Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

Team Mousetalgia takes you back to Arendelle - er, the Hyperion Theater, that is - as we enjoy the sounds of summer '16 at the Disneyland Resort. First, we review "Frozen - Live at the Hyperion," and offer our initial reactions to the new musical that made a splash by replacing the popular "Aladdin" stage show. Does it live up to the hype? We dissect what works for us, and what doesn't. Then, we take an audio tour of the parks and enjoy the sounds of summer, including clips of the Straw Hatters, the Dapper Dans with Ragtime Robert, The Pearly Band, the Frontierland Orchestrion, Club 1901's Hollywood Big Shots, and the All American College Band. Plus - we celebrate Independence week with a Johnny Tremain giveaway!

Team Mousetalgia celebrates the summer by welcoming Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti back to the show today as we investigate Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Join us on the lanai as we reminisce about the history and development of this famous attraction, from its roots as a proposed Chinese restaurant through its present day acclaim with the recent resurgence in the popularity of Polynesian culture. Kurtti, author of "Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends," talks about the early days of WED Enterprises, the cultural trends that enabled the Tiki Room to succeed, and the famous Sherman Brothers song that ties the whole show together. Also - we unveil the secrets to some of Trader Sam's most closely guarded drink recipes, and take a look at the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland.

Team Mousetalgia reviews "Finding Dory" and looks back over 399 shows on this special 400th episode! First, we look back at almost 8 years of Mousetalgia and we talk about things we've learned, reminisce about awkward moments, and share a few of our favorite moments from the show. We also welcome special guest Beci Mahnken of Mouse Fan Travel to the show to help us celebrate. Then, Jeff and Kristen review "Finding Dory" and Pixar's latest short "Piper" to share our spoiler-free initial impressions as well as some box office news about the release. Also - we talk about the news that Disneyland will be gaining another 4-diamond resort hotel, and share our opinions about the development. Plus - if you'd like to get even more Mousetalgia than a show a week, consider joining Mousetalgia Plus. Our "Plus" episodes begin this week! Visit MousetalgiaPlus.com for more information.

This week, the Team Mousetalgia doctor is in to dispense a little therapy related to Disney's latest crop of live action films. For various reasons, we haven't been hitting every film on opening weekend lately and we ask why. Kristen skipped Jungle Book, Jeff skipped Alice (along with most everyone else), and Becky skipped Zootopia, so we check in with each other to find out what we look for in Disney releases to give us the incentive to get to the theater. Then, Jeff reviews the forthcoming book "Disney Parks Presents The Haunted Mansion," a gorgeous art book masquerading as a children's read-along. Plus - AP holders can get popcorn and drink refills for a buck for a limited time, and Becky breaks down the costs and we weigh in with our concerns. Is it really a valuable addition to the passholder experience? We'll report and you can decide. Don't forget to grab a t-shirt (just a few days left!) at mousetalgia.com/tshirt , and you can now join Mousetalgia Plus for EVEN MORE MOUSETALGIA! Just head over to mous

Team Mousetalgia talks to Disney Legend Dave Smith, the founder of the Disney Archives, about his new book, "Disney Facts Revealed." We talk about Dave's career of answering Disney fans' questions about the studio, and he discusses the easiest and hardest questions he has answered about Disney; his background as the original archivist for the Disney Studio, and stories covering everything from the Darby O'Gill banshees to Elias Disney's cache of priceless paperwork. Bonus - we host our own "Ask Dave" segment! Next, Mousetalgia talks collectibles by comparing the recent "Ghost Post" vs. Disneyland Park Pack blind boxes from DisneyStore.com - which beats expectations, and which leaves Team Mousetalgia wanting? Also - we talk trivia, and we ask you to help us celebrate our 400th episode! From now to June 12, please consider voting for Mousetalgia at podcastawards.com; buy our latest t-shirt from now through June 19; and send your vocal tracks for "A Very Merry 400th" to comments@mousetalgia.com. Find the lyrics

Mousetalgia reports on "Wish Upon a Star: The Art of Pinocchio," the latest special exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum. First, Jeff reports on a talk by animation historian John Canemaker in a presentation focusing on an analysis of two of Pinocchio's lead animators: Bill Tytla and Milt Kahl. Then, we have a review of the exhibition, and we discuss historian Robin Allan's take on the Blue Fairy. Plus, in honor of Memorial Day, we play a wartime radio speech Walt Disney gave explaining the studio's role in the war effort in July of 1943 on "The March of Time." Also - a listener shares super tips for having a successful Disneyland honeymoon, Jeff gives you a chance to get a little whistle, Mousetalgia "Inner Space" t-shirts are now on sale, Kristen tries Oculus Rift, and we talk about Muppet pizza, Disney LEGO Minifigs, Disneyland MyMagic+ plans, and more. Plus, please vote for us in the Podcast Awards. We appreciate your support for our nomination, and now we need daily votes for our chance to win. Vi

It's back to the Mousetalgia Mailbag! This week's questions include: Touring the Disneyland Reort with youngsters - how young is too young? Watching YouTube videos of Disney attractions - how much do they spoil the in-person attraction experience? Disneyland FastPass strategies - where to start, and how to maximize your experience. Plus - Disneyland Paris tips for quick trips, Walt Disney World must-dos, Disneyland snacks, a very awkward Jungle Cruise moment, celebrating a "Disneymoon" - and more!

Dave and Becky report on their recent experience at the Disneyland Tinker Bell Half Marathon, and talk about the state of runDisney, the race experience and routes, the switch to PhotoPass for Disney's half marathon photography, and runDisney's new virtual 5K runs. Also, Van Eaton Galleries will be hosting another Disney auction, and we welcome Mike Van Eaton to the show to discuss some of the jaw-dropping items that will be featured in June's "Collecting Disney" auction. From the original score to "Minnie's Yoo Hoo" to a Mickey Mouse doll that Walt Disney gave to a dear friend from his time in France during WWI, the new auction continues to amaze Disneyana collectors with materials from Kay Kamen, the original Mickey Mouse Club, the studio's early feature films, "lost" materials, rare toys - and more. Plus - a sad week for Disney, Dixieland Band Camp memories, "Minnie-ature" Cream Lip Stain, and more.

A team of Imagineers recently spoke about the ins and outs of starting a career as an Imagineer, and Jeff reports on the panel discussion. Hosted at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Imagineers Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, Frank Stanek and Tom Morris spoke candidly about how to enter the field of theme park attraction design, including topics such as the right attitude and training, your portfolio, the best entry jobs to launch a career in Imagineering, and more. As a bonus, Sklar and Baxter offered surprising personal opinions about hot topics including Star Wars Land and Magic Bands. Next - Slingbacks, strollers and snacks, oh my: we talk toddlers at the park as Kristen reports on her first time at Disneyland with her 16 month old daughter and offers tips and tricks for a successful trip. Topics include Photopass woes, dealing with character fears, attraction options, Toon Town vs. A Bugs Land, and character breakfast options. Plus - we look at some of Disney's most ominous mothers - and more!

'Tis the season to book your summer trips, so Team Mousetalgia takes our annual look at Disneyland Resort hotels and a variety of area lodging options, and we offer tips and advice to make your trip a success. First, we present the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each of the Disneyland resort hotels (Paradise Pier, The Disneyland Hotel, and the Grand Californian) and discuss amenities, food, family activities, convenience, and more. Then, we mention our top alternate hotels, and also look at the most convenient hotels to the park. We also take a quick look at what to think about before staying in a bargain hotel. Next, Jeff reports on a special sneak preview of the upcoming book with the working title "Marc Davis Goes to WED," which will carefully detail the incredible design work Davis did for Imagineering after he left Walt Disney Animation. Written by authors Chris Merritt and Pete Docter, the book is a definite must-have for Disney fans. Plus - a haunting comic book signing; our favorite Disney

Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning composer John Debney to the show today to talk about his score for Jon Favreau's "The Jungle Book," as well as his incredible career and history with the Walt Disney Company - from his start at the studio with Buddy Baker as a mentor, to his recent collaboration with legendary songwriter Richard Sherman to work on songs for this new score. Also, Jeff discusses "The Jungle Book" and shares initial reactions to the groundbreaking film. Then, Kristen reports on Disneyland Resort's Food and Wine Festival, and discusses the variety of booths, the food options, and the best bites she encountered at the event. Finally, we return to talk about Disney's "Ghost Post" subscription experience, and Kristen describes the in-park elements of Disney's first interactive box of souvenirs as she follows the cry of the Haunted Mansion ghosts for help with their predicament. Plus - Hallmark's iffy Disneyana; a Life Magazine special on Walt Disney; new Disney Crui

Team Mousetalgia dives into the depths of Disney history today by welcome Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show to talk about studying Disney. With the changes in media over the past few years, the line between enthusiast and historian has blurred, and Titizian shares his background and journey from fan to historian; discusses how Disney helps historians with libraries and archives; explores the history of Disney history books; and offers tips for aspiring historians to make their mark in the field of Disney history. Next, Mousetalgia welcomes Christopher Wing to the show to discuss his latest adventure. Wing recently took flight and made it to all the Disney theme parks around the world in eighty hours. Learn all about the logistics of scheduling flights, luggage, and connections; and relive the drama of near-misses and forgotten iPads. Plus - a WDW Dark Side 5K report; the triumphant return of Awkward Disney Moments - and more!

It's a jam-packed Mousetalgia Emporium this week as Team Mousetalgia takes you all over the Disney galaxy! "The Force Awakens" Blu-ray finally hits the shelves, and we talk about our favorite bonus features from the loaded disc of extra content. The "Rogue One" trailer also dropped last week, and we talk about the newest stellar heroine from that galaxy far, far away. Disney's Ghost Post Haunted Mansion subscription boxes have hit the doorsteps of the lucky 999 mortals foolish enough to join the fun, and we detail some of the special features of this intriguing happening that is equal parts collectible and experience. Also - Tom Staggs retires, and Walt Disney World brings digital pressed penny machines into service. Plus - the story of Sally Slater; Disney Crossy Road gets spoopy, D23 announces Destination D; Fusion releases an intriguing documentary about the making of Zootopia - and more.

This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you with us to the recently-held Silicon Valley Comic Con, with a focus on the Disney-related aspects of this new pop culture convention including a conversation about the showroom, Stan Lee and his Marvel-ous contributions to the current Disney media empire, and a presence we haven't felt since... well, since the last time we were in a theater to see Star Wars. The writers for The Big Bang Theory also share some moments from their own galaxy far, far away. We also discuss the crowds, the atmosphere, and Kermit the Frog's elevator crush, Lea Thompson. Plus, Shawn Marshall of ParksandCons.com joins us to offer his top 10 tips for surviving conventions and having a successful con experience. Also - Disney's Gracey Manor Ghouls use some very familiar artwork; Select Brands shares their Disney product lineup; Magic Kingdom and Jungle Book apps reviewed; and the D23 Expo dates are announced for 2017.

Team Mousetalgia discusses Bambi, one of Time Magazine's "Top 25 Horror Films," and we look at the life of Disney Legend Tyrus Wong. Join us and learn about Retta Scott's animation for the film, take a brief look at the production of Bambi, and listen to our talk with Academy Award-winning animator and historian John Canemaker about Wong. We learn about Tyrus's childhood and early influences, his education and interest in art history both European and Asian, and how his work was used during his short time at the Walt Disney Studios. Next, Mousetalgia helps a listener with a question about taking a three year old to Disneyland for a birthday. What can she do to make the trip extra special for her child? Also, since celebrity has taken over our political discourse, we wonder which Disney notables might make a good President. Plus - enjoying Disneyland with senior citizens; a listener reports on a Marty Sklar event - and more!

Mousetalgia reviews Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters in Dave and Becky's latest trip report. Does Luigi's character carry the day, or is this attraction too slow to impress? Other trip report topics include the amenities at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; the Disneyland Resort Egg-stravaganza; VIP seating for the Paint the Night Parade; and the benefits of Disneyland's Signature Annual Passport. Also, Don Morin, creator of the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, joins Mousetalgia to announce this year's talent line up and describes what you might expect from a trip to Seattle this July to visit this convention made by Disney fans, for Disney fans. Stacia Martin, Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar will be joining the Mouse Meet this year, and the event provides fans a chance to get up close with these Disney celebrities. Plus - we announce the inaugural Mousetalgia Platinum Pen Award; Disney releases (and immediately sells out of) "Ghost Post" Haunted Mansion crates; Disney announces a new Indiana Jones film with Ford

Come sail away with Mousetalgia! This week we welcome Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, to the show to discuss everything you need to know about the latest offerings from the Disney Cruise Line, and how to best plan for a Disney cruise. Topics include the "Star Wars Day at Sea"; when to book for the best rates; specialty cruises including runDisney-themed sailings; how to budget for your trip; spa and shopping options; comparisons with non-Disney cruise lines; Alaska vs. the Caribbean; dealing with motion sickness; exclusive Disney-only entertainment opportunities; the advantages of using travel professionals to book your cruise, and more. Next, Jeff talks about '60s horror media in America and Japan and how it influenced the design of the Haunted Mansion. Plus a listener's romantic tale - and as a Disney fan, what do you do when your friends and family don't trust or want your Disney opinions?

Team Mousetalgia reviews Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest feature Zootopia on this week's episode, and we talk about the latest in a line of critically acclaimed hits from Pixar's sister studio. We'll tell you what worked and what to look for in this anthropomorphic whodunnit - all spoiler free! We also discuss Disneyland's move to tiered seasonal pricing, and what it might mean for the future. In other topics on the show, the "Small World" movie gets writers; LEGO Disney Minifigs announced; changes over at D23; and we remember Disney Legend Jack Lindquist, who passed away on Feb. 28.

Team Mousetalgia returns to our overflowing inbox to catch up on your burning questions, and topics include: Searching for nightlife at the Disneyland Resort; locker rentals at the park; trip budgeting; limos from LAX; the value of an Annual Passport during park construction; blu-ray storage; adult experiences at the parks; Disneyland bests and worsts; comparing the Land versus the World for first-time guests; Disneyland marriage proposals; listener trip reports; and more. Plus - Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet ticket sales are announced, Pixar's slow cooker, and music reviews of Voice Play and Peter Alden.

Jeff and Kristen bring you dueling trip reports on today's episode of Mousetalgia as we discuss the current Annual Passholder Days happening this month at Disneyland Park. Kristen gets adventurous while Jeff trips the park fantastic, but the rare character photo ops leave Kristen stewing and Jeff hopping. Other topics of discussion include Disneyland's new Inspired Photography, the state of Frontierland, and the parked trains and steamboat. We also do some dining reviews, and discuss the revamped barbecue menu at River Belle Terrace, the offerings at Wine Country Trattoria, breakfast at Steakhouse 55, and the Paint-the-Night meal-to-go reserved viewing package. Also - Animators Tom and Tony Bancroft get bawdy, and we host a live D23 Gold Member gift unboxing!