Ep. 753: Mandalorian and Grogu review; Disneyland technology with Roland Betancourt

This week, Jeff welcomes author and professor Roland Betancourt to the show (41:31) to discuss the history of technology at Disneyland and his new book "Disneyland and the Rise of Automation." We discuss the nature of post-war automation and the mid-20th century, and how Walt Disney took many influences and distilled them into his automated verion of themed entertainment. Also - Jeff reviews "The Mandalorian and Grogu," (18:50) and we talk about the extensive fan-service throughout the film: cam there be too much of a good thing? Plus - Jeff follows up on the Topps Disneyland 70 trading cards discussion and reveals how he finally decided to go about collecting this behemoth set. 

May the Fourth be with you! On today's special surprise episode of Mousetalgia, Jeff takes you on a tour of nearly two decades of recorded history of Star Wars as heard on this podcast. Starting with a look at Star Tours and then going back to the beginning of these iconic films, we will hear from Imagineers, special effects artists, voice actors and celebrities who will share special insights into the history of the greatest hero's journey of our era. Enjoy this special Star-Wars-Day edition of Mousetalgia!

In this episode, Jeff welcomes frequent co-host Julia back to the show to discuss a recent talk about the development of Disneyland's Indiana Jones Adventure by Disney Legend Tony Baxter at the Walt Disney Family Museum. Tony led the project and tells stories about interactivity, Harrison Ford, and dealing with hungry rats. Then, we review Disney books - "The Art of Hoppers" and "From Disneyland's Tom Sawyer to Disney Legend: The Adventures of Tom Nabbe" (and we include a bonus interview with Tom himself!) Plus - an extensive and possibly confusing discussion about Topps' new Disneyland 70 trading card set - and more.

This week, Jeff answers your burning questions about the Disney universe and Mousetalgia, including topics about Disney parks, rides, treats, food, Disney history, and (of course) lots of squirrel trails along the way. We also take a fresh look at Darby O'Gill and the Little People, and talk about its making, Walt's intentions for the film, and its impact on audiences since its release in 1959.

On this special edition of Mousetalgia, we are joined by recent traveler Missy who visited Disneyland with her family, which includes two children with disabilities who were aided by the use of Disneyland's DAS (Disability Access Service) Pass. Missy describes the process of obtaining the DAS Passes for her family, talks about how they are used in the park, and then shares broader information useful to any family which may have highly sensitive members, to help plan and enjoy the parks at various levels, whether you use the DAS Pass or not. We also sneak in a trip report, some stories of special Disney magic and dining tips. 

This week, Jeff and Julia (from the Pal Around Podcast) go back in time to 2001 and take a stroll through the opening days of Disney's California Adventure in celebration of its 25th anniversary. Listen to our memories, anecdotes, and a few rare sound bytes as we pay homage to Anaheim's second Disney gate. As a special bonus, we take a quick trip back to the 2013 PNW Mouse Meet to revisit a classic Mousetalgia interview with Imagineer Kevin Rafferty about his work developing Cars Land for DCA. All this - and much more!

This week, Jeff reports on the holidays at Disneyland and Candlelight weekend, and talks about the holiday eats and treats, experiencing the park during the Christmas season, and trying to find an opportunity to view this year's Candlelight Processional, which featured Benjamin Bratt as the guest speaker. Also - a look at the Christmas Fantasy on Parade from 1965, and a recipe for Walt Disney's "favorite" chili... could this be the one? Plus - Jeff will be speaking about the Haunted Mansion on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at Mouse-Con Bakersfield. Visit mouse-con.com for more information. 

This episode, Jeff and co-host Julia discuss two events held recently at the Walt Disney Family Museum celebrating Disneyland's 70th anniversary and the new exhibit titled "The Happiest Place On Earth: The Disneyland Story." Curated by Don Hahn, the new display at the museum features a number of rarely seen artifacts and photos from the development and design of Walt Disney's original Magic Kingdom. The events featured Don Hahn, Tony Baxter, and Tom Morris, and we share some of the insights and secrets from the recent nights at the museum. Plus - collecting Disney prints and art - where to begin? Where to look? We have some ideas.

Happy Halloween! On this week's special spooky episode, Jeff welcomes Julia back to the show to discuss a few frightningly fun topics, starting with Jeff's review of Disneyland's new Happiest Haunts Tour ("The Villains' Trail"), and we look at the new features for this year and compare it with tours in years past. Then, we discuss Ray Bradbury and his relationship with both Walt Disney and the Disney Company, including a closer look at The Halloween Tree, his book that inspired the Halloween Tree in Frontierland. We also dive into "Something Wicked This Way Comes," Bradbury's cult-ish film produced by Walt Disney Productions in 1983 and we look at its inspiration, the story of its production, its genre (horror? Dark fantasy?), and its place in horror story culture. Finally, we give a quick review of Tron: Ares, while wishing it was doing better at the box office. 

This week, Jeff welcomes music editor, conductor and arranger Shawn Degenhart to the show to discuss his book "Walt Disney's Cinderella in Full Score," a huge tome which celebrates the history of Cinderella with essays, images, lost songs and that incredible score. Degenhart also shares about his experience working on a Sherman Brothers musical. Plus - Jeff gives a collectibles update, we talk about collecting and framing artwork, Jeff reports on a talk by historian Michael Campbell at the Walt Disney Family Museum about Walt's trains - and more!