Mousetalgia Episode 407: Disneyland Railroad Conductor David Wilcox

Mousetalgia welcomes Retlaw employee and Disneyland train conductor David Wilcox to this week's show to talk about working for the railroad back in the days of the Disneyland D coupons. David shares the secrets of the train team regarding keeping guests safe; his responsibilities and experiences; falling off the train; and three-hour lines for the steam train going all the way back to the entrance gates. We also discuss coupon book hijinks, Grad Night shenanigans, and more. Also - in honor of the Summer Games, we welcome former Olympian and Gold Medalist Ryan Millar to the show to talk Disneyland hotels, and we offer Disney suggestions for the new hotel announced for the resort. Plus - Kristen reviews "All Aboard: The Wonderful World of Disney Trains," and we dream about bringing back our favorite extinct Disneyland television shows.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_407.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 406: Listener questions about Disneyland trip-planning

Today, Team Mousetalgia answers your questions about your upcoming trips to the Disneyland Resort, including: Staying concierge level at Disneyland Resort hotels: yea or nay; the ins and outs of secret Disneyland marriages; Doubletree Suites - worth the hike?; how to schedule the day of the week for your park trips; rider swap and Fastpass tips and tricks; vegetarian dining options at Disneyland; making the most of a Silver Pass; crowd levels on runDisney event dates; and how to celebrate a sweet 16 birthday at Disneyland on Dapper Day. Plus, Jeff reviews the latest Haunted Mansion-inspired fiction book from Disney; Moana; Disneyland 2017 Resort reservations are now open - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_406.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:17am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 405: Conversations with Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar

Listen to our exclusive interviews with WED Imagineers Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar in this episode of Mousetalgia, in our continuing coverage of the 2016 Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet. Gurr and Sklar both worked directly with Walt Disney for many years and provide great stories and insight about the man who shaped modern themed entertainment for generations. Bob Gurr talks about his innovative Omnimover ride vehicle and discusses his impressions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while Marty Sklar offers his impressions of Shanghai Disneyland, which he calls the finest Disney park ever built. Gurr also takes us on a brief trip through Disneyland, and Sklar talks about writing as the voice of Walt Disney himself, and discusses how Walt built WED from his best artists. Plus - Team Mousetalgia builds a fantasy fan convention; a listener visits Walt's Barn on Disneyland's birthday; Disney artist Stacia Martin speaks about the Disney Gallery - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_405.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:31am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 404: Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet 2016

This week, Team Mousetalgia reports from the Pacific Northwest Mouse Meet 2016 near Seattle, WA. Topics include the D23 mixer the night before the meet, the show floor, and personal highlights from Mousetalgia listeners and attendees to the Mouse Meet (which happened to raise $12,000 for the Seattle Children's Hospital and Ryman Arts this year). Come behind the scenes with us as we talk about set-up snafus, run-ins with Disney Legends, and super-cold Dole Whips. We also speak with meet vendors, including the Jayme Twins, RecyclEARS, author Mike Fox, and Disney historian and author David Lesjak, who shares a story about an incredible piece of Disneyana he displayed at the event. Plus - Kristen reviews the Grand Legacy at the Park, Jeff is interviewed for a documentary, and Becky plans to go coast to coast. Stay tuned for next week, featuring our exclusive interviews with Disney Legends Bob Gurr and Marty Sklar. And happy 61st, Disneyland!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_404.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:17am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 403: Soarin', The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Team Mousetalgia takes you on a Forbidden Journey through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios with a very magical trip report. But first, we visit Disneyland to see the newly re-opened attractions including Soarin' Around the World, Autopia, the Matterhorn and the Jungle Cruise. Kristen offers a few tips regarding the VIP tours, and we offer an in-depth review of Soarin' - the sights, the scents, the CG. Then, we journey north to Universal Studios Hollywood to review the newly-opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and offer our insights into Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. We also take you on a whirlwind tour of Hogsmeade with stops at Honeydukes, Ollivanders, Zonko's, and the Three Broomsticks Inn. We compare the work of the Universal Creative team with the Disney Imagineers (many of whom have moved back and forth) and discuss what worked best and what may have missed the mark. Plus - Kristen visits and reviews an exhibition of Eyvind Earle artwork showing in Glendale.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_403.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 402: Frozen - Live, Disneyland's sounds of summer

Team Mousetalgia takes you back to Arendelle - er, the Hyperion Theater, that is - as we enjoy the sounds of summer '16 at the Disneyland Resort. First, we review "Frozen - Live at the Hyperion," and offer our initial reactions to the new musical that made a splash by replacing the popular "Aladdin" stage show. Does it live up to the hype? We dissect what works for us, and what doesn't. Then, we take an audio tour of the parks and enjoy the sounds of summer, including clips of the Straw Hatters, the Dapper Dans with Ragtime Robert, The Pearly Band, the Frontierland Orchestrion, Club 1901's Hollywood Big Shots, and the All American College Band. Plus - we celebrate Independence week with a Johnny Tremain giveaway!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_402.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:22am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 401: Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

Team Mousetalgia celebrates the summer by welcoming Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti back to the show today as we investigate Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Join us on the lanai as we reminisce about the history and development of this famous attraction, from its roots as a proposed Chinese restaurant through its present day acclaim with the recent resurgence in the popularity of Polynesian culture. Kurtti, author of "Walt Disney's Imagineering Legends," talks about the early days of WED Enterprises, the cultural trends that enabled the Tiki Room to succeed, and the famous Sherman Brothers song that ties the whole show together. Also - we unveil the secrets to some of Trader Sam's most closely guarded drink recipes, and take a look at the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_401.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:13pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 400: Finding Dory review; 400 eps!

Team Mousetalgia reviews "Finding Dory" and looks back over 399 shows on this special 400th episode! First, we look back at almost 8 years of Mousetalgia and we talk about things we've learned, reminisce about awkward moments, and share a few of our favorite moments from the show. We also welcome special guest Beci Mahnken of Mouse Fan Travel to the show to help us celebrate. Then, Jeff and Kristen review "Finding Dory" and Pixar's latest short "Piper" to share our spoiler-free initial impressions as well as some box office news about the release. Also - we talk about the news that Disneyland will be gaining another 4-diamond resort hotel, and share our opinions about the development. Plus - if you'd like to get even more Mousetalgia than a show a week, consider joining Mousetalgia Plus. Our "Plus" episodes begin this week! Visit MousetalgiaPlus.com for more information.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_400.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:06pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 399: Skipping Disney films

This week, the Team Mousetalgia doctor is in to dispense a little therapy related to Disney's latest crop of live action films. For various reasons, we haven't been hitting every film on opening weekend lately and we ask why. Kristen skipped Jungle Book, Jeff skipped Alice (along with most everyone else), and Becky skipped Zootopia, so we check in with each other to find out what we look for in Disney releases to give us the incentive to get to the theater. Then, Jeff reviews the forthcoming book "Disney Parks Presents The Haunted Mansion," a gorgeous art book masquerading as a children's read-along. Plus - AP holders can get popcorn and drink refills for a buck for a limited time, and Becky breaks down the costs and we weigh in with our concerns. Is it really a valuable addition to the passholder experience? We'll report and you can decide. Don't forget to grab a t-shirt (just a few days left!) at mousetalgia.com/tshirt , and you can now join Mousetalgia Plus for EVEN MORE MOUSETALGIA! Just head over to mousetalgiaplus.com for all the details.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_399.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:50pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 398: Disney Legend Dave Smith; Disneyland Park Pack

Team Mousetalgia talks to Disney Legend Dave Smith, the founder of the Disney Archives, about his new book, "Disney Facts Revealed." We talk about Dave's career of answering Disney fans' questions about the studio, and he discusses the easiest and hardest questions he has answered about Disney; his background as the original archivist for the Disney Studio, and stories covering everything from the Darby O'Gill banshees to Elias Disney's cache of priceless paperwork. Bonus - we host our own "Ask Dave" segment! Next, Mousetalgia talks collectibles by comparing the recent "Ghost Post" vs. Disneyland Park Pack blind boxes from DisneyStore.com - which beats expectations, and which leaves Team Mousetalgia wanting? Also - we talk trivia, and we ask you to help us celebrate our 400th episode! From now to June 12, please consider voting for Mousetalgia at podcastawards.com; buy our latest t-shirt from now through June 19; and send your vocal tracks for "A Very Merry 400th" to comments@mousetalgia.com. Find the lyrics at facebook.com/mousetalgia

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_398.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:23pm PDT
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