Welcome to the Return of the... Mousetalgia potpourri! This week, Jeff and guest co-host Julia Layne welcome the first week of May with some Star Wars talk, including a review of Disneyland's Season of the Force (29:00) and the new show "Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga." We also talk about a new exhibit coming to the Walt Disney Family Museum (15:35) called "Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic," and discuss some of the latest things we've been watching (shout out to Bluey!) Jeff also gives a brief Knott's Berry Farm trip report (35:35), and welcomes Chris Merritt back to the show to discuss his new book "Knott's Bear-y Tales: The Complete History of the Whimsical Attraction" (49:55). We talk about the history of the ride, the story of '70s Knott's, and how Rolly Crump developed the story of the beloved experience.

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Ep. 738: Don Hahn and Chris Merritt on Disneyland at 70, authors and historians on Snow White '25

This week, Imagineer Chris Merritt and Disney producer and director Don Hahn join Mousetalgia to talk about "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland," their upcoming book scheduled to be released to celebrate Disneyland's 70th birthday (8:55). They discuss Disneyland's origins, its place in popular culture, some of the people you might not know who were important to the park's beginnings, and the things that will set this book apart from your other shelf of other Disneyland books. Then, Jeff will share some public social media postings about Snow White (2025) which outline some of the historical controversies which have been brought into the spotlight about the creation of the animated classic (1937) (53:50).

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This week, Tina and Julia from the Pal Around Podcast join Jeff to talk about the new Snow White live action film starring Rachel Zegler. Jeff caught an early screening and discusses this much-debated release from the Walt Disney Company. We talk about the music - old and new, the changes from the original animated classic to create a new story, those animated dwarfs, and the new film's possible impact on the public perception of Disney remakes. Then, Julia and Tina talk about "Directing at Disney: In Conversation with Director Brenda Chapman and Historian Mindy Johnson" at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Brenda opened up about her career in animation, both for Disney and outside of the company, and shared stories about her collaborations, her history in the industry, and creating and co-directing Brave for Pixar. 

This week, Jeff welcomes special guest Violet Bird to the show to talk about her recent holiday Disneyland road trip with her husband and their 5 children. Violet shares some anecdotes and stories about her trip, with tips for a successful family vacation inserted along the way. Then, Jeff talks about Sleeping Beauty in honor of the 66th anniversary of the film, and ponders the work Maila "Vampira" Nurmi did to help create the character of Maleficent. Plus - Ron Howard signings... and more.

This week, Jeff welcome's Julia Layne back to the show to cover a broad range of topics. We discuss Disneyland's 70th anniversary announcements and the return of Paint the Night, and talk about a brief Haunted Mansion PR gaffe (and that $35 Bride sipper!) Next, we review some new books and talk a bit about the new Star Wars Beastiary, and then we talk about Disney collecting in general, including news about an upcoming Ron Howard signing (at which Jeff hopes to get his Haunted Mansion album signed.) 

Our thoughts and prayers are with anyone affected by the horrible Los Angeles wildfires, which we know has threatened many of our friends and listeners in Southern California. If you'd like to donate to the recovery, visit Americares.org.