News & Press Releases

Don’t Be A Scrooge- Holiday Tips!

Published

14 years ago

November 14, 2010

Don't Be a Scrooge!

In the midst of a sluggish economy, high unemployment rates and rising airfares, there's a reason so many people utter Charles Dickens' memorable line, "Bah, humbug!" at some point during the holiday season. However, with a little ingenuity-and planning-you can have a memorable celebration even if money is tight. We have numerous tips to help you spend wisely on gifts, entertaining and travel. Ebenezer Scrooge, be damned!

GIFT-GIVING GUIDANCE

This holiday season may be the time to set some new ground rules for gift-giving in your family. Don't worry. We're not suggesting the stockings go unstuffed, just that you be a bit more creative in bestowing meaningful gifts that won't leave you penniless. Robyn Spizman, the country's foremost gift-expert and author of Make It Memorable, shares eight wallet-friendly ideas:

Give from your heart. "Think about your attitude of gratitude and a kind deed someone did for you this past year. Express your thanks by writing a heartfelt note or poem or get creative and write an acrostic based on their name like Thank you Tony: T is for Terrific, O is for One of a Kind, N is for Nice and Y is for You…Terrific, One of a Kind, Nice – You!"
Gift a page turning gift! "Re-gift your favorite book. While you should avoid being a Scrooge and re-gifting things you don't want-what makes you think anyone else wants them-when it comes to a treasured book you loved reading, that's anti-Scrooge and approved. Add a bookmark or self-sticking notes throughout the book with little messages of what a novel friend or family member they are."
Give them a hand! "Give a gift that saves time and frustration. Grandma might love to sew, but threading those needles can be a Scrooge moment. Thread up a month's worth of needles for Grandma and just watch your gift sew up her affection. It will clearly keep her in stitches and put a smile on her face."
Think free and fabulous. "Give the age-old coupon that you personalize for an errand, from getting your best bud organized, driving carpool, pet-sitting, babysitting, to cake baking!"
Give mini wishes! "Consider filling a care package with their favorite chewing gum, free samples of higher-priced items, etc. Small gifts can be a big way of giving a variety of your favorite things, such as new products to try. You can include some coupons from the newspaper or stores to save them time, money and energy!"
Give a do-together gift. "Choose something for a friend that you two can do together, such as tickets for a friend or a mani and pedi."
Share a recipe. "Give a favorite recipe and the ingredients and maybe even a lesson in cake baking. Bring everything with you, stir up some fun and voila! You've made dessert for them."
Consider freezer pleasers. "Fill up a friend or family member's freezer with casseroles, home-baked goodies and anything destined to freeze and then please! It's such a thoughtful gift that's certain to warm up even a Scrooge's cold heart!"

ENTERTAINING WITH EASE

If you are responsible for hosting your family's extended Christmas Eve dinner, or you just can't give up the annual holiday bash you always throw, do not worry. The party can still be a smashing success even on a smaller budget. Los Angeles caterer Kate Paul of Food Ink believes a fabulous party is all in the details. Here are her top ten tips:

"Easy floral décor for the table: do one type of flower so that there is no time-consuming arranging that might make you tear your hair out! Mismatched mason jars or small juice bottles (Italian fruit juice bottles are the best for a designer look) filled with one bloom-and underlit by tealights-is an easy, ten-minute design."
"Place candles outside the doorway, perhaps even up the path, to greet guests and let them know that you are happy to see them."
"Don't forget hand towels, a candle and a small bud vase filled with fragrant flowers in the bathroom. These three things will make all the difference and guests will feel like they are at a high-end restaurant!"
"Always offer a cheese platter, which you can set up the night before. Add crackers and berries just before the party starts. That way if guests turn up early (someone always does) they will have something to eat."
"In this challenging economy, think about potlucks with your friends so that you can all see each other without huge expenses falling to one person. Perhaps designate a theme and ask people to bring along a dish of their choice that fits the theme. You designate appetizer, salad, vegetable, side, dessert, etc., or just serve all heavy appetizers!"
"Don't be overly ambitious with the menu. It is better to offer the best-tasting four appetizers EVER than try to replicate that French Laundry Chef's Table Experience. Good as you are, you won't relax!"
"Take one day to visit your local gourmet stores to see what new appetizers and prepared foods they have in stock. That way you can pre-plan food that can be oven easy if you don't have it in you to cook every element."
"Ask your local liquor store if they will supply you with alcohol on a sale/return basis. You send back unused and unopened bottles so you only pay what is consumed and don't have any leftovers that cost you money."
"Set up a proper bar, even if you're only serving beer and wine. Put wine in a wine cooler, line glasses up on trays, and be sure to have the extras like sliced citrus for water, a bottle opener and a small garbage can nearby for trash."
"Take the time to introduce your guests to each other, note what each may have in common or how you know them, and make sure that no one is left without a glass in their hand."

TRAVEL TIPS

One of the most stressful things about the holidays is travel: from packing to security lines, crowded flights to inevitable delays. Add to that the fact that airfares are on the rise again this year and it's hard to get too excited about leaving town. Fortunately, expert Peter Greenberg, CBS News Travel Editor and author of "Tough Times, Great Travels," has lots of good advice for surviving the season:

"I'm a contrarian traveler, so my advice is this: it's best to travel when everyone else ISN'T," says Greenberg. "That means not hitting the road the Wednesday before or the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and definitely not the day before Christmas. But guess what? Winter does provide two great opportunities to travel when there are no crowds: the week AFTER Thanksgiving and just after New Year's. Those are known as the dead weeks in travel, which means great deals, no crowds, and best of all, no traffic."
Use the Internet to your advantage, advises Greenberg on his website, PeterGreenberg.com. "Sign up for fare alerts for your specific city so you'll be notified if and when the price goes down. Specific airlines have them, as do resources like Farecompare.com and AirfareWatchdog.com. Also, take a look at Bing Travel's Farecast alert which tells you with reasonable confidence whether prices will go up, down, or stay flat."
If you have the time, connect. "Look for connecting flights rather than non-stops for better deals," he says. "But make sure the layover is at least an hour. If you miss a connection due to a delay, it will be difficult to get on another flight."
"Last, but not least, on short trips, remember the most economical alternative is to skip the planes altogether and opt for a bus or train," says Greenberg. "Prices around the holidays remain relatively stable, whether you're traveling before, on or during Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Not all reservations are guaranteed, so arrive early to avoid being bumped."

DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL BLU-RAY COMBO PACK AND DVD AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 16^TH

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.