You’ve Got a Land in Me: Toy Story’s Theme Park Journey (Ep. 587)

Jim Hill and Len Testa are joined by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a globe-trotting look at how Toy Story became one of Disney’s most reusable theme park ideas. First, they cover the latest from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line, including Magic of Disney Animation details, Villains Land rumors, Oogie Boogie Bash logistics, and possible Universal expansion plans. Then Jim Shull shares how Toy Story Playland, Toy Story Hotel, and multiple international Pixar projects moved from clever pitch to built reality. Along the way, there is Godzilla, synergy, Stanley cups, and at least one very laminated airline milestone.

NEWS

• Bluey’s Wild World shifts to standby as opening-day crowds settle down.

• Victoria & Albert’s retains its Michelin star, while Kappa at Four Seasons does not.

• Disney reveals new activity areas for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios.

• Jim, Len, and Jim Shull discuss the latest Villains Land rumors, including Maleficent, Hades, and possible dark ride concepts.

• Universal updates include Universal United Kingdom Resort, Lost Continent demolition, Back to the Future speculation, and Epic Universe expansion pads.

FEATURE

• Jim Shull recalls seeing the original Toy Story before release at a SIGGRAPH screening in Los Angeles.

• The team traces how Pixar’s growing relationship with Disney led to Toy Story Playland in Paris and later Toy Story Lands in Hong Kong and Shanghai.

• Shull explains the “Andy’s backyard” conceit and how guests were meant to feel toy-sized inside the land.

• The discussion turns to Toy Story Hotel in Shanghai and Tokyo, including how Pixar collaboration changed the way Disney handled character design.

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

• Jim Shull - X/Twitter: @JimShull, YouTube: @jimhshull, Website: jimhshull.com

FOLLOW

• Jim Hill Media Podcast Network - Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews, YouTube: @jimhillmedia, TikTok: @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

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