Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

Tour Disneyland with the Happiest Haunts - This week, Jeff takes you along as he seeks to foil a villainous plot on the Disneyland Happiest Haunts Tour, which takes place during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Find out if it's worth the added ticket price, and go behind the scenes to find out what you can expect from the 3-plus-hour walking tour. Plus, Oct. 21 would have been Mary Blair's 100th birthday, and to mark the occasion, we talk to Jeanne Chamberlain and Maggie Richardson, the nieces of Mary, who share some personal stories and memories of growing up knowing the influential Disney artist. Plus, Gay Days, Woody goes on vacation - and more!

Don Hahn talks with Mousetalgia this week to discuss his latest book, "Brain Storm: Unleashing Your Creative Self." Hahn and Team Mousetalgia discuss the book and the topic of creativity - as well as The Lion King's domination of the box office, and Hahn's other projects, including his recent documentary "Hand Held," which just won the International Humanitarian Award from the Rhode Island International Film Festival. Also, Jeff reports on two dueling Haunted Mansion events held at Walt Disney World on September 29 and 30 that have left some attendees steamed. Plus, a sweepstakes - and more!

Main Street memories - This week, Team Mousetalgia takes a stroll down Disneyland's Main Street U.S.A., and we talk about the details and features that make this section of Disneyland so special. Leaving no cobblestone unturned, we talk about our favorite part of Main Street from days gone by, and follow up with some our favorite current features, including our favorite eateries, shopping areas, and entertainment features. Also - Walt Disney World turns 40 this week, and Mousetalgia talks up Orlando. Plus: Kristen offers shocking news - and more!

Mousetalgia Episode 151: Our Grandpa, Walt Disney - Five of Walt Disney's grandchildren spoke about their memories of Walt Disney at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the event. Joined on the show by Disney author/historian Jeff Kurtti, Team Mousetalgia discusses the personal side of Walt Disney that is often hidden by rumor and myth, and discover a side of the man often hidden from his fans and detractors. Also - The Lion King in 3D has a blockbuster opening weekend in theaters, and Jeff and Kristen talk about the addition of 3D to the classic film and the continuing impact of the revered movie. Plus - Newsies! Muppets! Babies in the Parks! Mobile apps! And more!

Ludwig Von Drake, marathon wear, and touring Disneyland with large groups - Mousetalgia dives into the mailbag once again and answers your questions! Whether the topic is collecting lithographs or off-site hotels, we'll offer our humble opinions. We discuss Disneyland's dining plans and resort tips, as well as timing your visit and the pros and cons of staying on Disney property. Plus - visiting Disneyland solo, a special report from the Disneyland Half Marathon - and more!

This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses the smaller presentations at the D23 Expo held Aug. 19-21, 2011 in Anaheim. We talk merchandise, Walt Disney Animation, Treasures from the Walt Disney Archives, Imagineering's Carousel of Projects, the D23 Charter Member lounge, Star Tours, Vintage Disneyland, Voices from the Park, and more. Also, D23's Tim O'Day joins us this week to share the inside story of Dick Van Dyke's concert at the Expo. Learn how Dick formed "the Vantastix," how the Expo performance came to be, and much more about this highlight of the weekend. Plus - a performance by Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix at the Expo... and more!

Disney hosted the second D23 Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center from August 19 through 21, 2011, and Team Mousetalgia report on the best and worst of the event. Princesses, legends, Muppets, park reports, and more - we cover it all. However, the Expo presented many challenges, such as 4-hour lines and low-capacity events, and we discuss the problems and possible solutions. Fortunately, there was a lot of Disney magic as well, and we report on the amazing presentations and performances inside of the arena on this week's supersized show, which is part 1 of 2. Plus - Kingdom Comedy's Tim Babb wipes out, and more!

Haunted mansion mysteries, Disneyland etiquette, half marathons, and frozen treats - it's a disneyland email marathon! New listeners and old bombard us with questions, and we give you our eight cents. Want answers? Keep listening to Mousetalgia - the favorite podcast of Disney-loving motorcycle cops everywhere! Plus - Carpe Kingdom - what does it mean? And a special bonus: Musical highlights from the D23 Expo, including Lea Salonga, Kermit the Frog, and Dick Van Dyke... rapping?!

Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada talks to Mousetalgia about the merger of the Disney and Marvel universes, and Marvel's participation in this year's D23 Expo; and Dave talks to Billy Dee Williams and Bruce Boxleitner, both of whom will be appearing at the Expo. Also, the Walt Disney Family Museum hosts a panel discussion on the comedic influences on Walt Disney's early comedies, and we report on the event. Plus - Aladdin the musical reviewed, the Disney parks' mall tour, last minute Expo planning, and more!

Disney Family Museum Roundup: The ultimate Disneyland model: learn how Kerner Optical created a fascinating room-sized model of Disneyland for the Walt Disney Family Museum. Next, Dave reports on a discussion of Walt Disney's fascination with the space race, and Jeff recounts the recent tribute to Wally Boag and Betty Taylor held at the museum. Plus, more D23 Expo tips. Also - out of this world dining at LAX's Encounter and Hollywood's Tam O'Shanter... and more!

The Marvel-ous D23 Episode - Imagineer Josh Shipley discusses the relationship of Disney and Marvel, and gives fans some reasons to look forward to the Marvel panel at the upcoming D23 Expo. Also, Jeff and Kristen share a trip report about a whirlwind trip to the Walt Disney Studios and Archive, Paradise Pier eateries, a Club 33 Vinter's Menu dinner review, and a review of the current exhibit of Tim Burton's art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Plus - Up on CD (finally!), and more!

The Mousetalgia Review Emporium - This week, Jeff reviews the Napa Rose Chef's Counter at the Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland Resort; the team discusses HGTV's My Yard Goes Disney; and Kristen digs up some vintage Disney musical selections. Plus - the team takes a look at some of the negative reviews Cars 2 has received, and we debate the pros and cons of the worst-reviewed Pixar film to date. Also - Kristen and Jeff review a one-man show called "Working for the Mouse" at an underground theatre in Berkeley - and more!

Go behind the scenes of the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet with Team Mousetalgia this week, as we share inside stories and secrets from the partyers and panelists at this year's event. Also, we take a look at the phenomenon of Winnie the Pooh, and review the new film and reminisce about the original book and Disney films. Learn why that willy, nilly, silly ol' bear has been considered Disney's second most popular character of all time. Also - Disneyland turned 56 this week, so we celebrate this birthday by listing our favorite Disneyland attractions that no longer exist. All this, and more!

This week, Team Mousetalgia provides some highlights and clips from the 2011 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet held on June 25, 2011 in Lynwood, Washington. Featured speakers include writer/director/producer Jeff Kurtti, who talks about his work as creative director for the Walt Disney Family Museum; Floyd Norman, long time animator for the Walt Disney Company; and Disney Legend Jack Lindquist, president of Disneyland and long-time marketing executive for the company. Also, listen in and play along with the Team Mousetalgia Trivia Challenge!

Happy Fourth of July! On today's special holiday episode, Team Mousetalgia reminisce about Disneyland's Bicentennial celebration in 1975-76, which featured America on Parade, a patriotic feature which premiered in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Also, the team takes a look back at America Sings, the classic revolving stage production which replaced Disneyland's Carousel of Progress in Tomorrowland from 1974 through 1988. Plus - patriotic Disney memories, and more!

The art of the Disneyland "fun map" - this week, Team Mousetalgia talks to attraction designer Chris Merritt about the history and making of the classic Disneyland "fun maps," the poster-sized wall maps that were created and sold as souvenirs at the parks. We also discuss Pirates Lair and Sam McKim's artwork for WED. Then, Jeff reviews a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum honoring the art of Disney Legend Tyrus Wong (conceptual artist for Bambi), at which the 100-year-old Wong made a surprise appearance! Plus favorite Disney songs, Aladdin the musical - and more!

It's time for trip reports - Dave, Kristen and Becky report on a recent team trip to Disneyland, discussing the changes to Pirates of the Caribbean and World of Color, the new Little Mermaid attraction, Mickey's Soundsational Parade, and Star Tours 2. Kristen wonders if Blackbeard's appearance in POTC really works, Becky questions the spoilers in the Blue Sky Cellar, and Dave talks Star Tours fastpasses. The team also recalls the latest Mousetalgia Meet-up at the park and discusses the offerings at Disneyland Hotel's Trader Sam's bar. Plus - Kristen suffers a canoe-related injury, Jeff talks Tron, and more!

You've got questions, and we've got answers! This week, Team Mousetalgia opens the mailbag and talks back to our listeners on topics such as the Haunted Mansion, being a teenage fan, attending the D23 Expo, more Haunted Mansion, other things to do around Disneyland, Stargate (?), and Becky's training for the upcoming Tinker Bell Half Marathon. Also, Jeff and Kristen report on Mary Poppins: Kristen sees the stage musical in Seattle, and Jeff attends a Mary Poppins Singalong Experience in the Bay Area. Plus - Disneyland's submarine lagoon mermaids, visting Fenton's, and yes, more Tron!

Designer Kevin Kidney talks to Team Mousetalgia in today's episode. Kevin, along with co-designer Jody Daily, developed the new Soundsational Parade appearing at Disneyland Park. Kevin describes the creation of the parade, and talks about some of his other work for the parks, including designing phenomenal souvenirs, and being an artistic jack-of-all-trades. Also, the team reminisce about Pirates 4, and Kristen offers a trip report of questionable value to Star Tours fans. Plus - remembering Betty Taylor and Wally Boag, and their brilliant work in the Golden Horseshoe Review show.

Walt Disney and World War II: In this special Memorial Day episode, Team Mousetalgia reports on a weekend event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about the Walt Disney Studios output during World War II, featuring presentations by historian Paul F. Anderson. Learn about the various projects and films that the studio created during this critical period of American history. Also - take a closer look at one of the more famous propaganda films, "Victory Through Air Power," which Walt Disney believed would help end the war and save lives. Plus - an exclusive presentation of a 1943 radio program featuring Walt Disney talking about "Victory" - and more!