Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

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 Toro's collection of horror-related artifacts, which includes a controversial Marc Davis Haunted Mansion changing portrait. Then, Jeff visits "Kevin and Jody: A Retrospective" show and sale at Pop! Comics. Finally, in a special segment, we investigate a mystery involving Disney's latest coffee table tome: "The Walt Disney Studios - A Lot to Remember" is recalled from online sellers and pulled off the shelves - but why? Bonus feature: Kristen calls in a report from D23's Seattle 25th anniversary screening of Beauty and the Beast, which featured comments from Beauty herself, Paige O'Hara. Plus listener email, more Mickey's Halloween Party Q & A - and mo

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 one of the new Trader Sam's Hitchhiking Ghosts mugs, and we speculate as to what might have happened with the short-lived roll-out. Finally, Jeff reports on the opening weekend of Halloween Time, and we discuss the changes to the Haunted Mansion (both permanent and holiday-oriented), and take a ride-through of the chilling new "lights out" version of the Tower of Terror. Plus - a listener's trip report of doing Disneyland solo, and we celebrate Dave's birthday!

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 club members. We also host a Mousetalgia therapy session for a listener who, having fallen in love with Disneyland, has a hard time resisting comparing it with Walt Disney World and feeling like WDW falls short. Is it okay to compare the two resorts, or should Disney fans hold a special place for all the parks in their hearts? Also, listener reports on Shanghai Disneyland and Steakhouse 55, and two runDisney reports - one on last week's Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, and one on runDisney's recent virtual races.  Plus - Tim Burton, Disney-themed t-shirts... and more.

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 at Disneyland; turning 40 and celebrating with a birthday trip to the resort; pescatarian options at Disneyland; listener trip reports; ideas for choosing area hotels; blending park touring with runDisney races - plus smelling your way through Disneyland.  

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 on D23's recent event at the Walt Disney Studio celebrating the 75th anniversary of The Reluctant Dragon, the movie that introduced and demonstrated the process of Walt Disney's feature animation to the world. Rebecca describes the panels, the decorations, the events, and the transformation of the studio lot back to its earliest days in 1941. We also host a giveaway in honor of D23's latest Fanniversary celebration, and then it's an app check: Kristen reviews Dragon Spotting, Disney's app promoting the release of Pete's Dragon, and Disney Emoji Blast - two recent releases for mobile devices. Finally, Kristen offers an Empath's review of Pete's Dragon and explains why it should

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 revamped and sure-to-surprise "Happiest Haunts" tour. To help you prep for the season, Mousetalgia welcomes cosplay expert Rose Ivy from ER Collective to the show to help navigate the waters between Disney Bounding, Halloween costumes and cosplay, and Rose gives us some stories from her experiences in the field. Also, we conclude our reporting on the Disney Store's "Ghost Post," and we describe the final in-park elements of the unique experience. Plus - Jeff launches a new Haunted Mansion podcast (surprise!) - and more.

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 1940s and Walt's contribution to the "family film" genre. Then, author Didier Ghez joins us to continue discussing the Studios in the '40s as we discuss his new book "They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years -The 1940s Part 1." We discuss why the '40s were considered musical years, the creation of the Disney Studios' music library, Fantasia - Walt's "playing field for invention," and Walt's opinion of women in animation in the Studio's earlier days. Plus - Team Mousetalgia talks Disneyland news, including discussion about parades coming and going and the new parking garage and sky bridge. Also - Newsies will be hitting

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 steam train going all the way back to the entrance gates. We also discuss coupon book hijinks, Grad Night shenanigans, and more. Also - in honor of the Summer Games, we welcome former Olympian and Gold Medalist Ryan Millar to the show to talk Disneyland hotels, and we offer Disney suggestions for the new hotel announced for the resort. Plus - Kristen reviews "All Aboard: The Wonderful World of Disney Trains," and we dream about bringing back our favorite extinct Disneyland television shows.

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 and tricks; vegetarian dining options at Disneyland; making the most of a Silver Pass; crowd levels on runDisney event dates; and how to celebrate a sweet 16 birthday at Disneyland on Dapper Day. Plus, Jeff reviews the latest Haunted Mansion-inspired fiction book from Disney; Moana; Disneyland 2017 Resort reservations are now open - and more!

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 for generations. Bob Gurr talks about his innovative Omnimover ride vehicle and discusses his impressions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while Marty Sklar offers his impressions of Shanghai Disneyland, which he calls the finest Disney park ever built. Gurr also takes us on a brief trip through Disneyland, and Sklar talks about writing as the voice of Walt Disney himself, and discusses how Walt built WED from his best artists. Plus - Team Mousetalgia builds a fantasy fan convention; a listener visits Walt's Barn on Disneyland's birthday; Disney artist Stacia Martin speaks about the Disney Gallery - and more.

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). Come behind the scenes with us as we talk about set-up snafus, run-ins with Disney Legends, and super-cold Dole Whips. We also speak with meet vendors, including the Jayme Twins, RecyclEARS, author Mike Fox, and Disney historian and author David Lesjak, who shares a story about an incredible piece of Disneyana he displayed at the event. Plus - Kristen reviews the Grand Legacy at the Park, Jeff is interviewed for a documentary, and Becky plans to go coast to coast. Stay tuned for next week, featuring our exclusive interviews with Disney Legends Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar. And happy 61st, Disneyland!

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 tours, and we offer an in-depth review of Soarin' - the sights, the scents, the CG. Then, we journey north to Universal Studios Hollywood to review the newly-opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and offer our insights into Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. We also take you on a whirlwind tour of Hogsmeade with stops at Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Zonko's, and the Three Broomsticks Inn. We compare the work of the Universal Creative team with the Disney Imagineers (many of whom have moved back and forth) and discuss what worked best and what may have missed the mark. Plus - Kristen visits and reviews an exhibition of Eyvind Earle artwork

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 show. Does it live up to the hype? We dissect what works for us, and what doesn't. Then, we take an audio tour of the parks and enjoy the sounds of summer, including clips of the Straw Hatters, the Dapper Dans with Ragtime Robert, The Pearly Band, the Frontierland Orchestrion, Club 1901's Hollywood Big Shots, and the All American College Band. Plus - we celebrate Independence week with a Johnny Tremain giveaway!

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 acclaim with the recent resurgence in the popularity of Polynesian culture. Kurtti, author of "Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends," talks about the early days of WED Enterprises, the cultural trends that enabled the Tiki Room to succeed, and the famous Sherman Brothers song that ties the whole show together. Also - we unveil the secrets to some of Trader Sam's most closely guarded drink recipes, and take a look at the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland.

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 Mouse Fan Travel to the show to help us celebrate. Then, Jeff and Kristen review "Finding Dory" and Pixar's latest short "Piper" to share our spoiler-free initial impressions as well as some box office news about the release. Also - we talk about the news that Disneyland will be gaining another 4-diamond resort hotel, and share our opinions about the development. Plus - if you'd like to get even more Mousetalgia than a show a week, consider joining Mousetalgia Plus. Our "Plus" episodes begin this week! Visit MousetalgiaPlus.com for more information.

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, so we check in with each other to find out what we look for in Disney releases to give us the incentive to get to the theater. Then, Jeff reviews the forthcoming book "Disney Parks Presents The Haunted Mansion," a gorgeous art book masquerading as a children's read-along. Plus - AP holders can get popcorn and drink refills for a buck for a limited time, and Becky breaks down the costs and we weigh in with our concerns. Is it really a valuable addition to the passholder experience? We'll report and you can decide. Don't forget to grab a t-shirt (just a few days left!) at mousetalgia.com/tshirt , and you can now join Mousetalgia Plus for EVEN MORE MOUSETALGIA! Just head over to mous

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 Disney Studio, and stories covering everything from the Darby O'Gill banshees to Elias Disney's cache of priceless paperwork. Bonus - we host our own "Ask Dave" segment! Next, Mousetalgia talks collectibles by comparing the recent "Ghost Post" vs. Disneyland Park Pack blind boxes from DisneyStore.com - which beats expectations, and which leaves Team Mousetalgia wanting? Also - we talk trivia, and we ask you to help us celebrate our 400th episode! From now to June 12, please consider voting for Mousetalgia at podcastawards.com; buy our latest t-shirt from now through June 19; and send your vocal tracks for "A Very Merry 400th" to comments@mousetalgia.com. Find the lyrics

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 of the exhibition, and we discuss historian Robin Allan's take on the Blue Fairy. Plus, in honor of Memorial Day, we play a wartime radio speech Walt Disney gave explaining the studio's role in the war effort in July of 1943 on "The March of Time." Also - a listener shares super tips for having a successful Disneyland honeymoon, Jeff gives you a chance to get a little whistle, Mousetalgia "Inner Space" t-shirts are now on sale, Kristen tries Oculus Rift, and we talk about Muppet pizza, Disney LEGO Minifigs, Disneyland MyMagic+ plans, and more. Plus, please vote for us in the Podcast Awards. We appreciate your support for our nomination, and now we need daily votes for our chance to win. Vi

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 tips for quick trips, Walt Disney World must-dos, Disneyland snacks, a very awkward Jungle Cruise moment, celebrating a "Disneymoon" - and more!

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 Mike Van Eaton to the show to discuss some of the jaw-dropping items that will be featured in June's "Collecting Disney" auction. From the original score to "Minnie's Yoo Hoo" to a Mickey Mouse doll that Walt Disney gave to a dear friend from his time in France during WWI, the new auction continues to amaze Disneyana collectors with materials from Kay Kamen, the original Mickey Mouse Club, the studio's early feature films, "lost" materials, rare toys - and more. Plus - a sad week for Disney, Dixieland Band Camp memories, "Minnie-ature" Cream Lip Stain, and more.