Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

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 the Walt Disney Family Museum to discuss two more events in the "Nine Old Mentors" series of talks. First, Disney animation directors Ron Clements and John Musker spoke about their experiences with the Nine Old Men, and two weeks later Margaret Kerry traveled to the museum to speak about her time working with Marc Davis working on Peter Pan. Plus - a quick review of Christopher Robin, and more.

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 team talk about a lifetime of collecting Disneyland and other pop culture memorabilia, why they've decided to sell everything, and how a Mike Fink Keel Boat changed everything. We also take a look back at the past 10 years in Disneyland history, and talk about how the parks and the parks' visitors have changed over the past decade. Finally, we discuss the upcoming CHOC Walk in the Park, a listener reports on the Disney Dream, and a last reminder: come witness a live edition of our podcast in person at Walt's Barn in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, on Sunday, August 19 at 1 p.m. See you there!

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 process, challenges, and decisions that led to the recent unveiling of the new land celebrating all things Pixar. Then, we speak with Disney artist Kevin Kidney, who tells us the story of the creation of Disneyland's nighttime spectacular Fantasmic, a show that he helped develop. We also talk about the road that took Kevin and Jody from the jobs at Disneyland to jobs working for the Disney Catalog creating hundreds of incredible collectibles and works of Disney-related art for us all to purchase and enjoy. Then, we speak with Disney producer and author David Bossert, who talks to us about his latest book "Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost

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 art, movie props, interactive sets, and more. Brian joins the show to discuss the magic behind the creation of this must-see presentation. Then, it's the first of two shows about the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet 2018. We share our behind-the-scenes glimpse at the goings-on at this tenth-annual gathering of Disney fans hosted in the Seattle area. Plus - a few thoughts about Don Hahn's new documentary about Howard Ashman... and more.

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 unprecedented stylistic shifts and modern graphic sensibilities found in films like Alice in Wonderland and Sleeping Beauty. Also, we speak with author Jeff Ryan about his new book "A Mouse Divided: How Ub Iwerks Became Forgotten, and Walt Disney Became Uncle Walt." Ryan's new book talks about the relationship between Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, and how the duo created the mouse that changed the world. Plus - we discuss some of the latest children's books to be released by the Disney Company - and more.

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 K. Wolf about creating the characters from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" as we note the 30th anniversary of the seminal film based on his intriguing novel. Also, Jeff talks about experiencing Disneyland in a heat wave, and what happens when MaxPass suddenly goes down in the middle of the day. Plus, quick hits on Antman and the Wasp, a vintage Disneyland cookie recipe, runDisney's Incredible Running Shorts, and a super sweepstakes courtesy of Amy's Small World.

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 of the Disney magic in London - the sights, the sounds, and the shopping. Also this week: Team Mousetalgia tackle the topic of Disneyland's admission prices, and ponder the socioeconomic significance. Plus - Pixar stays all the rage, with listener reports from both Toy Story Land to the east and the Lamplight Lounge to the west. (And listen for your chance to win an Alice in Wonderland charm necklace, too!)

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 with Disneyland newest pirate, Redd. We also take a brief look at the history of Disneyland's fireworks, and a listener brings us a report and some sounds from the recent "Sherman Brothers: A Hollywood Songbook" concert held in Los Angeles celebrating Richard Sherman's 90th birthday. Plus - is Disney properly honoring "Inside Out" in the new Pixar Pier?

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 annual passport program - what do they mean for future traffic patterns? Then, we talk Incredibles 2 and offer spoiler-free analysis, and finally, Kristen offers her latest Disneyland trip report, including reviews of the Plaza Inn character breakfast and Alien Pizza Planet, more thoughts on MaxPass, tips on traveling with preschoolers, mobile ordering, and the Cobb salad of sadness. Also - magic always comes with a price, dearie!

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 to the Anaheim Resort; character dining options at Disneyland; Disney park nannies; holiday weekend tips and eating vegan at Disneyland. Plus - Jeff reviews the Broadway Princess Party - and more.

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 to meet and speak with female animators, artists and filmmakers involved with the production. We discuss the Pixar campus, stories about Brad Bird, the techniques of modern computer animation, the status of women in the field of animation, and finally offer a spoiler-free glimpse at the new installment in the Incredibles franchise. Bonus: a spoiler-free review of "Bao," the short presented before Incredibles 2. Plus - Pirate Redd joins the the Pirates of the Caribbean; John Lasseter will be leaving the Walt Disney Company; Solo box office disappoints; and more.

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 character breakfast buffet, and the "Petit Jean" experience by chef Jean Imbert, a 12 dish meal at the Disneyland Hotel which was inspired by iconic fairytales. Imbert, a Top Chef winner in France, created this eco-friendly menu, which included five wine pairings and one champagne pairing. Kristen reviews the entire Petite Jean experience, including 12 courses over the space of 4-5 hours, including organic leeks (with scissors) inspired by Tangled, lobster ravioli inspired by the Little Mermaid's Chef Louis; Mrs. Pott's beef broth, Lady and the Tramp spaghetti and of course, Remy's Ratatouille, with sweet courses too - including Pooh's honey, Cinderella's

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, to Seattle for a book signing event. Then, Jeff brings us up to speed on the remote world of Batuu, and we ponder some of the planet's lesser-known features and mysteries. Finally, we offer a spoiler-free review of Solo, and consider some of the unique features of this 10th Star Wars film. Also - Disney weighs the return of John Lasseter to a creative role in the company, and we consider various aspects of the situation.

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, we've done our best to share our travels and experiences with our listeners and like-minded Disney fans around the world. Special guest Tim Babb joins the table to reminisce along with us. So settle in and listen along as we celebrate 500 episodes of Mousetalgia! 

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. Then - SPOILER ALERT! - we review and discuss "Avengers: Infinity War," and offer our reactions, questions, and opinions of this hotly-debated film. Also - we loves the redhead, but do we wants her walkin' the park avenues? Pirate lass Redd is coming to the parks, and we discuss. Plus - an upcoming Marc Davis event, free shipping from Disney Stores, Star Wars party advice, Disney baby carriers - and Dave attends the Disney Institute.

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 Terrace, and seeing Walt Disney himself in Disneyland. Jim opened the Bengal BBQ (and created the menu with his family recipes), was a sous chef at Club 33, witnessed Cary Grant's private Candlelight Processional performance, opened Big Thunder Ranch, and gives us a first-hand account of Liz Taylor's big 60th birthday bash at Disneyland. Plus - Jeff reviews a "foodoir," Kristen shares a Bengal BBQ recipe, Becky talks wine, Dave talks Muppets - and more!

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 of Colors." Amy talks about her inspiration for the book, researching Mary Blair, and she shares some of the secrets behind the development of a children's book. Plus, Jeff talks to Time/Life, Kristen plays jazz, Becky wears a pink Stormtrooper, and Dave busts out a Haunted Mansion moment!

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 her Tinker Bell fans, the 501st looked for recruits for the Empire, and everybody was just "Wookie-ing for the Weekend" as the event kicked off with a Star Wars panel with Mads Mikkelsen, Daniel Logan, Temuera Morrison and Ray Park. Plus - a listener review of art exhibits in the OC, and we choose our own super powers.

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 a trip to the parks. Plus - a report from Pixar Fest; Canada checks in; our dream Pizza Planet pizza flavors... and more.

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 the Soap Opera Cafe to Sunshine Plaza, we'll take a walk down memory lane and remember the attractions that have come and gone. We'll also discuss the nighttime entertainment from Glowfest to tea parties - and we'll take a look at the continuing evolution of Disneyland's sibling park. Also - Jeff reads yet another article, this one about Herb Ryman and the 49 elephants. Plus - Boxlunch picnic baskets, Disney at Nordstrom, and Tron Lego!