meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

72 Hours Before a Disney Park Opens (featuring Jim Shull) (Ep. 551)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.71.5K Ratings

🗓️ 29 September 2025

⏱️ 66 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

With Len Testa away this week, Jim Hill is joined by Imagineer Jim Shull and Eric Hersey. Shull shares first-hand stories of the frantic 72 hours before Disney parks open - from sod being laid overnight at the Contemporary Resort in 1971 to carloads of flowers on Main Street Paris. Meanwhile, Eric helps cover the latest Universal Studios news, including surprising plans for Scooby-Doo and a deep dive into the popcorn bucket craze. Why opening a Disney park always comes down to a last-minute scramble Jim Shull’s behind-the-scenes account of preparing Euro Disneyland in 1992 How media crews and Imagineers clashed during opening-week chaos Universal FanFest Nights 2026 and its Scooby-Doo/Monsters mashup The future of collectible popcorn buckets and wild new flavors Theme park history isn’t always polished - sometimes it’s messy, funny, and unforgettable. This episode pulls back the curtain on those final 72 hours. 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

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

I'll now hand you over to my best man, Eddie.

0:04.0

Wow, wow, wow, second time's a charm, eh, Billy Boy?

0:09.0

Oh God.

0:10.0

Substitution, courtesy of Paddy Power, embarrassing Eddie, makes way for sensible Samuel.

0:15.0

Cool, that was close.

0:16.0

You might not always pick the right starter, but your sub can still deliver,

0:19.0

because with Paddy's super sub, your bet rolls over to the player coming on.

0:22.4

Panny Power. Valid on selected leagues and markets only. Prematch and in-play bets on qualifying player outcome selections only. T's and Clusions apply. 18 plus scummelaware. Dot-org. Welcome back to Disney Dish. It is me, entertainment writer Jim Hill, and I know, I know. This is the part of this weekly podcast. Well, you typically hear Mr. Testa, but Len's not with us this week.

0:42.6

To be honest, I'm not sure where Mr. Tess is right now.

0:46.1

Just to be clear here, I am not suggesting that Len's absence this week has anything to do with that recent robbery at Disney Springs.

0:55.0

All right. So okay.

0:57.0

Len did recently quiz me about extradition treaties and as who was headed out of town.

1:03.0

Mr. Testin did ask me if I'd mind returning some scuba equipment that he'd rented.

1:09.0

But this is entirely circumstantial evidence, folks. I mean,

1:14.4

something that I seriously doubt would ever stand up in any court of law.

1:19.7

Though, that said, before I say anything, Marge, probably confer with Chris Cox, that magician,

1:24.6

a mind reader who is lend my co-host on the case four with Chris Cox. that magician and mind reader who is, uh, lend my co-host, uh, on, uh, the case four

1:30.7

with Chris Cox, a brand new podcast takes a somewhat judicious look at the Disney parks.

1:35.9

I'm, please check out that podcast, uh, if you get the chance.

1:39.3

And well, anyway, while lens evading the long arm of the law, kidding, just kidding, or am I?

1:48.3

I've decided it will take two men to fill in for Mr. Testin.

1:52.8

Those two men are Laurel and Hardy.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Jim Hill Media Podcast Network and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.