News & Press Releases

“Forever Let Us Hold Our Banners High! High! High! High!”

Brian Ramsey of Surplus Kingdom introduces himself to the JHM audience and then explains how he wound up in the Disneyana, Theme Park, Hotel and Resort Surplus business

Published

16 years ago

March 31, 2009

Jim Hill

Notice anything different about JHM lately? Particularly in
that banner space toward the top of the page?

That’s because JimHillMedia recently switched sponsors.
Where once Mouse Surplus held the top spot at this website, now Surplus Kingdom
rules the roost.

Confused yet? Wait. It gets worse. My name is Brian Ramsey.
And I’m the guy who used to own Mouse Surplus but who now owns & operates Surplus
Kingdom.

So what happened there? Well, do you remember what happened
with Walt Disney and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit? It was a lot like that, actually.
Only instead of losing control of some cartoon bunny, I lost control of a Disney
collectibles business that I’d spent almost 10 years building up.

But that’s okay. Because – as Walt once said:

“You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth
may be the best thing in the world for you.”

And every hard lesson mistake that I learned from losing
control of Mouse Surplus, I’ve now applied toward Surplus Kingdom. Which I’m
determined to build into the No. 1 Disneyana, Theme Park, Hotel and Resort
Surplus business out there.

Of course, one of the advantages that I have over my
competition is … Well, I’ve actually been doing this for almost a decade now.
And in that time, I’ve gotten to do some pretty amazing things at the Disney Parks
& Resorts. Including:

Visiting the Magic Kingdom after-hours to remove
fixtures from the Main Street Train Station & Tomorrowland’s Timekeeper
attraction for resale.

Liquidating thousands of rooms full of furniture
at WDW’s Contemporary Resort, Polynesian Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Caribbean
Beach and All-Star Music Resort. Not to mention the Disneyland Resort’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Assisted in the liquidation of the prop department
at Walt Disney Studios.

Salvaged what was left of the subs from WDW’s late,
lamented “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” attraction for resale

Okay. I know. There are people out there don’t like and/or don’t
understand what I do. They just hate the idea that The Walt Disney Company is a
business that – like every business out there – periodically sells off and/or
gets rid of things it no longer needs or wants.

But me? I kind of think of Surplus Kingdom like the Island
of Misfit Toys. And my goal is to try & find new homes for all the stuff
that Mickey no longer needs or wants. Plus make a buck or two.

And I gotta tell you, given that I’m a Disneyana collector
myself, it’s sometime pretty tough to part with some of these items that I come
across.

Take – for instance –
the images that I’ve used to illustrate today’s article. They all come from
this series of laser discs that I recently purchased from Disney.

To be honest, there’s a little bit of everything in this
pile of discs. The finale film (i.e. the fourth revised version of this
compilation of classic clips circa April of 1999) for “The Great Movie Ride.”
Tokyo Disneyland’s version of “Captain Eo.” The pre-show & post-show loops
from Space Mountain (You know? Those short movies that used to play on the
overhead monitors as you walked through this Tomorrowland queue). Plus a disc
that used to be shown in DHS’s Studio Showcase which explained how the special
effects in “Mary Poppins” & “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” were produced.

So why did Disney let these truly cool little laser discs
go? A couple of reasons, actually.For
one thing, over the past several years, The Walt Disney Company has updated a
lot of the technology that it uses at its theme parks. Which means that – in most
cases – laser discs were replaced by digital files.

And then … Again quoting from Walt:

“(Insert
the name of your favorite Disney theme park here) will never be complete. It
will continue to grow as long as there is imagination in the world.”

Which means that the Mouse periodically changes out rides,
shows and attractions. Just so that the Guests always have something new to see
whenever they visit the Parks.

And that stuff that Disney casts off while it’s freshening
up an attraction or remodeling a resort … Well, that’s what I wind up with.
Which I then attempt to resell through Surplus Kingdom.

Again, over the past 10 years of doing this sort of work at
the Walt Disney World & Disneyland Resort, I’ve witnessed some
pretty amazing things. Not to mention acquiring some pretty snazzy items for my
own personal Disneyana collection.

In the weeks & months ahead, I hope to share some of
these stories with you. Not to mention showcasing various items from my own
Disneyana collection. All with the hope that you might then be compelled to head
on over the Surplus Kingdom website to see “What Will You Find?”

But that can wait ‘til my next JHM article. For now … I just
wanted to introduce myself as well as explain (for those of you who remember Brian
Ramsey from my old Mouse Surplus days) how I wound up over at Surplus Kingdom.

Beyond that … It’s a real banner day here at Surplus Kingdom.
K-E-Y ? Because we’re thrilled to be the new sponsor of JimHillMedia’s banner
space.

News & Press Releases

New Updates and Exclusive Content from Jim Hill Media: Disney, Universal, and More

Published

9 months ago

February 23, 2024

Jim Hill

Boy oh boy, do I have some exciting news to share with all of you.

If you’ve been following our journey at Jim Hill Media, you know we’re all about peeling back the curtain to reveal behind the scenes insights, news, and history that surround the world of entertainment and theme parks.

And today, I’ve got a treasure trove of updates to share. So, grab your popcorn, and let’s get into it.

A New Chapter on Patreon

As many of you know, we recently made the big leap over to Patreon, and let me tell you, it’s been quite a rollercoaster ride. This move was driven by your requests for more exclusive content (and the easy to use RSS feed and app is a BIG bonus).

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support. Your enthusiasm and engagement have been the driving force behind our passion for delivering the best of Disney and Universal content.

Moving to Patreon has opened new avenues for us to connect more deeply with our listeners, offering exciting perks and benefits that allow us to tailor our content more closely to your interests and preferences. It’s been an incredible journey of crafting special content, such as the launch of our video podcast series, [Disney Unpacked].

[Disney Unpacked] – A Video Podcast Series Like No Other

Imagine sitting down for a chat with a Disney Imagineer who’s helped shape your Disney experiences for over three decades. That’s what we’re bringing to the table with [Disney Unpacked]. Alongside the legendary Jim Shull and my partner in crime Len Testa, we explore Disney’s storytelling, sharing how beloved rides and attractions were created, through the eyes of an Imagineer like Jim Shull who personally contributed to these projects.

It’s a rare opportunity to host a video show with Jim Shull, a Disney Imagineer who’s worked on projects like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Toontown for over 33 years. If you’re curious about Jim and his work, check out our “Meet Jim Shull” video.

But that’s not all – as a patron, you’ll gain access to even more exclusive content. Our “Carry On” podcast, where Jim Shull and I explore stories that didn’t quite make it into the main episodes, offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind [Disney Unpacked]. Plus, our regular Q&A sessions give you the chance to get answers to all your burning questions about the show.

Beyond the Podcast: Photos and Artifacts from an Imagineers Personal Collection

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, let me introduce you to our brand-new monthly video show, “Picture This.” Hosted by yours truly alongside Jim Shull and moderated by Lauren Hersey, “Picture This” offers a behind-the-scenes look at Jim Shull’s personal collection of over 60,000 photos and artifacts from his 33-year career at Disney. From rare behind-the-scenes shots to exclusive glimpses of Disney history, this show is a must-watch for any serious Disney fan.

Jim Shull opens up his vault and shares some never-before-seen photos and the stories about them.

The History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Recently, it was announced that Disneyland’s Paradise Pier hotel would be reopening as the Pixar Place Hotel.

Curious about the backstory behind this decision? Join Jim Shull and me as we delve into the history of the Pixar Place hotel. Explore its fascinating origins and gain insights into the inspirations drawn from Jim’s leadership on the Toy Story Hotel project at Shanghai Disney.

This YouTube documentary-style video offers a look into the creative process behind one of Disney’s iconic hotel projects.

Debut of “I Want That Too” Video Podcast

Introducing our newest podcast addition, “I Want That Too,” where Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey dive deep into the fascinating world of Disney products. From toys and collectibles to apparel and home goods, we’re here to unpack it all.

But we’re not just about the merchandise – join us as we explore the rich history and untold stories behind your favorite Disney goodies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your Disney journey, there’s something for everyone on “I Want That Too.”

This show drops bi-weekly as a Podcast and a Video over on the Jim Hill Media YouTube Channel.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today.

Welcoming Universal Fans with “Epic Universal” Podcast

And for all you Universal enthusiasts (or Universal Curious) out there, we’ve got you covered too! Introducing “Epic Universal,” a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Eric Hersey and yours truly.

Join us as we dive into the latest news, interviews, and trip planning tips from the Universal universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about what’s happening at Universal Studios, we invite you to join the conversation and stay updated with “Epic Universal.”

A Look Ahead: The Future of Jim Hill Media

Phew! It’s been an exhilarating few months at Jim Hill Media, with our Patreon move and new show launches, all dedicated to bringing you top-notch theme park news, insights, and history. Your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our efforts, and we’re incredibly thankful for it.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the future, with more content and partnerships on the horizon. Whether you’re into Disney, Universal, Marvel, or Merch, we invite you to stay engaged and subscribe for more updates.

A huge thank you for being part of our journey.

News & Press Releases

Disney Will Bring D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event to Anaheim, California in August 2024

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2023

Nancy Stadler

Expanded Disney Fan Experience Will Feature New and Exciting Events Across Multiple Locations, Including a D23 Takeover of the Happiest Place On Earth, Evening Entertainment at the Honda Center, D23 Day at Angel Stadium, and Much More

Fan Favorites Including Exhibits, Panels, Shows, and Shopping Will Dazzle Disney Enthusiasts at the Anaheim Convention Center

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is a one-of-a-kind fan experience like never before with spectacular shows, new venues, and multiple days of entertainment that will bring together the best of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more!

Highlightswill include:

Sunday, August 4: D23 Day at Angel Stadium, where D23 fans are invited to attend the Los Angeles Angels vs. New York Mets game.
Thursday, August 8: D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort.
Friday, August 9 – Sunday, August 11: Shopping, exhibits, panels, and presentations will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center during the day, with the fun extending into the evening at the Honda Center, the bigger home to marquee shows.

Tickets for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will go on sale in Spring 2024, with ticketing options to be announced later for access to the Anaheim Convention Center and the Honda Center. Admission for D23 Day at Angel Stadium and the D23 kickoff celebration at Disneyland Resort will be available as separate ticketed events. Additional details for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will be announced in early 2024.

You can get updates by staying connected to D23 via social media (@DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X), D23.com, and our weekly D23 FanFare email (sign up for free as a D23 General Member at JoinD23.com).

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s nearly 100-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic year-round through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; the latest news and stories on D23.com; member-exclusive offers and discounts; the popular D23 Inside Disney podcast; and special experiences for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold Membership ($99.99/year), Gold Duo Membership ($129.99/year), and General Membership (complimentary) levels at D23.com. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

News & Press Releases

Star Wars Spoof: Space Robots in Outer Space Ep X: Battle for the Halcyon: The Last Starcruiser

Published

2 years ago

May 4, 2023

Jim Hill

Sure, Star Wars is cool and all. But let’s not forget about that other multi-part sci-fi cinematic spectacular, “Space Robots in Outer Space.” In fact, Hank Lonely (Hollywood’s ultimate hyphenate — actor / producer / director / writer / guy who makes sure the Porto Potties are kept squeaky-clean) just announced that there’ll soon be a 10th installment of this … Well, not exactly beloved. How about we say “admired from afar” instead? … series coming to a theater near you. In fact, here’s the highly anticipated teaser trailer for that project. Which is supposed to be titled “Space Robots in Outer Space X — Battle for the Halycon: The Last Starcruiser.”

Okay. Now the real story … In honor of Star Wars Day (i.e., May 4th. As in “May the Fourth Be With You”), Len Testa and I are sharing something that we produced with the help of all the nice folks who joined us last month aboard the Halycon.

We turned the Galactic Starcruiser as well as Black Spire Outpost into the backdrop for an affectionate send-up of all things Stars Wars. We hope that you (more importantly, the legal team at Lucasfilm) take this faux trailer in the spirit with which it was intended. Special thanks to Aaron Adams for so skillfully stitching all of this footage together. Also thanks to the team at Storybook Destinations, Touring Plans and the talented cast & crew aboard the “Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser” for making this “Disney Dish” fan event so memorable.