This week, we talk about rings prehistoric and nuptial as we discuss the new Marvel Studios film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as planning a Disney Fairytale Wedding at the Disneyland Resort. First, Kristen and Jeff talk about the new film, which is Kristen's favorite in the Marvel pantheon. We give a spoiler-free review and consider the characters, the romance or lack thereof, and the new stage being set by Marvel for the future of their tales of the Avengers. Then, Jeff is...
Sep 19, 2021•1 hr 15 min
This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome Disney Legend Hayley Mills to the show. Enjoy our insightful chat about her time spent making films for the Disney Studios as a child, her family life, her career before and after Disney, and her relationship with her parents and Walt Disney himself. Plus - listen for a chance to win a copy of Hayley Mills' new memoir "Forever Young" signed by Hayley herself!
Sep 12, 2021•43 min
This week, Mousetalgia welcomes the crew of our latest project to the show to discuss their new podcast - the Mousetalgia FastPass! In an interview recorded live from the Hollywood Backlot at DCA, the FastPass crew share some of their inspirations, history, park favorites, and insights regarding who they are and how they intend to go about sharing the news of Disneyland Resort with their listeners every week. Plus - Team Mousetalgia share some Disney collectible fails! We talk about our biggest ...
Sep 05, 2021•41 min
This week, join Team Mousetalgia as we speak with legendary Disney producer Don Hahn about his latest project, a short film about Walt Disney's "Storybook Mansion," the house Walt built on Woking Way and lived in with his family from 1932 until he bought his next home in 1949 and moved into in 1950. Don speaks with us about the property, why we are so interested in Walt's personal life, and visiting the place with Disney Legend Floyd Norman. Also - Pirate bird nests, collectible calendars, cance...
Aug 29, 2021•52 min
This week, Mousetalgia speaks with author and historian Don Ballard about the rich history of the Disneyland Hotel. We discuss the reasons Walt asked businessman Jack Wrather to open the hotel next to Disneyland, and the early guest experience at the hotel, including memories about restaurants, the mid century atmosphere, and the hotel's legacy through the changes it has made over the years. Plus - we discuss exploring Disneyland's massive properties attic, and more!
Aug 22, 2021•48 min
This week, in honor of the anniversary of Fess Parker's birthday, Team Mousetalgia takes a look back at the legacy of Parker's post-Disney business ventures, and we consider how he might have been influenced by Walt Disney to take bold steps into the world of themed entertainment. Then, we answer your emails about horrible moments at Disneyland, WDW vacation planning, enjoying solo trips, listeners "calling in," and more.
Aug 15, 2021•1 hr 8 min
This week, in honor of the Haunted Mansion's 52nd anniversary, Team Mousetalgia looks at some of the new Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise coming from Target and Spirit just in time for Halloween, and we consider a new key being offered to the old house on the hill. Then, we take a look at Disneyland Resort's new Magic Key program, and contemplate how it compares to previous annual pass programs and the ramifications for current park attendees. We may have more questions than answers, but we st...
Aug 08, 2021•59 min
This week, Jeff discusses his summer vacation to Aulani - A Disney Spa and Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, and talks about a stay at the resort. We discuss the DVC accommodations, the resort's amenities, the dining opportunities, all the pools, and the planning that goes into a trip to Aulani. Then, Jeff and Kristen discuss the latest film from the Walt Disney Studio "The Jungle Cruise," starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. We talk about returning to theaters in the midst of the COVID pandemic a...
Aug 02, 2021•1 hr 17 min
This week, visit the wonderful world of Alice in Wonderland with Mousetalgia as we talk to two theme park design experts about the original Alice attraction which opened in 1958 at Disneyland. Former Imagineers Chris Merritt and Don Carson talk all about the history, the design, and the sounds of this quintessential Fantasyland dark ride. Don also shares the story of his development of a VR ride-through of the original attraction. Plus, in honor of 666 episodes of this podcast, we talk about som...
Jul 25, 2021•44 min
This week, Mousetalgia reviews some recent Disney media, starting with a report on a Barnes and Noble panel discussion about "Star Wars - the High Republic." Jeff discusses this virtual event, which featured authors of some new book releases. Then, it's "Delish Does Disney" vs. "Disney Villains: Devilishly Delicious Cookbook." Jeff and Kristen review these latest culinary book releases which are both based on Disney magic, but do the recipes deliver? Finally, we take a look at Luca, and host our...
Jul 18, 2021•1 hr 10 min
On this week of Disneyland's 66th birthday, join Team Mousetalgia as we look back into the park's past to the years 1959 and 1985. First, we speak with Beverly Fellows, who worked in Disneyland's Indian Village in 1959. Beverly shares her memories of a well-paying summer job in a park filled with happy people and amazing new attractions. Then, we welcome Barbara Brock back to the show to talk about Disneyland's 30th anniversary "Gift-Giver Extraordinaire" promotion in 1985 from an insider's view...
Jul 11, 2021•49 min
This week, join Mousetalgia for a fascinating conversation with former Imagineer Ethan Reed. Ethan tells us his origin story which includes his childhood trips to Disneyland, his love of Donald Duck and animation, and his introduction to Walt Disney Imagineering. We also discuss his work for the company including character design work for the Duffy and Friends franchise (and the mania surrounding the Duffy bear); work on Camp Woodchuck; animating Mr. Potato Head; and his character design work fo...
Jul 04, 2021•1 hr 15 min
This week, Jeff takes his daughters to Disneyland for Father's Day, which happened to be the first weekend that the resort welcomed out of state guests back into the parks and also relaxed their mask and social distancing rules, per guidance from the state and CDC. Jeff talks about returning to the Grand Californian Hotel, and we review the pool and the hotel's restaurants, with a focus on the Napa Rose's Summer Vintner's Table Menu. Then, we discuss the current park experience, and describe wha...
Jun 27, 2021•52 min
This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome author and historian Dave Bossert back to the show to discuss his latest book, "Claude Coats: Walt Disney's Imagineer: The Making of Disneyland From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond." Dave is joined on the show by retired Imagineer Alan Coats, who happens to be Claude's son and also contributed to the book. The two talk about Claude's impact on Disneyland by discussing his early career in animation, his contributions to the development of a...
Jun 20, 2021•1 hr 6 min
This week, Jeff shares stories from the grand opening of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure on June 4. We talk about the opening day crowds and how Disney struggled to deal with the crush of visitors who hoped to visit this new land on day one, and then we discuss some of the features of the new area, including the architecture, the attractions, the souvenirs, the entertainment, and the food.
Jun 13, 2021•1 hr 13 min
This week, Kristen takes us to the premiere of "Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume" at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, and joins D23's Jeffrey Epstein and Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, who share some behind-the-scenes stories about the development of the exhibition and discuss the value of costumes to on-screen storytelling. Then, we discuss America's return to the cinema, and we talk about getting back to community events and returning to the big scr...
Jun 07, 2021•1 hr 20 min
In this special episode, Kristen, Becky and special guest Jennifer share stories and tips about taking self-care trips to the park as primary caretakers. In this day-trip memoir, the panelists discuss snacking, shopping, touring Galaxy's Edge, the state of the park, friend trips vs. solo trips, and the art of taking a moment for yourself in the midst of family pressures and a worldwide pandemic.
May 30, 2021•44 min
This week, Mousetalgia speaks with Disneyland '55 alum Bob D'Arcy, who Walt called "the kid." Bob watched Disneyland being built and became the first Disneyland tour guide. In our exclusive interview, Bob talks about his first duties as a tour guide, some of his other tasks at the park, and some of his interactions with celebrities visiting the park and Walt himself. He also talks about his love affair with Judy "Slue Foot Sue" Marsh, who performed the role during the Golden Horseshoe's first ye...
May 23, 2021•46 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia continues their coverage of Disneyland's reopening with a number of topics, including how to choose which park to start your Disneyland day, and changes to the overall experience of the park and some specific attractions, including Haunted Mansion, Adventureland, and Snow White's Enchanted Wish. We also share our top tips for visiting the parks in the near future, and discuss what you will experience if you choose to shop in the parks, and what to expect at the end of...
May 16, 2021•52 min
Disneyland has reopened after being closed for over 400 days. From our own emotions about re-entering the park, to the interactions with Cast Members, to the different atmosphere in the park and the very limited food options - touring Disneyland is a very different experience in the era of COVID-19. In part one of a special two-part report, Team Mousetalgia discusses our return to Anaheim and how our expectations met reality as we embraced the new tone of the Disneyland experience.
May 09, 2021•59 min
Celebrate Star Wars with Team Mousetalgia on May the Fourth and all week long with some announcements from a galaxy far, far away, including new book releases, Star Wars VR news, Rogue One storyboard revelations, new LEGO releases - and the story of how Obi Wan Kenobi broke Jeff's heart. Then, it's on to the listener email inbox. Today's topics include: A discussion of Imagineer Jim Sarno, the magic of Disneyland, retired characters at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, returning to the annual pa...
May 02, 2021•1 hr 3 min
This week, Jeff reports on a trip to the Walt Disney Family Museum to visit the new exhibit "Walt Disney Studios and World War II." This new installation describes the studio's contributions to America's war effort, and describes how the studio was impacted by its work for the U. S. government. Then, the countdown has begun to the opening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and Kristen Carr checks in with the latest necessary info for making a return to the magic. Plus - we discuss so...
Apr 25, 2021•1 hr 2 min
A Touch of Disney, part two: This week, Jeff reports on a second trip to DCA and "A Touch of Disney" to look at some of the human/character interactions, and what it might mean for the imminent reopening of the resort. Kristen Carr also checks in with a countdown to Disneyland's reopening, describing the process of getting reservations, what to look forward to eating in the parks' first days of reopening, and a hotel review. Also - Team Mousetalgia remembers the 64-65 New York World's Fair, as w...
Apr 18, 2021•48 min
This week in Disney history - This week, we discuss a variety of topics, including: the world premiere of The Avengers, Euro Disneyland opens, Glen Keane's birth and Tutti Camarata's passing, Disney story artist Sylvia Holland (with special guest Didier Ghez); Tokyo Disneyland's opening, and Charlie Chaplin's influence on Walt Disney. Also - in honor of the anniversary of the opening of Disneyland's The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, we look to the future and decide what attraction will som...
Apr 11, 2021•56 min
This week, Jeff reports on "A Touch of Disney," and takes us along as he visits Disney California Adventure to try some familiar foods, walking along familiar avenues, in a familiar heatwave. We discuss the eating options, the shopping experience, and Jeff's overall impression of the soft-reopening of the Disneyland Resort. Also: We list our top five Disney film/series trailers; top five ways to relax with Disney, and Dave's top five Disney bars... er, bears. Plus, Kristen Carr keeps you in the ...
Apr 04, 2021•1 hr 9 min
This week, we present a Mousetalgia Emporium. First, we offer our impressions of the Raya and the Last Dragon, and host a brief discussion of the artistry, the music and the film's ideas of trust and friendship. We also talk to Michael Vargo, Vice President of D23, about the 2021 Gold Member Collector Set, and we discuss the contributions of Kevin and Jody to the set (which features 50 years of Walt Disney World) and the nature of collectibles. Next, we discuss the first episode of DisneyPlus' F...
Mar 28, 2021•56 min
This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Beci Mahnken (CEO, MEI/Mouse Fan Travel) back to the show to talk about what we can expect as COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen around the country and people start to plan to take their first post-pandemic Disney vacations. We talk Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruises, Aulani and Adventures by Disney, and help you figure out the ins and outs of booking future travel. Plus, don't miss Kristen Carr's opening day trip report from "A Touch of Disney,...
Mar 21, 2021•1 hr 9 min
What can happen in a year? Disneyland has been dark for over 365 days, but the Walt Disney Company has done remarkable things in the span of a year. Kristen takes us on a tour of Disney history in year-long segments, with topics including Walt's Alice comedies, the Wonderful World of Disney on TV, the construction of Disneyland, the studio's post-Walt era, and finally we discuss the year since Disneyland closed, and consider what to expect as the park begins to prepare to reopen. We also compare...
Mar 14, 2021•49 min
This week, we discuss collecting Disneyana during a pandemic, and we talk about what has changed and what has remained the same for memorabilia collectors as the world shut down for a year. Jeff talks about his own recent collecting, and we mention trading cards, autographs and virtual conventions, upcoming online Disneyana auctions, and our ongoing conversation about eBay tips and tricks. Then, Kristen Carr joins us for a conversation about Disney California Adventure's upcoming "A Touch of Dis...
Mar 07, 2021•1 hr 8 min
TG-it's-Mousetalgia! Today, get prehistoric with us as we go back to the '90s and discuss the conceptualization and development of ABC's "Dinosaurs," a puppet-based sitcom from ABC's popular TGIF line-up that has just been released on Disney+. Returning to the show is Emmy award-winning writer/producer Kirk Thatcher, who designed most of the characters after working directly with his mentor Jim Henson. Learn the fascinating history of this fun (and at times controversial) puppet series. Plus - K...
Feb 28, 2021•55 min
