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On the show
From 15 epsHosts
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The Devil’s in the Box Office: Prada 2 Shocks Hollywood (Ep. 357)
May 5, 2026
42m 12s
Disney’s First Coffee Deal Was a Disaster (Ep. 582)
May 4, 2026
51m 23s
FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)
May 1, 2026
1h 08m 41s
When Fans Build the Disney Store Disney Didn’t (Ep. 97)
Apr 30, 2026
51m 47s
Top 10 Disney Rookie Mistakes (and Why the Lines Feel Worse Than Ever) (Ep. 15)
Apr 30, 2026
33m 05s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5/26 |  The Devil’s in the Box Office: Prada 2 Shocks Hollywood (Ep. 357) | Jim Hill and Drew Taylor return with a packed episode that jumps from a galaxy far, far away to the runways of a surprise box office hit. They break down the evolving strategy behind Disney’s theatrical releases, spotlight a full-circle Star Wars character comeback, and dig into the unexpected success of a long-awaited sequel. Along the way, they explore new animation experiments, streaming debuts, and what’s next for both studios and theaters as summer heats up. HIGHLIGHTS • “The Devil Wore Prada 2” stuns with a $236 million global opening weekend, far exceeding expectations • Strong ongoing demand suggests the sequel has real staying power beyond its debut • Disney’s $80 million marketing push helps turn the film into a true theatrical event • “The Mandalorian & Grogu” positions itself as a lower-risk, high-upside Star Wars release • Rotta the Hutt returns in a full-circle moment from Dave Filoni’s earliest Star Wars work • “Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord” continues expanding the Disney+ storytelling universe • Disney experiments with ASL storytelling via “Songs in Sign Language” featuring Encanto, Frozen 2, and Moana 2 • Pixar’s “Hoppers” crosses $375 million globally and shows strong post-theatrical life on digital • Annecy 2026 lineup teases the next wave of global animation talent and projects HOSTS • Jim Hill (@JimHillMedia) – jimhillmedia.com • Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) – drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Whether you’re planning ahead or finally ready to book that 2026 trip, their team helps you save money and skip the stress so you can focus on the fun. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 42m 12s | ||||||
| 5/4/26 |  Disney’s First Coffee Deal Was a Disaster (Ep. 582) | Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a caffeinated mix of Disney news, listener questions, and one deeply researched (and slightly petty) rant about guitar accuracy. They also explore the mystery of Walt’s unfinished apartment bathroom and debate just how early is too early for Halloween. Then Jim brings the main event: the story of how Maxwell House coffee landed on Main Street, missed its big debut, and ultimately got shown the door - paving the way for a quieter, smarter coffee strategy at Disneyland. NEWS Preview dates announced for Soarin’ and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, with guests likely riding by mid-May Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run may finally make the engineer role matter (yes, really) Bluey’s Animal Kingdom appearance may skip meet-and-greets entirely, possibly to avoid crowd-control chaos Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party now starts August 7, because apparently summer needed pumpkins EPCOT Food & Wine Festival returns in late August, continuing Disney’s “why wait for fall?” strategy FEATURE The original deal that brought Maxwell House Coffee to Disneyland - complete with big promises and bigger expectations Why the Main Street coffee house wasn’t ready for opening day (and stayed that way for months) The rain-soaked grand opening that didn’t help Disney’s relationship with its coffee sponsor How Hills Brothers stepped in, kept the New Orleans theming, and quietly made the concept work The evolution of the location from sponsored coffee house to struggling restaurant to retail space For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World tickets and plan your next trip at UnlockedMagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 51m 23s | ||||||
| 5/1/26 |  FanFest 2026 Hits Hollywood While Epic Universe Gets a Reality Check with Chris Cox (Ep. 101)✨ | Universal FanFest 2026Epic Universe+4 | Chris Cox | Scooby-DooOne Piece+4 | Epic UniverseIsle of Berk+2 | FanFest 2026Universal Studios+7 | — | 1h 08m 41s | |
| 4/30/26 |  When Fans Build the Disney Store Disney Didn’t (Ep. 97)✨ | Disney fandomfan-driven markets+4 | Lauren Hersey | Grogu merchDisney+3 | Orlando | Disney Storefan markets+5 | — | 51m 47s | |
| 4/30/26 |  Top 10 Disney Rookie Mistakes (and Why the Lines Feel Worse Than Ever) (Ep. 15)✨ | Disney rookie mistakestrip planning+3 | LaurenEric | DisneyMy Disney Experience | — | Disneyrookie mistakes+3 | — | 33m 05s | |
| 4/29/26 |  Endgame Isn’t Over Yet: How Marvel Is Rewriting Its Own Finale (Ep. 16)✨ | Marvel announcementsAvengers: Endgame+5 | Dan Graney | MarvelDisney+7 | — | MarvelAvengers: Endgame+7 | — | 42m 51s | |
| 4/29/26 |  Why Mixing Animation and Live-Action Is Harder Than Hollywood Thinks (Ep. 356)✨ | animation industrylive-action+4 | — | HBOBong Joon Ho+12 | — | animationlive-action+7 | — | 35m 47s | |
| 4/28/26 |  MARVEL US DISNEY PREVIEW: Endgame Isn’t Over Yet: How Marvel Is Rewriting Its Own Finale (Ep. 16)✨ | Marvel announcementsAvengers: Endgame+5 | Dan Graney | Infinity VisionMarvel+4 | — | MarvelAvengers: Endgame+8 | — | 44m 14s | |
| 4/27/26 |  The Gumbo That Imagineering Hid in Plain Sight and the WestCOT Dream That Almost Let You Sleep in the Park (Ep. 581)✨ | Disney theme park foodImagineering+4 | Dan Pashman | DisneyImagineering | Tiana’s Bayou AdventureWestCOT+2 | DisneyImagineering+6 | — | 58m 43s | |
| 4/24/26 |  100 Episodes In, Still Sneaking Into Universal (Ep. 100)✨ | Universal StudiosDisneyland history+5 | — | WickedEpic Universe+3 | — | Epic Universefacial recognition+5 | — | 58m 23s | |
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| 4/23/26 |  Disney Stores Return… Sort Of (Ep. 96)✨ | Disney retailpop-up stores+4 | — | DisneyGo Retail Group | PittsburghParamus, New Jersey | Disney Storespop-up retail+4 | — | 50m 05s | |
| 4/23/26 |  Epic Universe vs. Walt Disney World: What’s Actually Worth Your Summer Vacation? (Ep. 14)✨ | Universal's Epic UniverseWalt Disney World+4 | — | DisneyUniversal | Epic UniverseWalt Disney World | Epic UniverseWalt Disney World+6 | — | 33m 51s | |
| 4/22/26 |  Universal Orlando’s Deluxe Hotels - Are They Really Worth It? (Ep. 17)✨ | Universal Orlando hotelsdeluxe accommodations+4 | Len TestaChris Cox | Universal OrlandoAmerican Express | Portofino BayHard Rock Hotel+1 | Universal Orlandodeluxe hotels+7 | — | 28m 55s | |
| 4/21/26 |  Forgotten Island Buzz, CinemaCon Shakeups, and a Very Strange Wonka Future (Ep. 355)✨ | animation industryCinemaCon 2026+5 | — | DreamWorksStudio Ghibli+9 | — | CinemaConanimation+6 | — | 47m 28s | |
| 4/20/26 |  Hotels on Top of Attractions, Muppets at 60 MPH, and the Return of Deluxe Dining (Ep. 580)✨ | Disney newsUniversal news+4 | Len Testa | DisneyUniversal | — | DisneyUniversal+6 | — | 3m 00s | |
| 4/17/26 |  Pay-Per-Ride Comes to Epic Universe and the Long Goodbye to Lucy: A Tribute (Ep. 99)✨ | Universal theme parksline-skipping technology+3 | — | UniversalDisney+4 | — | Express Passline-skipping+5 | — | 54m 32s | |
| 4/16/26 |  Worth the Wait? The Rides We Skip & How Much We Spend on Disney (Ep. 13)✨ | Disney ridesvacation costs+4 | — | Seven Dwarfs Mine TrainFrozen Ever After | Magic KingdomEPCOT+1 | Disneyrides+5 | — | 31m 38s | |
| 4/16/26 |  Muppets on TikTok, Disney Ducks in the Parks, and the $40 Billion Star Wars Merch Machine (Ep. 95) | Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a surprisingly chaotic Muppets merch rollout on TikTok Shop, explore the viral duck trend making its way into Disney parks, and break down the latest Star Wars Day merchandise strategy. Then, Jim dives deep into the history of the Star Wars licensing deal that changed Hollywood forever—and why it’s still considered one of the smartest (and most lopsided) deals ever made. From plush drops to billion-dollar gambles, this episode connects the dots between fandom, merchandising, and Disney’s evolving playbook. NEWS • Disney tests a Muppets merch comeback with a TikTok-first exclusive plush launch • Fans report confusion and delays during the Muppets TikTok Shop rollout • The viral “ducking” trend arrives at Disney parks with new collectible lines • Disney Cruise Line draws boundaries on where guests can place or hide ducks • Star Wars Day merch drops roll out weekly, building momentum toward May the 4th FEATURE • The origin of Star Wars merchandising and George Lucas’ unprecedented deal • How 20th Century Fox underestimated toy licensing after past failures • Why Star Wars has generated over $40 billion in merchandise sales • The surprising connection between Disney musicals and Star Wars’ business model HOSTS • Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia • Lauren Hersey – X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Lock in savings now for your next trip and take the stress out of planning. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 55m 31s | ||||||
| 4/15/26 |  Is Marvel Building a New Street-Level Saga? (Ep. 15) | Jim Hill and Dan Graney dig into a week where Marvel quietly laid out the ingredients for something bigger, from Daredevil: Born Again’s turning point episode to new hints about Spider-Man, the Punisher, and the future of the MCU’s street-level storytelling. Along the way, they unpack surprising performance data, X-Men developments, and what might actually be driving Marvel’s next saga. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that connects Disney+, the big screen, and even the theme parks into one evolving strategy. HIGHLIGHTS • Daredevil: Born Again Episode 4 signals a major tonal shift, with Kingpin’s story heading into darker territory • Jon Bernthal’s Punisher return gains new weight, including creative input and ties to upcoming MCU projects • Rumors of a Daredevil movie suggest Marvel may be building toward a street-level crossover event • She-Hulk: Attorney at Law may have performed better than expected, despite online fan narratives • The Avengers’ reduced presence raises questions about who is actually steering the MCU right now • Spider-Man: Brand New Day reshoots hint at tonal adjustments as Marvel balances grounded storytelling with humor • X-Men reboot details point to a more character-driven, long-term storytelling approach • From Disney+ QR codes to podcasts, Marvel is experimenting with ways to deepen audience engagement FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Unlock savings on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets at UnlockedMagic.com - powered by the team behind DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market. Save up to 12% and make your next trip more affordable. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 32m 08s | ||||||
| 4/14/26 |  Pixar’s “Be Fri” Mystery, Netflix’s Animation Expansion & the Future of Theatrical Animation (Ep. 354) | Jim and Drew dig into a packed week of animation news, from the surprising cancellation of a promising Pixar project to Netflix’s growing global animation footprint. Along the way, they explore box office winners, long-gestating passion projects finally coming to life, and the evolving relationship between streaming, theatrical releases, and viral animation hits. It’s a wide-ranging conversation that highlights just how quickly the animation industry continues to shift. HIGHLIGHTS • Pixar’s canceled “Be Fri” project revealed - a female-led film that was deep into development before being shelved amid studio shifts and Disney+ strategy changes • “Super Mario Galaxy” tops the box office while global competition heats up from international hits like China’s “Pegasus 3” • Netflix expands its animation empire with a new Vancouver studio hub, joining Disney and Sony in a growing production hotspot • Fathom Events brings viral hit “The Amazing Digital Circus” to theaters, highlighting the pipeline from YouTube to the big screen • Brad Bird’s long-awaited “Ray Gunn” finally unveils first images after decades in development • Warner Bros. and Netflix continue investing in YA and reimagined fairy tale animation, including “Steps” and new book adaptations • One Piece grows into a full franchise push with new seasons, specials, and theme park experiences HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning a Disney or Universal trip in 2026? Save money and skip the stress with expert help from UnlockMagic.com, your go-to source for theme park tickets and deals. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 44m 28s | ||||||
| 4/13/26 |  Muppets Take the Coaster & Disney’s “Live the Dream” Park Plan (Ep. 579) | Len Testa and Jim Hill return with a mix of Disney Parks news, listener questions, and a fascinating deep-dive into a forgotten concept for Disneyland’s second gate. They discuss Big Thunder Mountain’s updated height requirement, rumors around Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s Muppet makeover, and whether Disney might follow Las Vegas into immersive Sphere-style storytelling. Then Jim explores Disney’s ambitious “Live the Dream” project—an Imagineering concept that would have placed hotels directly inside a theme park. NEWS • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens May 3 with a lowered height requirement, allowing more younger guests to ride • Rumblings of a preview for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, including possible Electric Mayhem music • Media event timing hints at a potential Memorial Day launch window for the updated attraction • Discussion of how ride vehicles or track changes might support the new height requirement FEATURE • The origins of Disney’s “Live the Dream” concept for a second Disneyland park • Dorothea Redmond’s vision of boutique hotel rooms built inside Magic Kingdom’s Main Street structures • How early Imagineering explored placing full-scale hotel experiences inside theme parks • The role of Walt Disney’s obsession with “visual intrusion” in shaping park design • Why corporate decisions and risk aversion ultimately shelved these ambitious ideas For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR The Disney Dish News is sponsored by Unlocked Magic. Get discounted Walt Disney World tickets and plan your next trip at UnlockedMagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 46m 37s | ||||||
| 4/10/26 |  How Universal Transformed the Upper Lot to Build The Wizarding World (Ep. 98) | Jim Hill and Eric Hersey race through breaking Universal news before Eric hits the road, covering everything from a surprising park entry tech failure to visible demolition at Islands of Adventure. They also dig into new developments around Epic Universe expansion plans and international park oddities. Then, in honor of a major milestone, Jim walks through the complex, multi-year transformation that brought The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to Universal Studios Hollywood. NEWS • A temporary entry system failure at Universal Studios Florida raises questions about reliance on facial recognition and fingerprint ticketing • Demolition begins in Lost Continent at Islands of Adventure, with walls up around the former Sinbad theater and Poseidon’s Fury area • New land clearing near Epic Universe sparks speculation, though Universal calls it routine site prep • Celestial Park fountain drained as nighttime show development continues at Epic Universe • Universal Studios Japan adds Peanuts characters to its 25th anniversary celebration with a new live show FEATURE • The 10-year anniversary of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood • Why Hollywood’s version took longer to build than Orlando and Japan • How Universal used the project to justify a $1.6 billion overhaul of the park’s Upper Lot • Behind-the-scenes look at how Springfield USA and Hogsmeade were designed to visually block each other for immersion HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: strongmindedagency.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR Planning a trip to Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World? Save on tickets and now Express Passes with Unlocked Magic. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 49m 25s | ||||||
| 4/9/26 |  Crocs, Figment, and the Book That Made Disney Take Control (Ep. 94) | Jim and Lauren dig into a surprisingly packed week of Disney merch and history, from Crocs-inspired Minnie ears to rare Figment throwbacks and a new Little Golden Book celebrating Jim Henson. Along the way, they explore the shrinking footprint of Disney Stores - and the possibility of their return. Then Jim dives deep into the moment Disney stopped trusting outside publishers, revealing how one controversial biography changed the company’s approach to storytelling forever. NEWS • Disney and Crocs expand their partnership with customizable Mickey and Minnie ear headbands, featuring classic Crocs styling and interchangeable charms • A rare Disney Store outlet sighting sparks discussion about the future of retail - including rumors of immersive store experiences returning in select markets • New retro Figment and Dreamfinder shirts celebrate the original Journey Into Imagination attraction with vintage-inspired designs • A Little Golden Book biography of Jim Henson arrives May 5, introducing younger readers to the creator of the Muppets and his legacy FEATURE • How Disney originally relied on outside publishers like Western Publishing to tell its stories • The 1968 release of a controversial Walt Disney biography that damaged trust and reshaped the company’s publishing strategy • Why Disney shifted to in-house publishing under Michael Eisner to control its narrative and protect Walt’s legacy • The ongoing tension between historical accuracy and corporate storytelling, and how it still impacts Disney books today HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Unlock Magic - your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. Whether you're planning ahead for 2026 or heading to a major event like D23, Unlock Magic helps you save money and skip the stress. Visit UnlockMagic.com to start planning your next trip. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 46m 04s | ||||||
| 4/9/26 |  The Utilidor Isn’t So Magical After All (Ep. 12) | Lauren and Eric go underground this week to unpack their unexpectedly viral TikTok and the surprisingly polarizing reactions to their utilidor-inspired basement. What started as a fun Disney homage quickly turned into a reality check from former cast members who know the tunnels all too well. Then, the conversation moves topside as they explore what it really costs to live near Walt Disney World, from Golden Oak luxury to the curious case of Celebration. HIGHLIGHTS A TikTok featuring their utilidor-themed basement sparks viral attention and unexpected cast member reactions Former Disney cast members reveal the less magical side of the utilidor, including smells, noise, and daily operations The surprising divide between Disney fan perception and cast member reality when it comes to backstage areas A breakdown of Golden Oak living, including home prices ranging from $4M to $18M and steep HOA fees Celebration, Florida examined as Disney’s original master-planned community, with mixed reviews from residents on charm versus “uncanny valley” vibes For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS Eric Hersey – X: @erichersey | Instagram: @erichersey Lauren Hersey – X: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW – DIS & HERS Website: DisAndHers.com Instagram: @disandhers TikTok: @disandhers Facebook: Dis and Hers YouTube: Dis & Hers FOLLOW – JIM HILL MEDIA Facebook: JimHillMediaNews Instagram: JimHillMedia TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited & Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 35m 12s | ||||||
| 4/8/26 |  Is Epic Universe Express Pass Worth It? Cost, Wait Times & Strategy Guide (Ep. 16) | Len Testa and Chris Cox take their case to the court as they debate whether Universal’s Epic Universe Express Pass is worth the hefty price tag. With an upcoming family trip on the line, Chris weighs cost versus convenience, while Len breaks down the math, ride reliability, and real-world touring strategy. Along the way, they explore downtime issues, queue trade-offs, and whether a VIP tour might actually be the smarter splurge. In the end, even the court has to admit: this one’s closer than it seems. HIGHLIGHTS • Express Pass pricing ranges from $210 to $360 per person, with per-ride costs that rival Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass • The biggest benefit: near-guaranteed ability to experience all major attractions in a single day with shorter waits • Major downside: high cost for families, especially when compared to adding an extra park day instead • Ride downtime at Epic Universe is משמעותי, with top attractions averaging 45 to 110 minutes of daily closures • Express Pass acts as “insurance” against breakdowns, reducing risk of missing headliner rides • Early entry plus Express Pass creates an optimal strategy for repeat rides and a more relaxed touring pace • Some experiences - including character meets like Toothless and select attractions - are not included in Express Pass • Queue theming may be partially skipped with Express, raising the question of whether guests miss key storytelling elements HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices | 33m 13s | ||||||
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11 placements across 11 markets.