Todd Martens on Galaxy’s Edge Reimagined - Plus Muppets Take Over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Ep. 585)

The Disney Dish with Jim Hill

Jim Hill Media Podcast Network

Places & Travel, Leisure, Society & Culture

4.8 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 25 May 2026

⏱️ 81 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Len Testa and Jim Hill review Walt Disney World’s latest wave of attraction updates, including the new Soarin’ Across America film, the Muppets’ chaotic takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and the newly refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Then Los Angeles Times columnist Todd Martens joins the show to discuss Disneyland’s evolving version of Galaxy’s Edge, why Disney is pivoting away from strict sequel-era storytelling, and how the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run finally addresses years of guest feedback. NEWS • Len shares first impressions of Soarin’ Across America, including the updated Patrick Warburton pre-show and the new opening rocket launch sequence • Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuts with extensive new ride scenes, classic rock parody album covers, and dozens of hidden gags • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens with a smoother ride experience and upgraded effects after its lengthy refurbishment • Disney expands Walt Disney World luggage transfer service to American, United, and Southwest Airlines • Universal announces a Sinners-themed Halloween Horror Nights house for both Orlando and Hollywood FEATURE • Todd Martens discusses Disneyland’s changing approach to Galaxy’s Edge and the return of classic Star Wars characters and locations • Why the original immersive “live your own Star Wars story” concept struggled to fully materialize inside the land • The updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run adds new destinations including Coruscant, Bespin, Endor, and Tatooine • How Imagineering redesigned the attraction to improve gameplay for pilots, engineers, and gunners alike For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com GUEST • Todd Martens - Bluesky: @toddmartens.bsky.social | Instagram: @toddmartens 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 - Save on your next Disney vacation with discounted Walt Disney World tickets: https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/DISNEYDISH Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Saley. So what's the plan for this summer?
0:04.1	Thinking about traveling overseas, maybe visiting a couple of different countries?
0:08.1	Well, that certainly sounds like a fun adventure. But what do you do if, while you're on this trip,
0:14.0	you suddenly find yourself in need of an internet connection and you can't find a Wi-Fi spot?
0:18.7	That's why, before you head overseas, you really need to do the
0:22.2	smart thing, which is to sign up for an ESIM plan with Saly, which is this new ESIM service app
0:27.9	brought to you by the creators of NordVPN. With an ESIM from Saly, you can then have an
0:34.1	internet connection wherever you travel to. Better yet, you'll save money on
0:38.4	roaming trees. And the process couldn't be simpler. Just purchase the ESIM plan you prefer at the
0:44.8	Saley website. They've got global and regional options. And then follow the instructions on the app and
0:50.2	install the ESIM on your phone. After that, the Saly e-Sim will activate instantly after you land at your destination.
0:57.9	Me personally, what I love about Saly is you only have to install it once,
1:02.0	which means no wasting time at the airport, standing in line as you wait to buy a local SIM card.
1:07.9	With Saly, you can choose from several affordable ESIM data plans in over 200 destinations.
1:14.2	Better yet, you can travel using the very same ESIM plan. No having to install a new SIM card
1:20.1	with every country you visit. With the Saley ESIM, you'll always have a connection when you need it.
1:26.0	So sign up today. And as a Disney Dish listener,
1:29.6	you'll get an exclusive 15% discount with Saley ESIM data plans. Just download the Saley app and
1:35.8	then use code Disney Dish at checkout. Again, Disney Dish listeners get an exclusive 15% discount
1:41.8	with their first purchase. To learn more, go to saley.com. Again, that's
1:47.3	Saly, S-A-I-L-Y.com. Affordable ESIM data for international travel. We thank them for sponsoring
1:56.0	today's show. Welcome back to another edition of the Disney Dish podcast with Jim Hill. It's me, Len Testa,
	...

Transcript will be available on the free plan in 16 days. Upgrade to see the full transcript now.

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.