This week, Mousetalgia welcomes author/historian Didier Ghez to the show to talk about his new book, "They Drew as they Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's New Golden Age." Didier explains Disney's "New Golden Age" of animation, contrasting it with the studio's productions before and after Walt's death. He also talks about his search for art and material to include in the book, his process for researching Disney Studio history, and his upcoming projects. Plus - the return of listener email! Topics include a comparison of the Disneyland resort hotels, the origin of "carpe kingdom," how to preserve posters - and more.

This week, join Mousetalgia as we speak with Disney producer and filmmaker Don Hahn in a conversation about Howard, his documentary about legendary lyricist Howard Ashman. Hahn joins us to speak about the journey he has made with the film in the two years since it first premiered, and talks about the man who "gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul." Then, Jeff and Kristen report on a fundraising event hosted by the Walt Disney Family Museum starring Alan Menken, legendary Disney tunesmith who worked with Howard for many years before Howard's passing. We discuss Alan's work and musicianship. and his incredible imprint on the world of musical theater and film. Also - Jeff reviews a book about maps,Kristen Carr checks in with a Mousetalgia FastPass - and more!

This week, celebrate the Haunted Mansion's 51st anniversary with Mousetalgia as we welcome Jeremy Marx from the Disney History Institute to the show to discuss Imagineer Ken Anderson's role in developing Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. From Anderson's start in the Disney animation department through his leadership in developing the Fantasyland dark rides, we discuss his unique role in the design and direction of the Haunted Mansion's look, story, and mystery. Then, Jeff tells us about a $2000 dinner inside the Haunted Mansion in the year 2000. We look back at the intriguing event, and wish we could have been a part of it. Plus - Kristen Carr shares about an opportunity to support Walt's Birthplace, the upcoming Van Eaton auction - and more!

This week, get radical with Mousetalgia as we take a look back at Disneyland in the '70s and '80s with former Disneyland Ambassador Willie Vander Zwaag Burckle. Willie served as a Tour Guide in the '70s and Goodwill Ambassador to the World in 1981, taking guests and VIPs on tours through Disneyland, and she shares stories from moments in her career, such as touring the park with the King of Jordan and visiting children's hospitals, and witnessing the healing power of Mickey Mouse. Also - Tiki birds take over the Haunted Mansion, Disney Parks Fuel Rod founders, Disneyland in 1982 - and Kristen Carr brings us the all new Mousetalgia FastPass!

This week, we take a look at Disneyland through the years from two different perspectives. First, we welcome Mike Van Eaton back to Mousetalgia to talk about the next in his series of Disneyland memorabilia auctions. "Disneyland: The First 65 Years" will be held on August 15 and 16, and Mike describes some of the highlights from this upcoming auction - including an actual tombstone from the Haunted Mansion! Then, we welcome Disney historian and author Dave Bossert to the show to discuss his latest book "3D Disneyland: Like You've Never Seen It Before," a photography book that showcases Disneyland through the lenses of a vintage 3D camera. The book shows rarely seen details of Disneyland from both the 1950s and the 1980s, providing a unique perspective on the park's past. Plus - our favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland - and more!

Kristen Carr joins Mousetalgia to discuss the re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, and gives us a trip report about her visit to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks. She talks about the experience booking the trip and making reservations, what to expect regarding masks and social distancing, the dining experience, and her own reactions to re-experiencing the resort, which she hasn't visited for years. Plus - we review Osmo, a hands-on learning product that transforms kids' tech time into a beneficial experience - with a Disney twist, of course. Plus... an Osmo giveaway! 

Happy 65th birthday, Disneyland! This week, Mousetalgia has the privilege of speaking with former Disneyland Ambassador Connie Lane, the last Disneyland Ambassador who was personally selected by Walt Disney to represent Disneyland to the world. Connie shares with us her memories of being at Disneyland during many pivotal moments, including the opening of iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Small World and Haunted Mansion, and her recollections of working with Walt Disney himself. Then, correspondent Kristen Carr reports from the grand re-opening of Downtown Disney, and gives you some idea of what to expect from a visit to the resort in the era of COVID-19.

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Doug Lipp and Pam Lipp to the show to talk about their individual extensive careers with the Disney Company. First, we talk to Doug Lipp, the author of "Disney U: How Disney University Develops the World's Most Engaged, Loyal, and Customer-Centric Employees." Doug discusses Disney University, learning from Van France and Jim Cora, opening Tokyo Disneyland, the cast member philosophy in Disney's international parks, and the experience of working for the Walt Disney Studios in the tumultuous 1980s. Then, we speak with Pam Lipp, who tells us about her time working at Disneyland on Main Street in the 1960s, making candy canes in the Candy Palace and selling jewelry at Rings and Things - and then becoming a tour guide at the park, and then moving to the Mickey Mouse Activity Center at the Walt Disney Studios for Disney University. Plus - Disneyland APs - keep 'em or get a refund? We discuss.

This week, Team Mousetalgia tries to find a laughing place in the midst of crazy changing deadlines and a new (albeit temporary) normal for visiting Disney's theme parks. But first, we speak with Liz DeSilva, VP Creative for Loungefly/Funko, who talks about the Stitch Shoppe, a new clothing line from Loungefly. Then, Beci Mehnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, returns to talk about the reopening of Walt Disney World, and we discuss strategies, expectations and the new rules and regulations that will be a part of the new experience of visiting a Disney theme park (or taking a Disney cruise) during the era of COVID-19. Also - Splash Mountain is going to receive a re-theming to incorporate the characters from "Princess and the Frog," and we discuss - Jeff on the aesthetics of re-developing attractions, Kristen and Dave on the troubled history of Song of the South, and Becky on the strong character presented in Tiana.

This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian and author J.B. Kaufman back to the show to discuss the world's favorite mouse, Mickey. We talk about Mickey's early career, including behind-the-scenes tales about the making of his first films, Kay Kamen's influence and the introduction of character marketing, Fred Moore's contributions to the development of Mickey's look, "early" Mickey vs. "peak" Mickey - and more! Then, Mousetalgia welcomes designer Autumn Hansen from Modsy back to the show to talk about Disney decor, and bringing Disney-inspired interiors into your own living space. Plus - it's been 100 days since Disneyland closed, so Kristen helps us mourn and celebrate the eventual reopening.