Mousetalgia Episode 248: The mysterious Charles Shows, emails

Team Mousetalgia returns to the mailbag to answer your questions, and Jeff and Kristen review an insider's account of working with Walt Disney in the studio. But first - we talk back to listeners about FastPasses, buying Annual Passports, hotel distances from the Main Gate, prepping for the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, making the most out of a Disneyland trip, more on the mysterious "test brick" wall, fun and games with flourscent "invisible" ink, riding the Monorail, and some book recommendations. Jeff and Kristen then review "Walt - Backstage Adventures with Walt Disney" by Charles Shows, a television writer/director who worked for Disney in the heyday of Walt's television productions. Are Shows memories reliable, or the exaggeration of a professional gag writer? You can be the judge as we inspect some of Shows' recollections of working for Walt, the studio head. Plus - our predictions for Disney's next blockbuster film property - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_248.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:00pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 247: DisneyanaMania, Club 33, Richard Sherman

Mousetalgia was invited to speak at DisneyanaMania 2013, and we have a full report! Joined by representatives from Micechat, we addressed the attendees of this year's Disneyana convention and talked about Disney fandom. We also report on presentations by Dave Avanzino and Disney Legends Marty Sklar and Rolly Crump, and report on the show floor from the Disneyana collectibles show and sale. Next, the weekend becomes an unreal Disney fan's dream trip as Jeff and Kristen report on visiting 1901 at the Carthay Circle; review a brunch at Club 33; and attend Richard Sherman's 85th birthday surprise party. Also, a listener reports from the Chicago premiere of "The Jungle Book," directed by Mary Zimmerman. Plus - Kristen discusses piloting the Mark Twain and the wildlife of the Rivers of America; the team reviews the Garden Grove Sheraton; we take a tour through Kevin and Jody's studio - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_247.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 246: Lone Ranger, Charles Phoenix, Mouse Meet

Happy 58th birthday, Disneyland! This week, we have an emporium of topics and soundbytes, including our review of Disney's latest not-quite-blockbusting film, "The Lone Ranger," and a wrap-up of our recent trip to Seattle to visit the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Jeff also reviews the Walt Disney Family Museum's evening celebration of the Enchanted Tiki Room's 50th anniversary, and previews Charles Phoenix's retro Disneyland slide show, which will be featured at this year's D23 Expo next month. Also, we host a giveaway for a vintage Disneyland prize; we talk to a cast member about what it was like to pilot the Storybook Land Canal Boats of yesteryear; and we listen to some limited time magic high atop the icy slopes of the majestic Matterhorn - plus more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_246.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:09pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 245: Interviews with Imagineer Kevin Rafferty and three Disney Legends

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, two of Disney's most popular voice actors, into a dual interview with varying degrees of success. Hilarity ensues! Plus - a sneak preview of next week's report from the Mouse Meet. Also, don't forget to mark your calendar for Aug. 8 at 4 pm, when the official Mousetalgia Pre-Expo Meet-up will be held on the patio outside of Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Hotel with a special guest. Don't miss it!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_245.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:00pm PDT
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