The Untold Story of Ron Miller and Disney’s Lost Era (Ep. 521)

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Leisure, Society & Culture, Places & Travel

4.8 • 979 Ratings

🗓️ 3 March 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by award-winning journalist Neil O’Brien to explore the most under-reported period in Disney’s history—the years between Walt’s death and Michael Eisner’s arrival. Neil’s new book, "After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company," uncovers how Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law and former CEO, helped shape the modern Disney we know today. The Rise and Fall of Ron Miller – How Walt’s son-in-law launched the Disney Channel, Touchstone Pictures, and Epcot, only to be forced out in 1984. The Black Cauldron’s Lost Ride – Ron’s ambitious plan for a Black Cauldron-themed boat ride at Disney parks that never happened. Secrets of Epcot’s Design – How a vacant lot in Diane Disney’s neighborhood inspired Walt’s vision for a utopian city. Universal’s New Fan Event? – Is Universal planning a sci-fi, fantasy, and anime-themed fan festival at Universal Orlando Resort? Join Len, Jim, and Neil for a deep dive into Disney’s forgotten history, abandoned projects, and the decisions that shaped the company’s future. 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	Drawn to Life, the groundbreaking live stage show at Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida,
0:04.9	has been dazzling visitors to the Walt Disney World Resort for more than three years now.
0:09.8	This family-friendly extravaganza, which really has to be seen to be believed,
0:14.0	seamlessly blends pieces of classic Disney animation with mind-blowing live acrobatics.
0:19.2	Drawn to Life is presented Wednesday through Sunday on the west side of Disney Springs.
0:23.3	This shopping, dining, and entertainment complex is open to anyone visiting Central Florida, and parking is free.
0:29.2	Again, that's Drawn to Life, live on stage at Disney Springs in Orlando.
0:34.6	Welcome back to another edition of the Disney Dish podcast with Jim Hill.
0:37.8	It's me, Lentesta.
0:38.9	And this is our show for the week of Shmursday, March 3rd, 2025 on the show today.
0:43.5	News plus a touring plan for Tiano's Bayo Adventure now that it's switched to standby lines.
0:48.5	In surveys, is Universal Orlando planning its own fan fest nights?
0:53.2	Plus listener questions.
0:54.5	And in our main segment, we're joined by award-winning journalist Neil O'Brien,
0:58.4	whose book, After Disney, Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company,
1:03.7	comes out tomorrow.
1:04.9	Let's get started by bringing in the man who pronounces the Italian version of McDonald's
1:09.2	big purple character as Gramace, like Versace.
1:13.3	It's Mr. Jim Hill. Jim has it going.
1:14.6	Well, one interesting.
1:16.3	Worth noting that Germache are for the common folk, grimace.
1:21.6	When he first came on the scene in January of 1971, who was actually called the evil grimace. He was one of a
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