Ep. 739: Mary Blair, Season of the Force, Knott's Bear-y Tales

Welcome to the Return of the... Mousetalgia potpourri! This week, Jeff and guest co-host Julia Layne welcome the first week of May with some Star Wars talk, including a review of Disneyland's Season of the Force (29:00) and the new show "Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga." We also talk about a new exhibit coming to the Walt Disney Family Museum (15:35) called "Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic," and discuss some of the latest things we've been watching (shout out to Bluey!) Jeff also gives a brief Knott's Berry Farm trip report (35:35), and welcomes Chris Merritt back to the show to discuss his new book "Knott's Bear-y Tales: The Complete History of the Whimsical Attraction" (49:55). We talk about the history of the ride, the story of '70s Knott's, and how Rolly Crump developed the story of the beloved experience. Contact us at [email protected]

Ep. 738: Don Hahn and Chris Merritt on Disneyland at 70, authors and historians on Snow White '25 This week, Imagineer Chris Merritt and Disney producer and director Don Hahn join Mousetalgia to talk about "The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland," their upcoming book scheduled to be released to celebrate Disneyland's 70th birthday (8:55). They discuss Disneyland's origins, its place in popular culture, some of the people you might not know who were important to the park's beginnings, and the things that will set this book apart from your other shelf of other Disneyland books. Then, Jeff will share some public social media postings about Snow White (2025) which outline some of the historical controversies which have been brought into the spotlight about the creation of the animated classic (1937) (53:50). Contact us at [email protected]

This week, Tina and Julia from the Pal Around Podcast join Jeff to talk about the new Snow White live action film starring Rachel Zegler. Jeff caught an early screening and discusses this much-debated release from the Walt Disney Company. We talk about the music - old and new, the changes from the original animated classic to create a new story, those animated dwarfs, and the new film's possible impact on the public perception of Disney remakes. Then, Julia and Tina talk about "Directing at Disney: In Conversation with Director Brenda Chapman and Historian Mindy Johnson" at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Brenda opened up about her career in animation, both for Disney and outside of the company, and shared stories about her collaborations, her history in the industry, and creating and co-directing Brave for Pixar. 

This week, Jeff welcomes special guest Violet Bird to the show to talk about her recent holiday Disneyland road trip with her husband and their 5 children. Violet shares some anecdotes and stories about her trip, with tips for a successful family vacation inserted along the way. Then, Jeff talks about Sleeping Beauty in honor of the 66th anniversary of the film, and ponders the work Maila "Vampira" Nurmi did to help create the character of Maleficent. Plus - Ron Howard signings... and more.

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.

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: [email protected]

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?

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 [email protected].

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: [email protected]

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?