Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

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.

1/12/25 • 67:30

Happy holidays! This week, we look at the history of Disneyland's holiday traditions, and then take a look at how Disney has invented their own notion of holiday celebrations both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. NPH shares some thoughts about Haunted Mansion Holiday, Skipper Emma joins us to discuss Jingle Cruise jokes, and Diana joins us to talk about holiday cruising on the Disney Magic (and shares a scoop on the secret-est hidden Mickey in DCA!) Also - Julia reports on Disneyland's 2024 Candlelight performance with Kathryn Hahn. Merry Christmas! Keep in touch: comments@mousetalgia.com

12/23/24 • 91:13

Celebrate the Holidays at Disneyland Resort with Mousetalgia! Topics include the incredible holiday atmosphere, Fantasmic dining at Zocalo, the rainy-day Christmas cavalcade, and Disneyland premium dining experiences - yea or nay? Also - Marc Davis' pet bat is back in Haunted Mansion Holiday; our adventures in trying to ride Tiana's splashy Bayou Adventure; holiday dining moments and treats (including the newly-opened Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree) - and Jeff's thoughts on the most recent version of Disneyland's Fantasmic nighttime spectacular. Plus - Holiday fun with Santa and Friends, and the battle of the gingerbread: who will win... Jolly Holiday or Harbor Galley?

12/1/24 • 82:38

This week, Jeff is joined by Julia Layne to talk about Disney gift giving, and we make a list of some themes and gift ideas to help you become a Disney gift-giver-extraordinaire this holiday season! But first, we talk to author Sunny Chanel about her brand new book "Bring the Magic Home" from Disney Editions. Sunny talks to us about her background as a Disney fan, her history as a writer, and she gives us some tips and insight into the act of bringing Disney design home from the parks into your personal space. Plus - Julia reports on "Directing at Disney," a new exhibition at the Walt Disney Family Museum on display now through March 2025. Shop for Disney gifts at Kristen's shop of handmade upcycled Disneyana at boardtique.com. Help support the show at MousetalgiaPlus.com. Keep in touch at comments@mousetalgia.com.

11/11/24 • 74:35

This week, Jeff and Julia report on the inaugural Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon weekend, which Jeff participated in (spoiler alert - a Haunted Mansion-themed 10K medal was involved in his decision.) Plus - it's Halloween Time at Disneyland, and we have some food reviews of the Lamplight Lounge brunch, Red Rose Taverne's Halloween Time offerings, and the off-campus Orange Hill steakhouse (if you need a break from the Disney crowds - it's 20 minutes and a world away).Then Kristen joins Jeff to remember Peter Renaday, and we reminisce about our time spent with Pete, talking with him about his life's work, and discussing his legacy as an generous, talented, and kind friend. Talk to us: comments@mousetalgia.com

9/16/24 • 68:05

This week, Jeff is joined by guests from the Skywalking Through Neverland and WD-FM podcasts to discuss the 2024 D23 Ultimate Disney Fan Event in this part 2 of our coverage of the event. Richard and Sarah from "Skywalking" join Jeff to share some of their highlights from the event and the Legends ceremony, and then Bri Bertolaccini from the Walt Disney Family Museum (and the WD-FM podcast) joins the show to talk about her panel at D23 all about a new book coming soon that she helped develop, research and write. Finally, Jeff shares his top 23 moments from the event from the panels, the showfloor, and Honda Center. Plus - Donald Duck eating... hot wings?

8/24/24 • 102:01

This week, Jeff and Kristen chat about D23 The Ultimate Fan Event! In this part one of Jeff's coverage, we talk about the Walt animatronic, braving the Honda Center for D23 (without any transporation trouble!), meeting Disney celebrities and book signing lines - and more; and stay tuned for part two of Jeff's coverage coming soon. Then, Kristen recaps a recent trip to Aulani, and talks about renting DVC points, resort tips for families, dining and luau thoughts, scheduling and reservation suggestions - and more. Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com

8/17/24 • 87:11

This week, Ted Thomas speaks with Mousetalgia about his father, animation legend (and one of the "Nine Old Men") Frank Thomas, and shares some insight into Frank's legacy. Ted also talks about his latest project, "Walt and El Grupo in Latin America," a book he co-authored with JB Kaufman and Didier Ghez about the Disney "goodwill" tour and its impact on its participants. Ted, JB and Didier will be offering a panel about the new book at the D23 Fan Event next week. Speaking of which - Jeff also welcome Kristen Carr back to the show to discuss the D23 Ultimate Fan Event coming up August 9-11, and we discuss what we are looking forward to, what we are nervous about, and some tips for those of you lucky enough to be attending the sold out event. (If you aren't going, we tried to keep the conversation interesting for you, too!) Plus - Kristen reports on San Diego Comic Con, we contemplate the impact of Deadpool - and more.

8/2/24 • 56:55

This week, Julia Layne joins Jeff to discuss some timely news: The D23 schedule just dropped, and we look at Friday's schedule as we start to make plans for the convention. Then, we talk about a new documentary about "A Goofy Movie" called "Not Just a Goof" which we were able to preview at the Walt Disney Family Museum, and we talk about the creation of the documentary and the reasons that "A Goofy Movie" is held so dearly by its fans. Finally, Jeff visited Disneyland over the Independence Day weekend and sampled the latest menus of many of his favorite park eateries, and we talk about the highs and the so-sos. 

7/13/24 • 76:26

This week, Kristen Carr joins the show to share her first reactions to Inside Out 2, the latest Pixar film, and we offer a spoiler-free introduction to the new characters and situations that Riley encounters as she reaches puberty. Also - summer is in full swing at Disneyland! Ticket prices are low and temperatures are rising, so it's a great time to get in on the fun. We talk about new things to eat, Pixar in the parks, the Matterhorn's 65th and Donald Duck's 90th anniversaries, and changes to Avengers Campus and Downtown Disney. Plus - Jeff attends a talk by Alan Dean Foster, author of the original "Star Wars" novelization, and the legendary author talks about sci/fi, his Star Wars sequel, the problems with "The Black Hole" - and more! Contact Mousetalgia at comments@mousetalgia.com.

6/15/24 • 71:00

This week, Jeff welcomes Kristen back to the show to reminisce about Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who passed away on May 25. We share some thoughts about the influence he (along with brother Robert) had on popular music and the Disney Company, and we share some memories of time we spent with Richard. Other topics include our summer Disney plans (Disneyland, Aulani and the Walt Disney Family Museum), a few more thoughts about the Marc and Alice Davis auction update, and we respond to listener feedback to the last episode. BONUS: A very special performance by Kristen, which may involve some accordion.

6/3/24 • 59:59

This week, Jeff is joined by Tina and Julia from the Pal Around Podcast to share a super smorgasbord of Disney fun and knowledge with a mega-charcuterie! Our varied topics include Sun-Ra's new Disney vinyl, our thoughts on DisneylandForward, a Mini-Museum with a piece of Walt Disney's Apartment from Disneyland, collecting Disney blind boxes, training for Disneyland's upcoming runDisney races, a look back at Maurice Chevalier's memoir, upcoming SF Giant's Disney promotions, Cast member aspirations, and a super secret Haunted Mansion moment from Walt Disney World!

5/22/24 • 67:06

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." 

5/3/24 • 55:10

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.

4/14/24 • 75:34

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.

3/31/24 • 100:10

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.

3/9/24 • 59:49

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.

3/1/24 • 60:05

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: comments@mousetalgia.com

2/23/24 • 71:09

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 comments@mousetalgia.com

2/17/24 • 75:08

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 comments@mousetalgia.com

2/1/24 • 79:16

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: comments@mousetalgia.com

12/18/23 • 107:27

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 - comments@mousetalgia.com

12/5/23 • 70:09

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 comments@mousetalgia.com.

11/21/23 • 63:40

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!

11/13/23 • 66:56

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 comments@mousetalgia.com

11/3/23 • 64:06

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 - comments@mousetalgia.com

10/22/23 • 58:22

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 comments@mousetalgia.com

10/15/23 • 75:25

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: comments@mousetalgia.com

10/2/23 • 70:19

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: comments@mousetalgia.com

9/17/23 • 64:38

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 comments@mousetalgia.com, and support us at www.mousetalgiaplus.com.

9/10/23 • 60:36