The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network Podcast

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey rewind to the green-slime-soaked days of Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the rise (and fall) of Nickelodeon Studios. From Double Dare to the slime geyser, they break down how Nick turned Universal into must-see TVand what happened when the camera crews packed up for Hollywood. Plus, the hosts share this summers biggest park updates, movie tie-ins, and a few theme park throwbacks that might be making a comeback.

Why Nickelodeon built a studio in Orlandowith 13 years of free rent



The slime geyser, baked beans, and septic trucks of Double Dare



Universals latest Ghostbusters tribute sparks ride rumors



Megan hordes, Wicked meet-and-greets, and summer movie tie-ins



FanFest returning in 2026and the dream of bringing it to Orlando



Blue Man Groups history with Nicks old soundstages



The episode wraps with a nostalgic tribute to the Nickelodeon generation and the unexpected ways its legacy still echoes through the Universal parks.

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey welcome Steve Lewis, the founder of Gideons Bakehouse, for a deliciously detailed conversation about how a dark, whimsical cookie shop became one of the most sought-after stops at Disney Springs. From his early days as a musician and comic shop owner to perfecting a cookie recipe over 15 years, Steve shares the creative, emotional, and business journey behind Floridas favorite bakery.

The music major turned baker who built Gideons from scratchliterally



How a secret cookie deal at Polite Pig helped land a spot at Disney Springs



The role of community, storytelling, and heartbreak in shaping the brand



Why youll never see Gideons cookies shipped or wholesaled



The Edward Gorey-inspired art behind the eerie, yet inviting design



Whats next for Steve, his characters, and maybe even a lemon-orange love story



Learn more about Gideons by visiting https://www.gideonsbakehouse.com

Unlocked Magic

Unlocked Magic, powered by DVC Rental Store and DVC Resale Market, offers exclusive Disney & Universal ticket savings with TRUSTED service and authenticity. With over $10 MILLION in ticket sales, use Unlocked Magic to get the BIGGEST SAVINGS.

Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Fine Tooning, Jim Hill covers a whirlwind of animation news, box office milestones, and fast food tie-inswhile Drew Taylor checks in from Annecy. Topics include:

Disneys live-action Lilo & Stitch nears $800M globally, but with How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, and Jurassic World approaching, can it hold on?



A live-action Tangled revival is gaining momentum, possibly hitting theaters in 2029.



Burger Kings How to Train Your Dragon menu gets taste-tested, including the Dragon Flame-Grilled Whopper and Vikings Chocolate Sundae.



Universals Simpsons rights could end in 2028, putting attractions like Krusty Burger on the clock.



The forgotten Dolby stereo Fantasia soundtrack from 1982, featuring a 125-piece orchestra, Jimmy Macdonalds new click track, and backlash from classical music fans.



Plus: LEGOs $200 Krusty Burger, Seth Rogens porcine resume, and why blue drinks raise red flags. Its a classic Jim-only episode packed with oddball insight and animation industry intel.

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The show ends with Part 2 of the wild saga behind Journey into Imagination’s 2002 reopening, featuring a side of Art Linkletter, Henry Fonda, and bitter corporate rivalries.

First thoughts on Disney’s new Piston Peak National Park concept art



The EPCOT GEO82 Lounge: gorgeous views, high prices, strict timers



Disney trains to run in reverse—literally



Why a DVC rental checkbox could be tied to speculative booking issues



The forgotten film war: Kodak, Polaroid, and the $10M that didn’t pay off



How Art Linkletter turned a favor into Disneyland’s most profitable deal



Whether you’re craving peanut brittle from a charcuterie plate or just here for vintage theme park trivia, this episode has you covered.

⁠SHOW NOTES⁠

Support Our Sponsors

DVC Resale Market

Thinking about joining Disney Vacation Club or selling your contract? DVC Resale Market is the leader in the secondary market, with over 70,000 satisfied DVC members. Their expert team of 21 former DVC Cast Members brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to every transaction, making buying or selling DVC simple and stress-free.

Learn More

DVC Rental Store

Dreaming of deluxe Disney accommodations at a fraction of the cost? The DVC Rental Store connects guests with incredible savings on Disney Vacation Club resorts. Whether you’re a DVC member looking to rent your points or a guest looking to stay in style, the DVC Rental Store offers a seamless process for both. Don’t forget—they also offer exciting point swaps for unforgettable experiences like cruises and adventures!

Learn More

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey go deep into the surprising history behind Harry and the Hendersons—including how a scrapped alien horror film called Night Skies ultimately led to E.T. and Bigfoot comedy gold. From Oscars to animatronic controversies, this episode reveals the untold story behind one of Spielberg’s most fascinating creative pivots.

How Night Skies went from alien horror to E.T.



Rick Baker’s original designs for a much scarier alien crew



Why the Bigfoot suit in Harry and the Hendersons almost wasn’t eligible for an Oscar



John Lithgow’s role in reshaping the script (and the heart) of the film



The connection between Predator, Harry, and Universal Studios Hollywood



Why the movie’s emotional ending still holds up after 38 years



Also in this episode: a new Wicked trailer drop, Hagrid’s joins Express Pass, Rip Ride Rockit gets a closing date, and Halloween Horror Nights adds Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy’s to the mix.

Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations

Planning your next Universal 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.

Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices