Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

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 love about the parks, including the immersive experiences (Jeff chooses Mannequins as an unusual example), the nostalgia of Disneyland, the exercise expended to enjoy the parks, and the detailed theming; and why we love the idea of Disney generally, including collecting Disneyana, the hobby of podcasting, and the ability to get out and have new experiences around the world. Also: Uniqlo's Disney line of clothing, Captain Kidd's on Harbor reviewed, a food and whine festival, and Disney's Oscar nods. Plus, Tiny Cupid checks in - and more!

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 that was never completed. Also, we look at "The Art of Moana," and talk about the features, facts and imagery that the book presents about this Academy Award-nominated film. Next, we answer your questions, with topics including Candlelight Weekend expectations; adulting at Disneyland Resort and finding the best lounge; a surprise performance by the Mariachi Divas; preparing toddlers for the drama and excitement of a first trip to Walt Disney World; ideas for commemorating the successful viewing of every Disney animated feature; Disney's ties to Hollywood's Magic Castle; and a cautionary postscript to our stolen stroller story. Plus - show some Disney love this Valentine'

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 your planned trip to the Disneyland Resort for a family reunion with dozens of relatives. Kristen offers tips for organizing large group trips to the parks, and strategies for dining, choosing attractions, and scheduling. Also, a report from the Grand Legacy at the Park hotel, and Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure. Plus - escape the rain with Kristen and visit the Golden Horseshoe, and Team Mousetalgia reveals our fantasy food booths for DCA's next culinary festival!

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 Dole Whips, and the RunDisney Expo. Next, Jeff reports from SacAnime Winter 2017 and their amazing Beauty and the Beast panel, which featured voice actors Richard White (Gaston), Paige O'Hara (Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), Bradley Pierce (Chip), and animators Nic Ranieri (Lumiere) and Rick Farmiloe (LeFou). Jeff shares a bit about the convention, the perils of autograph collecting, and shares a few highlights from the all-star panel discussion. Plus, we talk about the just-announced Disney MaxPass, and give our initial thoughts and impressions on this new feature for touring the parks. Bonus topic: Those late cabanas in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom - should Disney keep trying?

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 about Tyrus' groundbreaking artwork and his career beyond designing the look of Bambi for Walt Disney. But first, we welcome Kristin Rodack, a Director with D23, back to the show to give us an inside look at the development of the 2017 Gold Membership gift featuring Walt's "Nine Old Men," and to share a little history of this group of trusted animators that helped form the essential look of Disney's golden age of animation. Also - a report on the latest in Disney VR, including Google Earth's tour of 1313 Harbor Boulevard South, and LifeVR's new Star Wars features, including a scene from Rogue One filmed in immersive 360, and a tragic X-Wing dogflight. Plus - a listener spends three hours with Supersto

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 to 85. A trip that could only happen in - well, not the Twilight Zone, because that attraction closed on Jan. 2, and Jeff was there to report on Disneyland's special "13th Hour" Twilight Zone dessert and party honoring the last day of the ride's operation. We'll discuss the event, the attendees, the souvenir, and listen one last time to the storied Silver Lake Sisters. Finally, we remember Carrie Fisher, and discuss her legacy with the Disney Company. Plus - a listener reports on a near-empty park on Christmas week.

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 also offer our annual "Oswald" awards for happenings that didn't quite meet expectations. Plus - a look back at our resolutions for 2016 and a look forward at our new resolutions for the coming year.

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; autograph certificates of authenticity and what they mean; the runDisney Tower of Terror Bellhop speaks out; Disneyland's stroller thieves, and getting over Disneyland disappointments; what to do when the family is finally "done with Disney"; and booking Good Neighbor suites versus staying at Paradise Pier - plus our usual bits 'n bites. Happy holidays from Team Mousetalgia!

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. From Michael Giacchino's new score to some dicey CGI, Rogue One offers a lot to digest, and we do our best to share some first impressions of this new format in the world of Star Wars films. Then, Kristen goes back to Disneyland once again to talk about tasting holiday treats, and shares more feedback about Storyteller Cafe, the Festival of Holidays, and the festive menu at Le Salon Nouveau. Finally, we speak with Boualem Lamhene, an executive director with Disney who founded the We Love Disney brand in France which is spreading around the world. We speak with Lamhene about the latest release in the series, "Jazz Loves Disney," and we discuss the creative process behind the new alb

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 of his controversial "Little Mermaid" VHS cover art. Also, we review a new Disneyland-area hotel: Hyatt House Anaheim Convention Center. Listen to why this hotel may just take the place as Mousetalgia's first go-to recommendation for off-site lodging. Plus - the Haunted Mansion's opening week, our Disney Christmas gift list, and more.

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 the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas? We also discuss Elena, Santa, Viva Navidad, and those stilt walkers. Next, we offer a review of Disneyland Hotel's Thanksgiving Buffet, with its cheeses, salads, seafood, and all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings, courses and desserts. We'll review the food, the characters, the value and the overall experience. Plus, Mousetalgia reviews Moana, featuring our interview with Moana screenwriter Jared Bush. Plus - a unique report on visiting Walt Disney on the studio lot in the 1950s, and our advice on what to do if you need to visit urgent care on a trip to Disneyland.

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 of Disneyland" auction; the 2016 CTN Animation Expo; and a very special Haunted Mansion happening with Peter Renaday and Mark Silverman at Creature Features in Burbank (ahem). Then, Mousetalgia special correspondent Lindsey Elhai joins us to talk all about last week's Destination D event hosted by D23 at Disney's Contemporary Resort, with reports on varied topics such as Disney Hollywood Studios' new "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" fireworks show; EPCOT's "Frozen Ever After"; Walt Disney's True Life Adventures, Disney Animal Kingdom's "Pandora - The World of Avatar", and more, including exclusive conversations with Imagineers and insiders includi

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 keep the holiday spirit alive. Next, Kristen discusses her trip to Disneyland after-hours to celebrate Dumbo's 75th anniversary, and reviews a special Club 33 presentation in Disneyland's Main Street Opera House with trivia, history and a look at the making of the classic film. Then, after the crowds cleared out, attendees were able to visit a nearly-empty Fantasyland, enjoy a glass of wine, and ride the rides to their hearts' contents. Plus - Kristen shares a touching moment with Oscar; Tim takes a last tumble down the Tower, and Jeff places a call to the North Pole - it's the return of Tiny Tinsel!

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 of New Orleans Square, this major auction is destined to make history. Then, we celebrate Mickey's birthday by catching up with Disney comic writer Pat McGreal, who talks to Mousetalgia about his quarter century of giving life to Mickey Mouse and his friends. Jeff discusses the persistence of vision via Fields' famed "Art of Walt Disney" book, and then we continue our birthday celebration with a round table discussion of Mickey Mouse shorts, Mickey Mouse collectibles, Mickey Mouse in the parks, Mickey Mouse songs, and more. Plus - Disneyland Paris goes to hyperspace; tutus rule, Guardians take the tower - and more. Special note: Jeff will be appearing Saturday, Nov. 19 at Creature Features i

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 in the history of the Walt Disney Studios. Next, Kristen reports on Geek Girl Con 2016 in Seattle, and reports on the Women of Pixar panel. Also, a listener reports on the Bob Gurr Bus Tour of Walt's L.A.

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 "Monster Kid," memories of celebrating Halloween as a child, surviving Hurricane Matthew at Disney World, and we host a Tower of Terror lithograph giveaway! Then, Jeff reports on the Walt Disney Family Museum's recent Haunted Mansion panel called "Tales of Ghoulish Delight," which dealt with the history of the famous haunted house and featured some of Imagineer Kim Irvine's stories about how the Mansion has changed over the years. Plus - Jeff announces some appearances; a listener calls in a trip report - and more!

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 with a hesitant two-year-old, Photopass woes, character dining options, and tips for first-time Disneybounders. Then, we talk Mickey's Halloween Party, including a review of this year's treat trails, new projection effects on the castle and the ghosts of goats past. Plus bonus samples from the ride of the Headless Horseman, the Frightfully Fun Parade and the Cadaver Dans. Also - Kristen reviews "Maps of the Disney Parks; we talk about Disneyland's imminent digital Fastpasses; and Jeff announces the release of the second edition of "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion" and a Nov. 19 book signing at Creature Features in Burbank.

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 on Paperman and utilizing digital technology; his work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit; and his books "Jimmy Dabble," "Fuddles," "A Very Fuddles Christmas," and his new book, "Fuddles and Puddles." Then Team Mousetalgia answers some listener email questions, including: how to make Disneyland special for non-Disney people; the evolution of our Disney fandom; and runDisney hotel options and tips. Also, we have a special interview with Zachariah Abrams, CHOC's Director of Corporate Relations, about the upcoming CHOC Walk in the Park. Plus - Jeff is kicked off of a WDFM panel, Kristen keeps collecting Kevin and Jody, Becky finds some shoes, and Dave discusses Don Hahn's latest project.

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 its recall by the Walt Disney Company. Kristen buys a back issue of Animatrix featuring animator Frank Thomas and discusses Thomas' view of attributing film credits and working with Walt; then she discusses the newest re-release of Beauty and the Beast on Blu-Ray and reveals some details from the bonus content. Finally, we discuss "Tinker Bell Talks," and Margaret Kerry's "accidental" release of her new autobiography. Plus: we discuss our Disneyland dreams and wonder what they mean.

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 a prestigious VIP tour guide, then moved to guest communications and management, and on to special events for the opening of Disney's California Adventure (after a run-in with the Disneyland Ambassador program and roles in TV/radio broadcasting). Eddy talks about managing Disneyland's international publicity, becoming the resort's Global Sales Manager, and the importance of a little pixie dust. Eddy also dusts off the plaid vest and takes us back in time to his days as a VIP tour guide, with stories about Ted Dansen and his family, Disney Legend Robin Williams, Ed McMahon, and of course, tales of touring with Michael Jackson (in and out of disguise). Plus, we discuss ways