{"podcast":{"title":"The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network","slug":"the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663","podcast_index_feed_id":530663,"rss_url":"https://feeds.megaphone.fm/JHM1617826359","website_url":"https://jimhillmedia.com/","image_url":"https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/51316670-7e1b-11e8-bd66-4b3c04cc213b/image/25e0d2f5f6c7b6924a27152f3eef6d92.png?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress","author":"Jim Hill Media Podcast Network","episode_count":1565,"summary":"The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network features weekly shows hosted by Jim Hill and his collaborators. The lineup includes The Disney Dish with Len Testa, Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Epic Universal Podcast with Eric Hersey, I Want That Too with Lauren Hersey, Marvel Us Disney with Dan Graney, The Case For with Chris Cox, and more. Each series offers industry reporting, history, analysis, and insider stories spanning Disney, Universal, animation, film, streaming, and themed entertainment. With over 25 years of online storytelling and thousands of hours of content, the network delivers trusted, in-depth coverage for fans, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-24T12:18:41.355338+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663"},"episode":{"title":"Character Dining Takes the Stand (Ep. 23)","slug":"character-dining-takes-the-stand-ep-23","published_at":"2026-07-15T04:00:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/character-dining-takes-the-stand-ep-23","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663","url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM5908477399.mp3","audio_url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM5908477399.mp3","summary":"When it comes to meeting Disney characters at Walt Disney World, is it better to wait in line or let Mickey come to your table? Jim Hill presides as Chris Cox and Len Testa debate the case for traditional meet-and-greets versus character dining, weighing time, money, air conditioning, and those priceless vacation photos. Along the way, they salute the cast members who make these magical moments happen, even in heavy costumes under the Central Florida sun. HIGHLIGHTS • Why character meet-and-greets can create unforgettable moments, but also unpredictable waits. • The case for character dining as a smarter use of vacation time, especially for families with younger kids. • Len breaks down why posted character wait times can vary depending on popularity and guest interactions. • Chris shares how character meals helped his daughters warm up to Disney characters over time. • Jim looks back at the evolution of scheduled Mickey meet-and-greets at Walt Disney World. HOSTS • Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia, Instagram: @JimHillMedia, Website: jimhillmedia.com • Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social, Instagram: @len.testa, Website: touringplans.com • Chris Cox - X/Twitter: @bigcox, Instagram: @magiccox, Website: magiccox.com 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 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","meta_description":"When it comes to meeting Disney characters at Walt Disney World, is it better to wait in line or let Mickey come to your table? Jim Hill presides as Chris…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":1836,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/episodes/character-dining-takes-the-stand-ep-23/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/character-dining-takes-the-stand-ep-23.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}