Mousetalgia Episode 307: Disneyland 10K, Marceline documentary

Mousetalgia reports from the Disneyland Half Marathon weekend, and Dave and Becky talk about the runDisney Expo, Jeff Galloway's running philosophy, preparing for a race, a description of the 10K course, and dealing with a sudden illness at the park. Then, Dave reviews "Marceline," a documentary about Walt's childhood hometown held at the Walt Disney Family Museum with some discussion with the filmmakers and actors. Does this film about a small town in the midwest maintain the Disney magic? We also discuss the potential impact that Marceline may have had upon a 5 year old Walt. Plus - Walt's home movies; Mousetalgia is named a "Best Disney Podcast;" Jeff gets a taste of the caviar dream of being a bestselling author; and if you get sick at Disneyland, we discuss the best attractions to be stuck on!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_307.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:01am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 306: Le Salon Nouveau at Club 33, listener email

Becky takes us on a tour of Le Salon Nouveau at Club 33, giving us a peek at the animatronic vulture, changing portraits, French lift booth, beautiful mural and more new details from the recently renovated club. Plus, we discuss more park impressions, including Dooney and Burke purses and breakfast at Steakhouse 55, where the scent of red meat and the aroma of good coffee make for a memorable meal at a great value. Then we go back to the mailbag and discuss your questions and concerns, with topics including runDisney and Star Wars; Disneyland area lodging; vistiing Aulani; planning for Disneyland's 60th anniversary year; making magical memories for strangers in the park; touring decisions when you only can get to the parks once every couple years; character dining options; and off-site restaurants. Plus - a listener's trip report, and Disney cruising or Adventures by Disney... which, where, and why? 

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_306.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:06am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 305: Ghostly Materials, Fanniversary

In this week's Emporium of topics, Imagineer Brian Crosby returns to the show to talk about various topics, including Marvel's Disney Kingdoms; "Ghostly Materials," the Haunted Mansion exhibit at Disneyland's Disneyana store; and the real meaning of the brass bat stanchions that direct the Mansion's queue. We also start talking Expo - how to start preparing for the fourth D23 convention, coming in summer 2015. Kristen reviews two new Blu-ray releases (something old and something new), and Jeff reviews the recent d23 Fanniversary held at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Is this fan event worth the hype - and the ticket price? The team also mulls over the current state of Disney's official fan club, and considers the future of D23. We also host a sweepstakes giveaway of a limited edition 85th anniversary Mickey Mouse watch! Plus, baking banana bread from the Monorail Cafe; the Disneyland Almanac; Disney Afternoons; making a new World's Fair - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_305.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:42am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 304: The Haunted Mansion at ScareLA; Robin Williams

The ScareLA Halloween convention celebrated the 45th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion on August 9 with a panel hosted by Jeff, and he shares some behind-the-scenes moments and memories from the event, which featured Disney Legends Alice Davis and Bob Gurr on stage with Jeff, talking about the creation of the world's most loved haunted house and the concept artwork of Marc Davis. Dave also reports on the ScareLA show floor, and Jeff shares a few more Haunted Mansion moments, discussing Disneyland's celebration of the Mansion's anniversary, and a midnight ride through the venerable attraction. Also, Jeff talks about his newly released book "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion," hinting at some of the features and highlights waiting for readers to discover. Plus - Team Mousetalgia take a moment to remember Robin Williams, and we share some of our favorite films and memories of the Disney Legend's too-short life and times. Find Jeff's book at http://www.doombuggies.com/book .

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_304.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:58am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 303: Touring the Disney Studio and Disney Music Group

It's Rewards Points Week at Mousetalgia, as Kristen cashes in 15,000 Disney Movie Rewards points to earn a private tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank! Listen to all the details as Kristen and Jeff describe the process of applying for the tour and discuss the tour itself. We'll compare it with the D23 fan club tours and contrast the various features of both tours. Next, the tour reports continue as we visit Imagineering and the Disney Music Group for an in-depth look at the variety of services and musical expertise that makes up Disney's important music department, including a look at the sorting, score archiving, album cover design, orchestrating and record label business that comprises this world-class business division. Plus - a trip to Warner Bros. studios, a walk on the Disney Studios' rooftop - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_303.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 302: Comic-Con, Legends of Frontierland

A galactic emporium! From the wild frontiers of space to the wilds of Disneyland's Frontierland, Team Mousetalgia take you on a fun journey through time as we look at Comic Con, Disneyland's Frontierland game, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Exposition. First, Jeff takes a quick trip to Comic Con, meets Baymax, and just misses seeing Zachary "Flynn Rider" Levi on a half-day trip to the world's hugest fan gathering. Then Kristen goes to Disneyland and reports on some of the latest happenings at the Magic Kingdom, including a review of "Legends of Frontierland," the new interactive experience at the park; Alice in Wonderland's enhancements; and the Blue Bayou's current menu. Finally, Dave and Jeff report on a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Walt Disney and the World's Fair, with a talk about how the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition may have influenced Walt Disney in various ways. Plus - Guardians of the Galaxy hijack the show; Jeff gets lauded by Guillermo del Toro - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_302.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:22am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 301: David Koenig; Journey Into Imagination

David Koenig offers a look behind the scenes at the process of writing the best "behind the scenes" Disney parks books! From surprising anecdotes to the massive undertaking of documenting Walt Disney World's history, Koenig discusses his various books and his opinions about successful attractions, cast member secrets, and the art of bringing fantasy to life. Koenig talks about Universal's impact on the Disney parks, dealing with Disney's legal arm, and how pulling back the curtain on Disney park operations can make fans love the parks even more. Also, Mousetalgia goes back to Walt Disney World again as Dave, Becky and Kristen discuss a special fundraiser featuring Tony Baxter discussing Journey Into Imagination, the beloved extinct attraction from EPCOT Center. Tony talks about the original proposed EPCOT architecture, the origins of the attraction, and the unlikely genesis of Figment! Plus, our favorite Disney summer songs - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_301.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:24am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 300: Walt Disney World through a Disneyland lens

This week, celebrate Mousetalgia's 300th episode with us as Jeff travels across the country to Orlando and reports on his June trip to Walt Disney World. From the dramatic humidity changes to the wide boulevards and enormous castle, we discuss the diferences between the east and west coast Disney parks and form some conclusions. Topics include highlights of the various parks, food and dining options, Cast Members, the use of space, aging water spectacles, and the billion-dollar Magic Bands. Agree or disagree, you're sure to find something to ponder as we discuss the various parks and opportunities afforded on a trip to the number one vacation destination in the world. Also, Team Mousetalgia reminisces about the past 300 episodes, and we share some memories and highlights. Plus - our biggest sweepstakes ever: your chance to win a 3 day, 3 night trip for 4 to the Disneyland Resort! Listen to win! (Rules and terms of the sweepstakes can be found at http://www.mousetalgia.com/300.htm )

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_300.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:56am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 299: Producer Don Hahn; Imagineer Glenn Barker

This week, Team Mousetalgia speaks with legendary producer Don Hahn (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Who Framed Roger Rabbit) at the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Hahn shares some thoughts on producing, creating documentaries and working on Disneynature films, and we also discuss the nature of creativity within Disney productions. Mousetalgia also welcomes Imagineer Glenn Barker to the show, who talks about his start as a drummer for Disneyland parades and his eventual career working at WED as a media designer, producing soundscapes and soundtracks for all of the attractions at the Disney theme parks. By dissecting the sound design for Big Thunder, Barker demonstrates the fascinating process of adding the critical audio component to the most famous theme park attractions in the world - and shares some inside secrets from the creation of some of the Disney parks most beloved soundtracks. Plus, Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mousefan Travel, joins us to reminince about this year's Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, and we share some highlights from this extraordinary Disney fan event.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_299.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:21pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 298: Disney Legend Tony Baxter; Chris Merritt on Pacific Ocean Park

Recorded live from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet, we present part one of our coverage from this popular Disney fan event. Returning special guest Tony Baxter talks about his mentor, Claude Coats; what he likes (and doesn't like) about the updates to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; the next wave of great aspirational attractions; understanding the heart of a Disney collector - and undergoes a rapid fire "Mousekeminute." Also, Imagineer Chris Merritt is back on the show to talk about his new book "Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles' Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier" discussing the history of this short-lived but influential theme park, including a description of some of the most intriguing attractions, the incredible musical talent that graced the park's stages, and various elements of interest to Disney fans. Plus - a listener reports from Walt Disney World's Star Wars Days, the Walt Disney Family Museum gets a new Tiki bird - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_298.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:06am PDT
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