When the Police Played the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween Party (Ep. 607)

Len Testa and Jim Hill look back at Halloween Hysteria, the Magic Kingdom’s 1979 party that brought the Police to the park. Jim traces Disney’s early Halloween celebrations before following Sting from that concert to the troubled production of Kingdom of the Sun. Plus, new resort room-request options, a Hollywood Studios survey with a confusing sense of direction, and a listener’s successful return with 1986 Disney tickets.

NEWS

• Disney updates My Disney Experience room requests, including new preferences and an early-check-in option that can override them.

• Coronado Springs gets convention-center concept art, while Jim shares a memorable example of the resort’s service.

• A Hollywood Studios survey asks about the park’s “east side,” prompting a look at its layout and possible future expansion.

• Listeners weigh in on Disney Cruise Line survey pressure and share how decades-old park tickets found a new use.

• Could Universal’s Shrek plans include a dark ride, and when will Skull Island’s Kong animatronic return?

FEATURE

• From Disneyland’s Parade of Pumpkins to free Haunted Mansion rides, Disney’s earliest Halloween events looked very different.

• How the Magic Kingdom’s World Series of Entertainment brought Dr. Hook, Sea Level, and the Police to Halloween Hysteria.

• Why Disney recruited Sting for Kingdom of the Sun, and how the project changed on its way to becoming The Emperor’s New Groove.

• Jim discusses The Sweatbox and its unusually candid look at a Disney animated film in transition.

HOSTS

• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social - Instagram: @len.testa - touringplans.com

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter and Instagram: @JimHillMedia - jimhillmedia.com

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

• YouTube: @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 - strongmindedagency.com

SPONSOR

The Disney Dish news is sponsored by Be Our Guest Vacations, from our friends at DVC Rental Store. Plan a fall Orlando getaway with Be Our Guest Vacations.

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