Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Paul Briggs, Disney Animation Director of the upcoming feature "Raya and the Last Dragon," to the show to talk with us about the storytelling process at Walt Disney Animation Studios. Briggs, who was the Story Department Supervisor before directing "Raya," talks about finding the core emotions behind a film, and stretching the boundaries of imagination. Paul shares some insights about the process of developing stories for Disney Feature Animation, shares some secrets behind the making of Frozen and Big Hero 6, for which he was head of story, and then talks about the cultural impact of his directorial debut, "Raya and the Last Dragon." Plus, in honor of this week's 119th anniversary of Walt Disney's birth, Kristen Carr speaks to Maria Massad from The Walt Disney Birthplace about progress on the restoration of the home in which Walt was born in Chicago, and the non-profit organization's virtual celebration of Walt's birthday on Dec. 5 with a virtual tour and a party in the actual

Happy Thanksgiving! On this week's super-sized holiday episode, Jeffrey Epstein and Candice Valdez from the D23 Inside Disney podcast join us to give us the inside scoop on the official Disney podcast, and they share behind-the-scenes stories of the show, which they publish weekly along with their third co-host Sheri Alzeerah. We talk about the state of Disney fandom, the variety of Disney properties, and the inspiration behind the show. Then, Chris Buckley, animation director of the LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special and Head of 3D Animation for Atomic Cartoons, joins us to talk about his career in animation, and speaks with us about how the Star Wars galaxy and LEGO combine to make a funny, engaging world the entire family can enjoy. Chris talks about LEGO humor, disobeying the laws of physics, Boba Fett piloting the Falcon - and more. Finally, Kristen Carr checks in after a morning on the recently-reopened Buena Vista Street! She talks to us about the shopping, the eating - including Carthay Circle - and most

This week, Mousetalgia takes a look back at the '70s with Cast Member Tricia Ciaccio, who worked at Disneyland as a tour guide under the guidance of Disney Legend Cicely Rigdon. Tricia talks about her time at the park as a tour guide, with stories about Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and the Mercury 7, alongside other memories of the Magic Kingdom. Also, Kristen Carr reports on Mickey and Minnie's birthday celebrations and Hong Kong Disneyland's new castle, and the team presents a holiday high five! We list Jeff's top 5 memories from the park, Kristen's top 5 holiday-themed Little Golden Books, Becky's top 5 holiday treats, and Dave's top 5 moments from the Christmas Fantasy Parade.

This week, we've decided to share some reviews of the things we've started watching, listening to and reading over the past month. First, we discuss the return of "The Mandalorian" to Disney+, and discuss the season two debut. Kristen gives a brief review of "The Right Stuff," and then Jeff and Kristen review a few albums that have recently started streaming ("My First Disney Jazz;" "Disney Meets Jazz: A Tribute to Walt Disney;" and "Little Nightmares"). Jeff reviews "The Nightmare Before Christmas Pop-up Advent Calendar," then Kristen joins Jeff for a review of "3D Disneyland: Like You've Never Seen It Before." Plus - Kristen Carr checks in, and we discuss the villainous nature of 2020.

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Disney fan-favorite (and Tinker Bell reference model) Margaret Kerry to the show to talk about her recent life experiences and to reminisce about her career as a member of the Disney community. If you haven't heard much about Margaret's life since she turned 90, you won't want to miss this inspirational episode. Plus - Becky lists acceptable losses that will lead to a better Disney vacation, Dave talks about the latest Funko Pops, Jeff gets new socks - and more!

This week, get spooky with Mousetalgia as we take a look back at the darker side of Disneyland! From Ken Anderson's scary dark rides from the '50s to today's death-defying adventures throughout the park, we take a look at just how dark the park can get. We also present a schedule of online events that you can utilize to enjoy a spook-tacular virtual Halloween weekend. We also talk about the recent news that Disneyland won't be opening anytime soon - but Kristen Carr reports that actually, California Adventure's gates will be swinging open to welcome guests again shortly! Plus - the candy of Disneyland... and Becky's in the house!

This week, we're thinking Tink! You may have thought you knew all there was to know about Tinker Bell, but Mousetalgia dives in and considers the flight of everyone's favorite fairy by looking at some interesting angles. First, we talk to aerialist Gina Rock, who flew across the sky in Disneyland as the fireworks lit up the night. Gina talks about her background as a gymnast, and the experience of portraying the famous pixie in her nightly ritual in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. We also talk to Klay Hall, the director of Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, on helping Disney relaunch Neverland for a new generation. Hall talks about developing Tink as a story editor for the 2008 Tinker Bell feature film, developing Pixie Hollow for Disneyland Park, and helping to guide the franchise as DisneyToon Studios launched the Disney Fairies, reimagining Tinker Bell for today's audiences while keeping her roots as one of Disney's most enduring and beloved characters. Plus - Kristen Carr checks in with a Mousetalgia Fas

This week, the Disney community is reeling in the wake of tens of thousands of layoffs, which were made necessary due to the COVID-19 outbreak and complications from the California state government, according to Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks. Team Mousetalgia recognizes that it is the uniqueness of the Disney Cast Member that gives Disneyland its magic, so in this episode, we recognize and honor the Cast Member, both by speaking to a variety of former employees of the park and by offering a few thoughts from our listeners about the joy and happiness that Cast Members add to the Disney experience.

This week, Mousetalgia looks for some levity in this era of heavy news - so we are returning to the Mousetalgia High Five! Jeff shares five Halloween Time highlights from past years; Kristen shares her top five Disneyland '80s memories; special guest Tim Babb shares five shows missing from Disney+ (calling Dick Tracy!); and Dave hisses his way through Disney's top five slithering snakes. Plus - we answer your emails, Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason offers a bit of nostalgia, a listener offers a Downtown Disney trip report - and Kristen Carr checks in with a Mousetalgia FastPass!

This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show to talk with us about Disneyland icons. In a time when so many people are longing for a chance to return to the happiest place on earth, we've decided to go back and look at some of the most iconic elements to a day at Disneyland - including that famous Disneyland logo "D", churros, the Disneyland Railroad, the mighty Matterhorn, and the truly iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. Plus, we discuss what we miss most about the park, and welcome Kristen Carr back for another great Mousetalgia FastPass!

This week, Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti joins Mousetalgia to discuss his latest book, "The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky." Kurtti talks about the genesis of the project and his perspective on writing the book; his relationship with coauthors Vanessa Hunt and Paul Wolski; and talks about how he made a book that tells the story of the famed Monorail with new art and information for a new audience. Kurtti also talks about his 1998 book "The Art of Mulan," which has been recently re-released in honor of the new live action film. Kurtti describes the process of putting the book together, and the response the book has garnered since. Plus - don't miss Kristen Carr's Mousetalgia FastPass, and we talk Halloween, Halyx, and Tron toys!

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes our alien overlords as we discuss the new Disney+ series "Earth to Ned" with executive producers Joe Freed of Marwar Junction productions and Vince Raisa of the Jim Henson Company. Joe and Vince explain the genesis of the show, talk about the series' special guests, and tell some behind-the-scenes stories about the production of this innovative new talk show which is literally out of this world. Then, Kristen talks to author Josh Holtsclaw, who happens to be a graphic designer for Pixar, about his new book, Felix and the Monsters. Josh tells us about his career path and his work as an illustrator, the story behind writing the book, and what it was like to work with his co-author, who happens to be his wife. Plus - we discuss our favorite Ron Miller productions, just because!

This week, Jeff recalls some of the action from the latest Van Eaton Galleries auction, titled "Disneyland: The First 65 Years." What did Jeff win at the latest Van Eaton auction? You'll find out - plus get our tips and tricks for success at online bidding for collectibles. Then, Kristen shares some Disney history about America on Parade, the Submarine Voyage, Circlevision, Country Bear Jamboree, D23 Expo, Pinto Colvig, and Hong Kong Disneyland! Plus - jobs we'd like to try at Disneyland, and more.

Today, go cruisin' through the Southland with Mousetalgia as we take you on a whirlwind road trip! First, enjoy our conversation with marketing genius Pat Pattison (former VP of Creative Services with the Disney Company), as he talks to us about his work creating products and promotions for the studio and the Disney parks - including the story about how he created the Mickey Antenna Ball. Then, join Kristen Carr as she takes us on her journey toward creating the ultimate Disney-themed road trip, to get a feel for what life was like for Walt Disney himself in historic Los Angeles. Finally - join Jeff as he talks about spending virtual time with his favorite musical group to listen to while cruisin' down the interstate - DCappella! Jeff met the group via Zoom along with a small group of fans to listen to them tell stories from the road, talk about their lives during the pandemic - and to join breakout sessions with each member of the group to learn a song to sing for an official DCappella video! Plus - we rank

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes author/historian Didier Ghez to the show to talk about his new book, "They Drew as they Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's New Golden Age." Didier explains Disney's "New Golden Age" of animation, contrasting it with the studio's productions before and after Walt's death. He also talks about his search for art and material to include in the book, his process for researching Disney Studio history, and his upcoming projects. Plus - the return of listener email! Topics include a comparison of the Disneyland resort hotels, the origin of "carpe kingdom," how to preserve posters - and more.

This week, join Mousetalgia as we speak with Disney producer and filmmaker Don Hahn in a conversation about Howard, his documentary about legendary lyricist Howard Ashman. Hahn joins us to speak about the journey he has made with the film in the two years since it first premiered, and talks about the man who "gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul." Then, Jeff and Kristen report on a fundraising event hosted by the Walt Disney Family Museum starring Alan Menken, legendary Disney tunesmith who worked with Howard for many years before Howard's passing. We discuss Alan's work and musicianship. and his incredible imprint on the world of musical theater and film. Also - Jeff reviews a book about maps,Kristen Carr checks in with a Mousetalgia FastPass - and more!

This week, celebrate the Haunted Mansion's 51st anniversary with Mousetalgia as we welcome Jeremy Marx from the Disney History Institute to the show to discuss Imagineer Ken Anderson's role in developing Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. From Anderson's start in the Disney animation department through his leadership in developing the Fantasyland dark rides, we discuss his unique role in the design and direction of the Haunted Mansion's look, story, and mystery. Then, Jeff tells us about a $2000 dinner inside the Haunted Mansion in the year 2000. We look back at the intriguing event, and wish we could have been a part of it. Plus - Kristen Carr shares about an opportunity to support Walt's Birthplace, the upcoming Van Eaton auction - and more!

This week, get radical with Mousetalgia as we take a look back at Disneyland in the '70s and '80s with former Disneyland Ambassador Willie Vander Zwaag Burckle. Willie served as a Tour Guide in the '70s and Goodwill Ambassador to the World in 1981, taking guests and VIPs on tours through Disneyland, and she shares stories from moments in her career, such as touring the park with the King of Jordan and visiting children's hospitals, and witnessing the healing power of Mickey Mouse. Also - Tiki birds take over the Haunted Mansion, Disney Parks Fuel Rod founders, Disneyland in 1982 - and Kristen Carr brings us the all new Mousetalgia FastPass!

This week, we take a look at Disneyland through the years from two different perspectives. First, we welcome Mike Van Eaton back to Mousetalgia to talk about the next in his series of Disneyland memorabilia auctions. "Disneyland: The First 65 Years" will be held on August 15 and 16, and Mike describes some of the highlights from this upcoming auction - including an actual tombstone from the Haunted Mansion! Then, we welcome Disney historian and author Dave Bossert to the show to discuss his latest book "3D Disneyland: Like You've Never Seen It Before," a photography book that showcases Disneyland through the lenses of a vintage 3D camera. The book shows rarely seen details of Disneyland from both the 1950s and the 1980s, providing a unique perspective on the park's past. Plus - our favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland - and more!

Kristen Carr joins Mousetalgia to discuss the re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, and gives us a trip report about her visit to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks. She talks about the experience booking the trip and making reservations, what to expect regarding masks and social distancing, the dining experience, and her own reactions to re-experiencing the resort, which she hasn't visited for years. Plus - we review Osmo, a hands-on learning product that transforms kids' tech time into a beneficial experience - with a Disney twist, of course. Plus... an Osmo giveaway!