Spending New Year’s Eve inside a Disney World theme park sounds like the ultimate “most magical place on Earth” flex - until you remember you’re doing it shoulder-to-shoulder with what feels like the population of a small nation. This week in the Court of the Disney World Resort, Len Testa argues the case for the marathon day, the once-a-year entertainment, and that surreal moment when Adventureland is blasting pop music. Chris Cox counters with big-city New Year’s trauma, crowd math, and the simple question of whether there’s a way to enjoy the fireworks without living inside a human corral for four hours. What does Judge Jim Hill have to say?

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Snack credits are either the best little “vacation cheat code” Disney ever slipped into the Dining Plan - or a spreadsheet-powered trap that turns your family trip into a competitive sport. This week in the Court of the Disney World Resort, Len Testa and Chris Cox argue whether snack credits are a smart way to stretch your Walt Disney World dollars, or just a confusing system that rewards the deeply committed and mildly deranged. Along the way, there is Starbucks math, Epcot festival strategy, and at least one Easy-Bake oven-related conflict of interest.

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In this week’s episode of The Case For, Jim and Chris dive deep into the foamy, sugary mystery of Butterbeer – from its first mention in Prisoner of Azkaban to its billion-calorie domination of Universal’s theme parks. Along the way, they track the near-miss Disney deal, J.K. Rowling’s taste-testing power, and exactly why Len Testa is currently horizontal. It’s a sweet, strange, and slightly sticky journey through theme park history.

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This week, Jim Hill joins Len Testa and Chris Cox in the Court of the Walt Disney World Resort to open the mailbag and dive into your comments on park hopping, rope dropping, resort strategy, and the joys of solo touring.

HIGHLIGHTS

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Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com
Chris Cox — X/Twitter: @bigcox | Instagram: @magiccox | Website: magiccox.com

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Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

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Order in the court! Judge Jim Hill presides as Len Testa and Chris Cox debate whether Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts truly justify their sky-high price tags. From monorail convenience and poolside fireworks to theming, dining plans, and “three-zone bathrooms,” this episode puts Disney luxury on trial. But when the verdict’s in, will comfort, convenience, or cost win the day?

HIGHLIGHTS

Chris argues the magic of waking up to a Savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge — even if you’re rushing to the bus five minutes later.

Len breaks down travel times, room sizes, and the math behind “$210-a-night happiness.”

Jim recalls the evolution of Disney’s resort categories — and how Grand Floridian’s grandeur has changed over time.

A deep dive into the perks of Deluxe dining, early-entry hours, and the eternal battle between park time and resort time.

The trio reflects on nostalgia, theming, and the real price of that “Disney bubble.”

Hosts

Chris Cox — X/Twitter: @bigcox | Instagram: @magiccox | Website: magiccox.com

Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com

Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com

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Support the show and get bonus episodes at patreon.com/jimhillmedia

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Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia

Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency

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In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most exclusive experiences: after hours hard ticket events. From Boo Bash to Jollywood Nights, are these late-night parties packed with unique perks, or are they just overpriced parades, cocoa, and chaos? Chris Cox and Len Testa present both sides while Judge Jim Hill keeps the cocoa flowing and the wardrobe sequins shimmering.

What’s on trial this week:

Are these late-night parties the secret sauce of a magical Disney trip, or just an expensive way to ruin your socks in the rain? The verdict is still out.

Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case.

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In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most debated splurges: Club Level rooms. Are they an indulgent upgrade that transforms your trip, or just overpriced cereal and concierge small talk? Chris Cox and Len Testa make their case while Judge Jim Hill hears stories of magical views, cookie deliveries, and Drew Carey cameos.

Is Club Level the ultimate Disney splurge or an overpriced trap for hungry parkgoers? The verdict is still out. Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case.

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In this second episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, the gavel drops on one of the earliest theme park traditions. Rope dropping: brilliant strategy or brutal wake-up call? Chris Cox and Len Testa make their cases while Judge Jim Hill listens for signs of sleep deprivation and theme park strategy gone too far.

What’s on trial this week:

Have you set an alarm for 5 a.m. to ride Rise of the Resistance? Or are you happy to sleep in and skip the stampede? We want to hear from you. Weigh in with your verdict on social media and let us know which side you're on.

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Is park hopping the best way to squeeze every drop of Disney magic out of your vacation - or just an overpriced bus pass with extra steps? In this first episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, mind reader and performer Chris Cox squares off against theme park expert Len Testa, while Disney historian Jim Hill dons judge’s robe to deliver a verdict.

What’s on trial this week:

The verdict? You be the judge. Tell us if park hopping is your go-to Disney strategy - or just a fast pass to frustration.

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Next case: rope dropping at Disney Parks - because nothing says “vacation” like a 5 a.m. wake-up call.

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