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

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." 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]