Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

It's a horrorific Halloween special edition of Mousetalgia, as we talk pumpkins, haunted hotels and hat boxes! First, Mousetalgia talks to Disney artist and pumpkin carver extraordinaire Bridget McCarty about her art background, her work for Disney, and her incredible pumpkins, which she carves in person in Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland. Bridget even shares some professional pumpkin decorating tips! Next, we take a frightened peek into the history of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and talk about its intriguing Mel-Brooks-inspired beginnings, its terrifying special effects, and a listener's special personal journey into the fifth dimension. Finally, the Hat Box Ghost may finally be making his way back into the Haunted Mansion, and Jeff shares some speculation as to what the character's re-introduction to the Mansion might entail. Plus - Mousetalgia says goodbye to a dear friend, the Avengers trailer is released, we host a sweepstakes with 13 unlucky winners - and more!

Mousetalgia reports on "An Affair of the Art," the Ryman Arts annual fundraiser held at the home of Disney Legend Marty Sklar, which raises funds to help offer art training to high school students. This year, the event was focused on Herb Ryman's history with the circus, and featured a panel discussing the sketches and artwork Ryman created while he traveled with the Ringling Brothers circus while he was away from Disney in 1949-51. We'll discuss the food, atmosphere, and experience of this benefit party hosted up in the hills above LA. Also, Jeff and Kristen visited Chili John's in Burbank, one of Walt Disney's favorite places to eat chili when he could escape the studio for a breather. We review the food, the establishment, and its mysterious ties with last summer's Optimist alternate reality game. Plus - new Haunted Mansion merchandise continues to flow into the park, and Jeff takes a look at the history of Disney's Haunted Mansion-themed collectibles.

Culinary delights at the Disneyland Resort! This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Halloween holiday treats and dishes available throughout the resort, bringing a plethora of new tastes and flavors to park guests. From pork tamales at Rancho del Zocalo to the elusive pumpkin beignet, we explore various limited-time food options available this season. Is the Raspberry Magnolia Lemonade or the Tropical Habinero Punch worth $6.29? And does blue "ooze" belong on any food anywhere? Next, we review the new Club 33 dinner menu, and talk about absinthe, custom-made diamond ice cubes from locally sourced spring water, talking vultures, and Chef Andrew Sutton's new exceptional prix fixe offerings. Finally, Kristen is invited to the Club 33 Oktoberfest at Disney California Adventure, and describes the popular event, including chicken dancing, an oompah band, posing with Snow White all seven dwarfs, and food, food and more food. Also - the Haunted Mansion gets a store in Florida; roaming characters cause agita; Kristen ma

Team Mousetalgia examines Kansas City's haunted Sauer Castle as a possible influence on a young Walt Disney in today's episode. Might Walt's personal connection to the Sauer descendants have had an effect on his perception of haunted houses, and even his future Haunted Mansion? We tell the story, and you can decide. Also, we talk about New Orleans Square at Halloween Time, and discuss tricks, treats, and special celebrations of the spooking season that you'll only find in the park's own Big Easy. Topics include meeting Jack Skellington, eating popcorn with Jack's Ghost Dog Zero, and trying to find a pumpkin beignet. Then we go back to the e-mailbag, and discuss Disneybounding, listener trip reports, and east coast vs. west coast parks. Plus - our predictions about the Submarine Voyage; Danny Elfman visits Haunted Mansion Holiday to advertise his upcoming concerts - and more!

Marc Davis: Walt's Renaissance Man: Animators Andreas Deja and Bob Kurtz recently visited the Walt Disney Family Museum to host a presentation about Marc's technique, work, and influence - as well as his fine art and Papua New Guinnea studies (and we even have a special exclusive guest appearance by Alice Davis!) Next, Kristen attends the D23 Fanniversary event in Seattle, Washington, and offers her own review of the event, the attendees, and the moments that stood out to her. Then we continue to catch up on Mousetalgia's listener email, with topics including what to expect from a May visit to the park, combining annual passes and tickets to get a Premier Pass; binge-listening to Mousetalgia's archives, and more. Plus: If you had to convert a Disneyland attraction to a Frozen-themed ride, which would you choose?

Halloween time at Disneyland Resort - Join us in an exploration of Dia De Los Muertos, the Halloween Carnival, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Halloween treats and decor... Team Mousetalgia shares our tips and advice to help you make the most of your Halloween Time visit to Disneyland. From spooky tours to terror-ific treats, you'll find lots of ways to celebrate the spooking season at the parks. Then, we speak with Logan Sekulow, director and producer of "As Dreamers Do," a film about Walt Disney's early years. Logan discusses the making of the movie, some of the little known stories about Walt's life before he traveled to Hollywood, and some of the stories behind the scenes of the making of the film.

Animator James Lopez talks about his new 2D animated venture "Hullabaloo" and television producer Todd Szuch takes us with him on a walking tour of Walt Disney's Woking Way residence on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. First, James Lopez, who has been an animator for over 25 years and started with Disney on The Lion King, talks about the status of the animation industry and his independent hand-drawn animated project called "Hullabaloo." Lopez describes the challenges that have faced animators over the past two decades and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Then producer Todd Szuch takes on on a special promotional event for the upcoming Maleficent Blu-ray release which was held inside of one of Walt Disney's original Los Angeles homes on Woking Way, where we join him on a tour of the property hosted by historian Paula Sigman Lowery and producer Don Hahn. Plus - corporate collusion rears its ugly head, an art exhibit celebrating Disney Legend Rolly Crump opens - and more!

Mousetalgia reports from the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, and Dave and Becky talk about the runDisney Expo, Jeff Galloway's running philosophy, preparing for a race, a description of the 10K course, and dealing with a sudden illness at the park. Then, Dave reviews "Marceline," a documentary about Walt's childhood hometown held at the Walt Disney Family Museum with some discussion with the filmmakers and actors. Does this film about a small town in the midwest maintain the Disney magic? We also discuss the potential impact that Marceline may have had upon a 5 year old Walt. Plus - Walt's home movies; Mousetalgia is named a "Best Disney Podcast;" Jeff gets a taste of the caviar dream of being a bestselling author; and if you get sick at Disneyland, we discuss the best attractions to be stuck on!

Becky takes us on a tour of Le Salon Nouveau at Club 33, giving us a peek at the animatronic vulture, changing portraits, French lift booth, beautiful mural and more new details from the recently renovated club. Plus, we discuss more park impressions, including Dooney and Burke purses and breakfast at Steakhouse 55, where the scent of red meat and the aroma of good coffee make for a memorable meal at a great value. Then we go back to the mailbag and discuss your questions and concerns, with topics including runDisney and Star Wars; Disneyland area lodging; vistiing Aulani; planning for Disneyland's 60th anniversary year; making magical memories for strangers in the park; touring decisions when you only can get to the parks once every couple years; character dining options; and off-site restaurants. Plus - a listener's trip report, and Disney cruising or Adventures by Disney... which, where, and why? 

In this week's Emporium of topics, Imagineer Brian Crosby returns to the show to talk about various topics, including Marvel's Disney Kingdoms; "Ghostly Materials," the Haunted Mansion exhibit at Disneyland's Disneyana store; and the real meaning of the brass bat stanchions that direct the Mansion's queue. We also start talking Expo - how to start preparing for the fourth D23 convention, coming in summer 2015. Kristen reviews two new Blu-ray releases (something old and something new), and Jeff reviews the recent d23 Fanniversary held at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Is this fan event worth the hype - and the ticket price? The team also mulls over the current state of Disney's official fan club, and considers the future of D23. We also host a sweepstakes giveaway of a limited edition 85th anniversary Mickey Mouse watch! Plus, baking banana bread from the Monorail Cafe; the Disneyland Almanac; Disney Afternoons; making a new World's Fair - and more!

The ScareLA Halloween convention celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion on August 9 with a panel hosted by Jeff, and he shares some behind-the-scenes moments and memories from the event, which featured Disney Legends Alice Davis and Bob Gurr on stage with Jeff, talking about the creation of the world's most loved haunted house and the concept artwork of Marc Davis. Dave also reports on the ScareLA show floor, and Jeff shares a few more Haunted Mansion moments, discussing Disneyland's celebration of the Mansion's anniversary, and a midnight ride through the venerable attraction. Also, Jeff talks about his newly released book "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion," hinting at some of the features and highlights waiting for readers to discover. Plus - Team Mousetalgia take a moment to remember Robin Williams, and we share some of our favorite films and memories of the Disney Legend's too-short life and times. Find Jeff's book at http://www.doombuggies.com/book .

It's Rewards Points Week at Mousetalgia, as Kristen cashes in 15,000 Disney Movie Rewards points to earn a private tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank! Listen to all the details as Kristen and Jeff describe the process of applying for the tour and discuss the tour itself. We'll compare it with the D23 fan club tours and contrast the various features of both tours. Next, the tour reports continue as we visit Imagineering and the Disney Music Group for an in-depth look at the variety of services and musical expertise that makes up Disney's important music department, including a look at the sorting, score archiving, album cover design, orchestrating and record label business that comprises this world-class business division. Plus - a trip to Warner Bros. studios, a walk on the Disney Studios' rooftop - and more!

A galactic emporium! From the wild frontiers of space to the wilds of Disneyland's Frontierland, Team Mousetalgia take you on a fun journey through time as we look at Comic Con, Disneyland's Frontierland game, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition. First, Jeff takes a quick trip to Comic Con, meets Baymax, and just misses seeing Zachary "Flynn Rider" Levi on a half-day trip to the world's hugest fan gathering. Then Kristen goes to Disneyland and reports on some of the latest happenings at the Magic Kingdom, including a review of "Legends of Frontierland," the new interactive experience at the park; Alice in Wonderland's enhancements; and the Blue Bayou's current menu. Finally, Dave and Jeff report on a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Walt Disney and the World's Fair, with a talk about how the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition may have influenced Walt Disney in various ways. Plus - Guardians of the Galaxy hijack the show; Jeff gets lauded by Guillermo del Toro - and more!

David Koenig offers a look behind the scenes at the process of writing the best "behind the scenes" Disney parks books! From surprising anecdotes to the massive undertaking of documenting Walt Disney World's history, Koenig discusses his various books and his opinions about successful attractions, cast member secrets, and the art of bringing fantasy to life. Koenig talks about Universal's impact on the Disney parks, dealing with Disney's legal arm, and how pulling back the curtain on Disney park operations can make fans love the parks even more. Also, Mousetalgia goes back to Walt Disney World again as Dave, Becky and Kristen discuss a special fundraiser featuring Tony Baxter discussing Journey Into Imagination, the beloved extinct attraction from EPCOT Center. Tony talks about the original proposed EPCOT architecture, the origins of the attraction, and the unlikely genesis of Figment! Plus, our favorite Disney summer songs - and more!

This week, celebrate Mousetalgia's 300th episode with us as Jeff travels across the country to Orlando and reports on his June trip to Walt Disney World. From the dramatic humidity changes to the wide boulevards and enormous castle, we discuss the diferences between the east and west coast Disney parks and form some conclusions. Topics include highlights of the various parks, food and dining options, Cast Members, the use of space, aging water spectacles, and the billion-dollar Magic Bands. Agree or disagree, you're sure to find something to ponder as we discuss the various parks and opportunities afforded on a trip to the number one vacation destination in the world. Also, Team Mousetalgia reminisces about the past 300 episodes, and we share some memories and highlights. Plus - our biggest sweepstakes ever: your chance to win a 3 day, 3 night trip for 4 to the Disneyland Resort! Listen to win! (Rules and terms of the sweepstakes can be found at http://www.mousetalgia.com/300.htm )

This week, Team Mousetalgia speaks with legendary producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Who Framed Roger Rabbit) at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Hahn shares some thoughts on producing, creating documentaries and working on Disneynature films, and we also discuss the nature of creativity within Disney productions. Mousetalgia also welcomes Imagineer Glenn Barker to the show, who talks about his start as a drummer for Disneyland parades and his eventual career working at WED as a media designer, producing soundscapes and soundtracks for all of the attractions at the Disney theme parks. By dissecting the sound design for Big Thunder, Barker demonstrates the fascinating process of adding the critical audio component to the most famous theme park attractions in the world - and shares some inside secrets from the creation of some of the Disney parks most beloved soundtracks. Plus, Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mousefan Travel, joins us to reminince about this year's Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, and w

Recorded live from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, we present part one of our coverage from this popular Disney fan event. Returning special guest Tony Baxter talks about his mentor, Claude Coats; what he likes (and doesn't like) about the updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; the next wave of great aspirational attractions; understanding the heart of a Disney collector - and undergoes a rapid fire "Mousekeminute." Also, Imagineer Chris Merritt is back on the show to talk about his new book "Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles' Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier" discussing the history of this short-lived but influential theme park, including a description of some of the most intriguing attractions, the incredible musical talent that graced the park's stages, and various elements of interest to Disney fans. Plus - a listener reports from Walt Disney World's Star Wars Days, the Walt Disney Family Museum gets a new Tiki bird - and more!

This week, Jeff reports on a panel talk held recently at the Walt Disney Family Museum called "Disneyland: The Fan Driven Time Machine," which featured special guests Todd Pierce, Jeff Kurtti, Werner Weiss, and Sam Gennawey. The discussion was centered on the idea of the development of Disneyland, and how fans have come to adopt the park as their own - and likewise, how the company has responded to this relatively new cottage industry of "fandom." Next, we discuss the museum itself and tour the various exhibits, offering some of our personal highlights from the experience and describing a typical visit to this atypical museum, which features exhibits including the first known drawing of Mickey Mouse; a bench from Griffith Park upon which Walt may have sat; Oscars, awards and accolades; and dozens of samples of artwork, interviews, products, and more. Plus - working at Disneyland is a dream job for many, and Team Mousetalgia goes around the table divulging our secret Disney wishes - were we to become cast memb

Kristen reports on an "Incredible" visit to Pixar in Emeryville! But first, we talk about the cost of a day at Disneyland - do the recent price hikes change people's philosophies about visiting the parks, and if not, why? Team Mousetalgia discusses value vs. time vs. crowds, and we draw interesting conclusions. Next, a listener reviews the live action film "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride," Jeff announces a haunting new project, and then Kristen visits the Pixar Studios for an amazing day at the annual Cartoon Art Museum benefit. Highlights include a trip to the Pixar employee store, Pixar animator Jeff Pidgeon's drawing seminar, a Monsters U art display, lunch in the Luxo Cafe - and the highlight of the day, a panel discussing the Incredibles in honor of its tenth anniversary in the Steve Jobs Theatre, with a presentation by director Brad Bird and head of story Mark Andrews, among a stable of other Pixar animators that worked on the Academy Award-winning film.

This week, Dave and Becky report on the New Orleans-themed Lasseter Family Winery Spring Release party where they tasted new wine from the barrel, enjoyed food, fun and friends, and had a close encounter with John Lasseter himself. Next, Kristen reports on a six-day "work-ation" at Disneyland Resort, and shares some thoughts about touring the park in early June. Her trip report includes art and book signings, changes to the Tangaroa Terrace's and the Carnation Cafe's menus, Club 33 dining at the Carthay Circle Hollywood Room and Club 33 seating for Fantasmic, and a hotel review of Extended Stay America. Also - a look at Anaheim's new Packing District, with an in-depth review of some of the eateries in the new Packing House a few minutes away from Disneyland. Plus - napping in disneyland - pros, cons, and our favorite places to grab forty winks... and more!