"I Want That Too" Podcast Episodes

15
Sept. 21, 2024

The Monsters Inc. Coaster That Almost Happened (Ep. 15)

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill shares the untold story of the Monsters Inc. coaster Disney almost built over a decade ago. You'll learn about the original plans, why it was shelved, and what details were accidentally leaked to cast members before the official announcement. Lauren Hersey dives into the lasting popularity of Monsters University merch, especially the famous MU hat . If you're curious about Disney's past plans, the latest in Monsters Inc. products, and future theme...
14
Sept. 14, 2024

Monsters Inc. Land is Coming… But What Happened to the Original Ride? (Ep. 14)

In this episode of I Want That Too, Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey take a deep dive into the world of Monsters Inc.—but this time, it's all about the merchandise! Discover the surprising popularity of the Monsters University hat and learn why it continues to fly off the shelves nearly a decade after the movie's release. Plus, Jim shares some hidden gems from Disney’s past, including the evolution of Pixar Plaza and the backstory of Monsters Inc. character meet-and-greets. • The unexpected demand ...
13
Sept. 7, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 13: How Mickey’s Not-So-Scary got started at Disney World

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking up the Halloween merch that just hit store shelves at the Disneyland Resort. They then discuss how the success of USF’s Halloween Horror Nights led to Disney developing its own seasonal after-hours hard ticket. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which “Inside Out” character is doing a meet-n-greet exclusively at the Pixar Place Hotel What was the original name for Universal Studios Florida’s Halloween event Which c...
12
Aug. 24, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 12: Will custom character ears be the next big thing at the Disney Parks

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by looking back at some of the more memorable pieces of merch offered at this year’s D23 Expo. They then shine a spotlight on some of the books that Disney Press will be bringing to market in the coming months. In this episode, listeners will learn about: When will the first “Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party” for 2024 be presented at WDW’s Magic Kingdom Which two feature-length films did Stephen Anderson direct for Walt Disney Animation Stud...
11
Aug. 3, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 11: How the “Country Bear Jamboree” came to be

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this show by talking about the merch currently available at the Universal Orlando Resort. They also talk about how exactly the Haunted Mansion is coming back online at Disneyland Park Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Which new variation of Butterbeer just became available in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Where was Disney Legend Marc Davis’ home located in Los Angeles When did the National Forest Service award Walt Disney Productions t...
10
July 9, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 10: How the Disney Store got its start

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by checking out some of the bragging rights merch Disney has made available for its recently opened “Splash Mountain” redo. They also take a look back at when the Mouse had a store in virtually every mall in America Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: How did The Walt Disney Company decide where the first 13 Disney Stores would be located When did the Critter Co-op open at WDW’s Magic Kingdom How many different categories did ...
9
June 23, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 9: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: Disney's Forgotten Star Reborn

In this episode of "I Want That Too," Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill discuss the history of Disney's first animated star. Then Oswald collector Noe Valladolid shares how he acquired some of his most valuable pieces. For this episode, listeners will learn about: How "Inside Out 2” blew past its initial box office projections Where at Disney Springs you can find the new Aloha Collection mini-store What veteran sports broadcaster did Disney trade to NBCUniversal in exchange for a certain cartoon rab...
8
June 8, 2024

i want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 8: When Disney almost made a sci-fi version of “Snow White”

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start off this week’s show by discussing the teaser trailer for “Moana 2.” They also closely examine which Disney Princess moves the most merchandise. Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: Why did the Magic Kingdom eventually remove the Disney Princess float from its “Share a Dream Come True” parade What were the three robots in Universal Pictures’ “Silent Running” called Which “Will & Grace” star read the role of the Snow Queen in one of the earliest...
7
May 25, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 7: What’s it like to live at WDW’s Golden Oak gated community

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by discussing a rare Disney book found at the Brimfield Flea Market. They then take a look at Disney-MGM’s old Streetmosphere program Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: What “Star Trek” vet directed “Three Men & a Baby” for Touchstone Pictures Which forest creature recently turned up on Jim’s front porch When was “Lady & the Tramp” first released to theaters How much did it originally cost to build the Disney-MGM Studio t...
6
May 4, 2024

I Want That Too: with Lauren Hersey Ep 6: May the Muppets Be With You (Audio Only)

Star Wars Day, Disney-Henson Complex History and Rare Muppet Collectibles Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey start this week’s show by discussing the latest developments in the "Disneyland Forward" project and what this means for future expansions. They talk about Star Wars Day Merch and share the deep and complex history between Disney and the Jim Henson Company, highlighting how this relationship has evolved over the years. In This Episode: New Pandora Merch lighting up Animal Kingdom Sneak Pe...
5
April 19, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 5: Exploring the Bambi / Smoky Bear connection

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start this week’s show by talking about the merch locations that are being readied for the WDW version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.” They then discuss how Disney helped promote the U.S. Forest Service’s fire prevention program Throughout this episode, listeners will learn about: When did Walt Disney Animation Studios finally shut production of shorts for theatrical release What did Rankin-Bass produce as their follow-up to “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” When is Wa...
4
April 5, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 4 : Disney's Tiki Culture & Merchandise

In Episode 4 of "I Want That Too," where we venture into the world of Disney merchandise, with a special focus on the Tiki culture found within the Disney universe. Join entertainment writer Jim Hill and co-host Lauren Hersey as they uncover the stories behind Disney collectibles, explore the history of the Enchanted Tiki Room, and dive into the resurgence of Tiki culture among Disney fans and collectors. In This Episode: The Significance of April 5th in Disney Park History: Discover why this ...
3
March 23, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 3: The origins of Orange Bird at the Disney Parks (audio Only)

Lauren Hersey & Jim Hill start off this edition of “I Want That Too!” by talking about 90s Con. They then take a look at the merch that was offered at this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival at Epcot Over the course of this episode, listeners will learn about: Which national tragedy tripped the original theatrical release of Disney’s “Sword in the Stone” Who was originally supposed to be Mickey Mouse’s neighbor in the original version of Toontown at Disneyland Park in Anaheim What...
2
March 1, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 2: Uncover the Secrets Behind Disney's Most Iconic Accessory

Dive into the world of Disney merch with Lauren Hersey and Jim Hill as they explore the iconic Mickey Mouse Ear Hats. Learn how these beloved hats made their way into the parks and evolved into the Minnie Mouse Ear headband craze we see today, all starting from the Mickey Mouse Club. In this episode, Lauren and Jim cover a wide range of topics, including: -The legacy of "The Lion King" from its original animation to Broadway and the upcoming Prequel. -The Disney Store's unique presence within...
1
Feb. 17, 2024

I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey Ep 1: I Want That Too!” shines a spotlight on Disney merch

Lauren and Jim bring you up to speed about the latest Disney merchandise