Piston Peak Clues and the Secret History of Bear in the Big Blue House (Ep. 576)

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Leisure

4.8 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 23 March 2026

⏱️ 63 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Len Testa and Jim Hill unpack a newly discovered Disney patent that may hint at the ride system for Piston Peak, along with updates from Disneyland construction, Disney Cruise Line, and Epic Universe. They also dig into recent survey data revealing how Disney is tracking guest spending and behavior. Then, in the first installment of a new series, Jim explores how Bear in the Big Blue House became a key piece in Disney’s long pursuit of the Muppets and how that history connects directly to Bluey today. NEWS • A newly surfaced Disney patent suggests a possible trackless, free-range ride system for Piston Peak, featuring dynamic terrain elements like logs and geysers • Cast Member previews begin for Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin update at Walt Disney World • Disneyland construction continues on the Coco attraction and new parking infrastructure near Harbor Boulevard • Anaheim Transportation Network shutdown could impact 22,000 daily riders, with Garden Grove launching replacement shuttle service • Disney Cruise Line announces the Disney Believe, with speculation about Galveston becoming a future home port FEATURE • The origin story of Bear in the Big Blue House and how it became a breakout hit for Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney block • How Disney used its partnership with the Jim Henson Company to strategically position itself for a future Muppets acquisition • The surprising role of Sesame Street ownership in derailing Disney’s early attempts to buy Henson • Why Disney once considered acquiring Bear in the Big Blue House alone instead of the full Muppets library Show Notes for this episode can be found here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Website: TouringPlans.com 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 The Disney Dish is sponsored by Unlock Magic. Save on Walt Disney World tickets with exclusive discounts at UnlockedMagic.com. 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	Now are all the traitors present?
0:02.0	Let's get started, shall we?
0:04.0	From rags to riches.
0:06.0	I'm so sick of this.
0:07.0	Working like a dog and being treated worse.
0:09.0	Yorkshire to New York.
0:11.0	Poor climbers, you and me.
0:12.0	A life dedicated to revenge.
0:14.0	Let's make this an occasion to remember.
0:17.0	A Woman of Substance on Channel 4.
0:19.0	Stream now.
0:20.0	At a Cardo, you'll save 25% on your first shop and get free delivery,
0:24.7	which means if you were to buy a four cheese pizza,
0:27.3	you'd basically be getting one of the cheeses for free.
0:30.2	Save and splurge at Accardo, the online supermarket.
0:32.9	Geographical and other restrictions.
0:34.6	Minimum spend, £60 and charges apply.
0:36.7	New customers only, maximum
0:37.7	saving 20 pounds terms at Accardo.com. Welcome back to another edition of the Disney Dish podcast
0:43.3	with Jim Hill. It's me, Len Testa, and this is our show for the week of Schmer's Day, March 23rd,
0:48.6	26 on the show today. In news, a possible hint about Piston Peak's big ride, plus surveys and listener
0:56.2	questions. Then in our main segment, Jim gives us the Disney Park history of Bear in the Big
	...

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