Disney Destiny’s “Meet-and-Play” Feels Very Starcruiser-ish (Ep. 563)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Places & Travel, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 22 December 2025

⏱️ 61 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Sam from Sam’s Disney Diary joins Len and Jim to spill the (highly theatrical) tea on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny - where character “meet-and-greets” have evolved into full-on, semi-improvised encounters that can follow you across the voyage. Then Jim heads back to where Disney’s in-park 3D film history really begins, from the 1950s 3D Jamboree at Disneyland to the studio’s eternal talent for repurposing anything that is not nailed down. NEWS • Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour costumes will stay on display at Walt Disney Presents: One Man’s Dream through January 23, 2026 • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith plays its final riff on March 1, 2026 - with a “summer” reopen that is, as always, Disney-flexible • The Muppet Show special with Sabrina Carpenter hits Disney+ on February 4 - and may be a stealth pilot for a bigger revival • The Boathouse at Disney Springs lands as one of America’s top-grossing independent restaurants - fueled by sheer, glorious volume • A reported FTC allegation about Pepsi + Walmart “pricing power” takes an extra twist once Len connects the dots to Disney’s current CFO talk about dynamic pricing FEATURE • Sam breaks down how Disney Destiny’s characters run “meet-and-play” moments - Pirates pub invites, Cruella’s improv songwriting, and other “be here later” surprises • The ship’s hero-vs-villain throughline (hello, Loki) and why it feels like Disney quietly recycled some Galactic Starcruiser know-how • The Haunted Mansion parlor sticks around - now with an in-app AR hunt to round up “escaped” ghosts • Jim rewinds to Disney’s earliest 3D experiments, including Disneyland’s 1956-era 3D Jamboree and the studio’s short-lived 1950s 3D flirtation For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com GUEST • Sam Marraccini - IG: @samsdisneydaily | X: @SamsDisneyDiary | Website: SamsDisneyDiary.com Sam's Disney Diary+2X (formerly Twitter)+2 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 Unlocked Magic - visit UnlockedMagic.com for special discounts on Disney theme park tickets for 2026. 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

Transcript

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0:00.0	There's a reason we re-watch Home Alone every year.
0:03.0	Merry Christmas, you filthy animal.
0:05.0	It's because the best stories stay with you.
0:08.0	And Disney Plus is where you'll find your next great story.
0:12.0	Whether it's Fantastic Four First Steps.
0:15.0	We will protect you.
0:16.0	High-power drama, All's Fair.
0:18.0	Tell us your story.
0:19.0	Or brand new Percy Jackson.
0:22.0	That was just the beginning.
0:26.1	A lifetime of great stories awaits on Disney Plus.
0:27.7	Now streaming 18 plus.
0:28.8	Subscription required.
0:29.9	Teas and Cs apply.
0:33.8	Welcome back to another edition of the Disney Dish podcast with Jim Hill.
0:34.6	It's me, Len Testa.
0:38.3	And this is our show for the week of Schmurs Day, December 22nd, 2025 on the show today. In news, we talk about grocery store pricing power. In surveys,
0:45.3	is ET about to phone home? Plus, special guest Sam Maricini gives us some interesting tips
0:50.3	on role-playing games on the Disney Destiny. Then in our main segment, Jim continues the history and future of Disney's 3D movies in the
0:58.2	parks.
0:59.0	Let's get started by bringing in the man who was visited last night by the spirit of his younger
1:03.2	self with a ghostly guide screeching, and this is your fate if you don't heed my words.
	...

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