Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

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 meal of their whole vacation. Then, it's on to Walt Disney World, and a stay at Coronado Springs - Becky's new favorite moderate resort - and Epcot for "Flower & Garden" and the food booths: carne guisada, pork tacos, and frushi. California Grill provides the worst meal of the trip - hear the details - and Sci-Fi Dine-In offers a surprising meal. Then, we finally report from Pandora, and Dave and Becky talk about the land of Avatar, the daytime vs. nighttime experience, and the dining and entertainment offerings there. Plus: a review of the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour at the Magic Kingdom, the Shop Disney Parks app, Cars 3, Glen Keane at the Walt Disney Family Museum, more

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 the weekend - including a report on an exclusive Club 33 panel on Disney Animation History with Mark Henn, who talks about how a traditional animator finds his place in the digital world. Then, Jeff reports on a Walt Disney Family Museum talk called "Walt's Kansas City," with author Dan Viets speaking about Walt Disney's childhood and youth in Missouri. Plus, we talk about Pixar coming to the parks in a big way, and give our opinions of the imminent arrival of Pixar Pier.

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 DisneySea. Then we welcome Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mousefan Travel, back to the show to discuss her recent trip to the Japanese resort. Between our two guests, we discuss the etiquette, the food at DisneySea, the snacks at Disneyland, the shopping, the attractions, the dumplings, and the cuteness (popcorn buckets)! What is is that causes so many Disney fans to claim that of all Disney parks worldwide, Tokyo has the parks to beat? Plus, we discuss the culture shock (but in a good way!) A listener calls in another Tokyo report - and, of course - we talk Duffy.

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 - Pete Docter and Aardman's Nick Park talk about the state of animation at the recently re-opened Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, and Jeff reports. Plus - a new tropical hideaway is planned, the Muppet Babies are coming back, the Disney Fashionista Blog, and more.

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 to movie locations, family cruises, riding the railways - and how it all culminates in his Magic Kingdom. Also - a listener calls in her Disney love story - and more.

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 Japan 2018. We discuss logistics, the differences between the D23 Expos in Japan and the United States, some of the news from the Expo... and shopping! Finally, we have an Olympic moment as we discuss Walt Disney's involvement with the 1960 Winter Olympic Games at Squaw Valley. Plus - a review of America's Best Value Inn and Suites motel, a review of Marvel's Black Panther - and more.

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, and the importance of telling the story of Mary Blair's career. Also - Team Mousetalgia answers your emails! Topics: blaming locals for Disneyland crowds; searching for Carl Barks comics; a search for Tokyo DisneySea information; beating the Disneyland blues; a magical holiday trip report; seeking out Disneyland history books; advice for a three-day Disneyland trip with kids; creating your own virtual Disneyland; a listener reports from Shanghai; which Disneyland pass Orange County locals should purchase; and trip advice for returning to Disneyland after a 13 year absence. Plus - can Madame Leota sign an autograph? Star Wars "From a Certain Point of View"; Walt Disney World food; and... Octogeddon?

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 location options Disneyland can provide to the simple love stories that tie everything together. And for those of you who like a little edge to your tales of nuptial bliss, we also have a story of a rogue, unauthorized Haunted Mansion wedding as well. Plus - our thoughts on loving yourself despite the Valentine season, and more.

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 personal life. Smothers talks about the variety of food at Disneyland park over its history, and tells stories about dumpster-diving and sleuthing to re-create secret recipes from the past. Then, Mousetalgia welcomes Walt Disney Imagineer Chris Merritt back to the show to discuss Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle. To celebrate last week's 59th anniversary of Sleeping Beauty, Mousetalgia concludes its recent focus on Eyvind Earle and the classic film by talking about Merritt's work in bringing Sleeping Beauty Castle out of hibernation at Disneyland in 2008 and renewing the visual effects tech while staying close to Earle's original vision for the castle walk-through attraction. Merritt also talks about

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 Disneyland evening events a very special night. Then, Jeff reports on the latest Star Wars happenings at the resort, including a review of the Void's "Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire" VR experience currently operating in Downtown Disney. We discuss the parts of the attraction that hit the mark, and a few notes that are slightly off key. Finally, Jeff reports on a panel discussion with Lucasfilm art directors from "The Last Jedi" held at Gallery Nucleus, and shares some secrets from the making of the films.

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 for Walt's still-in-development Disneyland park. Frank drove a covered wagon for Disneyland's opening day parade behind Fess Parker, and worked at the Disneyland Pony Farm caring for the 200+ horses, mules and other animals. Next, Michael Vargo, VP of D23 and the Disney Archives, joins us to talk about the 2018 Gold Membership Gift, which celebrates 90 years of Mickey Mouse. We'll discuss some of the surprises included in the box, and how the D23 team went through 90 years of history to choose their 23 favorite samples of memorabilia from the extensive career of Mickey Mouse. Finally, New York Times bestselling author Matthew Reinhart joins us to talk about creating pop up books, and we talk about the art of comb

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 Family Museum in December. We also take a quick look back at Eyvind Earle's famous bicycle trip across the country, which helped to launch his career as a fine artist. Next, Kristen discusses the "Cinderella Festival" which was held at Disneyland in March 1971. Fashion shows, garden tours, and special recipes were featured during this three-day event at Disneyland, during which a park guest would be named princess Cinderella for the day. Plus - Star Wars answers just raise more questions, and Kristen reviews "Chewie and the Porgs."

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 special guest Heather Coursen discusses the ins and outs of being a DVC member, and tells us who DVC is for, and who should probably pass. Then, we talk everything "Last Jedi" in a spoiler-filled, roundtable-style free for all. Porgs, flying Leias, laser swords - we discuss all of our initial thoughts and feedback while we prepare for future viewings. Everything from hyperspace to the nature of the Force is dissected, inspected and accepted or rejected. Listen to our review, then join the conversation at facebook.com/mousetalgia.

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 a Disney property this year, our famous Oswald Award, which is awarded to events that may have missed their intended marks, and our favorite overall Disney memories from the past twelve months. So welcome to 2018, and enjoy our look back at Disney's past year in review.

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 Walt Disney World, dealing with Disney burnout, Disneyland with toddlers, how Mousetalgia's team formed, what we love other than Disney, Roy O. Disney, our feelings about the future of Downtown Disney, and more!

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 menu, the food, and the experience of watching Fantasmic from an exceptional vantage point. Finally, Jeff takes us to the recent Heroes and Villains convention in San Jose, where he met Zachary "Flynn Rider" Levi and Ming-Na "Mulan" Wen, and shares some audio of Zachary Levi talking about his brush with the Marvel Extended Universe.

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 - is it worth the cost of admission? We show you how to make the most of a quick trip. Also, Jeff shares some thoughts on Coco, and briefly reviews Pixar's latest masterpiece. Plus - a Pearly Band Christmas performance, and listeners weigh in on runDisney, the late Great Movie Ride, and antenna balls.

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, we return to the discussion about MaxPass, and add more to our ongoing review of Disneyland's new crowd management option. Plus, we discuss John Lasseter's sabbatical from Pixar due to complaints of sexual harassment, and we ponder the bigger issue and how it might affect the Walt Disney Company. Also - our favorite Disney holiday films, Jeff reviews the new Frozen short - and more.

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; raising Disney kids; a listener reviews the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, Ariel's Grotto and MaxPass; Asian culture and its impact on the Asian Disney Parks is explained by a listener; the best ways to brighten a cast member's day; Grand Californian scavenger hunts; more Disneyland trip advice - MaxPass, crowds, and what to tote around to make the day managable; navigating the parks for minimum line waits; and a WDW fan reacts to Disneyland. Plus - if we were to create a third Disney theme park for SoCal, what would it be? Westcot? Pixar Park? Or...? We share our thoughts.

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 shares about how Wayne's connection with the character developed over time. Jeff also talks about the creation story of Mickey Mouse, and we discuss the legendary tale told over the generations, and see how it compares with the likely true history of the Mouse's genesis. Then, we share some of our experiences from the recent Mouse-con convention held in South San Francisco, and recount our first Mousetalgia Disneyland history slide show. Also: our favorite Disney animal moments, Tiny Tinsel checks in - and more.