Best Jim Sparrow Podcasts (2025)

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The Vanishing Act: David Copperfield’s Lost Disney-MGM Studios Attraction (with Chris Cox) (Ep. 546) 1:02:17

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4d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Len Testa and Jim Hill welcome award-winning mind reader and performer Chris Cox (BBC and Broadway) for a deep dive into one of Disney’s most fascinating “what could have been” stories. The ambitious plans for David Copperfield’s Magic Underground restaurant How the New York flagship nearly opened before money troubles pulled the plug Michael Eisne…

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What Disney’s Firework Ratings Reveal About the Future (Ep. 545) 52:01

11d ago52:01

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Jim Hill and Len Testa dig into how fans really rate Disney’s nighttime spectaculars — and why those scores decide which shows stay and which ones fade away. Along the way, they cover the latest park news and wrap up the story of how Jack Sparrow sailed into Pirates of the Caribbean. TouringPlans survey data reveals the winners and losers among Dis…

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Disney’s Big Earnings Surprises and the Pirate Makeover of Magic Kingdom (Ep. 544) 45:32

18d ago45:32

45:32

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Disney’s latest earnings call, including park attendance trends, hotel occupancy shifts, and how Epic Universe may be quietly impacting Orlando tourism. They also review a fascinating new Disney Cruise Line survey that tests potential discounts and onboard perks, as well as what those offers could mean for future s…

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From Disney Food Blog to Bookstore Shelves: AJ Wolfe’s Disney Adults (Ep. 543) 48:36

25d ago48:36

48:36

While Len Testa enjoys a well-earned week off, Jim Hill is joined by special guest AJ Wolfe of the Disney Food Blog to talk about her new book Disney Adults: Exploring and Falling in Love with a Magical Subculture. But first, Jim shares updates from around Walt Disney World, including real demolition progress for the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster, the…

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Disney Starlight gets off to a strong start at WDW’s Magic Kingdom (Ep. 542) 1:08:16

1M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Len Testa & Jim Hill start this week’s episode by taking a close look at the recently announced plans to revamp the Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They then continue their interview with Don Hahn & Chris Merritt, the authors of “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland” For this episode,…

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Epic Universe wants to know when exactly you plan on visiting (Ep. 541) 1:01:30

1M ago1:01:30

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Len Testa & Jim Hill welcome Don Hahn & Chris Merrit, the authors of “The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney’s Disneyland.” This show kicks off a two-part interview that reveals how Walt’s family fun park first came to be. For this episode, listeners will learn about: Who bought the very first admission to Disneyland Park …

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The Jack Sparrow Problem Disney Didn’t See Coming (Ep. 540) 54:04

2M ago54:04

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Len Testa and Jim Hill look at Disney’s latest surveys, hotel rumors, and Halloween Horror Nights announcements—then plunge into the second half of their deep-dive on Pirates of the Caribbean. This time, Jim reveals how Disney navigated a real-life guest frenzy over Captain Jack Sparrow, the surprisingly expensive costume drama that followed, and t…

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How Jack Sparrow Made It Into the Ride (and Why the Curse Wasn’t His) (Ep. 539) 48:59

2M ago48:59

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Len Testa and Jim Hill tackle a packed show, from new Eat to the Beat concert acts and Test Track Lightning Lane changes to a survey that hints at Disney bundling sports vacations with ESPN and Adventures by Disney. Then in the main segment, Jim unpacks the wild story behind the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise—including how one clever Imag…

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Rebuilding the Future: How Innoventions Replaced CommuniCore (Ep. 538) 45:23

2M ago45:23

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Len Testa and Jim Hill cover the latest Disney news, including a major update to the dining reservation system, a rerouted parade to improve park flow, and the latest tweaks at Epic Universe. Then, Jim dives into the real story of how Epcot’s CommuniCore was shut down and transformed into Innoventions—Disney’s answer to a park in crisis. With budge…

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Michael Eisner’s Teen Crisis: The Birth of Videopolis (Ep. 537) 51:04

2M ago51:04

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Len Testa and Jim Hill look at recent updates across Walt Disney World and Epic Universe, including a new water play area in Animal Kingdom, a July reopening for Test Track, and a revealing Disney Cruise Line survey. Then in the main segment, Jim takes us back 30 years to the wild creation of Disneyland’s Videopolis—a teen dance club built in just …

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How Miami Nice, Pizza P-eye, and the Imagination Pavilion All Nearly Happened (Ep. 536) 1:02:20

2M ago1:02:20

1:02:20

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the newest Monstropolis concept art and speculate on Disney’s next big land grab near Blizzard Beach. They also examine Disneyland’s expansion strategy, a Coco boat ride, and why the Avatar land plans are quietly devouring backstage space. Then, in part three of the Journey Into Imagination saga, Jim reveals how Fi…

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Why Disney’s New Lounge Smells Like Crab Cakes (and Kodak Regrets) (Ep. 535) 58:29

3M ago58:29

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Len Testa reviews Epcot’s swanky new GEO82 Lounge—crab cakes, price tags, and time limits included—while Jim Hill breaks down the surprisingly tangled history of film companies at Disney Parks. Plus, thoughts on the reimagined Rivers of America concept art, Disney trains going backwards, and how one bear-loving park ranger is making a comeback. The…

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Can You Really Conquer Epic Universe Without an Express Pass? (Ep. 534) 48:16

3M ago48:16

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This week, Len Testa reveals how to take on Universal’s Epic Universe without shelling out for an Express Pass—and still live to tell the tale. Meanwhile, Jim Hill looks back at how long Disney & Kodak worked together and how that relationship then led to EPCOT's "Journey into Imagination pavilion. Epic Universe Touring Plan – Why you definitely wa…

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From Pop-Up to Permanent: Disney’s Tent Obsession and the Accidental Origins of Toontown (Ep. 533) 55:26

3M ago55:26

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how Disney’s “temporary” structures - from party tents to prefab domes - have a habit of overstaying their welcome. What starts as a stopgap often becomes a staple, and nowhere is that more obvious than in the strange evolution from Mickey’s Birthdayland to Toontown. Mickey’s Birthdayland - The 18-month quic…

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Mission: Space – Disney’s Most Ambitious Ride That Guests Don’t Want to Ride Twice (Ep. 532) 1:04:15

3M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Len Testa and Jim Hill break down the surprisingly intense history of Epcot’s Mission: Space—from launch-day astronauts and jetpack stunts to the guest experience that made this ride one of Disney’s most regretted one-and-dones. The Grand Opening – Jetpacks, Walter Cronkite, Buzz Aldrin, and a fireworks display that nearly gave journalists flashbac…

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The $25 Disaster: Why Disneyland’s Light Magic Parade Failed Spectacularly (Ep. 531) 51:30

4M ago51:30

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Len Testa and Jim Hill dive deep into the infamous debut of Light Magic, Disneyland’s ill-fated replacement for the Main Street Electrical Parade. What was promised as a “street-tacular” became a technical and creative misfire that left tens of thousands of annual passholders asking for refunds - and left behind glitter that haunted ride systems fo…

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Répétiteur Repartee: Cameron Basden & Light Rain 14:28

4M ago14:28

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Cameron Basden, Répétiteur for the Arpino Trust, joins us ahead of Fort Wayne Ballet's staging of Light Rain, as part of the Ballet Russe Reimagined series conclusion. Jim and Cameron discuss the evolution of our company over the years of performing Gerald Arpino's masterworks and the versatility and skill of Fort Wayne's dancers.…

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How Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland Almost Changed New Fantasyland (Ep. 530) 54:38

4M ago54:38

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Jim reveals Disney World’s scrapped plan to retheme the Mad Tea Party with Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland—a move that would’ve introduced clever nods to the film like “Drink Me” and “Eat Me” food stands and tied directly into Pixie Hollow. Len adds context with stories about Fantasyland’s expansion, while the duo discusses why Haunted Mansion Hol…

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Why it took 25 years to change the name of King Stefan's Banquet Hall (Ep. 529) 46:58

4M ago46:58

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dig into one of the strangest goofs in Disney history—how the restaurant inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom was originally named after the wrong king, and why it took over two decades (and a flood of guest complaints) to finally correct it. Also in this episode: The King Stefan Banquet Hall Backstory – Why I…

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Villains, Funhouses, and the Alice Ride That Was Almost Too Dangerous to Build (Ep. 528) 1:03:25

4M ago1:03:25

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Len Testa, Jim Hill, and Imagineer Jim Shull dig into the wild, weird, and wonderfully unsafe history of Disney’s unbuilt Alice in Wonderland walkthrough attraction—complete with collapsing stairs, spinning barrels, and push-bag trees. Also in this episode: Disneyland’s Funhouse That Never Was – Concept art and site plans reveal a walkthrough fille…

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Tariff concerns and a peek at Epic Universe (Ep 527) 1:48:20

5M ago1:48:20

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Len Testa & Jim Hill are joined this week by veteran Imagineer Jim Shull for a super-sized edition of this podcast. As these three first recap Len’s recent visit to Orlando’s newest theme park and then discuss what recent stock market fluctuations might mean for Disney’s previously announced plans for its Florida Resort Throughout this episode, lis…

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Fiberglass Heads and Forbidden Mountains (Ep. 526) 1:09:36

5M ago1:09:36

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This week, Jim Hill is joined by special guest Ruben Bolling, the award-winning cartoonist behind Tom the Dancing Bug, while Len Testa is off cruising with a buffet (hopefully). From sweaty Brer Bear suits to Buzz Lightyear’s chiropractor bills, Jim and Ruben explore the history—and hazards—of Disney character costumes. Plus, they dive into the fut…

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Serenade: Balanchine Finds Fort Wayne 29:35

5M ago29:35

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For the first time in its history, Fort Wayne Ballet is performing a work by the great choreographer George Balanchine. As we anticipate the upcoming part two of our Ballet Russe Reimagined series, Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown discuss the iconic ballet Serenade. Fort Wayne Ballet’s second of a three-part series, Ballet Russe Reimagined, will…

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009 - how “the worst candidate ever” won her dream job 22:49

5M ago22:49

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“it was either this job or no job.” today i’m sharing a crazy audition win story with you. in 2019, a cellist named maria reached out to me about her audition struggles. on paper, she was the “worst audition candidate ever” (her words). she had 2 small children, a full time teaching job, and hadn’t taken an audition in 4 years. she was also unable …

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The Red Car That Never Was: Sunset Boulevard’s Lost History and Epic Universe’s Survey (Ep. 525) 1:00:59

5M ago1:00:59

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill take you back to a time when Hollywood Studios had no Sunset Boulevard and how a red car, a Rocketeer supper club, and Roger Rabbit rides nearly changed everything. Plus, Universal’s first Epic Universe guest survey raises big questions about whether there’s enough to do on opening day. Sunset Boulevard: The Origin…

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Reflections Complete: The Full Story of Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge and the Evolution of DVC (Ep. 524) 45:37

5M ago45:37

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by DVC expert Paul Krieger to finally wrap up the long-running series on Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge—now Lakeshore Lodge. They explore how this project evolved from concept to construction, what’s next for the Fort Wilderness area, and how Disney Vacation Club is changing the way it builds and b…

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Conversations with the Choreographer: David Ingram 22:11

5M ago22:11

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David Ingram is Fort Wayne Ballet’s guest choreographer for Les Sylphides as part of the Ballet Russe Reimagined series. In this interview, Jim Sparrow asks David about his career and his inspiration for setting new movement to this classic piece. Fort Wayne Ballet’s first of a 3-part series, Ballet Russe Reimagined, will be performed on March 21 a…

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Disney Concept Art vs. Reality: Why Your Favorite Rides Look So Different (Ep. 523) 54:48

5M ago54:48

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down new details about the Indiana Jones ride at Animal Kingdom, explore the Monsters Inc. Door Coaster ride system, and take a deep dive into how Disney’s concept art often differs from reality—sometimes dramatically. Monsters Inc. Door Coaster – Disney shares the latest look at this first-of-its-kind suspen…

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Ballet Russe in Review: An En Avant Supercut 26:04

6M ago26:04

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The En Avant series, narrated by Fort Wayne Ballet Artistic Director Karen Gibbons-Brown, airs Saturdays on 89.1 WBOI during the Classical Connections Review. This episode of the Kinetic Conversations Podcast is a supercut of Karen’s six-part series on the history of the Ballet Russe, from its post-classical beginnings in Russia to its influence on…

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The Indiana Jones Ride at Animal Kingdom: What We Know So Far (Ep. 522) 1:02:40

6M ago1:02:40

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal new details about the Indiana Jones ride planned for Animal Kingdom’s Tropical Americas land, including early concept art, ride storylines, and how Imagineering is staying true to Maya culture. Plus, Len shares insights from an archaeology conference where Disney presented these plans to Maya experts. Indian…

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The Untold Story of Ron Miller and Disney’s Lost Era (Ep. 521) 54:30

6M ago54:30

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by award-winning journalist Neil O’Brien to explore the most under-reported period in Disney’s history—the years between Walt’s death and Michael Eisner’s arrival. Neil’s new book, "After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company," uncovers how Ron Miller, Walt Dis…

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Conversations with the Choreographer: Mark Godden 25:18

6M ago25:18

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On March 21, Fort Wayne Ballet is presenting Le Sacre du printemps, otherwise known as Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, as part of the Ballet Russe Reimagined series. It will be presented as a world premiere, with new choreography by famed choreographer, Mark Godden. Artistic Director Karen Gibbons-Brown sat down with Mark to discuss the process of cre…

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Buffalo Junction: Disney’s Forgotten Frontier Resort (Ep. 520) 1:06:04

6M ago1:06:04

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill, joined by former Imagineer Jim Shull, dive into the fascinating history of Buffalo Junction, the resort Disney almost built between Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. Inspired by Disneyland Paris, this Wild West-themed destination was set to include a working railroad, frontier town-style hotel, and a live Buff…

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Is D23 the New Magic Kingdom Club… and Is It Worth It? (Ep. 519) 56:06

6M ago56:06

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill break down Hollywood Studios’ unannounced Villaintines Day event, Disney’s history of lost resort projects, and Universal’s wild new food lineup for Epic Universe. Villaintines Day at Hollywood Studios – How Disney surprised guests with an unannounced villains-themed event, complete with rare character greetings an…

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Bringing Home the Ballet Russe 30:14

7M ago30:14

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Stravinsky's unnerving music meets backdrops by... Picasso? As we move into our Spring season, we look ahead to our three stagings of the Ballet Russe Reimagined. Jim and Karen sit down and discuss what the Ballet Russe means historically to ballet, and how our performances bring back the traditions of the roving dance company of the early 20th cen…

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En Avant: The Ballet Russe Part 6 5:07

7M ago5:07

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After getting his start in the Ballet Russe, George Balanchine makes a name in New York.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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En Avant: The Ballet Russe Part 5 5:07

7M ago5:07

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The Ballet Russe finds new life in America after Diaghilev's death.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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How Disney Tried (and Failed) to Sell a Ticket Book for Fort Wilderness (Ep. 518) 1:02:23

7M ago1:02:23

1:02:23

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill dive into the history of Fort Wilderness and River Country, including the expansion that almost happened and how Disney’s first water park became a fan favorite before shutting down. Plus, Jim continues the story of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge and why it never made it off the ground. River Country’s Rise a…

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Annual Passes and the Mystery of Disney’s Vanishing Resort (Ep. 517) 52:58

7M ago52:58

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the surprising history of annual passes—how Disneyland accidentally created a theme park membership program and what Disney might have in store next. Plus, Jim continues the saga of Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge, the resort that made it to the concept art phase but never to reality. The Origins of An…

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Conquering Epcot’s Festival of the Arts and the Mystery of Disney’s Reflections (Ep. 516) 1:06:41

7M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill are joined by Christina Harrison to explore the best (and worst) of Epcot’s Festival of the Arts while diving into the intriguing history of Disney’s shelved resort project, Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge. Festival of the Arts Food Tour: Christina breaks down the must-try dishes, including the return of Japan’s Taiy…

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How to Beat Animal Kingdom Before Breakfast (and What Happened to Reflections?) (Ep. 515) 52:04

7M ago52:04

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill share how to conquer Animal Kingdom faster than you can finish a Mickey waffle and dig into the curious case of Disney’s Reflections: A Lakeside Lodge. Animal Kingdom Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to finishing all major rides in under two hours—because who has time to wait in line? Reflections: A Lakeside …

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En Avant: The Ballet Russe Part 4 5:07

7M ago5:07

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The Ballet's repertoire expands during a successful tour of South America.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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En Avant: The Ballet Russe Part 3 5:08

7M ago5:08

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Diaghilev brings together the greatest artists, composers, and choreographers of the day to create innovative and sometimes controversial works.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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En Avant: The Ballet Russe Part 2 5:07

7M ago5:07

5:07

The Bolshevik revolution makes artistic expression a dangerous undertaking in Russia, and Diaghilev takes the Ballet to the West instead.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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En Avant: The Ballet Russe Part 1 5:07

7M ago5:07

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Diaghilev takes the reigns and showcases Russian dance to the rest of the world.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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En Avant: Nutcracker: Lasting Traditions 5:06

7M ago5:06

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Having found new life in America, the Nutcracker thrives as a holiday tradition.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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En Avant: Nutcracker: Composing with Tchaikovsky 5:09

7M ago5:09

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Petipa works with the famed composer to establish the music for the famed holiday ballet.By Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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En Avant: Nutcracker: Dancing of the Sweets 5:08

7M ago5:08

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We explore Petipa's inspiration for the dances in his NutcrackerBy Jim Sparrow, John Dawkins

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Taking on Hollywood Studios Without Lightning Lane (and Winning) (Ep. 514) 59:37

8M ago59:37

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This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill reveal how to take on Hollywood Studios during peak crowds without relying on Lightning Lane, plus a look at Disney’s music legend George Wilkins and other park updates: Hollywood Studios Touring Plan: Len’s step-by-step guide to beating a 9/10 crowd level in six hours flat—without Lightning Lane. George Wilkins Tr…

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How Disney’s George Wilkins Created the Soundtrack to Your EPCOT Dreams (Ep. 513) 51:03

8M ago51:03

51:03

This week, Len Testa and Jim Hill explore the remarkable career of Disney composer George Wilkins, the man behind EPCOT’s most iconic music, and discuss the latest park updates and strategies. George Wilkins Tribute: How a 45-year-old jingle writer turned EPCOT into his personal symphony. Free Dining Returns: Disney’s 2025 dining offer is back, but…