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.

Ep. 719: Author Ridley Pearson on "Kingdom Keepers;" listener questions

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

Ep. 718: Lunar New Year at DCA, Floyd Norman tribute, Mike Van Eaton

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

Ep. 717: Tiki bird farewell, dos and don'ts for touring Walt Disney World

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

Ep. 716: Disneyland trip report, runDisney weekend, Route 66

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

Ep. 715: The Nutcracker, Fantasia and Walt Disney

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

Ep. 714: Wish, Hat Box Ghost in Liberty Square, Mark Hamill

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.

Ep. 713: Disneyland trip report from Kristen (and Calla!)

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!

Ep. 712: The Unofficial Guide to Disneyland, Adventureland Treehouse, Holiday Tour '23

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

Ep. 711: Garner Holt's "Grim Grinning Gala," 30 years of "Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas"

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

Ep. 710: Disney100 - It All Started with a Girl (and a Mouse)

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

Ep. 709: The Grand Villa at Discovery Tower, Disneyland Trip Report

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

Ep. 708: Fall fun, Kim Irvine at the WDFM, Weird But True! Disney

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

Ep. 707: Destination D recap, Disney Parks announcements

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.

Ep. 706: Visting the Walt Disney Family Museum

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: comments@mousetalgia.com.

Ep. 705: The Villas at Disneyland Hotel; Lorcana; Haunted Mansion grounds refurb

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 https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief

Ep. 704: The road to Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room

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 https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200b/SQCWK227JK ).  Contact us at comments@mousetalgia.com

Ep. 703: Hat Box Ghost controversy; collecting autographs and popcorn buckets

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.

Ep. 702: Dissecting "Haunted Mansion," remembering Paul Reubens

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 comments@mousetalgia.com

Ep. 701: Barbie, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rogers!

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 comments@mousetalgia.com

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