Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

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, including topics such as the right attitude and training, your portfolio, the best entry jobs to launch a career in Imagineering, and more. As a bonus, Sklar and Baxter offered surprising personal opinions about hot topics including Star Wars Land and Magic Bands. Next - Slingbacks, strollers and snacks, oh my: we talk toddlers at the park as Kristen reports on her first time at Disneyland with her 16 month old daughter and offers tips and tricks for a successful trip. Topics include Photopass woes, dealing with character fears, attraction options, Toon Town vs. A Bugs Land, and character breakfast options. Plus - we look at some of Disney's most ominous mothers - and more!

'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 (Paradise Pier, The Disneyland Hotel, and the Grand Californian) and discuss amenities, food, family activities, convenience, and more. Then, we mention our top alternate hotels, and also look at the most convenient hotels to the park. We also take a quick look at what to think about before staying in a bargain hotel. Next, Jeff reports on a special sneak preview of the upcoming book with the working title "Marc Davis Goes to WED," which will carefully detail the incredible design work Davis did for Imagineering after he left Walt Disney Animation. Written by authors Chris Merritt and Pete Docter, the book is a definite must-have for Disney fans. Plus - a haunting comic book signing; our favorite Disney

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 songwriter Richard Sherman to work on songs for this new score. Also, Jeff discusses "The Jungle Book" and shares initial reactions to the groundbreaking film. Then, Kristen reports on Disneyland Resort's Food and Wine Festival, and discusses the variety of booths, the food options, and the best bites she encountered at the event. Finally, we return to talk about Disney's "Ghost Post" subscription experience, and Kristen describes the in-park elements of Disney's first interactive box of souvenirs as she follows the cry of the Haunted Mansion ghosts for help with their predicament. Plus - Hallmark's iffy Disneyana; a Life Magazine special on Walt Disney; new Disney Crui

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 how Disney helps historians with libraries and archives; explores the history of Disney history books; and offers tips for aspiring historians to make their mark in the field of Disney history. Next, Mousetalgia welcomes Christopher Wing to the show to discuss his latest adventure. Wing recently took flight and made it to all the Disney theme parks around the world in eighty hours. Learn all about the logistics of scheduling flights, luggage, and connections; and relive the drama of near-misses and forgotten iPads. Plus - a WDW Dark Side 5K report; the triumphant return of Awkward Disney Moments - and more!

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 heroine from that galaxy far, far away. Disney's Ghost Post Haunted Mansion subscription boxes have hit the doorsteps of the lucky 999 mortals foolish enough to join the fun, and we detail some of the special features of this intriguing happening that is equal parts collectible and experience. Also - Tom Staggs retires, and Walt Disney World brings digital pressed penny machines into service. Plus - the story of Sally Slater; Disney Crossy Road gets spoopy, D23 announces Destination D; Fusion releases an intriguing documentary about the making of Zootopia - and more.

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 the last time we were in a theater to see Star Wars. The writers for The Big Bang Theory also share some moments from their own galaxy far, far away. We also discuss the crowds, the atmosphere, and Kermit the Frog's elevator crush, Lea Thompson. Plus, Shawn Marshall of ParksandCons.com joins us to offer his top 10 tips for surviving conventions and having a successful con experience. Also - Disney's Gracey Manor Ghouls use some very familiar artwork; Select Brands shares their Disney product lineup; Magic Kingdom and Jungle Book apps reviewed; and the D23 Expo dates are announced for 2017.

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 Wong. We learn about Tyrus's childhood and early influences, his education and interest in art history both European and Asian, and how his work was used during his short time at the Walt Disney Studios. Next, Mousetalgia helps a listener with a question about taking a three year old to Disneyland for a birthday. What can she do to make the trip extra special for her child? Also, since celebrity has taken over our political discourse, we wonder which Disney notables might make a good President. Plus - enjoying Disneyland with senior citizens; a listener reports on a Marty Sklar event - and more!

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 of Disneyland's Signature Annual Passport. Also, Don Morin, creator of the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, joins Mousetalgia to announce this year's talent line up and describes what you might expect from a trip to Seattle this July to visit this convention made by Disney fans, for Disney fans. Stacia Martin, Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar will be joining the Mouse Meet this year, and the event provides fans a chance to get up close with these Disney celebrities. Plus - we announce the inaugural Mousetalgia Platinum Pen Award; Disney releases (and immediately sells out of) "Ghost Post" Haunted Mansion crates; Disney announces a new Indiana Jones film with Ford

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 the best rates; specialty cruises including runDisney-themed sailings; how to budget for your trip; spa and shopping options; comparisons with non-Disney cruise lines; Alaska vs. the Caribbean; dealing with motion sickness; exclusive Disney-only entertainment opportunities; the advantages of using travel professionals to book your cruise, and more. Next, Jeff talks about '60s horror media in America and Japan and how it influenced the design of the Haunted Mansion. Plus a listener's romantic tale - and as a Disney fan, what do you do when your friends and family don't trust or want your Disney opinions?

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 tiered seasonal pricing, and what it might mean for the future. In other topics on the show, the "Small World" movie gets writers; LEGO Disney Minifigs announced; changes over at D23; and we remember Disney Legend Jack Lindquist, who passed away on Feb. 28.

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 the Land versus the World for first-time guests; Disneyland marriage proposals; listener trip reports; and more. Plus - Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet ticket sales are announced, Pixar's slow cooker, and music reviews of Voice Play and Peter Alden.

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 Inspired Photography, the state of Frontierland, and the parked trains and steamboat. We also do some dining reviews, and discuss the revamped barbecue menu at River Belle Terrace, the offerings at Wine Country Trattoria, breakfast at Steakhouse 55, and the Paint-the-Night meal-to-go reserved viewing package. Also - Animators Tom and Tony Bancroft get bawdy, and we host a live D23 Gold Member gift unboxing!

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 of the founders of the Magic Geekdom club, to the show to talk about Disneyland social clubs, and the opportunities they present to Disney fans looking for friends and the challenges they face as the clubs evolve. Then, we welcome Peter Renaday, legendary Disney voice actor, back to the show to talk about meeting his wife Florence while they worked on the Disney Studio lot; and finally, we welcome Disney Legend Alice Davis back to the show to reminisce about meeting and marrying her late husband, Disney Legend Marc Davis. Plus - places to find romance at Disneyland, listeners share their own tales as old as time - and more.

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. Ron talks about the restaurant as well as other stories about growing up with a backstage key to Walt's Magic Kingdom, including riding down Main Street in Autopia cars, becoming a Flying Saucer test dummy, sneaking around the Jungle Cruise, and riding in a parade with Walt Disney. Then, we welcome Disney Legend Alice Davis back to Mousetalgia to remember Nelbert Chouinard, founder of the Chouinard Art Institute, which was a critical institution to the Disney Studio during animation's earliest days. Also - restoring a Tiki Bird, constructing a Deagostini Disneyland model, "Disney"-scented candles, and more.

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. Plus, in a Mousetalgia "Collector's Corner," Jeff talks about Star Wars cards, Mark Hamill taking on fake autographs, and Rey's Po-Zu boots; and Kristen acquires a 100-piece Magical Kingdom. Plus - bubbles, pennies, and noodles, oh my - it's the $20 Valentine's date at Disneyland!

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 some food reviews, we discuss the RunDisney Expo, skipper training at the Jungle Cruise, the race course, and more. Then, we welcome Kris Rowberry and Robert Ingle to the show to discuss their new film, "The Legacy of Arrow Development," and we talk about the impact the Arrow machine shop (and its founders, Ed Morgan and Karl Bacon) had on the development of Disneyland and the entire mid-century amusement industry. Plus - Raiders of the Lost Ark performed live, Esmeralda tells new tales, Becky gets combative - and more.

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 traveling north for the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet; Disneyland's new costume rules - and more!

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 of panel discussions with Chris Sarandon and Ken Page (the voices of Jack and Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas) and Irene Bedard, the voice of Disney's "Pocahontas." Then, the team reunites to further discuss Lucasfilm's "The Force Awakens," with more of our impressions, thoughts, and questions. 

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 Disneyland Paris, Carthay Circle, Catal, and of course, Club 33); our favorite purchases (autographs, a Club 33 mug, Disneyland Paris APs and an original Mary Blair make the list); our annual Oswald Awards (including the release of the Good Dinosaur, Disneyland's popcorn, Disneyland APs, and the planned demise of Frontierland); and our favorite Disney-related events (such as seeing "Newsies" live at the Walt Disney Studios, meeting Peter Renaday, and, of course, Disneyland Paris). Plus - our New Year's resolutions for 2016 - and more.

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 recording from a recent panel discussion in which Prep and Landing Co-Directors Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers-Skelton talk about the origins of their popular Christmas television specials, and share some secrets behind the inspiration for some of the settings and characters. Plus: Disneyland and metal detection; Kristen reviews the Springhill Suites at Anaheim Resort; Jeff buys a Faun Warrior's helmet - and more.