This week, Mousetalgia discusses some recent exciting happenings at the Disneyland Resort. First, Mousetalgia correspondent John Garcia reports on "Throwback Nite," the first of a string of planned special ticket "Disneyland After Dark" events. John talks about the atmosphere, the food, the entertainment, and the special features that made this first in a series of Disneyland evening events a very special night. Then, Jeff reports on the latest Star Wars happenings at the resort, including a review of the Void's "Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire" VR experience currently operating in Downtown Disney. We discuss the parts of the attraction that hit the mark, and a few notes that are slightly off key. Finally, Jeff reports on a panel discussion with Lucasfilm art directors from "The Last Jedi" held at Gallery Nucleus, and shares some secrets from the making of the films.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_484.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week we present an Emporium of topics. First, Disney historian David Koenig joins us to talk about the late Frank Pfannenstiel, who was the last Disneyland cowboy. Hired in 1954 and employed at the park for 33 years, Frank, a WW II Marine veteran, was hired to care for and train horses and mules for Walt's still-in-development Disneyland park. Frank drove a covered wagon for Disneyland's opening day parade behind Fess Parker, and worked at the Disneyland Pony Farm caring for the 200+ horses, mules and other animals. Next, Michael Vargo, VP of D23 and the Disney Archives, joins us to talk about the 2018 Gold Membership Gift, which celebrates 90 years of Mickey Mouse. We'll discuss some of the surprises included in the box, and how the D23 team went through 90 years of history to choose their 23 favorite samples of memorabilia from the extensive career of Mickey Mouse. Finally, New York Times bestselling author Matthew Reinhart joins us to talk about creating pop up books, and we talk about the art of combining story and dimensional art for both his new book "Pixar: A Pop-Up Celebration." Plus, Val/Galentines Day ideas - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_483.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:56am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia digs in to the history of Walt Disney's Classic Sleeping Beauty, and we take a look at the development, the marketing, the exquisite art - and we review a panel discussion with animators and Disney Legends Floyd Norman and Burny Mattinson about the making of the film, held at the Walt Disney Family Museum in December. We also take a quick look back at Eyvind Earle's famous bicycle trip across the country, which helped to launch his career as a fine artist. Next, Kristen discusses the "Cinderella Festival" which was held at Disneyland in March 1971. Fashion shows, garden tours, and special recipes were featured during this three-day event at Disneyland, during which a park guest would be named princess Cinderella for the day. Plus - Star Wars answers just raise more questions, and Kristen reviews "Chewie and the Porgs."

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_482.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:30am PDT
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This week, we present a spoiler-filled review of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the 8th installment in the Star Wars saga. But before that, let's talk DVC, and discuss the benefits and costs of joining the Disney Vacation Club. Is the cost of purchasing property in villas in deluxe Disney hotels worth the experience? Our special guest Heather Coursen discusses the ins and outs of being a DVC member, and tells us who DVC is for, and who should probably pass. Then, we talk everything "Last Jedi" in a spoiler-filled, roundtable-style free for all. Porgs, flying Leias, laser swords - we discuss all of our initial thoughts and feedback while we prepare for future viewings. Everything from hyperspace to the nature of the Force is dissected, inspected and accepted or rejected. Listen to our review, then join the conversation at facebook.com/mousetalgia.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_481.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:51am PDT
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