I Want That Too - Disney History and Merchandise

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey unpack a surprisingly chaotic Muppets merch rollout on TikTok Shop, explore the viral duck trend making its way into Disney parks, and break down the latest Star Wars Day merchandise strategy. Then, Jim dives deep into the history of the Star Wars licensing deal that changed Hollywood forever—and why it’s still considered one of the smartest (and most lopsided) deals ever made. From plush drops to billion-dollar gambles, this episode connects the dots between fandom, merchandising, and Disney’s evolving playbook.

NEWS
• Disney tests a Muppets merch comeback with a TikTok-first exclusive plush launch
• Fans report confusion and delays during the Muppets TikTok Shop rollout
• The viral “ducking” trend arrives at Disney parks with new collectible lines
• Disney Cruise Line draws boundaries on where guests can place or hide ducks
• Star Wars Day merch drops roll out weekly, building momentum toward May the 4th

FEATURE
• The origin of Star Wars merchandising and George Lucas’ unprecedented deal
• How 20th Century Fox underestimated toy licensing after past failures
• Why Star Wars has generated over $40 billion in merchandise sales
• The surprising connection between Disney musicals and Star Wars’ business model

HOSTS
• Jim Hill – X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia
• Lauren Hersey – X/Twitter: @laurenhersey2 | Instagram: @lauren_hersey_

FOLLOW
• Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews
• YouTube: @jimhillmedia
• TikTok: @jimhillmedia
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/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
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com – your go-to source for great deals on Disney and Universal theme park tickets. Lock in savings now for your next trip and take the stress out of planning.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Lauren dig into a surprisingly packed week of Disney merch and history, from Crocs-inspired Minnie ears to rare Figment throwbacks and a new Little Golden Book celebrating Jim Henson. Along the way, they explore the shrinking footprint of Disney Stores - and the possibility of their return. Then Jim dives deep into the moment Disney stopped trusting outside publishers, revealing how one controversial biography changed the company’s approach to storytelling forever.

NEWS
• Disney and Crocs expand their partnership with customizable Mickey and Minnie ear headbands, featuring classic Crocs styling and interchangeable charms
• A rare Disney Store outlet sighting sparks discussion about the future of retail - including rumors of immersive store experiences returning in select markets
• New retro Figment and Dreamfinder shirts celebrate the original Journey Into Imagination attraction with vintage-inspired designs
• A Little Golden Book biography of Jim Henson arrives May 5, introducing younger readers to the creator of the Muppets and his legacy

FEATURE
• How Disney originally relied on outside publishers like Western Publishing to tell its stories
• The 1968 release of a controversial Walt Disney biography that damaged trust and reshaped the company’s publishing strategy
• Why Disney shifted to in-house publishing under Michael Eisner to control its narrative and protect Walt’s legacy
• The ongoing tension between historical accuracy and corporate storytelling, and how it still impacts Disney books today

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: 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 - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Unlock Magic - your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. Whether you're planning ahead for 2026 or heading to a major event like D23, Unlock Magic helps you save money and skip the stress. Visit UnlockMagic.com to start planning your next trip.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Lauren dig into the latest updates surrounding the D23 Ultimate Fan Event, including confusing ticket tiers, pin lotteries, and the growing tension between traditional fans and influencer access. From membership strategies to collectible exclusives, they break down what you need to know before tickets go live. Then, in this week’s feature, Jim explores the surprisingly rich history behind pressed pennies—how a simple, low-cost souvenir became a staple of Disney parks and a quiet revenue powerhouse.

NEWS
• D23 Ultimate Fan Event ticketing rolls out with tiered access, giving paid Gold Members early purchase windows ahead of Disney+ subscribers
• Honda Center seating add-ons and limited availability raise concerns for fans trying to secure access to major presentations
• Random Selection Process (RSP) pins debut with unclear odds, limited quantities, and eligibility tied to higher-priced ticket packages
• Disney+ perk offers 20% off D23 Gold Membership upgrades, prompting fans to weigh whether paid tiers improve ticket chances
• Ravensburger announces a Disney Lorcana Championship Qualifier at D23, adding a competitive gaming element to the event

FEATURE
• Pressed pennies date back to early railroad experiments in the 1800s—but didn’t arrive in Disney parks until 1987
• Introduced during the Michael Eisner era, penny machines were designed as low-cost, high-margin additions to boost in-park spending
• Early machines debuted on Main Street, U.S.A., quickly proving successful and expanding across Disney parks worldwide
• Modern machines now use pre-made blanks instead of real pennies, reflecting the discontinuation of U.S. penny production

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: 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 - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal tickets. If you’re planning a 2026 trip—or heading to D23—visit UnlockedMagic.com to save on park tickets and simplify your planning.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey break down Disney’s clever Pixar Merch Madness campaign and debate which franchise will dominate the bracket. They also dive into the overwhelming demand for Bluey in the parks, the rollout of new Bluey merchandise, and how Hannah Montana nostalgia is fueling a fresh wave of Disney consumer products. Then, Jim uncovers the surprising origin story of Disney Pez dispensers and how they became one of the company’s longest-running collectibles.

NEWS
• Disney launches a Pixar-themed “Merch Madness” bracket on Instagram, letting fans vote daily to determine future limited-release merchandise
• Early matchups show strong wins for Cars, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, with Ratatouille narrowly beating Up
• Bluey’s Best Day Ever debuts at Disneyland with overwhelming demand, long lines, and immediate operational adjustments
• Disney reevaluating Bluey show length after feedback that 40 minutes may be too long for younger audiences
• New Bluey merchandise arrives at Disneyland, including apparel and collectible figures designed for both kids and adults
• Hannah Montana’s 20th anniversary (“Hannah-versary”) sparks new merch across Disney Store, Amazon, and fashion collaborations

FEATURE
• Pez was invented in 1927 as a breath freshener alternative to smoking, with dispensers modeled after cigarette lighters
• Disney characters first appeared on unauthorized Pez dispensers in 1955, leading to a six-year negotiation before official licensing in 1961
• Early Disney Pez prototypes and discontinued designs are now highly valuable collector’s items, with some selling for thousands
• The brand shifted from adult breath mints to kid-focused candy after success with character dispensers and novelty designs
• Disney park-exclusive Pez items now include Haunted Mansion and Figment dispensers, along with themed display pieces like monorails
• Pez collecting remains a passionate hobby, with conventions like Pezamania and rare pieces driving a strong secondary market

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: 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 - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, visit UnlockMagic.com to lock in great deals and expert support.

If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey recap a whirlwind West Coast trip packed with Disneyland 70th anniversary finds, surprising merch hacks, and a few Universal curveballs. From deep discounts and rare pins to interactive collectibles and nostalgic throwbacks, this episode is a treasure trove for Disney shoppers and collectors alike. Plus, the duo ventures into Universal Hollywood and Vegas to compare how other parks are stepping up their merch game. It’s part shopping guide, part history lesson, and all Disney enthusiasm.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Disneyland 70th anniversary merch hits steep discounts, with select items marked down up to 40% as Disney begins clearing inventory ahead of summer crowds
• The “Key to Disneyland” experience delivers a surprise rare pin moment, with one ultra-rare piece reportedly reselling for hundreds on the secondary market
• A clever merch hack reveals a $17.99 customizable Disneyland hat alternative to a nearly identical $79.99 version
• Vintage-inspired Mouseketeer items, including a Mouse Guitar tribute, highlight Disney’s long history of merch driving major brand success
• Universal experiments with interactive shoulder characters tied to upcoming Super Mario releases, building on ideas Disney introduced years ago
• A hidden Universal “Take Two” outlet store offers discounted merch in CityWalk, echoing Disney’s character warehouse concept
• Vegas experiences like Area15 and the Sphere showcase immersive retail tied to entertainment, though not all merch resonates with guests

HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2

FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
• Instagram: 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 - Strong Minded Agency

SPONSOR
This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic - the go-to place for some of the best deals on theme park tickets. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar, visit UnlockedMagic.com to lock in great prices and make your next vacation more affordable.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices