This week, we offer some Mousetalgia Therapy regarding the loss of A Bug's Land, and then we take a look back at the history of Disney California Adventure. Has DCA gone full Meg Ryan? Is basing a land on properties focused on violent activities a good idea? We also discuss the ghosts of DCA; from the Soap Opera Cafe to Sunshine Plaza, we'll take a walk down memory lane and remember the attractions that have come and gone. We'll also discuss the nighttime entertainment from Glowfest to tea parti...
Apr 08, 2018•1 hr 14 min
Mousetalgia heads east once again, and Dave and Becky report from their kid-free trip to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. First, they spend some time at the Universal Orlando Resort, and talk about staying on Universal property, the front of line pass, Harry Potter's dominance, and all those screens - plus, the best meal of their whole vacation. Then, it's on to Walt Disney World, and a stay at Coronado Springs - Becky's new favorite moderate resort - and Epcot for "Flower &...
Apr 01, 2018•1 hr 6 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia speaks to Michael Vargo, VP D23 about the newly announced dates of the 2019 D23 Expo, and we discuss some upcoming changes and benefits exclusive to D23 Gold Members. Then, Kristen reports from Food and Wine at Disney California Adventure, and shares some of her favorite flavors, snacks, and experiences from the weekend - including a report on an exclusive Club 33 panel on Disney Animation History with Mark Henn, who talks about how a traditional animator finds his pl...
Mar 26, 2018•1 hr 27 min
This week, Mousetalgia talks everything Tokyo! Join us on a trip to Japan for some exclusive reports from the Tokyo Disney Resort. First, Neil Peterson, an American living in Tokyo, talks with Mousetalgia about the ins and outs of visiting the Tokyo Disney parks, and shares his tips and tricks about touring the Disneyland and DisneySea. Then we welcome Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mousefan Travel, back to the show to discuss her recent trip to the Japanese resort. Between our two guests, we discuss the ...
Mar 18, 2018•1 hr 10 min
Dive into a week in Disney history with Mousetalgia! Let's take a walk through a week in March throughout the history of the Walt Disney Company. Topics include Winnie the Pooh; Hazel George, Walt's nurse; Howard Ashman's legacy; Disney Afternoon at Disneyland; Harper Goff; and Mickey Mouse's appearance in Plane Crazy, his first cartoon. Also - Pete Docter and Aardman's Nick Park talk about the state of animation at the recently re-opened Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco, and Jeff reports. Pl...
Mar 11, 2018•1 hr 2 min
This week, Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti joins Mousetalgia to talk about his new book, "Travels with Walt Disney: A Photographic Voyage Around the World." Kurtti talks about his inspiration for the book, what Walt Disney means to him, and the stories behind the stories and photographs in the book. Learn about Walt's travels to movie locations, family cruises, riding the railways - and how it all culminates in his Magic Kingdom. Also - a listener calls in her Disney love story - and mor...
Mar 04, 2018•54 min
Join us for a Mousetalgia therapy session regarding Disneyland's increasing admission prices - what does it mean for the future of the passholder base and the traffic into the park? Then, Jeffrey Epstein, Director of Communications for D23 joins us to give us an inside scoop on some of the happenings at the D23 Expo Japan 2018. We discuss logistics, the differences between the D23 Expos in Japan and the United States, some of the news from the Expo... and shopping! Finally, we have an Olympic mo...
Feb 25, 2018•1 hr 15 min
Character artist Brigette Barrager discussed her work at a recent talk at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and she talked about her research on Mary Blair and the Walt Disney Studios in order to create her latest book, "Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair." She talked about the process, the story, and the importance of telling the story of Mary Blair's career. Also - Team Mousetalgia answers your emails! Topics: blaming locals for Disneyland crowds; searching for Carl Barks comi...
Feb 18, 2018•1 hr 15 min
This week, Mousetalgia celebrates romance with tales of love at Disneyland and beyond. Whether you are considering a Disneyland Fairy Tale Wedding of your own, or just want to enjoy the memories shared by others, these stories are sure to warm your heart. With four mini interviews, we discuss everything from the food, entertainment and location options Disneyland can provide to the simple love stories that tie everything together. And for those of you who like a little edge to your tales of nupt...
Feb 11, 2018•1 hr 10 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia reports on a recent talk at the Walt Disney Family Museum by author Marcy Carriker Smothers on her new book "Eat Like Walt," an emphatically researched book about Walt Disney and food, and how he and his company viewed the dining experience at his studio, his theme park, and in his personal life. Smothers talks about the variety of food at Disneyland park over its history, and tells stories about dumpster-diving and sleuthing to re-create secret recipes from the past....
Feb 04, 2018•55 min
This week, Mousetalgia discusses some recent exciting happenings at the Disneyland Resort. First, Mousetalgia correspondent John Garcia reports on "Throwback Nite," the first of a string of planned special ticket "Disneyland After Dark" events. John talks about the atmosphere, the food, the entertainment, and the special features that made this first in a series of Disneyland evening events a very special night. Then, Jeff reports on the latest Star Wars happenings at the resort, including a rev...
Jan 28, 2018•1 hr 25 min
This week we present an Emporium of topics. First, Disney historian David Koenig joins us to talk about the late Frank Pfannenstiel, who was the last Disneyland cowboy. Hired in 1954 and employed at the park for 33 years, Frank, a WW II Marine veteran, was hired to care for and train horses and mules for Walt's still-in-development Disneyland park. Frank drove a covered wagon for Disneyland's opening day parade behind Fess Parker, and worked at the Disneyland Pony Farm caring for the 200+ horses...
Jan 21, 2018•1 hr 18 min
This week, Mousetalgia digs in to the history of Walt Disney's Classic Sleeping Beauty, and we take a look at the development, the marketing, the exquisite art - and we review a panel discussion with animators and Disney Legends Floyd Norman and Burny Mattinson about the making of the film, held at the Walt Disney Family Museum in December. We also take a quick look back at Eyvind Earle's famous bicycle trip across the country, which helped to launch his career as a fine artist. Next, Kristen di...
Jan 14, 2018•1 hr 23 min
This week, we present a spoiler-filled review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the 8th installment in the Star Wars saga. But before that, let's talk DVC, and discuss the benefits and costs of joining the Disney Vacation Club. Is the cost of purchasing property in villas in deluxe Disney hotels worth the experience? Our special guest Heather Coursen discusses the ins and outs of being a DVC member, and tells us who DVC is for, and who should probably pass. Then, we talk everything "Last Jedi" in a s...
Jan 07, 2018•1 hr 27 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia hosts a roundtable discussion reviewing our strongest memories and opinions of Disney's past year. Topics include our favorite changes to the theme parks; the best books and purchases we've made through the year; our favorite movies from the various Disney studios in 2017; the best dining experience we've each had on a Disney property this year, our famous Oswald Award, which is awarded to events that may have missed their intended marks, and our favorite overall Disn...
Dec 31, 2017•52 min
For our special holiday episode, Mousetalgia hosted a Reddit-style AMA (Ask Mousetalgia Anything), and we have answers to your burning questions. Some of the topics include: Finding time to record shows, Cinderella's dress color, park pet peeves, favorite park eras, ABD wishes, Disney dream jobs, attraction mash-ups, ten minutes with Walt, favorite things to do at Walt Disney World, dealing with Disney burnout, Disneyland with toddlers, how Mousetalgia's team formed, what we love other than Disn...
Dec 24, 2017•1 hr 13 min
This week, Mousetalgia presents an Emporium of festive fun! First, we welcome Tim Babb from the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast to the show to host a happy holiday roundtable discussion about everything Christmas at the Disneyland Resort. Next, Dave and Becky review the Blue Bayou and its Fantasmic dining package, and we discuss the menu, the food, and the experience of watching Fantasmic from an exceptional vantage point. Finally, Jeff takes us to the recent Heroes and Villains convention in...
Dec 17, 2017•1 hr 9 min
Welcome to Star Wars week! We spend a few moments discussing Star Wars trivia, Star Wars clothing, and the "Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire" VR experience. Next, Jeff reviews "Foolish Mortals," the Popzilla Haunted Mansion art show that was hosted at Pop! Comics in Anaheim. Then, we discuss spending four hours in Disneyland - is it worth the cost of admission? We show you how to make the most of a quick trip. Also, Jeff shares some thoughts on Coco, and briefly reviews Pixar's latest masterpiec...
Dec 10, 2017•58 min
Thanksgiving Dinner at the Disneyland Hotel - we review the 2017 Thanksgiving buffet and discuss the food and entertainment, and compare the overall experience with previous years. Then we discuss the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure, and talk about some of the culinary opportunities available during the holiday season at the resort. Next, we return to the discussion about MaxPass, and add more to our ongoing review of Disneyland's new crowd management option. Plus, we discuss...
Dec 03, 2017•1 hr 22 min
It's a Mousetalgia mailbag! Topics include: DisneyLife, Disney's answer to Netflix, is launched internationally, and we have a user's review; a first trip to the Disneyland Hotel - is it worth the money? We discuss the benefits to staying on property; brief thoughts on writing Disney books; Disneyland VIP tours - the ins and outs; raising Disney kids; a listener reviews the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, Ariel's Grotto and MaxPass; Asian culture and its impact on the Asian Disney Parks is explai...
Nov 26, 2017•1 hr 2 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti back to the show to help us celebrate Mickey Mouse's 89th birthday by sharing some stories about his good friend Wayne Allwine, who was the voice of Mickey Mouse for many years. Jeff talks about how Mickey Mouse's voice progressed through the years, and shares about how Wayne's connection with the character developed over time. Jeff also talks about the creation story of Mickey Mouse, and we discuss the legendary tale t...
Nov 19, 2017•1 hr 17 min
This week, travel to China with Mousetalgia as Kristen concludes her series of reports from Asia with an overview of the Adventures of Disney tour experience. Joined by Mouse Fan Travel CEO Beci Mahnken, Kristen and Beci discuss Beijing, Hong Kong, the airports, the tour groups, the value of the experience, the elite ABD guides, and some all-time highlights from various Adventures by Disney excursions. As a bonus, they also review a dining experience in Club 33 in Shanghai Disneyland! Next, we p...
Nov 12, 2017•1 hr 17 min
Oscar-winning director and producer team Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera came to the Walt Disney Family Museum to share their secret stories from the making of "Inside Out," and Jeff reports on the event. The duo shared many secrets and their own personal photos and videos from behind the scenes while they were making the film, and they discuss how they developed the concept for the film which has become near and dear to the hearts of many people who either struggle with their feelings or know othe...
Nov 07, 2017•1 hr 4 min
Welcome to Mousetalgia's Halloween Specter-tacular! This year, we have a bountiful boo-tique of freaky features to make your Halloween a ghast - er, a gas! First, Jeff recounts the DoomBuggies 20th anniversary party held at the Winchester Mystery House on Friday, October 13th (with a special guest appearance by Ghost Host Peter Renaday... bwahaHA!) Then, Kristen takes us back to Hong Kong where she celebrated Halloween in China with a scary twist. Hear about the seasonal parade, the special even...
Oct 29, 2017•1 hr 23 min
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes historian and author Didier Ghez back to the show to discuss "They Drew as They Pleased" Volume 3: "The Hidden Art of Disney's Late Golden Age." Ghez takes us behind the scenes of his newest book and discusses the Character Model Department of the Disney animation studio in the '40s and discusses some of the key players, tells us why they are important, and gives some intriguing details about his latest deep dive into the history of Disney animation. Kristen also ...
Oct 22, 2017•1 hr 17 min
This week, Kristen takes us on her with a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland, and we talk about her experience, including: Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and other lodging options; free slippers; dining options, dim sum and restaurants; the weather and humidity, and spending time in the park. We discuss the similarities and differences between Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland in Anaheim, including how the layout and similar attractions compare to each other, the park food, the merchandise, and in depth...
Oct 16, 2017•1 hr 12 min
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Oscar Martinez, Disneyland's longest tenured cast member, to the show to talk about his 60-year career at Disneyland, 50 of which he spent at Carnation Café. Oscar talks about being hired at Disneyland, his job and retirement, and the state of dining at the resort. Then, Jeff reports on Halloween Time at Disneyland, with a focus on the new happenings at Disney California Adventure, and the seasonal food offerings throughout the resort. Finally, Jeff also takes us ...
Oct 08, 2017•1 hr 18 min
This week, travel with Kristen to Asia as she takes an Adventures by Disney trip to the Disney parks in both Shanghai and Hong Kong! This week, Kristen discusses Shanghai and the attractions (Tron's Lightcycles!), lodging, dining and cultural differences between that park and the experience we are used to in America. Hear the intricate details of touring with Adventures by Disney, and enjoy discovering the magic that the Disney theme parks offer in other cultures. Also, the Disney Store is rebra...
Oct 02, 2017•1 hr 22 min
This week, Mousetalgia offers an emporium of topics. First, Magical Memories in Las Vegas hosted a grand opening extravaganza with the cast and crew of the original Beauty and the Beast animated classic, and we are celebrating along with them with a recap and an extraordinary sweepstakes! Then, we share an article about unofficial Disney merchandise created by fans, and ponder Disney's response to the current surge in unofficial Disney-based merchandise that caters to the Disneybounding and Disn...
Sep 24, 2017•1 hr 9 min
This week, Mousetalgia starts getting spooky as Disneyland Resort begins its Halloween Time celebrating! We talk about Disneyland's expansion of Halloween to Disney California Adventure, and we discuss our favorite new features for the upcoming haunting holiday. Then, we take some time to remember Disney Legend X. Atencio, who passed away on Sept. 10 at the age of 98. We look at his early career with the Walt Disney Studio, and consider the contributions he made to company during his long and ac...
Sep 17, 2017•58 min
