This week, we welcome the holiday season with a tasty smorgasbord of Disney topics. We welcome Seth Kubersky, author of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to the show to talk about expert ways to tour the park in an increasingly complex system of reservations and planning. We talk about dining, lodging, what's new in the parks, and what makes Disneyland the magical destination that it is, despite all the hassle of planning a trip. Then, Julia Layne calls in from Anaheim to review "Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort," the 2023 version of the resort's holiday tour. She gives us the nitty gritty to help you decide if this tour is right for you. Julia also reports on the just-opened Advetureland Treehouse, and shares some highlights from her visit. Plus Swiss Family Treehouse history, ShopDisney woes - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_712.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:18pm PDT

This week, Jeff welcomes his co-host Julia from the DoomBuggies Podcast to talk about our Disney-stuffed Halloween weekend events. First, Jeff reports from Garner Holt Productions' "Grim Grinning Gala," a benefit to raise money for the company's youth education foundation. From a star-studded panel discussing the creation of Disneyland's "Haunted Mansion Holiday" to a backstage tour of Garner Holt's manufacturing and production facility, this amazing evening had a lot of spooktacular moments to share. Then, Julia walks us through the Walt Disney Family Museum's Oct. 29 event called "This is Halloween: Celebrating 30 Years of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" - a panel featuring a number of artists who worked on the film, including director Henry Selick.

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Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_711.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:38pm PDT

This week, Mousetalgia celebrates Disney100 by speaking with Laurieanne Zandbergen, the daughter of Virginia Davis, who was the little girl hired by Walt and Roy Disney to perform as "Alice" for their Alice comedies on Oct. 16, 1923, marking the "official" birthday of the Walt Disney Company. Laurieanne talks about her mother's memories of working with Walt, the history of the Alice Comedies, and the importance of the role Virginia played in the formation of Walt's career. Then, we speak with Melissa Cavanagh, a very close friend of Mickey Mouse, about Mickey's career including meeting fans, staying optimistic, and ice skating. Plus - facts about mouse circuses, Mickey's Circus remembered - and more.

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Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_710.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT

This week, Jeff and Kristen provide a detailed review of the 3-bedroom Grand Villa in the brand-new Discovery Tower at the Disneyland Hotel. Plus - Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, a look behind the scenes at the Napa Rose (and an encounter with the restaurant's new General Manager), and Anaheim's Muzeo celebrates Anaheim's Halloween traditions in a new exhibit. Plus - a look at Van Eaton Galleries huge new space in Studio City, a report on our resort shopping experience - and more!

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Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_709.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04am PDT

This week, Mousetalgia sets out the fall potpourri with a collection of fun seasonal topics. First, Julia Layne returns to the show to present a list of fun fall activities you can enjoy with a little Disney twist, in case you aren't able to make it to the parks this year for all the Halloween fun. Then, Jeff and Julia report on a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum featuring Walt Disney Imagineering Executive Creative Director Kim Irvine, who has spent over half a century (and counting) as an Imagineer and shared stories about her mentors and notable projects over the course of her career at Disneyland. Finally, Jeff talks to National Geographic Kids Senior Editor Ariane Szu-Tu about "Weird But True! Disney," the latest installment in the popular line of books packed with trivia and facts from all over the Walt Disney Company.

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Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_708.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:38pm PDT

This week, Jeff and Kristen review the announcements that came from Destination D last week related to Disney Parks and Resorts. We cover it all - new shows, Figment woes, and what excites us the most (besides Hat Box Ghost!) Kristen has thoughts about the reformating of Country Bear Jamboree, Jeff keeps talking Lorcana, and we talk about an upcoming DIsneyland trip.

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Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_707.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:02am PDT

This week, Jeff welcomes special guest Bri Bertolaccini, Marketing Manager at The Walt Disney Family Museum, to the show to discuss the museum's purpose, exhibits, and ultimate mission to showcase the life of Walt Disney and highlight his impact on popular culture. We talk about the WDFM's permanent collection, discuss our favorite exhibits, share behind the scenes stories, and chat about a few upcoming events. Plus, Jeff shares his experience shopping for the new Lorcana trading card game, and Disneyland releases a spooky new mug set (which quickly sells out - sorry!)

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Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_706.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30am PDT

This week, Jeff invites his wife Julia back to Mousetalgia to talk about the ins and outs of Disney Vacation Club ownership, and the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel. Is DVC right for you? Maybe we can help you decide. Also - Ravensburger releases its new highly-anticpated trading card game "Lorcana," and Jeff shares a story about the Lorcana announcement at the last D23 Expo. Plus - Disneyland announces new updates to the grounds of the Haunted Mansion coming to New Orleans Square with construction begining in January 2024 - what do we know, and what can we expect?

Keep in touch: comments@mousetalgia.com.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_705.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:26am PDT

This week, join Jeff on a deep dive as we explore the various inlets that took Walt Disney on his path toward the opening of his Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland. We look at the influences that played a part in Walt's decision making as he created his mid-century marvel amidst a boom in "Tiki" culture spreading across America. Also, Disneyland releases (and immediately sells out) of another tiki mug, new Haunted Mansion merch starts to appear outside of the parks, and more.

To donate to help the victims of the tragic fires in Maui, visit https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_704.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:54am PDT

Welcome, foolish listeners - to this special Haunted-Mansion-54th-anniversary edition of Mousetalgia! Today, Jeff discusses autograph collecting, the pros and cons of collecting popcorn buckets, and a new Hat Box Ghost controversy! Plus, we celebrate the anniversary of the venerable Haunted Mansion, and Jeff shamelessly shares a Disney Visa offer (which you can find at https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200b/SQCWK227JK ). 

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Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_703.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:49pm PDT