How Walt Disney Turned Orange Juice and Peanut Butter into Theme Parks (Ep. 59)

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey trace the surprising origins of Disney’s licensing empire - back to a time when Walt needed just $300 to keep the studio running. From the Alice Comedies to Donald Duck orange juice and Peter Pan peanut butter, this episode explores how early merchandise deals weren’t just about profit - they were survival.

Jim unpacks how licensing set the foundation for everything from Disneyana collectors to the modern parks. Meanwhile, Lauren shares her latest finds in the merch world, including:

Why the Fantastic Four landed in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland

The rise of Cakeworthy and modern Disney collabs

Inside Disney’s $63 billion licensing empire

How a peanut butter deal helped fund Disneyland

The origins of Donald Duck Orange Juice and collectible Ariel dolls

Disney's licensing strategy from the 1920s to today

From peanut butter tins to popcorn buckets, this episode dives into how Disney turned product placement into a legacy.

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