Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes at the world premiere of Magic, Color, Flair: The World of Mary Blair - an exhibit that opened March 13 at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco, CA. We share our favorite highlights from the new exhibit, join WDFM president Ron Miller in a dedication of the exhibit hall to the late Diane Disney Miller, and then join the VIP opening night gala and capture impressions from Kirsten Komoroske, WDFM Executive Director; Alice Davis, Disney Legend; Pete Docter, Director of the upcoming Pixar feature "Inside Out"; Charles Solomon, author of the upcoming "The Art of Disney Golden Books"; Joseph Titizian, WDFM representative; and Don Hahn, producer of the upcoming feature "Maleficent." Then, Jeff takes us across the Presidio to Lucasfilm to report on a WDFM event about women in animation, which featured four accomplished female artists who spoke on the work they currently do and the challenges they find today in the workplace. Plus - Elsa and Anna; "The

Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award-winning animator, author and historian John Canemaker to the show to talk about Disney Legend Mary Blair and the exhibit opening this week at the Walt Disney Family Museum called "Magic, Color, Flair - The World of Mary Blair." The exhibit, which is curated by Canemaker, has been eagerly anticipated for nearly a year, and Canemaker gives us an exclusive sneak preview of the show, some history of Mary Blair, and information about his two new books about Blair, one a re-release and one a brand new catalog. Also this week, Jeff reports on a conversation with WED Imagineer Paul Saunders on working for Walt at WED in the mid '60s. Saunders talks about his time helping to create the "new" Tomorrowland, Haunted Mansion, Inner Space, and more. Also - Frozen and the Muppet Movie soundtracks on vinyl, Sheriff Callie's Wild West - and more!

Mousetalgia talks Dapper Day, dining, and Docter on this week's show! First, Jeff reports on his trip to Disneyland Resort for Dapper Day on February 23, discussing the variety of styles, costumes, Disneybounding, and people-watching opportunities afforded by this increasingly popular unofficial event held in Disney parks around the world. Next, we discuss dining at Disneyland, focusing on the Storyteller Cafe dinner buffet at the Grand Californian and the Harbour Galley at Disneyland Park. Next, the whole team reports on a talk held at the Walt Disney Family Museum held on March 1 about Walt Disney's Animation Directors by Academy-Award-winning director Pete Docter (Monsters Inc., Up) and author/historian Don Peri. Also - we interview Disneyland Ink and Paint artist Eric Scales about the newest release in the Ink and Paint program, and we host a giveaway and celebrate a recent sweepstakes winner. Plus - D23 delays WDW's Destination D event, and more!

This week, Team Mousetalgia takes a look at various aspects of Walt Disney's Fantasia, the classic animated feature that was a great leap forward for the Walt Disney Studio in terms of technical accomplishment and artistic endeavor, but didn't achieve great commercial success upon its release. We discuss Fantasound, Leopold Stokowski, Fred Moore and Mickey Mouse, and some of the fascinating musical selections incorporated in this anthology film. Next, we speak with Research Supervisor Rob Schneider from Disney about how the studio's original cue sheets and music is archived, and how the business side of music is incorporated into the day to day operations of the studio today. Also, Kristen concludes her "Lost Chords" series of performances with a little-known Sherman Brothers tune sung by guest vocalist Michele Johnston. Plus - Vanity Fair looks at some famous CalArts grads, a book review of John Canemaker's "Before the Animation Begins," Time looks at the cult of "Frozen," Netflix to broadcast "The Clone War

Team Mousetalgia reports on "Disney Goes to the Opera" at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and takes an in depth look at "Make Mine Music," Walt Disney's post-war animated anthology. As part of a rebuilding effort for the feature film division of the studio, Make Mine Music was a package film featuring many different musical pieces, and we take a brief tour of the music used in the movie in this episode. Next, the team reports on "Disney Goes to the Opera," a presentation that featured opera performances at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Also, Kristen arranges and performs "Boogedy Boy," a lost work originally composed for Make Mine Music that never made it into the film; we answer a few listener emails, and we present an exclusive report on the filming of Brad Bird's Tomorrowland at Disneyland!

Disney producer and author Greg Ehrbar joins Team Mousetalgia this week to discuss the history of Disneyland Records and the new book "Inside the Whimsy Works," an autobiography of Disney Legend Jimmy Johnson which Ehrbar co-edited. Johnson created Disney's record division, and Ehrbar provides a wealth of information about the early days of Disney recordings, discussing Little Golden Records, See Hear Read Records, and stories about some of the behind the scenes players like Tutti Camerata, the producer who set the early vision for Disneyland Records in place. Dave also discusses his extensive Disney vinyl collection and offers tips and tricks to anyone interested in starting a record collection. Plus - Kristen discovers some lost Pinocchio music, a listener reports on the new home of the Hillbillies, and we offer a special Valentine's week report on finding romance at the resort!

Mousetalgia welcomes Mine Train expert James Keeline to the show to help us reminisce about the history of Frontierland's trains in anticipation of the newly renovated Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attraction. James discusses the history of Rainbow Ridge and the Mine Train attraction, and describes the scenes, special effects, and set pieces that made the Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland such a memorable ride for Disneyland guests. James also discusses Mineral Hall, the souvenir shop next to the Mine Train that sold fluorescent minerals and black lights to guests. Also, February is Mousetalgia Music Month, and we start our musical features by discussing our personal favorites in the world of Disney musicians, including Hazel George, Buddy Baker, Randy Newman, and Dave Brubeck. Kristen unveils a new collection of "lost" music that she is bringing back to life. Plus - favorite Disneyland songs, a Tinker Bell Half Marathon engagement... and more!

Mousetalgia talks RunDisney this week. Dave ran the inaugural Tinker Bell 10K, and Becky wonders about some sweeping issues. Becky ran the half marathon, earning her own PR and discusses the course, the trials, and the rewards of running 13 miles. Plus - scenes from the RunDisney Expo, dining with Princesses, navigating the parks during RunDisney weekends, and Radiator Springs Racers - is the line finally loosening up? In an awkward moment check-up, we remember the falling Magic Carpet in the Aladdin stage show, and we discover that Mickey's Magical Map has glitches. Jeff and Becky have a motel showdown: Rodeway Inn Maingate Knotts ($45 list) vs. the Candy Cane Inn a block from Disneyland's gate ($125 list) - which is a better use of your money? (Hint: Becky didn't even need to show up to this showdown!) Jeff gets "Weird" with Rolly Crump (and hosts a sweepstakes you won't want to miss), Kristen plans a trip to Hawaii, Becky tries some pizza and Dave talks Destination D. Also, we have news from Micechat and W

Mousetalgia reviews some recent Disney books, including Sam Gennawey's book "The Disneyland Story" The Unofficial Guide to the Evolution of Walt Disney's Dream; Jim Korkis' "The Book of Mouse: A Celebration of Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse," Marty Sklar's "Dream It! Do It! My Half Century Creating Disney's Magic Kingdoms," and Marvel Comic's "Seekers of the Weird" issue one. Plus, we interview Adam Berger about his new book "Every Guest is a Hero: Disney’s Theme Parks and the Magic of Mythic Storytelling." Berger describes the history and role of mythic storytelling in the creation of Imagineering's immersive attractions at Disney theme parks. Plus - the Star Wars cannon is revisited, Frozen is on the way to Broadway, a change in management at D23 - and more!

Robert J. Sherman talks about his father, Robert B. Sherman of the Sherman Brothers, on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. In honor of "Moose," the recently published autobiography by Robert B. Sherman, his son Robbie (who edited the book) talks to Mousetalgia this week about his father and his writings over a lifetime that came together to create his compelling, literary autobiography. Robbie talks about "A Spoonful of Sherman," a cabaret show celebrating the Sherman family music, and discusses how his father went about creating some of his most memorable music, including songs from "The Jungle Book" and the original anthem for humankind, "It's a Small World." Robbie also shares his views on Disney's "Saving Mr. Banks," as "Moose" was used as an important research tool for the development of the film; and he also discusses Meryl Streep's recent claim that Walt Disney was anti-Semetic. Also - Team Mousetalgia hosts our own discussion of Streep's comments, and respond to this latest high-profile example of th

It's a Mousetalgia Emporium this week! Jeff reports from a presentation by Lorne Peterson who spoke at The Tech Museum of Innovation about his history as a model maker for Industrial Light and Magic, working on Star Wars, and how Super Glue changed his life. Dave and Becky report on an encounter with Walt Disney World's interactive Mickey Mouse meet and greet, and Kristen offers a review of Imagineer Jason Grandt's "The Magic Kingdom Storybook." We also premiere "Cast Member Corner," where we will talk on occasion to Disney cast members who worked on the front lines to bring guests "the magic." Today, Rhiannon joins the show to discuss the art of ear hat writing, meeting celebrities in the park, and watching Tinker Bell crash land behind Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Plus - our Disney-related resolutions, getting stranded on the Matterhorn... and more!

Team Mousetalgia takes our annual personal look back at the year in Disney, listing off our faves from the "Limited Time Magic" promotion, the various Disney movies, and more. Does the team rank Frozen above Saving Mr. Banks? Listen and find out! We also discuss our favorite change or addition to the Disney company, and offer our annual "Oswald Award" for things that just didn't go as planned. Finally, we wrap up the show with our personal magic moments of the year, remembering our unforgettable experiences, including Richard Sherman's 85th birthday party, the Club 33 Marc Davis tribute, time in the Disneyland Hotel cabanas, and earning a runDisney Coast-to-Coast medal. Also - a listener reports on a special tour of the Walt Disney Studios in conjunction with screenings of "Saving Mr. Banks," and we offer a healthy serving of bits and bytes, including Disney's new Hawaiian princess, the Frozen app, grapefruit beer - and more!

Merry Weird-mas from Mousetalgia! On today's special holiday show, we welcome three - count 'em, three - Imagineers to the show to talk about Marvel's upcoming "Disney Kingdoms" line of comics, which will be based on Disney theme park attractions. The first title, Seekers of the Weird, is based on Rolly Crump's original designs for the never-realized Museum of the Weird attraction, and Imagineers Josh Shipley, Brian Crosby and Jim Clark join us to discuss the origin story behind the comic, and some of the opportunities and challenges the new storylines present as they take a deeper dive into the worlds of some of the Disney parks' storied attractions. Also, we present our annual theoretical gifts to the Disneyland Resort - will TDA take us up on any of our ideas? Plus, Santa brings us a sack of listener mail to dig through, and we talk budget trips to the parks, Fantasmic viewing, a Haunted Mansion moment - and more!

Team Mousetalgia reviews the Disneyland Holiday season for 2013 in this episode. First, Jeff and Kristen discuss various aspects of the holidays at the resort, including reports and reviews from Viva Navidad, World of Color Winter Dreams, the Holiday T Party, the Christmas Fantasy Parade, it's a small world, the Jingle Jangle Jamboree, the Jingle Cruise, various treats and restaurant offerings, and the Candlelight Processional. Listen to our reports and decide for yourself if Disneyland is still the leader in live holiday entertainment. And, it's time for the second annual Candy Cane Challenge, and this year we do a blind taste test of two Disneyland handmade candy canes - but one is a year old. Can our team tell the difference? Also - Dave and Jeff attend a tribute to Annette Funicello at the Walt Disney Family Museum featuing original Mouseketeer Sharon Baird and report on the event. Plus - a listener celebrates Walt's birthday at the Smoke Tree Ranch - and more!

We discuss the benefits and perils of the new MyMagic+ experience at Walt Disney World, and also review Disney's Frozen in this week's episode of Mousetalgia. First, we talk about Walt Disney World's newest feature, My Disney Experience and MyMagic+, a system that has been getting a lot of press lately due to complications and bugs in the system. Technically still in testing, MyMagic+ promises to make vacations at the Walt Disney World resort a dream - but is the experience living up to the hype? Listen to Dave and Becky's experience with the new system and judge for yourself. In addition, they discuss the holidays at Walt Disney World, and get stranded on Maelstrom. Also, Jeff and Kristen discuss Disney animation's latest blockbuster, Frozen. Going back to princess-based fairy tales, Disney seems to be falling back into familiar territory, but does Frozen offer something fresh? We debate the merits of this solid box office hit. Plus - a great sweepstakes giveaway, holiday gift giving ideas - and more!

This week, we welcome Joseph Titizian, writer for the Walt Disney Family Museum blog, to join us in a celebration of the life of Diane Disney Miller, with whom Joseph was a good friend. We look at Diane's philanthropic work and humble pursuit of truth regarding the legacy of her father, Walt Disney. Joseph also shares some personal stories of his history with the Walt Disney Family Museum and his relationship with its founder, Diane. We also remember Walt himself during this 112th anniversary week of his birth, and dig into the archives to discover how Walt celebrated the birth of his first daughter, Diane. Next, Dave talks about the Wine & Dine Half Marathon which was recently hosted at the Walt Disney World resort, and describes the race by which he earned his Coast-to-Coast Race Challenge medal for running two Disney half marathons, one on each coast, in a calendar year. Plus - the holidays have decended upon Disneyland, and we discuss our favorite features found at the resort this season - and more!

Disney Legend Dave Smith, Disney Archivist Emeritus, joins Mousetalgia this week to tell the true story of Walt Disney's pursuit of P. L. Travers to bring her book Mary Poppins to the screen. In anticipation of the upcoming feature film Saving Mr. Banks, we look into the history of the making of the iconic film and discover the true-life challenges the studio encountered as the film began production. We also talk to a Mousetalgia listener about his own experience dealing personally with P. L. Travers in an attempt to bring Mary Poppins to the stage, and Kristen reports from a preview screening of Saving Mr. Banks. Plus - we give thanks for our Disney blessings in honor of this holiday week, and take a moment to remember the life well-lived of Diane Disney Miller, Walt Disney's daughter, who passed away last week at the age of 79.

Along the edge of Disneyland's Rivers of America, Critter Country and Splash Mountain welcome guests into a wilderness of friendly fauna. But before Critter Country, there was Bear Country and its Jamboree, and before Bear Country, there was Indian Village and its living history. Join Mousetalgia for an informative look at the history of the far end of Disneyland, and learn about the development of this section of the park. Was Indian Village condescending or a product of its time - or both? Is The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh a better or worse attraction than its predecesor, the Country Bear Jamboree? We also review all of the current food and shopping options in Critter Country, and weigh the pros and cons of spending time at the farthest corner of Disneyland. Plus - a listener reviews Peter and the Starcatcher, Team Mousetalgia create our own attractions to add to Critter Country... and more!

In this week's Mousetalgia Emporium, Team Mousetalgia report from Disneyland's Main Street, from Halloween Town, and even from Neverland! Jeff reports from Tony Baxter's Main Street Window Ceremony, held November 1 at Disneyland Park, and talks to some of Tony's friends and peers about the legacy Tony has left for future generations of Imagineers. Next, Kristen offers a review of "Peter and the Starcatcher" from the national tour's stop in Seattle, and offers an insightful critique of the Tony-Award-winning play. Jeff discusses Disney on Ice's "Passport to Adventure," and talks about the Neverland segment in that arena show as well, pointing out how the script refers back to J. M. Barrie's original play. Kristen then reviews the new Monsters University blu-ray set, revealing some of the extras and bonus materials that fans have come to expect from Pixar sets. And finally, Jeff reviews a recent performance of "Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton," a symphonic performance held on Halloween night i

Is a Disneyland VIP Tour right for you? Mousetalgia reports from a full day of VIP touring around the resort and offers tips and advice regarding VIP tours, some of which may surprise you. The VIP Hosts and Hostesses (in the famous Disneyland plaid outfits) act as living fastpasses, and we discuss the pros and cons of having nearly instant access to so many E-Ticket attractions. Can there be too much of a good thing? Also - we report on a new lunch menu at Club 33, with seasonal desserts that are to die for, and we discuss the pros and cons of reserved seating for Main Street shows. Kristen also reports briefly on the resort-specific games and offerings for hotel guests. Plus - Tony Baxter's Main Street Window is installed above the Magic Shop, our first listener review of Frozen, and a report on a limited-time magic opportunity to meet and greet Thor at Disneyland.