Mousetalgia reports on "Disney's Mid-Century Modern - to the World's Fair and Beyond," a panel discussion held at the Walt Disney Family Museum with Garner Holt's Bill Butler, historian Alan Hess, and historian Bill Cotter, the preeminent expert on the World's Fairs. The panelists discussed the influence of modern design on Disney's mid-century productions, including Disneyland and the 1964-65 World's Fair. Clean lines, contemporary material and modern sensibilities influenced both Disney's artists and the creative works they developed, and we discuss many of Walt Disney's modern projects, including his first Burbank campus, his television productions, Disneyland's Space Bar automat, the Disneyland Hotel, and the House of the Future. Bill Cotter also discussed the '64-'65 World's Fair, and Walt's cutting-edge design for the New York attractions. Then, Mousetalgia debuts a new feature: "Giving You a Hand with the Land," our touring advice segment in which we have callers present their unique trip-planning situations, and then we answer their questions and help plan the trip for those circumstances. Today, Michele joins the show to make plans for a reunion with a best friend sans their families to celebrate a 40th birthday. Plus - if you had to experience a single attraction 365 days in a row... which would you choose? Bonus: you could win a $50 Disney Gift Card - listen for details!

Disneyland admission prices - how does the increased cost reflect on the park and its community? We share some thoughts from Disney expert Jeff Kurtti, and share our own reactions to the recent annual pass price increases at the Disney parks. Plus, Mousetalgia reports on Halloween Time - the tricks, the treats, and the differences from years prior. From Pumpkin Flan to Banana Fritters, we discuss which seasonal treats were worth trying, and which didn't pass Kristen's taste test. From fall-flavored drinks to Halloween-themed baked goods, Kristen reports on the culinary offerings, including the Mystical Spirits Dinner at the Blue Bayou restaurant during Mickey's Halloween Party, which had organizational challenges. Does the price point work? Kristen details the food, the entertainment, and tells whether or not the chaotic check-in experience ruined the night. Also - goat adoptions, easy Halloween costumes, a Cadaver Dans performance... and is Pop Secret a not-so-secret flop? Plus, remembering Kevin Corcoran's best roles, and Jeff will be speaking about the Haunted Mansion at MouseCon in Corcord, CA on Nov. 15. Visit mouse-con.com for details.

It's a week of Mousetalgia book reports! First, Lynn Barron and Ken Pellman, authors of "Cleaning the Kingdom: Insider Tales of Keeping Walt's Dream Spotless" join Mousetalgia to talk about their new book, which is all about the duties and experiences of the custodial team at Disneyland. Discover the perks to working as a sweeper, the best lands to keep clean, meeting Disney Legends, walking through attractions... and what happens when guests throw up in the park. Then, Disney historian and author Jim Fanning joins the podcast to talk about "The Disney Book," his latest title, which is from from DK Publishing. Fanning discusses the audience, scope and process of putting together this beautifully designed and wide-ranging 200 page tome. Plus: win a copy of Jeff's book, Mousetalgia is named "best Disneyland-centric podcast," a listener sees a rough cut of Zootopia - and more.

Let's talk CHOC: it's not too late to get involved with the 2015 CHOC Walk in the Park, the time-honored fundraiser coming to Disneyland Resort Oct. 11. Zach Abrams from CHOC joins us to talk about the upcoming event and describes some of the features of this 25th anniversary stroll through Disneyland before it opens to the public. Then, we hear a detailed description of the first Jungle Cruise Sunrise Safari Breakfast hosted at Disneyland Park, which provided a few lucky guests the chance to eat during sunrise on the shore of the African Veldt amidst the animatronic wildlife, and then help the skipper narrate on their own private cruise back to civilization. Finally, Kristen reports on D23's screening of Aladdin in celebration of the Diamond Edition release of the classic film. After the fans voted and selected Seattle as one of three cities to host the screening, D23 arrived with special guests and surprises in tow, and Kristen reports on the event. Plus - Disney cracks down on Disney Dining Buddy; finding Walt's autograph; Ghez's "They Drew as They Pleased" book series; Disneyland plans to temporarily close much of Frontierland - and more.

Team Mousetalgia discusses "American Experience: Walt Disney," and we offer our first impressions and questions - then we welcome Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show for a balanced critical perspective on the documentary from a friend of the Disney/Miller family. Titizian discusses new information from the Walt Disney Archives on Walt's own words about his childhood and his relationship with his father; the truth about Lilian Disney; Walt's feelings about Snow White and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; critical missing information in the film's own narrative; fascinating never-seen footage from the animators' strike; and where the film gets it right and gets it wrong about Disneyland's place in mid-century history. We also wonder why Cal Arts and the World's Fair are absent, despite being critical elements of Walt's life. Also, Mousetalgia's Force Friday wrap-up: BB8, Star Wars pajamas and Legos rule the day, as well as Star Wars edibles. Plus - another Mousetalgia listener wins Disneyland's Diamond Days sweepstakes!

Mousetalgia jumps to the Outer Rim this week to talk about Star Wars Land, and we offer our take on the recent news about the planned 14-acre galactic space port. We discuss how guests will enter the land, and wonder "What about Star Tours?" We compare the "orange crates" from 2013's D23 Expo (which suggested upcoming Tattooine-based attractions) vs. the current plans for an unknown planet. Kristen still wants Star Wars out of Disneyland altogether, and we ponder whether Marvel is destined for Disney's third gate in Anaheim. Then, Mousetalgia welcomes Disney voice actor Pete Renaday back to the show to talk about his roles and career with the studio. Pete talks about his start with the Disney company, and how he went from being a messenger at the studio to voicing Henry, the star of the Country Bear Jamboree. Pete talks about the studio in 1959; an uncomfortable close encounter with Walt; working on screen tests and films; and finally moving into voice acting. Bonus: Pete's tips on voicing Mickey Mouse! Plus - The "American Experience: Walt Disney" documentary is previewed at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and we discuss where Disneyland might relocate their goat population once Big Thunder Ranch is shuttered.

This week, Mousetalgia offers an Emporium of topics, including: More D23 Expo tales from the floor, including an encounter with Dick Van Dyke and Kim Possible; a review of the new Disney Animation "Short Films Collection" on Blu-ray; a return to the Lucasfilm theater for a presentation from Disney Legend Tony Baxter and Imagineer Josh Shipley on Vintage Disneyland; and a conversation with Pixar animator Mike Wu. Wu discusses his years at Walt Disney Feature Animation during the studio's second golden age, then talks about moving to Pixar and working with Brad Bird on the Incredibles and Ratatouille. We also discuss "Ellie," Mike's recent book from Disney Press, which is an inspirational story of an elephant that discovers her artistic side. Plus - a new Disney book club, Star Wars soup, Lasseter almonds, listener reviews of Disneyland's "Tahitian Terrace" event and the Walt Disney Family Museum - and more!

Join Team Moustalgia on another in-depth look at the 2015 D23 Expo, including a closer look at the Walt Disney Archives exhibition and a few of the panels and presentations. First, we talk about "Disneyland: The Exhibit," an extensive display of memorabilia, props and ephermera from Disneyland's 60 year history. We also have exclusive commentary on the exhibit from Disney Legend Tony Baxter and Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline. Next, Dave and Kristen talk us through the "Magic Behind the Muppets" panel and the "Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios" presentation, featuring the upcoming slate of features including Gigantic, Moana, The Good Dinosaur, Toy Story 4 - and more. We also briefly discuss the "Walt Disney Parks and Resorts" presentation, and also visit "Safari So Go - 60 Years of the World Famous Jungle Cruise," "Disney in Concert: A Silly Symphony Celebration," and "It's Game Time: Disney Interactive Takes the Stage." 

Join Team Mousetalgia on a tour of the floor of the 2015 D23 Expo, where we'll examine the various pavilions and attractions scattered throughout the enormous biannual Disney fan convention. We take a look at the various queues, and examine the StagePass and StorePass systems D23 has in place to attempt to ease the pain of standing in lines. We'll visit the Disney Dream Store, Mickey's of Glendale, and the Disney Store to see what went right in retail, and what went wrong. We visit the Imagineering and Parks and Resorts destinations to learn more about Avatar's looming approach at Animal Kingdom and to discover many of the secrets of Shanghai Disneyland. We also talk freebies and discuss our favorite giveaways, with a special empahsis on the Animation pavilion and its plethora of artistic offerings and animator signings. Finally, we look forward to next week's show about the panels and presentations with a quick look at the Walt Disney Studios presentation, with its surprising Star Wars news. Plus, a listener wins the Disneyland Diamond Sweepstakes - and more!

Team Mousetalgia answers your email this week as we recover from the D23 Expo weekend. Topics include: places to find a drink at the resort; the best way to search the Mousetalgia archives; Haunted Mansion Holiday facts; the Disneyland Legacy Collection CD set discussed; CV Wood's Heritage Square; "When You Wish" - a Disney stage show currently performing in Utah; D23 - is the gold membership worth the cost; a listener reviews DCA's "Disney Calfornia Story Tour"; touring Disneyland through the eyes of a child; seeking out Haunted Mansion merchandise; and navigating Disneyland Resort during Halloweentime - is adding Mickey's Trick or Treat party to a vacation worth the extra ticket? Plus Disney tattoos - the Mousetalgia crew's dream ink!