May the Fourth be with you - and may plentiful Pixar pals dance through your head while you learn all about Pixar Fest on this week's show! Kristen Carr from Mousetalgia Fastpass joins us this week to discuss everything about the Disneyland Resort's latest happening - Pixar Fest, which celebrates everything Pixar in both Disneyland[...]
This week, Kristen joins Jeff to talk about the recent "Marc and Alice Davis Archives" auction hosted by Heritage Auctions. We talk about the first time we met Alice Davis back in 2011, and share our memories of touring her home gallery featuring all of Marc's art, and her relationship with Mary Blair - and[...]
Happy Easter! This week, we take a trip to Disneyland with 1955 guest Kit Reichow, who first visited Disneyland in his wonder years in September 1955 and never stopped visiting. We take a look at the park through the eyes of a guest who grew up alongside the park, and consider how things have changed[...]
This week, Jeff invites Disney influencer/journalist/podcaster Kristen Carr to the show to discuss the concept of Disney Adulting, and the current trend of using the term "Disney adult" as an insult. Along with my wife Julia, we talk about the generational influence Boomers/Xers have on Disney fandom, paying for vacations years in advance with DVC,[...]
This week, New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson joins Jeff to talk about the world of the Kingdom Keepers, and to discuss his new book, "Kingdom Keepers Inheritance: Villains Realm." Ridley shares about his process, going backstage at the Disney parks, and that time that he saw a Small World doll come to life.[...]
This week, Jeff is joined by Tina and Julia of the Pal Around Podcast and we have a Mousetalgia potpourri for you! We discuss a new tribute to Floyd Norman and the Lunar New Year celebration, both at Disney California Adventure; "Up For Auction," Chris Hardwick's new series on the CW about Disney collecting; and[...]
This week, Jeff discusses his memorabilia which will be part of the "Celebration of the Disney Studio and Disney Parks" Van Eaton auction on March 2; and Kristen reports back from her recent trip to the World, and gives us some tips, tricks and advice about places to stay, things to eat, extras to book[...]
This week, Jeff returns from a mighty battle with multiple viruses to rejoin the normal world and start talking Disney! First, we recount a trip down Route 66 and visit some of the inspirations for Radiator Springs, and then Jeff offers a trip report from Disneyland's first runDisney weekend in 7 years with some restaurant[...]- Happy holidays! This week, Jeff and Kristen take a deep dive into the history of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, and we look at how Walt Disney used the music of Tchaikovsky in his most innovative animated features. We talk about how the music enouraged innovation in Fantasia, how the animators interpreted the music of the Nutcracker[...]
- This week, enjoy a Christmas potpourri of topics as Jeff dives into the spirit of the holidays. First, we take a look at Disneyland's "Parade of All Nations" from the holiday season in 1959, and compare it with the current Disneyland holiday events. Next, Jeff talks about the Hat Box Ghost making his debut on[...]
Happy Thanksgiving! This week, Kristen and her daughter Calla join Jeff for a mommy-daughter Disneyland trip report. Calla talks about some of her favorite attractions, eats her first (of many) churros, and gives her pro-tips for a successful trip to the park - and then Kristen tells grown-up stories of lodging, endurance, and Chip &[...]- This week, we welcome the holiday season with a tasty smorgasbord of Disney topics. We welcome Seth Kubersky, author of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to the show to talk about expert ways to tour the park in an increasingly complex system of reservations and planning. We talk about dining, lodging, what's new in the[...]
- This week, Jeff welcomes his co-host Julia from the DoomBuggies Podcast to talk about our Disney-stuffed Halloween weekend events. First, Jeff reports from Garner Holt Productions' "Grim Grinning Gala," a benefit to raise money for the company's youth education foundation. From a star-studded panel discussing the creation of Disneyland's "Haunted Mansion Holiday" to a backstage[...]
This week, Mousetalgia celebrates Disney100 by speaking with Laurieanne Zandbergen, the daughter of Virginia Davis, who was the little girl hired by Walt and Roy Disney to perform as "Alice" for their Alice comedies on Oct. 16, 1923, marking the "official" birthday of the Walt Disney Company. Laurieanne talks about her mother's memories of working[...]
This week, Jeff and Kristen provide a detailed review of the 3-bedroom Grand Villa in the brand-new Discovery Tower at the Disneyland Hotel. Plus - Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, a look behind the scenes at the Napa Rose (and an encounter with the restaurant's new General Manager), and Anaheim's Muzeo celebrates Anaheim's Halloween[...]
This week, Mousetalgia sets out the fall potpourri with a collection of fun seasonal topics. First, Julia Layne returns to the show to present a list of fun fall activities you can enjoy with a little Disney twist, in case you aren't able to make it to the parks this year for all the Halloween[...]
This week, Jeff and Kristen review the announcements that came from Destination D last week related to Disney Parks and Resorts. We cover it all - new shows, Figment woes, and what excites us the most (besides Hat Box Ghost!) Kristen has thoughts about the reformating of Country Bear Jamboree, Jeff keeps talking Lorcana, and[...]
This week, Jeff welcomes special guest Bri Bertolaccini, Marketing Manager at The Walt Disney Family Museum, to the show to discuss the museum's purpose, exhibits, and ultimate mission to showcase the life of Walt Disney and highlight his impact on popular culture. We talk about the WDFM's permanent collection, discuss our favorite exhibits, share behind[...]
This week, Jeff invites his wife Julia back to Mousetalgia to talk about the ins and outs of Disney Vacation Club ownership, and the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel. Is DVC right for you? Maybe we can help you decide. Also - Ravensburger releases its new highly-anticpated trading card game "Lorcana," and Jeff shares[...]
This week, join Jeff on a deep dive as we explore the various inlets that took Walt Disney on his path toward the opening of his Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland. We look at the influences that played a part in Walt's decision making as he created his mid-century marvel amidst a boom in "Tiki"[...]
Welcome, foolish listeners - to this special Haunted-Mansion-54th-anniversary edition of Mousetalgia! Today, Jeff discusses autograph collecting, the pros and cons of collecting popcorn buckets, and a new Hat Box Ghost controversy! Plus, we celebrate the anniversary of the venerable Haunted Mansion, and Jeff shamelessly shares a Disney Visa offer (which you can find at https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200b/SQCWK227JK[...]
This week, Jeff is joined by Mansion fans Maegan Foret and Emma Mosier to discuss "Haunted Mansion," the newest film from Walt Disney Pictures. The trio discuss (spoiler-free) the plot, the characters, the sets, the music, the fan service and the movie's direct references to the Haunted Mansion attractions, and then discuss the film as[...]
This week, Mousetalgia is totally going back to the '90s to discuss Barbie and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action appearances in Disney theme parks. We take a brief look at TMNT, and then turn our attention to an article from the Spring 1994 issue of The Disney Magazine that discusses the creation of the[...]
Today, Mousetalgia celebrates Disneyland's 68th birthday with trip reports, touring tips, and a discussion of the current Disneyland experience. We also talk about the current Van Eaton Galleries Disneyland auction (starting today!), and look back at a 1964 program in which Disneyland and Tivoli Gardens swapped Tour Guides. Plus - Tim visits Walt's apartment, Kristen[...]
This week, Jeff talks about his history with the Walt Disney Family Museum, and by referencing the signatures in his souvenir book, takes you on a walk back through the first decade of special guests and various events at the museum. Plus, we take a look at the 1962 "Dixieland at Disneyland" event, and wonder[...]
Rabbits, Kitties and Dogs - oh, my! This week, Jeff and special guests Tina and Julia discuss a plethora of Disney's cuddliest companions. First - Tina and Julia describe a 35th anniversary screening of Who Framed Roger Rabbit at the Casto Theatre featuring an appearance by Charles Fleischer, the voice of Roger Rabbit himself. Then,[...]
This week, Jeff takes you into his library to discuss a few literary topics. We talk to Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason about his recently published book of poetry about Disneyland, and the essence of Disney fandom. Then, we look at three recent official Disney cookbooks from Insight Editions and compare and contrast their contents.[...]
Mousetalgia Ep. 696: Pixar's Elemental This week on Mousetalgia, Kristen returns and joins Jeff to discuss Pixar's latest offering, "Elemental." We discuss the critical reception the film received, our own perceptions and reactions to this deeply personal film, and try to rememnber when Pixar stopped being funny. We also discuss The Muppets Mayhem, The Little[...]
Episode 695: Welcome back to Mousetalgia! Jeff soft-relaunches the show with a few thoughts about Mousetalgia's past, present and future, and then dives into a couple summer-y trip reports: a wine tasting at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, and a visit to the Aulani Hawaii Resort and Spa, featuring a review of 'Ama 'Ama's recently revised[...]
No. 52: The Women of Star Wars from October 15, 2018 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com This week, author and self-proclaimed geek Amy Ratcliffe joins Mousetalgia to talk about "Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy," her new book profiling 75 female characters from the Star Wars universe. Covering personalities throughout all of Star Wars from the[...]
Mousetalgia Best Ear Ever No. 51: Eddy Collins, VIP stories from October 3, 2016 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com This week, Mousetalgia welcomes special guest Eddy Collins, who has spent decades with the Disney Company. Collins started doing custodial work at Disneyland and eventually became Global Sales Manager and a spokesperson for the resort. Eddy talks[...]
No. 50: Spin & Marty, The Muppets from Dec. 5, 2011 Talk to us at comments@mousetalgia.com Spin and Marty speak at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Team Mousetalgia report from the event. Tim ‘Spin’ Considine and David ‘Marty’ Stollery tell the secrets of their popular serial made famous by the Mickey Mouse Club television[...]
No. 49: Journey Into Imagination; David Koenig from July 28, 2014 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. David Koenig offers a look behind the scenes at the process of writing the best "behind the scenes" Disney parks books! From surprising anecdotes to the massive undertaking of documenting Walt Disney World's history, Koenig discusses his various books and[...]
No. 48: Walt Disney's Hollywood and the beginning of the Walt Disney Company from January 24, 2011 Let us hear from you: comments@mousetalgia.com Visit Walt Disney's Hollywood: In this week's episode, Jeff takes us on a tour of Walt Disney's Hollywood, with stops at his first home and the first studio where Walt's "Alice" short[...]
No. 47: Disneyland Hotel secrets from October 17, 2011 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com Go back in time and visit the Disneyland Hotel of the '50s and '60s in this special resort edition of Mousetalgia! This week, we welcome historian Donald Ballard to the show, to share his stories, research, and secrets about the early days[...]
No. 46: Walt Disney and World War II from May 30, 2011 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com Walt Disney and World War II: In this special Memorial Day episode from 2011, Team Mousetalgia reports on a weekend event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about the Walt Disney Studios output during World War II, featuring presentations[...]
No. 45: Newsies '15 tour, Disneyland '55 from March 9, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com Mousetalgia carries the banner and reviews the current touring production of Newsies, which landed recently in San Francisco. We discuss the differences between the film and the touring production, and even some differences between the Broadway show and the current[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #44: Swiss Family Robinson, New Orleans Square from Nov. 26, 2018 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Disney artists and historians Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily visited the Walt Disney Family Museum this month to discuss the Swiss Family Robinson, and to talk about their journey to Tobago to search for the film[...]- Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #43: A history of Disneyland's Candlelight Processional from Dec. 24, 2018 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Merry Christmas! This week on Mousetalgia, we talk Candlelight with Disney historian Joseph Titizian. Joseph talks us through the history of the Candlelight Processional, and then takes us behind the scenes of this year's 60th anniversary[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #42: Docter and Merritt on Marc Davis, Gary K. Wolf on Roger Rabbit from July 16, 2018. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. It's an emporium of toontastic proportions today as Mousetalgia invites you to listen in as we re-live our latest adventures. We interview Pixar CCO Pete Docter and Imagineer Chris Merritt[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #41: Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room from June 27, 2016. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia celebrates Audio-Animatronic history by welcoming Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti back to the show today as we investigate Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Join us on the lanai as we reminisce about the history[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #40: An Incredible evening at Pixar from June 11, 2018. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Dave and Becky traveled to Emeryville in 2018 to see a Super VIP screening of "The Incredibles 2" at the Pixar Animation Studio and Mousetalgia reports from the event. Women in Animation (WIA) hosted an exclusive screening[...]
No. 39: A conversation with Disney Legend Alice Davis (on the '64 World's Fair) from December 15, 2014 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com Disney and the World's Fair - Disney Legend Alice Davis talks to Jeff about attending the 1964 World's Fair, and she shares some personal recollections of her time visiting the Fair with Walt[...]
No. 38: Fred Frees on his father, Ghost Host Paul Frees; Halloween records from October 29, 2012. Discover the spooktacular talents of Paul Frees, the voice of the Ghost Host, on this Halloween Emporium from 2012! Mousetalgia talks to Fred Frees, the son of Paul Frees, who tells stories about the life of the legendary[...]
No. 37: Legacy Award-winning Disneyland Cast Member Jim Lowman from May 7, 2018 Let us hear from you! comments@mousetalgia.com In this classic episode, Mousetalgia welcomes Spirit and Legacy Awards-winning cast member Jim Lowman to the show to talk about his half century of working at Disneyland Park. Jim shares fascinating bits of history, including the[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever No. 36: MouseCon; Disneyland Paris's crisis response from Nov. 23, 2022 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. This week, Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes at MouseCon 2015, the first annual Northern California Disney fan convention. We share some exclusive conversations with the special guests - Tommy Kirk on Walt Disney, Floyd Norman[...]- Mousetalgia Episode 392: Composer John Debney; DCA's Food & Wine Festival from April 25, 2016 Keep in touch! Write to us at comments@mousetalgia.com Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning composer John Debney to the show today to talk about his score for Jon Favreau's "The Jungle Book," as well as his incredible career and[...]
- Mousetalgia Episode 497 from April 30, 2018: Author Amy Guglielmo and Imagineer John Paul Bakshoian Keep in touch: comments@mousetalgia.com This week, Imagineer John Paul Bakshoian joins Mousetalgia to talk about the process of Disney Park Show Documentation, which involves keeping consistency at the parks between the various attractions and shows. He shared some stories from[...]
Welcome to a brand-new episode of Mousetalgia! Team Mousetalgia has reassembled in the midst of our "Best Ear Ever" series of episodes to bring you our report on the D23 Expo, which was held recently at the Anaheim Convention Center. Dave talks panels, Jeff talks Lorecana, Kristen talks about selling her tickets and staying home,[...]
Mousetalgia Episode 554: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, Galaxy's Edge from June 3, 2019 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com . On today's show, we offer an opening day report from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and then Kristen finishes her six castle journey through the Disney parks with a trip to Tokyo Disneyland Resort, and talks all[...]
Episode 457: 2017 D23 Expo - a look back; Fantasmic! returns from July 24, 2017 It's a fantastic super-sized episode of Mousetalgia this week as we report on our travels down to Anaheim for the D23 Expo and the various goings-on at the Disneyland Resort. First, we offer trip reports from Expo weekend in the[...]
No. 31: The 2015 D23 Expo - a look back from August 30, 2015 Get in touch with us at comments@mousetalgia.com Note: See Jeff, Dave and Becky live at the D23 Expo this week on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Come say hi and take home a classy plastic Mousetalgia pen! We'll[...]
No. 30: Pirates of the Caribbean - Alan Coats on Claude Coats from March 20, 2017 Send your feedback or emails to comments@mousetalgia.com. Join us this week as the Lady Mousetalgia sets sail for part two of our Pirates of the Caribbean 50th anniversary celebration! This week, Imagineer Alan Coats joins us to talk about[...]
Mousetalgia Episode 522: Mouseketeer Nancy, Mickey's 90th Spectacular from October 22, 2018 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome 1954 original Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer Nancy Abbate to the show as we continue our build up to Mickey's 90th birthday. Nancy shares some stories about her time as a Mouseketeer and[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #28: Arrow Development, Star Wars Half Marathon from January 25, 2016. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Mousetalgia's own Dave Breiland ran the Star Wars Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort as the park finally started closing much of Frontierland in anticipation of the construction of the new Star Wars galaxy, and he reports[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #27: The Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary for Sept. 21, 2009 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. The Haunted Mansion celebrates 40 years of chills and thrills! Mousetalgia visits Disneyland's ghostly party, featuring Imagineers Tony Baxter, Jason Surrell, Kim Irvine, Alice Davis and X Atencio. Explore the merchandise, hear about the dinner, and experience[...]
Mousetalgia Episode 101: The first-ever "Destination D" event by D23 for Oct. 4, 2010 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Disneyland hosts the first-ever "Destination D" event by D23, and Team Mousetalgia are there to bring you the good, the bad and everything in between! Titled "Disneyland: 55," the 2-day event contained lectures, Legends, slide shows and[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #25: Brad Bird's Tomorrowland; the Hat Box Ghost from May 18, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia takes you to the blue carpet and the world premiere of Tomorrowland in this week's episode! Join Jeff and Dave as they watch the celebrities descend on Downtown Disney's AMC multiplex to watch[...]
Mousetalgia Episode 462: A chat with Rolly Crump; dining at Disneyland's 21 Royal from Aug. 28, 2017 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. This week, Team Mousetalgia chats with WED Imagineer Rolly Crump about "It's Kind of a Cute Story," his current exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art. We talk about his art, his work with[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #23: ILM Creature Shop Technician Kirk Thatcher Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. In this special episode recorded live from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim on April 17, 2015, Mousetalgia welcomes writer/director/puppeteer/creature artist Kirk Thatcher (who went on to direct "Muppets Haunted Mansion") to the show to talk about his work for ILM on[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #22: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides Disneyland premiere from May 16, 2011. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Buckle your swashes and set sail for Mousetalgia's pre-POTC all-pirate Disneyland report! Dave and Becky report on the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides "3D Sneak Peek" in Frontierland, and Jeff[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #21: Love stories by Alice Davis and Pete Renaday from Feb. 14, 2016 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Mousetalgia celebrates Valentine's Day this year with a show all about relationships with a Disney twist, both romantic and platonic. First, we welcome Julia Locus to the show to talk about official Disneyana clubs,[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #20: Joseph Titizian on Diane Disney Miller from December 2013 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. This week, we welcome Joseph Titizian, writer for the Walt Disney Family Museum blog, to join us in a celebration of the life of Diane Disney Miller, with whom Joseph was a good friend. We look at[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #19: Tales from Disneyland tour guide Barbara Brock from April 6, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Mousetalgia welcomes Barbara Burnett Brock to the show to talk about her incredible career as a tour guide at Disneyland. Enjoy stories about touring with Ozzy Osbourne, Stephen King and Michael Jackson, and learn about[...]- No. 18: Interviews with Imagineer Kevin Rafferty and three Disney Legends from July 8, 2013 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Learn about the earliest in-"car"-nation of Cars Land from Creative Director Kevin Rafferty in this star-studded episode of Mousetalgia, recorded directly from the 2013 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, featuring four exclusive interviews covering many fascinating aspects[...]
A look back at Star Wars Celebration 2015 from May 3, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia talks Star Wars on this special stellar-sized May 4th 2015 episode as we recount the highlights of a weekend of galactic adventure at the recent Star Wars Celebration convention held April 16-19 at the Anaheim Convention Center.[...]
No. 16: A trip to Pixar Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #4: A trip to Pixar from June 22, 2014. Kristen reports on an "Incredible" visit to Pixar in Emeryville! But first, we talk about the cost of a day at Disneyland (circa 2014) - do the recent price hikes change people's philosophies about visiting the[...]
No. 15: The Story of Disneyland auction; Glen Keane Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia discusses the hobby of collecting Disneyana this week as we talk with Mike Van Eaton, the proprietor of Van Eaton Galleries, about his current exhibition titled "The Story of Disneyland," a massive auction of a single collector's treasure trove of[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #14: Disney University and Van Arsdale France from March 11, 2013 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Van Arsdale France and Disneyland University: Team Mousetalgia takes a look at the career of France and his contribution to the development of the Disneyland "cast member," as well as a little history of the frantic[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #13: Mary Blair, Happiest Haunt Tour from October 10, 2011. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Tour Disneyland with the Happiest Haunts - This week, Jeff takes you along as he seeks to foil a villainous plot on the Disneyland Happiest Haunts Tour, which takes place during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever No. 12: Kevin Kidney on Annette Funicello from Jan. 13, 2013 Kevin Kidney returns to the show to share some of his personal stories about Disney Legend Annette Funicello, and he discusses Annette's Place, a fundraiser for the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases. But first, Dave and Becky visit[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever No. 11: A visit with Alice Davis Episode 103 from October 18, 2010: Join Kristen and Jeff for an exclusive visit with Disney Legend Alice Estes Davis, and learn about the history and life of this extraordinary artist and costume designer for WED Enterprises. Alice takes Mousetalgia on a tour of[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #10: Disneyland fireworks and D23's Disneyland 54th anniversary event from July 20, 2009. Mousetalgia celebrates Disneyland’s 54th birthday by watching “Disneyland U.S.A.” at a private D23 screening and takes you behind the scenes, where we learn the secrets of Disneyland’s fireworks, meet “Bob” Lindquist, and… Gurr takes Nixon hostage? Plus, Mousetalgia[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #9: Rolly Crump and an evening at the Tahitian Terrace from October 22, 2012. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Visit Disneyland's Tahitian Terrace with Mousetalgia! Take a trip back through time with us as we re-open the Tahitian Terrace in a special one-night-only event at Disneyland, and relive the island magic and[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #8: D23 Scavenger Hunt and Destination D recap from Oct. 10, 2010. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. The D23 Scavenger Hunt, Steve Davison on World of Color, Richard Sherman in concert at Destination D, and ElecTRONica - it's a supersized Mousetalgia Emporium! Team Mousetalgia invites first-place winner Henry Work to talk about[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #7: Marty Sklar at the Walt Disney Family Museum from Dec. 7, 2009. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Disney Legend Marty Sklar talks about conceptual artist Herb Ryman at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and he also discusses working for Walt Disney at WED Enterprises when Disneyland was being created. The team[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #6: Our first Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet from Aug. 23. 2010. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Mousetalgia reports on the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, where the team met Bob Gurr, Margaret Kerry, Disney author Jeff Kurtti, and more fascinating Disney insiders at a fan gathering near Seattle, Washington. Kristen beats trivia master[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #5: Don Hahn on creativity from October 2, 2011 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Don Hahn talks with Mousetalgia this week to discuss his latest book, "Brain Storm: Unleashing Your Creative Self." Hahn and Team Mousetalgia discuss the book and the topic of creativity - as well as The Lion King's domination[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #4: Tangled lyricist Glenn Slater from Dec. 13, 2010. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Meet Tangled lyricist Glenn Slater in our exclusive Mousetalgia interview! Learn how Glenn got tangled up with Disney's 50th animated feature, how the songs for the film were developed, how he found the voice for the various characters,[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #3: Shag's Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Swinging Cocktail Bash from August 16, 2009. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Artist Josh "Shag" Agle hosts a Swingin' cocktail bash at Disneyland in honor of the Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary, and Team Mousetalgia are there to report on the festivities. Plus, the secrets of the[...]
Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #2: Our Grandpa, Walt Disney with Jeff Kurtti from Sept. 18, 2011. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Our Grandpa, Walt Disney - Five of Walt Disney's grandchildren spoke about their memories of Walt Disney at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the event. Joined on the show by[...]- Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #1: A walk through Sleeping Beauty Castle with Imagineer Chris Merritt from March 16. 2009. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com.
- This week, Team Mousetalgia lets you be a part of the final show and share your hearts. We also announce Mousetalgia's "BEST EAR EVER!" starting next Monday, and sign off one last time. We love you all! KIT: comments@mousetalgia.com and facebook.com/mousetalgia
This week, Team Mousetalgia speak to some of our favorite guests from the past 13 years of our show, including Beci Mahnken of Mouse Fan Travel, former Imagineers Josh and Croz, Disney historian Joseph Titizian, former Disneyland Tour Guide Barbara Brock, Disney Geek Jeffrey Epstein, author/Imagineer Chris Merritt, and podcaster/comedian/superstar Tim Babb. Join us for[...]
This week, Mousetalgia is jam-packed with history and fandom. First, we welcome D23 VP Michael Vargo back to the show to give us a peek at the newest D23 Gold Member gift and to chat about the latest happenings at D23 and how things have shifted during the pandemic. Next, Dave reports on last week's[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia celebrates Downtown Disney's 21st anniversary by noting our favorite retail and dining options in the district. Then we talk about the past few weeks of Disney happenings, including Disney shows and movies, recent books, and gifts we gave or received this holiday season.
It's time for the annual Mousetalgia AMAs, and you, the listeners, did not disappoint with a wide variety of intriguing inquiries for us to tackle on this week's show. We talk about Mousetalgia's five year plan, attraction wait times, the worst Disney Park food, favorite Disney attractions, favorite Disney gifts, things we love besides Disney,[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia (with returning guest Tim Babb) welcome 2022 by taking a look back at the past year in Disney, discussing our favorite movies, books, theme park experiences/additions, favorite Disney purchases, favorite Disney eating experiences, best Disney+ shows, and we offer our first ever Pollyanna Awards, discussing the things we are most thankful[...]
Merry Christmas! In this special holiday episode, Team Mousetalgia celebrates yuletide with a Candlelight trip report and a very special guest. First, Jeff was able to visit Disneyland for this year's Candlelight Processional, and shares a brief report about the event, waiting in line for Rise of the Resistance, and blowing off Zachary Levi. Then,[...]
This week, Dave and Becky report on spending Thanksgiving weekend at the Disneyland Resort with the kids. We talk about the food situation at the park, including new reviews of Lamplight Lounge, GCH Craftsman Bar and Rancho del Zocalo. We talk about the state of the Disneyland restaurants, churros, the current types of character interaction[...]
What makes a monster - and what makes a man? Jeff recently attended a performance of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Hale Center Theater in Orem, Utah, and Jeff reviews the performance and talks about the process of bringing stories like "Hunchback" to the stage. We talk about Victor Hugo's original book, the[...]
This week, Jeff and Dave chat about the recent Mouse-Con 2021 event held at in Concord, California on Nov. 7. Jeff spoke at the event about the Haunted Mansion (natch) and attended some panels, including a Disneyland Hotel panel with Don Ballard and a Pocohantus panel with voice actor Irene Bedard. Jeff reviews the panels,[...]
This week, spend some time feeling the Disneyland magic straight from Main Street, U.S.A. with Mousetalgia. Our guest is former cast member Bruce Edwards, who spent a few years in the late '70s as a magician and prankster in the Main Street Magic Shop. Bruce shares his memories of growing up with Disney and finally[...]
All of Mousetalgia ended up at the Disneyland Resort for a weekend in October, and this week, we talk about our experiences as the resort continues to recover from the pandemic shutdown. We discuss the Disneyland Resort Hotel service and give quick hits on the variety of eating options, including reviews of the Craftsman Bar,[...]
On October 24, Jeff married Julia at the Disneyland Resort, and we have all the details for you in this week's episode! We talk about the food, the ceremony, the venue, the 5:00 am photo session inside of Disneyland Park, the talented performers, and working with Disney Fairy Tale Weddings and White Rabbit Photo Boutique.[...]
Help us usher in the holidays at the Disneyland Resort with a musical celebration! This week, we welcome special guest Tim Babb to the show to discuss our top 20 favorite instances of holiday music in the Disney parks. Also - a look back through history at an animation exhibit introducing Song of the South[...]
This week, Mousetalgia gets spooky for Halloween week with a variety of spook-sational items. First, Jeff reports from an event at the Walt Disney Family Museum with Gonzo the Great and Pepe the King Prawn sharing stories from the making of "Muppets Haunted Mansion," and then we speak with Kirk Thatcher, the director of the[...]
This week, we celebrate the debut of "Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation" in New York on Theatre Row with a hundred acres of fun! First, we discuss our history with the willy, nilly silly old bear, and talk about the variety of ways Pooh has touched culture over the past century. Then,[...]
This week, we turn our attention to the east as Walt Disney World celebrates its first half century of making magical memories. We welcome Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, back to the show to breakdown all of the latest news from the resort's 50th anniversary celebration, including attraction news, resort and hotel happenings,[...]
This week, Jeff takes you along on his tasting trip to Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa for his rapidly-approaching Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. We talk about the menu, the pastries and cake options, some clarifications from Jeff's initial wedding report - and, of course, Jeff answers the question about the authenticity of the Bengal[...]
It's the spooking season, and we are welcoming October with a spectre-tacular eek-isode of Mousetalgia. First, Jeff takes us back in time and walks us through his 2003 trip to the sets of Walt Disney Pictures' "The Haunted Mansion," and Kristen offers 31 days of Disney-related treats for Halloween. Everything from playlists to pastimes, boos[...]
This week, we talk about rings prehistoric and nuptial as we discuss the new Marvel Studios film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as planning a Disney Fairytale Wedding at the Disneyland Resort. First, Kristen and Jeff talk about the new film, which is Kristen's favorite in the Marvel pantheon. We[...]
This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome Disney Legend Hayley Mills to the show. Enjoy our insightful chat about her time spent making films for the Disney Studios as a child, her family life, her career before and after Disney, and her relationship with her parents and Walt Disney himself. Plus - listen for a[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes the crew of our latest project to the show to discuss their new podcast - the Mousetalgia FastPass! In an interview recorded live from the Hollywood Backlot at DCA, the FastPass crew share some of their inspirations, history, park favorites, and insights regarding who they are and how they intend to[...]
This week, join Team Mousetalgia as we speak with legendary Disney producer Don Hahn about his latest project, a short film about Walt Disney's "Storybook Mansion," the house Walt built on Woking Way and lived in with his family from 1932 until he bought his next home in 1949 and moved into in 1950. Don[...]
This week, Mousetalgia speaks with author and historian Don Ballard about the rich history of the Disneyland Hotel. We discuss the reasons Walt asked businessman Jack Wrather to open the hotel next to Disneyland, and the early guest experience at the hotel, including memories about restaurants, the mid century atmosphere, and the hotel's legacy through[...]
This week, in honor of the anniversary of Fess Parker's birthday, Team Mousetalgia takes a look back at the legacy of Parker's post-Disney business ventures, and we consider how he might have been influenced by Walt Disney to take bold steps into the world of themed entertainment. Then, we answer your emails about horrible moments[...]
This week, in honor of the Haunted Mansion's 52nd anniversary, Team Mousetalgia looks at some of the new Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise coming from Target and Spirit just in time for Halloween, and we consider a new key being offered to the old house on the hill. Then, we take a look at Disneyland Resort's new[...]
This week, Jeff discusses his summer vacation to Aulani - A Disney Spa and Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, and talks about a stay at the resort. We discuss the DVC accommodations, the resort's amenities, the dining opportunities, all the pools, and the planning that goes into a trip to Aulani. Then, Jeff and Kristen[...]
This week, visit the wonderful world of Alice in Wonderland with Mousetalgia as we talk to two theme park design experts about the original Alice attraction which opened in 1958 at Disneyland. Former Imagineers Chris Merritt and Don Carson talk all about the history, the design, and the sounds of this quintessential Fantasyland dark ride.[...]
This week, Mousetalgia reviews some recent Disney media, starting with a report on a Barnes and Noble panel discussion about "Star Wars - the High Republic." Jeff discusses this virtual event, which featured authors of some new book releases. Then, it's "Delish Does Disney" vs. "Disney Villains: Devilishly Delicious Cookbook." Jeff and Kristen review these[...]
On this week of Disneyland's 66th birthday, join Team Mousetalgia as we look back into the park's past to the years 1959 and 1985. First, we speak with Beverly Fellows, who worked in Disneyland's Indian Village in 1959. Beverly shares her memories of a well-paying summer job in a park filled with happy people and[...]
This week, join Mousetalgia for a fascinating conversation with former Imagineer Ethan Reed. Ethan tells us his origin story which includes his childhood trips to Disneyland, his love of Donald Duck and animation, and his introduction to Walt Disney Imagineering. We also discuss his work for the company including character design work for the Duffy[...]
This week, Jeff takes his daughters to Disneyland for Father's Day, which happened to be the first weekend that the resort welcomed out of state guests back into the parks and also relaxed their mask and social distancing rules, per guidance from the state and CDC. Jeff talks about returning to the Grand Californian Hotel,[...]
This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome author and historian Dave Bossert back to the show to discuss his latest book, "Claude Coats: Walt Disney's Imagineer: The Making of Disneyland From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond." Dave is joined on the show by retired Imagineer Alan Coats, who happens to be Claude's[...]
This week, Jeff shares stories from the grand opening of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure on June 4. We talk about the opening day crowds and how Disney struggled to deal with the crush of visitors who hoped to visit this new land on day one, and then we discuss some of the features[...]
This week, Kristen takes us to the premiere of "Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume" at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, and joins D23's Jeffrey Epstein and Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, who share some behind-the-scenes stories about the development of the exhibition and discuss the value[...]
In this special episode, Kristen, Becky and special guest Jennifer share stories and tips about taking self-care trips to the park as primary caretakers. In this day-trip memoir, the panelists discuss snacking, shopping, touring Galaxy's Edge, the state of the park, friend trips vs. solo trips, and the art of taking a moment for yourself[...]
This week, Mousetalgia speaks with Disneyland '55 alum Bob D'Arcy, who Walt called "the kid." Bob watched Disneyland being built and became the first Disneyland tour guide. In our exclusive interview, Bob talks about his first duties as a tour guide, some of his other tasks at the park, and some of his interactions with[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia continues their coverage of Disneyland's reopening with a number of topics, including how to choose which park to start your Disneyland day, and changes to the overall experience of the park and some specific attractions, including Haunted Mansion, Adventureland, and Snow White's Enchanted Wish. We also share our top tips for[...]
Disneyland has reopened after being closed for over 400 days. From our own emotions about re-entering the park, to the interactions with Cast Members, to the different atmosphere in the park and the very limited food options - touring Disneyland is a very different experience in the era of COVID-19. In part one of a[...]
Celebrate Star Wars with Team Mousetalgia on May the Fourth and all week long with some announcements from a galaxy far, far away, including new book releases, Star Wars VR news, Rogue One storyboard revelations, new LEGO releases - and the story of how Obi Wan Kenobi broke Jeff's heart. Then, it's on to the[...]
This week, Jeff reports on a trip to the Walt Disney Family Museum to visit the new exhibit "Walt Disney Studios and World War II." This new installation describes the studio's contributions to America's war effort, and describes how the studio was impacted by its work for the U. S. government. Then, the countdown has[...]
A Touch of Disney, part two: This week, Jeff reports on a second trip to DCA and "A Touch of Disney" to look at some of the human/character interactions, and what it might mean for the imminent reopening of the resort. Kristen Carr also checks in with a countdown to Disneyland's reopening, describing the process[...]
This week in Disney history - This week, we discuss a variety of topics, including: the world premiere of The Avengers, Euro Disneyland opens, Glen Keane's birth and Tutti Camarata's passing, Disney story artist Sylvia Holland (with special guest Didier Ghez); Tokyo Disneyland's opening, and Charlie Chaplin's influence on Walt Disney. Also - in honor[...]
This week, Jeff reports on "A Touch of Disney," and takes us along as he visits Disney California Adventure to try some familiar foods, walking along familiar avenues, in a familiar heatwave. We discuss the eating options, the shopping experience, and Jeff's overall impression of the soft-reopening of the Disneyland Resort. Also: We list our[...]
This week, we present a Mousetalgia Emporium. First, we offer our impressions of the Raya and the Last Dragon, and host a brief discussion of the artistry, the music and the film's ideas of trust and friendship. We also talk to Michael Vargo, Vice President of D23, about the 2021 Gold Member Collector Set, and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Beci Mahnken (CEO, MEI/Mouse Fan Travel) back to the show to talk about what we can expect as COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen around the country and people start to plan to take their first post-pandemic Disney vacations. We talk Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruises, Aulani and Adventures by[...]
What can happen in a year? Disneyland has been dark for over 365 days, but the Walt Disney Company has done remarkable things in the span of a year. Kristen takes us on a tour of Disney history in year-long segments, with topics including Walt's Alice comedies, the Wonderful World of Disney on TV, the[...]
This week, we discuss collecting Disneyana during a pandemic, and we talk about what has changed and what has remained the same for memorabilia collectors as the world shut down for a year. Jeff talks about his own recent collecting, and we mention trading cards, autographs and virtual conventions, upcoming online Disneyana auctions, and our[...]
TG-it's-Mousetalgia! Today, get prehistoric with us as we go back to the '90s and discuss the conceptualization and development of ABC's "Dinosaurs," a puppet-based sitcom from ABC's popular TGIF line-up that has just been released on Disney+. Returning to the show is Emmy award-winning writer/producer Kirk Thatcher, who designed most of the characters after working[...]
This week, Mousetalgia talks about the variety of fine art at Disneyland, both on display and for sale. We're joined by special guest Eric Robison, who talks about his history as a Disney artist, including his work as a show designer with Imagineering and his journey to becoming a beloved character artist with works sold[...]
This week, we honor the legacy of one of our country's greatest presidents by taking a closer look at Walt Disney's Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction, and we are joined by two Imagineers who had instrumental roles in its history. Disney Legend Bob Gurr was the Imagineer responsible for designing the original Audio-Animatronic Lincoln[...]
This week, we celebrate two decades of fun in the sun as we look back at the design and development of Disney California Adventure in the week of its 20th anniversary with former Imagineer Tim Delaney, who was creative director and show producer for Paradise Pier and the main entrance of the park. Tim shares[...]
This week, we present part two of our recent Ask Mousetalgia Anything special! Among the topics we discuss are our "favorites," including karaoke songs, attractions and dining options, interviews, podcasts, churro flavors, collectibles, park memories, and more. We also discuss Charles Addams and the Haunted Mansion, Rise of the Resistance, returning to Disneyland post-pandemic, films[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Disney Legend Tom Nabbe to the show. From his career as a young newsie on Disneyland's Main Street USA in 1955 all the way to helping to open EuroDisneyland, Tom shares with some highlights from his storied career with us, including his time in charge of the Monorail at Walt Disney[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses the recent news that Disneyland is cancelling its annual passholder program. In the wake of the park's unprecedented shutdown due to the global pandemic, APs are no more, and we discuss the emotional impact of the end of the program, and future possibilities for the park's superfans. Then, Tim Babb[...]
This week, Mousetalgia is celebrating a Disney Legend who left a remarkable legacy due to her work with Disneyland. Cicely Rigdon, who started her career at the park as a ticket taker in 1957, quickly had an impact on Disneyland even as she began working in a ticket booth, and soon found herself working for[...]
Happy New Year! This week, Team Mousetalgia answer your questions about just about everything in our annual end-of-the-year AMAs. We get personal and talk shop about the podcast, discuss our feelings about the parks, and share trivia about this and that in part one of a to-be-continued list of excellent questions submitted by you, our[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia celebrates the release of Pixar's latest movie. Pixar artist Josh Holtsclaw joins us to talk about the design of Soul, Pixar's 23rd feature film. Josh talks to us about the role of graphics in a Pixar production, using art to create the atmosphere of New York City for the film, and[...]
This week, Mousetalgia hosts our annual "Best of" episode - but since 'Twenty was such a dumpster fire, we've decided to share our bests of a lifetime of Disney fandom. Topics include favorite movies (Parent Trap? The Haunted Mansion?), and our favorite television shows (The Mandalorian, Wonderful World of Disney). We also discuss our favorite[...]
This week, Kristen takes us through a week in Disney history, and we go though our sack of listener emails! Calla reviews The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse, useful Disney books and their uses, music reviews, a look at the relationship between the light and the dark, finding Disneyland sounds, an it's-a-small-world-of-color mystery, the origins[...]
This week, Rebecca Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, talks about the development of her newest book "Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks." Becky tells us about the decade-long development of the book, and shares some behind-the-scenes stories of the making of the book, the photography, and the incredible details included inside of this[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Paul Briggs, Disney Animation Director of the upcoming feature "Raya and the Last Dragon," to the show to talk with us about the storytelling process at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Briggs, who was the Story Department Supervisor before directing "Raya," talks about finding the core emotions behind a film, and stretching[...]
Happy Thanksgiving! On this week's super-sized holiday episode, Jeffrey Epstein and Candice Valdez from the D23 Inside Disney podcast join us to give us the inside scoop on the official Disney podcast, and they share behind-the-scenes stories of the show, which they publish weekly along with their third co-host Sheri Alzeerah. We talk about the[...]
This week, Mousetalgia takes a look back at the '70s with Cast Member Tricia Ciaccio, who worked at Disneyland as a tour guide under the guidance of Disney Legend Cicely Rigdon. Tricia talks about her time at the park as a tour guide, with stories about Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and the Mercury 7, alongside[...]
This week, we've decided to share some reviews of the things we've started watching, listening to and reading over the past month. First, we discuss the return of "The Mandalorian" to Disney+, and discuss the season two debut. Kristen gives a brief review of "The Right Stuff," and then Jeff and Kristen review a few[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Disney fan-favorite (and Tinker Bell reference model) Margaret Kerry to the show to talk about her recent life experiences and to reminisce about her career as a member of the Disney community. If you haven't heard much about Margaret's life since she turned 90, you won't want to miss this inspirational[...]
This week, get spooky with Mousetalgia as we take a look back at the darker side of Disneyland! From Ken Anderson's scary dark rides from the '50s to today's death-defying adventures throughout the park, we take a look at just how dark the park can get. We also present a schedule of online events that[...]
This week, we're thinking Tink! You may have thought you knew all there was to know about Tinker Bell, but Mousetalgia dives in and considers the flight of everyone's favorite fairy by looking at some interesting angles. First, we talk to aerialist Gina Rock, who flew across the sky in Disneyland as the fireworks lit[...]
This week, the Disney community is reeling in the wake of tens of thousands of layoffs, which were made necessary due to the COVID-19 outbreak and complications from the California state government, according to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks. Team Mousetalgia recognizes that it is the uniqueness of the Disney Cast Member that gives[...]
This week, Mousetalgia looks for some levity in this era of heavy news - so we are returning to the Mousetalgia High Five! Jeff shares five Halloween Time highlights from past years; Kristen shares her top five Disneyland '80s memories; special guest Tim Babb shares five shows missing from Disney+ (calling Dick Tracy!); and Dave[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show to talk with us about Disneyland icons. In a time when so many people are longing for a chance to return to the happiest place on earth, we've decided to go back and look at some of the most iconic elements to[...]
This week, Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti joins Mousetalgia to discuss his latest book, "The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky." Kurtti talks about the genesis of the project and his perspective on writing the book; his relationship with coauthors Vanessa Hunt and Paul Wolski; and talks about how he made a[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes our alien overlords as we discuss the new Disney+ series "Earth to Ned" with executive producers Joe Freed of Marwar Junction productions and Vince Raisa of the Jim Henson Company. Joe and Vince explain the genesis of the show, talk about the series' special guests, and tell some behind-the-scenes stories about[...]
This week, Jeff recalls some of the action from the latest Van Eaton Galleries auction, titled "Disneyland: The First 65 Years." What did Jeff win at the latest Van Eaton auction? You'll find out - plus get our tips and tricks for success at online bidding for collectibles. Then, Kristen shares some Disney history about[...]
Today, go cruisin' through the Southland with Mousetalgia as we take you on a whirlwind road trip! First, enjoy our conversation with marketing genius Pat Pattison (former VP of Creative Services with the Disney Company), as he talks to us about his work creating products and promotions for the studio and the Disney parks -[...]- Today, go cruisin' through the Southland with Mousetalgia as we take you on a whirlwind road trip! First, enjoy our conversation with marketing genius Pat Pattison (former VP of Creative Services with the Disney Company), as he talks to us about his work creating products and promotions for the studio and the Disney parks -[...]
- Today, go cruisin' through the Southland with Mousetalgia as we take you on a whirlwind road trip! First, enjoy our conversation with marketing genius Pat Pattison (former VP of Creative Services with the Disney Company), as he talks to us about his work creating products and promotions for the studio and the Disney parks -[...]
- Today, go cruisin' through the Southland with Mousetalgia as we take you on a whirlwind road trip! First, enjoy our conversation with marketing genius Pat Pattison (former VP of Creative Services with the Disney Company), as he talks to us about his work creating products and promotions for the studio and the Disney parks -[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes author/historian Didier Ghez to the show to talk about his new book, "They Drew as they Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's New Golden Age." Didier explains Disney's "New Golden Age" of animation, contrasting it with the studio's productions before and after Walt's death. He also talks about his search for[...]
This week, join Mousetalgia as we speak with Disney producer and filmmaker Don Hahn in a conversation about Howard, his documentary about legendary lyricist Howard Ashman. Hahn joins us to speak about the journey he has made with the film in the two years since it first premiered, and talks about the man who "gave[...]
This week, celebrate the Haunted Mansion's 51st anniversary with Mousetalgia as we welcome Jeremy Marx from the Disney History Institute to the show to discuss Imagineer Ken Anderson's role in developing Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. From Anderson's start in the Disney animation department through his leadership in developing the Fantasyland dark rides, we discuss his unique[...]
This week, get radical with Mousetalgia as we take a look back at Disneyland in the '70s and '80s with former Disneyland Ambassador Willie Vander Zwaag Burckle. Willie served as a Tour Guide in the '70s and Goodwill Ambassador to the World in 1981, taking guests and VIPs on tours through Disneyland, and she shares[...]
This week, we take a look at Disneyland through the years from two different perspectives. First, we welcome Mike Van Eaton back to Mousetalgia to talk about the next in his series of Disneyland memorabilia auctions. "Disneyland: The First 65 Years" will be held on August 15 and 16, and Mike describes some of the[...]
Kristen Carr joins Mousetalgia to discuss the re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, and gives us a trip report about her visit to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks. She talks about the experience booking the trip and making reservations, what to expect regarding masks and social distancing, the dining experience, and her[...]
Happy 65th birthday, Disneyland! This week, Mousetalgia has the privilege of speaking with former Disneyland Ambassador Connie Lane, the last Disneyland Ambassador who was personally selected by Walt Disney to represent Disneyland to the world. Connie shares with us her memories of being at Disneyland during many pivotal moments, including the opening of iconic attractions[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Doug Lipp and Pam Lipp to the show to talk about their individual extensive careers with the Disney Company. First, we talk to Doug Lipp, the author of "Disney U: How Disney University Develops the World's Most Engaged, Loyal, and Customer-Centric Employees." Doug discusses Disney University, learning from Van France and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia tries to find a laughing place in the midst of crazy changing deadlines and a new (albeit temporary) normal for visiting Disney's theme parks. But first, we speak with Liz DeSilva, VP Creative for Loungefly/Funko, who talks about the Stitch Shoppe, a new clothing line from Loungefly. Then, Beci Mehnken, CEO[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian and author J.B. Kaufman back to the show to discuss the world's favorite mouse, Mickey. We talk about Mickey's early career, including behind-the-scenes tales about the making of his first films, Kay Kamen's influence and the introduction of character marketing, Fred Moore's contributions to the development of Mickey's[...]
This week, author/artist/designer Chris Merritt returns to Mousetalgia to join us for an Emporium of topics. First, we return to our "high five" format to discuss a variety of topics, including the top Disney fathers, top ways to be kept out of Disneyland, top live action films; and then Chris takes us on a tour[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Peabody Award-winning writer, producer and director Mark Catalena to the show to talk about his role as writer and editor of "The Imagineering Story," the hit documentary now playing on Disney Plus. Mark talks about the challenges and victories he and the creative team had while developing this series, which evolved[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes director, writer and producer Kirk R. Thatcher back to the show to talk everything Muppets! In anticipation of the July release of Muppets Now on Disney+, Kirk Thatcher joins us to talk not only about the show, for which he served as a director, but also his long history with Jim[...]
This week on a supersized episode, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Josh Shipley and Brian Crosby to the show to join us for a Josh and Croz Show reunion! In a free-wheeling session, we cover topics including international Disney park attractions, Disneyland transportation vehicles, Disney songs and musicals, peanut butter in the parks, and Disneyland's live performers.[...]
Former Disneyland Tour Guide Cindy Carter talks to Mousetalgia this week about her career as Disneyland Tour Guide - and beyond. Cindy talks about the grand opening of the New Fantasyland, hosting the Disney family in the park, the changes to the park during the 1980s and the onset of the Annual Passholder, and celebrity[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Dan Lanigan, host of the new Disney+ series "Prop Culture", to the show. Dan joins us to talk about the new series, which talks about various Disney films from the perspective of their props, costumes, and the magic behind the movies that helps tell the stories. Dan also talks about[...]
This week, celebrate Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) with Mousetalgia as we dive into the dark side! Actor, visual effects artist and animator C. Andrew Nelson joins us this week to talk about his 12-year role portraying Darth Vader for Lucasfilm. Andrew talks about the nature of Darth Vader (and we're sure we can[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia celebrates Disneyland of the '70s and '80s with Disneyland Tour Guide Laurie Jerome, who talks about her years at Disneyland as a VIP Hostess and a leader of Disney University. Laurie talks about starting out as a Main Entrance ticket taker, and shares some of her experiences hosting VIPs on their[...]
This week, Mousetalgia celebrates our 600th episode with magic from coast to coast! First, we welcome Disneyland vocal artist Drew Tablak back to the show to talk about the Dapper Dans' recent at-home recording session, and the art and heart of performing live at Disneyland. Then, we welcome Tik Tok celeb Makall Lauren to the[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes animation legend Tom Sito to the show to talk about his long career as an animator with Disney and beyond. Tom discusses his start in the animation industry, working for Disney during the renaissance in the 1980s, working with some of the greatest talents in the animation industry both inside[...]
Welcome to day 23 (and counting) since Disneyland closed indefinitely. In honor of this moment, we talk about Walt Disney Animation's 23rd feature release - The Rescuers! Kristen brings us a load of fast facts and fun trivia about this oft-overlooked Disney classic. Then, Jeff takes a closer look at the life of a Disney[...]
Team Mousetalgia invites you to take a look with us at this week in Disney history, with topics including Disneyland's shooting galleries, Disney Legend Marc Davis's birthday, Disneyland's Grand Canyon Diorama, Disneyland's first Easter parade, Disney Legend Ward Kimball's first day working for Walt, the Midget Autopia, and Snow White's photo reference model Marge Champion.[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses the frantic last days before Disneyland closed for weeks (until March 31 at the earliest, although potentially much longer) in order to protect people from spreading the COVID-19 virus, including the postponement of our own "Anything Can Happen" events at Disneyland and the Bowers Museum. Kristen gives a trip report[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show to share some lucky tales about Walt Disney and his Irish roots, his claddagh ring, and the wee King Brian. Then, we welcome Mouse Fan Travel CEO Beci Mahnken back to the show to give us the rundown on Mickey and Minnie's[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia continues to answer listener-submitted questions, with topics including: Taking a trip to Disneyland with a teenager, remembering Vault Disney, sharing a day with Walt Disney, best Disney books, a history of Disneyland music, worst Disney attraction or food, a Mouseketeer history lesson, the Haunted Mansion's elevators, introverts and extroverts and the[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia ponders Walt Disney, Ub Iwerks, Charles Mintz, and the strange story of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt's first cartoon character to achieve wide popular acclaim. We welcome author and historian Dave Bossert to the show to talk about how Oswald was seen by the public at the time, how his rival[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia talks about our East Coast sister parks in a trip report by Kristen about her recent family trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Kristen offers tips, tricks, and stories about her trek to the opposite coast, with topics including Saratoga Springs, WDW transportation, scooter rentals, the Minnie Van, Epcot touring tips and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses some animation and some park news. First, Jeff reports on "The Art of Frozen 2," a talk by Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay, a visual development artist for Walt Disney Feature Animation. Griselda recently appeared at the Walt Disney Family Museum to discuss the current process of animation at Walt Disney Feature Animation,[...]
This week, Jeff checks in with a report from the first annual Mouse-con Bakersfield! We discuss the special guests, the artists, the panels, and the experience of being surrounded by hundreds of Disney fans. Jeff also brings a few highlights from a panel about Disney story artists, featuring great moments in Disney history with Kirk[...]
This week, Mousetalgia presents a trip report stretching from the fjords of Arendelle to the skies of Batuu for the opening weekend of Rise of the Resistance and the last few weeks of Frozen the Musical's first national tour stop at the Pantages Theatre. First, Jeff reports on the magical musical performance of Frozen, which[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia dives into Star Wars then, now and forever. First, we take a look back at Star Wars in 1977 as it began to dominate popular culture, and then Kristen describes "The Star Wars Archives," a massive book from Taschen that shares some of George Lucas's perspective on his original film trilogy.[...]
It's an animated feature anniversary week on Mousetalgia! 101 Dalmatians and Sleeping Beauty celebrate birthdays over the next two weeks, and we take a look at the history of the Disney studio during the time of the development of these films and celebrate their legacies with animator and Disney Legend Floyd Norman, who worked on[...]
This week, Jeff takes a road trip to Disneyland for a rainy Christmas day experience and shares some stories. But first, we speak with Tyler Bliss, an actor who was able to participate as a background performer on an episode of Encore, a series on Disney+. Tyler talks about the experience, the process of making[...]
To leap into 2020, Team Mousetalgia invited listeners to ask us anything they wanted to for our annual AMA episode, and we got some great questions. Topics include Disneyland memories, favorite and recommended books, embarrassing moments, dealing with your "Disney's-not-for-adults" friends, how we would "improve" the park, least favorite park foods, DVC impressions, Mousetalgia origins,[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes a look at a few selected moments from 2019 to reminisce about the good, the bad, and the Oswalds. We talk about our favorite movies and television (we're talking about you, Mando); list our top dining experiences (the Craftsman Bar, Club 33, Disneyland's hub and even the Tokyo resort make[...]
Merry Christmas! This week, Team Mousetalgia wishes you and yours a very happy holiday season as we discuss Christmas celebrations at Disneyland with a trip report from Jeff. Jeff talks about this year's Candlelight Processional with guest narrator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and we also discuss holiday food and drinks, Club 33 seating for the fireworks, and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes former Cast Member Matthew Emerson to the show, and we talk about Matt's extensive career at Disneyland, with topics including the grand opening of Star Tours, tales of being a Jungle Cruise Skipper, his time as Manager of Club 33, and celebrity encounters with Fess Parker, the Mouseketeers, Liz Taylor,[...]
This week, Jeff reviews five new Disney books, and Dave, Becky and Kristen offer trip reports covering a variety of topics, including: a rainy Thanksgiving trip including dinner at Wine Country Trattoria; Calla's first thrill rides (including the Haunted Mansion and Goofy's Sky School); food options at the Festival of Holidays; and Becky's and Button's[...]
This week on Mousetalgia, we begin with Kristen's review of a stay at TownePlace Suites by Marriott, and we weigh the pros and cons of budget lodging within a quick drive from Disneyland. Then, we share "This week in Disney history," covering topics including Tokyo Disneyland, Candlelight Processional, Britney Spears, Walt's birthday, and a Snow[...]
Happy Thanksgiving! This week, Team Mousetalgia celebrates the start of the holidays at Disneyland. First, Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait For Christmas" podcast returns to share Five Golden Things about Disney and the holidays - see if you agree with his list of favorite Christmastime features and happenings. Then, Mike Van Eaton joins us[...]
It's might be freezing around the country, but Mousetalgia keeps your toasty this week with a supersized episode! First, we speak with Mousetalgia listener Wendy Brown, who completed the monumental task of viewing every Disney theatrically released film in order. We find out some of her favorite films, some of the challenges she met while[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you to the floor of Mouse-con 2019, the fifth annual yearly gathering of Bay Area Disney fans hosted at the Crowne Plaza Inn in Concord, CA. We share our live recordings of some of the goings on, including discussions of our purchases, the cosplay, our presentations, and the convention itself.[...]
Let's dive into the mailbag! This week, listeners get philosophical, talking about the value of Fantasyland attractions, the merits of World of Color "Villainous!," girls trips to the resort, Vinylmation woes, and a special segment with listen feedback to Kristen's recent questions about Walt Disney World. Also, we take a brief look back at the[...]
This is Halloween, which means it's time for Team Mousetalgia's annual treat! This year, we welcome New York Times Bestselling Author Matthew Reinhart back to the show to discuss his latest book "Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-up Galaxy." Matthew discusses the challenge of creating more innovative and transformational pop-up paper designs, and we do a[...]
This week, Steve Cantafio from MEI-Travel joins Team Mousetalgia to share tips and tricks for Walt Disney World fans making the trek out west to the Disneyland Resort. Steve shares some of his own advice that comes from his own recent trip planning for a trip to Disneyland, and compares and contrasts the experience with[...]
It's spooking season, and Team Mousetalgia talks Halloween fun and food at the Disneyland Resort! Experience the fun eats and treats throughout the resort with Kristen as she eats her way through Halloween Time - including a report on the Haunted Mansion Tea Party experience at the Disneyland Hotel, and the seasonal offerings at Club[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia offers a cornucopia of topics in a monster-sized episode to welcome October! First, Kristen celebrates 70 years of Mr. Toad with a smattering of trivia - guess the answers along with us! Then, Becky helps Kristen plan a Walt Disney World vacation, and we cover the topics that every West Coast[...]
This week. we explore many facets of the current state of Haunted Mansion fandom by looking at three separate current events. First, we welcome Skywalking Through Neverland back to the show to tell us all about the taping of this year's "31 Nights of Halloween Fanfest," which took place at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia offers an Emporium of topics, featuring an interview with Gerald Hudson, who began working for Disneyland as the captain of a Jungle River Boat in 1958 and went on to work for the park in many capacities through the 1960s. Hudson shares many fascinating memories, including a moving account of working[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes author/historian J B Kaufman from the Hyperion Historical Alliance back to the show to discuss his first book for the organization, "The Making of Walt Disney's Fun and Fancy Free." In this first publication from the group's academic monograph series, Kaufman explores little known facts and shares never before seen images[...]
This week, Kristen returns for a roundtable discussion on the variety of challenges and successes the Disney D23 Expo posed this year as Team Mousetalgia recaps our experiences throughout the entire Expo process, from registration through experiencing the event firsthand. We describe and consider some of the problems we experienced with panel pre-registration; discuss the[...]
Disney+ unleashed! Star Wars "hotel" announced! Movie news, parks news, and so much more was introduced or explained at the 2019 D23 Expo, and Mousetalgia hosts Jeff and Dave cover part one of our exclusive coverage of the huge biannual Disney fan event. We break down some of our favorite news items and talk about[...]
Imagineer memoirs and more fill this special "Expo recuperation" episode of Mousetalgia! First, Jeff and Kristen review two books previewed at the 2019 D23 Expo, beginning with late Disney Legend Marty Sklar's final book, "Travels with Figment: On the Road in Search of Disney Dreams." Then, Jeff reviews Imagineer Kevin Rafferty's new book "Magic Journey:[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia continues to celebrate the spookiest semicentennial of them all - 50 years of the Haunted Mansion. Jeff takes us along to Disneyland to party like the dead at "The Haunted Mansion: Celebrating 50 Years of Retirement Unliving" after hours event on August 9, and we talk merch, characters, the event itself[...]
This week, it's Expo-mania time as Team Mousetalgia look forward to the upcoming D23 Expo in Anaheim, California. We spend a little time reminiscing about favorite memories from past Expos, and then dive into our expectations and hopes for this year's event, which promises many new procedures, experiences and events. We offer a few tips,[...]
Welcome, foolish listeners, to an entire Mousetalgia episode devoted to the home of 999 happy haunts, The Haunted Mansion. This week, Jeff answers questions and tells stories about the history of Walt's storied dark ride in honor of its 50th anniversary on August 9. First, Kristen asks Jeff some Haunted Mansion questions for which she[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia says "Hakuna Matata" and leaps into the world of the newest iteration of The Lion King. First, we welcome Michael Goldman, author of "The Art and Making of The Lion King," to the show to share some of the insight and secrets he discovered while researching his just-released book. We discuss[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes author/historian Didier Ghez back to the show to discuss the fifth book in his "They Drew as They Pleased" series titled "The Hidden Art of Disney's Early Rennassiance," with discussion about Mel Shaw and Ken Anderson's work for the Disney animation studio in the '70s and '80s. Didier also gives[...]
This week, to celebrate Disneyland's 64th anniversary, we take a look at the park through various eras. First, former Disneyland Tour Guide Barbara Brock returns to the Mousetalgia podcast to talk about keeping cool in Disneyland during the hot summers of the '80s, and shares some stories of her time taking guests around the park.[...]
This week, Jeff and Kristen take you on a True Life Adventure to Sequim, Washington to visit the Olympic Game Farm, which was home to some of Walt Disney's most famous animal actors in his nature films. The farm's president Robert Beebe talks to Mousetalgia on location about his grandfather Lloyd Beebe, the game farm's[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia tackles Toy Story 4, and offers our no-spoilers review. We talk about the emotional impact of this supposed-final chapter of the Toy Story saga, the power of Bo breaking the mold, what works and doesn't work in the film - and we ponder the future of the franchise, and ask what[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Team Disney's Jeffrey Epstein back to the show talk about D23 Expo prep, and to generally share in our excitement for the upcoming event. Get some tips straight from the top! Then, we dive into the Mousetalgia mailbag and answer your questions, with topics including: Disneyland's MaxPass vs, WDW's Magic[...]
This week, we have a second week of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge coverage as Jeff files his report from the Outer Rim and shares his own impressions of Black Spire Outpost, the newest themed land at the Disneyland Resort. We talk about crying (or not) when one first encounters the Millenium Falcon, and we review[...]
Journey to a galaxy far, far away with Team Mousetalgia as Dave reports from his stay on the Outer Rim planet of Batuu from the opening weekend of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Park. Dave takes us through his initial impressions of the immersive land, with reports on the attractions, the layout, the shopping,[...]
On today's show, we offer an opening day report from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and then Kristen finishes her six castle journey through the Disney parks with a trip to Tokyo Disneyland Resort, and talks all about the parks, the attractions and the entertainment - and the snacks! From the Venetian gondolas at Tokyo DisneySea[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia speaks with author/historian David Koenig about Disneyland's "55ers" - the men and women who opened Walt Disney's Disneyland. From the original glass blower to bakery workers, David tells the stories from the people that saw Walt walking down Main Street U.S.A. in person. Then, Jeff ponders the Haunted Mansion's 50th anniversary. We[...]
This week, Kristen takes over the Mousetalgia podcast to tell us all about her trip to Tokyo to visit the Tokyo Disneyland Resort. In this first part of a 2-part feature, Kristen gives pro tips and tricks for making a trip to Tokyo a success, including reports on shopping, touring, and the dining options and[...]
It's a super(hero)-sized Mousetalgia this week as we explore three very different topics in the Disney universe. First, we welcome Chris Wing back to the show to report on the re-opening of the renovated and reimagined Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, and he talks about the changes in the new scenes and technology found in[...]
Mousetalgia's own Kristen visits Shanghai Disneyland and shares a trip report that describes everything you need to know to tour the park on your own. From the hotels to the food to the attractions and everything in between, we cover the ins and outs of taking a solo trip to Shanghai Disneyland without the safety[...]
Prepare for May the Fourth with Team Mousetalgia this week as we welcome "Skywalking Through Neverland" hosts Sarah and Richard Woloski to tell us all about the 2019 Star Wars Celebration event held recently in Chicago. We discuss everything from the latest news about Galaxy's Edge to the announcement of the title of Star Wars[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia heads back to the mailbag to tackle your questions. Topics include: Disneyland lodging tips from other Mousetalgia listeners; Lightning and Cruz - their platonic relationship; Disney and copyrights; alcohol in Disneyland - another view; vegans at Disneyland; making Disneyland even more special; tips for starting a podcast; Michelle Shocked's "Got No[...]
On April 22, Disney's Animal Kingdom park turns 21, so in honor of the occasion we present a trip report from the park and celebrate one of the most immersive, lovely Disney theme parks, and talk Pandora, safaris, and more. RunDisney also recently held the Star Wars Half Marathon weekend at the Walt Disney World[...]
This week, we discuss Mousetalgia's Anything Can Happen Weekend, beginning with a report on Disneyland Hotel's Pirates of the Caribbean Suite! Kristen, Kurt and Jeff were able to stay in this exquisite suite during Mousetalgia's recent special weekend, and we describe all the details of this impressive space. Then, we report from our listener meet-ups.[...]
It's a Mousetalgia Emporium! Vocal group Dcapella just finished touring with a final stop in Oakland, so this week, Mousetalgia goes VIP at this final stop on the group's inaugural tour, and we tell you what you can expect if you decide to go VIP when the group goes back on the road. Listen in[...]
This week, join Team Mousetalgia as we take a slightly deeper dive into Disneyland trip planning with our Disneyland 202 episode. Topics we cover are app-based transportation to the parks from the airports, Disneyland Resort hotels pros and cons, and how to use the Disneyland app for gathering photos, booking Fastpasses, and ordering food. Plus[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you on a heroic journey through the universe as we visit galaxies both Marvel-ous and far, far away. First, we welcome Tim Babb back to the show to join us as we present a review of Captain Marvel, the latest film from Marvel Studios staring Academy Award-winning actress Brie Larson[...]
Disneyland for newbies: Planning your first trip. When to go, what to expect, and where to stay if you've never been to the park before. Should you stay on property or in the surrounding neighborhood? What's best for families? Which hotels can save you money with free breakfasts? How are crowds in the park throughout[...]
This week on the Mousetalgia podcast, we celebrate the 47th anniversary of the opening of Country Bear Jamboree in Bear Country at Disneyland. Disney voice actor Peter Renaday returns to the show to talk about how he became Henry, the host of Country Bear Jamboree, and we also veer off to reminisce a bit more[...]
In the past two weeks, the Disney fan community was rocked with the news of the passing of two legendary names in the history of the Walt Disney Company. On February 9, Ron Miller - the son in law of Walt Disney and CEO/President of the company for many years - passed away at the[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia dips into the mailbag to answer some more of your questions about Disney-related topics, including: Disney tattoo ideas; taking large family groups to the park; Club 33 protocol and menu options; hunting down Disney cartoons and shorts; Taschen's Disneyland book; taking balloons on a plane; celebrating Mickey Mouse at Disneyland; a[...]
The Walt Disney Family Museum is celebrating its tenth anniversary year, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the happenings that will be coming throughout the year. From a report on the museum's outreach efforts to an overview of the various events that will be coming in 2019, we cover it all. As a bonus, we'll listen[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Beci Mahnken, CEO of MEI/MouseFan Travel, back to the show to share her expertise on planning those summer vacations to the Disneyland Resort in a year that promises many exciting - and possibly challenging - changes. Beci shares her top five tips for a successful and fun vacation, regardless of[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Michael Vargo, Vice President of D23, to the show to talk about the upcoming D23 Expo and the state of D23 - what members can look forward to this year, new opportunities, and that amazing membership pin set for 2019. Then, we start preparing for this year's D23 Expo with[...]
This week, we start the Mousetalgia podcast with a conversation about Disneyland ticket prices - are comparable resort experiences ever going to change public perspective of the value of a Disney vacation? Will corporate greed become a new narrative, or is supply and demand the final answer? Dive in with us. Then, the Nine Old[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia invites you to listen along as Jeff tells the tale of New Year's Eve 2018 at Disneyland. The story involves wall-to-wall people, Santa Ana Winds, cancelled performances, and overpriced food - and advice on finding the magic despite the odds. The team also discusses John Lasseter's return to the animation industry,[...]
This week on the Mousetalgia podcast, it's anything goes as Dave, Becky, Jeff and Kristen answer questions you posed on our social media for a special AMA (Ask Mousetalgia Anything) episode to kick of 2019. Topics include Mousetalgia's origin story, our favorite characters and attractions, our thoughts on crowds at Disneyland and how they will[...]
It's time for Mousetalgia's annual year in review show! We discuss our top Disney films from 2018, favorite Disney dining experiences (Bengal BBQ vs. those corn dogs), favorite moments (Fantasmic, meeting Minnie), favorite Disney merchandise, and we hand out the infamous Oswald Awards (for when something didn't appear to go as planned). Plus - our[...]
Merry Christmas! This week on Mousetalgia, we talk Candlelight with Disney historian Joseph Titizian. Joseph talks us through the history of the Candlelight Processional, and then takes us behind the scenes of this year's 60th anniversary of the ceremony, including some samples from this year's performances. Then, Kristen and Jeff discuss Mary Poppins Returns with[...]
This week on Mousetalgia, Disney author and historian Jeff Kurtti joins us to talk about everything Mary Poppins: the history, the cultural impact, the new film - and his new book "Practically Poppins In Every Way." But first, we share our insightful and frank conversation with Academy-Award winning filmmaker Brad Bird about his early career[...]
This week, Mousetalgia takes you to the parks for some holiday dining updates. First, we review "Mickey's Tales of Adventure" Breakfast Buffet at Storyteller Cafe - omelets, prime rib and Froot Loops, oh my! We discuss the revised menu offerings and enhanced character interactions which have made the new buffet at the Grand Californian[...]
Mousetalgia's correspondent Lindsey reports from D23's Destination D, and we bring you the scoop on the latest news and all the happenings from the Disney fan event that was held at the Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort on November 16, 17 and 18. Lindsey discusses the exciting panels, the intriguing exhibits, the exclusive merchandise, and[...]
Disney artists and historians Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily visited the Walt Disney Family Museum this month to discuss the Swiss Family Robinson, and to talk about their journey to Tobago to search for the film sets from the filming of this astonishing film, and Dave reports on the event. Plus, we take a holiday[...]
Mickey Mouse turns 90 on November 18, and we have a spectacular special show for you to celebrate the occasion! In honor of #Mickey90, all of the Mousetalgia family of podcasts have come together to honor the Mouse who started it all. Author/historian/D23 Contributor Jim Fanning joins Team Mousetalgia this week to talk through all[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes producer/director Don Hahn back to the show to discuss his latest film, Howard - a documentary of the life and work of Howard Ashman, the legendary lyricist behind hits including "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty and the Beast", and "Aladdin". Hahn discusses the genesis of and story behind his documentary, and answers some questions[...]
This week, Jeff talks to author/artist Heather Dixon Wallwork about her new novel "The Enchanted Sonata" based on the tale of the Nutcracker, and we discuss her new book in which Clara Stahlbaum is whisked away to an enchanted empire where she must face a magician who uses music as spells while she faces her[...]
For Mousetalgia's special Halloween episode, the "PDX Sanderson Sisters" - prize-winners from Freeform's Hocus Pocus 25th Anniversary Halloween Bash - join us to share some behind the scenes secrets from the recent production, which was filmed at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The cosplay trio talk about their origin story, the Freeform show, hanging with Doug[...]
This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome 1954 original Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer Nancy Abbate to the show as we continue our build up to Mickey's 90th birthday. Nancy shares some stories about her time as a Mouseketeer and dancing for Walt Disney, along with the story of her career and life after the club.[...]
This week, author and self-proclaimed geek Amy Ratcliffe joins Mousetalgia to talk about "Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy," her new book profiling 75 female characters from the Star Wars universe. Covering personalities throughout all of Star Wars from the original trilogy through "Star Wars: Resistance," the book covers an exhaustive herstory of the entire[...]
"Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" turns 25 this week, and Team Mousetalgia takes a scary look back at the holiday classic that's been haunting our dreams for the past quarter century. We talk about our own memories of the film's release, and Jeff shares a Haunted Mansion moment about the special holiday overlay that[...]
It's a Mousetalgia Emporium show! In this week's episode, we discuss the new Funko "Pop! Rides" Haunted Mansion vinyl collectible; the Mickey Mouse 90th Birthday Party hosted by all of the Mousetalgia podcasts; and the aftermath of the latest and greatest Van Eaton Galleries' "That's From Disneyland!" auction. Plus - Kristen launches an entire month[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes author and historian Jeff Kurtti back to the show to discuss his new book "From All of Us to All of You: The Disney Christmas Card." We take a deep dive into the history of the various Christmas cards distributed by the Walt Disney Studios over the years and we look[...]
It's a Mousetalgia Emporium this week! Topics for the week include alcohol in Disneyland, lights on floats and remembering a friend. First, Team Mousetalgia offers a listener a "Hand with the Land" with tips for solo touring at Walt Disney World. Then, we finally tackle the issue of alcohol coming to Disneyland, and debate the[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia opens the mailbox to answer your questions. Topics include: RunDisney's virtual races - the pros and cons; Mousetalgia's Walt Disney World Resort must-dos; what to expect for a November 2019 trip to Disneyland; finding toddler potties at the Baby Care Center; seeking out Trader Sams mugs; growing up with Disney; and[...]
This week, Mousetalgia presents an episode that we recorded live at Walt's Barn in Griffith Park on August 19, 2018. We welcome special guest Tom Morris to the show to discuss his career with the Walt Disney Company, starting as a balloon salesperson at Disneyland and staying with the company 42 years to become the[...]
This week, Mousetalgia brings you our interview with Disney Legend Floyd Norman, recorded at Griffith Park inside of Walt Disney's Combine Car, one of the cars that composed the opening day Disneyland Railroad. But first, Kristen attends a D23 press event and reports back on upcoming D23 happenings, including the 2019 D23 Expo, the Walt[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Rose Ivy back to the show to talk about the new line of Disney Princess-inspired dresses from Her Universe, two of which she designed. We chat about the designs, the inspiration, working with Disney, and get a quick glimpse into the life of a fashion designer. Then, Jeff reports back from[...]
Celebrate our Tencennial edition of Mousetalgia as we kick off year eleven by welcoming Nicholas and Richard Kraft to the show to speak with us about their upcoming "That's From Disneyland!" auction, which is on display through August 26 at the old Sports Authority store on Riverside Drive in Sherman Oaks. The father and son[...]
It's a super Mouse Meet emporium this week as Team Mousetalgia brings you four fresh interviews, direct from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet near Seattle, Washington! First, we speak with Imagineering Executive Producer Jeffrey Shaver-Moskowitz, who led a team of Imagineers in creating Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure. Jeffrey tells us all about the[...]
In this week's Marvel-ous episode of Mousetalgia, we welcome Brian Crosby, Creative Director for Themed Entertainment for Marvel, back to the show to talk about "Marvel: Universe of Superheroes," the new exhibit currently showing at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle. The exhibit, MoPop's largest special installation ever, is filled with Marvel history, comic[...]
It's time for Mousetalgia's Summer book club! This week, Team Mousetalgia talks to author/historian Didier Ghez about the fourth entry in his "The Drew as They Pleased" books about oft-overlooked artwork from the Disney Studios - in this case, "The Hidden Art of Disney's Mid Century Era." Ghez describes the art from this period of[...]
It's an emporium of toontastic proportions today as Mousetalgia invites you to listen in as we re-live our latest adventures. We interview Pixar CCO Pete Docter and Imagineer Chris Merritt about their upcoming book about Marc Davis at a recent event hosted by the Walt Disney Family Museum, and then Jeff talks to author Gary[...]
This week, Mousetalgia co-host Kristen concludes her trip reports from Europe with a review of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: "The Making of Harry Potter." Learn about the tour, the various sets, scenes, props, and everything else that you will encounter when you take this popular and amazing tour. Kristen also talks about finding all[...]
Happy Independence Day week! In this episode, Team Mousetalgia takes you on a trip to opening day of Disney California Adventure's Pixar Pier to ride the newly-themed Incredicoaster - but does it live up to the hype? Then, we celebrate the 55th anniversary of Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room and Jeff has a mysterious encounter[...]
Team Mousetalgia talks Incredibles 2 on this week's show, and we discuss the latest news coming from the west coast Disney universe. First, Disney announces leadership changes for Pixar and Disney Animation, and we discuss what it might mean in terms of the direction of the company's animated features. Next, Disneyland announces changes in the[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia dips into the mailbag to answer your questions, with a theme of making the most of a first time trip to Disneyland. Topics this week include: Disneyland touring plans - yay or nay; keeping the magic alive in between trips to the parks; trip prep for Walt Disney World experts coming[...]
Dave and Becky traveled to Emeryville to see a Super VIP screening of "The Incredibles 2" at the Pixar Animation Studio and Mousetalgia reports from the event. Women in Animation (WIA) hosted an exclusive screening of the new film at Pixar, and Dave and Becky were able to attend. During the event, attendees were able[...]
Mousetalgia talks dining at Disneyland Paris! Kristen travels to the Disneyland Paris resort again, and talks about annual pass discounts for lodging (and why concierge level lodging is mandatory - hint: it's the food), and the food and dining experiences, including: tips on making reservations, reviews of the Agrobah Cafe, Café de Cascadeurs, the Inventions[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you to the outer rim of a galaxy far, far away as we discuss Star Wars myths and legends and the march of the Galactic Empire in this 501st episode of Mousetalgia. First, Kristen reports on a D23 event that brought Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano,[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you on a whirlwind tour of topics we've covered in the past decade as we look back at our collection of 500 episodes of the Mousetalgia Podcast. From fan conventions like the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet and the D23 Expo to conversations with legends like Alice Davis and Marty Sklar,[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia reports from Disneyland's Pixar Fest with tips for making your next trip to the resort a success. We talk about the new additions to the parades, the fireworks, and the food offerings. Plus, we offer more Maxpass tips, we discuss the Grand Californian updates, and offer hints for navigating the parks.[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Spirit and Legacy Awards-winning cast member Jim Lowman to the show to talk about his half century of working at Disneyland Park. Jim shares fascinating bits of history, including the Haunted Mansion's grand opening at Club 33, bringing the Churro to Disneyland, meeting the love of his life at the Tahitian[...]
This week, Imagineer John Paul Bakshoian joins Mousetalgia to talk about the process of Disney Park Show Documentation, which involves keeping consistency at the parks between the various attractions and shows. He shared some stories from his career with "Walt's watchdog" department at WDI. Then, we talk to Amy Guglielmo, the author of "Pocket Full[...]
This week, Dave and Jeff take you to Silicon Valley Comic Con 2018 for an in-depth report. Marvel legend Stan Lee made a three-day appearance that was painful to witness, and we discuss the fallout. Celebrities pose, scientists expound and vendors vend all weekend, and Mousetalgia shares some highlights. Margaret Kerry flew in to meet[...]
This week, Mousetalgia goes back to the mailbag to answer your questions. Topics include long distance Disney dating ideas; Fantasmic! dining options; traveling to and finding Disney experiences in Seattle; childcare at the Disney resorts; driving through California; crowd prediction at Disneyland; setting Disney ride records; a Cable Guy encounter; and simply finding romance during[...]
This week, we offer some Mousetalgia Therapy regarding the loss of A Bug's Land, and then we take a look back at the history of Disney California Adventure. Has DCA gone full Meg Ryan? Is basing a land on properties focused on violent activities a good idea? We also discuss the ghosts of DCA; from[...]
Mousetalgia heads east once again, and Dave and Becky report from their kid-free trip to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. First, they spend some time at the Universal Orlando Resort, and talk about staying on Universal property, the front of line pass, Harry Potter's dominance, and all those screens - plus, the best[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia speaks to Michael Vargo, VP D23 about the newly announced dates of the 2019 D23 Expo, and we discuss some upcoming changes and benefits exclusive to D23 Gold Members. Then, Kristen reports from Food and Wine at Disney California Adventure, and shares some of her favorite flavors, snacks, and experiences from[...]
This week, Mousetalgia talks everything Tokyo! Join us on a trip to Japan for some exclusive reports from the Tokyo Disney Resort. First, Neil Peterson, an American living in Tokyo, talks with Mousetalgia about the ins and outs of visiting the Tokyo Disney parks, and shares his tips and tricks about touring the Disneyland and[...]
Dive into a week in Disney history with Mousetalgia! Let's take a walk through a week in March throughout the history of the Walt Disney Company. Topics include Winnie the Pooh; Hazel George, Walt's nurse; Howard Ashman's legacy; Disney Afternoon at Disneyland; Harper Goff; and Mickey Mouse's appearance in Plane Crazy, his first cartoon. Also[...]
This week, Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti joins Mousetalgia to talk about his new book, "Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World." Kurtti talks about his inspiration for the book, what Walt Disney means to him, and the stories behind the stories and photographs in the book. Learn about Walt's travels[...]
Join us for a Mousetalgia therapy session regarding Disneyland's increasing admission prices - what does it mean for the future of the passholder base and the traffic into the park? Then, Jeffrey Epstein, Director of Communications for D23 joins us to give us an inside scoop on some of the happenings at the D23 Expo[...]
Character artist Brigette Barrager discussed her work at a recent talk at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and she talked about her research on Mary Blair and the Walt Disney Studios in order to create her latest book, "Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair." She talked about the process, the story,[...]
This week, Mousetalgia celebrates romance with tales of love at Disneyland and beyond. Whether you are considering a Disneyland Fairy Tale Wedding of your own, or just want to enjoy the memories shared by others, these stories are sure to warm your heart. With four mini interviews, we discuss everything from the food, entertainment and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia reports on a recent talk at the Walt Disney Family Museum by author Marcy Carriker Smothers on her new book "Eat Like Walt," an emphatically researched book about Walt Disney and food, and how he and his company viewed the dining experience at his studio, his theme park, and in his[...]
This week, Mousetalgia discusses some recent exciting happenings at the Disneyland Resort. First, Mousetalgia correspondent John Garcia reports on "Throwback Nite," the first of a string of planned special ticket "Disneyland After Dark" events. John talks about the atmosphere, the food, the entertainment, and the special features that made this first in a series of[...]
This week we present an Emporium of topics. First, Disney historian David Koenig joins us to talk about the late Frank Pfannenstiel, who was the last Disneyland cowboy. Hired in 1954 and employed at the park for 33 years, Frank, a WW II Marine veteran, was hired to care for and train horses and mules[...]
This week, Mousetalgia digs in to the history of Walt Disney's Classic Sleeping Beauty, and we take a look at the development, the marketing, the exquisite art - and we review a panel discussion with animators and Disney Legends Floyd Norman and Burny Mattinson about the making of the film, held at the Walt Disney[...]
This week, we present a spoiler-filled review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the 8th installment in the Star Wars saga. But before that, let's talk DVC, and discuss the benefits and costs of joining the Disney Vacation Club. Is the cost of purchasing property in villas in deluxe Disney hotels worth the experience? Our[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia hosts a roundtable discussion reviewing our strongest memories and opinions of Disney's past year. Topics include our favorite changes to the theme parks; the best books and purchases we've made through the year; our favorite movies from the various Disney studios in 2017; the best dining experience we've each had on[...]
For our special holiday episode, Mousetalgia hosted a Reddit-style AMA (Ask Mousetalgia Anything), and we have answers to your burning questions. Some of the topics include: Finding time to record shows, Cinderella's dress color, park pet peeves, favorite park eras, ABD wishes, Disney dream jobs, attraction mash-ups, ten minutes with Walt, favorite things to do at[...]
This week, Mousetalgia presents an Emporium of festive fun! First, we welcome Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast to the show to host a happy holiday roundtable discussion about everything Christmas at the Disneyland Resort. Next, Dave and Becky review the Blue Bayou and its Fantasmic dining package, and we discuss the[...]
Welcome to Star Wars week! We spend a few moments discussing Star Wars trivia, Star Wars clothing, and the "Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire" VR experience. Next, Jeff reviews "Foolish Mortals," the Popzilla Haunted Mansion art show that was hosted at Pop! Comics in Anaheim. Then, we discuss spending four hours in Disneyland -[...]
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Disneyland Hotel - we review the 2017 Thanksgiving buffet and discuss the food and entertainment, and compare the overall experience with previous years. Then we discuss the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, and talk about some of the culinary opportunities available during the holiday season at the resort. Next,[...]
It's a Mousetalgia mailbag! Topics include: DisneyLife, Disney's answer to Netflix, is launched internationally, and we have a user's review; a first trip to the Disneyland Hotel - is it worth the money? We discuss the benefits to staying on property; brief thoughts on writing Disney books; Disneyland VIP tours - the ins and outs;[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti back to the show to help us celebrate Mickey Mouse's 89th birthday by sharing some stories about his good friend Wayne Allwine, who was the voice of Mickey Mouse for many years. Jeff talks about how Mickey Mouse's voice progressed through the years, and[...]
This week, travel to China with Mousetalgia as Kristen concludes her series of reports from Asia with an overview of the Adventures of Disney tour experience. Joined by Mouse Fan Travel CEO Beci Mahnken, Kristen and Beci discuss Beijing, Hong Kong, the airports, the tour groups, the value of the experience, the elite ABD guides,[...]
Oscar-winning director and producer team Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera came to the Walt Disney Family Museum to share their secret stories from the making of "Inside Out," and Jeff reports on the event. The duo shared many secrets and their own personal photos and videos from behind the scenes while they were making the[...]
Welcome to Mousetalgia's Halloween Specter-tacular! This year, we have a bountiful boo-tique of freaky features to make your Halloween a ghast - er, a gas! First, Jeff recounts the DoomBuggies 20th anniversary party held at the Winchester Mystery House on Friday, October 13th (with a special guest appearance by Ghost Host Peter Renaday... bwahaHA!) Then,[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes historian and author Didier Ghez back to the show to discuss "They Drew as They Pleased" Volume 3: "The Hidden Art of Disney's Late Golden Age." Ghez takes us behind the scenes of his newest book and discusses the Character Model Department of the Disney animation studio in the '40s and[...]
This week, Kristen takes us on her with a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, and we talk about her experience, including: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and other lodging options; free slippers; dining options, dim sum and restaurants; the weather and humidity, and spending time in the park. We discuss the similarities and differences between Hong[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Oscar Martinez, Disneyland's longest tenured cast member, to the show to talk about his 60-year career at Disneyland, 50 of which he spent at Carnation Café. Oscar talks about being hired at Disneyland, his job and retirement, and the state of dining at the resort. Then, Jeff reports on Halloween Time[...]
This week, travel with Kristen to Asia as she takes an Adventures by Disney trip to the Disney parks in both Shanghai and Hong Kong! This week, Kristen discusses Shanghai and the attractions (Tron's Lightcycles!), lodging, dining and cultural differences between that park and the experience we are used to in America. Hear the intricate[...]
This week, Mousetalgia offers an emporium of topics. First, Magical Memories in Las Vegas hosted a grand opening extravaganza with the cast and crew of the original Beauty and the Beast animated classic, and we are celebrating along with them with a recap and an extraordinary sweepstakes! Then, we share an article about unofficial Disney[...]
This week, Mousetalgia starts getting spooky as Disneyland Resort begins its Halloween Time celebrating! We talk about Disneyland's expansion of Halloween to Disney California Adventure, and we discuss our favorite new features for the upcoming haunting holiday. Then, we take some time to remember Disney Legend X. Atencio, who passed away on Sept. 10 at[...]
This week, Mousetalgia returns to the mailbag to answer your burning questions and to share your great tips. Topics include: C.V. Wood's place in Disney history; handling toddler tantrums at Disneyland; tips and tricks for touring the resort as a lone wolf; character breakfasts at the resort revisited; collecting Tsum Tsums; Disney cultural history in the[...]
Team Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes to the green room at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet as we share exclusive interviews with the special guests from this year's event, hosted in Lynnwood, WA on Sept. 12, 2017. Mike Peraza is a Disney art art director, conceptual artist and layout artist for Disney animation, and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia chats with WED Imagineer Rolly Crump about "It's Kind of a Cute Story," his current exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art. We talk about his art, his work with fellow artist Mary Blair, and his relationship with Walt Disney. Then, Kristen takes us with her on a trip to an[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia reports live from the show floor of the ninth annual Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, held on August 12 at the Lynnwood Convention Center in Washington. We describe the popular event, the vendors and the atmosphere, and bring you reports from attendees and authors that we spoke with at the show, including[...]
This week, Rose Ivy talks with Team Mousetalgia fresh from winning the "Her Universe Fashion Show" at San Diego Comic Con! She talks about her winning design, perseverance, geek couture, walking the runway, and what she'll be creating in the near future with her co-winners for Her Universe and Disney (so start asking for Hot Topic[...]
Mousetalgia Episode 459: Remembering Marty Sklar - This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney artist Eric Robison to the show to discuss his years at Walt Disney Imagineering with Marty Sklar. Robison shares some stories and personal memories, including insight into the relationship he had with Sklar and the story of how Sklar helped him launch[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you back to the recent D23 Expo with reports on some of the myriad panels, presentations and performances that were held at the massive event. We talk to our correspondent Nicole, who describes her experience at the Expo as a first-timer, with her own set of tips, advice, and feedback[...]
It's a fantastic super-sized episode of Mousetalgia this week as we report on our travels down to Anaheim for the D23 Expo and the various goings-on at the Disneyland Resort. First, we offer trip reports from Expo weekend in the parks, and Jeff reviews the Skyline Lounge experience as well as a soft opening of the[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Deborah Breedlove back to the show to discuss her experiences as a Disneyland west side cast member back in the 1980s. She tells stories about the time the Haunted Mansion graveyard actually rained INSIDE the ride; the troubles with opening Splash Mountain; her take on the Pirates auction scene; and stories about times[...]
Team Mousetalgia begin this week's show by diving into the rough waters of Disney's recent decision to remove Marc Davis's auction scene from Pirates of the Caribbean, and we explore various possible reasons for the change. Then, Kristen continues her trip report from Disneyland Paris by reviewing the new "Mickey and the Magician" show at Hollywood[...]
This week, Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline talks to Mousetalgia about the upcoming D23 Expo and gives us a sneak preview of the Pirates-themed Walt Disney Archives exhibit, and some behind-the-scenes information about the Archives programming and the Archives stage. Cline also shares some last-minute pro tips for attending the Expo. Then, Jeff takes[...]
Disneyland Paris, part 1: This week, Kristen reports on her recent trip to Disneyland Paris and divides her experiences into either "can't miss" or "skip it" categories. We talk all about her most notable attraction experiences, many interesting moments, and her numerous dining experiences and dishes, restaurants and drinks. She also gives us some travel tips for[...]
The music of Disney's live action films will be featured in the upcoming D23 Expo, and this week, we continue to prepare for the Expo with a closer look at some of the recently announced panels and performances scheduled for the weekend of July 14-16. With topics ranging from the Golden Girls to Hercules, D23 has[...]
Mousetalgia's Tinker Bell Half Marathon weekend report: we cover a variety of topics, including security updates, kids' race woes, photo ops and entertainment removed from the 5K route, and the evolution of runDisney (plus being evacuated from Goofy's Sky School). Then, Jeff reports on a talk at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Ruth Shellhorn[...]
Join us for a swashbuckling galactic review episode this week! First, Mouse Fan Travel CEO Beci Mahnken walks us through the land of Pandora and gives us a travel professional's perspective on the new land and talks about some little known details of the land, gives us spoiler-free reviews of the attractions, offers and tips and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia take you to Silicon Valley Comic Con and we discuss a panel on the art of Star Wars conceptual artist Ralph McQuarrie, and a panel on working with Disney, in which a variety of artists discussed how they managed to get work with Disney, and how they've succeeded as Disney artists. Then, we[...]
Team Mousetalgia welcomes Olympic Gold medalist Ryan Millar back to the show to talk about a recent trip to Epcot and his visit to some of the corporate VIP lounges that are hidden in plain view at the park, and we reveal their secrets. Then, Jeff and Kristen review Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2;[...]
Team Mousetalgia welcomes Mike Van Eaton back to the show to discuss his newest upcoming Disneyland auction featuring a controversial piece: A brownline presentation map of Disneyland hand-inked by Herb Ryman, purported to have been used by Roy Disney to sell the idea of Disneyland to ABC in 1953. While the item made national news[...]
D23 Expo planning - it's time to get serious! Join Team Mousetalgia as we discuss potential crowd levels, last-minute hotel plans, and our favorite Expo survival tips. We share our tips for getting into panels, exploring the floor, enjoying the cosplay, and getting free stuff. From staying fueled to maintaining focus, we share our personal[...]
With Marvel's first major Disneyland attraction about to open, Team Mousetalgia has a marvelous show in store for you this week. Fist, Funko's first Disney Treasures subscription box "Pirate's Cove" has arrived, and we review the vinyl collectibles inside. Is the subscription worth maintaining? We'll give you our two doubloons! Next, Disney Legend Lea Salonga[...]
Join Mousetalgia for a special Star Wars Celebration report on the sights and sounds of SWCO, courtesy of correspondent Emma Mosier. We'll discuss the atmosphere, the vendors, the cosplay, the droids, and even the photo ops. Then, Jeff takes his 5 year old daughter to Disneyland, and we discuss the dynamics of a family trip. Topics include whether or not[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia answers your emailed questions and comments. Topics include: Must-dos for a day at Disneyland Paris - attractions, food, tips; an extreme Disneyland proposal; remembering Walt by finding Disney-themed locations worth visiting near Disneyland; a mom and daughter have a novel way to fund a Disney trip and share some magic; educator's[...]
Welcome to Mousetalgia's super-sized Cast Member Corner! This week, we celebrate 30 years of the Disney Store by taking a look at the past three decades of various formats for the retail destination, and we talk to two veteran Disney Store Cast Members about their time working for Disney - the training, the merchandise, and[...]
Dave and Becky are back from two weeks at the Walt Disney World Resort and share some stories of the culture shock between west coast and east coast Disney vacationing. From underwhelming food offerings (with some stand out exceptions) to living on property and getting around the resort, we discuss some typical Walt Disney World[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia hosts another Emporium of topics, including: our review of Beauty and the Beast, the latest blockbuster from Walt Disney Pictures; Disney California Adventure's Food and Wine Festival, and Kristen's take on the various offerings; Disneyland's 50th anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean weekend celebration, with reports on the limited time food[...]
Join us this week as the Lady Mousetalgia sets sail for part two of our Pirates of the Caribbean 50th anniversary celebration! This week, Imagineer Alan Coats joins us to talk about his father - Disney Legend Claude Coats - who was put in charge of the Pirates project by Walt Disney. Alan discusses Claude's[...]
Disney trivia champion and historian Joseph Titizian joins Team Mousetalgia this week to begin a two-week celebration of Pirates of the Caribbean's 50th anniversary. Join us as we look at the press coverage of the grand opening of Disneyland's Pirates attraction, and then trace the history of the attraction back to its initial roots as[...]
Comedian and podcaster Tim Babb returns to join Team Mousetalgia this week to discuss Disneyland's new no-parking-on-Main-Street rule, and general queuing etiquette. When is it okay to save places in lines for parades and attractions? As the parks get more crowded, are there unspoken rules that guests should follow? We weigh the pros and cons[...]
This week, Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, joins Mousetalgia to talk about planning your next Disney vacation. We cover multiple topics, including value vacations, luxurious vacations, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, VIP Guides, Disney cruises, Disney for families, Aulani, getting the best bang for your Disney buck, and more. Then, we speak with Christopher[...]
Team Mousetalgia discusses Disneyland's 21 Royal Street. We discuss this deluxe dining opportunity offered only at the Disneyland Resort inside of Disneyland Park, and we weigh the value of the meal. Does the $15,000 price tag make any kind of sense in comparison with other extravagant Disney experiences? We describe our reactions to the exclusivity,[...]
This Valentine's week, Team Mousetalgia takes a deep dive into our love for everything Disney, and we share some of our favorite things found under the Disney umbrella in a round table discussion. We talk about our love for Disney movies, and discuss the cross-generational entertainment, the classic films, and good vs. evil; what we[...]
Team Mousetalgia reviews two new books this week. First, we discuss "B-1st" by Disney artists Retta Scott and Woolie Reitherman, and we take a close at this interesting World War II-era proposed children's book that never made it to publication - until 2016. We examine the exquisite art and cultural mores evidenced in this in-progress project[...]
Team Mousetalgia celebrates the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade! Kristen reviews the $95 party at Disneyland welcoming back the parade, and we compare and contrast the event with another recent after-hours event at the park. Also, the Disneyland Kobayashi Maru: what to do when the weatherman promises the storm of the century during[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia offers a RunDisney primer and a report on Disneyland's Star Wars Light Side Half Marathon Weekend. Dave and Becky talk about why Star Wars is a good race weekend for beginners to start with, and they discuss the 2017 events and race courses. We also discuss Disneyland's current security situation, spiked[...]
Disney Legend Tyrus Wong recently passed away at the age of 106, and Mousetalgia pauses to share our own personal memories and thoughts of Tyrus and his work. We also welcome Academy Award-winning filmmaker and historian John Canemaker back to the show to share his own memories of Tyrus, and to talk a little bit[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia offers you a different kind of podcast that requires a different kind of introduction. We start with an internal "Hand-with-the-Land" question from Kristen, who wants to know if its possible to enjoy a trip to Disneyland Resort with a group of 30 or more people. A trip the involves ages 0[...]
It's time for Team Mousetalgia's annual round-up of memories and judgement calls from the past year, so join us as we take a look back at 2016 and remember the highs and lows. We'll look at our favorite books, movies, park events, dining experiences, purchases - and our overall best moments of the year. We[...]
Team Mousetalgia goes back to the inbox to answer some of your emails, including: suggestions for taking a Disney trip with a large family with varied interests; collecting Disneyland souvenir books; which one question would we each ask Walt Disney if we could hop into a time machine; a solo trip report from an attraction-lover;[...]
It's a Mousetalgia triple play this holiday week as we celebrate the opening of Lucasfilm's "Rogue One - A Star Wars Story," taste test Disneyland's holiday offerings and chat about Verve's new release "Jazz Loves Disney." First, we offer our initial spoiler-free reactions to the latest film from the Star Wars galaxy far, far away.[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you to the second annual Mouse-con, held recently in Concord, CA. We'll take you on a tour of the dealer offerings, the venue, the cosplay, the special guests, and the panels, including excerpts from Disneyland Hotel history expert Don Ballard and Disney poster artist Bill Morrison, who tells the story[...]
Mousetalgia takes you to Disney California Adventure's Festival of Holidays to review the food, the festivities, and the fun entertainment. From an $11 pomegranate margarita to holiday Swedish meatballs to egg nog cheesecake, there's a taste of something for everyone - but is the price right? And performances abound, but can any entertainment compare with[...]
Team Mousetalgia goes bi-coastal as we take you out to Florida to report on the 2016 "Destination D: Amazing Adventures" event that just concluded with breaking news and behind-the-scenes insights into some of Disney's most adventurous undertakings. But first, Jeff reports on recent West Coast happenings, including in-person reports from the Van Eaton Galleries "Souvenirs[...]
Tim Babb, host of the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast, joins Team Mousetalgia this week for a holiday showdown. We talk about his podcast, and then discuss dealing with the hectic nature of the Disneyland Resort during the holidays. Tim reacts to the boisterous crowds at the resort, and we offer some suggestions to help[...]
Mickey is turning 88 this week, and Team Mousetalgia invites you to celebrate with us! First, we welcome Mike Van Eaton back to the show to discuss "Souvenirs of Disneyland," an upcoming exhibition and auction of Disneyland memorabilia and merchandise. From a pen in the shape of a woman's leg to a scale Imagineering model[...]
Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian J.B. Kaufman back to the show to discuss his latest book "Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series." We talk with Kaufman about the cartoons' relevance to the society of their time and Walt Disney personally, and discuss the music, the marvelous animation, and their place[...]
Happy Halloween! Disney voice actor Mark Silverman joins Team Mousetalgia this week for a spooktacular Halloween episode! As the voice of Rod Serling in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mark shares a special insider's view of the recent Tower of Terror event at Walt Disney World. We also talk to Mark about being a[...]
Get spooky with Team Mousetalgia as Kristen reports on Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort. First, we talk about a Halloween Time dilemma - crowds, heat, and closed attractions during one of the most popular weekends of the year. Kristen shares a potpourri of thoughts, including notes on this year's Halloween treats, tips for traveling[...]
Animator Frans Vischer joins team Mousetalgia this week to share stories of his career, both with Disney and since. He shares his story about how Chuck Jones helped him get into Cal Arts, and discusses studying the art of animation under Eric Larson, one of Walt's Nine Old Men. We also talk about his work[...]
It's a Mousetalgia Review Revue! First, Kristen reviews Queen of Katwe. Kristen lived in sub-Saharan Africa for 3 months and has a unique perspective on the meaning and authenticity of the film. Then, we revisit "Walt Disney Studios - A Lot to Remember" and give a brief review of the book, along with speculation about[...]
Lifting Michael Jackson: This week, Mousetalgia welcomes special guest Eddy Collins, who has spent decades with the Disney Company. Collins started doing custodial work at Disneyland and eventually became Global Sales Manager and a spokesperson for the resort. Eddy talks about his first job at the park as a sweeper, and how he quickly became[...]
Join Team Mousetalgia for an Emporium of spooktacular stories! First, special guest Katelynn Burmark joins us this week to talk all about Disneyland's Halloween Parties, sharing tips, tricks and tales from her experiences having attended the party every year since they began in 2007. Next, Jeff visits LACMA's exhibition "At Home With Monsters," Guillermo del[...]
This week, Mousetalgia gets spooky as Jeff reviews the brand new "Happiest Haunts Tour" at Disneyland Park. We offer a start to finish report on the 2-hour tour, and discuss what worked, and what missed the mark on this walking history tour "dead"-icated to the Haunted Mansion. Next, Jeff recounts his ill-fated attempt to purchase[...]
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Jeffrey Epstein to the show to talk about D23 past, present and future! We look back at the launch of D23 - Disney's official fan club - over 7 years ago, and then discuss other current D23 happenings, including the "Fanniversary" events celebrating Beauty and the Beast and other upcoming opportunities for[...]
Team Mousetalgia answers your questions and shares your tips this week, with topics including: Paying forward unused FastPasses; "Disneymoon" tips; tipping at Disneyland Resort; enjoying Halloween Time at the resort and weighing the pros and cons of Mickey's Halloween Party; touring San Francisco and getting to the Walt Disney Family Museum and Charles Schulz Museum; proposing[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia talks about some famous Disney dragons, both old and new, in an Emporium show. But first, Jeff visits the Walt Disney Family Museum to hear Muppeteer Dave Goelz speak about his career as the Great Gonzo and describe how he brings puppets to life. Next, special guest Rebecca Dimmick joins Mousetalgia to report[...]
It's never to early to start planning for Halloween as far as Disneyland is concerned, so Team Mousetalgia gets the ball rolling with some Disneyland Resort updates. Mickey's Halloween Party tickets are on sale and premium dates are just starting to sell out, and the resort announced a special "Trick or Tea" tea party and a[...]
This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to speak with two authors of important upcoming books about Disney animation history. Daniel Kothenschulte, editor of the 620+ page "The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968", joins us to talk about his incredible upcoming book from Taschen, with topics including the transformation of the Walt Disney Studios in the[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Retlaw employee and Disneyland train conductor David Wilcox to this week's show to talk about working for the railroad back in the days of the Disneyland D coupons. David shares the secrets of the train team regarding keeping guests safe; his responsibilities and experiences; falling off the train; and three-hour lines for the[...]
Today, Team Mousetalgia answers your questions about your upcoming trips to the Disneyland Resort, including: Staying concierge level at Disneyland Resort hotels: yea or nay; the ins and outs of secret Disneyland marriages; Doubletree Suites - worth the hike?; how to schedule the day of the week for your park trips; rider swap and Fastpass tips[...]
Listen to our exclusive interviews with WED Imagineers Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar in this episode of Mousetalgia, in our continuing coverage of the 2016 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Gurr and Sklar both worked directly with Walt Disney for many years and provide great stories and insight about the man who shaped modern themed entertainment[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia reports from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet 2016 near Seattle, WA. Topics include the D23 mixer the night before the meet, the show floor, and personal highlights from Mousetalgia listeners and attendees to the Mouse Meet (which happened to raise $12,000 for the Seattle Children's Hospital and Ryman Arts this year).[...]
Team Mousetalgia takes you on a Forbidden Journey through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios with a very magical trip report. But first, we visit Disneyland to see the newly re-opened attractions including Soarin' Around the World, Autopia, the Matterhorn and the Jungle Cruise. Kristen offers a few tips regarding the VIP[...]
Team Mousetalgia takes you back to Arendelle - er, the Hyperion Theater, that is - as we enjoy the sounds of summer '16 at the Disneyland Resort. First, we review "Frozen - Live at the Hyperion," and offer our initial reactions to the new musical that made a splash by replacing the popular "Aladdin" stage[...]
Team Mousetalgia celebrates the summer by welcoming Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti back to the show today as we investigate Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Join us on the lanai as we reminisce about the history and development of this famous attraction, from its roots as a proposed Chinese restaurant through its present day[...]
Team Mousetalgia reviews "Finding Dory" and looks back over 399 shows on this special 400th episode! First, we look back at almost 8 years of Mousetalgia and we talk about things we've learned, reminisce about awkward moments, and share a few of our favorite moments from the show. We also welcome special guest Beci Mahnken of[...]
This week, the Team Mousetalgia doctor is in to dispense a little therapy related to Disney's latest crop of live action films. For various reasons, we haven't been hitting every film on opening weekend lately and we ask why. Kristen skipped Jungle Book, Jeff skipped Alice (along with most everyone else), and Becky skipped Zootopia,[...]
Team Mousetalgia talks to Disney Legend Dave Smith, the founder of the Disney Archives, about his new book, "Disney Facts Revealed." We talk about Dave's career of answering Disney fans' questions about the studio, and he discusses the easiest and hardest questions he has answered about Disney; his background as the original archivist for the[...]
Mousetalgia reports on "Wish Upon a Star: The Art of Pinocchio," the latest special exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum. First, Jeff reports on a talk by animation historian John Canemaker in a presentation focusing on an analysis of two of Pinocchio's lead animators: Bill Tytla and Milt Kahl. Then, we have a review[...]
It's back to the Mousetalgia Mailbag! This week's questions include: Touring the Disneyland Reort with youngsters - how young is too young? Watching YouTube videos of Disney attractions - how much do they spoil the in-person attraction experience? Disneyland FastPass strategies - where to start, and how to maximize your experience. Plus - Disneyland Paris[...]
Dave and Becky report on their recent experience at the Disneyland Tinker Bell Half Marathon, and talk about the state of runDisney, the race experience and routes, the switch to PhotoPass for Disney's half marathon photography, and runDisney's new virtual 5K runs. Also, Van Eaton Galleries will be hosting another Disney auction, and we welcome[...]
A team of Imagineers recently spoke about the ins and outs of starting a career as an Imagineer, and Jeff reports on the panel discussion. Hosted at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Imagineers Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, Frank Stanek and Tom Morris spoke candidly about how to enter the field of theme park attraction design,[...]
'Tis the season to book your summer trips, so Team Mousetalgia takes our annual look at Disneyland Resort hotels and a variety of area lodging options, and we offer tips and advice to make your trip a success. First, we present the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each of the Disneyland resort hotels[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning composer John Debney to the show today to talk about his score for Jon Favreau's "The Jungle Book," as well as his incredible career and history with the Walt Disney Company - from his start at the studio with Buddy Baker as a mentor, to his recent collaboration with legendary[...]
Team Mousetalgia dives into the depths of Disney history today by welcome Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show to talk about studying Disney. With the changes in media over the past few years, the line between enthusiast and historian has blurred, and Titizian shares his background and journey from fan to historian; discusses[...]
It's a jam-packed Mousetalgia Emporium this week as Team Mousetalgia takes you all over the Disney galaxy! "The Force Awakens" Blu-ray finally hits the shelves, and we talk about our favorite bonus features from the loaded disc of extra content. The "Rogue One" trailer also dropped last week, and we talk about the newest stellar[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you with us to the recently-held Silicon Valley Comic Con, with a focus on the Disney-related aspects of this new pop culture convention including a conversation about the showroom, Stan Lee and his Marvel-ous contributions to the current Disney media empire, and a presence we haven't felt since... well, since[...]
Team Mousetalgia discusses Bambi, one of Time Magazine's "Top 25 Horror Films," and we look at the life of Disney Legend Tyrus Wong. Join us and learn about Retta Scott's animation for the film, take a brief look at the production of Bambi, and listen to our talk with Academy Award-winning animator and historian John Canemaker about[...]
Mousetalgia reviews Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters in Dave and Becky's latest trip report. Does Luigi's character carry the day, or is this attraction too slow to impress? Other trip report topics include the amenities at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; the Disneyland Resort Egg-stravaganza; VIP seating for the Paint the Night Parade; and the benefits[...]
Come sail away with Mousetalgia! This week we welcome Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, to the show to discuss everything you need to know about the latest offerings from the Disney Cruise Line, and how to best plan for a Disney cruise. Topics include the "Star Wars Day at Sea"; when to book for[...]
Team Mousetalgia reviews Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest feature Zootopia on this week's episode, and we talk about the latest in a line of critically acclaimed hits from Pixar's sister studio. We'll tell you what worked and what to look for in this anthropomorphic whodunnit - all spoiler free! We also discuss Disneyland's move to[...]
Team Mousetalgia returns to our overflowing inbox to catch up on your burning questions, and topics include: Searching for nightlife at the Disneyland Resort; locker rentals at the park; trip budgeting; limos from LAX; the value of an Annual Passport during park construction; blu-ray storage; adult experiences at the parks; Disneyland bests and worsts; comparing[...]
Jeff and Kristen bring you dueling trip reports on today's episode of Mousetalgia as we discuss the current Annual Passholder Days happening this month at Disneyland Park. Kristen gets adventurous while Jeff trips the park fantastic, but the rare character photo ops leave Kristen stewing and Jeff hopping. Other topics of discussion include Disneyland's new[...]
Mousetalgia celebrates Valentine's Day this year with a show all about relationships with a Disney twist, both romantic and platonic. First, we welcome Julia Locus to the show to talk about official Disneyana clubs, and how Disney fans can gather and interact with each other via this international society. Next, we welcome Jason Garrett, one[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Ron DeFore to the show to discuss "Don DeFore's Silver Banjo Barbecue," which was located in Disneyland from 1957 through 1961. We learn about Ron's father Don, who, as an innovative live television broadcaster, caught Walt Disney's attention and became close to Walt, eventually opening his own barbecue restaurant in Frotierland at Disneyland.[...]
Team Mousetalgia expands our Disney library and brings you four new book reviews, including "Mickey Mouse: Emblem of the American Spirit" by Garry Apgar; "Funny: Twenty-Five Years of Laughter from the Pixar Story Room;" "Keep Moving (and Other Tips and Truths About Aging)" by Dick Van Dyke; and "The Nine Old Men" by Andreas Deja.[...]
Mousetalgia's own Dave Breiland ran the Star Wars Half Marathon at Disneyland Resort as the park finally started closing much of Frontierland in anticipation of the construction of the new Star Wars galaxy, and he reports from the event and the status of the parks. Covering everything from Elton John performing a surprise concert to[...]
Team Mousetalgia goes back to the mailbag to answer your pressing questions this week, with hot topics including the edible plants of Tomorrowland; touring Disneyland with 80-year-olds; storing and displaying blu-ray discs; discussing the best place to start a day inside the park; hiring professional photographers for shoots inside the park; tips and tricks for[...]
Travel back to the New World, out to Halloween Town, and off to a galaxy far, far away this week as Mousetalgia takes you to SacAnime, a convention for anime fans held biannually in Sacramento, CA. Jeff reviews the convention and talks to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman about Star Wars, and offers excerpts[...]
Team Mousetalgia reminisces over the past year, and we share our thoughts in our annual New Year show. Topics include the best additions or changes to Disneyland; the best Disney movies (apart from Star Wars!) and our analysis (Cinderella, Inside Out, and Tomorrowland are contenders); our best theme park dining experiences (the Blue Lagoon at[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you on an audio tour of Disneyland during the holiday season. Join us as we listen to the festive sounds of the Buena Vista Street Community Bell Ringers, the Club 33 Carolers, Olaf's Snow Fest, Five and Dime, the Frontierland Orchestrion, and the Candlelight chorus. Next, listen to a special[...]
The Force is wide awake on this week's episode of Mousetalgia as we celebrate everything Star Wars, from past to present. First, we take a look at Disneyland's "Season of the Force," and discuss Hyperspace Mountain, the Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Tours' new trip to Jakku, and various food offerings - and of course,[...]
This week Mousetalgia reports from Disneyland's Candlelight weekend and brings you a holiday report from both the resort and D23's "Light Up The Season" holiday event on the Walt Disney Studios lot. At the D23 event, guests celebrated the season as they met Sorcerer Mickey, played carnival games, ate in the commissary and watched holiday shorts[...]
Don Hahn joins Mousetalgia this week to talk about a special PBS SoCal show airing on December 17: "Richard M. Sherman: Songs of a Lifetime." Listen in as we talk about Richard Sherman and this television special, developed and produced by Don Hahn, and also discuss Hahn's latest forays into the preservation and celebration of the art of[...]
Team Mousetalgia offers a Disneyland Paris trip report this week, hitting the major highlights: Phantom Manor and the bride - does the cohesive storyline give this attraction a leg up on its cousin, the Haunted Mansion? Also discussed: the holidays at Disneyland Paris and how the celebrations compare with the American parks; the European atmosphere and cultural[...]
This week, Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes at MouseCon, the first annual Northern California Disney fan convention. We share some exclusive conversations with the special guests - Tommy Kirk on Walt Disney, Floyd Norman on WED and the origins of the Haunted Mansion, and C. Andrew Nelson on putting on the mask of Sith Lord Vader - plus we collect some thoughts from[...]
Mousetalgia ushers in the Disney holiday season this week with a conversation with Emmy Award-winning writer and director Kevin Deters, who joins us to talk about his Prep and Landing television shows. Deters talks about the show's characters and the other classic holiday television offerings that helped inspire Prep and Landing. Then, Jeff talks about[...]
Mousetalgia gets Muppety this episode, as Kristen visits the Henson Studios in Hollywood with the Disneyana Club and reports from the event. Built in 1917 by Charlie Chaplin, the Henson Studio lot packs in the history, and Kristen shares some of her experiences and some moments from the trip, including Lisa Henson's talk about her[...]
Mike Van Eaton from Van Eaton Galleries joins Mousetalgia to talk about "Collecting Disneyland," their upcoming Disneyana auction, to preview some of the most outstanding pieces and to discuss the state of collecting memorabilia from Walt Disney's original theme park. Then, Barbara Burnett Brock returns to the show to share some insider tales of being[...]
Double double, toil and trouble, broilers burn and cheese will bubble.. but this is no time to be ordering In-N-Out, because Mousetalgia's Trick-or-Treat Smorgasbord is waiting to be sampled! Recipes both fair and foul, tales aimed to make you howl, secrets hid from prying eye, and audio that makes you cry! Features include: Disneyland's earliest Halloween[...]
Mousetalgia reports on "Disney's Mid-Century Modern - to the World's Fair and Beyond," a panel discussion held at the Walt Disney Family Museum with Garner Holt's Bill Butler, historian Alan Hess, and historian Bill Cotter, the preeminent expert on the World's Fairs. The panelists discussed the influence of modern design on Disney's mid-century productions, including[...]
Disneyland admission prices - how does the increased cost reflect on the park and its community? We share some thoughts from Disney expert Jeff Kurtti, and share our own reactions to the recent annual pass price increases at the Disney parks. Plus, Mousetalgia reports on Halloween Time - the tricks, the treats, and the differences[...]
It's a week of Mousetalgia book reports! First, Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, authors of "Cleaning the Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt's Dream Spotless" join Mousetalgia to talk about their new book, which is all about the duties and experiences of the custodial team at Disneyland. Discover the perks to working as a sweeper,[...]
Let's talk CHOC: it's not too late to get involved with the 2015 CHOC Walk in the Park, the time-honored fundraiser coming to Disneyland Resort Oct. 11. Zach Abrams from CHOC joins us to talk about the upcoming event and describes some of the features of this 25th anniversary stroll through Disneyland before it opens[...]
Team Mousetalgia discusses "American Experience: Walt Disney," and we offer our first impressions and questions - then we welcome Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show for a balanced critical perspective on the documentary from a friend of the Disney/Miller family. Titizian discusses new information from the Walt Disney Archives on Walt's own words[...]
Mousetalgia jumps to the Outer Rim this week to talk about Star Wars Land, and we offer our take on the recent news about the planned 14-acre galactic space port. We discuss how guests will enter the land, and wonder "What about Star Tours?" We compare the "orange crates" from 2013's D23 Expo (which suggested[...]
This week, Mousetalgia offers an Emporium of topics, including: More D23 Expo tales from the floor, including an encounter with Dick Van Dyke and Kim Possible; a review of the new Disney Animation "Short Films Collection" on Blu-ray; a return to the Lucasfilm theater for a presentation from Disney Legend Tony Baxter and Imagineer Josh[...]
Join Team Moustalgia on another in-depth look at the 2015 D23 Expo, including a closer look at the Walt Disney Archives exhibition and a few of the panels and presentations. First, we talk about "Disneyland: The Exhibit," an extensive display of memorabilia, props and ephermera from Disneyland's 60 year history. We also have exclusive commentary[...]
Join Team Mousetalgia on a tour of the floor of the 2015 D23 Expo, where we'll examine the various pavilions and attractions scattered throughout the enormous biannual Disney fan convention. We take a look at the various queues, and examine the StagePass and StorePass systems D23 has in place to attempt to ease the pain[...]
Team Mousetalgia answers your email this week as we recover from the D23 Expo weekend. Topics include: places to find a drink at the resort; the best way to search the Mousetalgia archives; Haunted Mansion Holiday facts; the Disneyland Legacy Collection CD set discussed; CV Wood's Heritage Square; "When You Wish" - a Disney stage[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia offers some Expo prep as we welcome Kevin Kern from the Walt Disney Archives to the show to discuss the Archives exhibit at this year's D23 Expo, and what you can expect to see at the exhibit. Kern also talks about his role at the archives, as well as his work helping[...]
Walt Disney's fascination with steam locomotives takes center stage this week as Mousetalgia visits Walt's Barn in Griffith Park to learn more about Disney's love of trains. From his childhood chasing trains in Marceline, through his home steam engine at Carolwood, to the trains his studio built for the Disney parks - you'll get a[...]
Visit to Disneyland on July 17, 2015 with Jeff and Kristen as they report from the park on its 60th birthday with location recordings as well as thoughts about the day. We listen in on Michael Colglazier's speech, visit New Orleans Square to catch Queenie and the Royal Street Bachelors, and even catch the new[...]
Join Team Mousetalgia live from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet as Jeff and Kristen report on the annual event. First, take a tour of the show floor and experience the Mouse Meet from the guests' perspectives, then go behind the scenes with Mousetalgia and special guest Imagineer Joe Herrington, and Disney voice artists Mark Silverman,[...]
Happy 60th, Disneyland! Team Mousetalgia offers our advice for dealing with the crowds at Disneyland on its 60th birthday, and then we take a look back at Disneyland's origin story to see how different (and similar) things were back in 1955. We'll take you back to opening day (when four-person-wide lines stretched a mile down[...]
Everything D23 Expo: This week, Mousetalgia talks to Kristin Rodack, a director with D23, to learn more about the upcoming D23 Expo to be held at the Anaheim Convention Center August 14-16. Get tips and hints straight from the source as we learn about some of the magic in store for Expo attendees. StagePass, StorePass,[...]
Jeff does Disneyland's Diamond celebration and reviews the Matterhorn updates, Paint the Night, World of Color - Celebrate, the T Party Diamond Edition - even breakfast at Flo's. Also, Disneyland goes 101: How much downtime is acceptable for new attractions and effects? We also discuss new merchandise, summer trip planning, and more! Plus, Mousetalgia attends[...]
Team Mousetalgia shares Disneyland travel tips and more in this week's listener email show. Topics include: Disneyland's 60th anniversary Diamond Celebration; using Fast Passes at Disneyland; tips on visiting Aulani from an Oahu resident - including comments on the weather, eating offsite, taking day trips and more. Also - confessions of a self-labeled Disney hater;[...]
Pixar's Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera appeared at the Seattle International Film Festival to introduce "Inside Out," and Kristen reports from the screening and discusses the filmmakers' inspirations, motivations, and obstacles that were overcome in the making of Pixar's latest film. Jeff reviews "Animation Anecdotes," a book by Disney historian Jim Korkis, and TEA reports[...]
Author and historian J. B. Kaufman joins Mousetalgia this week to discuss Pinocchio, Walt Disney's second animated feature film. Our conversation covers the Disney adaptation's diferences from Carlo Collodi's original Italian morality tale, Walt's vision for the film and his unique characters, and Kaufman's new book, "Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic." Learn about[...]
Are diamonds anyone's best friend? Disneyland launches its spectacular Diamond anniversary with a 24-hour party at the parks which was by turns fun, chaotic, thilling and frustrating to the tens of thousands of guests who descended on the Anaheim resort on May 22. Team Mousetalgia welcomes Beci Mahnken, owner of Mouse Fan Travel, to the show[...]
Mousetalgia visits Storybrooke this week as Jeff goes to RegalCon, a convention for fans of ABC's "Once Upon a Time." We compare this convention with other Disney fan cons, discuss the seminars and offerings, and hear "Once" celebrities Lee Arenberg, Gil McKinney and Beverly Elliott talk about what the fandom means to each of them[...]
Team Mousetalgia takes you to the blue carpet and the world premiere of Tomorrowland in this week's episode! Join Jeff and Dave as they watch the celebrities descend on Downtown Disney's AMC multiplex to watch Brad Bird's fascinating new movie and report on the goings on. Jeff joins D23 to attend the private after-party in[...]
Heigh ho - it's time for Mousetalgia to dig, dig, dig into the mailbag! Topics include: tips for traveling with a child; what to expect from 24-hour day and Disneyland's 60th anniversary launch; picky eaters vs. Disneyland's restaurants; Disney-style wedding vows; traveling to Disneyland and dining with a large group; DCA's Frozen stage show; tips[...]
Team Mousetalgia talks Star Wars on this special stellar-sized May 4th episode as we recount the highlights of a weekend of galactic adventure at the recent Star Wars Celebration convention held April 16-19 at the Anaheim Convention Center. From JJ Abrams and his stunning new teaser trailer to Princess Leia making out with a fan[...]
In this special episode recorded live from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim on April 17, 2015, Mousetalgia welcomes writer/director/puppeteer/creature artist Kirk Thatcher to the show to talk about his work for ILM on Return of the Jedi creating creatures and aliens, and then bringing them to life for the film. Television producer Joseph Freed also joins[...]
Mousetalgia continues our own 24/7 Newsies cycle with another Newsies-inspired episode today as we welcome session musician Derek Young to the show to talk about his experience as the "unsung Newsie" from the original Disney film, released 23 years ago. Derek talks about working with composer Alan Menken and arranger Danny Troob on the soundtrack[...]
Join Team Mousetalgia as we take a look back at the release of star wars in 1977 with Lucasfilm's director of fan relations at the time, Craig Miller. Miller takes us for a look inside the inner workings of Lucasfilm as Star Wars was released, which caught everyone by surprise with its overwhelming success. Miller[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Barbara Burnett Brock to the show to talk about her incredible career as a tour guide at Disneyland. Enjoy stories about touring with Ozzy Osbourne, Stephen King and Michael Jackson, and learn about the grand opening of Star Tours and Liz Taylor's amazing 60th birthday fête, which Barbara helped manage. As Kristen notes, it's[...]
Mousetalgia visited the Walt Disney Company Annual Shareholder meeting at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on March 12, and Jeff reports on the experience. From sneak peeks at upcoming films to an open mic for shareholders to speak to CEO Bob Iger directly, we cover all the bases and describe the interesting[...]
This week, Mousetalgia reviews Cinderella, Disney's latest live-action version of one of its classic animated films. How does Kenneth Branagh's new film compare to Disney's other live action remakes? We offer our two cents, and share our opinions of the new movie. The music, the meaning, and the mythology are all discussed in detail as[...]
It's back to the Mousetalgia inbox! We read and respond to recent email, and topics include: favorite cast member costumes; favorite parades through Disneyland history; Disneyana collecting 101; Mousetalgia's dubious lyrical memory skills and questionable theme song; remembering the Empire's 501st; Fantasmic dining Fastpasses; the proper care and feeding of Disney antenna toppers; and the[...]
Mousetalgia carries the banner and reviews the current touring production of Newsies, which landed recently in San Francisco. We discuss the differences between the film and the touring production, and even some differences between the Broadway show and the current tour. Souvenirs, dancing, the music - we cover it all. Then, Dave and Becky review[...]
The Mousetalgia 3-day Disneyland trip: our own methods, secrets, and ideas for making the most of the standard 3-day trip to Disneyland Resort. When is it better to spend a little more, and where can you save a little? How should you approach meals during a day at the park? We offer our opinions on[...]
Mousetalgia investigates the ways of the force this week as Kristen goes to the recently opened "Star Wars and the Power of Costume" exhibit which premiered in Seattle's EMP Museum, and shares her opinions of the new nine-part exhibition of costumes from all six Star Wars films. Covering everything from Darth Vader's armor to Princess[...]
D23's Kristin Rodack joins Mousetalgia this week to discuss D23's events and features for 2015, many of which were just announced in the past week. From studio events and chances to meet Disney Legends to gatherings spread across the country, 2015 looks to be the best yet for D23 members. We discuss the recently announced[...]
Team Mousetalgia discusses the hobby of collecting Disneyana this week as we talk with Mike Van Eaton, the proprietor of Van Eaton Galleries, about his current exhibition titled "The Story of Disneyland," a massive auction of a single collector's treasure trove of nearly 1,800 pieces including Disneyland props, ephemera, souvenirs and memorabilia. Van Eaton discusses[...]
Disneyland just announced details of the 60th anniversary celebration, and Mousetalgia's special correspondent Mady reports on Disneyland's media night describing the festivities, which will include new dancing fountains; a focus on Walt Disney, the man; new Richard Sherman music and fireworks; a new nighttime parade; lots of diamonds and... swans? Mousetalgia also looks back at[...]
This week, we run to a galaxy far, far away to talk about Disneyland's recent Star Wars Half Marathon weekend. With Dave or Becky participating in each race, we have a full report on the goings on, the galactic hoohah, the out-of-this-world costumes, and the too-few character photo opportunities. Was this a good start for[...]
It's back to the email inbox, as Team Mousetalgia answers your questions. The topics include a list of our favorite exhibits at the Walt Disney Family Museum; Disneyland dining with a baby; sharing a love for Disney with people who don't share your passion; antenna ball tips when you don't have an antenna on your[...]
Mousetalgia goes Into the woods to discuss the latest film from Walt Disney Pictures. Kristen, a long-time Sondheim enthusiast and performer, offers her take on the show's merits and musings, while Jeff questions the message underneath the music. Is this movie a good match for the Disney catalog? Next, Becky talks about a lecture given[...]
From our favorite flicks to our most memorable experiences, Team Mousetalgia gets personal and discusses our personal highlights and memories from 2014. At the movies - did Captain America conquer Maleficent, or did a little puppy take the cake - and the meatballs? Jeff is over the fog-shrouded moon at the opportunity to host a[...]
Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disneyland vocal artist Drew Tablak to the show to talk about his performances at the park. Whether you've seen him singing on Main Street as a Dapper Dan, as a member of the Voices of Liberty, as the featured soloist for Disneyland's Candlelight Processional, or onstage with Alice at a T Party,[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian Joseph Titizian to the show today to celebrate the season with us. From the original Disneyland Circus Christmas Parade to the star atop the Matterhorn, we talk about Disneyland's Christmas celebrations over the years from the park's opening year to today. Parades evolved and the famous Disneyland Candlelight Processional was developed[...]
Disney and the World's Fair - Disney Legend Alice Davis talks to Jeff about attending the 1964 World's Fair, and she shares some personal recollections of her time visiting the Fair with Walt Disney and her husband Marc Davis, one of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men." We also discuss the Walt Disney Family Museum's second recent presentation of[...]
Spencer Lacey Ganus, the voice of Teen Elsa from Frozen, joins Mousetalgia to bring some holiday cheer to the show. Also this week, Jeff discusses two new exhibitions being hosted at the Walt Disney Family Museum; one titled "All Aboard," which is about Walt Disney's history with and passion for locomotives, and one about Herman[...]
Walt Disney's birthday special edition! This week, Mousetalgia welcomes director/producer Don Hahn back to the show to help us celebrate the 113th anniversary of Walt's birth. First, Hahn discusses "Christmas with Walt," his film about Walt Disney's personal holiday celebrations with his family and his studio, which is screening this month at the Walt Disney[...]
Dave and Becky report on the Avengers Half Marathon weekend at Disneyland, and describe the inaugural Marvel runs and the courses, costumes and characters they came across during the races, as well as the Expo associated with the event. Team Mousetalgia also discusses the official opening of the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and we talk[...]
Touring the parks with a 7-year-old: this week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Jeff's recent trip to the park with his daughter as the parks unveil their holiday spendor. The decorations are up, the Frozen Christmas Day special has been filmed, and the Christmas Fantasy Parade is now showing at Disneyland Park. Jeff discusses a magic moment[...]
Walt Disney Imagineering develops Spirit Photography for the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion gift shop, and we have an exclusive interview about the project. Mousetalgia welcomes Imagineers Jim Clark, Brian Crosby, and Daniel Joseph to the show to discuss the inspiration, the creative process, and some of the magic behind the amazing new custom changing portraits[...]
Back to the Mousetalgia email inbox! Topics include our favorite Disney related iPhone apps; planning for travel during Disneyland's 60th Anniversary; Imagineer dream teams; searching for Tim Babb; touring Disneyland as an adult during the holiday season; downgrading premiere to premium annual passes; Disneyland area dining during Christmastime; reimagining Tomorrowland - should it go retro,[...]
It's a horrorific Halloween special edition of Mousetalgia, as we talk pumpkins, haunted hotels and hat boxes! First, Mousetalgia talks to Disney artist and pumpkin carver extraordinaire Bridget McCarty about her art background, her work for Disney, and her incredible pumpkins, which she carves in person in Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland. Bridget even shares[...]
Mousetalgia reports on "An Affair of the Art," the Ryman Arts annual fundraiser held at the home of Disney Legend Marty Sklar, which raises funds to help offer art training to high school students. This year, the event was focused on Herb Ryman's history with the circus, and featured a panel discussing the sketches and[...]
Culinary delights at the Disneyland Resort! This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Halloween holiday treats and dishes available throughout the resort, bringing a plethora of new tastes and flavors to park guests. From pork tamales at Rancho del Zocalo to the elusive pumpkin beignet, we explore various limited-time food options available this season. Is the Raspberry[...]
Team Mousetalgia examines Kansas City's haunted Sauer Castle as a possible influence on a young Walt Disney in today's episode. Might Walt's personal connection to the Sauer descendants have had an effect on his perception of haunted houses, and even his future Haunted Mansion? We tell the story, and you can decide. Also, we talk[...]
Marc Davis: Walt's Renaissance Man: Animators Andreas Deja and Bob Kurtz recently visited the Walt Disney Family Museum to host a presentation about Marc's technique, work, and influence - as well as his fine art and Papua New Guinnea studies (and we even have a special exclusive guest appearance by Alice Davis!) Next, Kristen attends[...]
Halloween time at Disneyland Resort - Join us in an exploration of Dia De Los Muertos, the Halloween Carnival, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Halloween treats and decor... Team Mousetalgia shares our tips and advice to help you make the most of your Halloween Time visit to Disneyland. From spooky tours to terror-ific treats, you'll[...]
Animator James Lopez talks about his new 2D animated venture "Hullabaloo" and television producer Todd Szuch takes us with him on a walking tour of Walt Disney's Woking Way residence on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. First, James Lopez, who has been an animator for over 25 years and started with Disney on The Lion[...]
Mousetalgia reports from the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, and Dave and Becky talk about the runDisney Expo, Jeff Galloway's running philosophy, preparing for a race, a description of the 10K course, and dealing with a sudden illness at the park. Then, Dave reviews "Marceline," a documentary about Walt's childhood hometown held at the Walt Disney[...]
Becky takes us on a tour of Le Salon Nouveau at Club 33, giving us a peek at the animatronic vulture, changing portraits, French lift booth, beautiful mural and more new details from the recently renovated club. Plus, we discuss more park impressions, including Dooney and Burke purses and breakfast at Steakhouse 55, where the[...]
In this week's Emporium of topics, Imagineer Brian Crosby returns to the show to talk about various topics, including Marvel's Disney Kingdoms; "Ghostly Materials," the Haunted Mansion exhibit at Disneyland's Disneyana store; and the real meaning of the brass bat stanchions that direct the Mansion's queue. We also start talking Expo - how to start[...]
The ScareLA Halloween convention celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion on August 9 with a panel hosted by Jeff, and he shares some behind-the-scenes moments and memories from the event, which featured Disney Legends Alice Davis and Bob Gurr on stage with Jeff, talking about the creation of the world's most loved haunted[...]
It's Rewards Points Week at Mousetalgia, as Kristen cashes in 15,000 Disney Movie Rewards points to earn a private tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank! Listen to all the details as Kristen and Jeff describe the process of applying for the tour and discuss the tour itself. We'll compare it with the D23[...]
A galactic emporium! From the wild frontiers of space to the wilds of Disneyland's Frontierland, Team Mousetalgia take you on a fun journey through time as we look at Comic Con, Disneyland's Frontierland game, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition. First, Jeff takes a quick trip to Comic Con, meets Baymax, and just misses seeing[...]
David Koenig offers a look behind the scenes at the process of writing the best "behind the scenes" Disney parks books! From surprising anecdotes to the massive undertaking of documenting Walt Disney World's history, Koenig discusses his various books and his opinions about successful attractions, cast member secrets, and the art of bringing fantasy to[...]
This week, celebrate Mousetalgia's 300th episode with us as Jeff travels across the country to Orlando and reports on his June trip to Walt Disney World. From the dramatic humidity changes to the wide boulevards and enormous castle, we discuss the diferences between the east and west coast Disney parks and form some conclusions. Topics[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia speaks with legendary producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Who Framed Roger Rabbit) at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Hahn shares some thoughts on producing, creating documentaries and working on Disneynature films, and we also discuss the nature of creativity within Disney productions. Mousetalgia also welcomes Imagineer[...]
Recorded live from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, we present part one of our coverage from this popular Disney fan event. Returning special guest Tony Baxter talks about his mentor, Claude Coats; what he likes (and doesn't like) about the updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; the next wave of great aspirational attractions; understanding the[...]
This week, Jeff reports on a panel talk held recently at the Walt Disney Family Museum called "Disneyland: The Fan Driven Time Machine," which featured special guests Todd Pierce, Jeff Kurtti, Werner Weiss, and Sam Gennawey. The discussion was centered on the idea of the development of Disneyland, and how fans have come to adopt[...]
Kristen reports on an "Incredible" visit to Pixar in Emeryville! But first, we talk about the cost of a day at Disneyland - do the recent price hikes change people's philosophies about visiting the parks, and if not, why? Team Mousetalgia discusses value vs. time vs. crowds, and we draw interesting conclusions. Next, a listener[...]
This week, Dave and Becky report on the New Orleans-themed Lasseter Family Winery Spring Release party where they tasted new wine from the barrel, enjoyed food, fun and friends, and had a close encounter with John Lasseter himself. Next, Kristen reports on a six-day "work-ation" at Disneyland Resort, and shares some thoughts about touring the[...]
It's time to dig into the Mousetalgia mailbag! Topics include Walt Disney World Fastpass+ tips, Adventures by Disney tours, binging on Mousetalgia, seeing Disneyland through a new lens and trip planning tips, an update on the Carolwood Society's Storybook Land restoration, Disney Cruise Line dining tips, re-creating Disneyland's Fantasia ice cream, and insights from a[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award winning author/historian/filmmaker John Canemaker back to the show to discuss his new book, "The Lost Notebook: Herman Schultheis & the Secrets of Walt Disney’s Movie Magic." Schultheis, who worked for the Disney Studio in the late '30s, hid notebooks detailing the methods that Disney's process lab used for some of their[...]
Enjoy Disneyland like an insider - from fireworks viewing areas to photo ops and more! Learn the places to sit and relax even on busy days. Make the most of the parades. Relive your childhood with Pooh, enjoy little-known experiences and search for hidden Walts. At DCA, we explore nighttime entertainment, find more places to[...]
Take a trip to Merlin's in Fantasyland as we travel back in time and marvel at Disneyland's magic shops. Mousetalgia welcomes Disneyland magic shop cast member Steve Simmons to the show to talk about working his way up in the parks from janitorial to magic shop magician! Relive the gimmicks, the gag gifts, and the mystifying[...]
Mousetalgia presents an Emporium of topics this week as we review Disney's latest film "Million Dollar Arm," visit Disneyland, and discover the stories behind art of Marc Davis. First, Kristen reviews "Million Dollar Arm," and offers her thoughts on its place in the pantheon of Disney family movies. Dave and Becky report on a recent trip[...]
This week, anticipating the release of Disney's "Maleficent," we welcome Disney historian and author Charles Solomon to the show to discuss his latest book "Once Upon a Dream: From Perrault's Sleeping Beauty to Disney's Maleficent." Solomon talks about the origins of the Sleeping Beauty story, and discusses the artwork and animation of the classic animated[...]
The talent and legacy of Disney Legend Marc Davis is on display in this week's episode of Mousetalgia. In honor of the upcoming exhibit titled "Leading Ladies and Femme Fatales: The Art of Marc Davis" at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Mousetalgia welcomes Imagineer Chris Merritt to the show to talk about the influence Marc[...]
Everything Aulani! Catch the aloha spirit with Kristen via her extensive review of Disney's Aulani Resort in the Hawai'ian islands. With explanations of food and dining options, entertainment offerings, pools, and the various opportunities offered throughout the resort, Kristen gives you the full rundown on the tropical paradise Disney has planted on the island of[...]
With topics covering everything from the latest Marvel film to the earliest days of working for Walt - it's an Easter Emporium on Mousetalgia! We have a plethora of fun Disney discussions for you this week, including the Mousetalgia review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier; book reviews of the latest from Charles Solomon ("The[...]
This week, Mousetalgia offers some timely Disneyland summer trip planning tips. Splurging on special tours or fine dining - which is the better choice? Fastpass schemes - which attractions should you hit first? We also offer our opinions on World of Color dining and viewing options, Fantasmic dessert seating, and choosing a tower at the[...]
Disney Legend Jim Henson founded a "Creature Shop" in 1979 to create mechanical creatures and whimsical beasts for various productions. That shop, now led by Henson's son Brian, is the basis for a new reality competition on SyFy. Team Mousetalgia welcomes Joseph Freed, Executive Producer and co-creator of the new SyFy series Jim Henson's Creature[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes WED Imagineer and Disney Legend Rolly Crump to this episode of the podcast to talk about his time working for Walt Disney in the creation of Disneyland Park. Crump talks about his time with WED Enterprises, including his work on "it's a small world," the Adventureland Bazaar, and his relationships with the model[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes at the world premiere of Magic, Color, Flair: The World of Mary Blair - an exhibit that opened March 13 at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, CA. We share our favorite highlights from the new exhibit, join WDFM president Ron Miller in a[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award-winning animator, author and historian John Canemaker to the show to talk about Disney Legend Mary Blair and the exhibit opening this week at the Walt Disney Family Museum called "Magic, Color, Flair - The World of Mary Blair." The exhibit, which is curated by Canemaker, has been eagerly anticipated for nearly[...]
Mousetalgia talks Dapper Day, dining, and Docter on this week's show! First, Jeff reports on his trip to Disneyland Resort for Dapper Day on February 23, discussing the variety of styles, costumes, Disneybounding, and people-watching opportunities afforded by this increasingly popular unofficial event held in Disney parks around the world. Next, we discuss dining at[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes a look at various aspects of Walt Disney's Fantasia, the classic animated feature that was a great leap forward for the Walt Disney Studio in terms of technical accomplishment and artistic endeavor, but didn't achieve great commercial success upon its release. We discuss Fantasound, Leopold Stokowski, Fred Moore and Mickey[...]
Team Mousetalgia reports on "Disney Goes to the Opera" at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and takes an in depth look at "Make Mine Music," Walt Disney's post-war animated anthology. As part of a rebuilding effort for the feature film division of the studio, Make Mine Music was a package film featuring many different musical[...]
Disney producer and author Greg Ehrbar joins Team Mousetalgia this week to discuss the history of Disneyland Records and the new book "Inside the Whimsy Works," an autobiography of Disney Legend Jimmy Johnson which Ehrbar co-edited. Johnson created Disney's record division, and Ehrbar provides a wealth of information about the early days of Disney recordings,[...]
Mousetalgia welcomes Mine Train expert James Keeline to the show to help us reminisce about the history of Frontierland's trains in anticipation of the newly renovated Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction. James discusses the history of Rainbow Ridge and the Mine Train attraction, and describes the scenes, special effects, and set pieces that made the[...]
Mousetalgia talks RunDisney this week. Dave ran the inaugural Tinker Bell 10K, and Becky wonders about some sweeping issues. Becky ran the half marathon, earning her own PR and discusses the course, the trials, and the rewards of running 13 miles. Plus - scenes from the RunDisney Expo, dining with Princesses, navigating the parks during[...]
Mousetalgia reviews some recent Disney books, including Sam Gennawey's book "The Disneyland Story" The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream; Jim Korkis' "The Book of Mouse: A Celebration of Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse," Marty Sklar's "Dream It! Do It! My Half Century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms," and Marvel Comic's "Seekers of the[...]
Robert J. Sherman talks about his father, Robert B. Sherman of the Sherman Brothers, on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. In honor of "Moose," the recently published autobiography by Robert B. Sherman, his son Robbie (who edited the book) talks to Mousetalgia this week about his father and his writings over a lifetime that came[...]
It's a Mousetalgia Emporium this week! Jeff reports from a presentation by Lorne Peterson who spoke at The Tech Museum of Innovation about his history as a model maker for Industrial Light and Magic, working on Star Wars, and how Super Glue changed his life. Dave and Becky report on an encounter with Walt Disney[...]
Team Mousetalgia takes our annual personal look back at the year in Disney, listing off our faves from the "Limited Time Magic" promotion, the various Disney movies, and more. Does the team rank Frozen above Saving Mr. Banks? Listen and find out! We also discuss our favorite change or addition to the Disney company, and[...]
Merry Weird-mas from Mousetalgia! On today's special holiday show, we welcome three - count 'em, three - Imagineers to the show to talk about Marvel's upcoming "Disney Kingdoms" line of comics, which will be based on Disney theme park attractions. The first title, Seekers of the Weird, is based on Rolly Crump's original designs for[...]
Team Mousetalgia reviews the Disneyland Holiday season for 2013 in this episode. First, Jeff and Kristen discuss various aspects of the holidays at the resort, including reports and reviews from Viva Navidad, World of Color Winter Dreams, the Holiday T Party, the Christmas Fantasy Parade, it's a small world, the Jingle Jangle Jamboree, the Jingle[...]
We discuss the benefits and perils of the new MyMagic+ experience at Walt Disney World, and also review Disney's Frozen in this week's episode of Mousetalgia. First, we talk about Walt Disney World's newest feature, My Disney Experience and MyMagic+, a system that has been getting a lot of press lately due to complications and[...]
This week, we welcome Joseph Titizian, writer for the Walt Disney Family Museum blog, to join us in a celebration of the life of Diane Disney Miller, with whom Joseph was a good friend. We look at Diane's philanthropic work and humble pursuit of truth regarding the legacy of her father, Walt Disney. Joseph also[...]
Disney Legend Dave Smith, Disney Archivist Emeritus, joins Mousetalgia this week to tell the true story of Walt Disney's pursuit of P. L. Travers to bring her book Mary Poppins to the screen. In anticipation of the upcoming feature film Saving Mr. Banks, we look into the history of the making of the iconic film[...]
Along the edge of Disneyland's Rivers of America, Critter Country and Splash Mountain welcome guests into a wilderness of friendly fauna. But before Critter Country, there was Bear Country and its Jamboree, and before Bear Country, there was Indian Village and its living history. Join Mousetalgia for an informative look at the history of the[...]
In this week's Mousetalgia Emporium, Team Mousetalgia report from Disneyland's Main Street, from Halloween Town, and even from Neverland! Jeff reports from Tony Baxter's Main Street Window Ceremony, held November 1 at Disneyland Park, and talks to some of Tony's friends and peers about the legacy Tony has left for future generations of Imagineers. Next,[...]
Is a Disneyland VIP Tour right for you? Mousetalgia reports from a full day of VIP touring around the resort and offers tips and advice regarding VIP tours, some of which may surprise you. The VIP Hosts and Hostesses (in the famous Disneyland plaid outfits) act as living fastpasses, and we discuss the pros and[...]
Producer Dave Bossert from Walt Disney Feature Animation joins us to discuss Roy E. Disney and his new book, "Remembering Roy E. Disney: Memories and Photos of a Storied Life." Bossert talks about the critical challenges Roy faced as he successfully saved Disney animation and the Disney company in general, and we also discuss Bossert's[...]
Author Sam Gennawey joins Team Mousetalgia this week to discuss his new book "The Disneyland Story: The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream." Calling Disneyland Walt Disney's "third child," Gennawey talks about the unique challenges and circumstances that led to the creation of the theme park many consider the most magical place[...]
Are you brave enough? Find out in this episode of Mousetalgia, when we take you on an Adventures by Disney trip to Scotland with Mouse Fan Travel CEO Beci Mahnken and chase down myths, legends, and spine-tingling ghost stories! Follow in the footsteps of the Pixar team that created Brave on a trip to Scotland,[...]
Jeff visit's Knott's annual "Halloween Haunt" in this fearfully fiendish episode of Mousetalgia! As the spooking season gets under way, we compare Knott's venerable "Haunt" with Disneyland's "Mickey's Halloween Party" to compare and contrast the two extraordinarily popular seasonal events. While Knott's features scares, mazes, and entertainment for mature audiences (Elvira is back!), Disneyland focuses[...]
Jeff dons his "Chef" hat and offers a synopsis of a recent Haunted Mansion presentation he delivered at the fall gathering of the Golden Gate Disneyana Club on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. From the Mansion's architectural origins to the great haunt debate (should it be scary or should it be spooky?), we examine a[...]
Halloween Time has come to Disneyland, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the arrival of this popular villainous season. But first, we welcome Kevin Kidney back to the show to give some history of the upcoming Anaheim Halloween Parade, what guests can expect at this year's event, and the intriguing Disney ties to this special hometown[...]
Bob Witter, director of marketing for Disneyland in the '90s, talks about his time with the park and the development of various campaigns (starting with Indiana Jones and "40 Years of Adventure") that helped launch the resort's marketing efforts in a new direction. Witter talks about Indy, sponsors, Jay Leno, and more. Also, Jeff and[...]
Becky's 5k, Button's 100m dash, and Dave's half marathon: it's a Mousetalgia runDisney report! Despite sign-in woes and overnight temps near the mid-70s before sunrise, the heat and above-average humidity couldn't quell the spirit of the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon runners. Amid scattered episodes of heat stroke and asthma attacks, the athetes perservered for another[...]
This week, we answer your emails in a cornucopia of Disney goodness! Thanks to your questions, we tackle subjects like finding Disney in the non-Disney world; a Jolly Roger Hotel review; making your DCA evenings extra-special; Dave's coast-to-coast aspirations; DIY Disneyland scavenger hunts; Goin' Quackers with Willio and Phillio; bringing a non-Disney-fan or disinterested family[...]
"The Optimist" takes center stage in this third episode in Mousetalgia's coverage of the D23 Expo. As part of the promotional machine behind Brad Bird's upcoming film "Tomorrowland," "The Optimist," an alternate reality game, has captured the imaginations of many forward-looking futurists. Participating in the finale of its initial phase at the D23 Expo, Jeff[...]
The Disney Studios and nostalgic music take the lead in our second episode covering the recent D23 Expo in Anaheim! Team Mousetalgia report on the keynote Studios presentation at the Expo, and discuss the celebrity appearances, special surprises, and Marvel-ous upcoming films certain to keep Disney fans watching their calendars. Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, and[...]
Team Mousetalgia assemble their favorite moments, news items, reviews and experiences from the 2013 D23 Expo on this supersized, first episode (of three) reporting on the official convention attended by over 50,000 guests. This week, we discuss the lines and queues created for the event, and decide what worked and what didn't in terms of[...]
Join us for a tour of Disneyland in the '50s and '60s, while Team Mousetalgia recovers from the 2013 D23 Expo weekend, which we will cover in earnest starting next Monday. But this week, we talk to former Mule Train operator Robby Beeman, who tells fascinating tales of frightened mules, waiting on Julie Andrews in[...]
Richard Sherman and Alan Menken speak about their upcoming concert ("Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken: The Disney Songbook) at the D23 Expo in this special midweek bonus episode of Mousetalgia. Dave was able to take part in a media phone interview with Richard and Alan as they spoke about their contributions to the Disney[...]
Tips, tricks, hypotheses, and queues - it's time for Mousetalgia's pre-Expo roundtable! This week, Team Mousetalgia discuss our hopes and fears for this week's D23 Expo, including a list of our can't miss attractions featuring topics as varied as vintage Disney vinyl, Tony Baxter's never-seen vintage Disneyland footage, director Brad Bird, and drawing Mickey Mouse,[...]
Team Mousetalgia returns to the mailbag to answer your questions, and Jeff and Kristen review an insider's account of working with Walt Disney in the studio. But first - we talk back to listeners about FastPasses, buying Annual Passports, hotel distances from the Main Gate, prepping for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, making the most[...]
Mousetalgia was invited to speak at DisneyanaMania 2013, and we have a full report! Joined by representatives from Micechat, we addressed the attendees of this year's Disneyana convention and talked about Disney fandom. We also report on presentations by Dave Avanzino and Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Rolly Crump, and report on the show floor[...]
Happy 58th birthday, Disneyland! This week, we have an emporium of topics and soundbytes, including our review of Disney's latest not-quite-blockbusting film, "The Lone Ranger," and a wrap-up of our recent trip to Seattle to visit the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Jeff also reviews the Walt Disney Family Museum's evening celebration of the Enchanted Tiki[...]
Learn about the earliest in-"car"-nation of Cars Land from Creative Director Kevin Rafferty in this star-studded episode of Mousetalgia, recorded directly from the 2013 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, featuring four exclusive interviews covering many fascinating aspects of the Disney company. First, we speak with Dave Smith, the director emeritus of the Disney Archives, who tells[...]
Spend your summer having a spectacular time at Disneyland with our roundtable discussion of our top tips for making the most of the hot sunny days at the park. From our favorite nighttime destinations (Disney California Adventure moves up in the ranks this year!) to the best places to cool off, Team Mousetalgia shares our[...]
This week, author Mindy Johnson joins Mousetalgia to discuss her upcoming book, "Tinker Bell: An Evolution." Learn all about the history of Tinker Bell, from author J. M. Barrie's earliest pantomimes and Peter Pan stories through Disneyland's creation of "Pixie Hollow," where park guests can meet the latest iteration of the famed fairy. Johnson discusses[...]
Don Peri and Jonas Rivera hosted a talk on the history of the Walt Disney and Pixar Studios at the Walt Disney Family Museum on June 15, 2013, and Jeff and Kristen attended to report on the event. First, Disney historian Don Peri spoke about the history of Walt Disney the man, and Walt Disney[...]
Want answers? We respond to your "how-to" emails on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. We'll tell you how to tackle the Alan Menken/Richard Sherman concert at the D23 Expo; how to choose an area hotel; how to avoid summer crowds at the park; how to approach visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum; and how to[...]
Spending 12 days straight at Disneyland, and Gabriella Calicchio resigns as CEO of the Walt Disney Family Museum: Dave and Becky spent 12 days at Disneyland, and learned how to live at the resort. Becky offers tips for dealing with shorter park hours, and faces the challenges of long-term stays (such as losing your annual[...]
Disneyland opened a new stage show in Fantasyland Theatre and launched the summer with a 24-hour "all-nighter," and Team Mousetalgia brings you our exclusive report! First, Disneyland threw a party for the press to celebrate the world premiere of "Mickey's Magical Map," the new live action extravaganza which occupies the newly-renovated Fantasyland Theatre, and we[...]
Don Morin, the founder of the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, joins Mousetalgia to talk about the event's history and what the future holds for this popular Disney fan convention. Don also talks about a recent PNW Mouse Trek he and some lucky attendees took to Hollywood to experience some Walt Disney history, including trips to[...]
The Fourth is strong with Jeff as he takes on a fun-filled day packed with Star Wars activities, and the Walt Disney Family Museum welcomes its first exhibit of contemporary lowbrow art by Camille Rose Garcia. But first, Team Mousetalgia discuss their 24-hour day prep as Jeff and Dave decide to attempt to stay in[...]
It's the thrill of the hunt! From the newest Vinylmation to the oldest Mickey Mouse figurine, Team Mousetalgia takes you on a tour through the ins and outs of collecting Disney merchandise and various forms of Disneyana. Most Disney fans like to surround themselves with Disney items, so by popular demand, we're diving headfirst into[...]
Trying to decide where to stay on your Disneyland vacation? Let Team Mousetalgia lend a hand with our collection of tips and ideas for making the most of your next trip to the resort. Whether you select the least expensive area motel or the exclusive Pirates Suite in the Disneyland Hotel, we'll offer some guidance[...]
Celebrate a Toontown anniversary reunion this week, as Jeff takes you along to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 25th anniversary screening and panel discussion celebrating "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," the seminal live action/animated film that honored classic pre-television animation. Listen to an all-star panel discuss the making of the film, and learn[...]
Disney author and historian Jeff Kurtti joins us to remember Annette Funicello, and Lella Smith of the Animation Research Library joins us to discuss an upcoming Marc Davis book on this week's Emporium. But first, Becky reports on braving Disneyland during Spring Break and offers some culinary cautionary tales from the park. Next, Lella Smith,[...]
It's another Mousetalgia Mailbag! In this episode, Team Mousetalgia answer more of your questions, dealing with topics such as biographies of Walt Disney; dealing with Disneyland on a holiday weekend; an update on the ongoing Mousetalgia "Soarin'" contest; the darkness of Mary Poppins; and a mule named "Jo." Also - a report on the organ[...]
Disney Legend Bill Farmer joins Mousetalgia for our super-silly April Fools' Week episode! Farmer, an accompished voice over artist and the voice of Goofy, joins us this week to discuss his life and times. We talk about Bill's early career and stand-up comedy, how he became Disney's choice as the voice of Goofy, and his[...]
Disney Legend Marc Davis in his own words: This week, on the centennial of his birth, the Mousetalgia team presents a special salute to Marc Davis, one of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men" and one of the most influential Imagineers to ever work for WED Enterprises. First, we present an exclusive oral history of Marc's[...]
Find your favorite princess in Disneyland's new royal Fantasy Faire, and take a trip backstage as Mousetalgia competes in Minnie's Moonlit Madness, a cutthroat cast member competition! First, we report on the mostly-annual "Madness," a trivia contest and scavenger hunt that takes place in Disneyland Park after it closes to the public. We're joined by[...]
Van Arsdale France and Disneyland University: Team Mousetalgia takes a look at the career of France and his contribution to the development of the Disneyland "cast member," as well as a little history of the frantic march to Disneyland's opening day and the challenges of staffing the park. We also talk to Cast Member Lindsay,[...]
Disney on Broadway: Mousetalgia welcomes Director Tim O'Donnell to the show this week to talk about Disney and the theater. O'Donnell, who has worked with Papermill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre and the Rockettes among numerous other companies, brings considerable expertise to our roundtable discussion about Disney's biggest Broadway hits, their theatrical near-misses, and some[...]
A D23 gaffe and dining with princesses are featured in this week's Mousetalgia Emporium! First, we share some tips for taking solo trips to Disneyland, and help lone travelers make the most of their trip. Next, we talk about the state of D23, the official Disney fan club, and offer our opinions (and catch a[...]
Take an adventure through inner space and explore the farthest reaches of outer space as we go back in time to explore two of Disneyland's most popular Tomorrowland attractions. First, Adventure Thru Inner Space takes you on a atomic voyage into a molecule of a snowflake, and we look at the initial design concepts and[...]
It's Valentine's week, so Mousetalgia gets romantic with tips, tricks, and ideas for making your stay at the Disneyland Resort especially wonderful for you and your other half. Napa Rose or Steakhouse 55? Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian? We give our opinions. Also, Emmy-winning composer Jim Dooley joins us to talk about making magical music[...]
Walt Disney's "Peter Pan" turns 60, and we have a fun, hodgepodge salute to the classic film. Jeff reviews a screening of the newly-restored film at the El Capitan Theatre with a panel discussion that included Kathryn Beaumont (Wendy), Margaret Kerry (Tinker Bell), historian Leonard Maltin, and filmmaker Ted Thomas. Then, dive into the history[...]
Tinker Bell Half Marathon/Neverland 5K weekend - learn all about the ins, outs and arounds of this popular race weekend, and hear about the backstage secrets and other fun elements from this annual event. Also - the Disney Parks Blog hosted a meetup with runDisney stars Jeff Galloway and Tara Gidus (and celebrities Sean Astin[...]
Dip into the mailbag with Mousetalgia! This week's topics: kids and the Disneyland resort hotels and restaurants; "must eats" at the resort; affordable car rentals; east coast castmembers vs. west coast castmembers; seeking out Mary Blair artwork; making special birthday memories at the park for seasoned Disneyland "pros"; Club 33 membership questions; our favorite Disney[...]
Kevin Kidney returns to the show to share some of his personal stories about Disney Legend Annette Funicello, and he discusses Annette's Place, a fundraiser for the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases. But first, Dave and Becky visit Disneyland for the first Limited Time Magic experience of 2013, the Three Kings Day Celebration.[...]
Lions, Outlets and Gurr, Oh My... it's the first Mousetalgia Emporium of 2013! Becky reports on the theatrical presentation of The Lion King in San Francisco, and we discuss the longevity of this people-pleasing Disney musical. Jeff reports on the recent Walt Disney Family Museum presentation by Bob Gurr on Walt Disney's process for "Building[...]
Team Mousetalgia reviews the ups and downs of Disney's year in our annual year in review show, and spark(y)s fly! From Frankenweenie to John Carter, Radiator Springs Racers to Luigi's Flying Tires, and Destination D to the Mouse Meet - we discuss our personal feelings about the events and happenings that made up the year[...]
Disney Legend Tony Anselmo and Donald Duck visit us on this very merry episode of Mousetalgia! Learn all about Tony's career with Walt Disney Feature Animation, his inspirations and mentors at the studio, and his career as both the voice and sometime-animator of Donald Duck, the world's original angry bird. Also, Team Mousetalgia leave imaginary[...]
Experience Candlelight 2012 at Disneyland and taste the special holiday treats with Team Mousetalgia through our exclusive special reports from the resort! From chocolate coffins and personally decorated sugar cookies to photos with Santa and special vintage Christmas cards, the Disneyland resort is draped in holiday splendor, and we'll take you on a virtual tour.[...]
Disney author and historian Jeff Kurtti joins Team Mousetalgia to talk about a very Disney Christmas this week. Sit down and enjoy our fireside chat with Jeff to learn how Walt and his studio celebrated Christmas with Silly Symphonies, company Christmas cards, Disneyland parades and decor, and numerous holiday films and cartoons. Also, we share[...]
Celebrate the 111th anniversary of Walt Disney's birthday with Mousetalgia as we present an overview of Walt's life and his contributions to popular culture, as well as a retrospective glimpse at the man who changed Hollywood as reported in a 1938 newspaper. Also, Dave and Becky have a number of Thanksgiving feasts at the Disneyland[...]
Walt Disney's inspirations for Snow White were the focus of a recent panel discussion at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Mousetalgia brings you a special report. Led by historian J.B. Kaufman and exhibition curator Lella Smith, this event featured discussion about the fairy tales, plays, and film that most directly influenced Walt Disney in[...]
Imagineer Brian "Croz" Crosby joins Mousetalgia to talk about the Artist in Residence program at the Wonderground Gallery in Downtown Disney, where he is appearing throughout the month of November. Learn about the program and the gallery, as well as the various works of art Crosby has created for sale at Disneyland's Disney Gallery and[...]
Star Wars and Wreck-It-Ralph: What will Disney's purchase of Lucasfilm mean for the future of the Star Wars franchise? No one knows for sure, but Team Mousetalgia takes a look at the purchase in a roundtable discussion, during which we share possibilities and explore the possibilities raised by the surprising announcement. Also, we review "Wreck-It-Ralph"[...]
Historian J.B. Kaufman talks about Snow White and his new book, "The Fairest One of All," in this week's episode. Learn about the history of Walt Disney's first animated feature film, and its origins in mythology and fairy tales. Also, ABC's "Once Upon A Time" continues to wow critics and build an audience, and we[...]
Discover the spooktacular talents of Paul Frees, the voice of the Ghost Host, on our annual Halloween Emporium! Mousetalgia talks to Fred Frees, the son of Paul Frees, who tells stories about the life of the legendary "Man of 1000 Voices." We also discuss various haunting Disneyland records, and unveil a rare Walt Disney Productions[...]
Visit Disneyland's Tahitian Terrace with Mousetalgia! Take a trip back through time with us as we re-open the Tahitian Terrace in a special one-night-only event at Disneyland, and relive the island magic and exotic polynesian dance performances that have been missing from the park for nearly 2 decades. Team Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes[...]
Visit the exotic jungles of Adventureland with Team Mousetalgia! This week, we take a look back at Walt Disney's original concept for Disneyland's proposed "True Life Adventureland," and then we examine the Jungle Cruise, one of the original Disneyland attractions. After spending some time in "de Nile," we look at some of Walt's later attractions[...]
Frankenweenie's shocking box office! This week, Team Mousetalgia offers up a review and some thoughts about Frankenweenie, Tim Burton's latest stop-motion creepshow, and we worry about the empty theaters we sat in during opening weekend. We take a look at the inspiration and influences behind the film, and offer our own parental advice. Also, we[...]
Get into the spooky spirit of Halloween with Team Mousetalgia! Kristen reviews Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, covering the Big Thunder Ranch Halloween Jamboree, the latest terrorizing tastes and boo-tiful sights, and Disney California Adventure's Frankenweenie features. Not to be out-dead-dogged, the rest of Team Mousetalgia report on a Walt Disney Family Museum discussion of[...]
Walt's Apartment, Disneyland's Dream Suite, the Disneyland Hotel's Adventureland Suite, and "Lights, Camera, Magic!" - Becky takes us on a tour of a few rarely visited Disneyland locations, and then on an Adventures By Disney tour of Hollywood, including the Dolby Theater, the Walk of Fame, a Walt Disney Studios tour - and a Sophia[...]
Becky's Resort Report: This week, Becky travels through the Disneyland Resort with a group of travel professionals to get a different perspective on the food and hotels in the area. From the Carthay Circle to the Wine Country Trattoria (and even Club 33), Becky samples numerous dishes and reports on the latest culinary offerings in[...]
Cars Land 5K Rally - Team Mousetalgia reports on everything you ever wanted to know about Disneyland's family-friendly fun run, plus Button runs in the kids' race, and Kristen copes with half-marathon traffic around the resort. Also - Disneyland area hotel reviews, revisiting the Storyteller Cafe brunch at the Grand Californian and the Carthay Circle[...]
This week, visit Walt Disney Feature Animation with Kristen as she takes us behind the scenes from day 3 of her Destination D Diamond-level experience. As part of the special package, a select group of Disney fans were taken to the studios to visit the archives with Disney Legend Dave Smith, and then on to[...]
75 Years of Disney Animation: In our 200th episode, Team Mousetalgia discusses day 2 of Destination D, and covers topics including Disney's "Wild and Wacky" animation, the evolution of Disney's Tinker Bell character, and the voice artists behind some of the classic Disney animated features. In the process, you'll hear from many of the participants[...]
Mousetalgia reports from D23's Destination D in this first part of our coverage of the event, which focused on Disney's 75 years of feature animation. Highlights from the report include a discussion about Walt's "Nine Old Men," and a conversation with animators Burny Mattinson and Joe Hale about the studio's first golden age of animation;[...]
Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar and Paige O'Hara spend time with Mousetalgia at the fourth annual Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, and we bring you the highlights! This week, Mousetalgia reports from Seattle and takes you behind the scenes of the PNWMM. In our exclusive interviews, Tony Baxter talks to us about the business side of creativity,[...]
Little Mermaid, Pixar, Tahitian Terrace: In this week's jam-packed show, we cover a number of recent live events on the west coast. First, Jeff reviews the west coast premiere of The Little Mermaid staring Vicki Lewis, which played a brief run at Sacramento's Music Circus theater in the round. Next, a listener reports on the[...]
We answer your emails! Topics include an alternate view of Disney's Alaskan cruise, autograph collecting tips, imaginging a Disney bio film, another look at the Carthay Circle Restaurant, and a review of Disneyland's new "Cultivating the Magic" tour. Also - DCA versus WDW's Hollywood Studios... can't we all just get along? Plus - the Seattle[...]
It's an Emporium! Jeff Reitz and Tonya Mickesh are over halfway through their goal of visiting Disneyland 366 days in a row, and we check in with them and learn more about their ambitious goal. Also, Kristen visits the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Ronald Reagan Library and files a comprehensive report.[...]
Disney Cruising - Kristen reports from the inaugural Seattle-to-Alaska cruise on the Disney Wonder. With information on everything from dining options to enduring the arctic temperatures, Kristen dissects the various features, opportunities, and adventures that await future cruisers. Hear about the variety shows, fine restaurants, and the Toy Story musical, and discover the adult activities[...]
Buena Vista Street - Take a stroll down Disney California Adventure's main drag as we inspect the recently-opened Buena Vista Street! Visit the shops, sip some Starbucks, ride the Red Car Trolley, enjoy the entertainment and performances, and listen to our reviews of the various merchandise and eats along the way. Also - reviews of[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia celebrates Independence Day by sharing the music of the Voices of Liberty ensemble, an Epcot staple recently introduced to the Disneyland Resort. We also take a walk down Main Street and discuss the new additions to Disneyland, including the Carnation Cafe's bad coffee and amazing apple-granola pancakes, the penniless arcade, new[...]
Our Radiator Springs Roundup! This week, Team Mousetalgia talks everything Cars Land. With reports from the Press Preview as well as opening weekend, we bring you our opinions of every aspect of the new land in Disney California Adventure, including our thoughts on the atmosphere, the attractions, dining options, shopping locations and merchandise, and the[...]
Cars Land preview - Jeff and Dave report from the Cars Land preview for Annual Pass holders, and describe the scenery and attractions in this new area of Disney California Adventure. From the thrills of Radiator Springs Racers, to the sighs while waiting for Luigi's Flying Tires, to the humor of Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, Team[...]
Vinylmation 101: Explore the world of Vinylmation as we talk with Tina Biles, collector and hobbyist. Tina describes the various offerings, sets, and experiences associated with collecting Vinylmation figures, Disney's latest collectible craze. Also, we talk to Disney artist Eric Robison, creative director for Crazy Shirts, about the new Disney-themed lined of shirts from the[...]
Disneyland before the storm: Lightning (McQueen) is about to strike DCA, but Dave and Becky offer a trip report from just prior to the opening of Cars Land to remind you of the resort's other offerings. Topics include reviews of the Napa Rose Chef's Table and Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen, the Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree,[...]
A trek to the Walt Disney Family Museum: Team Mousetalgia reports from a recent special trip to the Walt Disney Family Museum that was hosted by author Jeff Kurtti and Don Morin from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. We revisit and rediscover the museum exhibits, add some insider secrets, and report on a special presentation[...]
Carry the banner with Mousetalgia as we discuss Newsies, the surprise Broadway hit. With 8 Tony Award nominations and a brand new cast soundtrack, Newsies is hotter than ever, and we review the new album and compare it with the film soundtrack, discuss the success of this presumed-short-run off-Broadway reworking of a box office flop,[...]
The Avengers episode! Team Mousetalgia and Josh Shipley from "The Josh and Croz Show" assemble to talk about Marvel's smash hit, "The Avengers." From D-BOX thrills to Maria Hill, we inspect every aspect of this worldwide phenomenon. Plus, Kristen reviews "With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story," Josh explains how to get started with comics,[...]
Cinderella style: This week, Team Mousetalgia reports on a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Cinderella and the evolution of animation at the Walt Disney Studios. Presented by Pixar's Academy Award-winning director Ralph Eggleston, the presentation was about the making of Cinderella, and the struggles and triumphs Walt had during the tumultuous[...]
Chimpanzee and the letter "B" - On this week's Mousetalgia, we review "Chimpanzee," the latest offering from Disneynature, and we discuss the personification of the apes that star in the show and the resulting emotional tug at the heartstrings. Next, the team gets philosophical as we debate ABC television's recent embrace of the "B" word,[...]
Bob Gurr and the Matterhorn - This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Walt Disney's "Mighty Matterhorn" with WED legend Bob Gurr, the Imagineer who was responsible for creating the original transportation systems for Disneyland, including the Matterhorn Bobsleds, the Monorail, and the Main Street vehicles. We also take a look at the changes coming to the[...]
Disneyland with newbies, Pixar's "Rush," and a look back at Disneyland's Tencennial... it's a Mousetalgia Emporium! This week, Kristen reviews the new Xbox 360 Kinect game "Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure," which takes players through Pixar's Playland by placing you inside of five of Pixar's most memorable films. Next, Becky takes a multigenerational family trip[...]
Summer 2012 at Disneyland: This week, Team Mousetalgia prepares for a Disneyland summer as we discuss our favorite drinks, treats, and attractions to help beat the heat. Next, we answer your latest emails, including topics such as when to visit Cars Land, tips on spending your birthday at the park, finding Captain Hook, missing the[...]
Pollyanna's Nancy Olson talks about her career in Tinsel Town, and Time Magazine delves into the politics of gender at Pixar on this week's Mousetalgia. First, Team Mousetalgia report on an afternoon at the Walt Disney Family Museum with movie star Nancy Olson. Olson tells stories about acting in "Sunset Boulevard," working for Walt Disney[...]
Explore the "secret" Disneyland at D23's "Off the Map" event. This week, Team Mousetalgia is joined by correspondent Joseph Titizian as he reports on the recent D23 event which took a lucky few guests to various rarely-accessed Disneyland locations, such as the Lilly Belle Presidential railiroad car, the Dream Suite located above Pirates of the[...]
Remembering Robert Sherman, and our John Carter review - This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney author and historian Jeff Kurtti back to the show to share memories of Disney Legend Robert Sherman, and to discuss the legacy he leaves behind. Kurtti, a producer for the acclaimed film about the Sherman Brothers titled "The Boys," shares[...]
Mousetalgia Episode 176: True Life Adventures - Don Hahn spoke recently at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Disney's nature films, and Dave and Becky report from the event. From Walt's True Life Adventures to the recent Disneynature films, Hahn shared the filmmakers' secret techniques and behind-the-scenes production stories. Also, remembering Robert Sherman: the media[...]
D23 hosted a screening of Newsies at the Walt Disney Studios on Feb. 25, 2012, and Jeff and Kristen report from the event. Featuring a panel discussion with director Kenny Ortega and cast members Marty Belafsky and Kevin Stea, the afternoon screening presented fans of the 20 year old film with new insights into the[...]
Remembering Disneyland's ticket books: This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Disneyland's various resort breakfast options, both on property and nearby. Next, we share a brief history of the ticket book, including a celebration of the "E" ticket, remembering the first all-day passports, and a brief discussion of ticket collections. Also, attraction ranking - a discussion of[...]
Walt Disney's Academy Award-winning films: This week, Becky reports on a presentation about Walt and the Oscars by Jeff Kurtti at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Learn about Disney's award-winning shorts, his classic animated features, and the live action films that changed the way documentaries were created. Also, Team Mousetalgia talks about D23's "Disneyland -[...]
Visit Smoke Tree Ranch with special guest Joseph Titizian, as he reports on the recent D23 excursion to Walt's Palm Springs home away from home. Plus, Kristen reports on "Dining Around the 'Land," with new notes from many of Disneyland's popular eateries, including the mysterious Club 33. We also discuss touring Disneyland "out of your[...]
The Tinker Bell Half Marathon report: This week, Becky takes us behind the scenes of the massive Tinker Bell Half Marathon held at Disneyland on January 29, and gives us a full report after finishing the full 13 mile course. Also, Disneyland celebrated the Lunar New Year with special events and entertainment, and Jeff and[...]
In this week's Mousetalgia Emporium, we look at bandleader/producer Mitch Miller and his vast array of Disney songs recorded for the Golden Records label; we revisit "Beauty and the Beast" in the wake of its return to the big screen in 3D; we talk about the intricacy of "Tangled Ever After"; Kristen reviews "Poppin Guitars,"[...]
Walt Disney's proposed ski resort: This week, we report on Mineral King, the wilderness resort Walt Disney wanted to build at the time of his passing. Based on a Walt Disney Family Museum panel discussion hosted by Sam Gennawey, we discuss the history of the proposed resort, the challenges Walt faced in its development, and[...]
Listener emails and book reviews - This week, Team Mousetalgia goes back to the mailbag to answer listener questions on topics as varied as Disneyland's train stations; the best locations to view the parades, Fantasmic, the fireworks and DCA's World of Color; Disney cookbooks; remembering the original Disney Channel, and more! Plus, we discuss our[...]
One More Disney Day: This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses the One More Disney Day promotion, which will host 24 hour parties at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World on Leap Day. We debate the pros and cons of the experience, and discuss strategies for dealing with the lengthy event. Also, D23 offers trips to Marceline,[...]
Walt Disney World from a Disneyland fan's perspective. Kristen reports on the Walt Disney World Resort this week, and busts some myths while offering tips to first-time visitors to the resort. From dining plans to traveling around the resort, Kristen presents her findings and offers some reviews of various restaurants, attractions, and hotels at the[...]
Walt Disney World for the Holidays: In this week's episode, Kristen shares part one of a two-week report on her first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, commenting on the holiday happenings and special events, including the Candlelight Processional, Illuminations, and a private viewing of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. But first,[...]
Disney's Christmas productions: Team Mousetalgia review and reminisce about a few of the studio's Christmas productions, including Walt's holiday-oriented Silly Symphonies, Mary Blair's "Once Upon a Wintertime," Annette's "Babes in Toyland" (which celebrates its 50th anniversary this season), and three different Christmas Carols! Plus, enter our Holiday Sweepstakes, in which you could win a Rocketeer[...]
Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner and holiday celebrations at Disneyland with Team Mousetalgia. Dave and Becky braved the Thanksgiving weekend crowds to enjoy the Disneyland Hotel's annual Thanksgiving Buffet Dinner, and they offer an in-depth report on the meal, as well as dealing with the crowds during this popular weekend to visit the resort. Also, Jeff looks[...]
Spin and Marty speak at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Team Mousetalgia report from the event. Tim ‘Spin’ Considine and David ‘Marty’ Stollery tell the secrets of their popular serial made famous by the Mickey Mouse Club television show, and share stories about being child stars. Also, remembering Walt Disney on his birthday, and[...]
The Muppets are back on the big screen, and this week Team Mousetalgia takes a look at the history of the Muppets and their creator, Jim Henson. We discuss Sesame Street, favorite Muppet characters, Kermit's origins, and Disney's purchase of the franchise and what it means for the future. We take a look at Jim[...]
Single day Disneyland visits - If you only have a single day and want a meaningful Disneyland experience, can it be done? Team Mousetalgia tackles this question head on, evaluating value, transportation issues, to park hop or not? - and other considerations, such as setting a pace, finding moments of relaxation, dining options, and capturing[...]
Celebrate Mickey Mouse's 83rd birthday on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. From Steamboat Willie's debut to the modern articulated Mickey appearing at the parks, we examine the impact Mickey has had on his fans and pop culture over his decades of silver screen stardom. Also - Tim Burton's collaborators discuss working with the iconic director[...]
It's back to the inbox for Team Mousetalgia, as we answer your questions about the Disneyland Resort and everything Disney. We begin by offering holiday crowd advice, then dive into the mailbag. Topics include Disney Legends, unsung park attractions, more Expo woes, half-marathon costume advice, awkward Disney moments, Muppet songs, weighing DMR rewards, Mousetalgia takes[...]
Disney's Halloween around the world - This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Disney park reporter Erin De Santiago to the show to report on the Halloween happenings this year at Walt Disney World, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland. From Nightmare Dim Sum to the horror mazes in Hong Kong, you'll learn all about how the parks[...]
Visit the Mousetalgia Emporium as we share a supersized variety of reviews and Haunted Mansion stories. Jeff reviews Michael Barrier's "The Animated Man" and Family Fun Magazine's Halloween issue, Becky shares some obsolete Disneyland recipes, Kristen bakes some Disneyland muffins and reviews Seattle's quirky "Uncle Walt's Vault," and Dave reviews the "Where's My Water" mobile[...]
Go back in time and visit the Disneyland Hotel of the '50s and '60s in this special resort edition of Mousetalgia! This week, we welcome historian Donald Ballard to the show, to share his stories, research, and secrets about the early days of Disneyland's first hotel. Learn about the Wrather family's investment in Walt Disney's[...]
Tour Disneyland with the Happiest Haunts - This week, Jeff takes you along as he seeks to foil a villainous plot on the Disneyland Happiest Haunts Tour, which takes place during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Find out if it's worth the added ticket price, and go behind the scenes to find out what[...]
Don Hahn talks with Mousetalgia this week to discuss his latest book, "Brain Storm: Unleashing Your Creative Self." Hahn and Team Mousetalgia discuss the book and the topic of creativity - as well as The Lion King's domination of the box office, and Hahn's other projects, including his recent documentary "Hand Held," which just won[...]
Main Street memories - This week, Team Mousetalgia takes a stroll down Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A., and we talk about the details and features that make this section of Disneyland so special. Leaving no cobblestone unturned, we talk about our favorite part of Main Street from days gone by, and follow up with some our[...]
Mousetalgia Episode 151: Our Grandpa, Walt Disney - Five of Walt Disney's grandchildren spoke about their memories of Walt Disney at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the event. Joined on the show by Disney author/historian Jeff Kurtti, Team Mousetalgia discusses the personal side of Walt Disney that is often hidden[...]
Ludwig Von Drake, marathon wear, and touring Disneyland with large groups - Mousetalgia dives into the mailbag once again and answers your questions! Whether the topic is collecting lithographs or off-site hotels, we'll offer our humble opinions. We discuss Disneyland's dining plans and resort tips, as well as timing your visit and the pros and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses the smaller presentations at the D23 Expo held Aug. 19-21, 2011 in Anaheim. We talk merchandise, Walt Disney Animation, Treasures from the Walt Disney Archives, Imagineering's Carousel of Projects, the D23 Charter Member lounge, Star Tours, Vintage Disneyland, Voices from the Park, and more. Also, D23's Tim O'Day joins us[...]
Disney hosted the second D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19 through 21, 2011, and Team Mousetalgia report on the best and worst of the event. Princesses, legends, Muppets, park reports, and more - we cover it all. However, the Expo presented many challenges, such as 4-hour lines and low-capacity events, and[...]
Haunted mansion mysteries, Disneyland etiquette, half marathons, and frozen treats - it's a disneyland email marathon! New listeners and old bombard us with questions, and we give you our eight cents. Want answers? Keep listening to Mousetalgia - the favorite podcast of Disney-loving motorcycle cops everywhere! Plus - Carpe Kingdom - what does it mean?[...]
Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada talks to Mousetalgia about the merger of the Disney and Marvel universes, and Marvel's participation in this year's D23 Expo; and Dave talks to Billy Dee Williams and Bruce Boxleitner, both of whom will be appearing at the Expo. Also, the Walt Disney Family Museum hosts a panel discussion[...]
Disney Family Museum Roundup: The ultimate Disneyland model: learn how Kerner Optical created a fascinating room-sized model of Disneyland for the Walt Disney Family Museum. Next, Dave reports on a discussion of Walt Disney's fascination with the space race, and Jeff recounts the recent tribute to Wally Boag and Betty Taylor held at the museum.[...]
The Marvel-ous D23 Episode - Imagineer Josh Shipley discusses the relationship of Disney and Marvel, and gives fans some reasons to look forward to the Marvel panel at the upcoming D23 Expo. Also, Jeff and Kristen share a trip report about a whirlwind trip to the Walt Disney Studios and Archive, Paradise Pier eateries, a[...]
The Mousetalgia Review Emporium - This week, Jeff reviews the Napa Rose Chef's Counter at the Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland Resort; the team discusses HGTV's My Yard Goes Disney; and Kristen digs up some vintage Disney musical selections. Plus - the team takes a look at some of the negative reviews Cars 2 has[...]
Go behind the scenes of the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet with Team Mousetalgia this week, as we share inside stories and secrets from the partyers and panelists at this year's event. Also, we take a look at the phenomenon of Winnie the Pooh, and review the new film and reminisce about the original book and[...]
This week, Team Mousetalgia provides some highlights and clips from the 2011 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet held on June 25, 2011 in Lynwood, Washington. Featured speakers include writer/director/producer Jeff Kurtti, who talks about his work as creative director for the Walt Disney Family Museum; Floyd Norman, long time animator for the Walt Disney Company; and[...]
Happy Fourth of July! On today's special holiday episode, Team Mousetalgia reminisce about Disneyland's Bicentennial celebration in 1975-76, which featured America on Parade, a patriotic feature which premiered in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Also, the team takes a look back at America Sings, the classic revolving stage production which replaced Disneyland's Carousel of[...]
The art of the Disneyland "fun map" - this week, Team Mousetalgia talks to attraction designer Chris Merritt about the history and making of the classic Disneyland "fun maps," the poster-sized wall maps that were created and sold as souvenirs at the parks. We also discuss Pirates Lair and Sam McKim's artwork for WED. Then,[...]
It's time for trip reports - Dave, Kristen and Becky report on a recent team trip to Disneyland, discussing the changes to Pirates of the Caribbean and World of Color, the new Little Mermaid attraction, Mickey's Soundsational Parade, and Star Tours 2. Kristen wonders if Blackbeard's appearance in POTC really works, Becky questions the spoilers[...]
You've got questions, and we've got answers! This week, Team Mousetalgia opens the mailbag and talks back to our listeners on topics such as the Haunted Mansion, being a teenage fan, attending the D23 Expo, more Haunted Mansion, other things to do around Disneyland, Stargate (?), and Becky's training for the upcoming Tinker Bell Half[...]
Designer Kevin Kidney talks to Team Mousetalgia in today's episode. Kevin, along with co-designer Jody Daily, developed the new Soundsational Parade appearing at Disneyland Park. Kevin describes the creation of the parade, and talks about some of his other work for the parks, including designing phenomenal souvenirs, and being an artistic jack-of-all-trades. Also, the team[...]
Walt Disney and World War II: In this special Memorial Day episode, Team Mousetalgia reports on a weekend event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about the Walt Disney Studios output during World War II, featuring presentations by historian Paul F. Anderson. Learn about the various projects and films that the studio created during this[...]
It's a Mousetalgia Emporium! Join Team Mousetalgia as we talk about dining options at and around Disneyland. Dave and Becky visit the Hungry Bear, while Jeff tries the new options at Village Haus. Plus, Jeff offers a Club 33 lunch report, and discusses options for eating off property. Kristen reviews Disneynature's African Cats, and compares[...]
Buckle your swashes and set sail for Mousetalgia's pre-POTC all-pirate Disneyland report! Dave and Becky report on the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides "3D Sneak Peek" in Frontierland, and Jeff reports from the "black carpet" at the film's world premiere at Disneyland! From Johnny Depp to Kermit the Frog, the stars all came[...]
Mary Blair's Flair: Explore the life and art of Disney legend Mary Blair, the wonderful illustrator and conceptual artist for some of the most beloved Disney features, shorts, and theme park attractions. In this episode, Team Mousetalgia discusses a Mary Blair lecture at the Walt Disney Family Museum given by John Canemaker, and we talk[...]
Rating the Elfman box set: Jeff reviews the $500 16-disc Tim Burton/Danny Elfman "Music Box" - was the product worth the hype and the price tag? Plus, Team Mousetalgia gives the floor to our fans, and answers listeners' questions as they are posted in our chat room. We discuss everything from Disney princesses to Disney[...]
Remembering Collin Campbell - Team Mousetalgia discuss his life and legacy with Collin's nephew, Mike Kendall. Also, a spotlight on Alice's Wonderland - Jeff reports on an event from the Walt Disney Family Museum about Lewis Carroll and his muse, Alice Liddell, the gardens of Wonderland, and Walt Disney's interpretation of Carroll's masterpiece. Plus -[...]
We'll "Hook" you up - In this episode, Team Mousetalgia talks to incredible voice actor Corey Burton, the voice of Captain Hook (and Haunted Mansion Holiday's Ghost Host, and countless other Disney characters). Also - the team gets critical and reviews the latest Disney goods that have captured their attention. Becky reviews a recipe, Kristen[...]
Queue Confusion: How will the new attractions coming to the Disneyland Resort affect your visit to the parks? Team Mousetalgia talks to Touring Plans' Len Testa to get the inside scoop on what to expect for wait times and park visit planning. Also - the team discusses favorite Disney celebs, Pooh honey, Star Tours 2[...]
It's a Mousetalgia Emporium! This week, the team talks Soarin', soakin', and spookin'! First, Disneyland in the rain - can it still be a day of magic and fun? Dave and Becky talk about riding Soarin' alone in the theater, and the team answers your email. Finally, Jeff puts on his Chef's hat and talks[...]
A Spoonful of Spectacular Magic: This week, Team Mousetalgia report on everything Mary Poppins from two events at the Walt Disney Family Museum. At the first event, songwriter Richard Sherman performed his famous songs from the hit film, and told stories about working directly with Walt Disney on the production of the film - and[...]- Seeing spots: This week, Jeff reports on a "101 Dalmatians" lecture at the Walt Disney Family Museum with Andreas Deja, Don Iwerks, and Floyd Norman. These Disney veterans describe the Xerox process which saved Disney animation, and talk about other aspects of the creation of this stylistic and beloved classic Disney film. Also - Dave[...]
Mardi Gras at Disneyland and a visit to Walt Disney World - On this week's episode, Dave and Becky return from WDW and report on ways that Orlando bests Anaheim (softer toilet paper tops the list!) Meanwhile, Kristen reports on the Mardi Gras celebration at Disneyland's Family Fun Weekends. Also - Jeff and Kristen report[...]
Roadside Disney! This week, Mousetalgia takes you on a tour of the Disney road less traveled as we explore various roadside and out-of-the-way Disney attractions and monuments. Whether it's the true-life adventures at a game farm in Sequim or the oddly familiar Main Street of Marceline, Team Mousetalgia will help you plan the most extraordinary[...]
It's Mouse-terpiece Theatre! This week, Team Mousetalgia reviews some of our recent Disney-related reading material, including an intriguing biography of WED Imagineer Herb Ryman, a memoir of a WDW castmember, some Peter Pan fiction, a pictorial guide to the Walt Disney Family Museum, and an insider's look at Walt Disney World. Also - our review[...]
Disneyland travel tips: This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Beci Mahnken (owner of Mouse Fan Travel) as a guest on the show to discuss all things travel-related for planning your trip to Disneyland Resort. From choosing a hotel to planning your stay, we cover all the trip-planning bases – plus, an important list of things NOT[...]
Romance at Disneyland: In today's special Valentine's Day edition of Mousetalgia, the team talks romance at the resort. Whether you're in love, hope to be, or try to avoid love at all costs, this episode will give you the tips and tricks you need to impress (or avoid) that special someone. From the most romantic[...]
Tony Anselmo and Donald Duck - Learn how Disney Legend Tony Anselmo went from being a Disney animator to voicing the most famous duck in the world. Speaking at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Anselmo shared the secrets of voicing Donald, the psychology behind the duck, and stories from Clarence Nash... and Mousetalgia reports! Also,[...]
In pursuit of Disney trivia: This week, Team Mousetalgia gets trivial with Joseph Titizian, winner of the Destination D "Ultimate Disney Trivia Tournament" preview. Learn tips and tricks from the trivia master - and discover your own new passion for everything Disney! Also - Disney films and 3D: what does the future hold? The film[...]
Visit Walt Disney's Hollywood: In this week's episode, Jeff takes us on a tour of Walt Disney's Hollywood, with stops at his first home and the first studio where Walt's "Alice" short films were created. Other stops include the infamous Snow White Cafe on Hollywood Boulevard, Paty's Coffee House (which Walt would visit from time[...]
Walt Disney's Fantasia - This week, Team Mousetalgia examines the classic 1940 film "Fantasia." From the musical choices to critical response to the film, we talk about everything related to Walt Disney's third animated feature film. We also take an in-depth look at Fantasia 2000, the sequel to the original film. Fantasound - the precursor[...]
TRON, the aftermath: From Daft Punk to daffy CGI, Team Mousetalgia discusses "TRON: Legacy" and its potential impact. We talk D-Box theaters, the soundtrack, those amazing costumes, and Jeff Bridges as an animated character. Plus: Jeff mentions the Burton/Elfman 25th Anniversary Box Set, and a listener asks if John Lasseter could be the next Walt[...]
Disney Legends Marge Champion and Alice Davis! Dickens, Disney and D23! New Year's Eve at Disneyland! It's 2011, and this episode of Mousetalgia is full of listener reports, eyewitness accounts, and memories of Walt Disney himself. We report from the Walt Disney Family Museum, where Marge Champion talked about her work as the rotoscope model[...]
Mousetalgia presents our "Best of 2010" end-of-the-year extravaganza! From EO to the Napa Rose and everything in between, Team Mousetalgia discuss our favorite Disney moments, attractions, and events from the year 2010. Also - we proudly announce the inaugural edition of the Mousetalgia Oswald Awards, in which we list our top dubious Disney deeds from[...]
Bob Gurr talks about the holidays at Disneyland on this special Christmas episode of Mousetalgia! This week, Team Mousetalgia talk to Disney Legend Bob Gurr about studio holiday parties, Christmas at the park, Walt Disney, and other yuletide tales from his days with WED. Also - Mike Fink's Christmas, the Penny Arcade Orchestron, TRON opens[...]
Meet Tangled lyricist Glenn Slater in our exclusive Mousetalgia interview! Learn how Glenn got tangled up with Disney's 50th animated feature, how the songs for the film were developed, how he found the voice for the various characters, and much more. Also, can't-miss Disneyland holiday traditions, and Epic Mickey - the Mousetalgia review! What does[...]
The TRON-tastic episode! This week, Mousetalgia interviews Walt Disney Imagineer Josh Shipley about everything TRON, from his recent cover story in D23 Magazine to memories of the original classic 1982 film. We also talk about Josh's career with WDI, including Lincoln, the Moonliner, and more. Plus - WDW's Great Movie Ride (?), Epic Mickey, Mousetalgia[...]
Let down your hair and enjoy Team Mousetalgia's review of Tangled, Disney's 50th animated feature. We talk 3D glasses, Alan Menken's score, Mandy Moore's crooning, and that PG rating. Also - Bobby, Sharon and Cubby tell Mouse-ke-tales! Team Mousetalgia reports from the Walt Disney Family Museum's Mickey Mouse Club reunion, and we talk about the[...]
Eye on Imagineering - In this week's episode, Mousetalgia welcomes Walt Disney Imagineer Brian Crosby to the show, who discusses his career as an Imagineer and his background as an artist. We talk about breaking into Imagineering, The ImagiNations project, and Brian's art for sale at the Disney Gallery and various special events. Also -[...]
Pixar! Team Mousetalgia report on a VIP screening at the Pixar Studios with director Lee Unkrich and another recent Pixar event with director Andrew Jimenez. Also - a review of the "Pixar: 25 Years of Animation" exhibit at the Oakland Museum of California; our favorite Pixar shorts; shopping at the Pixar studio; and a bonus[...]
It's Listener Email Monday on Mousetalgia! This week, join Team Mousetalgia as we talk about a little bit of everything, from Annual Passports to Disneyland's half marathon. We discuss Disney-fied fairy tales and weigh their pros and cons. More on live music in the park and listener trip reports - and Chuckles the Clown: is[...]
Let the Memories Begin! In this week's Mousetalgia Emporium, Team Mousetalgia discusses Disney's 'Memories' campaign - is it worth the hype? Speaking of hype, Duffy the Disney Bear finally appears at Disneyland Resort, but to what end? Also, Tim Burton and Danny Elfman release a music box, ways to remember Walt in the parks, and[...]
Secrets of the Haunted Mansion, Mickey's Halloween Party, and Halloween fireworks - it must be our Halloween spooktacular! Becky and special guest Rachel discuss trick or treating at Disneyland Park and meeting illusive characters; we have a special report on an appearance by Danny Elfman at a screening of Nightmare Before Christmas; and Haunted-Mansion-Historian Dan[...]
A Visit with Alice: Join Kristen and Jeff for an exclusive visit with Disney Legend Alice Estes Davis, and learn about the history and life of this extraordinary artist and costume designer for WED Enterprises. Alice takes Mousetalgia on a tour of Marc Davis' studio, and shows us a lifetime of Marc's artwork, awards, and[...]
The D23 Scavenger Hunt, Steve Davison on World of Color, Richard Sherman in concert at Destination D, and ElecTRONica - it's a supersized Mousetalgia Emporium! Team Mousetalgia invites first-place winner Henry Work to talk about besting hundreds of Disney fans in D23's first-ever official scavenger hunt; Team Mousetalgia attend a private party with Steve Davison[...]
Disneyland hosts the first-ever "Destination D" event by D23, and Team Mousetalgia are there to bring you the good, the bad and everything in between! Titled "Disneyland: 55," the 2-day event contained lectures, Legends, slide shows and fascinating tales of what it was like to work with Walt to bring Disneyland to life. From the[...]
Mousetalgia turns 100 in our spectacular Talent Round-Up show! Our listeners sent in songs, emails, voice mails, artwork, and more to celebrate 100 episodes of our little podcast about Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and everything Disney! Also - a review of Mickey's humble beginnings. After all, without the mouse, where would we be today? Stay[...]- Disney's Mechanized Magic - Join Team Mousetalgia at Garner Holt's celebration of Audio-Animatroics, held Sept. 18th at the Disneyland Hotel. Jeff hosts a DoomBuggies.com booth with Dave, while Kristen hosts Disney legend Alice Davis at the event. Lincoln, MAPO, mini-Monorails, and Disney legends galore all gathered for an up-close-and-personal look at the robotics and animatronics[...]
Fall at Disneyland - everything you need to know about off-season travel to the Happiest Place on Earth! Team Mousetalgia discuss the attraction overlays, pumpkins, parties, sweets and decorations that make Fall and Halloween great times to travel to the park. Whether it's the lighter crowds or the Halloween atmosphere, there's something for everyone this[...]- Mouse-terpiece Theatre: Mousetalgia gets literary this week with contemplations on various printed works, including a review of the most recent issue of D23 (is it worth the hype?), answers to listener emails (the pros and cons of naming kids after Disney characters), and a discussion about an article by Maurice Sendak, who wrote on a[...]
Tommy Kirk tells stories from his career with the Disney Studio at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the event. Also - the team remembers Disneyland's Swiss Family Treehouse, listener feedback, and the return of Kingdom Comedy! Plus bonus features - Kristen pulls out the accordian, Becky explains the threat posed[...]
Mousetalgia reports on the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, where the team met Bob Gurr, Margaret Kerry, Disney author Jeff Kurtti, and more fascinating Disney insiders at a fan gathering near Seattle, Washington. Kristen beats trivia master Lou Mongello at the Disney Pyramid game, Dave greets Mousetalgia listeners, and Becky talks education with Bob Gurr. Meanwhile,[...]
Lines and Tiggers and bears, oh my! Team Mousetalgia looks at Critter Country and the defunct Bear Country Jamboree in the latest listener email show. Other topics include Disneyland candy, DCA can't-misses, park gumbo, favorite eats, Disneyland memories, the Haunted Mansion's brides in the attic (old and new), penning Calhouns, Pixar lands in Oakland, and[...]
Late summer reading and relaxing with Mousetalgia! This week, the team recommends their top twelve places to escape the summer heat at the Disneyland Resort, and four great books to while away the time. Also - the Haunted Mansion turns 41, the team prepares for the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, Zorro invades San Juan Capistrano,[...]- It's a Mousetalgia Emporium! Jeff reports on the pros and cons of taking a toddler to the parks, the whole team reports on the "Disney Parks Around the Globe" panel discussion at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and we answer listener email. Plus, a special "Ears to the Ground" segment on the last flight of[...]
- Disney legends celebrate Disneyland's 55th birthday at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Mousetalgia takes you inside the sold-out event! Marty Sklar, Jack Lindquist, Tony Baxter, and Matt Ouimet all discuss the history of Disneyland, managing the park's programs, and its continuing legacy. Plus, Team Mousetalgia review the Sorcerer's Apprentice and discuss Guillermo del Toro's[...]
- Animation Then and Now: Disney producer Don Hahn presents his Animation master class at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Mousetalgia reports on the event! Hahn presents a history and overview of Walt Disney Feature Animation, from prehistoric art through Pixar's latest characters; and Hahn details some of Walt Disney's personal innovations in the history[...]
- The Walt Disney Archives turns 40, and Mousetalgia reports from the 40th anniversary D23 event held at the Walt Disney Studios. Dave Smith announces his upcoming retirement, numerous items are donated to the archives, and Leonard Maltin interviews Dave Smith about his career with the Disney Company. Plus, a new "People and Places" Disney featurette[...]
- Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies - Author Russell Merrit dicsusses the Technicolor 1929-'38 cartoon shorts at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and offers a history of the music, sound and early animation techniques used by Walt and his studio to present the popular featurettes, including "The Skeleton Dance" and "The Old Mill" while preparing his studio[...]
- Toy Story 3: Is this goodbye to Woody, Buzz and the gang? Team Moustalgia takes a look at the newest film from Pixar and dissects the story, the sizzle, and the soul of the latest hit from Emeryville. Also - Pixar's newest short film is analyzed; DCA's latest updates in Paradise Pier and the Blue[...]
- Disney California Adventure unleashes a World of Color, and Team Mousetalgia reports from opening night! From preferred viewing packages to waiting for Fast Passes, we bring you all the details about the new water show, including the music, the special effects, and the pre-show entertainment. Also, we report from GlowFest, DCA's answer to the hot[...]
- It's a colorful world of... listener email! Join Team Mousetalgia as we work our way through a mountain of listener emails, discussing topics ranging from infants in the parks to Phineas and Ferb - and everything in between! We share favorite resort pools and amenities, listener memories, the number 13, and other Disney tidbits. Plus,[...]
- The Carolwood Foundation recently screened “The Great Locomotive Chase,” and Mousetalgia reports from the event, which also featured a panel discussion with Disney legend Bob Gurr, Michael Broggie (son of Disney legend Roger Broggie and Carolwood Chairman Emeritus), John Kimball (Disney animator and son of Disney Legend Ward Kimball), and Imagineer Ray Spencer (currently heading[...]
- Kathryn Beaumont, the voice of Alice and Wendy, speaks at the Walt Disney Family Museum - and Team Mousetalgia are there to report on the event! Also - Kristen shares the recipe for Disneyland's Tahitian Terrace's Jungle Julip, the team questions the taste of homemade Dole Whips, and Dave reports on Pixar's new Dolby 7.1[...]
- Disneyland 101: In this week's episode, Team Mousetalgia discuss the ins and outs of a day at Disneyland, offering scheduling & dining hints, can't-miss attractions, and secret tips. Also - thoughts on traveling to the Walt Disney Family Museum; the team proves they are mostly smarter than fifth-graders; more Kingdom Comedy; and who's afraid of[...]
- Explore Disney Animation at Disney's California Adventure with Team Mousetalgia, as we look at the features of this expansive attraction in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. From 19th-century-style praxinoscopes to an incredible 21st-century zoetrope, drawings come to life in this immersive interactive exhibit. Also, Dave and Becky report from the Chef's Table at Napa Rose and[...]
- Learn about Bambi, Walt Disney's first nature film, and the lengths the studio went to for realism. Join us as Team Mousetalgia explores the history, music and characters of this classic Disney animated feature. Also - Disneynature's Oceans is reviewed, and its environmental message is debated. Also - listener feedback, Toy Story's Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear, an[...]
- Knott's Preserved: Mousetalgia reports from Chris Merritt's book release event at Knott's Berry Farm, celebrating the history and development of America's first theme park. Also: A run-in with "The 'Stache," a rundown of unfortunate Disneyland moments, and an eyewitness details the horrors of Disneyland's opening day... plus more!
- Our top twelve Disney experiences: Team Mousetalgia discuss a dozen delightful memorable moments in our journeys toward Disney fandom. Whether it's the D23 Expo, Mickey waffles, meeting Tim Allen or meeting new fans, Team Mousetalgia share our secrets and look forward to the future. Also - it's east vs. west in our listener email segment,[...]
- Remembering Little Wooden Head - Team Mousetalgia talks everything Pinocchio! From the classic animated feature to the Disneyland attraction, Mousetalgia takes an extended look at the second of Walt Disney's animated features. Also, a look back at Walt Disney World's Pleasure Island, a discussion of the music from the film, and a remembrance of the[...]
- Tomorrowland and George Lucas: Join Team Mousetalgia for a look at the past, present and future of Star Tours and Captain EO at Disneyland, with a special emphasis on Michael Jackson's seminal 3-D film and its current impact on the park after being recently re-released. Also, we take another trip to New Orleans Square's exclusive[...]
- It's a supersized Mousetalgia for our super 75th episode! Jeff and Dave report on the Walt Disney Pictures presentation at WonderCon with new information about The Prince of Persia, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Toy Story 3, Kristen reports on D23's "50 and Fabulous" showing of Toby Tyler at the Walt Disney Studios with special guest[...]
- The visual effects of Darby O'Gill: Team Mousetalgia explore the underrated special FX behind the 1959 Disney masterpiece Darby O'Gill and the Little People, including the matte paintings, forced perspective and nodal point camera used to create the groundbreaking effects. Also, Kristen gives a day to get a day and finds Walt's grave. Plus -[...]
- Castmember Confidential: Team Mousetalgia reviews a steamy memoir about the secret offstage lives of Walt Disney World castmembers. Also, Kristen meets Disney Legend Richard Sherman and hears him perform his classic Disney songs at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood! Plus - a visit to the Snow White Cafe, enjoying the Disney Soda Fountain, Tim[...]
- Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland reviewed this week! Also - Destination Disney is analyzed, Becky thinks D23 is missing the mark too often, the Almost Alice soundtrack companion is analyzed, and Kristen reports on D23's first Anniversary party at Disneyland, where the drinks are flowing, the stars are no-showing, and she gets "Baxtered."
- In this week's episode, join Kristen and special guest Chad on a D23 tour of the Walt Disney Studios, as they explore Legends Plaza, the Animation building, and the Walt Disney Archives. Kristen asks Disney Legend Dave Smith what piece of memorabilia he'd like to steal from the archives, Chad takes us on a quest[...]
- Bob Gurr talks about creating the animatronic Abraham Lincoln at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Jeff & Kristen report on the event. Also, Club 33 is back in the news, listeners send us email and sound off about Mickey's Fun Wheel, and Wonderland & Haunted Mansion moments. Plus - is Mickey a vandal? Vinylmation[...]
- Valentine's Day at the Walt Disney Family Museum - Dave and Becky attend "Reel Delicious," a food, wine and film experience at WDFM. Also, the team discusses "Coloring the Kingdom" - Vanity Fair's article on Walt Disney's Ink and Paint Department. Plus, Alice comes to El Capitan, a Haunted Mansion moment, and more!
- Who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me? Find out with Team Mousetalgia as we discuss and dissect the Mickey Mouse Club! Whether it's the '30s, the '50s, the '70s or the '90s version of the "Club," Mickey's show has been a part of American pop culture for generations. Come discover[...]
- Explore Paradise Pier with Mousetalgia! Whether you like roller coasters, games of skill or talking potatoes, there's something for almost everyone at DCA's Paradise Pier. In this episode, Team Mousetalgia discusses the merits of this amusement-park-inside-a-theme-park. Also, Kristen reviews Disneyland's Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, the team debates the best way to visit Disney's California[...]
- Take a trip to Neverland with Team Mousetalgia! This week, it's all things Peter Pan, as we discuss the animated feature, the Fantasyland attractions, and Peter and the Starcatchers by Ridley Pearson and Dave Barry. Also - tales about volunteering for Disney tickets, vintage Disneyland collectibles, and more!
- Take a journey on the Nautilus with Mousetalgia! This week, Team Mousetalgia looks back at the classic film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, currently showing at the Walt Disney Family Museum. We also discuss the Walt Disney World 20K attraction, the Disneyland 20K walk-through, and the classic 20K score. Also - a sea-themed Magical Eats,[...]
- Theme park designer Chris Merritt talks to Mousetalgia about his journey to becoming an Imagineer, the challenges behind re-creating the Sleeping Beauty Castle walk-through, and the process of writing the definitive history book about Knott's Berry Farm. Also - the team discusses some of WED's amazing feats, a report from Walt's birthday at the Walt[...]
- Remembering Roy Disney - Team Mousetalgia look at the legacy of Roy Disney in this first Emporium of 2010. Also - Volunt*ear*ing for free Disney tickets, Captain EO returns to Disneyland, D23 introduces tiered membership, and a countdown to Wonderland! Also - Dave unwraps a collectible toy, Kristen sings for movie points, Wednesdays on ABC[...]
- Happy New Year! Join Team Mousetalgia in a look back at 2009 (D23 and the Expo, Disneyland events, Walt Disney Family Museum) and a look forward at 2010. Kristen plans on meeting celebrities, Becky plans a big WDW trip, Dave and Jeff look forward to new park features, and the whole team forgets George Kalogridis'[...]
- Visit Disneyland for the holiday season with Team Mousetalgia! Talented carolers, fake snow, beautiful lights and a touch of magic make the original Magic Kingdom an end-of-the-year destination not to be missed. Also, Kristen battles an annual passholders sale stampede, and a flashback to New Year’s Eve in ’67!
- Celebrate the holidays Disney-style with Mousetalgia! Kristen reviews "Christmas with Walt Disney" at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Desi reports on "Tiana's Showboat Jubilee!" at Disneyland, Jeff bakes a pie from Lillian Disney's recipe, Becky shares holiday traditions submitted by listeners and Dave dishes on Disney die-cast - plus vintage clips, holiday cheer, and more!
- Visit the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank to watch The Princess and the Frog at the "Ultimate Disney Experience!" Team Mousetalgia visits the Disney screening theater to view the film, and takes a midnight tour of the studio and Legends Plaza. Also - princess overload, odd Disney props, and a roundtable discussion of "mint-in-package" vs.[...]
- Disney Legend Marty Sklar talks about conceptual artist Herb Ryman at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and he also discusses working for Walt Disney at WED Enterprises when Disneyland was being created. The team also review "Old Dogs," and a listener weighs in on the Cartoon Art Museum benefit at the Pixar studios - plus[...]
- Join Team Mousetalgia on a tour of the Pixar campus for the 6th Annual Cartoon Art Museum Benefit, including an up-close look at pre-production artwork for Up, and a private screening in the Pixar studio theater! Also, Jeff reports on upcoming events and screenings at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, and more!
- Disney's A Christmas Carol: The Mousetalgia review! Our team watched the film in 2-D, Disney Digital 3-D, and the Imax Experience to bring you the ultimate movie review of this timeless holiday tale. Also, Henry from Touringplans.com joins the show to talk about queue lengths and doing every Disneyland attraction in a day!
- The Mousetalgia Book Club - Team Mousetalgia reviews and recommends Disney reading material, including Frank and Ollie's "The Illusion of Life," Bob Thomas' "Walt Disney - An American Original," and "The Imagineering Field Guide to the Magic Kingdom." Plus - giveaways, a new Themeparkology DVD, and more!
- Disney's Wonderful World of Color: Becky offers highlights from Steven Davison's Expo presentation on the much-anticipated DCA show. Kristen reviews "Walt and El Grupo," Jeff reviews "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure," and Dave weighs in on "Zorro." Also - the team debates the effect Wii-game "Epic Mickey" will have on the public persona of[...]
- The Disney Gallery opens in the Main Street Bank at Disneyland, and Mousetalgia reports from two artist signings! Plus - Dave reports on the Mousevinyl collection, the team talks about Disney dining experiences, and Jeff attends the San Francisco Symphony Disney Family Museum concert. Also, Kristen renews some fans' marriage vows... on Pirates of the[...]
- Halloween Time at Disneyland - Explore Ghost Galaxy, Haunted Mansion Holiday, the Halloween Screams fireworks show, and the seasonal decorations that make Halloween a special holiday at the Disneyland Resort. Also, Team Mousetalgia talks with Kat Cressida, the voice of the Black Widow Bride in the Haunted Mansion - learn the inside story behind the[...]
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs revisited - Join Team Mousetalgia as we discuss the music, history, groundbreaking animation and cultural impact of this classic animated feature. Also - a look at Snow White's Scary Adventures attraction, and a Disneyland Halloween Time update!
- Celebrate Sleeping Beauty's 50th anniversary on our 50th episode! Team Mousetalgia discusses the Art of Sleeping Beauty exhibit at San Francisco's Cartoon Art Museum, reviews Toy Story 1 and 2 in 3D, and answers listener email! Also - more Kingdom Comedy, and a cricket invasion!
- Explore the Walt Disney Family Museum with Team Mousetalgia! Mousetalgia visits the Presidio in San Francisco for a detailed look at the beautiful new museum honoring the life of Walt Disney, and describes many of the exhibits and galleries. Also, take an inside look at the making of the Unofficial Guides to Disneyland and Walt[...]
- D23 Expo, part 2: Explore Disney's D23 Expo in this week's episode - and take a ride around the park on the Lilly Belle with Team Mousetalgia! Learn more about the exhibits and pavilions at the Expo, including an in-depth look at the Parks and Resorts exhibit and the collectors' forum, and also visit Club[...]
- Visit Disney's D23 Expo with Team Mousetalgia! Explore all 4 days of keynote events, with special reports on the Disney Company, Walt Disney Pictures, the Disney Theme Parks and the Future of Disney Animation. From the first public Disney Legends ceremony to Johnny Depp appearing live as Jack Sparrow, and from the Muppets to Miley[...]
- The Haunted Mansion celebrates 40 years of chills and thrills! Mousetalgia visits Disneyland's ghostly party, featuring Imagineers Tony Baxter, Jason Surrell, Kim Irvine, Alice Davis and X Atencio. Explore the merchandise, hear about the dinner, and experience the wedding of a lifetime. Also, Tim Babb does D23, DoomBuggies hosts a Bridal Bash, and more!
- Disney and the War: Team Mousetalgia discuss and debate the role of Walt Disney Studios in the creation of American propaganda during World War II, including the films "Der Fuehrer's Face" and "Education for Death." Also - a "Magically Inspired Eats" segment featuring a '70s Disneyland Hotel seafood recipe!
- Remembering Thurl - Join Team Mousetalgia as they celebrate this week's CD re-release of the 1969 Disneyland Records "Haunted Mansion" record with a never-before-heard interview with legendary voice Thurl Ravenscroft from 1993. Thurl shares some incredible stories about working with Walt and creating some of the most memorable voices in Disney history. Also, Team Mousetalgia discuss the upcoming Disney[...]
- Explore dining options at Disneyland, both past and present! In this week's episode, Kristen looks back at some extinct eateries at the park, and the team discuss current restaurants and food selections. Also, Jeff discusses the opening day of the Haunted Mansion, and we answer more listener email!
- Visit Hollywood Pictures Backlot at Disney's California Adventure! Team Mousetalgia take you on a tour of Monster's Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue, Muppetvision 3D, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! Also - Jeff forgets the name of Superstar Limo; a Haunted Mansion moment about the Hat Box Ghost; and the team tries to[...]
- Artist Josh "Shag" Agle hosts a Swingin' cocktail bash at Disneyland in honor of the Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary, and Team Mousetalgia are there to report on the festivities. Plus, the secrets of the Lilly Belle are revealed, Tim Babb checks in, and a family spends a night in the Haunted Mansion!
- Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion turns 40! Woody flees the Celebration Roundup! WDW blueprints leaked! It must be a Mousetalgia Emporium! Also - Dezi reports from the park, DCA's Blue Sky Cellar teases the public with a new website, gettin' wet in Critter Country, and Becky wonders what to do while she's left alone during the Haunted[...]
- It's all about Mickey! Join Team Mousetalgia on our first anniversary episode as we celebrate the Mouse, and discuss our favorite cartoons, Mickey's history, and his role at the Magic Kingdom. Also - the Haunted Mansion turns 40, and Mousetalgia celebrates with an exclusive interview with Imagineer "X" Atencio, who shares some secrets from the[...]
- Team Mousetalgia discuss D23 and answer listener email! Learn about our favorite off-site lodging, listen to heart-warming listener stories, and debate along with us as we compare Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle with Cinderella Castle at WDW! Also, a Haunted Mansion moment, and much more!
- Mousetalgia celebrates Disneyland's 54th birthday by watching "Disneyland U.S.A." at a private D23 screening and takes you behind the scenes, where we learn the secrets of Disneyland's fireworks, meet "Bob" Lindquist, and... Gurr takes Nixon hostage? Plus, Mousetalgia remembers Disney voice actor Dal McKennon (1919-2009) with a very special exclusive interview. Also, a look at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion[...]
- Tim Babb brings his "Kingdom Comedy" to Mousetalgia this week, as the team discusses the benefits of going Blu-ray (or not), the Disney Movie Rewards program, Disneyland on YouTube, and Babb's secrets to recording his Disneyland videos. Also, Nightastic's new light-up balloons, and more!
- Take a tour of the Disney Archives with Mousetalgia! On June 27, 2009, a select group of D23 members were able to visit the Walt Disney Studios and Archives and meet with Disney Legend Dave Smith, and Mousetalgia was there! Join us as Dave and Becky take us on an exclusive tour of the Disney[...]
- 50 years of Tomorrowland transportation - A report from an exclusive evening with Disneyland luminaries featuring Bob Gurr, Ron Dominguez, Keith Murdoch and Garner Holt, celebrating the anniversary of the Matterhorn, Monorail, and Submarine Voyage! Also, the art of Marc Davis, Tim Babb, the Haunted Mansion bride, and more!
- Explore liquid space with the Disneyland Submarine Voyage! Team Mousetalgia takes a look at the past and present incarnations of this unique theme park attraction. Also, Dave introduces MouseVinyl.com - a library of Disneyland Records, and more awkward Disney moments from Mousetalgia listeners!
- Art in the parks: a look at the history of Disneyland attraction posters, and a discussion about design with Greg Maletic, poster artist for Disneyland Hong Kong! Also - Greg introduces "Wishing Stars" for the iPhone, Mousetalgia fans share their awkward Disney moments, and more!
- Disneyland's Princess Power - the girls' got it goin' on, but are they outshining the Fab Five? Team Mousetalgia discuss the pros and cons of the current Princess marketing campaigns at the park. Also - Dave and Becky report from Anaheim's DVC, and discuss the pros and cons of owning Disney real estate. Plus, the[...]
- Enjoying Disneyland in the summertime - explore the parades, fireworks, and fantastic shows that make Disneyland a magical after-dark spectacle! Plus, Team Mousetalgia discuss Disney's upcoming Nightastic offerings, including Dumbo flying over the castle and Fantasmic improvements. Also - Goofy's mailbox, live music in the park, and more!
- Explore the Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland with Team Mousetalgia! Discover the secrets and stories behind the Temple of the Forbidden Eye - one of Imagineering's greatest and most intricate attractions. Plus: Does George Lucas even belong in Disneyland - yea or nay? Also: Kristen vs. Jose - a Tiki Room smackdown!
- Take a stroll down Main Street U.S.A. with Team Mousetalgia! Learn secrets and trivia from the history of Main Street, and visit the Penny Arcade, and Emporium. Also, explore the Opera House... and peek inside Walt Disney's personal apartment! Also - take a trip back in time to visit the Wizard of Bras. Plus -[...]
- Experiencing Bat's Day at Disneyland, playing Disney's California Adventure midway games, and remembering other Disneyland arcades - it's a Mousetalgia Emporium! Plus, the team share listener email and discuss new Haunted Mansion merchandise.
- Lions, cheetahs and (polar) bears... oh my! It's not easy being green, but Disney makes green waves with 'Earth,' the new film from the Disney Nature brand. Team Mousetalgia discusses the film, and other green aspects of Disneyland park... including recycled scenes from old attractions!
- It may be tough to be a bug, but it's easy to love the Pixar-inspired Bug's Land at DCA! Team Mousetalgia visit the area and discuss the various attractions - and talk about Pixar's involvement at the Disneyland resort. Plus - a special report on DCA's new carnival games!
- Explore the Downtown Disney District with Mousetalgia! Once a part of Disneyland's vast parking lot, Downtown Disney is now an integral part of the Disneyland Resort. Join Team Mousetalgia as we discuss the shops, dining, and entertainment found in this intriguing retail area, and share our own tips. Plus, Mousetalgia welcomes Tim Babb's Kingdom Comedy[...]
Frontierland! Howdy partners - come reminisce about the ol' Mine Train through Nature's Wonderland, or set a spell n' grab a soda at the Golden Horseshoe. Team Mousetalgia take you on a tour of Disneyland's Frontierland, and discuss current dining options in the land as well. Yee-HAW!- Yo Ho! Put on your Pirate ears as Team Mousetalgia talks everything POTC - from Pirates' Lair to the films to the attraction that started it all. We also introduce "Ears to the Ground," our new Disneyland news segment. Drink up, me hearties!
- Disney Character Stalking... tips and tricks for meeting the characters that put the 'magic' in the Magic Kingdom! Also, Team Mousetalgia discusses Disney's new D23 Fan Community - is it worth the hype (and the $74.99 membership fee?)
- Look inside the magical musical world of Disney! Join Team Mousetalgia as they review the 'Music Behind the Magic' exhibition, and discuss the musicians and songwriters behind the music from the parks. Also, the team debates which is the most popular Disneyland song, and explores the song from the Haunted Mansion.
- Sleeping Beauty's Castle revisited - take an exclusive walk through the new Sleeping Beauty Castle with Imagineer Chris Merritt, Art Director for the newly-opened attraction. Also, join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they introduce Fan Fare, a new segment of Mousetalgia. Plus - Disney Would-You-Rather, and more!
- Personalizing Disneyland: Fun ways to bring the magic home and enjoy the magic year-round, including personalized videos, hats, shirts, ears, flip-books, and more! Also - adventures in registering for the Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary event!
- Fantasyland, continued: A look at the outdoor attractions in Disneyland's Fantasyland, including the Tea Party, Dumbo, Matterhorn, Storybook Land, King Arthur's Carrousel, and more. Join Team Mousetalgia as they explore Fantasyland in depth!
- Changing 'it's a small world,' and updating Disneyland in general - the pros and cons of messing with the classics. Join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they discuss the history of 'small world' and the merits of its re-imagining - plus opinions on Pirates, Nemo, and more!
- Join Dave, Becky, Jeff and Kristen as they discuss Disneyland's Fantasyland and its dark rides... including Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, and more!
- Join Dave, Becky, Jeff and Kristen as they open the Mousetalgia Mailbag and answer listener emails. Topics include planning Disneyland-themed parties and events, listener suggestions, and a Haunted Mansion moment featuring the Hatbox Ghost!
- Join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they discuss the benefits of being a Disneyland Annual Passholder, and look at Disneyland's new monthly payment plan for Annual Passes. The team discusses the pros and cons of Disneyland's old ticket books. Also, Kristen takes us on a tour of the recently-opened Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough exhibit[...]
- Join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they discuss the latest news about the Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary events this year at Disneyland. Learn about the official merchandise event on 9/9/09, cocktails with artist Shag, the "O-pin Plot" pin event, and more!
- Join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they introduce the Mousetalgia Emporium - a potpourri of comments and thoughts on a variety of topics. Today, Team Mousetalgia discusses character dining at the Grand Californian, breakfasts at the park, Rider Switch Passes for taking small children to the park, local hotels, Disneyland's "Key to the Magic"[...]
- Join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they discuss Disneyland's new Pixie Hollow installation, where you can meet Tink! Also, the team heads over to Disney's California adventure to visit the Blue Sky Cellar, Imagineering's sneak-preview exhibit of plans and models from the upcoming DCA renovations. Plus, last-minute Disney gift ideas, and more!
- Join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they discuss spending the holidays at Disneyland - including the decor, lights, television ads, and the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. Does Jack Skellington deserve his own land in Disneyland? We discuss it! Also, a new listener email segment - and we share our favorite Christmas memories from the[...]
- Join Dave, Jeff, and Becky in part two of their exclusive interview with Margaret Kerry, the original reference model for Tinker Bell from Walt Disney's 1953 classic Peter Pan. Margaret talks about the changes coming to 'it's a small world,' and shares memories of her life among the Disney legends. Special guests Kari and Vickie[...]
- Join Dave, Jeff, and Becky in an exclusive interview with Margaret Kerry, the original reference model for Tinker Bell from Walt Disney's 1953 classic Peter Pan. In part one of a two-part interview, Margaret talks about being hired to portray Tink, and she discusses Tink's journey from Peter Pan's sidekick to international superstar. Margaret also[...]
- Join Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky as they celebrate the spooking season with an in-depth look at Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Jeff puts on his "Chef Mayhem" persona and offers expert commentary on the Haunted Mansion from his years of operating fansite DoomBuggies.com, and the rest of the crew offer additional perspective and insights. Also -[...]
- Join the Mousetalgia crew as Dave, Kristen, Becky and Jeff visit Adventureland. Starting with a tour of memories from the defunct Tahitian Terrace, the crew announce a new recipe segment titled "Magically Inspired Eats," then move on to discuss the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Jungle Cruise, Indiana Jones Adventure, and the Treehouse: Swiss vs. Tarzan.[...]
- Join the Mousetalgia Crew and listen in as Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky discuss the impact that Disney's live-action/animation films have had on Disneyland Park, featuring Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Song of the South, and Pete's Dragon. And as a special bonus feature, Becky and Dave offer a practically perfect review of Mary Poppins on[...]
- Join the Mousetalgia Crew and listen in as Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky discuss Disneyland's Tomorrowland, and its depiction of the transportation of the future. Jeff reviews the Mark VII and the current Innoventions Dream Home exhibit, and Kristen wonders aloud about eating fruit off the trees at the park. The team also hosts a[...]
- Join the Mousetalgia Crew and listen in as Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky discuss the "Swinging Wake" Haunted Mansion event held in Disneyland's Blue Bayou last spring - a private party held in Disneyland after the park closed to the public. Jeff tells the behind-the-scenes story of hosting the event at Disneyland, which featured four[...]
- Join the Mousetalgia Crew and listen in as Dave, Jeff, Kristen and Becky introduce their new podcast, and discuss Disneyland Park's New Orleans Square. Topics of discussion include the New Orleans Square atmosphere, the Blue Bayou Restaurant, and the secrets of Walt Disney's mysterious Club 33. Kristen also shares about her experience of riding through[...]
Mousetalgia is a podcast for Disney fans about Disneyland, Disney in society, and Disney trivia and history. Enjoy in-depth reviews of the parks, discussions about Disneyana and Disney merchandise, and our take on the latest Disney movies, books and more. View our galleries and join the discussion at www.mousetalgia.com!
Podcast Home
All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are directy attributed to Mousetalgia LLC and Team Mousetalgia or their podcast platform partner. If you believe your copyrighted work is in use without your permission, you can follow our process outlined here. See terms of use.
All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are directy attributed to Mousetalgia LLC and Team Mousetalgia or their podcast platform partner. If you believe your copyrighted work is in use without your permission, you can follow our process outlined here. See terms of use.
