This Valentine's week, Team Mousetalgia takes a deep dive into our love for everything Disney, and we share some of our favorite things found under the Disney umbrella in a round table discussion. We talk about our love for Disney movies, and discuss the cross-generational entertainment, the classic films, and good vs. evil; what we love about the parks, including the immersive experiences (Jeff chooses Mannequins as an unusual example), the nostalgia of Disneyland, the exercise expended to enjo...
Feb 12, 2017•1 hr 1 min
Team Mousetalgia reviews two new books this week. First, we discuss "B-1st" by Disney artists Retta Scott and Woolie Reitherman, and we take a close at this interesting World War II-era proposed children's book that never made it to publication - until 2016. We examine the exquisite art and cultural mores evidenced in this in-progress project that was never completed. Also, we look at "The Art of Moana," and talk about the features, facts and imagery that the book presents about this Academy Awa...
Feb 05, 2017•1 hr 1 min
Team Mousetalgia celebrates the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade! Kristen reviews the $95 party at Disneyland welcoming back the parade, and we compare and contrast the event with another recent after-hours event at the park. Also, the Disneyland Kobayashi Maru: what to do when the weatherman promises the storm of the century during your planned trip to the Disneyland Resort for a family reunion with dozens of relatives. Kristen offers tips for organizing large group trips to the park...
Jan 29, 2017•1 hr 8 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia offers a RunDisney primer and a report on Disneyland's Star Wars Light Side Half Marathon Weekend. Dave and Becky talk about why Star Wars is a good race weekend for beginners to start with, and they discuss the 2017 events and race courses. We also discuss Disneyland's current security situation, spiked Dole Whips, and the RunDisney Expo. Next, Jeff reports from SacAnime Winter 2017 and their amazing Beauty and the Beast panel, which featured voice actors Richard Whi...
Jan 22, 2017•1 hr 12 min
Disney Legend Tyrus Wong recently passed away at the age of 106, and Mousetalgia pauses to share our own personal memories and thoughts of Tyrus and his work. We also welcome Academy Award-winning filmmaker and historian John Canemaker back to the show to share his own memories of Tyrus, and to talk a little bit about Tyrus' groundbreaking artwork and his career beyond designing the look of Bambi for Walt Disney. But first, we welcome Kristin Rodack, a Director with D23, back to the show to give...
Jan 15, 2017•1 hr 12 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia offers you a different kind of podcast that requires a different kind of introduction. We start with an internal "Hand-with-the-Land" question from Kristen, who wants to know if its possible to enjoy a trip to Disneyland Resort with a group of 30 or more people. A trip the involves ages 0 to 85. A trip that could only happen in - well, not the Twilight Zone, because that attraction closed on Jan. 2, and Jeff was there to report on Disneyland's special "13th Hour" Twil...
Jan 09, 2017•1 hr 9 min
It's time for Team Mousetalgia's annual round-up of memories and judgement calls from the past year, so join us as we take a look back at 2016 and remember the highs and lows. We'll look at our favorite books, movies, park events, dining experiences, purchases - and our overall best moments of the year. We also offer our annual "Oswald" awards for happenings that didn't quite meet expectations. Plus - a look back at our resolutions for 2016 and a look forward at our new resolutions for the comin...
Jan 01, 2017•1 hr 10 min
Team Mousetalgia goes back to the inbox to answer some of your emails, including: suggestions for taking a Disney trip with a large family with varied interests; collecting Disneyland souvenir books; which one question would we each ask Walt Disney if we could hop into a time machine; a solo trip report from an attraction-lover; autograph certificates of authenticity and what they mean; the runDisney Tower of Terror Bellhop speaks out; Disneyland's stroller thieves, and getting over Disneyland d...
Dec 25, 2016•1 hr 7 min
It's a Mousetalgia triple play this holiday week as we celebrate the opening of Lucasfilm's "Rogue One - A Star Wars Story," taste test Disneyland's holiday offerings and chat about Verve's new release "Jazz Loves Disney." First, we offer our initial spoiler-free reactions to the latest film from the Star Wars galaxy far, far away. From Michael Giacchino's new score to some dicey CGI, Rogue One offers a lot to digest, and we do our best to share some first impressions of this new format in the w...
Dec 18, 2016•1 hr 16 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you to the second annual Mouse-con, held recently in Concord, CA. We'll take you on a tour of the dealer offerings, the venue, the cosplay, the special guests, and the panels, including excerpts from Disneyland Hotel history expert Don Ballard and Disney poster artist Bill Morrison, who tells the story of his controversial "Little Mermaid" VHS cover art. Also, we review a new Disneyland-area hotel: Hyatt House Anaheim Convention Center. Listen to why this hotel ...
Dec 11, 2016•57 min
Mousetalgia takes you to Disney California Adventure's Festival of Holidays to review the food, the festivities, and the fun entertainment. From an $11 pomegranate margarita to holiday Swedish meatballs to egg nog cheesecake, there's a taste of something for everyone - but is the price right? And performances abound, but can any entertainment compare with the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas? We also discuss Elena, Santa, Viva Navidad, and those stilt walkers. Next, we offer a review of Disneyland ...
Dec 04, 2016•1 hr 18 min
Team Mousetalgia goes bi-coastal as we take you out to Florida to report on the 2016 "Destination D: Amazing Adventures" event that just concluded with breaking news and behind-the-scenes insights into some of Disney's most adventurous undertakings. But first, Jeff reports on recent West Coast happenings, including in-person reports from the Van Eaton Galleries "Souvenirs of Disneyland" auction; the 2016 CTN Animation Expo; and a very special Haunted Mansion happening with Peter Renaday and Mark...
Nov 27, 2016•1 hr 19 min
Tim Babb, host of the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast, joins Team Mousetalgia this week for a holiday showdown. We talk about his podcast, and then discuss dealing with the hectic nature of the Disneyland Resort during the holidays. Tim reacts to the boisterous crowds at the resort, and we offer some suggestions to help keep the holiday spirit alive. Next, Kristen discusses her trip to Disneyland after-hours to celebrate Dumbo's 75th anniversary, and reviews a special Club 33 presentation in ...
Nov 20, 2016•1 hr 6 min
Mickey is turning 88 this week, and Team Mousetalgia invites you to celebrate with us! First, we welcome Mike Van Eaton back to the show to discuss "Souvenirs of Disneyland," an upcoming exhibition and auction of Disneyland memorabilia and merchandise. From a pen in the shape of a woman's leg to a scale Imagineering model of New Orleans Square, this major auction is destined to make history. Then, we celebrate Mickey's birthday by catching up with Disney comic writer Pat McGreal, who talks to Mo...
Nov 13, 2016•1 hr 18 min
Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian J.B. Kaufman back to the show to discuss his latest book "Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series." We talk with Kaufman about the cartoons' relevance to the society of their time and Walt Disney personally, and discuss the music, the marvelous animation, and their place in the history of the Walt Disney Studios. Next, Kristen reports on Geek Girl Con 2016 in Seattle, and reports on the Women of Pixar panel. Also, a lis...
Nov 07, 2016•1 hr 3 min
Happy Halloween! Disney voice actor Mark Silverman joins Team Mousetalgia this week for a spooktacular Halloween episode! As the voice of Rod Serling in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mark shares a special insider's view of the recent Tower of Terror event at Walt Disney World. We also talk to Mark about being a "Monster Kid," memories of celebrating Halloween as a child, surviving Hurricane Matthew at Disney World, and we host a Tower of Terror lithograph giveaway! Then, Jeff reports on the...
Oct 30, 2016•1 hr 8 min
Get spooky with Team Mousetalgia as Kristen reports on Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort. First, we talk about a Halloween Time dilemma - crowds, heat, and closed attractions during one of the most popular weekends of the year. Kristen shares a potpourri of thoughts, including notes on this year's Halloween treats, tips for traveling with a hesitant two-year-old, Photopass woes, character dining options, and tips for first-time Disneybounders. Then, we talk Mickey's Halloween Party, ...
Oct 23, 2016•1 hr 7 min
Animator Frans Vischer joins team Mousetalgia this week to share stories of his career, both with Disney and since. He shares his story about how Chuck Jones helped him get into Cal Arts, and discusses studying the art of animation under Eric Larson, one of Walt's Nine Old Men. We also talk about his work on Paperman and utilizing digital technology; his work on Who Framed Roger Rabbit; and his books "Jimmy Dabble," "Fuddles," "A Very Fuddles Christmas," and his new book, "Fuddles and Puddles." ...
Oct 16, 2016•1 hr 8 min
It's a Mousetalgia Review Revue! First, Kristen reviews Queen of Katwe. Kristen lived in sub-Saharan Africa for 3 months and has a unique perspective on the meaning and authenticity of the film. Then, we revisit "Walt Disney Studios - A Lot to Remember" and give a brief review of the book, along with speculation about its recall by the Walt Disney Company. Kristen buys a back issue of Animatrix featuring animator Frank Thomas and discusses Thomas' view of attributing film credits and working wit...
Oct 09, 2016•1 hr 14 min
Lifting Michael Jackson: This week, Mousetalgia welcomes special guest Eddy Collins, who has spent decades with the Disney Company. Collins started doing custodial work at Disneyland and eventually became Global Sales Manager and a spokesperson for the resort. Eddy talks about his first job at the park as a sweeper, and how he quickly became a prestigious VIP tour guide, then moved to guest communications and management, and on to special events for the opening of Disney's California Adventure (...
Oct 02, 2016•59 min
Join Team Mousetalgia for an Emporium of spooktacular stories! First, special guest Katelynn Burmark joins us this week to talk all about Disneyland's Halloween Parties, sharing tips, tricks and tales from her experiences having attended the party every year since they began in 2007. Next, Jeff visits LACMA's exhibition "At Home With Monsters," Guillermo del Toro's collection of horror-related artifacts, which includes a controversial Marc Davis Haunted Mansion changing portrait. Then, Jeff visi...
Sep 25, 2016•1 hr 16 min
This week, Mousetalgia gets spooky as Jeff reviews the brand new "Happiest Haunts Tour" at Disneyland Park. We offer a start to finish report on the 2-hour tour, and discuss what worked, and what missed the mark on this walking history tour "dead"-icated to the Haunted Mansion. Next, Jeff recounts his ill-fated attempt to purchase one of the new Trader Sam's Hitchhiking Ghosts mugs, and we speculate as to what might have happened with the short-lived roll-out. Finally, Jeff reports on the openin...
Sep 18, 2016•1 hr 9 min
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Jeffrey Epstein to the show to talk about D23 past, present and future! We look back at the launch of D23 - Disney's official fan club - over 7 years ago, and then discuss other current D23 happenings, including the "Fanniversary" events celebrating Beauty and the Beast and other upcoming opportunities for club members. We also host a Mousetalgia therapy session for a listener who, having fallen in love with Disneyland, has a hard time resisting comparing it with ...
Sep 11, 2016•1 hr 12 min
Team Mousetalgia answers your questions and shares your tips this week, with topics including: Paying forward unused FastPasses; "Disneymoon" tips; tipping at Disneyland Resort; enjoying Halloween Time at the resort and weighing the pros and cons of Mickey's Halloween Party; touring San Francisco and getting to the Walt Disney Family Museum and Charles Schulz Museum; proposing at Disneyland; turning 40 and celebrating with a birthday trip to the resort; pescatarian options at Disneyland; listene...
Sep 05, 2016•1 hr 3 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia talks about some famous Disney dragons, both old and new, in an Emporium show. But first, Jeff visits the Walt Disney Family Museum to hear Muppeteer Dave Goelz speak about his career as the Great Gonzo and describe how he brings puppets to life. Next, special guest Rebecca Dimmick joins Mousetalgia to report on D23's recent event at the Walt Disney Studio celebrating the 75th anniversary of The Reluctant Dragon, the movie that introduced and demonstrated the process ...
Aug 28, 2016•59 min
It's never to early to start planning for Halloween as far as Disneyland is concerned, so Team Mousetalgia gets the ball rolling with some Disneyland Resort updates. Mickey's Halloween Party tickets are on sale and premium dates are just starting to sell out, and the resort announced a special "Trick or Tea" tea party and a revamped and sure-to-surprise "Happiest Haunts" tour. To help you prep for the season, Mousetalgia welcomes cosplay expert Rose Ivy from ER Collective to the show to help nav...
Aug 21, 2016•56 min
This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to speak with two authors of important upcoming books about Disney animation history. Daniel Kothenschulte, editor of the 620+ page "The Walt Disney Film Archives: The Animated Movies 1921-1968", joins us to talk about his incredible upcoming book from Taschen, with topics including the transformation of the Walt Disney Studios in the 1940s and Walt's contribution to the "family film" genre. Then, author Didier Ghez joins us to continue discussing the Studios in...
Aug 14, 2016•1 hr 9 min
Mousetalgia welcomes Retlaw employee and Disneyland train conductor David Wilcox to this week's show to talk about working for the railroad back in the days of the Disneyland D coupons. David shares the secrets of the train team regarding keeping guests safe; his responsibilities and experiences; falling off the train; and three-hour lines for the steam train going all the way back to the entrance gates. We also discuss coupon book hijinks, Grad Night shenanigans, and more. Also - in honor of th...
Aug 07, 2016•1 hr 11 min
Today, Team Mousetalgia answers your questions about your upcoming trips to the Disneyland Resort, including: Staying concierge level at Disneyland Resort hotels: yea or nay; the ins and outs of secret Disneyland marriages; Doubletree Suites - worth the hike?; how to schedule the day of the week for your park trips; rider swap and Fastpass tips and tricks; vegetarian dining options at Disneyland; making the most of a Silver Pass; crowd levels on runDisney event dates; and how to celebrate a swee...
Jul 31, 2016•1 hr 2 min
Listen to our exclusive interviews with WED Imagineers Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar in this episode of Mousetalgia, in our continuing coverage of the 2016 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Gurr and Sklar both worked directly with Walt Disney for many years and provide great stories and insight about the man who shaped modern themed entertainment for generations. Bob Gurr talks about his innovative Omnimover ride vehicle and discusses his impressions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while Marty Sk...
Jul 24, 2016•1 hr 8 min
