The Candy That Clicked: How Disney Turned Pez into a Collectible Empire (Ep. 92)

Jim Hill and Lauren Hersey break down Disney’s clever Pixar Merch Madness campaign and debate which franchise will dominate the bracket. They also dive into the overwhelming demand for Bluey in the parks, the rollout of new Bluey merchandise, and how Hannah Montana nostalgia is fueling a fresh wave of Disney consumer products. Then, Jim uncovers the surprising origin story of Disney Pez dispensers and how they became one of the company’s longest-running collectibles. NEWS • Disney launches a Pixar-themed “Merch Madness” bracket on Instagram, letting fans vote daily to determine future limited-release merchandise • Early matchups show strong wins for Cars, Monsters Inc., and Finding Nemo, with Ratatouille narrowly beating Up • Bluey’s Best Day Ever debuts at Disneyland with overwhelming demand, long lines, and immediate operational adjustments • Disney reevaluating Bluey show length after feedback that 40 minutes may be too long for younger audiences • New Bluey merchandise arrives at Disneyland, including apparel and collectible figures designed for both kids and adults • Hannah Montana’s 20th anniversary (“Hannah-versary”) sparks new merch across Disney Store, Amazon, and fashion collaborations FEATURE • Pez was invented in 1927 as a breath freshener alternative to smoking, with dispensers modeled after cigarette lighters • Disney characters first appeared on unauthorized Pez dispensers in 1955, leading to a six-year negotiation before official licensing in 1961 • Early Disney Pez prototypes and discontinued designs are now highly valuable collector’s items, with some selling for thousands • The brand shifted from adult breath mints to kid-focused candy after success with character dispensers and novelty designs • Disney park-exclusive Pez items now include Haunted Mansion and Figment dispensers, along with themed display pieces like monorails • Pez collecting remains a passionate hobby, with conventions like Pezamania and rare pieces driving a strong secondary market HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 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 SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlock Magic, your go-to source for discounted Disney and Universal theme park tickets. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar for 2026, visit UnlockMagic.com to lock in great deals and expert support. 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