The Main Street Replica That Sparked a Corporate Rift (Ep. 87)

The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Tv & Film

4.7 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 19 February 2026

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Jim and Lauren dive into the late-80s Sears exclusive Disney World Town Square replica - the ambitious “starter set” that promised Main Street magic at home just as Disney Stores began popping up in malls nationwide. Lauren’s Valentine’s gift to Eric sparks a deep dive into one of the most fascinating Disney retail experiments of the 1980s: the Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica. Jim explains how this surprisingly elaborate playset - complete with bendable Mickey and Minnie figures and optional upgrades like working streetlights and a smoking train - was born out of a major licensing deal between Sears and The Walt Disney Company. But when the first Disney Store locations began opening in malls, that partnership quickly unraveled. NEWS • A new Frozen 3 short is coming this October as part of Disney’s Frozen Fan Fest, with full theatrical release slated for November 2027 • Disney continues evolving its merchandising strategy for the Frozen franchise, leaning into more adult-focused collaborations and collectibles • Bath & Body Works launches its 2026 Disney Princess fragrance collection featuring Aurora, Mulan, Rapunzel, Snow White, plus returning scents for Belle and Tiana • New Disney “Blooms” plush flower stems debut at Disney retail locations in London, Times Square, and Downtown Disney, hinting at possible Flower & Garden synergy • Josh D’Amaro outlines Disney’s long-term strategy blending immersive parks, digital platforms like Fortnite, and integrated retail experiences FEATURE • The 1988 Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica “starter set” and its expandable ecosystem of add-ons • Optional upgrades included interior furniture packs, working streetlights, a smoking railroad train, trolley cars, tourists, and seasonal Christmas overlays • Why the playset’s price was slashed 50 percent within a year - and how the rapid expansion of Disney Stores sparked a licensing rift • How this short-lived partnership reshaped Disney’s retail strategy heading into the late 1980s and beyond HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 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 of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar in 2026, head to UnlockedMagic.com to lock in great ticket prices with experts who know the parks and how to save you money. 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

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	Birthday coming up?
0:02.0	On Etsy, you can find your favourite person a gift as special as they are.
0:07.0	Celebrate Stylish Julia with a cute vintage jewelry box.
0:11.0	Or Photography Mab Pull with a customized leather camera strap.
0:15.0	Or your caffeine-loving dad with a handmade pour-over coffee maker.
0:19.0	Don't just celebrate birthdays.
0:21.9	Celebrate one of a kind people with gifts that say I get you on Etsy.
0:27.0	Click or tap the banner to shop now.
0:30.1	The Philly Cheese Stack is back at McDonald's and it's still intensely cheesy.
0:34.1	Imagine the cheesiest thing ever.
0:35.6	Now cover it in cheese.
0:36.7	Add two beef patties cheddar cheese
0:38.1	sauce crispy onions and even more cheese the filly cheese stack did we mention it's cheesy
0:43.1	available until the 16th of march 2026 from 11 a m fees apply to delivery orders
0:48.1	price and participation may vary subject to availability welcome back to i want that to the podcast
0:52.6	where disney merch meets Disney History.
0:56.0	I'm entertainment writer Jim Hill, and as always, I'm joined by the lovely Lauren Hersey on Friday the 13th in February, 2006.
1:07.0	So how's your day been going so far, Lauren?
1:09.2	Listen, I was thinking about love and hearts and all of the gushy stuff until you're like,
1:16.0	and it's Friday the 13th.
1:19.4	Well, all right, we'll throw it in another direction here.
1:23.0	It's February.
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Jim Hill Media Podcast Network and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.