Len and Jim race through a packed week of Disney and Universal updates before diving into how the Roy E. Disney Animation Building went from an architectural showpiece to the creative model for Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Magic of Disney Animation attraction.
NEWS
• Disney outlines major 2026 refurbishments, Bluey offerings on both coasts, and new character entertainment.
• EPCOT confirms Flower & Garden dates, attraction reopenings, and steep winter hotel discounts for Visa cardholders.
• Universal celebrates FIA honors while advancing a three-phase transit plan connecting its resorts and parks.
• Listener questions lead to discussions on vacation packages, Tron Ares timing, and the rise of non-alcoholic beverage offerings.
• Jim and Len break down New Year’s Eve crowd patterns, phased closures, and survival strategies for the busiest days of the year.
FEATURE
• Jim revisits architect Robert A.M. Stern’s Disney work, from Casting Center to Celebration to the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.
• The building’s iconic exterior contrasts with an interior layout that frustrated traditional animation workflows.
• Lasseter’s renovation sends teams to a former WDI fabrication site where films like Zootopia and Moana take shape amid industrial ambiance.
• The redesigned building’s collaborative layout now inspires Hollywood Studios’ upcoming Magic of Disney Animation experience.
For this episode’s full show notes, <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRgKFJJKwXrqdvUO--IR5BCZdrXsYHGwk9cW_3x0hiuXRcQgwttMJBoattZmX6hGANn9Pn6gQRcSp_R/pub">click here</a>.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia">@JimHillMedia</a> | X: <a href="https://twitter.com/JimHillMedia">@JimHillMedia</a> | Website: <a href="https://JimHillMedia.com">JimHillMedia.com</a>
• Len Testa - Bluesky: <a href="">@lentesta.bsky.social</a> | IG: <a href="">@len.testa</a> | Website: <a href="https://touringplans.com">touringplans.com</a>
FOLLOW
• Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JimHillMediaNews">JimHillMediaNews</a>
• Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/JimHillMedia">JimHillMedia</a>
• TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@JimHillMedia">JimHillMedia</a>
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia">Patreon.com/JimHillMedia</a>.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - <a href="https://strongmindedagency.com">Strong Minded Agency</a>
SPONSOR
The Disney Dish news segment is sponsored by <a href="https://unlockedmagic.com/?utm_source=partner&utm_campaign=disneydish">UnlockedMagic.com</a> from DVC Rental Store, offering discounted 2026 Disney theme park tickets.
If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, <a href="https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/">reach out today.</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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From Burbank Backlot to Hollywood Studios - The Roy E. Disney Building’s Second Act (Ep. 561)

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