Mousetalgia Episode 427: Santa Mickey's Mailbag

Team Mousetalgia goes back to the inbox to answer some of your emails, including: suggestions for taking a Disney trip with a large family with varied interests; collecting Disneyland souvenir books; which one question would we each ask Walt Disney if we could hop into a time machine; a solo trip report from an attraction-lover; autograph certificates of authenticity and what they mean; the runDisney Tower of Terror Bellhop speaks out; Disneyland's stroller thieves, and getting over Disneyland disappointments; what to do when the family is finally "done with Disney"; and booking Good Neighbor suites versus staying at Paradise Pier - plus our usual bits 'n bites. Happy holidays from Team Mousetalgia!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_427.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 426: Rogue One, Disneyland holiday dining, Jazz Loves Disney

It's a Mousetalgia triple play this holiday week as we celebrate the opening of Lucasfilm's "Rogue One - A Star Wars Story," taste test Disneyland's holiday offerings and chat about Verve's new release "Jazz Loves Disney." First, we offer our initial spoiler-free reactions to the latest film from the Star Wars galaxy far, far away. From Michael Giacchino's new score to some dicey CGI, Rogue One offers a lot to digest, and we do our best to share some first impressions of this new format in the world of Star Wars films. Then, Kristen goes back to Disneyland once again to talk about tasting holiday treats, and shares more feedback about Storyteller Cafe, the Festival of Holidays, and the festive menu at Le Salon Nouveau. Finally, we speak with Boualem Lamhene, an executive director with Disney who founded the We Love Disney brand in France which is spreading around the world. We speak with Lamhene about the latest release in the series, "Jazz Loves Disney," and we discuss the creative process behind the new album. Plus - Star Wars trivia, and a special feature: Drew Tablak performing Silent Night at Candlelight 2016.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_426.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:35am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 425: Mouse-con 2016

This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you to the second annual Mouse-con, held recently in Concord, CA. We'll take you on a tour of the dealer offerings, the venue, the cosplay, the special guests, and the panels, including excerpts from Disneyland Hotel history expert Don Ballard and Disney poster artist Bill Morrison, who tells the story of his controversial "Little Mermaid" VHS cover art. Also, we review a new Disneyland-area hotel: Hyatt House Anaheim Convention Center. Listen to why this hotel may just take the place as Mousetalgia's first go-to recommendation for off-site lodging. Plus - the Haunted Mansion's opening week, our Disney Christmas gift list, and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_425.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:37am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 424: Disney Festival of Holidays, Moana screenwriter Jared Bush

Mousetalgia takes you to Disney California Adventure's Festival of Holidays to review the food, the festivities, and the fun entertainment. From an $11 pomegranate margarita to holiday Swedish meatballs to egg nog cheesecake, there's a taste of something for everyone - but is the price right? And performances abound, but can any entertainment compare with the Grammy-winning Mariachi Divas? We also discuss Elena, Santa, Viva Navidad, and those stilt walkers. Next, we offer a review of Disneyland Hotel's Thanksgiving Buffet, with its cheeses, salads, seafood, and all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings, courses and desserts. We'll review the food, the characters, the value and the overall experience. Plus, Mousetalgia reviews Moana, featuring our interview with Moana screenwriter Jared Bush. Plus - a unique report on visiting Walt Disney on the studio lot in the 1950s, and our advice on what to do if you need to visit urgent care on a trip to Disneyland.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_424.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:41am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 423: Destination D at Walt Disney World

Team Mousetalgia goes bi-coastal as we take you out to Florida to report on the 2016 "Destination D: Amazing Adventures" event that just concluded with breaking news and behind-the-scenes insights into some of Disney's most adventurous undertakings. But first, Jeff reports on recent West Coast happenings, including in-person reports from the Van Eaton Galleries "Souvenirs of Disneyland" auction; the 2016 CTN Animation Expo; and a very special Haunted Mansion happening with Peter Renaday and Mark Silverman at Creature Features in Burbank (ahem). Then, Mousetalgia special correspondent Lindsey Elhai joins us to talk all about last week's Destination D event hosted by D23 at Disney's Contemporary Resort, with reports on varied topics such as Disney Hollywood Studios' new "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" fireworks show; EPCOT's "Frozen Ever After"; Walt Disney's True Life Adventures, Disney Animal Kingdom's "Pandora - The World of Avatar", and more, including exclusive conversations with Imagineers and insiders including Becky Cline, Don Hahn, Tony Baxter, Marty Sklar, Wyatt Winter, Tom Vazzana, and others.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_423.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:58am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 422: Dumbo's 75th anniversary, Christmas crowds

Tim Babb, host of the "Can't Wait for Christmas" podcast, joins Team Mousetalgia this week for a holiday showdown. We talk about his podcast, and then discuss dealing with the hectic nature of the Disneyland Resort during the holidays. Tim reacts to the boisterous crowds at the resort, and we offer some suggestions to help keep the holiday spirit alive. Next, Kristen discusses her trip to Disneyland after-hours to celebrate Dumbo's 75th anniversary, and reviews a special Club 33 presentation in Disneyland's Main Street Opera House with trivia, history and a look at the making of the classic film. Then, after the crowds cleared out, attendees were able to visit a nearly-empty Fantasyland, enjoy a glass of wine, and ride the rides to their hearts' contents. Plus - Kristen shares a touching moment with Oscar; Tim takes a last tumble down the Tower, and Jeff places a call to the North Pole - it's the return of Tiny Tinsel!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_422.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 421: Mickey Mouse turns 88, Van Eaton Disneyland auction

Mickey is turning 88 this week, and Team Mousetalgia invites you to celebrate with us! First, we welcome Mike Van Eaton back to the show to discuss "Souvenirs of Disneyland," an upcoming exhibition and auction of Disneyland memorabilia and merchandise. From a pen in the shape of a woman's leg to a scale Imagineering model of New Orleans Square, this major auction is destined to make history. Then, we celebrate Mickey's birthday by catching up with Disney comic writer Pat McGreal, who talks to Mousetalgia about his quarter century of giving life to Mickey Mouse and his friends. Jeff discusses the persistence of vision via Fields' famed "Art of Walt Disney" book, and then we continue our birthday celebration with a round table discussion of Mickey Mouse shorts, Mickey Mouse collectibles, Mickey Mouse in the parks, Mickey Mouse songs, and more. Plus - Disneyland Paris goes to hyperspace; tutus rule, Guardians take the tower - and more. Special note: Jeff will be appearing Saturday, Nov. 19 at Creature Features in Burbank from 1 to 3 p.m. to sign his book "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion." 

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_421.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:37am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 420: Silly Symphonies, Geek Girl Con 2016

Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian J.B. Kaufman back to the show to discuss his latest book "Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series." We talk with Kaufman about the cartoons' relevance to the society of their time and Walt Disney personally, and discuss the music, the marvelous animation, and their place in the history of the Walt Disney Studios. Next, Kristen reports on Geek Girl Con 2016 in Seattle, and reports on the Women of Pixar panel. Also, a listener reports on the Bob Gurr Bus Tour of Walt's L.A.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_420.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:58pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 419: Halloween with Mark Silverman, Haunted Mansion panel

Happy Halloween! Disney voice actor Mark Silverman joins Team Mousetalgia this week for a spooktacular Halloween episode! As the voice of Rod Serling in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Mark shares a special insider's view of the recent Tower of Terror event at Walt Disney World. We also talk to Mark about being a "Monster Kid," memories of celebrating Halloween as a child, surviving Hurricane Matthew at Disney World, and we host a Tower of Terror lithograph giveaway! Then, Jeff reports on the Walt Disney Family Museum's recent Haunted Mansion panel called "Tales of Ghoulish Delight," which dealt with the history of the famous haunted house and featured some of Imagineer Kim Irvine's stories about how the Mansion has changed over the years. Plus - Jeff announces some appearances; a listener calls in a trip report - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_419.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:22pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 418: Mickey's Halloween Party

Get spooky with Team Mousetalgia as Kristen reports on Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland Resort. First, we talk about a Halloween Time dilemma - crowds, heat, and closed attractions during one of the most popular weekends of the year. Kristen shares a potpourri of thoughts, including notes on this year's Halloween treats, tips for traveling with a hesitant two-year-old, Photopass woes, character dining options, and tips for first-time Disneybounders. Then, we talk Mickey's Halloween Party, including a review of this year's treat trails, new projection effects on the castle and the ghosts of goats past. Plus bonus samples from the ride of the Headless Horseman, the Frightfully Fun Parade and the Cadaver Dans. Also - Kristen reviews "Maps of the Disney Parks; we talk about Disneyland's imminent digital Fastpasses; and Jeff announces the release of the second edition of "The Unauthorized Story of Walt Disney's Haunted Mansion" and a Nov. 19 book signing at Creature Features in Burbank.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_418.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:04am PDT
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