Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

Trying to decide where to stay on your Disneyland vacation? Let Team Mousetalgia lend a hand with our collection of tips and ideas for making the most of your next trip to the resort. Whether you select the least expensive area motel or the exclusive Pirates Suite in the Disneyland Hotel, we'll offer some guidance and advice gathered from our years of experience traveling to and from Disneyland to help you make informed choices and good decisions. We'll look at some of the best and worst off-property options, and explore the amenities and restaurants at the official Disneyland Resort hotels. Also - Star Wars and the Haunted Mansion collide, and Kristen reviews a Fess Parker biography. Plus - 24 hours straight in Disneyland... great idea, mass hysteria - or both?

Celebrate a Toontown anniversary reunion this week, as Jeff takes you along to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 25th anniversary screening and panel discussion celebrating "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," the seminal live action/animated film that honored classic pre-television animation. Listen to an all-star panel discuss the making of the film, and learn about the challenges they overcame to bring director Robert Zemeckis's vision to the screen. Also, we take a look at the history of the film, and learn about the pulp novel from which the film was adapted. Also - a Walt Disney Family Museum report on Walt's Hyperion studio; Ub Iwerks and Brad Bird's Disney-related ties to Alfred Hitchcock - and more!

Disney author and historian Jeff Kurtti joins us to remember Annette Funicello, and Lella Smith of the Animation Research Library joins us to discuss an upcoming Marc Davis book on this week's Emporium. But first, Becky reports on braving Disneyland during Spring Break and offers some culinary cautionary tales from the park. Next, Lella Smith, Creative Director of Disney's Animation Research Library, talks to us about an upcoming book about Marc Davis and offers an exclusive and extensive sneak preview of the chapters and authors of this much-anticipated book. Finally, we take a moment to remember Annette Funicello, and Jeff Kurtti joins us to share some personal stories of his memories and interaction with Annette, who may be best remembered as "America's Sweetheart." Plus, Disney Jr.'s new show, Iron Man invades Disneyland - and more!

It's another Mousetalgia Mailbag! In this episode, Team Mousetalgia answer more of your questions, dealing with topics such as biographies of Walt Disney; dealing with Disneyland on a holiday weekend; an update on the ongoing Mousetalgia "Soarin'" contest; the darkness of Mary Poppins; and a mule named "Jo." Also - a report on the organ music which accompanied Walt Disney's early silent films, and another report on a successful solo trip to Disneyland.  Plus - 12 of our favorite classic Disney movies, an album review of vintage Disney music - and more!

Disney Legend Bill Farmer joins Mousetalgia for our super-silly April Fools' Week episode! Farmer, an accompished voice over artist and the voice of Goofy, joins us this week to discuss his life and times. We talk about Bill's early career and stand-up comedy, how he became Disney's choice as the voice of Goofy, and his other voice work for Warner Bros., Pixar, and other popular studios and characters. Plus, we talk about Goofy in the parks, and his presence throughout Disneyland. Also - how to discern whether or not a Disney story is an April Fools' Day rumor, and Kingdom Comedy's Tim Babb joins the table!

Disney Legend Marc Davis in his own words: This week, on the centennial of his birth, the Mousetalgia team presents a special salute to Marc Davis, one of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men" and one of the most influential Imagineers to ever work for WED Enterprises. First, we present an exclusive oral history of Marc's background and history with the Disney Studios by Marc himself, taken from a never-before aired interview. Marc talks about discovering his artistic talents and finding work with Disney during the Great Depression, and describes his time working for Walt. Next, Jeff and Kristen report from Club 33's exclusive Marc Davis Centennial event, and describe the amazing food, fascinating panel discussions and a tour through the Dream Suite to see some of Marc's original iconic artwork from Disney's archives. Finally, we welcome Disney Legend Alice Davis back to the show to share her own thoughts about Marc's life and work and her time with Marc, and to offer some tips about having a lasting, loving marriage.

Find your favorite princess in Disneyland's new royal Fantasy Faire, and take a trip backstage as Mousetalgia competes in Minnie's Moonlit Madness, a cutthroat cast member competition! First, we report on the mostly-annual "Madness," a trivia contest and scavenger hunt that takes place in Disneyland Park after it closes to the public. We're joined by Imagineer Josh Shipley to discuss the struggles, strategies and secrets behind the contest, which is hours of pure fun - and learn how Mousetalgia ended up representing Walt Disney World in the competition! Next, we report from the AP Preview of Disneyland's newest addition, the Princess Fantasy Faire. We review the new food, entertainment, and environments of the just-opened Faire, and offer our opinions on this replacement for the lamented Carnation Plaza Gardens. Plus - our exclusive review of "Oz the Great and Powerful," Don Hahn on Frankenweenie, new Disneyland Hotel deals - and more!

Van Arsdale France and Disneyland University: Team Mousetalgia takes a look at the career of France and his contribution to the development of the Disneyland "cast member," as well as a little history of the frantic march to Disneyland's opening day and the challenges of staffing the park. We also talk to Cast Member Lindsay, and get a modern perspective on what it means to represent the Disney company today. Also - we dig into the email folder and offer Disneyland resort dining tips, trip tips, and a random JJ Abrams sighting! Plus, windows on Main Street - and more!

Disney on Broadway: Mousetalgia welcomes Director Tim O'Donnell to the show this week to talk about Disney and the theater. O'Donnell, who has worked with Papermill Playhouse, North Shore Music Theatre and the Rockettes among numerous other companies, brings considerable expertise to our roundtable discussion about Disney's biggest Broadway hits, their theatrical near-misses, and some inside information about the Mouse's lesser-known theatrical productions. Also - The Lion King of the musical hill, the White Rabbit vs. the Black family, Disney tragedies and a Dapper Day report - plus more!

A D23 gaffe and dining with princesses are featured in this week's Mousetalgia Emporium! First, we share some tips for taking solo trips to Disneyland, and help lone travelers make the most of their trip. Next, we talk about the state of D23, the official Disney fan club, and offer our opinions (and catch a recent major gaffe!) In our review round-up, we look at the new Peter Pan Blu-ray release, and discuss the extras that put the latest disc ahead of the rest. Kristen also talks Rosemary Clooney, and Jeff reviews the latest from Club Penguin. Next, Becky reviews the Character Dinner at Ariel's Grotto, and gets to know Ariel and her princess friends. Finally, Jeff talks about the upcoming film "Maleficent," and discusses reports that Angelina Jolie's daughter is being paid well to come to work with mom.

Take an adventure through inner space and explore the farthest reaches of outer space as we go back in time to explore two of Disneyland's most popular Tomorrowland attractions. First, Adventure Thru Inner Space takes you on a atomic voyage into a molecule of a snowflake, and we look at the initial design concepts and intriguing scientific notions behind this ride from Disneyland's "New" Tomorrowland of 1967. Next, shoot through the galaxy on Space Mountain, with opening day reports, sound clips, and memories of the futuristic coaster, built in 1977 and still operating today. Also - a behind the scenes look at a restoration project at the Walt Disney Family Museum, remembering Fred MacMurray, the music of Tron, and more!

It's Valentine's week, so Mousetalgia gets romantic with tips, tricks, and ideas for making your stay at the Disneyland Resort especially wonderful for you and your other half. Napa Rose or Steakhouse 55? Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian? We give our opinions. Also, Emmy-winning composer Jim Dooley joins us to talk about making magical music for Disney, including his work on Epic Mickey 1 and 2, the Pirates of the Caribbean score with Hans Zimmer, and The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. Plus - our salute to the work of Tony Baxter (hint: it includes a touch of accordion), and a bonus review of Epic Mickey 2!

Walt Disney's "Peter Pan" turns 60, and we have a fun, hodgepodge salute to the classic film. Jeff reviews a screening of the newly-restored film at the El Capitan Theatre with a panel discussion that included Kathryn Beaumont (Wendy), Margaret Kerry (Tinker Bell), historian Leonard Maltin, and filmmaker Ted Thomas. Then, dive into the history and making of the film, with bits about the history of Peter Pan's outfit, Peter Pan in Disneyland, and Walt Disney's animation studio. Finally, learn a little more about animator Marc Davis (who created Tinker Bell) from his wife, Disney Legend Alice Davis, in our exclusive interview! Plus, Sofia the First, art collecting, and more!

Tinker Bell Half Marathon/Neverland 5K weekend - learn all about the ins, outs and arounds of this popular race weekend, and hear about the backstage secrets and other fun elements from this annual event. Also - the Disney Parks Blog hosted a meetup with runDisney stars Jeff Galloway and Tara Gidus (and celebrities Sean Astin and Ali Vincent), and we have an exclusive report! Finally, Disneyland continues to add Limited Time Magic to its daily schedule, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the New Orleans Bayou Bash and the highly anticipated "Salute to the Golden Horseshoe Revue" - does it do justice to the original revue? Plus, rainy day at the resort? Don't despair - we've got advice to share!

Dip into the mailbag with Mousetalgia! This week's topics: kids and the Disneyland resort hotels and restaurants; "must eats" at the resort; affordable car rentals; east coast castmembers vs. west coast castmembers; seeking out Mary Blair artwork; making special birthday memories at the park for seasoned Disneyland "pros"; Club 33 membership questions; our favorite Disney publications and books, both hard to find and easily available; and cardboard DVD/Blu-ray sleeves - keep 'em or toss 'em? Plus - Disney Debit vs. Disney Visa cards - weighing the merits of each, New Balance's new Disney running shoes, "Seen, Un-seen Disneyland," Disney's Nine Old Men flip books - and more!

Kevin Kidney returns to the show to share some of his personal stories about Disney Legend Annette Funicello, and he discusses Annette's Place, a fundraiser for the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases. But first, Dave and Becky visit Disneyland for the first Limited Time Magic experience of 2013, the Three Kings Day Celebration. From rarely seen character appearances to special dances and performances, Disneyland pulled out all the stops for this traditional holiday, and Mousetalgia reports. Next, we share some "Pictures of Annette," featuring some articles, news bits, and memories of her career with Disney as a Mouseketeer and pop icon. Renowned Disney Artist Kevin Kidney discusses the recently opened online store to benefit Annette's foundation featuring some of his artwork, and shares some inspirational stories about America's Sweetheart. Plus - a hotel report, Carthay Circle tips, our Limited Time Magic dreams... and more!

Lions, Outlets and Gurr, Oh My... it's the first Mousetalgia Emporium of 2013! Becky reports on the theatrical presentation of The Lion King in San Francisco, and we discuss the longevity of this people-pleasing Disney musical. Jeff reports on the recent Walt Disney Family Museum presentation by Bob Gurr on Walt Disney's process for "Building Disneyland." Kristen finally visits the Napa Rose chef's counter, orders a Kate and Ella, and eats too much. Also - Disney outlets... are they all created equally? Plus, LAX car rentals, a hotel review, and more!

Team Mousetalgia reviews the ups and downs of Disney's year in our annual year in review show, and spark(y)s fly! From Frankenweenie to John Carter, Radiator Springs Racers to Luigi's Flying Tires, and Destination D to the Mouse Meet - we discuss our personal feelings about the events and happenings that made up the year in which Star Wars became Disney, and Brad Bird became a wedding crasher. Plus - our Disney-related resolutions for 2013. Also - Kristen introduces inflatable Matter Pants®, for "When it Matters the Most!"

Disney Legend Tony Anselmo and Donald Duck visit us on this very merry episode of Mousetalgia! Learn all about Tony's career with Walt Disney Feature Animation, his inspirations and mentors at the studio, and his career as both the voice and sometime-animator of Donald Duck, the world's original angry bird. Also, Team Mousetalgia leave imaginary gifts under Disneyland's Christmas tree, providing the resort with our ideas which would indubiously "plus" the park. Plus - Tiny Tinsel the elf checks in; we celebrate the holidays with some wonderful yuletide sweepstakes... and more!

Experience Candlelight 2012 at Disneyland and taste the special holiday treats with Team Mousetalgia through our exclusive special reports from the resort! From chocolate coffins and personally decorated sugar cookies to photos with Santa and special vintage Christmas cards, the Disneyland resort is draped in holiday splendor, and we'll take you on a virtual tour. Plus, Jeff and Kristen also visit two performances of Disneyland's Candlelight Processional, and report on the moving experience. Also - Disneyland's twittering gets personal, Monsters raise their furry heads, and a candy cane taste-off - are Disneyland's handmade canes worth the hype?