Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

In this week's loaded Mousetalgia, Jeff welcomes former Skipper and Mansion Maid Emma Mosier back to the show to discuss the past 7 decades of Disneyland. We also welcome two special guests this week: Andrea Roberts joins us to talk about her father, Larry Lifchis Roberts, who was an Imagineer with MAPO who worked directly with Walt Disney on Audio Animatronics for Disneyland; and Genevieve Buchanan joins us along with her grandmother Yvonne, who is a Disneyland '55er (an original employee from Disneyland's opening year.) Yvonne worked for Disneyland before the park even opened and shares some stories. Plus - we review the Disneyland 70th walking tour ("A Story of Celebration,") and we have a Haunted Mansion moment. 

This week, we take a look at the collapse of Elio at the box office and discuss the circumstances that may have led to its failure to grab family movie-goers, and then Jeff (and wife Julia) offer our own review. Plus, Jeff welcomes Kurt Pfeifer back to the show to talk about his role developing the interactive elements in the Walt Disney Family Museum's ongoing Mary Blair exhibit; and Jeff gives a recap of a celebration of 70 years of the Jim Henson Company held on the Lucasfilm campus.  Stay tuned for our super-special DIsneyland 70 episode coming July 13! Reach us at comments@mousetalgia.com.

This week, Jeff invites Julia Layne and Tina Biles to the show to discuss the recent D23 Gold Member preview tea and preview of "Mary Blair: Mid Century Magic" at the Walt Disney Family Museum. We also talk about our Star Wars Day adventures at the LEGO Store and at a special orchestral performance by Alphabet employees, and Jeff takes a deep dive into the "problem" with Mary Blair. Keep in touch - comments@mousetalgia.com.

Welcome to the Return of the... Mousetalgia potpourri! This week, Jeff and guest co-host Julia Layne welcome the first week of May with some Star Wars talk, including a review of Disneyland's Season of the Force (29:00) and the new show "Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga." We also talk about a new exhibit coming to the Walt Disney Family Museum (15:35) called "Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic," and discuss some of the latest things we've been watching (shout out to Bluey!) Jeff also gives a brief Knott's Berry Farm trip report (35:35), and welcomes Chris Merritt back to the show to discuss his new book "Knott's Bear-y Tales: The Complete History of the Whimsical Attraction" (49:55). We talk about the history of the ride, the story of '70s Knott's, and how Rolly Crump developed the story of the beloved experience. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com

Ep. 738: Don Hahn and Chris Merritt on Disneyland at 70, authors and historians on Snow White '25 This week, Imagineer Chris Merritt and Disney producer and director Don Hahn join Mousetalgia to talk about "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland," their upcoming book scheduled to be released to celebrate Disneyland's 70th birthday (8:55). They discuss Disneyland's origins, its place in popular culture, some of the people you might not know who were important to the park's beginnings, and the things that will set this book apart from your other shelf of other Disneyland books. Then, Jeff will share some public social media postings about Snow White (2025) which outline some of the historical controversies which have been brought into the spotlight about the creation of the animated classic (1937) (53:50). Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com

This week, Tina and Julia from the Pal Around Podcast join Jeff to talk about the new Snow White live action film starring Rachel Zegler. Jeff caught an early screening and discusses this much-debated release from the Walt Disney Company. We talk about the music - old and new, the changes from the original animated classic to create a new story, those animated dwarfs, and the new film's possible impact on the public perception of Disney remakes. Then, Julia and Tina talk about "Directing at Disney: In Conversation with Director Brenda Chapman and Historian Mindy Johnson" at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Brenda opened up about her career in animation, both for Disney and outside of the company, and shared stories about her collaborations, her history in the industry, and creating and co-directing Brave for Pixar. 

This week, Jeff welcomes special guest Violet Bird to the show to talk about her recent holiday Disneyland road trip with her husband and their 5 children. Violet shares some anecdotes and stories about her trip, with tips for a successful family vacation inserted along the way. Then, Jeff talks about Sleeping Beauty in honor of the 66th anniversary of the film, and ponders the work Maila "Vampira" Nurmi did to help create the character of Maleficent. Plus - Ron Howard signings... and more.

This week, Jeff welcome's Julia Layne back to the show to cover a broad range of topics. We discuss Disneyland's 70th anniversary announcements and the return of Paint the Night, and talk about a brief Haunted Mansion PR gaffe (and that $35 Bride sipper!) Next, we review some new books and talk a bit about the new Star Wars Beastiary, and then we talk about Disney collecting in general, including news about an upcoming Ron Howard signing (at which Jeff hopes to get his Haunted Mansion album signed.)  Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone affected by the horrible Los Angeles wildfires, which we know has threatened many of our friends and listeners in Southern California. If you'd like to donate to the recovery, visit Americares.org.

Happy holidays! This week, we look at the history of Disneyland's holiday traditions, and then take a look at how Disney has invented their own notion of holiday celebrations both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. NPH shares some thoughts about Haunted Mansion Holiday, Skipper Emma joins us to discuss Jingle Cruise jokes, and Diana joins us to talk about holiday cruising on the Disney Magic (and shares a scoop on the secret-est hidden Mickey in DCA!) Also - Julia reports on Disneyland's 2024 Candlelight performance with Kathryn Hahn. Merry Christmas! Keep in touch: comments@mousetalgia.com

Celebrate the Holidays at Disneyland Resort with Mousetalgia! Topics include the incredible holiday atmosphere, Fantasmic dining at Zocalo, the rainy-day Christmas cavalcade, and Disneyland premium dining experiences - yea or nay? Also - Marc Davis' pet bat is back in Haunted Mansion Holiday; our adventures in trying to ride Tiana's splashy Bayou Adventure; holiday dining moments and treats (including the newly-opened Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree) - and Jeff's thoughts on the most recent version of Disneyland's Fantasmic nighttime spectacular. Plus - Holiday fun with Santa and Friends, and the battle of the gingerbread: who will win... Jolly Holiday or Harbor Galley?

This week, Jeff is joined by Julia Layne to talk about Disney gift giving, and we make a list of some themes and gift ideas to help you become a Disney gift-giver-extraordinaire this holiday season! But first, we talk to author Sunny Chanel about her brand new book "Bring the Magic Home" from Disney Editions. Sunny talks to us about her background as a Disney fan, her history as a writer, and she gives us some tips and insight into the act of bringing Disney design home from the parks into your personal space. Plus - Julia reports on "Directing at Disney," a new exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum on display now through March 2025. Shop for Disney gifts at Kristen's shop of handmade upcycled Disneyana at boardtique.com. Help support the show at MousetalgiaPlus.com. Keep in touch at comments@mousetalgia.com.

This week, Jeff and Julia report on the inaugural Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon weekend, which Jeff participated in (spoiler alert - a Haunted Mansion-themed 10K medal was involved in his decision.) Plus - it's Halloween Time at Disneyland, and we have some food reviews of the Lamplight Lounge brunch, Red Rose Taverne's Halloween Time offerings, and the off-campus Orange Hill steakhouse (if you need a break from the Disney crowds - it's 20 minutes and a world away).Then Kristen joins Jeff to remember Peter Renaday, and we reminisce about our time spent with Pete, talking with him about his life's work, and discussing his legacy as an generous, talented, and kind friend. Talk to us: comments@mousetalgia.com

This week, Jeff is joined by guests from the Skywalking Through Neverland and WD-FM podcasts to discuss the 2024 D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event in this part 2 of our coverage of the event. Richard and Sarah from "Skywalking" join Jeff to share some of their highlights from the event and the Legends ceremony, and then Bri Bertolaccini from the Walt Disney Family Museum (and the WD-FM podcast) joins the show to talk about her panel at D23 all about a new book coming soon that she helped develop, research and write. Finally, Jeff shares his top 23 moments from the event from the panels, the showfloor, and Honda Center. Plus - Donald Duck eating... hot wings?

This week, Jeff and Kristen chat about D23 The Ultimate Fan Event! In this part one of Jeff's coverage, we talk about the Walt animatronic, braving the Honda Center for D23 (without any transporation trouble!), meeting Disney celebrities and book signing lines - and more; and stay tuned for part two of Jeff's coverage coming soon. Then, Kristen recaps a recent trip to Aulani, and talks about renting DVC points, resort tips for families, dining and luau thoughts, scheduling and reservation suggestions - and more. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com

This week, Ted Thomas speaks with Mousetalgia about his father, animation legend (and one of the "Nine Old Men") Frank Thomas, and shares some insight into Frank's legacy. Ted also talks about his latest project, "Walt and El Grupo in Latin America," a book he co-authored with JB Kaufman and Didier Ghez about the Disney "goodwill" tour and its impact on its participants. Ted, JB and Didier will be offering a panel about the new book at the D23 Fan Event next week. Speaking of which - Jeff also welcome Kristen Carr back to the show to discuss the D23 Ultimate Fan Event coming up August 9-11, and we discuss what we are looking forward to, what we are nervous about, and some tips for those of you lucky enough to be attending the sold out event. (If you aren't going, we tried to keep the conversation interesting for you, too!) Plus - Kristen reports on San Diego Comic Con, we contemplate the impact of Deadpool - and more.

This week, Julia Layne joins Jeff to discuss some timely news: The D23 schedule just dropped, and we look at Friday's schedule as we start to make plans for the convention. Then, we talk about a new documentary about "A Goofy Movie" called "Not Just a Goof" which we were able to preview at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and we talk about the creation of the documentary and the reasons that "A Goofy Movie" is held so dearly by its fans. Finally, Jeff visited Disneyland over the Independence Day weekend and sampled the latest menus of many of his favorite park eateries, and we talk about the highs and the so-sos. 

This week, Kristen Carr joins the show to share her first reactions to Inside Out 2, the latest Pixar film, and we offer a spoiler-free introduction to the new characters and situations that Riley encounters as she reaches puberty. Also - summer is in full swing at Disneyland! Ticket prices are low and temperatures are rising, so it's a great time to get in on the fun. We talk about new things to eat, Pixar in the parks, the Matterhorn's 65th and Donald Duck's 90th anniversaries, and changes to Avengers Campus and Downtown Disney. Plus - Jeff attends a talk by Alan Dean Foster, author of the original "Star Wars" novelization, and the legendary author talks about sci/fi, his Star Wars sequel, the problems with "The Black Hole" - and more! Contact Mousetalgia at comments@mousetalgia.com.

This week, Jeff welcomes Kristen back to the show to reminisce about Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who passed away on May 25. We share some thoughts about the influence he (along with brother Robert) had on popular music and the Disney Company, and we share some memories of time we spent with Richard. Other topics include our summer Disney plans (Disneyland, Aulani and the Walt Disney Family Museum), a few more thoughts about the Marc and Alice Davis auction update, and we respond to listener feedback to the last episode. BONUS: A very special performance by Kristen, which may involve some accordion.

This week, Jeff is joined by Tina and Julia from the Pal Around Podcast to share a super smorgasbord of Disney fun and knowledge with a mega-charcuterie! Our varied topics include Sun-Ra's new Disney vinyl, our thoughts on DisneylandForward, a Mini-Museum with a piece of Walt Disney's Apartment from Disneyland, collecting Disney blind boxes, training for Disneyland's upcoming runDisney races, a look back at Maurice Chevalier's memoir, upcoming SF Giant's Disney promotions, Cast member aspirations, and a super secret Haunted Mansion moment from Walt Disney World!

May the Fourth be with you - and may plentiful Pixar pals dance through your head while you learn all about Pixar Fest on this week's show! Kristen Carr from Mousetalgia Fastpass joins us this week to discuss everything about the Disneyland Resort's latest happening - Pixar Fest, which celebrates everything Pixar in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. From Pixar-inspired food to Pixar-inspired shows and a parade, Kristen covers it all and lets you know the hits (and perhaps a miss or two) to be found in this year's event. Next, Kristen reports from a press event celebrating the new Patina Group restaurants opening at Downtown Disney, centered around Céntrico, a new restaurant with a menu developed by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán. Plus - in honor of May the Fourth, Jeff reviews the newest Star Wars book titled "Return of the Jedi: A Visual Archive."