The Jack Sparrow Problem Disney Didn’t See Coming (Ep. 540)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Tv & Film, Society & Culture, Places & Travel

4.8 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 14 July 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Len Testa and Jim Hill look at Disney’s latest surveys, hotel rumors, and Halloween Horror Nights announcements—then plunge into the second half of their deep-dive on Pirates of the Caribbean. This time, Jim reveals how Disney navigated a real-life guest frenzy over Captain Jack Sparrow, the surprisingly expensive costume drama that followed, and the face character chaos that nearly derailed New Orleans Square. Plus, early plans for a pirates-themed restaurant, and how Dead Man’s Chest almost broke the box office and the parks. Why a cleared canal near Magic Kingdom might be future hotel space Christmas party dates, Festival of the Holidays updates, and DJ Dance Pants How Disneyland kept guests from mobbing Jack Sparrow face characters The $60,000 costume that sparked a parade of cease and desist letters A scrapped pirates dining experience that had Jack eating off your plate Also: Warner Bros. surveys some Vegas-worthy IP ideas, Morrissey or Horror Night house?, and why Robin Williams’ mime days live on in Disney animation trivia. 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	The road stretches before you, but there's trouble ahead.
0:02.7	Stationary cars.
0:04.0	You're faced with the McDonald's side mission.
0:06.7	Do you, A, join the ever-growing queue, or B, take the next exit and treat yourself to a glorious Mackey's?
0:15.0	Detouring to McDonald's.
0:16.7	Start your side mission today.
0:19.9	Welcome back to another edition of the Disney Dish podcast with Jim Hill.
0:24.2	It's me, Len Testa, and this is our show for the week of Schmers Day, July 14th, 2025, on the show today.
0:30.4	In news, is this the name of a Halloween horror night's house or a Morrissey song?
0:35.2	In surveys, you wake up in the Mojave Desert where a naked man wants his money.
0:39.6	Then in our main segment, Jim continues the story of how the Jack Sparrow and Barbosa figures were added to Pirates of the Caribbean attractions.
0:47.3	Let's get started by bringing in the man who says that libraries prove we need more public spaces where nobody's allowed to talk.
0:54.0	It's Mr. Jim Hill. Jim has it going?
0:55.4	It's going well, and it's speaking of not speaking at libraries.
0:59.7	Have you seen a mime outside of a library?
1:02.4	I mean, talk about committing to a bit.
1:06.1	I mean, that is some real Department of Redundancy Department stuff going on there.
1:10.7	And speaking of libraries, now, you live in New York City, Lenn. Uh, I mean, that is some real Department of Redundancy Department stuff going on there.
1:14.4	And speaking of libraries, now, you live in New York City, Len.
1:18.5	Do you ever go to that branch of the New York Public Library on Fifth?
1:21.1	You know, the one that backs up against Brian Park.
1:22.0	Oh, it's beautiful.
	...

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