Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

No. 38: Fred Frees on his father, Ghost Host Paul Frees; Halloween records from October 29, 2012. Discover the spooktacular talents of Paul Frees, the voice of the Ghost Host, on this Halloween Emporium from 2012! Mousetalgia talks to Fred Frees, the son of Paul Frees, who tells stories about the life of the legendary "Man of 1000 Voices." We also discuss various haunting Disneyland records, and unveil a rare Walt Disney Productions acetate of eerie sound effects. Also, Kristen delivers a top-ten list of Disney Halloween songs, and Jeff reports on a Walt Disney Family Museum-hosted panel of legendary stop-motion animators. Plus - an exclusive report from an Art of Frankenweenie panel discussion, Haunted Mansion moments - and more!

No. 37: Legacy Award-winning Disneyland Cast Member Jim Lowman from May 7, 2018 Let us hear from you! comments@mousetalgia.com In this classic episode, Mousetalgia welcomes Spirit and Legacy Awards-winning cast member Jim Lowman to the show to talk about his half century of working at Disneyland Park. Jim shares fascinating bits of history, including the Haunted Mansion's grand opening at Club 33, bringing the Churro to Disneyland, meeting the love of his life at the Tahitian Terrace, and seeing Walt Disney himself in Disneyland. Jim opened the Bengal BBQ (and created the menu with his family recipes), was a sous chef at Club 33, witnessed Cary Grant's private Candlelight Processional performance, opened Big Thunder Ranch, and gives us a first-hand account of Liz Taylor's big 60th birthday bash at Disneyland. Plus - Jeff reviews a "foodoir," Kristen shares a Bengal BBQ recipe, Becky talks wine, Dave talks Muppets - and more!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever No. 36: MouseCon; Disneyland Paris's crisis response from Nov. 23, 2022 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. This week, Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes at MouseCon 2015, the first annual Northern California Disney fan convention. We share some exclusive conversations with the special guests - Tommy Kirk on Walt Disney, Floyd Norman on WED and the origins of the Haunted Mansion, and C. Andrew Nelson on putting on the mask of Sith Lord Vader - plus we collect some thoughts from fans at the convention. Then, Dave and Becky report on Disneyland Paris, and offer their first-hand account of Disney's response to the recent terror crisis, and how the cast members and guests responded to the confusing, chaotic events. We also present part one of Mousetalgia's review of the Disneyland Paris resort by discussing the various hotels and lodging options available, and next week we'll follow up with a report on the attractions, dining, and holiday celebrations at the resort. Plus - a s

Mousetalgia Episode 392: Composer John Debney; DCA's Food & Wine Festival from April 25, 2016 Keep in touch! Write to us at comments@mousetalgia.com 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

Mousetalgia Episode 497 from April 30, 2018: Author Amy Guglielmo and Imagineer John Paul Bakshoian Keep in touch: comments@mousetalgia.com This week, Imagineer John Paul Bakshoian joins Mousetalgia to talk about the process of Disney Park Show Documentation, which involves keeping consistency at the parks between the various attractions and shows. He shared some stories from his career with "Walt's watchdog" department at WDI. Then, we talk to Amy Guglielmo, the author of "Pocket Full of Colors." Amy talks about her inspiration for the book, researching Mary Blair, and she shares some of the secrets behind the development of a children's book. Plus, Jeff talks to Time/Life, Kristen plays jazz, Becky wears a pink Stormtrooper, and Dave busts out a Haunted Mansion moment!

Welcome to a brand-new episode of Mousetalgia! Team Mousetalgia has reassembled in the midst of our "Best Ear Ever" series of episodes to bring you our report on the D23 Expo, which was held recently at the Anaheim Convention Center. Dave talks panels, Jeff talks Lorecana, Kristen talks about selling her tickets and staying home, and we all bask in the glory of another successful Expo adventure. Keep in touch: comments@mousetalgia.com

Mousetalgia Episode 554: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, Galaxy's Edge from June 3, 2019 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com . On today's show, we offer an opening day report from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and then Kristen finishes her six castle journey through the Disney parks with a trip to Tokyo Disneyland Resort, and talks all about the parks, the attractions and the entertainment - and the snacks! From the Venetian gondolas at Tokyo DisneySea to Country Bears singing in Japanese at Tokyo Disneyland, Kristen offers her "top three" lists from both parks, and lets you know which attractions you can skip as well. Also, Kristen dissects the resort's shopping opportunities, from the unique characters to the intriguing gashapon capsule machines. From plush Chandu Tigers at DisneySea to Disneyland Perfume at Disneyland, Kristen brings home a broad selection of souvenirs and describes what you can expect to spend your money on. Kristen also discusses the shows, the entertainment opportunities and of cou

Episode 457: 2017 D23 Expo - a look back; Fantasmic! returns from July 24, 2017 It's a fantastic super-sized episode of Mousetalgia this week as we report on our travels down to Anaheim for the D23 Expo and the various goings-on at the Disneyland Resort. First, we offer trip reports from Expo weekend in the parks, and Jeff reviews the Skyline Lounge experience as well as a soft opening of the newly-renovated Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular on the Rivers of America. Then, we offer part one of our two-episode coverage of the D23 Expo, with a focus on the show floor and everything the Expo had to offer outside of the theaters and stages. We question a few of the event's new features, report on a few struggles, and then celebrate all of the incredible experiences, sights and sounds we shared over the weekend, including reports from the Music Emporium, the Archives Pirates exhibit, Center Stage, the Emporium and the show floor, and of course, that amazing model of Star Wars Land, now known as Star Wars: Galaxy's

No. 31: The 2015 D23 Expo - a look back from August 30, 2015 Get in touch with us at comments@mousetalgia.com Note: See Jeff, Dave and Becky live at the D23 Expo this week on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. Come say hi and take home a classy plastic Mousetalgia pen! We'll be by the giant "A" on Katella, in front of the Anaheim Convention Center. Join Team Moustalgia on another in-depth look at the 2015 D23 Expo, including a closer look at the Walt Disney Archives exhibition and a few of the panels and presentations. First, we talk about "Disneyland: The Exhibit," an extensive display of memorabilia, props and ephermera from Disneyland's 60 year history. We also have exclusive commentary on the exhibit from Disney Legend Tony Baxter and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline. Next, Dave and Kristen talk us through the "Magic Behind the Muppets" panel and the "Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios" presentation, featuring the upcoming slate of features including Gigantic, Moana, The Good Dinosaur,

No. 30: Pirates of the Caribbean - Alan Coats on Claude Coats from March 20, 2017 Send your feedback or emails to comments@mousetalgia.com. Join us this week as the Lady Mousetalgia sets sail for part two of our Pirates of the Caribbean 50th anniversary celebration! This week, Imagineer Alan Coats joins us to talk about his father - Disney Legend Claude Coats - who was put in charge of the Pirates project by Walt Disney. Alan discusses Claude's plans for the original walk-through attraction below New Orleans Square, his father's contributions to the Pirates attraction, and his own work with his father on EPCOT Center's original pavilions. Then, we welcome back Disney historian Joseph Titizian to discuss Pirates past, present and future, and we offer an overview of the attraction with commentary about Yale Gracey, Marc and Alice Davis, and more. Plus, hear exclusive audio mixes from Pirates of the Caribbean history, and we discuss our favorite characters from among Disney's pirates - the saltiest mob of knaves

Mousetalgia Episode 522: Mouseketeer Nancy, Mickey's 90th Spectacular from October 22, 2018 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome 1954 original Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeer Nancy Abbate to the show as we continue our build up to Mickey's 90th birthday. Nancy shares some stories about her time as a Mouseketeer and dancing for Walt Disney, along with the story of her career and life after the club. Then, Jeff shares a trip report about the taping of the upcoming "Mickey's 90th Spectacular," set to air Nov. 4th on ABC. Listen to a few stories about the recording of the incredible production. Also - Kristen continues her month of spooky songs with a John Debney mashup, Jeff shares some sea-worthy scares in this week's Haunted Mansion moment, and we talk about our favorite Mickey Mouse shorts.

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #28: Arrow Development, Star Wars Half Marathon from January 25, 2016. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. 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.

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #27: The Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary for Sept. 21, 2009 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. The Haunted Mansion celebrates 40 years of chills and thrills! Mousetalgia visits Disneyland's ghostly party, featuring Imagineers Tony Baxter, Jason Surrell, Kim Irvine, Alice Davis and X Atencio. Explore the merchandise, hear about the dinner, and experience the wedding of a lifetime. Also, Tim Babb does D23, DoomBuggies hosts a Bridal Bash, and more! 

Mousetalgia Episode 101: The first-ever "Destination D" event by D23 for Oct. 4, 2010 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Disneyland hosts the first-ever "Destination D" event by D23, and Team Mousetalgia are there to bring you the good, the bad and everything in between! Titled "Disneyland: 55," the 2-day event contained lectures, Legends, slide shows and fascinating tales of what it was like to work with Walt to bring Disneyland to life. From the "weird" corners of the Disney closet, to a reunion of some of the original Mouseketeers, any nostalgic aspect of Disney was fair game - but was it worth the hype? Plus - Halloween arrives at Disneyland, and that means overlays and special treats; Mousetalgia reports!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #25: Brad Bird's Tomorrowland; the Hat Box Ghost from May 18, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia takes you to the blue carpet and the world premiere of Tomorrowland in this week's episode! Join Jeff and Dave as they watch the celebrities descend on Downtown Disney's AMC multiplex to watch Brad Bird's fascinating new movie and report on the goings on. Jeff joins D23 to attend the private after-party in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, and Dave joins in to report from a Lucasfilm screening of the film days later, and we offer our initial spoiler-free impressions of the film. Also, we talk Avengers, and offer some thoughts about the latest installment in the Marvel cinematic pantheon. Next: the Haunted Mansion welcomes back the Hat Box Ghost after nearly 46 years, and we offer our thoughts and responses to the new character, brought back to life with a little digital pixie (or is that mummy?) dust.

Mousetalgia Episode 462: A chat with Rolly Crump; dining at Disneyland's 21 Royal from Aug. 28, 2017 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. This week, Team Mousetalgia chats with WED Imagineer Rolly Crump about "It's Kind of a Cute Story," his current exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art. We talk about his art, his work with fellow artist Mary Blair, and his relationship with Walt Disney. Then, Kristen takes us with her on a trip to an exclusive dinner party at 21 Royal, and describes the atmosphere, the experience, the custom menu designed by Disneyland Executive Chef Andrew Sutton, and more details of this incredible dining opportunity hidden in the heart of New Orleans Square. Also, controversy over breastfeeding at Disneyland rears its head once again, and we discuss the situation. Plus - Jeff reports from the current Once Upon a Time convention tour; new Mary Blair art prints will be on exhibit at Gallery Nucleus; Star Wars VR experience gives Vault 28 and Fossil the boot out of Downtown Disney; Sa

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #23: ILM Creature Shop Technician Kirk Thatcher Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. In this special episode recorded live from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim on April 17, 2015, Mousetalgia welcomes writer/director/puppeteer/creature artist Kirk Thatcher (who went on to direct "Muppets Haunted Mansion") to the show to talk about his work for ILM on Return of the Jedi creating creatures and aliens, and then bringing them to life for the film. Television producer Joseph Freed also joins our roundtable to discuss living la vida Star Wars as we share memories, stories, and opinions about Star Wars past, present and future, including the newly-released teaser trailer for "The Force Awakens." Join us at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim for this very special episode of Mousetalgia!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #22: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides Disneyland premiere from May 16, 2011. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Buckle your swashes and set sail for Mousetalgia's pre-POTC all-pirate Disneyland report! Dave and Becky report on the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides "3D Sneak Peek" in Frontierland, and Jeff reports from the "black carpet" at the film's world premiere at Disneyland! From Johnny Depp to Kermit the Frog, the stars all came out, and you can hear Jeff's story about waiting 15 hours to see the celebrities - and how Disneyland prepared for the occasion. Also - the ladies of Mousetalgia review Lego POTC: The Video Game, Mary Blair takes over the Disney Gallery, and Jeff commissions some art. Plus, Dave is still stuck on Tron - and more! BONUS: Our special review of an advance screening of the film!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #21: Love stories by Alice Davis and Pete Renaday from Feb. 14, 2016 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. 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 t

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #20: Joseph Titizian on Diane Disney Miller from December 2013 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. This week, we welcome Joseph Titizian, writer for the Walt Disney Family Museum blog, to join us in a celebration of the life of Diane Disney Miller, with whom Joseph was a good friend. We look at Diane's philanthropic work and humble pursuit of truth regarding the legacy of her father, Walt Disney. Joseph also shares some personal stories of his history with the Walt Disney Family Museum and his relationship with its founder, Diane. We also remember Walt himself during this anniversary week of his birth, and dig into the archives to discover how Walt celebrated the birth of his first daughter, Diane. Next, Dave talks about the Wine & Dine Half Marathon which was recently hosted at the Walt Disney World resort, and describes the race by which he earned his Coast-to-Coast Race Challenge medal for running two Disney half marathons, one on each coast, in a calendar year. Plus - t