Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #25: Brad Bird's Tomorrowland; the Hat Box Ghost from May 18, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia takes you to the blue carpet and the world premiere of Tomorrowland in this week's episode! Join Jeff and Dave as they watch the celebrities descend on Downtown Disney's AMC multiplex to watch Brad Bird's fascinating new movie and report on the goings on. Jeff joins D23 to attend the private after-party in Disneyland's Tomorrowland, and Dave joins in to report from a Lucasfilm screening of the film days later, and we offer our initial spoiler-free impressions of the film. Also, we talk Avengers, and offer some thoughts about the latest installment in the Marvel cinematic pantheon. Next: the Haunted Mansion welcomes back the Hat Box Ghost after nearly 46 years, and we offer our thoughts and responses to the new character, brought back to life with a little digital pixie (or is that mummy?) dust.

Mousetalgia Episode 462: A chat with Rolly Crump; dining at Disneyland's 21 Royal from Aug. 28, 2017 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. This week, Team Mousetalgia chats with WED Imagineer Rolly Crump about "It's Kind of a Cute Story," his current exhibition at the Oceanside Museum of Art. We talk about his art, his work with fellow artist Mary Blair, and his relationship with Walt Disney. Then, Kristen takes us with her on a trip to an exclusive dinner party at 21 Royal, and describes the atmosphere, the experience, the custom menu designed by Disneyland Executive Chef Andrew Sutton, and more details of this incredible dining opportunity hidden in the heart of New Orleans Square. Also, controversy over breastfeeding at Disneyland rears its head once again, and we discuss the situation. Plus - Jeff reports from the current Once Upon a Time convention tour; new Mary Blair art prints will be on exhibit at Gallery Nucleus; Star Wars VR experience gives Vault 28 and Fossil the boot out of Downtown Disney; Sa

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #23: ILM Creature Shop Technician Kirk Thatcher Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. In this special episode recorded live from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim on April 17, 2015, Mousetalgia welcomes writer/director/puppeteer/creature artist Kirk Thatcher (who went on to direct "Muppets Haunted Mansion") to the show to talk about his work for ILM on Return of the Jedi creating creatures and aliens, and then bringing them to life for the film. Television producer Joseph Freed also joins our roundtable to discuss living la vida Star Wars as we share memories, stories, and opinions about Star Wars past, present and future, including the newly-released teaser trailer for "The Force Awakens." Join us at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim for this very special episode of Mousetalgia!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #22: Pirates of the Caribbean - On Stranger Tides Disneyland premiere from May 16, 2011. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Buckle your swashes and set sail for Mousetalgia's pre-POTC all-pirate Disneyland report! Dave and Becky report on the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides "3D Sneak Peek" in Frontierland, and Jeff reports from the "black carpet" at the film's world premiere at Disneyland! From Johnny Depp to Kermit the Frog, the stars all came out, and you can hear Jeff's story about waiting 15 hours to see the celebrities - and how Disneyland prepared for the occasion. Also - the ladies of Mousetalgia review Lego POTC: The Video Game, Mary Blair takes over the Disney Gallery, and Jeff commissions some art. Plus, Dave is still stuck on Tron - and more! BONUS: Our special review of an advance screening of the film!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #21: Love stories by Alice Davis and Pete Renaday from Feb. 14, 2016 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Mousetalgia celebrates Valentine's Day this year with a show all about relationships with a Disney twist, both romantic and platonic. First, we welcome Julia Locus to the show to talk about official Disneyana clubs, and how Disney fans can gather and interact with each other via this international society. Next, we welcome Jason Garrett, one of the founders of the Magic Geekdom club, to the show to talk about Disneyland social clubs, and the opportunities they present to Disney fans looking for friends and the challenges they face as the clubs evolve. Then, we welcome Peter Renaday, legendary Disney voice actor, back to the show to talk about meeting his wife Florence while they worked on the Disney Studio lot; and finally, we welcome Disney Legend Alice Davis back to the show to reminisce about meeting and marrying her late husband, Disney Legend Marc Davis. Plus - places t

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #20: Joseph Titizian on Diane Disney Miller from December 2013 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. 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 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 - t

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #19: Tales from Disneyland tour guide Barbara Brock from April 6, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Mousetalgia welcomes Barbara Burnett Brock to the show to talk about her incredible career as a tour guide at Disneyland. Enjoy stories about touring with Ozzy Osbourne, Stephen King and Michael Jackson, and learn about the grand opening of Star Tours and Liz Taylor's amazing 60th birthday fête, which Barbara helped manage. As Kristen notes, it's really all about that tour guide outfit - and we discuss that as well. Also, Jeff reports on Kay Kamen and how he made Mickey Mouse into a merchandise star in the midst of the Great Depression. Plus - Jeff meets Bird, Kristen talks babies, Becky gets Fancy, and Dave talks Toy Story 4. 

No. 18: Interviews with Imagineer Kevin Rafferty and three Disney Legends from July 8, 2013 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Learn about the earliest in-"car"-nation of Cars Land from Creative Director Kevin Rafferty in this star-studded episode of Mousetalgia, recorded directly from the 2013 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, featuring four exclusive interviews covering many fascinating aspects of the Disney company. First, we speak with Dave Smith, the director emeritus of the Disney Archives, who tells us some secrets of his years with the company. Learn which items Dave broke, Dave's opinions about the nature of collecting, and his explanations about how the Disney Company and Disney family share items and information. Next, we talk to Kevin Rafferty about his long, productive career with Walt Disney Imagineering, including a behind-the-scenes look at the "It's Tough To Be a Bug!" attraction, and his leadership in the development of Cars Land. Finally, we attempt to corral Bill Farmer and Tony Anselmo,

A look back at Star Wars Celebration 2015 from May 3, 2015 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia talks Star Wars on this special stellar-sized May 4th 2015 episode as we recount the highlights of a weekend of galactic adventure at the recent Star Wars Celebration convention held April 16-19 at the Anaheim Convention Center. From JJ Abrams and his stunning new teaser trailer to Princess Leia making out with a fan onstage in the Celebration Arena, we cover the moments and events from the weekend that we found to be most profound, striking, or strange. Cosplay, photo-ops, autographs, and panels - we cover it all, and try to describe the event for Star Wars fans that may not have made it out to Anaheim in person. Grab a glass of blue milk, get comfy in your Tauntaun-skin snuggie, and celebrate everything Star Wars with us!

No. 16: A trip to Pixar Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #4: A trip to Pixar from June 22, 2014. Kristen reports on an "Incredible" visit to Pixar in Emeryville! But first, we talk about the cost of a day at Disneyland (circa 2014) - 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 t

No. 15: The Story of Disneyland auction; Glen Keane Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Team Mousetalgia discusses the hobby of collecting Disneyana this week as we talk with Mike Van Eaton, the proprietor of Van Eaton Galleries, about his current exhibition titled "The Story of Disneyland," a massive auction of a single collector's treasure trove of nearly 1,800 pieces including Disneyland props, ephemera, souvenirs and memorabilia. Van Eaton discusses the exhibition, and also shares his personal story about getting into the animation art business, then passes on some tips for new collectors just getting into the hobby. Also, Jeff reports from the Walt Disney Family Museum on a talk featuring Disney animation legend Glen Keane, who animated characters including Beast, Ariel, Tarzan, Pocahontas, and more. Keane spoke about his animation background, his experiences at the Walt Disney Animation studio, his time spent with Walt's "Nine Old Men," and his latest project called "Duet," an interactive animated s

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #14: Disney University and Van Arsdale France from March 11, 2013 Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Van Arsdale France and Disneyland University: Team Mousetalgia takes a look at the career of France and his contribution to the development of the Disneyland "cast member," as well as a little history of the frantic march to Disneyland's opening day and the challenges of staffing the park. We also talk to Cast Member Lindsay, and get a modern perspective on what it means to represent the Disney company today. Also - we dig into the email folder and offer Disneyland resort dining tips, trip tips, and a random JJ Abrams sighting! Plus, windows on Main Street - and more!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #13: Mary Blair, Happiest Haunt Tour from October 10, 2011. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Tour Disneyland with the Happiest Haunts - This week, Jeff takes you along as he seeks to foil a villainous plot on the Disneyland Happiest Haunts Tour, which takes place during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. Find out if it's worth the added ticket price, and go behind the scenes to find out what you can expect from the 3-plus-hour walking tour. Plus, Oct. 21 would have been Mary Blair's 100th birthday, and to mark the occasion, we talk to Jeanne Chamberlain and Maggie Richardson, the nieces of Mary, who share some personal stories and memories of growing up knowing the influential Disney artist. Plus, Gay Days, Woody goes on vacation - and more!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever No. 12: Kevin Kidney on Annette Funicello from Jan. 13, 2013 Kevin Kidney returns to the show to share some of his personal stories about Disney Legend Annette Funicello, and he discusses Annette's Place, a fundraiser for the Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases. But first, Dave and Becky visit Disneyland for the first Limited Time Magic experience of 2013, the Three Kings Day Celebration. From rarely seen character appearances to special dances and performances, Disneyland pulled out all the stops for this traditional holiday, and Mousetalgia reports. Next, we share some "Pictures of Annette," featuring some articles, news bits, and memories of her career with Disney as a Mouseketeer and pop icon. Renowned Disney Artist Kevin Kidney discusses the recently opened online store to benefit Annette's foundation featuring some of his artwork, and shares some inspirational stories about America's Sweetheart. Plus - a hotel report, Carthay Circle tips, our Limited Tim

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever No. 11: A visit with Alice Davis Episode 103 from October 18, 2010: Join Kristen and Jeff for an exclusive visit with Disney Legend Alice Estes Davis, and learn about the history and life of this extraordinary artist and costume designer for WED Enterprises. Alice takes Mousetalgia on a tour of Marc Davis' studio, and shows us a lifetime of Marc's artwork, awards, and attraction designs. Also: Mousetalgia invades Club 33 and the Unofficial Guide... plus more! Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com.

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #10: Disneyland fireworks and D23's Disneyland 54th anniversary event from July 20, 2009. Mousetalgia celebrates Disneyland’s 54th birthday by watching “Disneyland U.S.A.” at a private D23 screening and takes you behind the scenes, where we learn the secrets of Disneyland’s fireworks, meet “Bob” Lindquist, and… Gurr takes Nixon hostage? Plus, Mousetalgia remembers Disney voice actor Dal McKennon (1919-2009) with a very special exclusive interview. Also, a look at Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion “O-pin House” summer of pins, and more! Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com.

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #9: Rolly Crump and an evening at the Tahitian Terrace from October 22, 2012. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Visit Disneyland's Tahitian Terrace with Mousetalgia! Take a trip back through time with us as we re-open the Tahitian Terrace in a special one-night-only event at Disneyland, and relive the island magic and exotic polynesian dance performances that have been missing from the park for nearly 2 decades. Team Mousetalgia takes you behind the scenes of the planning of the event, and we discuss our panel discussion, featuring stories from Disney Legend Rolly Crump, who worked for Walt Disney on attractions such as the Enchanted Tiki Room, the Haunted Mansion, and many others. Plus - special appearances by Bob Gurr and Tony Baxter! Also, we talk CHOC Walk, Mickey's Halloween Party - and more!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #8: D23 Scavenger Hunt and Destination D recap from Oct. 10, 2010. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. The D23 Scavenger Hunt, Steve Davison on World of Color, Richard Sherman in concert at Destination D, and ElecTRONica - it's a supersized Mousetalgia Emporium! Team Mousetalgia invites first-place winner Henry Work to talk about besting hundreds of Disney fans in D23's first-ever official scavenger hunt; Team Mousetalgia attend a private party with Steve Davison revealing the secrets of World of Color; and... who knew the Disney Geek could sing? Team Mousetalgia review the Destination D "E-Ticket: Music from the Disney Parks" concert, featuring Richard Sherman playing his hits. Also - ElecTRONica lights up the streets of California Adventure, we list our favorite podcasts, and more!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #7: Marty Sklar at the Walt Disney Family Museum from Dec. 7, 2009. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Disney Legend Marty Sklar talks about conceptual artist Herb Ryman at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and he also discusses working for Walt Disney at WED Enterprises when Disneyland was being created. The team also review "Old Dogs," and a listener weighs in on the Cartoon Art Museum benefit at the Pixar studios - plus more!

Mousetalgia's Best Ear Ever #6: Our first Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet from Aug. 23. 2010. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com. Mousetalgia reports on the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, where the team met Bob Gurr, Margaret Kerry, Disney author Jeff Kurtti, and more fascinating Disney insiders at a fan gathering near Seattle, Washington. Kristen beats trivia master Lou Mongello at the Disney Pyramid game, Dave greets Mousetalgia listeners, and Becky talks education with Bob Gurr. Meanwhile, Jeff reports on a John Canemaker event at the Walt Disney Family Museum featuring John's new book about animation legends Joe Grant and Joe Ranft. Plus - help send Jeff to the Archives, Mousetalgia plans a meet-up, and more!