The Case For with Chris Cox

2d ago

Snack credits are either the best little “vacation cheat code” Disney ever slipped into the Dining Plan - or a spreadsheet-powered trap that turns your family trip into a competitive sport. This week in the Court of the Disney World Resort, Len Testa and Chris Cox argue whether snack credits are a smart way to stretch your Walt Disney World dollars, or just a confusing system that rewards the deeply committed and mildly deranged. Along the way, there is Starbucks math, Epcot festival strategy, and at least one Easy-Bake oven-related conflict of interest. HIGHLIGHTS • Why snack credits can be a secret weapon at EPCOT festivals - especially when you know which items creep up toward that $10 “sweet spot.” • The maddening part of the Dining Plan - there is no consistent rule for what counts as a snack, so you’re stuck hunting for the logo like it’s a scavenger hunt. • The “snack credit endgame” - realizing on your last day you have a pile of credits left, and suddenly you’re importing Rice Krispies treats through customs . • Using snack credits for “breakfast” (because apparently cheesecake counts as dairy and eggs ) and other vacation logic that only makes sense inside the Disney bubble. • The philosophical divide - gaming the system for maximum value vs. enjoying the feeling that “past you paid for this,” so present you can just say yes and keep moving. For this episode’s full show notes, click here. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Len Testa - IG: @len.testa | Website: TouringPlans.com • Chris Cox - IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia . PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 3

In this week’s episode of The Case For , Jim and Chris dive deep into the foamy, sugary mystery of Butterbeer – from its first mention in Prisoner of Azkaban to its billion-calorie domination of Universal’s theme parks. Along the way, they track the near-miss Disney deal, J.K. Rowling’s taste-testing power, and exactly why Len Testa is currently horizontal. It’s a sweet, strange, and slightly sticky journey through theme park history. FEATURE • How Butterbeer evolved from J.K. Rowling’s books to real-world theme park phenomenon • Disney’s early plans for a Harry Potter mini-land – and how the deal slipped through their fingers • Universal’s long development process, the top-secret taste test in Scotland, and why the drink became a runaway hit • The many forms of Butterbeer across the Wizarding World, from frozen to fudge to the notorious cream puff HOSTS • Jim Hill – IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Chris Cox – IG: @magiccox | X: @bigcox | Website: magiccox.com FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia . PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey – Strong Minded Agency If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 19

This week, Jim Hill joins Len Testa and Chris Cox in the Court of the Walt Disney World Resort to open the mailbag and dive into your comments on park hopping, rope dropping, resort strategy, and the joys of solo touring. HIGHLIGHTS What real guests say about when park hopping actually pays off Why longer UK trips flip the park-hop vs. slow-down debate The surprising power of resort location — and why Epcot area hotels keep winning Rope dropping vs. teenagers: an age-old (and very sleepy) dilemma Solo trips, flexibility, and the freedom to wander at will 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 Patreon Love the show and want to support more episodes like this? Join us on Patreon and get early access and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews YouTube: @jimhillmedia TikTok: @jimhillmedia Production Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 5

Order in the court! Judge Jim Hill presides as Len Testa and Chris Cox debate whether Walt Disney World’s deluxe resorts truly justify their sky-high price tags. From monorail convenience and poolside fireworks to theming, dining plans, and “three-zone bathrooms,” this episode puts Disney luxury on trial. But when the verdict’s in, will comfort, convenience, or cost win the day? HIGHLIGHTS Chris argues the magic of waking up to a Savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge — even if you’re rushing to the bus five minutes later. Len breaks down travel times, room sizes, and the math behind “$210-a-night happiness.” Jim recalls the evolution of Disney’s resort categories — and how Grand Floridian ’s grandeur has changed over time. A deep dive into the perks of Deluxe dining, early-entry hours, and the eternal battle between park time and resort time . The trio reflects on nostalgia, theming, and the real price of that “Disney bubble.” Hosts Chris Cox — X/Twitter: @bigcox | Instagram: @magiccox | Website: magiccox.com Len Testa — BlueSky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com Patreon Support the show and get bonus episodes at patreon.com/jimhillmedia Follow Us Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia Producer Credits Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency Sponsor Interested in sponsoring this show? Contact us here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 22

In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox , the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most exclusive experiences: after hours hard ticket events. From Boo Bash to Jollywood Nights, are these late-night parties packed with unique perks, or are they just overpriced parades, cocoa, and chaos? Chris Cox and Len Testa present both sides while Judge Jim Hill keeps the cocoa flowing and the wardrobe sequins shimmering. What’s on trial this week: The history of after hours events and how they evolved from one-night novelties to multi-month marathons Whether reduced crowds, short ride times, and exclusive parades justify the hefty ticket price The reality of hauling sleepy kids through midnight Magic Kingdom—and missing rope drop the next morning Unique snacks, trick-or-treating, and photo ops with rare characters like Zombie Goofy and the Seven Dwarfs Why weather, timing, and strategy can make or break your experience—and how to avoid the rookie mistakes Are these late-night parties the secret sauce of a magical Disney trip, or just an expensive way to ruin your socks in the rain? The verdict is still out. Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 8

In this episode of The Case For with Chris Cox , the court examines one of Walt Disney World's most debated splurges: Club Level rooms. Are they an indulgent upgrade that transforms your trip, or just overpriced cereal and concierge small talk? Chris Cox and Len Testa make their case while Judge Jim Hill hears stories of magical views, cookie deliveries, and Drew Carey cameos. What “Club Level” really includes at Disney resorts - and what it doesn’t Whether unlimited snacks and concierge service justify the sky-high nightly rates The surprising Club Level location that offers the best bang for your buck Why your kids may never forgive you for downgrading after trying it once Hidden perks, real-world tradeoffs, and the psychology of "crying once" over vacation costs Is Club Level the ultimate Disney splurge or an overpriced trap for hungry parkgoers? The verdict is still out. Share your thoughts and weigh in on social media to help settle the case. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17

In this second episode of The Case For with Chris Cox , the gavel drops on one of the earliest theme park traditions. Rope dropping: brilliant strategy or brutal wake-up call? Chris Cox and Len Testa make their cases while Judge Jim Hill listens for signs of sleep deprivation and theme park strategy gone too far. What’s on trial this week: The origins of rope dropping and why the ropes are mostly symbolic these days How jet lag gives UK visitors a secret advantage Whether staying at a Disney resort is now a requirement to rope drop effectively First-family perks, empty Main Streets, and cinnamon rolls the size of your face Why reverse jet lag might make “closing the park” the new rope drop TouringPlans data on who actually does rope drop and what the stats say Pro tips for maximizing your early hours and what not to rope drop Have you set an alarm for 5 a.m. to ride Rise of the Resistance? Or are you happy to sleep in and skip the stampede? We want to hear from you. Weigh in with your verdict on social media and let us know which side you're on. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1

Is park hopping the best way to squeeze every drop of Disney magic out of your vacation - or just an overpriced bus pass with extra steps? In this first episode of The Case For with Chris Cox, mind reader and performer Chris Cox squares off against theme park expert Len Testa, while Disney historian Jim Hill dons judge’s robe to deliver a verdict. What’s on trial this week: The strange history of park hopping at Walt Disney World (including a giant ticket costume) Costs, trade-offs, and whether that money is better spent on Dole Whip or dinner The joy - or misery - of buses, monorails, and the Disney Skyliner How Lightning Lane, rope drops, and UK vs. US vacation styles change the debate Why some families say “yes” to more rides, while others say “slow down and enjoy the parks” The verdict? You be the judge. Tell us if park hopping is your go-to Disney strategy - or just a fast pass to frustration. Follow the Hosts Chris Cox – https://www.magiccox.com Instagram - @magiccox Twitter/X - @bigcox Len Testa – https://www.touringplans.com Instagram - @len.testa BlueSky - lentesta.bsky.social Jim Hill – https://jimhillmedia.com Instagram - @jimhillmedia Twitter/X - @jimhillmedia Next case: rope dropping at Disney Parks - because nothing says “vacation” like a 5 a.m. wake-up call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices