Episode Details

Len Testa and Jim Hill review Walt Disney World’s latest wave of attraction updates, including the new Soarin’ Across America film, the Muppets’ chaotic takeover of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and the newly refurbished Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Then, Los Angeles Times columnist Todd Martens joins the show to discuss Disneyland’s evolving version of Galaxy’s Edge, why Disney is pivoting away from strict sequel-era storytelling, and how the updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run finally addresses years of guest feedback.

NEWS

• Len shares first impressions of Soarin’ Across America, including the updated Patrick Warburton pre-show and the new opening rocket launch sequence

• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuts with extensive new ride scenes, classic rock parody album covers, and dozens of hidden gags

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad reopens with a smoother ride experience and upgraded effects after its lengthy refurbishment

• Disney expands Walt Disney World luggage transfer service to American, United, and Southwest Airlines

• Universal announces a Sinners-themed Halloween Horror Nights house for both Orlando and Hollywood

FEATURE

• Todd Martens discusses Disneyland’s changing approach to Galaxy’s Edge and the return of classic Star Wars characters and locations

• Why the original immersive “live your own Star Wars story” concept struggled to fully materialize inside the land

• The updated Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run adds new destinations, including Coruscant, Bespin, Endor, and Tatooine

• How Imagineering redesigned the attraction to improve gameplay for pilots, engineers, and gunners alike

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

• Todd Martens - Bluesky: @toddmartens.bsky.social | Instagram: @toddmartens

FOLLOW

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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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