Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian Joseph Titizian to the show today to celebrate the season with us. From the original Disneyland Circus Christmas Parade to the star atop the Matterhorn, we talk about Disneyland's Christmas celebrations over the years from the park's opening year to today. Parades evolved and the famous Disneyland Candlelight Processional was developed as Walt Disney honored the various cultures and commemorations of Christmas in Disneyland- one of which included a giant star atop the mighty Matterhorn that could be seen for miles. Also, Team Mousetalgia discusses a 1989 interview with John Lasseter about the future of computer animation - how much did he get right, and were his predictions about the future of animation prescient? Plus - we list our favorite Disney Christmas specials.. and more!

Disney and the World's Fair - Disney Legend Alice Davis talks to Jeff about attending the 1964 World's Fair, and she shares some personal recollections of her time visiting the Fair with Walt Disney and her husband Marc Davis, one of Walt Disney's "Nine Old Men." We also discuss the Walt Disney Family Museum's second recent presentation of "Walt Disney: A Giant at the World's Fair," and recap some of the memorable moments from that event. Also - Jeff shares an update on his customized Captain America action figure, and we discuss buying annual passes to Disneyland when you aren't a local - the perks, pitfalls, and possibilities. Plus, our dream corporate sponsors for Disney attractions: Taco Bell, an Audio-Animatronic Oprah, Hawaiian Airlines, Tesla - the possibilities are limitless!

Spencer Lacey Ganus, the voice of Teen Elsa from Frozen, joins Mousetalgia to bring some holiday cheer to the show. Also this week, Jeff discusses two new exhibitions being hosted at the Walt Disney Family Museum; one titled "All Aboard," which is about Walt Disney's history with and passion for locomotives, and one about Herman Schultheis and his notebooks, which documented many special effects and camera techniques utilized by the Disney Studio in the '30s and '40s. John Canemaker visited the WDFM to discuss his new book about the life and times of Schultheis, and Jeff reports from the event, and also reviews the new trains exhibit. Also: Turner Classic Movies has announced their sponsorship of the Great Movie Ride at Walt Disney World, and Mousetalgia discusses what the colaboration might mean and celebrates some of Disney's "vaulted" material returning to television via the TCM channel. D23 launches the "D23 Days of Christmas," and offers Mousetalgia listeners an exclusive sweepstakes. Plus, Scott Valenti

Walt Disney's birthday special edition! This week, Mousetalgia welcomes director/producer Don Hahn back to the show to help us celebrate the 113th anniversary of Walt's birth. First, Hahn discusses "Christmas with Walt," his film about Walt Disney's personal holiday celebrations with his family and his studio, which is screening this month at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Next, Jeff discusses a 1942 article from Family Circle magazine about Walt Disney and the studio during the war years, which describes the struggles the studio went through to continue to provide quality entertainment despite great obstacles. Finally, we present Mousetalgia's annual Christmas gift idea roundtable, covering stocking stuffers, kids' gifts, the hard-to-shop-for Disney fan, and the ultimate dream gift. From Frozen Band-Aids to a night in a themed suite at the Disneyland Hotel, we cover many angles to Disney-themed holiday shopping. Plus, Elsa the Mall Queen, Disney lawn ornaments - and more!

Dave and Becky report on the Avengers Half Marathon weekend at Disneyland, and describe the inaugural Marvel runs and the courses, costumes and characters they came across during the races, as well as the Expo associated with the event. Team Mousetalgia also discusses the official opening of the holidays at the Disneyland Resort, and we talk about the decor, the new Frozen-enhanced World of Color holiday show, the DCA tree lighting ceremony, holiday shopping and snacking, and a trip on the improved Jingle Cruise - now with more fruitcake! Then we review character dining with Minnie and Friends for breakfast at Disneyland's Plaza Inn, and compare and contrast it with the resort's other character dining experiences. Also, Star Wars is in the news - the Hollywood Reporter reports on Disney's attempts to disrupt social media's appetite for Star Wars spoilers, and we wonder - would Disney pull the Star Wars license from Hasbro over Tinsel Town politics? You be the judge! Plus, D23 celebrates The Little Mermaid; gi

Touring the parks with a 7-year-old: this week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Jeff's recent trip to the park with his daughter as the parks unveil their holiday spendor. The decorations are up, the Frozen Christmas Day special has been filmed, and the Christmas Fantasy Parade is now showing at Disneyland Park. Jeff discusses a magic moment with Peter Pan, meeting Hiro and Baymax from Big Hero 6, hitting rope drop, enduring the World of Color wet zone, and the Mad T Party - is it for young kids? Also, we take a look back at Luigi's Flying Tires as Jeff takes a last flight, and offer our own spoiler free Big hero 6 movie review. Plus, we take another look at Anaheim's Lemon Tree Hotel - and if you could have a super power at a Disney park, what would it be?

Walt Disney Imagineering develops Spirit Photography for the Magic Kingdom's Haunted Mansion gift shop, and we have an exclusive interview about the project. Mousetalgia welcomes Imagineers Jim Clark, Brian Crosby, and Daniel Joseph to the show to discuss the inspiration, the creative process, and some of the magic behind the amazing new custom changing portraits that park guests can purchase at the Memento Mori store at WDW. Finally, a ghost really can "follow you home" from the Haunted Mansion when you purchase this innovative new park souvenir which is currently only available in the Orlando park. Also, Disney's tinseltown updates - Star Wars wraps, Toy Story 4 rapped, and the rap about Fantasmic's new FastPass options coming next month - Kristen outlines the various dining package opportunities, and the team discusses. Plus, anticipating next weekend's Avengers Half Marathon - and where should Figment go, if he needs to relocate? 

Back to the Mousetalgia email inbox! Topics include our favorite Disney related iPhone apps; planning for travel during Disneyland's 60th Anniversary; Imagineer dream teams; searching for Tim Babb; touring Disneyland as an adult during the holiday season; downgrading premiere to premium annual passes; Disneyland area dining during Christmastime; reimagining Tomorrowland - should it go retro, Marvel, or into the future? Popcorn bucket madness; our recommendations for posing babies in the Park; Oh, Canada... and an ode to Mousetalgia, the Mecca of Disney nerdiness! Plus - a Mousetalgia challenge is accepted and conquered!

It's a horrorific Halloween special edition of Mousetalgia, as we talk pumpkins, haunted hotels and hat boxes! First, Mousetalgia talks to Disney artist and pumpkin carver extraordinaire Bridget McCarty about her art background, her work for Disney, and her incredible pumpkins, which she carves in person in Big Thunder Ranch at Disneyland. Bridget even shares some professional pumpkin decorating tips! Next, we take a frightened peek into the history of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and talk about its intriguing Mel-Brooks-inspired beginnings, its terrifying special effects, and a listener's special personal journey into the fifth dimension. Finally, the Hat Box Ghost may finally be making his way back into the Haunted Mansion, and Jeff shares some speculation as to what the character's re-introduction to the Mansion might entail. Plus - Mousetalgia says goodbye to a dear friend, the Avengers trailer is released, we host a sweepstakes with 13 unlucky winners - and more!

Mousetalgia reports on "An Affair of the Art," the Ryman Arts annual fundraiser held at the home of Disney Legend Marty Sklar, which raises funds to help offer art training to high school students. This year, the event was focused on Herb Ryman's history with the circus, and featured a panel discussing the sketches and artwork Ryman created while he traveled with the Ringling Brothers circus while he was away from Disney in 1949-51. We'll discuss the food, atmosphere, and experience of this benefit party hosted up in the hills above LA. Also, Jeff and Kristen visited Chili John's in Burbank, one of Walt Disney's favorite places to eat chili when he could escape the studio for a breather. We review the food, the establishment, and its mysterious ties with last summer's Optimist alternate reality game. Plus - new Haunted Mansion merchandise continues to flow into the park, and Jeff takes a look at the history of Disney's Haunted Mansion-themed collectibles.

Culinary delights at the Disneyland Resort! This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses Halloween holiday treats and dishes available throughout the resort, bringing a plethora of new tastes and flavors to park guests. From pork tamales at Rancho del Zocalo to the elusive pumpkin beignet, we explore various limited-time food options available this season. Is the Raspberry Magnolia Lemonade or the Tropical Habinero Punch worth $6.29? And does blue "ooze" belong on any food anywhere? Next, we review the new Club 33 dinner menu, and talk about absinthe, custom-made diamond ice cubes from locally sourced spring water, talking vultures, and Chef Andrew Sutton's new exceptional prix fixe offerings. Finally, Kristen is invited to the Club 33 Oktoberfest at Disney California Adventure, and describes the popular event, including chicken dancing, an oompah band, posing with Snow White all seven dwarfs, and food, food and more food. Also - the Haunted Mansion gets a store in Florida; roaming characters cause agita; Kristen ma

Team Mousetalgia examines Kansas City's haunted Sauer Castle as a possible influence on a young Walt Disney in today's episode. Might Walt's personal connection to the Sauer descendants have had an effect on his perception of haunted houses, and even his future Haunted Mansion? We tell the story, and you can decide. Also, we talk about New Orleans Square at Halloween Time, and discuss tricks, treats, and special celebrations of the spooking season that you'll only find in the park's own Big Easy. Topics include meeting Jack Skellington, eating popcorn with Jack's Ghost Dog Zero, and trying to find a pumpkin beignet. Then we go back to the e-mailbag, and discuss Disneybounding, listener trip reports, and east coast vs. west coast parks. Plus - our predictions about the Submarine Voyage; Danny Elfman visits Haunted Mansion Holiday to advertise his upcoming concerts - and more!

Marc Davis: Walt's Renaissance Man: Animators Andreas Deja and Bob Kurtz recently visited the Walt Disney Family Museum to host a presentation about Marc's technique, work, and influence - as well as his fine art and Papua New Guinnea studies (and we even have a special exclusive guest appearance by Alice Davis!) Next, Kristen attends the D23 Fanniversary event in Seattle, Washington, and offers her own review of the event, the attendees, and the moments that stood out to her. Then we continue to catch up on Mousetalgia's listener email, with topics including what to expect from a May visit to the park, combining annual passes and tickets to get a Premier Pass; binge-listening to Mousetalgia's archives, and more. Plus: If you had to convert a Disneyland attraction to a Frozen-themed ride, which would you choose?

Halloween time at Disneyland Resort - Join us in an exploration of Dia De Los Muertos, the Halloween Carnival, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Haunted Mansion Holiday, Halloween treats and decor... Team Mousetalgia shares our tips and advice to help you make the most of your Halloween Time visit to Disneyland. From spooky tours to terror-ific treats, you'll find lots of ways to celebrate the spooking season at the parks. Then, we speak with Logan Sekulow, director and producer of "As Dreamers Do," a film about Walt Disney's early years. Logan discusses the making of the movie, some of the little known stories about Walt's life before he traveled to Hollywood, and some of the stories behind the scenes of the making of the film.

Animator James Lopez talks about his new 2D animated venture "Hullabaloo" and television producer Todd Szuch takes us with him on a walking tour of Walt Disney's Woking Way residence on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. First, James Lopez, who has been an animator for over 25 years and started with Disney on The Lion King, talks about the status of the animation industry and his independent hand-drawn animated project called "Hullabaloo." Lopez describes the challenges that have faced animators over the past two decades and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Then producer Todd Szuch takes on on a special promotional event for the upcoming Maleficent Blu-ray release which was held inside of one of Walt Disney's original Los Angeles homes on Woking Way, where we join him on a tour of the property hosted by historian Paula Sigman Lowery and producer Don Hahn. Plus - corporate collusion rears its ugly head, an art exhibit celebrating Disney Legend Rolly Crump opens - and more!

Mousetalgia reports from the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, and Dave and Becky talk about the runDisney Expo, Jeff Galloway's running philosophy, preparing for a race, a description of the 10K course, and dealing with a sudden illness at the park. Then, Dave reviews "Marceline," a documentary about Walt's childhood hometown held at the Walt Disney Family Museum with some discussion with the filmmakers and actors. Does this film about a small town in the midwest maintain the Disney magic? We also discuss the potential impact that Marceline may have had upon a 5 year old Walt. Plus - Walt's home movies; Mousetalgia is named a "Best Disney Podcast;" Jeff gets a taste of the caviar dream of being a bestselling author; and if you get sick at Disneyland, we discuss the best attractions to be stuck on!

Becky takes us on a tour of Le Salon Nouveau at Club 33, giving us a peek at the animatronic vulture, changing portraits, French lift booth, beautiful mural and more new details from the recently renovated club. Plus, we discuss more park impressions, including Dooney and Burke purses and breakfast at Steakhouse 55, where the scent of red meat and the aroma of good coffee make for a memorable meal at a great value. Then we go back to the mailbag and discuss your questions and concerns, with topics including runDisney and Star Wars; Disneyland area lodging; vistiing Aulani; planning for Disneyland's 60th anniversary year; making magical memories for strangers in the park; touring decisions when you only can get to the parks once every couple years; character dining options; and off-site restaurants. Plus - a listener's trip report, and Disney cruising or Adventures by Disney... which, where, and why? 

In this week's Emporium of topics, Imagineer Brian Crosby returns to the show to talk about various topics, including Marvel's Disney Kingdoms; "Ghostly Materials," the Haunted Mansion exhibit at Disneyland's Disneyana store; and the real meaning of the brass bat stanchions that direct the Mansion's queue. We also start talking Expo - how to start preparing for the fourth D23 convention, coming in summer 2015. Kristen reviews two new Blu-ray releases (something old and something new), and Jeff reviews the recent d23 Fanniversary held at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Is this fan event worth the hype - and the ticket price? The team also mulls over the current state of Disney's official fan club, and considers the future of D23. We also host a sweepstakes giveaway of a limited edition 85th anniversary Mickey Mouse watch! Plus, baking banana bread from the Monorail Cafe; the Disneyland Almanac; Disney Afternoons; making a new World's Fair - and more!

The ScareLA Halloween convention celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion on August 9 with a panel hosted by Jeff, and he shares some behind-the-scenes moments and memories from the event, which featured Disney Legends Alice Davis and Bob Gurr on stage with Jeff, talking about the creation of the world's most loved haunted house and the concept artwork of Marc Davis. Dave also reports on the ScareLA show floor, and Jeff shares a few more Haunted Mansion moments, discussing Disneyland's celebration of the Mansion's anniversary, and a midnight ride through the venerable attraction. Also, Jeff talks about his newly released book "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion," hinting at some of the features and highlights waiting for readers to discover. Plus - Team Mousetalgia take a moment to remember Robin Williams, and we share some of our favorite films and memories of the Disney Legend's too-short life and times. Find Jeff's book at http://www.doombuggies.com/book .

It's Rewards Points Week at Mousetalgia, as Kristen cashes in 15,000 Disney Movie Rewards points to earn a private tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank! Listen to all the details as Kristen and Jeff describe the process of applying for the tour and discuss the tour itself. We'll compare it with the D23 fan club tours and contrast the various features of both tours. Next, the tour reports continue as we visit Imagineering and the Disney Music Group for an in-depth look at the variety of services and musical expertise that makes up Disney's important music department, including a look at the sorting, score archiving, album cover design, orchestrating and record label business that comprises this world-class business division. Plus - a trip to Warner Bros. studios, a walk on the Disney Studios' rooftop - and more!