It's a Mousetalgia mailbag! Topics include: DisneyLife, Disney's answer to Netflix, is launched internationally, and we have a user's review; a first trip to the Disneyland Hotel - is it worth the money? We discuss the benefits to staying on property; brief thoughts on writing Disney books; Disneyland VIP tours - the ins and outs; raising Disney kids; a listener reviews the Walk in Walt's Footsteps tour, Ariel's Grotto and MaxPass; Asian culture and its impact on the Asian Disney Parks is explained by a listener; the best ways to brighten a cast member's day; Grand Californian scavenger hunts; more Disneyland trip advice - MaxPass, crowds, and what to tote around to make the day managable; navigating the parks for minimum line waits; and a WDW fan reacts to Disneyland. Plus - if we were to create a third Disney theme park for SoCal, what would it be? Westcot? Pixar Park? Or...? We share our thoughts.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_475.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:30am PDT
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This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti back to the show to help us celebrate Mickey Mouse's 89th birthday by sharing some stories about his good friend Wayne Allwine, who was the voice of Mickey Mouse for many years. Jeff talks about how Mickey Mouse's voice progressed through the years, and shares about how Wayne's connection with the character developed over time. Jeff also talks about the creation story of Mickey Mouse, and we discuss the legendary tale told over the generations, and see how it compares with the likely true history of the Mouse's genesis. Then, we share some of our experiences from the recent Mouse-con convention held in South San Francisco, and recount our first Mousetalgia Disneyland history slide show. Also: our favorite Disney animal moments, Tiny Tinsel checks in - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_474.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:30am PDT
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This week, travel to China with Mousetalgia as Kristen concludes her series of reports from Asia with an overview of the Adventures of Disney tour experience. Joined by Mouse Fan Travel CEO Beci Mahnken, Kristen and Beci discuss Beijing, Hong Kong, the airports, the tour groups, the value of the experience, the elite ABD guides, and some all-time highlights from various Adventures by Disney excursions. As a bonus, they also review a dining experience in Club 33 in Shanghai Disneyland! Next, we preview Pixar's upcoming film "Coco." Director Lee Unkrich, Co-director Adrian Molina and producer Darla Anderson share some secrets from the making of Coco, recorded live at Pixar Day at AT&T Park in San Francisco on September 17. The filmmaking trio talk about the inspiration for the film, the characters and what to watch for, and some of the hidden secrets inside the film. Plus - we discuss our bucket-list Disney destinations, Tiny Tinsel returns - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_473.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:30am PDT
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Oscar-winning director and producer team Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera came to the Walt Disney Family Museum to share their secret stories from the making of "Inside Out," and Jeff reports on the event. The duo shared many secrets and their own personal photos and videos from behind the scenes while they were making the film, and they discuss how they developed the concept for the film which has become near and dear to the hearts of many people who either struggle with their feelings or know others who do. Then, we welcome Academy Award-nominated producer, author and filmmaker Don Hahn to the show to talk about mid-century modern design at the Walt Disney Studios, and how Walt and his team of artists adapted, reflected, implemented and even developed design trends and traits which were common in the middle of the last century. Also - we talk news: Pixar is coming to the resorts in a big way, the Disneyland Resort announces a new four diamond hotel and abandons the Eastern Gateway project, and we share some of our thoughts and reactions to these developments.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_472.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:46pm PDT
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