Why Turtle Talk Outlived Stitch’s Great Escape (Ep. 593)

Disneyland’s sold-out evening tickets, Walt Disney World dining trends, and a possible Space Mountain overhaul lead off this week’s Disney Dish. Len and Jim also answer listener questions about Cars Road Trip and Victoria & Albert’s before returning to the history of Imagineering’s Living Character Initiative. In the main feature, Jim explains how Turtle Talk with Crush emerged amid the deteriorating relationship between Michael Eisner, Steve Jobs, and Pixar.

NEWS

• Why Disneyland’s $59 evening tickets may owe their existence to Bluey and stroller traffic.

• What the Coral Reef Restaurant’s move to seasonal operations could reveal about Lightning Lane spending and declining demand for table-service dining.

• How a major Space Mountain refurbishment could improve reliability, capacity, and Tomorrowland operations.

• Universal Studios Florida moves up the closing date for Fast & Furious - Supercharged.

• Could Universal retain The Simpsons, or might Back to the Future eventually replace Springfield?

FEATURE

• How Finding Nemo became Pixar’s biggest hit despite Michael Eisner’s doubts about the film.

• Why Steve Jobs held Cars back as leverage during Disney and Pixar’s contract negotiations.

• How Disney’s Circle 7 Animation plans further damaged its relationship with Pixar.

• Why Eisner approved Turtle Talk with Crush without seeking Pixar’s input, and how the experimental attraction outlasted Stitch’s Great Escape.

For this episode’s full show notes, click here.
HOSTS

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

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

FOLLOW

• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews

• YouTube: @jimhillmedia

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• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/

SUPPORT

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PRODUCTION CREDITS

Edited by Dave Grey

Produced by Eric Hersey - https://strongmindedagency.com

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