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

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