Mousetalgia! - Your Disneyland Podcast

This week, Disney historian and author Jeff Kurtti joins Mousetalgia to discuss his latest book, "The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky." Kurtti talks about the genesis of the project and his perspective on writing the book; his relationship with coauthors Vanessa Hunt and Paul Wolski; and talks about how he made a book that tells the story of the famed Monorail with new art and information for a new audience. Kurtti also talks about his 1998 book "The Art of Mulan," which has been recently re-released in honor of the new live action film. Kurtti describes the process of putting the book together, and the response the book has garnered since. Plus - don't miss Kristen Carr's Mousetalgia FastPass, and we talk Halloween, Halyx, and Tron toys!

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes our alien overlords as we discuss the new Disney+ series "Earth to Ned" with executive producers Joe Freed of Marwar Junction productions and Vince Raisa of the Jim Henson Company. Joe and Vince explain the genesis of the show, talk about the series' special guests, and tell some behind-the-scenes stories about the production of this innovative new talk show which is literally out of this world. Then, Kristen talks to author Josh Holtsclaw, who happens to be a graphic designer for Pixar, about his new book, Felix and the Monsters. Josh tells us about his career path and his work as an illustrator, the story behind writing the book, and what it was like to work with his co-author, who happens to be his wife. Plus - we discuss our favorite Ron Miller productions, just because!

This week, Jeff recalls some of the action from the latest Van Eaton Galleries auction, titled "Disneyland: The First 65 Years." What did Jeff win at the latest Van Eaton auction? You'll find out - plus get our tips and tricks for success at online bidding for collectibles. Then, Kristen shares some Disney history about America on Parade, the Submarine Voyage, Circlevision, Country Bear Jamboree, D23 Expo, Pinto Colvig, and Hong Kong Disneyland! Plus - jobs we'd like to try at Disneyland, and more.

Today, go cruisin' through the Southland with Mousetalgia as we take you on a whirlwind road trip! First, enjoy our conversation with marketing genius Pat Pattison (former VP of Creative Services with the Disney Company), as he talks to us about his work creating products and promotions for the studio and the Disney parks - including the story about how he created the Mickey Antenna Ball. Then, join Kristen Carr as she takes us on her journey toward creating the ultimate Disney-themed road trip, to get a feel for what life was like for Walt Disney himself in historic Los Angeles. Finally - join Jeff as he talks about spending virtual time with his favorite musical group to listen to while cruisin' down the interstate - DCappella! Jeff met the group via Zoom along with a small group of fans to listen to them tell stories from the road, talk about their lives during the pandemic - and to join breakout sessions with each member of the group to learn a song to sing for an official DCappella video! Plus - we rank

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes author/historian Didier Ghez to the show to talk about his new book, "They Drew as they Pleased: The Hidden Art of Disney's New Golden Age." Didier explains Disney's "New Golden Age" of animation, contrasting it with the studio's productions before and after Walt's death. He also talks about his search for art and material to include in the book, his process for researching Disney Studio history, and his upcoming projects. Plus - the return of listener email! Topics include a comparison of the Disneyland resort hotels, the origin of "carpe kingdom," how to preserve posters - and more.

This week, join Mousetalgia as we speak with Disney producer and filmmaker Don Hahn in a conversation about Howard, his documentary about legendary lyricist Howard Ashman. Hahn joins us to speak about the journey he has made with the film in the two years since it first premiered, and talks about the man who "gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul." Then, Jeff and Kristen report on a fundraising event hosted by the Walt Disney Family Museum starring Alan Menken, legendary Disney tunesmith who worked with Howard for many years before Howard's passing. We discuss Alan's work and musicianship. and his incredible imprint on the world of musical theater and film. Also - Jeff reviews a book about maps,Kristen Carr checks in with a Mousetalgia FastPass - and more!

This week, celebrate the Haunted Mansion's 51st anniversary with Mousetalgia as we welcome Jeremy Marx from the Disney History Institute to the show to discuss Imagineer Ken Anderson's role in developing Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. From Anderson's start in the Disney animation department through his leadership in developing the Fantasyland dark rides, we discuss his unique role in the design and direction of the Haunted Mansion's look, story, and mystery. Then, Jeff tells us about a $2000 dinner inside the Haunted Mansion in the year 2000. We look back at the intriguing event, and wish we could have been a part of it. Plus - Kristen Carr shares about an opportunity to support Walt's Birthplace, the upcoming Van Eaton auction - and more!

This week, get radical with Mousetalgia as we take a look back at Disneyland in the '70s and '80s with former Disneyland Ambassador Willie Vander Zwaag Burckle. Willie served as a Tour Guide in the '70s and Goodwill Ambassador to the World in 1981, taking guests and VIPs on tours through Disneyland, and she shares stories from moments in her career, such as touring the park with the King of Jordan and visiting children's hospitals, and witnessing the healing power of Mickey Mouse. Also - Tiki birds take over the Haunted Mansion, Disney Parks Fuel Rod founders, Disneyland in 1982 - and Kristen Carr brings us the all new Mousetalgia FastPass!

This week, we take a look at Disneyland through the years from two different perspectives. First, we welcome Mike Van Eaton back to Mousetalgia to talk about the next in his series of Disneyland memorabilia auctions. "Disneyland: The First 65 Years" will be held on August 15 and 16, and Mike describes some of the highlights from this upcoming auction - including an actual tombstone from the Haunted Mansion! Then, we welcome Disney historian and author Dave Bossert to the show to discuss his latest book "3D Disneyland: Like You've Never Seen It Before," a photography book that showcases Disneyland through the lenses of a vintage 3D camera. The book shows rarely seen details of Disneyland from both the 1950s and the 1980s, providing a unique perspective on the park's past. Plus - our favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland - and more!

Kristen Carr joins Mousetalgia to discuss the re-opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, and gives us a trip report about her visit to the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom parks. She talks about the experience booking the trip and making reservations, what to expect regarding masks and social distancing, the dining experience, and her own reactions to re-experiencing the resort, which she hasn't visited for years. Plus - we review Osmo, a hands-on learning product that transforms kids' tech time into a beneficial experience - with a Disney twist, of course. Plus... an Osmo giveaway! 

Happy 65th birthday, Disneyland! This week, Mousetalgia has the privilege of speaking with former Disneyland Ambassador Connie Lane, the last Disneyland Ambassador who was personally selected by Walt Disney to represent Disneyland to the world. Connie shares with us her memories of being at Disneyland during many pivotal moments, including the opening of iconic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Small World and Haunted Mansion, and her recollections of working with Walt Disney himself. Then, correspondent Kristen Carr reports from the grand re-opening of Downtown Disney, and gives you some idea of what to expect from a visit to the resort in the era of COVID-19.

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes Doug Lipp and Pam Lipp to the show to talk about their individual extensive careers with the Disney Company. First, we talk to Doug Lipp, the author of "Disney U: How Disney University Develops the World's Most Engaged, Loyal, and Customer-Centric Employees." Doug discusses Disney University, learning from Van France and Jim Cora, opening Tokyo Disneyland, the cast member philosophy in Disney's international parks, and the experience of working for the Walt Disney Studios in the tumultuous 1980s. Then, we speak with Pam Lipp, who tells us about her time working at Disneyland on Main Street in the 1960s, making candy canes in the Candy Palace and selling jewelry at Rings and Things - and then becoming a tour guide at the park, and then moving to the Mickey Mouse Activity Center at the Walt Disney Studios for Disney University. Plus - Disneyland APs - keep 'em or get a refund? We discuss.

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.

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.

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!

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!

This week, Mousetalgia welcomes director, writer and producer Kirk R. Thatcher back to the show to talk everything Muppets! In anticipation of the July release of Muppets Now on Disney+, Kirk Thatcher joins us to talk not only about the show, for which he served as a director, but also his long history with Jim Henson and the Muppets, ABC's Dinosaurs, and his time at Industrial Light and Magic working on some of the most memorable films of all time. We also remember Disneyland's 79th day of closure with some fast Disney facts - and more!

This week on a supersized episode, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Josh Shipley and Brian Crosby to the show to join us for a Josh and Croz Show reunion! In a free-wheeling session, we cover topics including international Disney park attractions, Disneyland transportation vehicles, Disney songs and musicals, peanut butter in the parks, and Disneyland's live performers. We also remember the 65th anniversary of Walt Disney's "Davy Crockett - King of the Wild Frontier" by speaking with Eli Parker, the son of Disney Legend Fess Parker. Eli talks about his father's role as Davy Crockett, his life as the child of a Disney celebrity, his father's career as a winemaker, and Eli's own role in continuing the family's winemaking legacy. Plus - it's been 72 days since Disneyland closed, so Kristen talks about significant "72s" in the world of Disney.

Former Disneyland Tour Guide Cindy Carter talks to Mousetalgia this week about her career as Disneyland Tour Guide - and beyond. Cindy talks about the grand opening of the New Fantasyland, hosting the Disney family in the park, the changes to the park during the 1980s and the onset of the Annual Passholder, and celebrity stories, including moments with the Monty Python troupe and Dolly Parton. Plus - it's been 65 days since Disneyland closed, so we talk about Disneyland's 1965 Tencennial, and discuss our favorite extinct attractions!

This week, Team Mousetalgia welcomes Dan Lanigan, host of the new Disney+ series "Prop Culture", to the show. Dan joins us to talk about the new series, which talks about various Disney films from the perspective of their props, costumes, and the magic behind the movies that helps tell the stories. Dan also talks about the art of discovering props, restoring old cinema artifacts, his own views on collecting movie memorabilia, and more. Also, this week we celebrate our own "high fives" which include Haunted Mansion special effects, park music background loops, Disney wines, and Disneyland Records. Then, we recognize the past 58 days without Disneyland by celebrating Disneyland in 1958 by talking fun maps, Alice in Wonderland, the Sailing Ship Columbia, the Grand Canyon Diorama, and Disneyland guide books.