This week, Team Mousetalgia tries to find a laughing place in the midst of crazy changing deadlines and a new (albeit temporary) normal for visiting Disney's theme parks. But first, we speak with Liz DeSilva, VP Creative for Loungefly/Funko, who talks about the Stitch Shoppe, a new clothing line from Loungefly. Then, Beci Mehnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, returns to talk about the reopening of Walt Disney World, and we discuss strategies, expectations and the new rules and regulations that will be a part of the new experience of visiting a Disney theme park (or taking a Disney cruise) during the era of COVID-19. Also - Splash Mountain is going to receive a re-theming to incorporate the characters from "Princess and the Frog," and we discuss - Jeff on the aesthetics of re-developing attractions, Kristen and Dave on the troubled history of Song of the South, and Becky on the strong character presented in Tiana.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_610.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:34am PDT
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This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Disney historian and author J.B. Kaufman back to the show to discuss the world's favorite mouse, Mickey. We talk about Mickey's early career, including behind-the-scenes tales about the making of his first films, Kay Kamen's influence and the introduction of character marketing, Fred Moore's contributions to the development of Mickey's look, "early" Mickey vs. "peak" Mickey - and more! Then, Mousetalgia welcomes designer Autumn Hansen from Modsy back to the show to talk about Disney decor, and bringing Disney-inspired interiors into your own living space. Plus - it's been 100 days since Disneyland closed, so Kristen helps us mourn and celebrate the eventual reopening.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_609.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week, author/artist/designer Chris Merritt returns to Mousetalgia to join us for an Emporium of topics. First, we return to our "high five" format to discuss a variety of topics, including the top Disney fathers, top ways to be kept out of Disneyland, top live action films; and then Chris takes us on a tour of his top five extinct Disneyland attractions. Next, Kristen consoles us for having to survive 93 days without Disneyland, and then Jeff takes us on a raft to Tom Sawyer Island to discuss the history of the attraction and fish off a pier with Tom himself. Plus - win one of 10 signed copies of Disneyland's map of Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, signed by the artist, Chris Merritt!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_608.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Peabody Award-winning writer, producer and director Mark Catalena to the show to talk about his role as writer and editor of "The Imagineering Story," the hit documentary now playing on Disney Plus. Mark talks about the challenges and victories he and the creative team had while developing this series, which evolved from a potential 90 minute film to the series that now exists. Mark also tells us some of the things he learned along the way, including what makes "Disney magic" so magical, and what it really means to be an Imagineer, from his experience researching the definitive history of the organization for this series. Also, we look at Disneyland in 1986 - alcohol starts appearing in the park, Disneyland's first murder is resolved, Minnie gets a total makeover... and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_607.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:30am PDT
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