The Disney Store Is Back? Inside the Wild Return of Disney Retail (Ep. 101)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Places & Travel, Society & Culture

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 28 May 2026

⏱️ 59 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive into the surprising return of Disney retail as thousands of fans flood Ross Park Mall for the grand opening of Disney’s newest limited-time store. Along the way, they unpack the latest Disneyland 70th merchandise reveals, the unexpectedly successful Muppets takeover of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and why Disney’s renewed focus on immersive shopping experiences may signal a much larger strategy under new CEO Josh D’Amaro. Plus, Lauren shares firsthand stories from standing in line for hours alongside Disney fans from across multiple states just to shop exclusive merch. NEWS • Disney and LEGO unveil a massive 3,899-piece Disneyland Main Street U.S.A. set celebrating Disneyland’s 70th anniversary • The new LEGO set includes Walt Disney’s apartment, Dapper Dans figures, attraction references, and a $399 collector price tag • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring The Muppets earns rave early reviews from previews at Disney’s Hollywood Studios • Disney releases a full line of new Muppets merchandise tied to the coaster retheme, including apparel, magnets, pins, and license plates • Disney partners with Elf on the Shelf for the first-ever line of Disney-themed scout elves featuring Marvel, Olaf, Mickey, and Minnie-inspired designs FEATURE • Lauren shares her firsthand experience attending the grand opening of Disney’s new limited-time store at Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh • Thousands of Disney fans from Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, New York, and Canada lined up hours before opening for a chance to shop • Disney implemented virtual queues, wristbands, timed entry windows, and exclusive Pittsburgh merchandise during opening weekend • Jim and Lauren explore how Michael Eisner originally launched the Disney Store chain in 1987 and why the stores disappeared • The conversation examines whether Josh D’Amaro’s focus on immersive retail experiences could lead to a larger Disney Store comeback nationwide HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com • Lauren Hersey - X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_ FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com SPONSOR • UnlockedMagic.com - Your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal tickets, resorts, and vacation planning assistance. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Can I A L-O-M-R?
0:03.0	I don't know.
0:07.0	See Morgan J.
0:10.0	Live, the comedy and musical star Morgan J
0:13.0	is returning to the UK,
0:15.0	bringing La Dolce Vita tour to venues from February 2027.
0:20.0	Tickets on sale now at livenation.co.
0:23.6	UK.
0:24.6	Don't miss Morgan J. Live.
0:27.6	Right, home from work, walk the dog.
0:32.6	Kids are back.
0:34.6	Mom! Up the stairs for something. Ugh.
0:38.3	Back down.
0:39.3	No idea what I went up for.
0:41.3	Mom, what's for dinner?
0:43.3	Chop.
0:44.3	Sizzle.
0:45.3	Done.
0:46.3	Hello Fresh can't slow life down,
0:49.3	but it makes bringing everyone together around the table a whole lot easier.
0:53.3	So it's phones down, forks up.
0:55.8	Hello, Fresh.
	...

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