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This week, Team Mousetalgia (with returning guest Tim Babb) welcome 2022 by taking a look back at the past year in Disney, discussing our favorite movies, books, theme park experiences/additions, favorite Disney purchases, favorite Disney eating experiences, best Disney+ shows, and we offer our first ever Pollyanna Awards, discussing the things we are most thankful for from 2021.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_688.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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Merry Christmas! In this special holiday episode, Team Mousetalgia celebrates yuletide with a Candlelight trip report and a very special guest. First, Jeff was able to visit Disneyland for this year's Candlelight Processional, and shares a brief report about the event, waiting in line for Rise of the Resistance, and blowing off Zachary Levi. Then, we welcome Imagineer/author Chris Merritt back to the show to talk about Marc Davis' Enchanted Snow Palace, an attraction Davis conceptualized that was never realized in the parks. We discuss Davis' vision, the scenes and characters, and the history behind the development of the attraction. Season's greetings to you and yours from the entire Mousetalgia crew!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_687.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:01am PDT
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This week, Dave and Becky report on spending Thanksgiving weekend at the Disneyland Resort with the kids. We talk about the food situation at the park, including new reviews of Lamplight Lounge, GCH Craftsman Bar and Rancho del Zocalo. We talk about the state of the Disneyland restaurants, churros, the current types of character interaction opportunities, and dealing with queues and children. Plus - a review of the Karmel Shuttle Service, and today is Dick Van Dyke's birthday, so we celebrate with our favorite DVD memories!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_686.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:03pm PDT
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What makes a monster - and what makes a man? Jeff recently attended a performance of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame at Hale Center Theater in Orem, Utah, and Jeff reviews the performance and talks about the process of bringing stories like "Hunchback" to the stage. We talk about Victor Hugo's original book, the new theatrical version, and the differences between the characters in the play and the animated versions of the story. Plus, we list our top six favorite Disneyland holiday celebrations - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_685.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:14pm PDT
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This week, Jeff and Dave chat about the recent Mouse-Con 2021 event held at in Concord, California on Nov. 7. Jeff spoke at the event about the Haunted Mansion (natch) and attended some panels, including a Disneyland Hotel panel with Don Ballard and a Pocohantus panel with voice actor Irene Bedard. Jeff reviews the panels, discusses the other special guests, and talks about the Disneyana for sale - including some vintage Disney Catalog merch purchases. Plus - our favorite convention memories!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_684.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, spend some time feeling the Disneyland magic straight from Main Street, U.S.A. with Mousetalgia. Our guest is former cast member Bruce Edwards, who spent a few years in the late '70s as a magician and prankster in the Main Street Magic Shop. Bruce shares his memories of growing up with Disney and finally getting a job at the park, and talks about his co-workers and his path toward becoming a professional magician, his memories of pulling pranks on the guests, and his life after leaving the magic shop. Plus - our favorite magic shop memories! Find Bruce's new book "Nothing Up My Sleeve But Pixie Dust" at www.bruceedwardsbooks.com.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_683.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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All of Mousetalgia ended up at the Disneyland Resort for a weekend in October, and this week, we talk about our experiences as the resort continues to recover from the pandemic shutdown. We discuss the Disneyland Resort Hotel service and give quick hits on the variety of eating options, including reviews of the Craftsman Bar, River Belle Terrace, Napa Rose, Lamplight Lounge, Carnation Cafe, and Cafe Orleans. Plus - Kristen visits Club 33 and brings back a drink recipe to share - and we tell two cautionary tales about Disneyland balloons.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_682.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:56pm PDT
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On October 24, Jeff married Julia at the Disneyland Resort, and we have all the details for you in this week's episode! We talk about the food, the ceremony, the venue, the 5:00 am photo session inside of Disneyland Park, the talented performers, and working with Disney Fairy Tale Weddings and White Rabbit Photo Boutique. Plus - our memories of the Skyway.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_681.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:31pm PDT
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Help us usher in the holidays at the Disneyland Resort with a musical celebration! This week, we welcome special guest Tim Babb to the show to discuss our top 20 favorite instances of holiday music in the Disney parks. Also - a look back through history at an animation exhibit introducing Song of the South to Georgians, and Kristen reviews books: Birnbaum's 2022 Official Walt Disney World guidebooks for adults and kids, and "Tales of Courage and Kindness," a new storybook about a variety of Disney Princesses that can facilitate conversations between parents and their children.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_680.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:52pm PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia gets spooky for Halloween week with a variety of spook-sational items. First, Jeff reports from an event at the Walt Disney Family Museum with Gonzo the Great and Pepe the King Prawn sharing stories from the making of "Muppets Haunted Mansion," and then we speak with Kirk Thatcher, the director of the special, who talks about the genesis of the project and some of the experiences he had filming the show. Then, we speak with Kelly Younger, who joined Kirk and Bill Barretta as a writer for the special. Kelly talks about the nature of writing for Muppets, stories about developing the songs in the show, and the success of the special. Next, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Haunted Mansion Holiday with Disney artist Tim Wollweber, who worked on the design and construction of the original Haunted Mansion Holiday, and continues to be involved with the annual centerpiece gingerbread Haunted Mansion, Halloween Time at the parks, and the design of various tiki mugs for Trader Sams - among numerous other projects. We talk about the timeless appeal of Tim Burton's characters, the blending of Nightmare Before Christmas with the original Haunted Mansion, and more. Plus - our list of the scariest Disney Parks attractions... boo!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_679.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, we celebrate the debut of "Winnie the Pooh: The New Musical Stage Adaptation" in New York on Theatre Row with a hundred acres of fun! First, we discuss our history with the willy, nilly silly old bear, and talk about the variety of ways Pooh has touched culture over the past century. Then, we chat with Matthew Lish, Puppet/Prop Coordinator and Lead Puppet Builder for the brand new off-Broadway production of "Winnie the Pooh." Plus - a Haunted Mansion moment about Disneyland fun maps!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_678.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, we turn our attention to the east as Walt Disney World celebrates its first half century of making magical memories. We welcome Beci Mahnken, CEO of Mouse Fan Travel, back to the show to breakdown all of the latest news from the resort's 50th anniversary celebration, including attraction news, resort and hotel happenings, new shows and dining experiences, and much more. Plus - Kristen reviews new books celebrating Walt Disney World's 50th, and we offer tips for folks attempting to return to Disneyland after all of the pandemic-era changes.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_677.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:17pm PDT
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This week, Jeff takes you along on his tasting trip to Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa for his rapidly-approaching Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. We talk about the menu, the pastries and cake options, some clarifications from Jeff's initial wedding report - and, of course, Jeff answers the question about the authenticity of the Bengal Barbecue skewers. Plus - Trader Sam's unveils a new Haunted Mansion-themed tiki mug, and Jeff dives into the thick of it. Also - McDonalds makes more Disney Parks-themed Happy Meal toys, and we discuss.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_676.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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It's the spooking season, and we are welcoming October with a spectre-tacular eek-isode of Mousetalgia. First, Jeff takes us back in time and walks us through his 2003 trip to the sets of Walt Disney Pictures' "The Haunted Mansion," and Kristen offers 31 days of Disney-related treats for Halloween. Everything from playlists to pastimes, boos to books - and even a recipe for "Goofy's Green Fish Mousse" (and a Mousetalgia challenge to boot!) From scary Disney movies to YouTube recommendations, we offers ways for you to bring the spooky to every day of October through Halloween. Plus - our top underrated Disney films, and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_675.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, we talk about rings prehistoric and nuptial as we discuss the new Marvel Studios film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as planning a Disney Fairytale Wedding at the Disneyland Resort. First, Kristen and Jeff talk about the new film, which is Kristen's favorite in the Marvel pantheon. We give a spoiler-free review and consider the characters, the romance or lack thereof, and the new stage being set by Marvel for the future of their tales of the Avengers. Then, Jeff is getting married at Disneyland next month (!) and discusses the process of planning a Disneyland wedding. We talk about getting started, relative pricing, wedding photos in the park, and how to customize the ceremony to make it your own. If you've ever considered getting married in the park, you won't want to miss this episode! Plus - win a free "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Advent Calendar of Ghoulish Delights" from Insight Editions.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_674.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome Disney Legend Hayley Mills to the show. Enjoy our insightful chat about her time spent making films for the Disney Studios as a child, her family life, her career before and after Disney, and her relationship with her parents and Walt Disney himself. Plus - listen for a chance to win a copy of Hayley Mills' new memoir "Forever Young" signed by Hayley herself!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_673.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 1:00am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia welcomes the crew of our latest project to the show to discuss their new podcast - the Mousetalgia FastPass! In an interview recorded live from the Hollywood Backlot at DCA, the FastPass crew share some of their inspirations, history, park favorites, and insights regarding who they are and how they intend to go about sharing the news of Disneyland Resort with their listeners every week. Plus - Team Mousetalgia share some Disney collectible fails! We talk about our biggest flops in our time as collectors of Disneyana.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_672.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:14pm PDT
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This week, join Team Mousetalgia as we speak with legendary Disney producer Don Hahn about his latest project, a short film about Walt Disney's "Storybook Mansion," the house Walt built on Woking Way and lived in with his family from 1932 until he bought his next home in 1949 and moved into in 1950. Don speaks with us about the property, why we are so interested in Walt's personal life, and visiting the place with Disney Legend Floyd Norman. Also - Pirate bird nests, collectible calendars, cancelled trips and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_671.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:17am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia speaks with author and historian Don Ballard about the rich history of the Disneyland Hotel. We discuss the reasons Walt asked businessman Jack Wrather to open the hotel next to Disneyland, and the early guest experience at the hotel, including memories about restaurants, the mid century atmosphere, and the hotel's legacy through the changes it has made over the years. Plus - we discuss exploring Disneyland's massive properties attic, and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_670.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, in honor of the anniversary of Fess Parker's birthday, Team Mousetalgia takes a look back at the legacy of Parker's post-Disney business ventures, and we consider how he might have been influenced by Walt Disney to take bold steps into the world of themed entertainment. Then, we answer your emails about horrible moments at Disneyland, WDW vacation planning, enjoying solo trips, listeners "calling in," and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_669.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week, in honor of the Haunted Mansion's 52nd anniversary, Team Mousetalgia looks at some of the new Haunted Mansion-themed merchandise coming from Target and Spirit just in time for Halloween, and we consider a new key being offered to the old house on the hill. Then, we take a look at Disneyland Resort's new Magic Key program, and contemplate how it compares to previous annual pass programs and the ramifications for current park attendees. We may have more questions than answers, but we start our decision-making process in terms of the value of the new passes on this episode.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_668.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:49am PDT
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This week, Jeff discusses his summer vacation to Aulani - A Disney Spa and Resort in Ko Olina, Hawaii, and talks about a stay at the resort. We discuss the DVC accommodations, the resort's amenities, the dining opportunities, all the pools, and the planning that goes into a trip to Aulani. Then, Jeff and Kristen discuss the latest film from the Walt Disney Studio "The Jungle Cruise," starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. We talk about returning to theaters in the midst of the COVID pandemic and our spoiler-free reaction to the film's premise, humor and characters - and that Metallica song. Plus - Mousetalgia is a teenager! We reminisce about our past 13 years of podcasting.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_667.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:39pm PDT
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This week, visit the wonderful world of Alice in Wonderland with Mousetalgia as we talk to two theme park design experts about the original Alice attraction which opened in 1958 at Disneyland. Former Imagineers Chris Merritt and Don Carson talk all about the history, the design, and the sounds of this quintessential Fantasyland dark ride. Don also shares the story of his development of a VR ride-through of the original attraction. Plus, in honor of 666 episodes of this podcast, we talk about some diabolical Disney deeds.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_666.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia reviews some recent Disney media, starting with a report on a Barnes and Noble panel discussion about "Star Wars - the High Republic." Jeff discusses this virtual event, which featured authors of some new book releases. Then, it's "Delish Does Disney" vs. "Disney Villains: Devilishly Delicious Cookbook." Jeff and Kristen review these latest culinary book releases which are both based on Disney magic, but do the recipes deliver? Finally, we take a look at Luca, and host our own roundtable discussion on the merits and challenges presented by Disney/Pixar's latest film.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_665.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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On this week of Disneyland's 66th birthday, join Team Mousetalgia as we look back into the park's past to the years 1959 and 1985. First, we speak with Beverly Fellows, who worked in Disneyland's Indian Village in 1959. Beverly shares her memories of a well-paying summer job in a park filled with happy people and amazing new attractions. Then, we welcome Barbara Brock back to the show to talk about Disneyland's 30th anniversary "Gift-Giver Extraordinaire" promotion in 1985 from an insider's view behind the counter in the award center. Plus - our Disney bucket list items, and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_664.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, join Mousetalgia for a fascinating conversation with former Imagineer Ethan Reed. Ethan tells us his origin story which includes his childhood trips to Disneyland, his love of Donald Duck and animation, and his introduction to Walt Disney Imagineering. We also discuss his work for the company including character design work for the Duffy and Friends franchise (and the mania surrounding the Duffy bear); work on Camp Woodchuck; animating Mr. Potato Head; and his character design work for Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland. Ethan packs facts and bits of trivia into his stories, including rarely-heard information about the process of designing stories and characters for Disney's theme parks worldwide.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_663.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, Jeff takes his daughters to Disneyland for Father's Day, which happened to be the first weekend that the resort welcomed out of state guests back into the parks and also relaxed their mask and social distancing rules, per guidance from the state and CDC. Jeff talks about returning to the Grand Californian Hotel, and we review the pool and the hotel's restaurants, with a focus on the Napa Rose's Summer Vintner's Table Menu. Then, we discuss the current park experience, and describe what you should expect if you are considering a return to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_662.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia is pleased to welcome author and historian Dave Bossert back to the show to discuss his latest book, "Claude Coats: Walt Disney's Imagineer: The Making of Disneyland From Toad Hall to the Haunted Mansion and Beyond." Dave is joined on the show by retired Imagineer Alan Coats, who happens to be Claude's son and also contributed to the book. The two talk about Claude's impact on Disneyland by discussing his early career in animation, his contributions to the development of atmosphere for the many projects he worked on, and his ongoing legacy. Plus - inexpensive artwork from the production of Sleeping Beauty, Disney dad jokes, XBox and Disney+ - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_661.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:30am PDT
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This week, Jeff shares stories from the grand opening of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure on June 4. We talk about the opening day crowds and how Disney struggled to deal with the crush of visitors who hoped to visit this new land on day one, and then we discuss some of the features of the new area, including the architecture, the attractions, the souvenirs, the entertainment, and the food.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_660.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, Kristen takes us to the premiere of "Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume" at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, and joins D23's Jeffrey Epstein and Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives, who share some behind-the-scenes stories about the development of the exhibition and discuss the value of costumes to on-screen storytelling. Then, we discuss America's return to the cinema, and we talk about getting back to community events and returning to the big screen. Finally, we review Disney's Cruella, and talk about the cast, those costumes, and the vibe of this new dark entry into the Disney Studios catalog. Plus - remembering the Monsanto House of the Future, and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_659.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:41pm PDT
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In this special episode, Kristen, Becky and special guest Jennifer share stories and tips about taking self-care trips to the park as primary caretakers. In this day-trip memoir, the panelists discuss snacking, shopping, touring Galaxy's Edge, the state of the park, friend trips vs. solo trips, and the art of taking a moment for yourself in the midst of family pressures and a worldwide pandemic.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_658.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:00am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia speaks with Disneyland '55 alum Bob D'Arcy, who Walt called "the kid." Bob watched Disneyland being built and became the first Disneyland tour guide. In our exclusive interview, Bob talks about his first duties as a tour guide, some of his other tasks at the park, and some of his interactions with celebrities visiting the park and Walt himself. He also talks about his love affair with Judy "Slue Foot Sue" Marsh, who performed the role during the Golden Horseshoe's first year of operation. Plus - we discuss re-imagining the Space Mountain soundtrack, and share some big news: Hayley Mills' memoir is now on pre-sale! (Tip: In this episode, we suggested you try bn.com to place an order for a signed copy, but they are already sold out. However, Books-a-Million just launched a pre-sale for signed copies on their website, and as of this episode's publication, there are still copies available. Good luck!)

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_657.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:30am PDT
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This week, Team Mousetalgia continues their coverage of Disneyland's reopening with a number of topics, including how to choose which park to start your Disneyland day, and changes to the overall experience of the park and some specific attractions, including Haunted Mansion, Adventureland, and Snow White's Enchanted Wish. We also share our top tips for visiting the parks in the near future, and discuss what you will experience if you choose to shop in the parks, and what to expect at the end of the day.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_656.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:45am PDT
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Disneyland has reopened after being closed for over 400 days. From our own emotions about re-entering the park, to the interactions with Cast Members, to the different atmosphere in the park and the very limited food options - touring Disneyland is a very different experience in the era of COVID-19. In part one of a special two-part report, Team Mousetalgia discusses our return to Anaheim and how our expectations met reality as we embraced the new tone of the Disneyland experience.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_655.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:30am PDT
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Celebrate Star Wars with Team Mousetalgia on May the Fourth and all week long with some announcements from a galaxy far, far away, including new book releases, Star Wars VR news, Rogue One storyboard revelations, new LEGO releases - and the story of how Obi Wan Kenobi broke Jeff's heart. Then, it's on to the listener email inbox. Today's topics include: A discussion of Imagineer Jim Sarno, the magic of Disneyland, retired characters at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, returning to the annual passholder vibe - yay or nay?, remembering Cicely Rigdon, taking babies to Disneyland, and more. Plus: revisting the Haunted Mansion's stretching room, and our thoughts about re-imagining that challenging scene.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_654.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 4:04pm PDT
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This week, Jeff reports on a trip to the Walt Disney Family Museum to visit the new exhibit "Walt Disney Studios and World War II." This new installation describes the studio's contributions to America's war effort, and describes how the studio was impacted by its work for the U. S. government. Then, the countdown has begun to the opening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and Kristen Carr checks in with the latest necessary info for making a return to the magic. Plus - we discuss some of our favorite Disney-related websites - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_653.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:30am PDT
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A Touch of Disney, part two: This week, Jeff reports on a second trip to DCA and "A Touch of Disney" to look at some of the human/character interactions, and what it might mean for the imminent reopening of the resort. Kristen Carr also checks in with a countdown to Disneyland's reopening, describing the process of getting reservations, what to look forward to eating in the parks' first days of reopening, and a hotel review. Also - Team Mousetalgia remembers the 64-65 New York World's Fair, as we discuss attractions we wish we could have experienced. Plus: Carthay Circle's al fresco menu, Photopass opportunities, and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_652.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:30am PDT
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This week in Disney history - This week, we discuss a variety of topics, including: the world premiere of The Avengers, Euro Disneyland opens, Glen Keane's birth and Tutti Camarata's passing, Disney story artist Sylvia Holland (with special guest Didier Ghez); Tokyo Disneyland's opening, and Charlie Chaplin's influence on Walt Disney. Also - in honor of the anniversary of the opening of Disneyland's The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, we look to the future and decide what attraction will someday replace Pooh as inauspiciously as Pooh replaced the County Bears. Plus: Want to get your tickets to Disneyland? Kristen Carr breaks down the process and options.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_651.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week, Jeff reports on "A Touch of Disney," and takes us along as he visits Disney California Adventure to try some familiar foods, walking along familiar avenues, in a familiar heatwave. We discuss the eating options, the shopping experience, and Jeff's overall impression of the soft-reopening of the Disneyland Resort. Also: We list our top five Disney film/series trailers; top five ways to relax with Disney, and Dave's top five Disney bars... er, bears. Plus, Kristen Carr keeps you in the know with her Mousetalgia FastPass report - and more.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_650.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 6:30am PDT
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This week, we present a Mousetalgia Emporium. First, we offer our impressions of the Raya and the Last Dragon, and host a brief discussion of the artistry, the music and the film's ideas of trust and friendship. We also talk to Michael Vargo, Vice President of D23, about the 2021 Gold Member Collector Set, and we discuss the contributions of Kevin and Jody to the set (which features 50 years of Walt Disney World) and the nature of collectibles. Next, we discuss the first episode of DisneyPlus' Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and we compare the series with WandaVision, discuss Kristen's commitment to the MCU, and wonder what happened to Steve Rogers. Also - Kristen Carr discusses the latest health guidance as it relates to Disneyland's parks and she outlines the recent Disneyland Forward expansion proposal - and finally, we profile some important women from the history of the Disney Company.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_649.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Beci Mahnken (CEO, MEI/Mouse Fan Travel) back to the show to talk about what we can expect as COVID-19 restrictions begin to loosen around the country and people start to plan to take their first post-pandemic Disney vacations. We talk Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disney Cruises, Aulani and Adventures by Disney, and help you figure out the ins and outs of booking future travel. Plus, don't miss Kristen Carr's opening day trip report from "A Touch of Disney," the dining event happening now at Disney California Adventure. Kristen shares important tips and tricks with event ticket-holders for making the most of your trip to the almost-opened Disney resort.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_648.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:54am PDT
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What can happen in a year? Disneyland has been dark for over 365 days, but the Walt Disney Company has done remarkable things in the span of a year. Kristen takes us on a tour of Disney history in year-long segments, with topics including Walt's Alice comedies, the Wonderful World of Disney on TV, the construction of Disneyland, the studio's post-Walt era, and finally we discuss the year since Disneyland closed, and consider what to expect as the park begins to prepare to reopen. We also compare expectations from a post-pandemic trip to Walt Disney World vs. a reduced-capacity Disneyland, and try to draw some conclusions about planning upcoming family vacations.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_647.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:30am PDT
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This week, we discuss collecting Disneyana during a pandemic, and we talk about what has changed and what has remained the same for memorabilia collectors as the world shut down for a year. Jeff talks about his own recent collecting, and we mention trading cards, autographs and virtual conventions, upcoming online Disneyana auctions, and our ongoing conversation about eBay tips and tricks. Then, Kristen Carr joins us for a conversation about Disney California Adventure's upcoming "A Touch of Disney" events, and we talk about the registration process and what to expect from the experiences. Plus - Disney Stores are closing so we reminisce about the history of Disney's brick and mortar stores, Haunted Mansion as a lifestyle - and more!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_646.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:14pm PDT
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TG-it's-Mousetalgia! Today, get prehistoric with us as we go back to the '90s and discuss the conceptualization and development of ABC's "Dinosaurs," a puppet-based sitcom from ABC's popular TGIF line-up that has just been released on Disney+. Returning to the show is Emmy award-winning writer/producer Kirk Thatcher, who designed most of the characters after working directly with his mentor Jim Henson. Learn the fascinating history of this fun (and at times controversial) puppet series. Plus - Kristen Carr checks in with the latest resort news, Jeff talks tea sets, Kristen subscribes to Tokyo, and Dave discusses Native Shoes.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_645.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 9:35am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia talks about the variety of fine art at Disneyland, both on display and for sale. We're joined by special guest Eric Robison, who talks about his history as a Disney artist, including his work as a show designer with Imagineering and his journey to becoming a beloved character artist with works sold through the Disney Gallery. Robison talks about taking inspiration from the Imagineers who came before him, his time meeting fans at the Disney Gallery signings, and his groundbreaking style that turned traditional Disney character art on its head and launched a new market. Plus - remembering Disneyland artist Charles Boyer, and Kristen Carr takes us to a galaxy far, far away.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_644.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:30am PDT
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This week, we honor the legacy of one of our country's greatest presidents by taking a closer look at Walt Disney's Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction, and we are joined by two Imagineers who had instrumental roles in its history. Disney Legend Bob Gurr was the Imagineer responsible for designing the original Audio-Animatronic Lincoln figure for the 1964 World's Fair, and Josh Shipley was the Art Director for the 2009 version of the attraction, which still exists today. Join us on an emotional, introspective tour of the history of the development of the show, the challenges of presenting an introspective attraction to modern audiences, and the continuing influence the attraction has on people today. Plus - Kristen Carr updates us on the latest resort news, and we discuss the changes heading for the Jungle Cruise attraction.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_643.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 10:32am PDT
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This week, we celebrate two decades of fun in the sun as we look back at the design and development of Disney California Adventure in the week of its 20th anniversary with former Imagineer Tim Delaney, who was creative director and show producer for Paradise Pier and the main entrance of the park. Tim shares many stories from his career with WED Enterprises and Imagineering, including his time working on EPCOT Center, working for the company when Michael Eisner became CEO of the Walt Disney Company, and his work on Disney's California Adventure Park. We look at an overview of the park and discuss the budgeting challenges Imagineering faced, the theming of the park, the design of the entrance plaza and California Screamin', and the changes that have happened at the Disneyland Resort over the years.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_642.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:49am PDT
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This week, we present part two of our recent Ask Mousetalgia Anything special! Among the topics we discuss are our "favorites," including karaoke songs, attractions and dining options, interviews, podcasts, churro flavors, collectibles, park memories, and more. We also discuss Charles Addams and the Haunted Mansion, Rise of the Resistance, returning to Disneyland post-pandemic, films going straight to streaming, Disney characters we relate to, podcast editing secrets, Inner Space vs. Peoplemover, Super Nintendo World, inventing Mousetalgialand, and first Disneyland memories. Join us (and a particularly disgruntled baby) for a journey into the mind of Mousetalgia!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_641.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 11:12am PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Disney Legend Tom Nabbe to the show. From his career as a young newsie on Disneyland's Main Street USA in 1955 all the way to helping to open EuroDisneyland, Tom shares with some highlights from his storied career with us, including his time in charge of the Monorail at Walt Disney World, and his teenage years appearing as Tom Sawyer on Disneyland's Tom Sawyer Island. Plus - our favorite moments from the original Muppet Show, and Kristen Carr delivers the latest news.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_640.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 7:00am PDT
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This week, Team Mousetalgia discusses the recent news that Disneyland is cancelling its annual passholder program. In the wake of the park's unprecedented shutdown due to the global pandemic, APs are no more, and we discuss the emotional impact of the end of the program, and future possibilities for the park's superfans. Then, Tim Babb joins the show as we discuss our top 5 favorite Disney songs, and we come up with some surprising lists of memorable music. We also stop to take a moment to remember Disney Legend Ron "Mr. Disneyland" Dominguez who passed away on Jan. 1. Finally, we welcome Joseph Titizian (Project Manager, Disney Experiences and Parks) back to the show to talk about some upcoming exclusive merchandise which will appeal to Disney history fans.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_639.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 12:50pm PDT
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This week, Mousetalgia is celebrating a Disney Legend who left a remarkable legacy due to her work with Disneyland. Cicely Rigdon, who started her career at the park as a ticket taker in 1957, quickly had an impact on Disneyland even as she began working in a ticket booth, and soon found herself working for the Tour Guide Department, eventually becoming the supervisor of Guest Relations, and then developing and leading the Disneyland Ambassador Program. Today we speak with Barbara Brock, a former Disneyland Tour Guide who knew Cicely, and Cicely's daughters Penny and Pamela, who share special memories of their mom. We also speak with an array of people who knew and worked with Cicely, and welcome Kristen Carr back to the show to deliver the latest Disney news.

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_638.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 2:34pm PDT
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Happy New Year! This week, Team Mousetalgia answer your questions about just about everything in our annual end-of-the-year AMAs. We get personal and talk shop about the podcast, discuss our feelings about the parks, and share trivia about this and that in part one of a to-be-continued list of excellent questions submitted by you, our amazing listening audience. Grab a warm cup of your favorite beverage and start your year off by spending an hour with your friends at Mousetalgia!

Direct download: Mousetalgia_-_Episode_637.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 8:16am PDT
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