Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast
A weekly podcast discussing Disneyland, Disney history, D23, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and everything Disney!
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Ep. 723: Pixar Fest 2024, Céntrico at Downtown Disney
05/03/2024
Ep. 723: Pixar Fest 2024, Céntrico at Downtown Disney
May the Fourth be with you - and may plentiful Pixar pals dance through your head while you learn all about Pixar Fest on this week's show! Kristen Carr from Mousetalgia Fastpass joins us this week to discuss everything about the Disneyland Resort's latest happening - Pixar Fest, which celebrates everything Pixar in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. From Pixar-inspired food to Pixar-inspired shows and a parade, Kristen covers it all and lets you know the hits (and perhaps a miss or two) to be found in this year's event. Next, Kristen reports from a press event celebrating the new Patina Group restaurants opening at Downtown Disney, centered around Céntrico, a new restaurant with a menu developed by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán. Plus - in honor of May the Fourth, Jeff reviews the newest Star Wars book titled "Return of the Jedi: A Visual Archive."
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Ep. 722: The Marc and Alice Davis Archives auction
04/14/2024
Ep. 722: The Marc and Alice Davis Archives auction
This week, Kristen joins Jeff to talk about the recent "Marc and Alice Davis Archives" auction hosted by Heritage Auctions. We talk about the first time we met Alice Davis back in 2011, and share our memories of touring her home gallery featuring all of Marc's art, and her relationship with Mary Blair - and then we talk about our successes during the auction, and share some of the history of the eight pieces that we won. Plus - Hayley Mills will hit the big screen again; the cast of Bambi gathered recently in Sacramento, and more.
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Ep. 721: D23 Expo tickets, Disneyland history tour
03/31/2024
Ep. 721: D23 Expo tickets, Disneyland history tour
Happy Easter! This week, we take a trip to Disneyland with 1955 guest Kit Reichow, who first visited Disneyland in his wonder years in September 1955 and never stopped visiting. We take a look at the park through the eyes of a guest who grew up alongside the park, and consider how things have changed throughout the history of the Disneyland Resort. Listen as we walk through the park chatting about topics including Rainbow Ridge, Mr. Lincoln, Disneyland Jail, and lots of general trip tips. We also are going to talk about the experience of purchasing tickets to the D23 Expo last week (spoiler alert: there were problems) and discuss a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum with two very aspirational Pixar employees who started their Pixar careers in the Pixar gift shop.
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Ep. 720: "Disney Adulting"
03/09/2024
Ep. 720: "Disney Adulting"
This week, Jeff invites Disney influencer/journalist/podcaster Kristen Carr to the show to discuss the concept of Disney Adulting, and the current trend of using the term "Disney adult" as an insult. Along with my wife Julia, we talk about the generational influence Boomers/Xers have on Disney fandom, paying for vacations years in advance with DVC, and the idea of loving Disney parks as an adult - festivals, food, bounding - and getting your steps in. Plus - Jeff's Tiki Bird audio-animatronic sold at auction, and I'll discuss.
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Ep. 719: Author Ridley Pearson on "Kingdom Keepers;" listener questions
03/01/2024
Ep. 719: Author Ridley Pearson on "Kingdom Keepers;" listener questions
This week, New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson joins Jeff to talk about the world of the Kingdom Keepers, and to discuss his new book, "Kingdom Keepers Inheritance: Villains Realm." Ridley shares about his process, going backstage at the Disney parks, and that time that he saw a Small World doll come to life. Plus, Rolly Crump is going to be honored with a marble bust in a haunted parlor; and Jeff finally goes back to the mailbag to discuss training for 10Ks, touring the parks with a pregnant spouse, and reminiscing about Mousetalgia then, now, and yet to come.
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Ep. 718: Lunar New Year at DCA, Floyd Norman tribute, Mike Van Eaton
02/23/2024
Ep. 718: Lunar New Year at DCA, Floyd Norman tribute, Mike Van Eaton
This week, Jeff is joined by Tina and Julia of the Pal Around Podcast and we have a Mousetalgia potpourri for you! We discuss a new tribute to Floyd Norman and the Lunar New Year celebration, both at Disney California Adventure; "Up For Auction," Chris Hardwick's new series on the CW about Disney collecting; and we speak with Mike Van Eaton about his upcoming Disneyana auctions. Plus - Lando's new memoir, and more! Keep in touch: [email protected]
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Ep. 717: Tiki bird farewell, dos and don'ts for touring Walt Disney World
02/17/2024
Ep. 717: Tiki bird farewell, dos and don'ts for touring Walt Disney World
This week, Jeff discusses his memorabilia which will be part of the "Celebration of the Disney Studio and Disney Parks" Van Eaton auction on March 2; and Kristen reports back from her recent trip to the World, and gives us some tips, tricks and advice about places to stay, things to eat, extras to book - and the ins and outs of Genie+ at WDW. Plus - Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes tackles a day at Disneyland; Jeff inexplicably signs up for the Disneyland Halloween 10K; and we ask: what does it truly mean to be living the Disney life? Keep in touch (and send in those BSOW selfies!) to [email protected]
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Ep. 716: Disneyland trip report, runDisney weekend, Route 66
02/01/2024
Ep. 716: Disneyland trip report, runDisney weekend, Route 66
This week, Jeff returns from a mighty battle with multiple viruses to rejoin the normal world and start talking Disney! First, we recount a trip down Route 66 and visit some of the inspirations for Radiator Springs, and then Jeff offers a trip report from Disneyland's first runDisney weekend in 7 years with some restaurant reviews and some musing on touring the park with single park tickets. Finally, Jeff talks about a recent Disney jazz concert and shares some tips for visiting San Francisco. Want our latest cool freebie? Listen to this week's show to learn how to snag your own "Backside of Walter" button. And visit MousetalgiaPlus.com to learn how you can support the show. Keep in touch: email [email protected]
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Ep. 715: The Nutcracker, Fantasia and Walt Disney
12/18/2023
Ep. 715: The Nutcracker, Fantasia and Walt Disney
Happy holidays! This week, Jeff and Kristen take a deep dive into the history of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, and we look at how Walt Disney used the music of Tchaikovsky in his most innovative animated features. We talk about how the music enouraged innovation in Fantasia, how the animators interpreted the music of the Nutcracker Suite for Fantasia, and how Walt taught the world about Tchaikovsky through his marketing for both Fantasia and Sleeping Beauty. We also explore the history of the Nutcracker Ballet, and speak with Adrina Hsieh, a company dancer with San Jose Ballet Theatre who recently danced in the Nutcracker as the "Snow Queen." Plus - Jeff and Kristen talk about recent Disneyana purchases - and more. Merry Christmas to you and yours, and a very happy new year! Keep in touch: [email protected]
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Ep. 714: Wish, Hat Box Ghost in Liberty Square, Mark Hamill
12/05/2023
Ep. 714: Wish, Hat Box Ghost in Liberty Square, Mark Hamill
This week, enjoy a Christmas potpourri of topics as Jeff dives into the spirit of the holidays. First, we take a look at Disneyland's "Parade of All Nations" from the holiday season in 1959, and compare it with the current Disneyland holiday events. Next, Jeff talks about the Hat Box Ghost making his debut on the East Coast; reviews Wish, the latest Disney animated feature; and discusses Fan Expo in San Francisco, which featured a rare live convention appearance by Mark Hamill among many other Star Wars celebrities. Keep in touch - [email protected]
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Ep. 713: Disneyland trip report from Kristen (and Calla!)
11/21/2023
Ep. 713: Disneyland trip report from Kristen (and Calla!)
Happy Thanksgiving! This week, Kristen and her daughter Calla join Jeff for a mommy-daughter Disneyland trip report. Calla talks about some of her favorite attractions, eats her first (of many) churros, and gives her pro-tips for a successful trip to the park - and then Kristen tells grown-up stories of lodging, endurance, and Chip & Dale wine bottle stoppers. Also, Jeff talks about Disney gift shopping, Thanksgiving at the Disneyland Hotel in the '70s, and a look back at the genesis of Life Day (a.k.a. the "Star Wars Holiday Special"). Contact us at [email protected].
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Ep. 712: The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, Adventureland Treehouse, Holiday Tour '23
11/13/2023
Ep. 712: The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, Adventureland Treehouse, Holiday Tour '23
This week, we welcome the holiday season with a tasty smorgasbord of Disney topics. We welcome Seth Kubersky, author of The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, to the show to talk about expert ways to tour the park in an increasingly complex system of reservations and planning. We talk about dining, lodging, what's new in the parks, and what makes Disneyland the magical destination that it is, despite all the hassle of planning a trip. Then, Julia Layne calls in from Anaheim to review "Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort," the 2023 version of the resort's holiday tour. She gives us the nitty gritty to help you decide if this tour is right for you. Julia also reports on the just-opened Advetureland Treehouse, and shares some highlights from her visit. Plus Swiss Family Treehouse history, ShopDisney woes - and more!
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Ep. 711: Garner Holt's "Grim Grinning Gala," 30 years of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas"
11/03/2023
Ep. 711: Garner Holt's "Grim Grinning Gala," 30 years of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas"
This week, Jeff welcomes his co-host Julia from the DoomBuggies Podcast to talk about our Disney-stuffed Halloween weekend events. First, Jeff reports from Garner Holt Productions' "Grim Grinning Gala," a benefit to raise money for the company's youth education foundation. From a star-studded panel discussing the creation of Disneyland's "Haunted Mansion Holiday" to a backstage tour of Garner Holt's manufacturing and production facility, this amazing evening had a lot of spooktacular moments to share. Then, Julia walks us through the Walt Disney Family Museum's Oct. 29 event called "This is Halloween: Celebrating 30 Years of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas" - a panel featuring a number of artists who worked on the film, including director Henry Selick. Get in touch: email us at [email protected]
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Ep. 710: Disney100 - It All Started with a Girl (and a Mouse)
10/22/2023
Ep. 710: Disney100 - It All Started with a Girl (and a Mouse)
This week, Mousetalgia celebrates Disney100 by speaking with Laurieanne Zandbergen, the daughter of Virginia Davis, who was the little girl hired by Walt and Roy Disney to perform as "Alice" for their Alice comedies on Oct. 16, 1923, marking the "official" birthday of the Walt Disney Company. Laurieanne talks about her mother's memories of working with Walt, the history of the Alice Comedies, and the importance of the role Virginia played in the formation of Walt's career. Then, we speak with Melissa Cavanagh, a very close friend of Mickey Mouse, about Mickey's career including meeting fans, staying optimistic, and ice skating. Plus - facts about mouse circuses, Mickey's Circus remembered - and more. Keep in touch - [email protected]
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Ep. 709: The Grand Villa at Discovery Tower, Disneyland Trip Report
10/15/2023
Ep. 709: The Grand Villa at Discovery Tower, Disneyland Trip Report
This week, Jeff and Kristen provide a detailed review of the 3-bedroom Grand Villa in the brand-new Discovery Tower at the Disneyland Hotel. Plus - Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, a look behind the scenes at the Napa Rose (and an encounter with the restaurant's new General Manager), and Anaheim's Muzeo celebrates Anaheim's Halloween traditions in a new exhibit. Plus - a look at Van Eaton Galleries huge new space in Studio City, a report on our resort shopping experience - and more! Reach us at [email protected]
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Ep. 708: Fall fun, Kim Irvine at the WDFM, Weird But True! Disney
10/02/2023
Ep. 708: Fall fun, Kim Irvine at the WDFM, Weird But True! Disney
This week, Mousetalgia sets out the fall potpourri with a collection of fun seasonal topics. First, Julia Layne returns to the show to present a list of fun fall activities you can enjoy with a little Disney twist, in case you aren't able to make it to the parks this year for all the Halloween fun. Then, Jeff and Julia report on a recent event at the Walt Disney Family Museum featuring Walt Disney Imagineering Executive Creative Director Kim Irvine, who has spent over half a century (and counting) as an Imagineer and shared stories about her mentors and notable projects over the course of her career at Disneyland. Finally, Jeff talks to National Geographic Kids Senior Editor Ariane Szu-Tu about "Weird But True! Disney," the latest installment in the popular line of books packed with trivia and facts from all over the Walt Disney Company. Keep in touch: [email protected]
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Ep. 707: Destination D recap, Disney Parks announcements
09/17/2023
Ep. 707: Destination D recap, Disney Parks announcements
This week, Jeff and Kristen review the announcements that came from Destination D last week related to Disney Parks and Resorts. We cover it all - new shows, Figment woes, and what excites us the most (besides Hat Box Ghost!) Kristen has thoughts about the reformating of Country Bear Jamboree, Jeff keeps talking Lorcana, and we talk about an upcoming DIsneyland trip. Keep in touch: [email protected]
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Ep. 706: Visting the Walt Disney Family Museum
09/10/2023
Ep. 706: Visting the Walt Disney Family Museum
This week, Jeff welcomes special guest Bri Bertolaccini, Marketing Manager at The Walt Disney Family Museum, to the show to discuss the museum's purpose, exhibits, and ultimate mission to showcase the life of Walt Disney and highlight his impact on popular culture. We talk about the WDFM's permanent collection, discuss our favorite exhibits, share behind the scenes stories, and chat about a few upcoming events. Plus, Jeff shares his experience shopping for the new Lorcana trading card game, and Disneyland releases a spooky new mug set (which quickly sells out - sorry!) Contact us at , and support us at www.mousetalgiaplus.com.
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Ep. 705: The Villas at Disneyland Hotel; Lorcana; Haunted Mansion grounds refurb
08/31/2023
Ep. 705: The Villas at Disneyland Hotel; Lorcana; Haunted Mansion grounds refurb
This week, Jeff invites his wife Julia back to Mousetalgia to talk about the ins and outs of Disney Vacation Club ownership, and the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel. Is DVC right for you? Maybe we can help you decide. Also - Ravensburger releases its new highly-anticpated trading card game "Lorcana," and Jeff shares a story about the Lorcana announcement at the last D23 Expo. Plus - Disneyland announces new updates to the grounds of the Haunted Mansion coming to New Orleans Square with construction begining in January 2024 - what do we know, and what can we expect? Keep in touch: [email protected].
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Ep. 704: The road to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
08/13/2023
Ep. 704: The road to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room
This week, join Jeff on a deep dive as we explore the various inlets that took Walt Disney on his path toward the opening of his Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland. We look at the influences that played a part in Walt's decision making as he created his mid-century marvel amidst a boom in "Tiki" culture spreading across America. Also, Disneyland releases (and immediately sells out) of another tiki mug, new Haunted Mansion merch starts to appear outside of the parks, and more. To donate to help the victims of the tragic fires in Maui, visit
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Ep. 703: Hat Box Ghost controversy; collecting autographs and popcorn buckets
08/09/2023
Ep. 703: Hat Box Ghost controversy; collecting autographs and popcorn buckets
Welcome, foolish listeners - to this special Haunted-Mansion-54th-anniversary edition of Mousetalgia! Today, Jeff discusses autograph collecting, the pros and cons of collecting popcorn buckets, and a new Hat Box Ghost controversy! Plus, we celebrate the anniversary of the venerable Haunted Mansion, and Jeff shamelessly shares a Disney Visa offer (which you can find at ). Contact us at [email protected]
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Ep. 702: Dissecting "Haunted Mansion," remembering Paul Reubens
08/02/2023
Ep. 702: Dissecting "Haunted Mansion," remembering Paul Reubens
This week, Jeff is joined by Mansion fans Maegan Foret and Emma Mosier to discuss "Haunted Mansion," the newest film from Walt Disney Pictures. The trio discuss (spoiler-free) the plot, the characters, the sets, the music, the fan service and the movie's direct references to the Haunted Mansion attractions, and then discuss the film as it relates to the attraction in general as the newest property in Disney's Haunted Mansion oeuvre. Plus, Paul Reubens passed away this week, and Jeff recalls his body or work and his contributions to the Disney parks.
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Ep. 701: Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rogers!
07/23/2023
Ep. 701: Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rogers!
This week, Mousetalgia is totally going back to the '90s to discuss Barbie and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action appearances in Disney theme parks. We take a brief look at TMNT, and then turn our attention to an article from the Spring 1994 issue of The Disney Magazine that discusses the creation of the "The Magical World of Barbie" stage show, which was performed at Epcot Center during Barbie's 35th birthday. Also - in anticipation of the Haunted Mansion movie's weekend debut, we discuss some of the latest Haunted Mansion merch and promos appearing in anticipation of the imminent release of the film. Plus - Rogers the Musical - and more! Contact us at [email protected]
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Ep. 700: Happy 68th birthday, Disneyland
07/16/2023
Ep. 700: Happy 68th birthday, Disneyland
Today, Mousetalgia celebrates Disneyland's 68th birthday with trip reports, touring tips, and a discussion of the current Disneyland experience. We also talk about the current Van Eaton Galleries Disneyland auction (starting today!), and look back at a 1964 program in which Disneyland and Tivoli Gardens swapped Tour Guides. Plus - Tim visits Walt's apartment, Kristen offers a July 17th-only offer - and more. Contact us at [email protected]
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Ep. 699: Dixieland at Disneyland, Walt Disney Family Museum
07/10/2023
Ep. 699: Dixieland at Disneyland, Walt Disney Family Museum
This week, Jeff talks about his history with the Walt Disney Family Museum, and by referencing the signatures in his souvenir book, takes you on a walk back through the first decade of special guests and various events at the museum. Plus, we take a look at the 1962 "Dixieland at Disneyland" event, and wonder what it might have been like to participate in Disneyland's early special ticketed events.
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Ep. 698: Roger Rabbit turns 35; Disney Cats and Dogs
07/02/2023
Ep. 698: Roger Rabbit turns 35; Disney Cats and Dogs
Rabbits, Kitties and Dogs - oh, my! This week, Jeff and special guests Tina and Julia discuss a plethora of Disney's cuddliest companions. First - Tina and Julia describe a 35th anniversary screening of Who Framed Roger Rabbit at the Casto Theatre featuring an appearance by Charles Fleischer, the voice of Roger Rabbit himself. Then, Jeff and Julia review Disney Cats and Dogs, the newly-installed exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum running through January 14, 2024. Plus - a look back at Walt Disney's July 4th weekend in Marceline in 1956, and a new Soarin'-style ride is scheduled to open in Monterey, CA. Contact us at [email protected]
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Ep. 697: Disneyland poetry, and Disney books
06/26/2023
Ep. 697: Disneyland poetry, and Disney books
This week, Jeff takes you into his library to discuss a few literary topics. We talk to Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason about his recently published book of poetry about Disneyland, and the essence of Disney fandom. Then, we look at three recent official Disney cookbooks from Insight Editions and compare and contrast their contents. Finally, we discuss getting started with your own Disney book collection - where to turn, places to seek out signed books, and how the Disney company is responding to the explosion of unauthorized books. Contact us at [email protected]
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Ep. 696: Disney | Pixar's Elemental
06/19/2023
Ep. 696: Disney | Pixar's Elemental
Mousetalgia Ep. 696: Pixar's Elemental This week on Mousetalgia, Kristen returns and joins Jeff to discuss Pixar's latest offering, "Elemental." We discuss the critical reception the film received, our own perceptions and reactions to this deeply personal film, and try to rememnber when Pixar stopped being funny. We also discuss The Muppets Mayhem, The Little Mermaid, and American Born Chinese - and look forward to a flaming hot summer. Reach us at [email protected]
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Ep. 695: Welcome back! Plus, Skywalker Vineyards and a visit to Aulani
06/15/2023
Ep. 695: Welcome back! Plus, Skywalker Vineyards and a visit to Aulani
Episode 695: Welcome back to Mousetalgia! Jeff soft-relaunches the show with a few thoughts about Mousetalgia's past, present and future, and then dives into a couple summer-y trip reports: a wine tasting at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, and a visit to the Aulani Hawaii Resort and Spa, featuring a review of 'Ama 'Ama's recently revised menu and general tips for visiting the popular island destination. Opinions or suggestions? Let us know at .
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No. 52: The Women of Star Wars
04/16/2023
No. 52: The Women of Star Wars
No. 52: The Women of Star Wars from October 15, 2018 Contact us at [email protected] This week, author and self-proclaimed geek Amy Ratcliffe joins Mousetalgia to talk about "Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy," her new book profiling 75 female characters from the Star Wars universe. Covering personalities throughout all of Star Wars from the original trilogy through "Star Wars: Resistance," the book covers an exhaustive herstory of the entire world of Star Wars, deriving content from the films, books, comics, and television shows. Amy talks about the process of writing the book, what the various stories mean to her, and her thoughts and memories about Carrie Fisher. Also this week: Kristen talks about D23's free spooky 25th anniversary screenings; Disney releases Otter Box phone cases; Storyteller Cafe goes full buffet; we launch "Becky in the Sky with Diamonds" - our new segment on booking hotels and Expo hotel planning; and we premiere a haunting poem.
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