This week, Mousetalgia returns to the mailbag to answer your burning questions and to share your great tips. Topics include: C.V. Wood's place in Disney history; handling toddler tantrums at Disneyland; tips and tricks for touring the resort as a lone wolf; character breakfasts at the resort revisited; collecting Tsum Tsums; Disney cultural history in the collegiate setting; getting hauled off to Disneyland jail; other ways to connect with Disney fandom in southern California; taking annual phot...
Sep 10, 2017•1 hr 1 min
Team Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes to the green room at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet as we share exclusive interviews with the special guests from this year's event, hosted in Lynnwood, WA on Sept. 12, 2017. Mike Peraza is a Disney art art director, conceptual artist and layout artist for Disney animation, and worked on everything from Fox and the Hound through Beauty and the Beast and dozens of episodes of Disney Afternoon television shows. Patty Peraza was an effects animator at ...
Sep 03, 2017•1 hr 6 min
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 o...
Aug 27, 2017•1 hr 26 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia reports live from the show floor of the ninth annual Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, held on August 12 at the Lynnwood Convention Center in Washington. We describe the popular event, the vendors and the atmosphere, and bring you reports from attendees and authors that we spoke with at the show, including a report on Walt Disney's Hyperion Avenue Studio from author David Lesjak, interesting conversation about the Frito Mountain at Frontierland's Casa de Fritos, and an in...
Aug 20, 2017•1 hr 5 min
This week, Rose Ivy talks with Team Mousetalgia fresh from winning the "Her Universe Fashion Show" at San Diego Comic Con! She talks about her winning design, perseverance, geek couture, walking the runway, and what she'll be creating in the near future with her co-winners for Her Universe and Disney (so start asking for Hot Topic gift cards for Christmas!) Also, Disneyland Railroad conductor David Wilcox returns to the show to share his personal stories about Disney Legend Ward Kimball, and his...
Aug 13, 2017•1 hr 1 min
Mousetalgia Episode 459: Remembering Marty Sklar - This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney artist Eric Robison to the show to discuss his years at Walt Disney Imagineering with Marty Sklar. Robison shares some stories and personal memories, including insight into the relationship he had with Sklar and the story of how Sklar helped him launch his career. Learn about Tomorrowland's proposed MegaPopper 2000 walking popcorn machine, and the birth of Robison's career as an avant-garde Disney arti...
Aug 06, 2017•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 459
This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you back to the recent D23 Expo with reports on some of the myriad panels, presentations and performances that were held at the massive event. We talk to our correspondent Nicole, who describes her experience at the Expo as a first-timer, with her own set of tips, advice, and feedback about the massive event. Then, we take you with us to some of the events that we covered, including Marc Davis Goes to WED; Women in Imagineering; 50 Years of Pirates of the Caribb...
Jul 30, 2017•1 hr 36 min
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 every...
Jul 23, 2017•1 hr 41 min
Mousetalgia welcomes Deborah Breedlove back to the show to discuss her experiences as a Disneyland west side cast member back in the 1980s. She tells stories about the time the Haunted Mansion graveyard actually rained INSIDE the ride; the troubles with opening Splash Mountain; her take on the Pirates auction scene; and stories about times that cast members let their emotions get the best of them. Also - it's time for more listener email! Topics include: our recommended resources for a first tim...
Jul 16, 2017•1 hr 8 min
Team Mousetalgia begin this week's show by diving into the rough waters of Disney's recent decision to remove Marc Davis's auction scene from Pirates of the Caribbean, and we explore various possible reasons for the change. Then, Kristen continues her trip report from Disneyland Paris by reviewing the new "Mickey and the Magician" show at Hollywood studios and discussing the Disneyland Paris 25th anniversary festivities, including wow-filled shows and "Disney Stars on Parade" which was designed ...
Jul 09, 2017•1 hr 17 min
This week, Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline talks to Mousetalgia about the upcoming D23 Expo and gives us a sneak preview of the Pirates-themed Walt Disney Archives exhibit, and some behind-the-scenes information about the Archives programming and the Archives stage. Cline also shares some last-minute pro tips for attending the Expo. Then, Jeff takes us along on his trip to Van Eaton Galleries for the "Walt Disney's Disneyland" live auction, and describes the atmosphere and the happenin...
Jul 02, 2017•1 hr 31 min
Disneyland Paris, part 1: This week, Kristen reports on her recent trip to Disneyland Paris and divides her experiences into either "can't miss" or "skip it" categories. We talk all about her most notable attraction experiences, many interesting moments, and her numerous dining experiences and dishes, restaurants and drinks. She also gives us some travel tips for anyone thinking about or planning a trip to Disneyland Paris. Also, we talk about the attractions that the American parks have that mi...
Jun 25, 2017•1 hr 11 min
The music of Disney's live action films will be featured in the upcoming D23 Expo, and this week, we continue to prepare for the Expo with a closer look at some of the recently announced panels and performances scheduled for the weekend of July 14-16. With topics ranging from the Golden Girls to Hercules, D23 has a stellar list of events and sessions with enough options to please almost any type of Disney fan. Join us as we talk about options and strategies for this upcoming fan convention. Next...
Jun 18, 2017•59 min
Mousetalgia's Tinker Bell Half Marathon weekend report: we cover a variety of topics, including security updates, kids' race woes, photo ops and entertainment removed from the 5K route, and the evolution of runDisney (plus being evacuated from Goofy's Sky School). Then, Jeff reports on a talk at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Ruth Shellhorn and mid-century landscape architecture at Disneyland, including answers about Disneyland's current landscape technique by Imagineer Julie Bush. Finally,...
Jun 11, 2017•1 hr 7 min
Join us for a swashbuckling galactic review episode this week! First, Mouse Fan Travel CEO Beci Mahnken walks us through the land of Pandora and gives us a travel professional's perspective on the new land and talks about some little known details of the land, gives us spoiler-free reviews of the attractions, offers and tips and tricks about making the most of a trip to the moon called Pandora at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Next, Jeff and Kristen give a spoiler-free review of "Pirates of the Caribb...
Jun 04, 2017•1 hr 13 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia take you to Silicon Valley Comic Con and we discuss a panel on the art of Star Wars conceptual artist Ralph McQuarrie, and a panel on working with Disney, in which a variety of artists discussed how they managed to get work with Disney, and how they've succeeded as Disney artists. Then, we go to the mailbag to answer your burning questions! Topics include: summer Fantasmic scheduling; shopping for subtle Disney merch; a hypothetical final Disneyland trip - what would ...
May 28, 2017•1 hr 30 min
Team Mousetalgia welcomes Olympic Gold medalist Ryan Millar back to the show to talk about a recent trip to Epcot and his visit to some of the corporate VIP lounges that are hidden in plain view at the park, and we reveal their secrets. Then, Jeff and Kristen review Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2; and Kristen takes a VIP tour of Disneyland and reviews some of the newer food offerings at the parks, including stops at the Paradise Garden Grill, the Bengal Barbecue, Club 33, and the Dole Whip Cotto...
May 21, 2017•1 hr 4 min
Team Mousetalgia welcomes Mike Van Eaton back to the show to discuss his newest upcoming Disneyland auction featuring a controversial piece: A brownline presentation map of Disneyland hand-inked by Herb Ryman, purported to have been used by Roy Disney to sell the idea of Disneyland to ABC in 1953. While the item made national news with misleading headlines, Mike tells the story in his own words of how he came to discover this incredible piece of Disneyana. Next, we welcome author James Bohn to t...
May 14, 2017•1 hr 11 min
D23 Expo planning - it's time to get serious! Join Team Mousetalgia as we discuss potential crowd levels, last-minute hotel plans, and our favorite Expo survival tips. We share our tips for getting into panels, exploring the floor, enjoying the cosplay, and getting free stuff. From staying fueled to maintaining focus, we share our personal success stories about navigating this massive biennial event. We complete our Expo planning show with a conversation with Michael Vargo, the head of D23 and t...
May 07, 2017•51 min
With Marvel's first major Disneyland attraction about to open, Team Mousetalgia has a marvelous show in store for you this week. Fist, Funko's first Disney Treasures subscription box "Pirate's Cove" has arrived, and we review the vinyl collectibles inside. Is the subscription worth maintaining? We'll give you our two doubloons! Next, Disney Legend Lea Salonga performed in San Francisco, and Jeff was there to report on the concert; and finally, we welcome Brian Crosby, Creative Director of Themed...
Apr 30, 2017•50 min
Join Mousetalgia for a special Star Wars Celebration report on the sights and sounds of SWCO, courtesy of correspondent Emma Mosier. We'll discuss the atmosphere, the vendors, the cosplay, the droids, and even the photo ops. Then, Jeff takes his 5 year old daughter to Disneyland, and we discuss the dynamics of a family trip. Topics include whether or not to let a toddler make decisions, quick hits on the Food and Wine Festival, garlic ice cream, grey stuff, Haunted Mansion thrills, walking back ...
Apr 23, 2017•1 hr 11 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia answers your emailed questions and comments. Topics include: Must-dos for a day at Disneyland Paris - attractions, food, tips; an extreme Disneyland proposal; remembering Walt by finding Disney-themed locations worth visiting near Disneyland; a mom and daughter have a novel way to fund a Disney trip and share some magic; educator's methods of bringing Disney into the classroom; taking a safe and enjoyable "babymoon" to Disneyland; planning a summer trip to the park ar...
Apr 16, 2017•1 hr 9 min
Welcome to Mousetalgia's super-sized Cast Member Corner! This week, we celebrate 30 years of the Disney Store by taking a look at the past three decades of various formats for the retail destination, and we talk to two veteran Disney Store Cast Members about their time working for Disney - the training, the merchandise, and the people and guests that have made the Disney Store a shopping experience unlike any other. Then, we continue our special edition of Mousetalgia with a conversation with pr...
Apr 09, 2017•1 hr 3 min
Dave and Becky are back from two weeks at the Walt Disney World Resort and share some stories of the culture shock between west coast and east coast Disney vacationing. From underwhelming food offerings (with some stand out exceptions) to living on property and getting around the resort, we discuss some typical Walt Disney World experiences, and try to offer a Team Mousetalgia perspective on the basic Walt Disney World experience. Does renting a car ever make sense? Which resorts are worth the c...
Apr 02, 2017•1 hr 5 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia hosts another Emporium of topics, including: our review of Beauty and the Beast, the latest blockbuster from Walt Disney Pictures; Disney California Adventure's Food and Wine Festival, and Kristen's take on the various offerings; Disneyland's 50th anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean weekend celebration, with reports on the limited time food offerings, the (lack of) merchandise, and the overall pirate excitement; and our take on how Disneyland's new rules about cam...
Mar 26, 2017•1 hr 3 min
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 pavi...
Mar 18, 2017•1 hr 32 min
Disney trivia champion and historian Joseph Titizian joins Team Mousetalgia this week to begin a two-week celebration of Pirates of the Caribbean's 50th anniversary. Join us as we look at the press coverage of the grand opening of Disneyland's Pirates attraction, and then trace the history of the attraction back to its initial roots as a wax museum. Then, we discuss New Orleans Square, and take a look at the Pirates Arcade Museum, the One-of-a-Kind Shop, and Walt's Royal Suite, which has also be...
Mar 12, 2017•1 hr 2 min
Comedian and podcaster Tim Babb returns to join Team Mousetalgia this week to discuss Disneyland's new no-parking-on-Main-Street rule, and general queuing etiquette. When is it okay to save places in lines for parades and attractions? As the parks get more crowded, are there unspoken rules that guests should follow? We weigh the pros and cons of hopping in and out of lines. Plus, we stay on top of recent listener email, with topics including making magic for others in the parks (pin-giving vs. p...
Mar 05, 2017•1 hr 9 min
This week, Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, joins Mousetalgia to talk about planning your next Disney vacation. We cover multiple topics, including value vacations, luxurious vacations, Disneyland, Walt Disney World, VIP Guides, Disney cruises, Disney for families, Aulani, getting the best bang for your Disney buck, and more. Then, we speak with Christopher Schmidt, author of The Complete Guide to runDisney: Disneyland Edition, to talk about his new book, which deals with everything you co...
Feb 26, 2017•1 hr 10 min
Team Mousetalgia discusses Disneyland's 21 Royal Street. We discuss this deluxe dining opportunity offered only at the Disneyland Resort inside of Disneyland Park, and we weigh the value of the meal. Does the $15,000 price tag make any kind of sense in comparison with other extravagant Disney experiences? We describe our reactions to the exclusivity, the price tag, the morality of spending so much on a single meal, and the value of Disney experiences. Then, we take another look at the D23 Disney...
Feb 19, 2017•53 min