Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

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 Disneyland's Main Street Opera House with trivia, history and a look at the making of the classic film. Then, after the crowds cleared out, attendees were able to visit a nearly-empty Fantasyland, enjoy a glass of wine, and ride the rides to their hearts' contents. Plus - Kristen shares a touching moment with Oscar; Tim takes a last tumble down the Tower, and Jeff places a call to the North Pole - it's the return of Tiny Tinsel!

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 Mousetalgia about his quarter century of giving life to Mickey Mouse and his friends. Jeff discusses the persistence of vision via Fields' famed "Art of Walt Disney" book, and then we continue our birthday celebration with a round table discussion of Mickey Mouse shorts, Mickey Mouse collectibles, Mickey Mouse in the parks, Mickey Mouse songs, and more. Plus - Disneyland Paris goes to hyperspace; tutus rule, Guardians take the tower - and more. Special note: Jeff will be appearing Saturday, Nov. 19 at Creature Features i

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 listener reports on the Bob Gurr Bus Tour of Walt's L.A.

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 Walt Disney Family Museum's recent Haunted Mansion panel called "Tales of Ghoulish Delight," which dealt with the history of the famous haunted house and featured some of Imagineer Kim Irvine's stories about how the Mansion has changed over the years. Plus - Jeff announces some appearances; a listener calls in a trip report - and more!

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, including a review of this year's treat trails, new projection effects on the castle and the ghosts of goats past. Plus bonus samples from the ride of the Headless Horseman, the Frightfully Fun Parade and the Cadaver Dans. Also - Kristen reviews "Maps of the Disney Parks; we talk about Disneyland's imminent digital Fastpasses; and Jeff announces the release of the second edition of "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion" and a Nov. 19 book signing at Creature Features in Burbank.

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." Then Team Mousetalgia answers some listener email questions, including: how to make Disneyland special for non-Disney people; the evolution of our Disney fandom; and runDisney hotel options and tips. Also, we have a special interview with Zachariah Abrams, CHOC's Director of Corporate Relations, about the upcoming CHOC Walk in the Park. Plus - Jeff is kicked off of a WDFM panel, Kristen keeps collecting Kevin and Jody, Becky finds some shoes, and Dave discusses Don Hahn's latest project.

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 with Walt; then she discusses the newest re-release of Beauty and the Beast on Blu-Ray and reveals some details from the bonus content. Finally, we discuss "Tinker Bell Talks," and Margaret Kerry's "accidental" release of her new autobiography. Plus: we discuss our Disneyland dreams and wonder what they mean.

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 (after a run-in with the Disneyland Ambassador program and roles in TV/radio broadcasting). Eddy talks about managing Disneyland's international publicity, becoming the resort's Global Sales Manager, and the importance of a little pixie dust. Eddy also dusts off the plaid vest and takes us back in time to his days as a VIP tour guide, with stories about Ted Dansen and his family, Disney Legend Robin Williams, Ed McMahon, and of course, tales of touring with Michael Jackson (in and out of disguise). Plus, we discuss ways

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 visits "Kevin and Jody: A Retrospective" show and sale at Pop! Comics. Finally, in a special segment, we investigate a mystery involving Disney's latest coffee table tome: "The Walt Disney Studios - A Lot to Remember" is recalled from online sellers and pulled off the shelves - but why? Bonus feature: Kristen calls in a report from D23's Seattle 25th anniversary screening of Beauty and the Beast, which featured comments from Beauty herself, Paige O'Hara. Plus listener email, more Mickey's Halloween Party Q & A - and mo

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 opening weekend of Halloween Time, and we discuss the changes to the Haunted Mansion (both permanent and holiday-oriented), and take a ride-through of the chilling new "lights out" version of the Tower of Terror. Plus - a listener's trip report of doing Disneyland solo, and we celebrate Dave's birthday!

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 Walt Disney World and feeling like WDW falls short. Is it okay to compare the two resorts, or should Disney fans hold a special place for all the parks in their hearts? Also, listener reports on Shanghai Disneyland and Steakhouse 55, and two runDisney reports - one on last week's Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, and one on runDisney's recent virtual races.  Plus - Tim Burton, Disney-themed t-shirts... and more.

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; listener trip reports; ideas for choosing area hotels; blending park touring with runDisney races - plus smelling your way through Disneyland.  

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 of Walt Disney's feature animation to the world. Rebecca describes the panels, the decorations, the events, and the transformation of the studio lot back to its earliest days in 1941. We also host a giveaway in honor of D23's latest Fanniversary celebration, and then it's an app check: Kristen reviews Dragon Spotting, Disney's app promoting the release of Pete's Dragon, and Disney Emoji Blast - two recent releases for mobile devices. Finally, Kristen offers an Empath's review of Pete's Dragon and explains why it should

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 navigate the waters between Disney Bounding, Halloween costumes and cosplay, and Rose gives us some stories from her experiences in the field. Also, we conclude our reporting on the Disney Store's "Ghost Post," and we describe the final in-park elements of the unique experience. Plus - Jeff launches a new Haunted Mansion podcast (surprise!) - and more.

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 the '40s as we discuss his new book "They Drew as They Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's Musical Years -The 1940s Part 1." We discuss why the '40s were considered musical years, the creation of the Disney Studios' music library, Fantasia - Walt's "playing field for invention," and Walt's opinion of women in animation in the Studio's earlier days. Plus - Team Mousetalgia talks Disneyland news, including discussion about parades coming and going and the new parking garage and sky bridge. Also - Newsies will be hitting

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 the Summer Games, we welcome former Olympian and Gold Medalist Ryan Millar to the show to talk Disneyland hotels, and we offer Disney suggestions for the new hotel announced for the resort. Plus - Kristen reviews "All Aboard: The Wonderful World of Disney Trains," and we dream about bringing back our favorite extinct Disneyland television shows.

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 sweet 16 birthday at Disneyland on Dapper Day. Plus, Jeff reviews the latest Haunted Mansion-inspired fiction book from Disney; Moana; Disneyland 2017 Resort reservations are now open - and more!

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 Sklar offers his impressions of Shanghai Disneyland, which he calls the finest Disney park ever built. Gurr also takes us on a brief trip through Disneyland, and Sklar talks about writing as the voice of Walt Disney himself, and discusses how Walt built WED from his best artists. Plus - Team Mousetalgia builds a fantasy fan convention; a listener visits Walt's Barn on Disneyland's birthday; Disney artist Stacia Martin speaks about the Disney Gallery - and more.

This week, Team Mousetalgia reports from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet 2016 near Seattle, WA. Topics include the D23 mixer the night before the meet, the show floor, and personal highlights from Mousetalgia listeners and attendees to the Mouse Meet (which happened to raise $12,000 for the Seattle Children's Hospital and Ryman Arts this year). Come behind the scenes with us as we talk about set-up snafus, run-ins with Disney Legends, and super-cold Dole Whips. We also speak with meet vendors, including the Jayme Twins, RecyclEARS, author Mike Fox, and Disney historian and author David Lesjak, who shares a story about an incredible piece of Disneyana he displayed at the event. Plus - Kristen reviews the Grand Legacy at the Park, Jeff is interviewed for a documentary, and Becky plans to go coast to coast. Stay tuned for next week, featuring our exclusive interviews with Disney Legends Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar. And happy 61st, Disneyland!

Team Mousetalgia takes you on a Forbidden Journey through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios with a very magical trip report. But first, we visit Disneyland to see the newly re-opened attractions including Soarin' Around the World, Autopia, the Matterhorn and the Jungle Cruise. Kristen offers a few tips regarding the VIP tours, and we offer an in-depth review of Soarin' - the sights, the scents, the CG. Then, we journey north to Universal Studios Hollywood to review the newly-opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and offer our insights into Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. We also take you on a whirlwind tour of Hogsmeade with stops at Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Zonko's, and the Three Broomsticks Inn. We compare the work of the Universal Creative team with the Disney Imagineers (many of whom have moved back and forth) and discuss what worked best and what may have missed the mark. Plus - Kristen visits and reviews an exhibition of Eyvind Earle artwork