Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

A galactic emporium! From the wild frontiers of space to the wilds of Disneyland's Frontierland, Team Mousetalgia take you on a fun journey through time as we look at Comic Con, Disneyland's Frontierland game, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition. First, Jeff takes a quick trip to Comic Con, meets Baymax, and just misses seeing Zachary "Flynn Rider" Levi on a half-day trip to the world's hugest fan gathering. Then Kristen goes to Disneyland and reports on some of the latest happenings at the Magic Kingdom, including a review of "Legends of Frontierland," the new interactive experience at the park; Alice in Wonderland's enhancements; and the Blue Bayou's current menu. Finally, Dave and Jeff report on a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Walt Disney and the World's Fair, with a talk about how the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition may have influenced Walt Disney in various ways. Plus - Guardians of the Galaxy hijack the show; Jeff gets lauded by Guillermo del Toro - and more!

David Koenig offers a look behind the scenes at the process of writing the best "behind the scenes" Disney parks books! From surprising anecdotes to the massive undertaking of documenting Walt Disney World's history, Koenig discusses his various books and his opinions about successful attractions, cast member secrets, and the art of bringing fantasy to life. Koenig talks about Universal's impact on the Disney parks, dealing with Disney's legal arm, and how pulling back the curtain on Disney park operations can make fans love the parks even more. Also, Mousetalgia goes back to Walt Disney World again as Dave, Becky and Kristen discuss a special fundraiser featuring Tony Baxter discussing Journey Into Imagination, the beloved extinct attraction from EPCOT Center. Tony talks about the original proposed EPCOT architecture, the origins of the attraction, and the unlikely genesis of Figment! Plus, our favorite Disney summer songs - and more!

This week, celebrate Mousetalgia's 300th episode with us as Jeff travels across the country to Orlando and reports on his June trip to Walt Disney World. From the dramatic humidity changes to the wide boulevards and enormous castle, we discuss the diferences between the east and west coast Disney parks and form some conclusions. Topics include highlights of the various parks, food and dining options, Cast Members, the use of space, aging water spectacles, and the billion-dollar Magic Bands. Agree or disagree, you're sure to find something to ponder as we discuss the various parks and opportunities afforded on a trip to the number one vacation destination in the world. Also, Team Mousetalgia reminisces about the past 300 episodes, and we share some memories and highlights. Plus - our biggest sweepstakes ever: your chance to win a 3 day, 3 night trip for 4 to the Disneyland Resort! Listen to win! (Rules and terms of the sweepstakes can be found at http://www.mousetalgia.com/300.htm )

This week, Team Mousetalgia speaks with legendary producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Who Framed Roger Rabbit) at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Hahn shares some thoughts on producing, creating documentaries and working on Disneynature films, and we also discuss the nature of creativity within Disney productions. Mousetalgia also welcomes Imagineer Glenn Barker to the show, who talks about his start as a drummer for Disneyland parades and his eventual career working at WED as a media designer, producing soundscapes and soundtracks for all of the attractions at the Disney theme parks. By dissecting the sound design for Big Thunder, Barker demonstrates the fascinating process of adding the critical audio component to the most famous theme park attractions in the world - and shares some inside secrets from the creation of some of the Disney parks most beloved soundtracks. Plus, Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mousefan Travel, joins us to reminince about this year's Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, and w

Recorded live from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, we present part one of our coverage from this popular Disney fan event. Returning special guest Tony Baxter talks about his mentor, Claude Coats; what he likes (and doesn't like) about the updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; the next wave of great aspirational attractions; understanding the heart of a Disney collector - and undergoes a rapid fire "Mousekeminute." Also, Imagineer Chris Merritt is back on the show to talk about his new book "Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles' Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier" discussing the history of this short-lived but influential theme park, including a description of some of the most intriguing attractions, the incredible musical talent that graced the park's stages, and various elements of interest to Disney fans. Plus - a listener reports from Walt Disney World's Star Wars Days, the Walt Disney Family Museum gets a new Tiki bird - and more!

This week, Jeff reports on a panel talk held recently at the Walt Disney Family Museum called "Disneyland: The Fan Driven Time Machine," which featured special guests Todd Pierce, Jeff Kurtti, Werner Weiss, and Sam Gennawey. The discussion was centered on the idea of the development of Disneyland, and how fans have come to adopt the park as their own - and likewise, how the company has responded to this relatively new cottage industry of "fandom." Next, we discuss the museum itself and tour the various exhibits, offering some of our personal highlights from the experience and describing a typical visit to this atypical museum, which features exhibits including the first known drawing of Mickey Mouse; a bench from Griffith Park upon which Walt may have sat; Oscars, awards and accolades; and dozens of samples of artwork, interviews, products, and more. Plus - working at Disneyland is a dream job for many, and Team Mousetalgia goes around the table divulging our secret Disney wishes - were we to become cast memb

Kristen reports on an "Incredible" visit to Pixar in Emeryville! But first, we talk about the cost of a day at Disneyland - do the recent price hikes change people's philosophies about visiting the parks, and if not, why? Team Mousetalgia discusses value vs. time vs. crowds, and we draw interesting conclusions. Next, a listener reviews the live action film "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride," Jeff announces a haunting new project, and then Kristen visits the Pixar Studios for an amazing day at the annual Cartoon Art Museum benefit. Highlights include a trip to the Pixar employee store, Pixar animator Jeff Pidgeon's drawing seminar, a Monsters U art display, lunch in the Luxo Cafe - and the highlight of the day, a panel discussing the Incredibles in honor of its tenth anniversary in the Steve Jobs Theatre, with a presentation by director Brad Bird and head of story Mark Andrews, among a stable of other Pixar animators that worked on the Academy Award-winning film.

This week, Dave and Becky report on the New Orleans-themed Lasseter Family Winery Spring Release party where they tasted new wine from the barrel, enjoyed food, fun and friends, and had a close encounter with John Lasseter himself. Next, Kristen reports on a six-day "work-ation" at Disneyland Resort, and shares some thoughts about touring the park in early June. Her trip report includes art and book signings, changes to the Tangaroa Terrace's and the Carnation Cafe's menus, Club 33 dining at the Carthay Circle Hollywood Room and Club 33 seating for Fantasmic, and a hotel review of Extended Stay America. Also - a look at Anaheim's new Packing District, with an in-depth review of some of the eateries in the new Packing House a few minutes away from Disneyland. Plus - napping in disneyland - pros, cons, and our favorite places to grab forty winks... and more!

It's time to dig into the Mousetalgia mailbag! Topics include Walt Disney World Fastpass+ tips, Adventures by Disney tours, binging on Mousetalgia, seeing Disneyland through a new lens and trip planning tips, an update on the Carolwood Society's Storybook Land restoration, Disney Cruise Line dining tips, re-creating Disneyland's Fantasia ice cream, and insights from a WDW Guest Relations cast member. In a flashback segment, we look at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and a 1965 article about the hippest new thing on the block - "Audio-Animatronics" - and how they were utilized at the New York World's Fair. Also - a listener review of D23's Maleficent preview screening. Plus, Cinderella's creepy new teaser, Disney underwear, the park plaque strikes back - and more!

Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award winning author/historian/filmmaker John Canemaker back to the show to discuss his new book, "The Lost Notebook: Herman Schultheis & the Secrets of Walt Disney’s Movie Magic." Schultheis, who worked for the Disney Studio in the late '30s, hid notebooks detailing the methods that Disney's process lab used for some of their most incredible special effects in Disney's early animated features, and Canemaker explains the man behind the notebook, as well as the mysteries the notebook unlocks. But first, Kristen reviews "Maleficent," and offers her critical opinion of the film's merits and controversies. Jeff also looks back at the development of the Maleficent character for Sleeping Beauty in 1959, and discusses some lesser-known personalities that played a key role in the character design. Plus - announcing a Haunted Mansion event with Bob Gurr, hip new records, and talking about running in a galaxy far, far away.

Enjoy Disneyland like an insider - from fireworks viewing areas to photo ops and more! Learn the places to sit and relax even on busy days. Make the most of the parades. Relive your childhood with Pooh, enjoy little-known experiences and search for hidden Walts. At DCA, we explore nighttime entertainment, find more places to escape the crowds, hone your drawing skills, eat for endurance, and enjoy the details (and the park's best free souvenirs!) In the hotels and Downtown Disney, we recommend shows and diversions that you might otherwise overlook. Becky passes on a travel professional's advice, and we talk more about art, food and drinks. Plus, we discuss what we're hoping to see for Disneyland's 60th birthday - and more!

Take a trip to Merlin's in Fantasyland as we travel back in time and marvel at Disneyland's magic shops. Mousetalgia welcomes Disneyland magic shop cast member Steve Simmons to the show to talk about working his way up in the parks from janitorial to magic shop magician! Relive the gimmicks, the gag gifts, and the mystifying magic as Steve tells us all about the sales techniques and tricks of the trade behind Disneyland's beloved magic shops in 1969. Steve also talks about the grand opening of the Haunted Mansion, and the famous "Yippie" invasion at Disneyland which he witnessed in person. Also - Jeff and Kristen talk about their Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade finds from 1934, the team talks Disney shopping - and more.

Mousetalgia presents an Emporium of topics this week as we review Disney's latest film "Million Dollar Arm," visit Disneyland, and discover the stories behind art of Marc Davis. First, Kristen reviews "Million Dollar Arm," and offers her thoughts on its place in the pantheon of Disney family movies. Dave and Becky report on a recent trip to Disneyland, and discuss the Napa Rose restaurant and fine dining with children, staying at the Paradise Pier hotel, and the Big Thunder Railroad renovation. Finally, Jeff attends the VIP opening of the Walt Disney Family Museum's new exhibit "Leading Ladies and Femme Fatales: The Art of Marc Davis," and speaks about the exhibit and Marc Davis with Andreas Deja, Disney animator and co-curator of the exhibit; Michael Labrie, the museum's collections director and the exhibit's co-curator; and Disney Legend Alice Davis, Marc's widow, who shares some insight into what made Marc into such an incredible artist and storyteller. Plus - our favorite inappropriate Disney "family" fil

This week, anticipating the release of Disney's "Maleficent," we welcome Disney historian and author Charles Solomon to the show to discuss his latest book "Once Upon a Dream: From Perrault's Sleeping Beauty to Disney's Maleficent." Solomon talks about the origins of the Sleeping Beauty story, and discusses the artwork and animation of the classic animated feature, as well as some of his stories about the cast of the upcoming movie, to be released in less than 4 weeks. Also, Jeff starts planning a vacation to Walt Disney World, and we dive into the world of My Disney Experience, My Magic Plus, and the illusive Magic Bands. Learn a little bit more about what you can expect when you book a trip to the East coast's Magic Kingdom. Plus - celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Mousetalgia as we discuss our favorite Mexican eateries on Disneyland Resort property - and more!

The talent and legacy of Disney Legend Marc Davis is on display in this week's episode of Mousetalgia. In honor of the upcoming exhibit titled "Leading Ladies and Femme Fatales: The Art of Marc Davis" at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Mousetalgia welcomes Imagineer Chris Merritt to the show to talk about the influence Marc Davis had on his own career, and the incredible talent that Davis displayed throughout his career working as Disney animator and Imagineer. Also, Jeff travels to Wondercon in Anaheim and talks about the convention experience and two panels: "The Art of the Pitch" hosted by Disney/ABC, and "Frozen: The Art of Story" hosted by Disney Feature Animation. The panels explored the value of story and communicating your message, and the Frozen panel offered behind-the-scenes stories from the artists that worked on developing the script and story for the Academy Award-winning film. Plus - Star Wars day is this week, and we divulge our secret plans to celebrate on May 4... and more!

Everything Aulani! Catch the aloha spirit with Kristen via her extensive review of Disney's Aulani Resort in the Hawai'ian islands. With explanations of food and dining options, entertainment offerings, pools, and the various opportunities offered throughout the resort, Kristen gives you the full rundown on the tropical paradise Disney has planted on the island of O'ahu. Plus, the TCM film festival honors Richard Sherman, Marvel films at other studios, the team contemplates the choice between whips, floats, or spears - and more!

With topics covering everything from the latest Marvel film to the earliest days of working for Walt - it's an Easter Emporium on Mousetalgia! We have a plethora of fun Disney discussions for you this week, including the Mousetalgia review of Captain America: The Winter Soldier; book reviews of the latest from Charles Solomon ("The Art of the Disney Golden Books") and a just-published posthumous autobiography of Homer Brightman about the earliest days of the Walt Disney Studios called "Life in the Mouse House"; and a round table discussion about whether or not you can actually find healthy food at the Disneyland Resort. Also, Jeff discusses a kerfuffle with MyPlayDirect's Frozen vinyl release, and we present a special conversation with WED Imagineer Paul Saunders, who describes working for WED in the '60s, and a close encounter with Walt Disney himself. Plus - our favorite Disney bunnies, Mousetalgia offers another limited-edition t-shirt... and more!

This week, Mousetalgia offers some timely Disneyland summer trip planning tips. Splurging on special tours or fine dining - which is the better choice? Fastpass schemes - which attractions should you hit first? We also offer our opinions on World of Color dining and viewing options, Fantasmic dessert seating, and choosing a tower at the Disneyland Hotel or a room at other Disneyland Resort hotels. Plus bonus advice on taking a trip up to San Francisco to visit the Walt Disney Family Museum - where to stay? What to eat? What other attractions are nearby? Also, the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet announces its special guest line up for the June 28 event, which promises to be another spectacular fan gathering with the chance to meet and hear from Imagineers, a Disney Legend, and a legendary Disney producer! Plus, Tiny Klien's memoir, Q&A with Kristen, a Muppets review, and Marc Davis' art comes to a special exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum. 

Disney Legend Jim Henson founded a "Creature Shop" in 1979 to create mechanical creatures and whimsical beasts for various productions. That shop, now led by Henson's son Brian, is the basis for a new reality competition on SyFy. Team Mousetalgia welcomes Joseph Freed, Executive Producer and co-creator of the new SyFy series Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge, to this week's episode to share behind the scenes stories and secrets from this exciting new show in which amateur contestants vie for a dream job working for Jim Henson's Creature Shop. We also welcome Kirk Thatcher, former Imagineer, creature designer, veteran Muppets director, and judge on the show, to join Joseph in describing the challenges and surprises waiting for viewers of the first season of the show. Also, we answer some listener questions about lost Disneyland attractions, villains' origin stories, and maintaining a healthy relationship with a non-Disney-lover. Plus - if Disneyland hosted a eating contest, which food item should they use?

Mousetalgia welcomes WED Imagineer and Disney Legend Rolly Crump to this episode of the podcast to talk about his time working for Walt Disney in the creation of Disneyland Park. Crump talks about his time with WED Enterprises, including his work on "it's a small world," the Adventureland Bazaar, and his relationships with the model makers, Imagineers, and other studio artists during his career at Disney, including candid details about his contentious relationship with WED head Dick Irvine. He also includes a "cute little story" about his contibution to the film "Mary Poppins." Also, Mousetalgia talks to Don Morin, founder of the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, about this upcoming fan convention (of which Mousetalgia is a sponsor) held outside of Seattle, WA. Plus - our favorite wish-we'd-been-there moments from the 1964-'65 World's Fair, a report from previews of Aladdin on Broadway... and more!