Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

This week, we answer your emails in a cornucopia of Disney goodness! Thanks to your questions, we tackle subjects like finding Disney in the non-Disney world; a Jolly Roger Hotel review; making your DCA evenings extra-special; Dave's coast-to-coast aspirations; DIY Disneyland scavenger hunts; Goin' Quackers with Willio and Phillio; bringing a non-Disney-fan or disinterested family member into the "family"; apps that will increase your enjoyment of the parks; and buying unique Disney gifts for the fan who seems to have everything. Also - we help Dave and Becky decorate their new home, Disney-style. Plus, greetings from Scotland - and more!

"The Optimist" takes center stage in this third episode in Mousetalgia's coverage of the D23 Expo. As part of the promotional machine behind Brad Bird's upcoming film "Tomorrowland," "The Optimist," an alternate reality game, has captured the imaginations of many forward-looking futurists. Participating in the finale of its initial phase at the D23 Expo, Jeff and Kristen report on meeting many of the characters inhabiting this alternate reality as they solve puzzles and chase clues, working together with like-minded souls in their pursuit of a proposed fictional utopian society with which WED was intricately involved. Disney also unveiled its "Tomorrowland" pavilion at D23, burying fans in piles of clues and historical documents, all of which add pieces to the "Tomorrowland" puzzle. We also take a look back at WED's real history during the '64-'65 World's Fair, and try to find some context for Walt Disney's intriguing concept of a glittering "City of Tomorrow." Also, Dick Van Dyke has a car-tastrophe! Plus, s

The Disney Studios and nostalgic music take the lead in our second episode covering the recent D23 Expo in Anaheim! Team Mousetalgia report on the keynote Studios presentation at the Expo, and discuss the celebrity appearances, special surprises, and Marvel-ous upcoming films certain to keep Disney fans watching their calendars. Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, and a plethora of other Hollywood celebrities made appearances to plug upcoming projects, and Disney displayed a strong slate of future films. Also, Richard Sherman and Alan Menken appeared together for an evening of magical music from the Disney songbook, and we have highlights from this much-anticipated presentation. Also, Tony Baxter, the Pixar Brain Trust, Stacia Martin, and others got up on stage and we report on a few of the many panels offered at this year's convention. Plus - a midnight ride on the Haunted Mansion, Mara's eyes become even more threatening - and more!

Team Mousetalgia assemble their favorite moments, news items, reviews and experiences from the 2013 D23 Expo on this supersized, first episode (of three) reporting on the official convention attended by over 50,000 guests. This week, we discuss the lines and queues created for the event, and decide what worked and what didn't in terms of managing masses of attendees. We also review the pavilions and Collectors Forum, mentioning some stand-out vendors and some highlights from Disney's official displays, including the consumer products pavilion and Walt Disney Animation Studios. We talk favorite bits of swag, techniques for surviving the crowds, and finish part one of our review with a discussion of the Parks and Resorts pavilion featuring a "Journey Into Imagineering." Plus Jeff talks to Disney Legend Tyrus Wong and Pete Docter, Mr. Toad makes the rounds, Dave counts down to the half marathon - and more!

Join us for a tour of Disneyland in the '50s and '60s, while Team Mousetalgia recovers from the 2013 D23 Expo weekend, which we will cover in earnest starting next Monday. But this week, we talk to former Mule Train operator Robby Beeman, who tells fascinating tales of frightened mules, waiting on Julie Andrews in Club 33, and the horse who ditched his trolley and got caught trying to visit Mr. Lincoln! Jeff also digs into his archives to read some old newspaper articles about Disneyland's first decade, and we imagine what it might have been like to, say, watch helicopters bring guests to Disneyland at twilight from the windows of the lounge atop the Disneyland Hotel. Plus - Jeff introduces a new Haunted Mansion art collection; Rolly Crump visits the Walt Disney Family Museum; Kristen reviews Randy Newman in concert; Mickey Mouse slings meth - and more!

Richard Sherman and Alan Menken speak about their upcoming concert ("Richard M. Sherman and Alan Menken: The Disney Songbook) at the D23 Expo in this special midweek bonus episode of Mousetalgia. Dave was able to take part in a media phone interview with Richard and Alan as they spoke about their contributions to the Disney songbook. Separately and together, the two answer questions about their process, their body of work, obscure and personal songs, and their preparations for the August 10, 2013 concert which will put them together on stage for the first time ever to perform some of the most beloved music ever written. Alan speaks of his methods of creating stories as much as songs, and Richard tells stories about creating the music for Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and the catchiest theme park song ever written. Plus - hear Richard coin a term in his famous Shermanastic way, as only a Sherman Brother could!

Tips, tricks, hypotheses, and queues - it's time for Mousetalgia's pre-Expo roundtable! This week, Team Mousetalgia discuss our hopes and fears for this week's D23 Expo, including a list of our can't miss attractions featuring topics as varied as vintage Disney vinyl, Tony Baxter's never-seen vintage Disneyland footage, director Brad Bird, and drawing Mickey Mouse, to name a few. We also talk survival tips, discuss the show floor and vendors, and worry aloud about the untested "StagePass" system that Disney plans to implement. Also - last week the Disney community mourned the loss of Disney artist Ron Dias, and we pay tribute to the man who began his career animating Sleeping Beauty and became a friend to Disney fans far and wide. Plus - Club 33 is rumored to be closing for a major refurbishment in the near future, and Team Mousetalgia discusses the pros and cons of the likely changes. Special note: This episode marks the fifth birthday of the Mousetalgia podcast! Thank you for faithful listening and your con

Team Mousetalgia returns to the mailbag to answer your questions, and Jeff and Kristen review an insider's account of working with Walt Disney in the studio. But first - we talk back to listeners about FastPasses, buying Annual Passports, hotel distances from the Main Gate, prepping for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, making the most out of a Disneyland trip, more on the mysterious "test brick" wall, fun and games with flourscent "invisible" ink, riding the Monorail, and some book recommendations. Jeff and Kristen then review "Walt - Backstage Adventures with Walt Disney" by Charles Shows, a television writer/director who worked for Disney in the heyday of Walt's television productions. Are Shows memories reliable, or the exaggeration of a professional gag writer? You can be the judge as we inspect some of Shows' recollections of working for Walt, the studio head. Plus - our predictions for Disney's next blockbuster film property - and more!

Mousetalgia was invited to speak at DisneyanaMania 2013, and we have a full report! Joined by representatives from Micechat, we addressed the attendees of this year's Disneyana convention and talked about Disney fandom. We also report on presentations by Dave Avanzino and Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Rolly Crump, and report on the show floor from the Disneyana collectibles show and sale. Next, the weekend becomes an unreal Disney fan's dream trip as Jeff and Kristen report on visiting 1901 at the Carthay Circle; review a brunch at Club 33; and attend Richard Sherman's 85th birthday surprise party. Also, a listener reports from the Chicago premiere of "The Jungle Book," directed by Mary Zimmerman. Plus - Kristen discusses piloting the Mark Twain and the wildlife of the Rivers of America; the team reviews the Garden Grove Sheraton; we take a tour through Kevin and Jody's studio - and more!

Happy 58th birthday, Disneyland! This week, we have an emporium of topics and soundbytes, including our review of Disney's latest not-quite-blockbusting film, "The Lone Ranger," and a wrap-up of our recent trip to Seattle to visit the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Jeff also reviews the Walt Disney Family Museum's evening celebration of the Enchanted Tiki Room's 50th anniversary, and previews Charles Phoenix's retro Disneyland slide show, which will be featured at this year's D23 Expo next month. Also, we host a giveaway for a vintage Disneyland prize; we talk to a cast member about what it was like to pilot the Storybook Land Canal Boats of yesteryear; and we listen to some limited time magic high atop the icy slopes of the majestic Matterhorn - plus more!

Learn about the earliest in-"car"-nation of Cars Land from Creative Director Kevin Rafferty in this star-studded episode of Mousetalgia, recorded directly from the 2013 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, featuring four exclusive interviews covering many fascinating aspects of the Disney company. First, we speak with Dave Smith, the director emeritus of the Disney Archives, who tells us some secrets of his years with the company. Learn which items Dave broke, Dave's opinions about the nature of collecting, and his explanations about how the Disney Company and Disney family share items and information. Next, we talk to Kevin Rafferty about his long, productive career with Walt Disney Imagineering, including a behind-the-scenes look at the "It's Tough To Be a Bug!" attraction, and his leadership in the development of Cars Land. Finally, we attempt to corral Bill Farmer and Tony Anselmo, two of Disney's most popular voice actors, into a dual interview with varying degrees of success. Hilarity ensues! Plus - a sneak pr

Spend your summer having a spectacular time at Disneyland with our roundtable discussion of our top tips for making the most of the hot sunny days at the park. From our favorite nighttime destinations (Disney California Adventure moves up in the ranks this year!) to the best places to cool off, Team Mousetalgia shares our secrets and our go-to destinations at the resort. Also, we have an Ears To The Ground report from Trish about a busy weekend at the Walt Disney Family Museum with Disney Legends, insiders, Audio-Animatronic secrets, and some Goofy voice coaching. Finally, if you think Iron Man has filled the Mouse's coffers, you ain't seen nothing yet. Disney is going to start making serious money from its acquisition of Marvel, and we share an insider's report on how it all breaks down. Plus, patriotic Monsters... and more!

This week, author Mindy Johnson joins Mousetalgia to discuss her upcoming book, "Tinker Bell: An Evolution." Learn all about the history of Tinker Bell, from author J. M. Barrie's earliest pantomimes and Peter Pan stories through Disneyland's creation of "Pixie Hollow," where park guests can meet the latest iteration of the famed fairy. Johnson discusses many aspects of her book, including: Barrie's history with the tinkers; Disney's decision to transform Tinker Bell from the mischievous imp of Peter Pan to the playful fairy that introduced Walt's earliest television shows; the many colors of Tink, including different dress shades and hair colors; the various artists that worked on Walt's version of the fairy, including David Hall and Marc Davis; and much more. Also - Jeff complains about a hidden Mickey, Kristen offers a PNWMM giveaway, Becky gets an education in scaring, and Dave reports on a special Monsters U. discussion with director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae. Plus - a report from the Limited Tim

Don Peri and Jonas Rivera hosted a talk on the history of the Walt Disney and Pixar Studios at the Walt Disney Family Museum on June 15, 2013, and Jeff and Kristen attended to report on the event. First, Disney historian Don Peri spoke about the history of Walt Disney the man, and Walt Disney the trademark, covering the entire history of the studio (with a few shortcuts along the way). Then, Pixar producer Jonas Rivera spoke about the history of the Pixar studio, and how they look to Disney for historical direction and inspiration. But first, we discuss Universal Studios' recent decision to sell a super pass that allows purchasers to skip lines at their theme parks completely, and we discuss what forming a theme park caste system might mean for the industry, and Disney in particular. Plus - Red Trolley Ale: our review... and more!

Want answers? We respond to your "how-to" emails on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. We'll tell you how to tackle the Alan Menken/Richard Sherman concert at the D23 Expo; how to choose an area hotel; how to avoid summer crowds at the park; how to approach visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum; and how to take romantic photos in the parks. Also, D23 Day at Imagineering - worth going or not? Insoles and walking socks - do they make a difference? Is there any can't-miss counter service food at the parks? Plus, a special report on the park and guests with hearing loss; a quick discussion about the golden age of Warner Bros. animation and Lee Holley; hunting for collectibles at the Disneyana show and sale, a sneak preview of Monsters University - and much more!

Spending 12 days straight at Disneyland, and Gabriella Calicchio resigns as CEO of the Walt Disney Family Museum: Dave and Becky spent 12 days at Disneyland, and learned how to live at the resort. Becky offers tips for dealing with shorter park hours, and faces the challenges of long-term stays (such as losing your annual pass, getting sick mid-trip, and balancing competing family interests.) She also reviews World of Color dining at Wine Country Trattoria, and reviews a recent meal at Steakhouse 55. Next, we discuss the news that Walt Disney Family Museum CEO Gabriella Calicchio abruptly resigned last week, and we look back at her brief time as the CEO of the museum, and muse about the museum's future direction. Plus, ranking the fine dining options at the resort, meeting Stan Lee, Monsters cereal, Carthay Circle's new CD release, Mousetalgia's new pinterest page - and more!

Disneyland opened a new stage show in Fantasyland Theatre and launched the summer with a 24-hour "all-nighter," and Team Mousetalgia brings you our exclusive report! First, Disneyland threw a party for the press to celebrate the world premiere of "Mickey's Magical Map," the new live action extravaganza which occupies the newly-renovated Fantasyland Theatre, and we offer our initial impressions and review of the crowd-pleasing show. Next, Disneyland celebrated the start of their "Monstrous Summer" with a 24-hour party in Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, and Dave and Jeff took the challenge and attempt to survive 24 hours inside the resort. Listen to our report and tips for managing a night of Disney entertainment, attractions, food, and dealing with sleep-deprived, punch-drunk guests. Also, John Lasseter talks Monsters University at a Giants ballgame, Disneyland goes Greek - and more!

Don Morin, the founder of the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, joins Mousetalgia to talk about the event's history and what the future holds for this popular Disney fan convention. Don also talks about a recent PNW Mouse Trek he and some lucky attendees took to Hollywood to experience some Walt Disney history, including trips to Walt's Barn, the Tam O'Shanter, and special tour of the Walt Disney Studios - and we have a report from the event from attendee Russ! Also, Disneyland-area hotels, part 2: Thanks to listener feedback, we are already revisiting the topic of hotels, to aid you in your summer trip planning. Plus, Jeff goes comic book shopping, Kristen tries to watch "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" on dvd, Becky talks about paying for missed Disneyland Dining reservations, and Dave does Record Store Day!

The Fourth is strong with Jeff as he takes on a fun-filled day packed with Star Wars activities, and the Walt Disney Family Museum welcomes its first exhibit of contemporary lowbrow art by Camille Rose Garcia. But first, Team Mousetalgia discuss their 24-hour day prep as Jeff and Dave decide to attempt to stay in Disneyland Park for 24 straight hours. Next, Jeff and Kristen review Iron Man 3, and Jeff discusses the WDFM's press event celebrating their new Alice in Wonderland exhibit featuring works by Mary Blair and Camille Rose Garcia, and the team ponders the museum's direction and mission. We discuss the Walt Disney Company's focus on acquiring franchises vs. in-house creative ventures, and move into a review of Jeff's celebration of Star Wars Day on May 4, with stops at Disneyland, Bats Day, Gallery Nucleus and a 30th anniversary screening of Return of the Jedi in Hollywood, featuring guest speaker Mark Hamill!

It's the thrill of the hunt! From the newest Vinylmation to the oldest Mickey Mouse figurine, Team Mousetalgia takes you on a tour through the ins and outs of collecting Disney merchandise and various forms of Disneyana. Most Disney fans like to surround themselves with Disney items, so by popular demand, we're diving headfirst into the topic of collecting. First, we define the term "collector," and help you define what pattern of collecting is most suited to you. We look at different ways to collect, where you'll find the biggest selection of Disneyana, and how to shop smart and follow your heart. We also get personal and describe our favorite collectible items and talk about our own methods of displaying our treasures. Plus, Jeff talks about printing techniques and defines some confusing terms. Also - 24 hours in a park with nothing to do? Why not ride Tower of Terror a gazillion times in a row? Plus more!