Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey are joined by former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull to unwrap the fascinating (and sometimes funny) story of Disney’s long-running partnership with McDonald’s. From the birth of the Happy Meal to fry carts in Frontierland, this episode explores how two of the world’s biggest brands became the ultimate marketing duo - and what really ended their 10-year deal.

The surprising Star Trek connection that inspired Disney’s early talks with McDonald’s

How Michael Eisner and Jeffrey Katzenberg turned burgers and fries into box office gold

The untold story of the McDonald’s-themed Splash Mountain that almost happened

Why the partnership ended amid public pressure over kids’ meals and health

The legacy of Disney Happy Meal toys—and how the relationship quietly returned today

Whether you remember Boo Buckets, fry carts, or those elusive Happy Meal collectibles, this supersized episode proves that food and nostalgia are a marketing match made in Disney heaven.

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Jim Hill and Dan Graney unpack the latest Marvel headlines from New York Comic Con and beyond, starting with James Gunn’s near-miss MCU to DCU crossover featuring Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool. From “Deadpool Batman” hitting comic shelves to clues about the next Avengers film, the guys trace what’s real, what’s rumor, and what it all means for the Marvel multiverse.

James Gunn confirms he wanted Deadpool to cameo in Peacemaker Season 2

Inside the new Deadpool Batman comic by Zeb Wells

Russo Brothers’ cryptic “look hard” post and what it might reveal about Avengers: Doomsday

Disney quietly removing a 2027 Marvel release to make room for The Simpsons

Vision Quest’s surprising connection to WandaVision, Agatha, and Avengers: Doomsday

Marvel’s future is shifting fast. Jim and Dan break down the clues, the cancellations, and the comic book crossover we never thought we’d see.

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Jim Hill and Drew Taylor welcome special guest Matt Kazantzik, Program Director for the Animation Is Film Festival, to talk about what fans can expect at this year’s event at the TCL Chinese Theatre. From exclusive screenings and panels to the state of the animation industry, this episode dives deep into the heart of Hollywood’s celebration of animated storytelling. Jim and Drew also cover the latest box-office chatter, streaming updates, and big animation headlines.

• Why Tron: Ares may still have a chance to rebound despite a soft opening
• The premiere lineup and behind-the-scenes planning of the Animation Is Film Festival
• Drew’s firsthand look at Sony’s new Animation campus and Infinity Festival highlights
• Updates on Primal Season 3, Bat-Fam, and The Bad Guys: Breaking In
• Guillermo del Toro’s new stop-motion school and what it means for future filmmakers

Whether you’re a longtime animation fan or just curious about what’s next on the big screen, this episode of Fine Tooning packs plenty of insight, stories, and laughter from Hollywood’s animation insiders.

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Jim Hill and Len Testa uncover how a single Irish pub reshaped Disney Springs. From the forgotten Pleasure Island Jazz Company to the birth of Raglan Road, this episode reveals how one restaurant sparked a renaissance in Disney dining. Plus, the guys tackle Disney’s latest round of price increases, Universal’s updated safety policies, and a listener’s perfect park-free resort itinerary.

Disney’s latest ticket and Lightning Lane price hikes and how far above inflation they’ve gone

The long-awaited opening details for Zootopia: Better Zoo Gether at Animal Kingdom

Universal’s new accessibility rules following a tragic ride incident

Planning the ultimate resort-only day at Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge

The untold history of Pleasure Island’s Jazz Company and how it paved the way for Raglan Road

From gated nightclubs to Guinness on tap, this week’s show traces the evolution of Disney nightlife and how Raglan Road set the stage for everything that came after.

SHOW NOTES

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey crack open the story behind how Transformers: The Ride 3D bulldozed its way into Universal Studios Florida—literally replacing the Murder, She Wrote Mystery Theater. Along the way, they cover everything from Universal’s new Fanta horror crossover to coaster policy changes, Simpsons rumors, and a surprising Zelda connection inside Epic Universe.

From Fanta cans to fighting Decepticons, Jim and Eric uncover how Universal keeps reinventing its parks - sometimes by demolishing a mystery and building a blockbuster.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey

Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unwrap a holiday-sized story about Disney’s long, complicated relationship with Sears—from Mickey Mouse watches in the 1930s to the retail giant’s near-sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride at Disney-MGM Studios. Plus, the duo dives into the rare blue Disney name tag, Wicked-branded cleaning products, and the Jim Henson Company’s upcoming auction filled with Muppet history.

From rare collectibles to lost sponsorships, Jim and Lauren remind us that Disney history is filled with what-ifs, forgotten deals, and magical mementos worth remembering.

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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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This week on Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Jim Hill and Drew dive into Disney’s animation future, beginning with Drew’s firsthand report from the “Zootopia 2” press day. From the creative direction behind the sequel to updates on everything from “The Simpsons Movie 2” to Quentin Tarantino’s surprise animated project, this episode covers the wild world of animation news and commentary with Jim and Drew’s trademark insight.

What Drew learned at Disney’s “Zootopia 2” press day

Why “The Simpsons Movie 2” finally got the green light

Quentin Tarantino’s new animated sequence for “Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair”

The legacy of Disney animator Rick Hoppe

How Elon Musk’s latest controversy pulled “Dead End: Paranormal Park” back into the spotlight

From sequel scoop to animation history, this week’s Fine Tooning is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in for the latest news and a heartfelt tribute to one of Disney’s greats.

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This week, Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into one of the most unexpectedly heartwarming stories in Disney history, the rise (and fall) of Push, the talking trash can who stole hearts in Tomorrowland. From his humble garage-built beginnings to his mysterious disappearance in 2014, Jim reveals how a simple rolling robot outlasted most of Disney’s high-tech character experiments. Plus, the guys tackle the latest Disney and Universal park rumors, strange guest surveys, and Halloween candy economics.

From fun-sized candy drama to a trash can with better comedic timing than most sitcoms, this episode proves Disney magic can roll on two wheels and talk back.

SHOW NOTES

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Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dig into a leaked Universal survey that hints at the future of Fan Fest in Hollywood. From Scooby-Doo teaming up with Universal Monsters to the possibility of Pokemon Go and Sailor Moon activations, the lineup could be one of the most surprising yet. And in the second half, the guys rewind to explore the retro roots and hidden details of Cabana Bay, Universal Orlando’s massive value resort.

Marvel Zombies and Fangoria’s bold Halloween crossover at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Survey leaks teasing Scooby-Doo, Pokemon Go, One Piece, and more for Fan Fest 2026

How Sailor Moon could bring anime fandom to the DreamWorks Theater

The Simpsons movie sequel and its impact on Universal’s theme park rights

Cabana Bay’s history, retro theming, and how it reshaped Universal’s hotel strategy

Universal’s future IP plans meet its nostalgic past in a packed episode that covers both zombies and neon retro vibes.

Follow Eric on X and Instagram @EricHersey

Follow Jim on X and Instagram @JimHillMedia

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