Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

This week, Mousetalgia reviews Cinderella, Disney's latest live-action version of one of its classic animated films. How does Kenneth Branagh's new film compare to Disney's other live action remakes? We offer our two cents, and share our opinions of the new movie. The music, the meaning, and the mythology are all discussed in detail as we take a closer look at this crowd-pleasing new film. We also discuss Frozen Fever: does it falter or find favor with our reviewers? Jeff and Kristen discuss the merits of the latest installment in the story of Disney's royal sisters. Then, we take a look at the Indiana Jones Adventure, and Jeff reviews the Annual Passholder party celebrating the attraction's 20th anniversary. From snakes to slave children, no stone is left un-rolled as we remember the past and celebrate the present of this jaw-dropping attraction. Also - D23 goes to the Silverado Winery and talks to Pixar archivists; finding Frozen 3D on Bluray; and Star Wars Celebration announces more special guests!

It's back to the Mousetalgia inbox! We read and respond to recent email, and topics include: favorite cast member costumes; favorite parades through Disneyland history; Disneyana collecting 101; Mousetalgia's dubious lyrical memory skills and questionable theme song; remembering the Empire's 501st; Fantasmic dining Fastpasses; the proper care and feeding of Disney antenna toppers; and the upcoming D23 Expo... what can families expect? Also, a castmember passes on some stories about Disneyland's 60th anniversary preparations, and a listener challenges Dave and Becky to run a marathon... are they up to the challenge? Plus - Dave and Becky sing! And Mint Juleps: Kentucky vs. Disneyland - which comes out on top?

Mousetalgia carries the banner and reviews the current touring production of Newsies, which landed recently in San Francisco. We discuss the differences between the film and the touring production, and even some differences between the Broadway show and the current tour. Souvenirs, dancing, the music - we cover it all. Then, Dave and Becky review Disney on Ice: "Let's Celebrate," and describe the experience. (Hint: bring a kid!) Also, the Mallett family joins us to discuss visiting Disneyland almost 60 years ago in 1955 when they won a radio contest in the Golden Horseshoe and rode down Main Street in the fire truck with Abbott and Costello, and they also share their memories of the park as they grew up with it through the decades. Finally, the team participates in the recent "Story of Disneyland" auction, and we report back on our successes, failures, and some of the highlights of this much-anticipated auction of Disneyland memorabilia. Plus - in honor of Friday the 13th, we talk about unlucky moments at the

The Mousetalgia 3-day Disneyland trip: our own methods, secrets, and ideas for making the most of the standard 3-day trip to Disneyland Resort. When is it better to spend a little more, and where can you save a little? How should you approach meals during a day at the park? We offer our opinions on attractions, fastpasses, drinks, breaks, and a general plan of attack for enjoying the resort during the busy summer season. Plus, Kristen treats herself to a 24 hour trip to Southern California, and offers her own advice for making the most of quick jaunts to the park. Also - a Poppins portrait, Mary Blair prints, Miles from Tomorrowland, and more!

Mousetalgia investigates the ways of the force this week as Kristen goes to the recently opened "Star Wars and the Power of Costume" exhibit which premiered in Seattle's EMP Museum, and shares her opinions of the new nine-part exhibition of costumes from all six Star Wars films. Covering everything from Darth Vader's armor to Princess Leia's slave outfit, the exhibit promises insight regarding the design and development of the look of the Star Wars universe. Also, Jeff and Kristen have a chance to visit the Van Eaton Galleries to view the items from the upcoming "Story of Disneyland" auction in person, and we share thoughts, memories, opinions, and reactions to the multitude of Disneyland collectibles. Plus - Wednesdays with Walt at Disneyland; a dress company licenses Mary Blair's art and name; a creative new way to spruce up your Mouse ears; new sweepstakes; Star Wars goes cruising - and more!

D23's Kristin Rodack joins Mousetalgia this week to discuss D23's events and features for 2015, many of which were just announced in the past week. From studio events and chances to meet Disney Legends to gatherings spread across the country, 2015 looks to be the best yet for D23 members. We discuss the recently announced features in detail, which include a radical new approach to the Fanniversary events, an incredible new gift for Gold Membership in 2015, and of course, the upcoming D23 Expo. Then, visit the Mousetalgia Emporium. This week's topics include a celebration of Presidents' weekend by discussing Mr. Lincoln's debut in the 1964 New York World's Fair, and Walt's original plans for bringing Lincoln into a "One Nation Under God" attraction at Disneyland; Disney's Mickey Mouse season 1 on DVD, for which Kristen offers a review; and a listener's six questions about visiting Disneyland as the 60th anniversary nears and planning a trip with the extended family. Plus, our predictions for the next Disney an

Team Mousetalgia discusses the hobby of collecting Disneyana this week as we talk with Mike Van Eaton, the proprietor of Van Eaton Galleries, about his current exhibition titled "The Story of Disneyland," a massive auction of a single collector's treasure trove of nearly 1,800 pieces including Disneyland props, ephemera, souvenirs and memorabilia. Van Eaton discusses the exhibition, and also shares his personal story about getting into the animation art business, then passes on some tips for new collectors just getting into the hobby. Also, Jeff reports from the Walt Disney Family Museum on a talk featuring Disney animation legend Glen Keane, who animated characters including Beast, Ariel, Tarzan, Pocahontas, and more. Keane spoke about his animation background, his experiences at the Walt Disney Animation studio, his time spent with Walt's "Nine Old Men," and his latest project called "Duet," an interactive animated short created in conjunction with Google. Plus - the team talks about our favorite collectibl

Disneyland just announced details of the 60th anniversary celebration, and Mousetalgia's special correspondent Mady reports on Disneyland's media night describing the festivities, which will include new dancing fountains; a focus on Walt Disney, the man; new Richard Sherman music and fireworks; a new nighttime parade; lots of diamonds and... swans? Mousetalgia also looks back at Disneyland's previous decade anniversaries, including the 1965 Tencennial, the 1975 20th birthday commemoration, the 1985 Gift Giver Extraordinaire, 1995's 40 Years of Adventure (and those Skybox trading cards), and Disneyland's 50th anniversary homecoming in 2005. Plus: Jeff buys another book, Kristen visits the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, Becky makes us all thirsty, and Dave goes back in time to Grad Nite '97. Also, a pediatrician's measles advice, and Mousetalgia will be live at Star Wars Celebration!

This week, we run to a galaxy far, far away to talk about Disneyland's recent Star Wars Half Marathon weekend. With Dave or Becky participating in each race, we have a full report on the goings on, the galactic hoohah, the out-of-this-world costumes, and the too-few character photo opportunities. Was this a good start for the Star Wars races, or did it miss the Hammill -er, the mark? Also, Disneyland Resort freezes over as tarps go up and the parks prepare for their 60th anniversary upgrades. Becky reports on all of the Frozen fun, including sledding, singing with the sisters, and sketching snowmen. We review the Frozen stage shows, and wonder how much Frozen is just enough. Finally, as rumored earlier on Micechat, it appears that something strange is afoot in the Haunted Mansion's attic, and we discuss the possible meaning of the new alterations to the ride. Might the infamous Hat Box Ghost be readying himself to make his gory-ous return? We speculate, and have Haunted Mansion expert Dan Olson on the show to

It's back to the email inbox, as Team Mousetalgia answers your questions. The topics include a list of our favorite exhibits at the Walt Disney Family Museum; Disneyland dining with a baby; sharing a love for Disney with people who don't share your passion; antenna ball tips when you don't have an antenna on your car; a special Small World birthday party report; Keila leaves for the WDW College program and has questions; what to expect from a trip to dine at Club 33; finding gold in Frontierland; ranking the Pirates films; and growing up with Disney. Plus - a macaroni Mickey Mousse recipe from the 30s, DVC news, Jeff announces a book signing, Dave preps for lighting his house for the 2015 holidays - and more.

Mousetalgia goes Into the woods to discuss the latest film from Walt Disney Pictures. Kristen, a long-time Sondheim enthusiast and performer, offers her take on the show's merits and musings, while Jeff questions the message underneath the music. Is this movie a good match for the Disney catalog? Next, Becky talks about a lecture given by Bobette Buster, a professor, screenwriter and story consultant who has worked for Disney and Pixar. Buster discusses storytelling and the "arc of transformation," using examples from Star Wars, Toy Story 2 and other Disney properties as demonstrations of storytelling that builds bridges between people and encourages spiritual and mental growth. Next, Jeff Kurtti speaks about Walt Disney and America's National Parks at the Presidio, and Jeff reports from the event. Kurtti describes Disney's long history of involving nature in his work, and demonstrates Walt's consistent passion for bringing the outdoors into his projects while maintaining inventive, compelling entertainment.

From our favorite flicks to our most memorable experiences, Team Mousetalgia gets personal and discusses our personal highlights and memories from 2014. At the movies - did Captain America conquer Maleficent, or did a little puppy take the cake - and the meatballs? Jeff is over the fog-shrouded moon at the opportunity to host a Haunted Mansion panel at ScareLA, while Kristen takes pride in providing some material to the Walt Disney Family Museum to honor Disney artist Mary Blair. Dave enjoys a special meal at the Grand Californian's Napa Rose, while Becky puts the rest of the team to shame with her most precious memory of the year. And for the infamous Oswald Award - will D23 run away with the prize, or does WDW's My Magic+ have what it takes to come out behind? Find out in this week's episode of Mousetalgia! Plus - our individual Disney resolutions... do we have a chance to keep them this year? 

Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disneyland vocal artist Drew Tablak to the show to talk about his performances at the park. Whether you've seen him singing on Main Street as a Dapper Dan, as a member of the Voices of Liberty, as the featured soloist for Disneyland's Candlelight Processional, or onstage with Alice at a T Party, Drew always brings his own personal story and Disney magic to every performance. Enjoy our special conversation with Drew about what he feels makes Disneyland such a special place. Also, five Pixar creative professionals visit the Walt Disney Family Museum to discuss the art of creating characters for animation, and Jeff has a full report, as well as an encounter with original Mouseketeer Bobby Burgess! Plus - Goofy ping-pongs, Minnie farms, Disneyland looks forward to a new parade, and a new princess joins the Mousetalgia fold!

Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian Joseph Titizian to the show today to celebrate the season with us. From the original Disneyland Circus Christmas Parade to the star atop the Matterhorn, we talk about Disneyland's Christmas celebrations over the years from the park's opening year to today. Parades evolved and the famous Disneyland Candlelight Processional was developed as Walt Disney honored the various cultures and commemorations of Christmas in Disneyland- one of which included a giant star atop the mighty Matterhorn that could be seen for miles. Also, Team Mousetalgia discusses a 1989 interview with John Lasseter about the future of computer animation - how much did he get right, and were his predictions about the future of animation prescient? Plus - we list our favorite Disney Christmas specials.. and more!

Disney and the World's Fair - Disney Legend Alice Davis talks to Jeff about attending the 1964 World's Fair, and she shares some personal recollections of her time visiting the Fair with Walt Disney and her husband Marc Davis, one of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men." We also discuss the Walt Disney Family Museum's second recent presentation of "Walt Disney: A Giant at the World's Fair," and recap some of the memorable moments from that event. Also - Jeff shares an update on his customized Captain America action figure, and we discuss buying annual passes to Disneyland when you aren't a local - the perks, pitfalls, and possibilities. Plus, our dream corporate sponsors for Disney attractions: Taco Bell, an Audio-Animatronic Oprah, Hawaiian Airlines, Tesla - the possibilities are limitless!

Spencer Lacey Ganus, the voice of Teen Elsa from Frozen, joins Mousetalgia to bring some holiday cheer to the show. Also this week, Jeff discusses two new exhibitions being hosted at the Walt Disney Family Museum; one titled "All Aboard," which is about Walt Disney's history with and passion for locomotives, and one about Herman Schultheis and his notebooks, which documented many special effects and camera techniques utilized by the Disney Studio in the '30s and '40s. John Canemaker visited the WDFM to discuss his new book about the life and times of Schultheis, and Jeff reports from the event, and also reviews the new trains exhibit. Also: Turner Classic Movies has announced their sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World, and Mousetalgia discusses what the colaboration might mean and celebrates some of Disney's "vaulted" material returning to television via the TCM channel. D23 launches the "D23 Days of Christmas," and offers Mousetalgia listeners an exclusive sweepstakes. Plus, Scott Valenti

Walt Disney's birthday special edition! This week, Mousetalgia welcomes director/producer Don Hahn back to the show to help us celebrate the 113th anniversary of Walt's birth. First, Hahn discusses "Christmas with Walt," his film about Walt Disney's personal holiday celebrations with his family and his studio, which is screening this month at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Next, Jeff discusses a 1942 article from Family Circle magazine about Walt Disney and the studio during the war years, which describes the struggles the studio went through to continue to provide quality entertainment despite great obstacles. Finally, we present Mousetalgia's annual Christmas gift idea roundtable, covering stocking stuffers, kids' gifts, the hard-to-shop-for Disney fan, and the ultimate dream gift. From Frozen Band-Aids to a night in a themed suite at the Disneyland Hotel, we cover many angles to Disney-themed holiday shopping. Plus, Elsa the Mall Queen, Disney lawn ornaments - and more!

Dave and Becky report on the Avengers Half Marathon weekend at Disneyland, and describe the inaugural Marvel runs and the courses, costumes and characters they came across during the races, as well as the Expo associated with the event. Team Mousetalgia also discusses the official opening of the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and we talk about the decor, the new Frozen-enhanced World of Color holiday show, the DCA tree lighting ceremony, holiday shopping and snacking, and a trip on the improved Jingle Cruise - now with more fruitcake! Then we review character dining with Minnie and Friends for breakfast at Disneyland's Plaza Inn, and compare and contrast it with the resort's other character dining experiences. Also, Star Wars is in the news - the Hollywood Reporter reports on Disney's attempts to disrupt social media's appetite for Star Wars spoilers, and we wonder - would Disney pull the Star Wars license from Hasbro over Tinsel Town politics? You be the judge! Plus, D23 celebrates The Little Mermaid; gi

Touring the parks with a 7-year-old: this week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Jeff's recent trip to the park with his daughter as the parks unveil their holiday spendor. The decorations are up, the Frozen Christmas Day special has been filmed, and the Christmas Fantasy Parade is now showing at Disneyland Park. Jeff discusses a magic moment with Peter Pan, meeting Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6, hitting rope drop, enduring the World of Color wet zone, and the Mad T Party - is it for young kids? Also, we take a look back at Luigi's Flying Tires as Jeff takes a last flight, and offer our own spoiler free Big hero 6 movie review. Plus, we take another look at Anaheim's Lemon Tree Hotel - and if you could have a super power at a Disney park, what would it be?

Walt Disney Imagineering develops Spirit Photography for the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion gift shop, and we have an exclusive interview about the project. Mousetalgia welcomes Imagineers Jim Clark, Brian Crosby, and Daniel Joseph to the show to discuss the inspiration, the creative process, and some of the magic behind the amazing new custom changing portraits that park guests can purchase at the Memento Mori store at WDW. Finally, a ghost really can "follow you home" from the Haunted Mansion when you purchase this innovative new park souvenir which is currently only available in the Orlando park. Also, Disney's tinseltown updates - Star Wars wraps, Toy Story 4 rapped, and the rap about Fantasmic's new FastPass options coming next month - Kristen outlines the various dining package opportunities, and the team discusses. Plus, anticipating next weekend's Avengers Half Marathon - and where should Figment go, if he needs to relocate?