Mousetalgia Episode 397: The Art of Pinocchio, Walt Disney on WWII

Mousetalgia reports on "Wish Upon a Star: The Art of Pinocchio," the latest special exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum. First, Jeff reports on a talk by animation historian John Canemaker in a presentation focusing on an analysis of two of Pinocchio's lead animators: Bill Tytla and Milt Kahl. Then, we have a review of the exhibition, and we discuss historian Robin Allan's take on the Blue Fairy. Plus, in honor of Memorial Day, we play a wartime radio speech Walt Disney gave explaining the studio's role in the war effort in July of 1943 on "The March of Time." Also - a listener shares super tips for having a successful Disneyland honeymoon, Jeff gives you a chance to get a little whistle, Mousetalgia "Inner Space" t-shirts are now on sale, Kristen tries Oculus Rift, and we talk about Muppet pizza, Disney LEGO Minifigs, Disneyland MyMagic+ plans, and more. Plus, please vote for us in the Podcast Awards. We appreciate your support for our nomination, and now we need daily votes for our chance to win. Visit podcastawards.com and find Mousetalgia in the Society and Culture category. Thank you!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_397.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:24am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 396: Listener questions

It's back to the Mousetalgia Mailbag! This week's questions include: Touring the Disneyland Reort with youngsters - how young is too young? Watching YouTube videos of Disney attractions - how much do they spoil the in-person attraction experience? Disneyland FastPass strategies - where to start, and how to maximize your experience. Plus - Disneyland Paris tips for quick trips, Walt Disney World must-dos, Disneyland snacks, a very awkward Jungle Cruise moment, celebrating a "Disneymoon" - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_396.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:46am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 395: Van Eaton "Collecting Disney" auction, Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Dave and Becky report on their recent experience at the Disneyland Tinker Bell Half Marathon, and talk about the state of runDisney, the race experience and routes, the switch to PhotoPass for Disney's half marathon photography, and runDisney's new virtual 5K runs. Also, Van Eaton Galleries will be hosting another Disney auction, and we welcome Mike Van Eaton to the show to discuss some of the jaw-dropping items that will be featured in June's "Collecting Disney" auction. From the original score to "Minnie's Yoo Hoo" to a Mickey Mouse doll that Walt Disney gave to a dear friend from his time in France during WWI, the new auction continues to amaze Disneyana collectors with materials from Kay Kamen, the original Mickey Mouse Club, the studio's early feature films, "lost" materials, rare toys - and more. Plus - a sad week for Disney, Dixieland Band Camp memories, "Minnie-ature" Cream Lip Stain, and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_395.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:42am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 394: A career as an Imagineer; Disneyland with toddlers

A team of Imagineers recently spoke about the ins and outs of starting a career as an Imagineer, and Jeff reports on the panel discussion. Hosted at the Walt Disney Family Museum, Imagineers Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, Frank Stanek and Tom Morris spoke candidly about how to enter the field of theme park attraction design, including topics such as the right attitude and training, your portfolio, the best entry jobs to launch a career in Imagineering, and more. As a bonus, Sklar and Baxter offered surprising personal opinions about hot topics including Star Wars Land and Magic Bands. Next - Slingbacks, strollers and snacks, oh my: we talk toddlers at the park as Kristen reports on her first time at Disneyland with her 16 month old daughter and offers tips and tricks for a successful trip. Topics include Photopass woes, dealing with character fears, attraction options, Toon Town vs. A Bugs Land, and character breakfast options. Plus - we look at some of Disney's most ominous mothers - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_394.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:08am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 393: Disneyland lodging options

'Tis the season to book your summer trips, so Team Mousetalgia takes our annual look at Disneyland Resort hotels and a variety of area lodging options, and we offer tips and advice to make your trip a success. First, we present the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each of the Disneyland resort hotels (Paradise Pier, The Disneyland Hotel, and the Grand Californian) and discuss amenities, food, family activities, convenience, and more. Then, we mention our top alternate hotels, and also look at the most convenient hotels to the park. We also take a quick look at what to think about before staying in a bargain hotel. Next, Jeff reports on a special sneak preview of the upcoming book with the working title "Marc Davis Goes to WED," which will carefully detail the incredible design work Davis did for Imagineering after he left Walt Disney Animation. Written by authors Chris Merritt and Pete Docter, the book is a definite must-have for Disney fans. Plus - a haunting comic book signing; our favorite Disneyland must-dos - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_393.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:32pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 392: Composer John Debney; DCA's Food & Wine Festival

Mousetalgia welcomes Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning composer John Debney to the show today to talk about his score for Jon Favreau's "The Jungle Book," as well as his incredible career and history with the Walt Disney Company - from his start at the studio with Buddy Baker as a mentor, to his recent collaboration with legendary songwriter Richard Sherman to work on songs for this new score. Also, Jeff discusses "The Jungle Book" and shares initial reactions to the groundbreaking film. Then, Kristen reports on Disneyland Resort's Food and Wine Festival, and discusses the variety of booths, the food options, and the best bites she encountered at the event. Finally, we return to talk about Disney's "Ghost Post" subscription experience, and Kristen describes the in-park elements of Disney's first interactive box of souvenirs as she follows the cry of the Haunted Mansion ghosts for help with their predicament. Plus - Hallmark's iffy Disneyana; a Life Magazine special on Walt Disney; new Disney Cruises announced; Disney and Record Store Day - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_392.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:43pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 391: Studying Disney history; every Disney park in 80 hours

Team Mousetalgia dives into the depths of Disney history today by welcome Disney historian Joseph Titizian back to the show to talk about studying Disney. With the changes in media over the past few years, the line between enthusiast and historian has blurred, and Titizian shares his background and journey from fan to historian; discusses how Disney helps historians with libraries and archives; explores the history of Disney history books; and offers tips for aspiring historians to make their mark in the field of Disney history. Next, Mousetalgia welcomes Christopher Wing to the show to discuss his latest adventure. Wing recently took flight and made it to all the Disney theme parks around the world in eighty hours. Learn all about the logistics of scheduling flights, luggage, and connections; and relive the drama of near-misses and forgotten iPads. Plus - a WDW Dark Side 5K report; the triumphant return of Awkward Disney Moments - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_391.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:35am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 390: Ghost Post subscription; Star Wars

It's a jam-packed Mousetalgia Emporium this week as Team Mousetalgia takes you all over the Disney galaxy! "The Force Awakens" Blu-ray finally hits the shelves, and we talk about our favorite bonus features from the loaded disc of extra content. The "Rogue One" trailer also dropped last week, and we talk about the newest stellar heroine from that galaxy far, far away. Disney's Ghost Post Haunted Mansion subscription boxes have hit the doorsteps of the lucky 999 mortals foolish enough to join the fun, and we detail some of the special features of this intriguing happening that is equal parts collectible and experience. Also - Tom Staggs retires, and Walt Disney World brings digital pressed penny machines into service. Plus - the story of Sally Slater; Disney Crossy Road gets spoopy, D23 announces Destination D; Fusion releases an intriguing documentary about the making of Zootopia - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_390.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:01am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 389: Silicon Valley Comic Con

This week, Team Mousetalgia takes you with us to the recently-held Silicon Valley Comic Con, with a focus on the Disney-related aspects of this new pop culture convention including a conversation about the showroom, Stan Lee and his Marvel-ous contributions to the current Disney media empire, and a presence we haven't felt since... well, since the last time we were in a theater to see Star Wars. The writers for The Big Bang Theory also share some moments from their own galaxy far, far away. We also discuss the crowds, the atmosphere, and Kermit the Frog's elevator crush, Lea Thompson. Plus, Shawn Marshall of ParksandCons.com joins us to offer his top 10 tips for surviving conventions and having a successful con experience. Also - Disney's Gracey Manor Ghouls use some very familiar artwork; Select Brands shares their Disney product lineup; Magic Kingdom and Jungle Book apps reviewed; and the D23 Expo dates are announced for 2017.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_389.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:41am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 388: Canemaker on Wong and Bambi; Disneyland with toddlers

Team Mousetalgia discusses Bambi, one of Time Magazine's "Top 25 Horror Films," and we look at the life of Disney Legend Tyrus Wong. Join us and learn about Retta Scott's animation for the film, take a brief look at the production of Bambi, and listen to our talk with Academy Award-winning animator and historian John Canemaker about Wong. We learn about Tyrus's childhood and early influences, his education and interest in art history both European and Asian, and how his work was used during his short time at the Walt Disney Studios. Next, Mousetalgia helps a listener with a question about taking a three year old to Disneyland for a birthday. What can she do to make the trip extra special for her child? Also, since celebrity has taken over our political discourse, we wonder which Disney notables might make a good President. Plus - enjoying Disneyland with senior citizens; a listener reports on a Marty Sklar event - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_388.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 5:31am PDT
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