About this episode

Jim Hill and Len Testa discuss the evolution of Toy Story in Disney theme parks with guest Jim Shull.

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney’s most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone. NEWS • Bluey’s Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down. • Victoria & Albert’s retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not. • Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios. • Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts. • Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jim Hill, Len Testa

Guest: Jim Shull

Topics covered

• Toy Story
• Disney theme parks
• Imagineering
• Pixar
• Universal expansion
• Disney news

Keywords

• Toy Story
• Disney theme parks
• Imagineer
• Pixar projects
• Universal Orlando
• Villains Land
• Disney Cruise Line
• Magic of Disney Animation
• Oogie Boogie Bash

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, Magic of Disney Animation, Victoria & Albert’s, Kappa at Four Seasons, Universal United Kingdom Resort, Epic Universe

Books & works: Toy Story, Bluey’s Wild World

Places: Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai

More episodes of The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

• A Great Big Beautiful Redo: Carousel of Progress Gets a New Future (Ep. 586) · June 1, 2026 · 1h 2m
• Todd Martens on Galaxy’s Edge Reimagined - Plus Muppets Take Over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Ep. 585) · May 25, 2026 · 1h 19m
• The Great Disneyland Ticket Caper (Ep. 584) · May 18, 2026 · 51 min
• The Surprisingly Weird Origins of Disney Automation with Roland Betancourt (Ep. 583) · May 11, 2026 · 1h 1m
• The Gumbo That Imagineering Hid in Plain Sight and the WestCOT Dream That Almost Let You Sleep in the Park (Ep. 581) · April 27, 2026 · 59 min
• NEW SHOW: Dis & Hers - The Utilidor Isn’t So Magical After All (Ep. 12) · April 26, 2026 · 35 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Disney Dish with Jim Hill podcast page.