Mousetalgia Episode 258: Haunted Mansion presentation, the art of Bambi

Jeff dons his "Chef" hat and offers a synopsis of a recent Haunted Mansion presentation he delivered at the fall gathering of the Golden Gate Disneyana Club on this week's episode of Mousetalgia. From the Mansion's architectural origins to the great haunt debate (should it be scary or should it be spooky?), we examine a few of the interesting elements that make the Haunted Mansion such an unforgettable and fascinating attraction. Next, we join Andreas Deja and Carol Police at the Walt Disney Family Museum and report on a talk about "Art and Character Development in Walt Disney's Bambi," featuring an in-depth look at the groundbreaking artwork created by Tyrus Wong for the film's production. Plus - deep-sixing Disneyland attractions, Little Mermaid Second Screen Live screenings, another view of the Villains event - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_258.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 257: Halloween Time, Anaheim's Halloween Parade

Halloween Time has come to Disneyland, and Team Mousetalgia reports on the arrival of this popular villainous season. But first, we welcome Kevin Kidney back to the show to give some history of the upcoming Anaheim Halloween Parade, what guests can expect at this year's event, and the intriguing Disney ties to this special hometown celebration. Next, Dave and Becky review Disneyland's "Unleash the Villains" Limited-Time Magic event on Friday, Sept. 13th, and describe the good, the bad, and the ugly. Dancing with DJs in Disneyland - is it a trend that's here to stay, or a fad that never quite catches the public's imagination? Then, we preview Disneyland's annual Halloween Time celebration, and offer some special food reviews, a description of some of the special seasonal overlays and features, and offer our advice on enjoying the spooky season at the park. Finally, we offer our penultimate Club 33 review of the original club, with more food reviews and a brief discussion of the future of the storied restaurant. Plus - coast-to-coast Marty Sklar book signings, including a Walt Disney Family Museum event; Pixar's La Luna story app; surviving Disneyland in the heat of SoCal's Indian Summers - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_257.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 256: Marketing Disneyland; Jack Kinney

Bob Witter, director of marketing for Disneyland in the '90s, talks about his time with the park and the development of various campaigns (starting with Indiana Jones and "40 Years of Adventure") that helped launch the resort's marketing efforts in a new direction. Witter talks about Indy, sponsors, Jay Leno, and more. Also, Jeff and Kristen discuss the late Disney animator Jack Kinney's time with the studio via his 1988 book, "Walt Disney and Other Assorted Characters." In his book, Kinney shares accounts of the earliest days at Disney's studio, and discusses how the team endured the depression and built the world's premiere animation studio under the leadership of Walt Disney. Plus - San Jose's late Frontier Village and its Disneyland ties; a signed book giveaway; Halloween Time arrives at Disneyland; the secret to creating Trader Sam's Shipwreck - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_256.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:09pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 255: Storybook Land restoration, Disneyland Half Marathon

Becky's 5k, Button's 100m dash, and Dave's half marathon: it's a Mousetalgia runDisney report! Despite sign-in woes and overnight temps near the mid-70s before sunrise, the heat and above-average humidity couldn't quell the spirit of the 2013 Disneyland Half Marathon runners. Amid scattered episodes of heat stroke and asthma attacks, the athetes perservered for another overall successful event, and we have the details. Also - a Storybook Land restoration project gets underway, with an attempt to preserve some of Walt's original model buildings from the1956 attraction, and you can be involved. Plus - dining options at the Steakhouse 55 lounge, staying in the Frontierland Tower, catching the Divas, videogame news... and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_255.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:39pm PDT
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Mousetalgia Episode 254: Listener email

This week, we answer your emails in a cornucopia of Disney goodness! Thanks to your questions, we tackle subjects like finding Disney in the non-Disney world; a Jolly Roger Hotel review; making your DCA evenings extra-special; Dave's coast-to-coast aspirations; DIY Disneyland scavenger hunts; Goin' Quackers with Willio and Phillio; bringing a non-Disney-fan or disinterested family member into the "family"; apps that will increase your enjoyment of the parks; and buying unique Disney gifts for the fan who seems to have everything. Also - we help Dave and Becky decorate their new home, Disney-style. Plus, greetings from Scotland - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_254.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:51pm PDT
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