From Hand-Carved Signs to Theme Park Legends: The Disney Woodcraft of Raymond Kinman (Ep. 72)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 6 November 2025

⏱️ 45 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trade glass for grain in this I Want That Too deep dive into Disney’s hidden world of woodwork. From the Arribas Brothers’ new handcrafted photo albums to the retro-chic Mickey Christmas truck popcorn bucket, the episode celebrates the artistry behind Disney’s most tactile treasures. Then, master woodcarver Raymond Kinman joins the show to reveal how his marquees for Indiana Jones Adventure, Country Bear Playhouse, and Pooh Corner helped define the look and feel of Disney parks for generations. HIGHLIGHTS Discover Disney’s new Arribas Brothers wood collection, including carved photo albums and frames that blend luxury with nostalgia. The unexpected rise of wood-inlay trading pins — and why collectors should grab them now before they disappear into the secondary market. A seasonal favorite returns: the Mickey Christmas Truck popcorn bucket rolls into Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Raymond Kinman, Imagineering collaborator and artisan of countless attraction marquees, shares how a single white lie launched his Disney career. Learn the difference between a sign and a marquee—and why those subtle details matter to the storytelling of every attraction. Inside Kinman’s hand-tool craft: from carving Indiana Jones Adventure’s eight-foot mahogany marquee to shaping the beloved Big Al from Country Bear Jamboree. How Kinman overcame setbacks (and even carved one-handed after an accident) to deliver Disney magic on deadline. His modern “Hippie Camp” retreats in Grass Valley, CA—where he now teaches beginners the timeless art of woodcarving. GuestRaymond Kinman — Website: woodcarverguru.com | Facebook: facebook.com/RaymondKinman Hosts Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Lauren Hersey — X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ PatreonSupport I Want That Too and the entire Jim Hill Media Podcast Network at patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow UsFacebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer CreditsEdited by Dave GreyProduced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — your trusted source for discounted Disney tickets and special-event savings. Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome back to I Want That Too, the podcast where Disney merch meets Disney history. And I'm
0:06.2	entertainment writer Jim Hill. And as always, I'm joined by the lovely Lauren Hersey.
0:11.5	Hey, Jim. We have a lot to cover on today's episode. We are going to be taking a look at Disney's
0:19.4	connection to, well, wood.
0:23.9	I mean, we've done a lot of shows on a lot of topics, but wood has not been one of them.
0:28.9	You know, and it might sound simple, but behind every carved sign or weathered marquee,
0:36.8	there's a story that most fans have never heard, and we're going to talk about it today.
0:42.4	In particular, we have a guest in the show later today.
0:48.0	One that, by the way, you found, so I want you to get credit for this, who had some amazing stories.
0:54.0	Yes, so we're going to be talking to Ray Kimman later in the show, who worked with Disney
0:59.7	Imagineering for over 30 years.
1:02.8	So can't wait to get into that.
1:04.4	But before we do, let's think our sponsor.
1:07.3	Yes, yes.
1:08.4	And our sponsor, of course, here on I Want That Too, our friends at unlockmagic.com, who are the same trusted team behind the DVC rental store and DVC resale market. And if you're planning a Disney trip, they've got the very best deals for Walt Disney World tickets, including the lowest prices for the parties this time of year.
1:31.7	Mickey's Very Merry and even Jollywood Knights over at the studios.
1:35.3	So visit Unlockmagic.com to grab the best ticket deals and make your next Disney trip just a little more magical.
1:42.6	So, all right.
1:44.2	So we're starting with wood-related news, really.
1:49.0	Okay.
1:49.5	We're only doing wood-related news on today's show because it's great.
1:55.0	So, Jim, like, we've done all types of deep dives.
	...

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