Mousetalgia Episode 333: Newsies tour, Disneyland '55, Disney auction

Mousetalgia carries the banner and reviews the current touring production of Newsies, which landed recently in San Francisco. We discuss the differences between the film and the touring production, and even some differences between the Broadway show and the current tour. Souvenirs, dancing, the music - we cover it all. Then, Dave and Becky review Disney on Ice: "Let's Celebrate," and describe the experience. (Hint: bring a kid!) Also, the Mallett family joins us to discuss visiting Disneyland almost 60 years ago in 1955 when they won a radio contest in the Golden Horseshoe and rode down Main Street in the fire truck with Abbott and Costello, and they also share their memories of the park as they grew up with it through the decades. Finally, the team participates in the recent "Story of Disneyland" auction, and we report back on our successes, failures, and some of the highlights of this much-anticipated auction of Disneyland memorabilia. Plus - in honor of Friday the 13th, we talk about unlucky moments at the Disneyland park. From duck poop encounters to Sleeping Beauty backstage in Juicy sweatpants, we recount some of the unfortunate events that have stricken the Mousetalgia crew in the past. 

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_333.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 332: Three days at Disneyland

The Mousetalgia 3-day Disneyland trip: our own methods, secrets, and ideas for making the most of the standard 3-day trip to Disneyland Resort. When is it better to spend a little more, and where can you save a little? How should you approach meals during a day at the park? We offer our opinions on attractions, fastpasses, drinks, breaks, and a general plan of attack for enjoying the resort during the busy summer season. Plus, Kristen treats herself to a 24 hour trip to Southern California, and offers her own advice for making the most of quick jaunts to the park. Also - a Poppins portrait, Mary Blair prints, Miles from Tomorrowland, and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_332.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:17am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 331: Star Wars Costumes, Disneyland Auction part 2

Mousetalgia investigates the ways of the force this week as Kristen goes to the recently opened "Star Wars and the Power of Costume" exhibit which premiered in Seattle's EMP Museum, and shares her opinions of the new nine-part exhibition of costumes from all six Star Wars films. Covering everything from Darth Vader's armor to Princess Leia's slave outfit, the exhibit promises insight regarding the design and development of the look of the Star Wars universe. Also, Jeff and Kristen have a chance to visit the Van Eaton Galleries to view the items from the upcoming "Story of Disneyland" auction in person, and we share thoughts, memories, opinions, and reactions to the multitude of Disneyland collectibles. Plus - Wednesdays with Walt at Disneyland; a dress company licenses Mary Blair's art and name; a creative new way to spruce up your Mouse ears; new sweepstakes; Star Wars goes cruising - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_331.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:03am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 330: D23 events, Mr. Lincoln

D23's Kristin Rodack joins Mousetalgia this week to discuss D23's events and features for 2015, many of which were just announced in the past week. From studio events and chances to meet Disney Legends to gatherings spread across the country, 2015 looks to be the best yet for D23 members. We discuss the recently announced features in detail, which include a radical new approach to the Fanniversary events, an incredible new gift for Gold Membership in 2015, and of course, the upcoming D23 Expo. Then, visit the Mousetalgia Emporium. This week's topics include a celebration of Presidents' weekend by discussing Mr. Lincoln's debut in the 1964 New York World's Fair, and Walt's original plans for bringing Lincoln into a "One Nation Under God" attraction at Disneyland; Disney's Mickey Mouse season 1 on DVD, for which Kristen offers a review; and a listener's six questions about visiting Disneyland as the 60th anniversary nears and planning a trip with the extended family. Plus, our predictions for the next Disney animated feature to go live action - Gary Busey as Mr. Toad? 

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_330.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 329: The Story of Disneyland auction; Glen Keane

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 short created in conjunction with Google. Plus - the team talks about our favorite collectibles, a listener reports on a recent art exhibition - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_329.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:41am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 328: Disneyland's anniversaries

Disneyland just announced details of the 60th anniversary celebration, and Mousetalgia's special correspondent Mady reports on Disneyland's media night describing the festivities, which will include new dancing fountains; a focus on Walt Disney, the man; new Richard Sherman music and fireworks; a new nighttime parade; lots of diamonds and... swans? Mousetalgia also looks back at Disneyland's previous decade anniversaries, including the 1965 Tencennial, the 1975 20th birthday commemoration, the 1985 Gift Giver Extraordinaire, 1995's 40 Years of Adventure (and those Skybox trading cards), and Disneyland's 50th anniversary homecoming in 2005. Plus: Jeff buys another book, Kristen visits the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, Becky makes us all thirsty, and Dave goes back in time to Grad Nite '97. Also, a pediatrician's measles advice, and Mousetalgia will be live at Star Wars Celebration!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_328.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:39am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 327: Hat Box Ghost rumors, Frozen Fun, Star Wars Half Marathon

This week, we run to a galaxy far, far away to talk about Disneyland's recent Star Wars Half Marathon weekend. With Dave or Becky participating in each race, we have a full report on the goings on, the galactic hoohah, the out-of-this-world costumes, and the too-few character photo opportunities. Was this a good start for the Star Wars races, or did it miss the Hammill -er, the mark? Also, Disneyland Resort freezes over as tarps go up and the parks prepare for their 60th anniversary upgrades. Becky reports on all of the Frozen fun, including sledding, singing with the sisters, and sketching snowmen. We review the Frozen stage shows, and wonder how much Frozen is just enough. Finally, as rumored earlier on Micechat, it appears that something strange is afoot in the Haunted Mansion's attic, and we discuss the possible meaning of the new alterations to the ride. Might the infamous Hat Box Ghost be readying himself to make his gory-ous return? We speculate, and have Haunted Mansion expert Dan Olson on the show to tell the story of the original Hat Box Ghost, which he was lucky enough to witness firsthand back in 1969. Plus - what to do about the Measels outbreak, and pro tips about meeting Olaf.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_327.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:31pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 326: Email show - Club 33, Disneyland tips

It's back to the email inbox, as Team Mousetalgia answers your questions. The topics include a list of our favorite exhibits at the Walt Disney Family Museum; Disneyland dining with a baby; sharing a love for Disney with people who don't share your passion; antenna ball tips when you don't have an antenna on your car; a special Small World birthday party report; Keila leaves for the WDW College program and has questions; what to expect from a trip to dine at Club 33; finding gold in Frontierland; ranking the Pirates films; and growing up with Disney. Plus - a macaroni Mickey Mousse recipe from the 30s, DVC news, Jeff announces a book signing, Dave preps for lighting his house for the 2015 holidays - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_326.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:47am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 325: Into the Woods; Pixar storytelling; Walt and nature

Mousetalgia goes Into the woods to discuss the latest film from Walt Disney Pictures. Kristen, a long-time Sondheim enthusiast and performer, offers her take on the show's merits and musings, while Jeff questions the message underneath the music. Is this movie a good match for the Disney catalog? Next, Becky talks about a lecture given by Bobette Buster, a professor, screenwriter and story consultant who has worked for Disney and Pixar. Buster discusses storytelling and the "arc of transformation," using examples from Star Wars, Toy Story 2 and other Disney properties as demonstrations of storytelling that builds bridges between people and encourages spiritual and mental growth. Next, Jeff Kurtti speaks about Walt Disney and America's National Parks at the Presidio, and Jeff reports from the event. Kurtti describes Disney's long history of involving nature in his work, and demonstrates Walt's consistent passion for bringing the outdoors into his projects while maintaining inventive, compelling entertainment. Finally, the team discusses Agent Carter, and speculate about the show's impact. Plus - it's Star Wars Half Marathon week, and we look forward to some incredible costumes, and offer suggestions to runners who don't yet have a plan!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_325.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:14am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 324: Mousetalgia's year in review

From our favorite flicks to our most memorable experiences, Team Mousetalgia gets personal and discusses our personal highlights and memories from 2014. At the movies - did Captain America conquer Maleficent, or did a little puppy take the cake - and the meatballs? Jeff is over the fog-shrouded moon at the opportunity to host a Haunted Mansion panel at ScareLA, while Kristen takes pride in providing some material to the Walt Disney Family Museum to honor Disney artist Mary Blair. Dave enjoys a special meal at the Grand Californian's Napa Rose, while Becky puts the rest of the team to shame with her most precious memory of the year. And for the infamous Oswald Award - will D23 run away with the prize, or does WDW's My Magic+ have what it takes to come out behind? Find out in this week's episode of Mousetalgia! Plus - our individual Disney resolutions... do we have a chance to keep them this year? 

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_324.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:44pm PDT
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