Disney Concept Art vs. Reality: Why Your Favorite Rides Look So Different (Ep. 523)

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Leisure, Society & Culture, Places & Travel

4.8 • 979 Ratings

🗓️ 17 March 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down new details about the Indiana Jones ride at Animal Kingdom, explore the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster ride system, and take a deep dive into how Disney’s concept art often differs from reality—sometimes dramatically. Monsters Inc. Door Coaster – Disney shares the latest look at this first-of-its-kind suspended coaster at South by Southwest. Disney Concept Art vs. Reality – The long history of Disney’s over-promising concept art, from Snow White’s Scary Adventures to Cars Road Rally. Frontierland’s Future at Magic Kingdom – With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Cars Road Rally, will Frontierland and Liberty Square still exist in their current form? Mandalorian Missions at Smuggler’s Run – New destinations and gameplay elements are coming in 2026. Universal’s Epic Universe Updates – The latest on character meet-and-greets and interactive elements in Universal’s upcoming park. Join Len and Jim as they separate theme park concept art fantasy from reality, uncover new attraction details, and discuss how Disney and Universal are evolving their parks for the future. 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

Transcript

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0:00.0	Drawn to Life, the groundbreaking live stage show at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida,
0:04.9	has been dazzling visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort for more than three years now.
0:09.8	This family-friendly extravaganza, which really has to be seen to be believed,
0:14.0	seamlessly blends pieces of classic Disney animation with mind-blowing live acrobatics.
0:19.2	Drawn to Life is presented Wednesday through Sunday on the west side of Disney Springs.
0:23.3	This shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is open to anyone visiting Central Florida,
0:27.5	and parking is free.
0:29.3	Again, that's Drawn to Life, live on stage at Disney Springs in Orlando.
0:34.6	Welcome back to another edition of the Disney Dish podcast with Jim Hill.
0:38.3	It's me, Lentesta.
0:39.3	And this is our show for the week of Schmer's Day, March 17th, 2025.
0:43.3	Happy St. Patrick's Day to our friends at Ohana.
0:46.3	On the show today, news.
0:48.3	In listener question, Jim just got that.
0:51.3	In listener questions, what's the least amount of time you've ever had to get from
0:55.7	inside the parks to your airline departure gate? And in our main segment, Jim completely avoids
1:00.8	finishing the history and future of reflections at Disney Lakeside Lodge by talking about how
1:04.9	Disney concept art and reality sometimes diverge. Let's get started by bringing in the man whose
1:09.9	mental health tip of the day is
1:11.4	you don't have to follow rules that other people make up for themselves in their head. It's Mr. Jim Hill.
1:16.7	Jim has it going? It is going well, and a more important mental health tip, especially the teenagers
1:22.1	and the preteens that were listening to this podcast. I mean, at that point in your lifeline,
	...

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