“We’re walking right down the middle of Main Street USAAAA..” and taking time to stop and do some window shopping! In honor of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, Courtney and Emily are honoring Cast Member contributions to the park through Jeff Heimbuch’s book “Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes.” Honoring a Cast Member with a window on Mainstreet dates back to opening day of Disneyland in 1955, a tradition started by Walt Disney himself. Walt Disney World followed suit and opened with cast member windows in 1971 as did every international park in the coming years. Cast Members made one man’s dream into a reality, so happy anniversary Walt Disney World and thank you to the dreamers and doers for 50 year of magical memories.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby, Twitter @Courtney_Guth, and Goodreads Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde, and Goodreads Sources: https://stepstomagic.com/main-street-usa-windows/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi1P6zLfmcI  https://insidethemagic.net/2021/06/disneyland-main-street-windows-mr1mmb/ https://pixiedustfan.com/disney-windows-on-main-street-usa/   https://dapsmagic.com/2021/09/george-a-kalogridis-honored-with-window-on-main-street-usa-at-magic-kingdom/

Book of the Mouse Club

#66: “Main Street Windows: A Complete Guide to Disney’s Whimsical Tributes” by Jeff Heimbuch in honor of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Most Magical Celebration

She’s a supergirl and she’s here to save the world...or at least not pass out in her high school debate class.  Twenty years ago, the world met Mia Thermopolis in the Princess Diaries. This film gave Anne Hathaway her royal debut to the silver screen starring alongside the practically perfect Julie Andrews as the Queen, who reveals to her granddaughter that she is no average teenager, but the heir to the Genovian throne. The Princess Diaries has everything we loved about a 2000s film - butterfly clips, scooters, and a rom com makeover montage. While we hold a special place in our hearts for this 2001 film, it actually has its roots in a multi-volume series! Join hosts Courntey and Emily along with their friend and guest, Leeann, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries as they discuss the many differences between the film and its original text as well as all the moments that make this story a Disney live-action classic. And before you go, thank you for being here today *insert princess wave.* Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby, Twitter @Courtney_Guth, and Goodreads Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde , Goodreads Leeann:Twitter @lesausser and Goodreads Cosmo Article: The Everything-You-Didn’t-Know Oral History of ‘The Princess Diaries’

#65: “The Princess Diaries” by Meg Cabot ft. Guest Reader Leeann Sausser

Walt’s Nine Old Men are known for their iconic artistry and animation, but it takes more than ink and paint to make characters come to life. Step away from the animator’s desk and into the sound booth! Courtney and Emily are joined by Spencer Wright to discuss his new book, Voices Behind the Magic, which highlights thirteen actors who gave voice and style to our favorite villains like Yzma, Maleficent, and Captain Hook or magical pals, Mrs. Potts, Fairy Godmother, and Jiminy Cricket. Spencer’s research into the golden age of Hollywood, radio, and television grounds classic Disney films in the greater context of movie making for his readers through the filmography of the voice talents behind the microphone. Enjoy this interview then go rewatch your favorite Disney films or discover deeper cuts in the radio shows of its golden age. You may be surprised by what or who you hear.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Spencer: Instagram @overlookeddis and Facebook (Spencer Wright, Author) Amazon Link to Voices Behind the Magic Research resources referenced by Spencer: https://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/  http://andreasdeja.blogspot.com/ 

#64: Author Interview - “Voices Behind the Magic” by Spencer Wright

Foolish mortal, you continued to read the “Tales of the Haunted Mansion”. Your ghost hosts Courtney and Emily materialize for the second half of their Sinister Summer Series to discuss Volumes III and IV of the “Tales of the Haunted Mansion” box set. Reunited with phantom librarian, Amicus Arcane, readers meet more of the 999 happy haunts that inhabit the Haunted Mansion. So join the jamboree. Open breathing doors and have tea with a mummy. This summer is just getting spookier.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde 

#63: Sinister Summer Series - “Tales from the Haunted Mansion: Volumes III (Grim Grinning Ghosts) & IV (Memento Mori)” by Amicus Arcane and John Esposito

When the crypt doors creak and the tombstones quake, Courtney and Emily come out for a swinging wake. The happy haunts have materialized for the Sinister Summer Series featuring the four book boxset “The Tales of the Haunted Mansion” by John Esposito. In this first of a two part episode, hear the ghost stories of some of the Haunted Mansion’s grim grinning ghosts from the librarian, Amicus Arcane. If you are a fan of the attraction, you will love the allusions to the Haunted Mansion in these stories and may be convinced to become the 1,000th happiest haunt. Any volunteers? Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  A Haunted Mansion Tale (found on D23 website) an original story by Ken Anderson

#62: Sinister Summer Series - “Tales from the Haunted Mansion: Volumes I (The Fearsome Foursome) & II (Midnight at Madame Leota’s)” by Amicus Arcane and John Esposito

Celebrating the full availability of the latest Disney animated feature Disney+, Courtney and Emily are joined by Franky to discuss the Art of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. The book provides an in depth look at the scenery and character design of Ray’s homeland, Kumandra, and its Southeast Asian inspiration. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Franky: Instagram @frankytheshorty Podcast: Frankly Franky on Spotify 

#61: “The Art of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon” by Kalikolehua Hurley and Osnat Shurer ft. Guest Reader Franky Dalog Jr. of Frankly Franky

If she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will. Hosts Courtney and Emily discuss Maureen Johnson’s, “Hello, Cruel Heart,” in honor of Disney’s latest live action film, “Cruella.” Before Cruella became the fur frenzied fashion icon that we know from the 1961 animated film, 101 Dalmatians, Cruella was Estella. “Hello, Cruel Heart” is a young adult novel that takes place before the events of “Cruella” focusing on Estella's (Cruella) teenage years as an aspiring fashion designer in 1967 London. You’ll be surprised how little Dalmatian there is in the book, but instead you get the fabulous fashion and music scene of the swinging ‘60s. Before you watch “Cruella”, enjoy “Hello, Cruel Heart.” You might identify with this Disney villain more than you realize.  **Warning: This episode contains spoilers of the recent Disney live action feature “Cruella” ** Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Listen to Courtney on Dizney Coast to Coast with Jeff DePaoli for more Cruella content!  Dizney Coast to Coast Episode #817 : The Evolution of Cruella DeVil 

#60: “Hello, Cruel Heart” by Maureen Johnson, The Official Tie-In Young Adult Novel for Cruella (2021)

The “godfather of Disney podcasting” is back! Lou Mongello returns to the Book of the Mouse Club to discuss with Courtney and Emily his book, “The Disney Interviews: Volume I.” In his career spreading magic to listeners on his podcast, The WDW Radio Show, Lou has had the opportunity to talk to several Disney Legends including Richard Sherman, Julie Andrews, Dave Smith, and Marty Sklar, which are just a few of the twelve conversations included in the volume. Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Lou Mongello: Twitter and Instagram @LouMongello WDW Radio Podcast on iTunes and Spotify Blog: https://www.wdwradio.com/  YouTube Channel: WDW Radio Website: http://www.loumongello.com/  Amazon Book Links: The Disney Interviews and 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World: Bonus! 40 Free Things to Enjoy, Eat, Do and Collect!

#59: Author Interview - “The Disney Interviews: Volume I” by Lou Mongello of The WDW Radio Show

It’s elementary our dear listeners! Hosts Courtney and Emily are joined by the co-hosts of Poor Unfortunate Podcast, Conor and Caroline, to discuss Eve Titus’ “Basil of Baker Street”, the original source material for Disney’s 1986 animated feature, “The Great Mouse Detective”. Maybe it is not your favorite Disney film, but all four hosts highly recommend the book series for any reader who enjoys a good mystery and Sherlock Holmes allusions. And who knows? By the end Conor may convince you that Ratigan is the superior Disney villain. He is the “world’s greatest criminal mind” after all.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Poor Unfortunate Podcast: Podcast available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Instagram @poorunfortunatepodcast and Twitter @poorunfortunatepod Facebook Page Poor Unfortunate Podcast  and Facebook Group Poor Unfortunate Fam

#58: “The Great Mouse Detective: Basil of Baker Street” by Eve Titus ft. Guest Readers Conor Perkins and Caroline Aimetti of Poor Unfortunate Podcast

Get ready for a Me Party and plan a solo trip to Walt Disney World and other Central Florida destinations! Hosts Courtney and Emily are welcome back to the podcast Nikky J, the founder of ThemeParkHipister.com and author of “The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide” to talk about using that solo rider line and traveling to central Florida theme parks by yourself. Traveling alone can often seem daunting but at the same time it limits your experiences when you have to coordinate with others schedules, budgets, and preferences. Nikky is here to tell you it’s okay to go alone and you’ll feel a sense of relaxation and freedom like you haven’t before. And you may find your trip may not be as lonely as you think.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  About the Author NikkyJ is a theme park super fan, Author of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide, the founder and owner of ThemeParkHipster.com, a wishful Food Critic, coffee enthusiast, and a lover of life! She now resides in Orlando, Florida where she enjoys spending time with her husband and two little girls while discovering the beautiful attractions of Florida. You can watch her on YouTube or listen to her podcast. Keep up with her via the links below:  Blog, Podcast, YouTube, FaceBook Group & Book

#57: Author Interview - “ The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide” by Nikky J of Theme Park Hipster

Courtney and Emily celebrate Imagineer Kevin Rafferty’s retirement after 40 years with the Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Imagineering. Back on Episode 40, Courtney, Emily, and Brett from the Notably Disney podcast, discussed Kevin’s memoir about his career, “Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career”. Almost a year later, Kevin agreed to talk to the Book of the Mouse Club! Enjoy this interview with Kevin Rafferty and help Courtney and Emily congratulate him on a well earned retirement.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Amazon Link to “Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career”

#56: Author Interview - “Magic Journey: My Fantastical Walt Disney Imagineering Career” by Kevin Rafferty

For women’s history month, Courtney and Emily immersed themselves in the stories of the working women of the Walt Disney Animation studio during its classic and golden age. Often the story of women in the early days of Disney Animation begins in Ink and Paint, but author Nathalia Holt instead focused on the more male dominated work spaces like the story, concept art, and animation departments. Moved by the tribulations and triumphs of Bianca Majoli, Grace Huntington, Retta Scott, Sylvia Holland, and Mary Blair, Courtney and Emily reflect on the legacy of these women who were integral to the Disney animated features beloved today.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media!Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouseCourtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_GuthEmily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Support a Woman-Owned Small Business, Match Making Librarian:  Order here: https://www.matchmakinglibrarian.com/  Instagram @matchmakinglibrarianTikTok @matchmaking_librarian  Tomorrow Society Podcast Episode #94 Nathalia Holt on The Queens of Animatio‪n

#55: “The Queens of Animation: The Untold Story of the Women Who Transformed the World of Disney and Made Cinematic History” by Nathalia Holt

A little big adventure awaits in your own backyard! Courtney and Emily are joined by Dizney Coast to Coast host Jeff DePaoli to discuss a Disney family film favorite, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, and its junior novelization published by Scholastic. In this episode Courtney, Jeff, and Emily discuss how the novel compared to the film while reminiscing about Scholastic Book Fairs and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. So grab a giant cookie, cozy up in a Lego, and enjoy! Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Jeff DePaoli: Instagram and Twitter @JeffDePaoli Dizney Coast to Coast: Instagram and Twitter @DizneyCTC Dizney Coast to Coast Podcast iTunes and Spotify Website: https://www.dizneycoasttocoast.com/ 

#54: “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” A Junior Novelization by B.B. Hiller and Neil W. Hiller ft. Guest Reader Jeff DePaoli of Dizney Coast To Coast

It’s time to play the music; it’s time to light the lights. It’s time to get things started on the Book of the Mouse Club tonight! In anticipation of The Muppet Show’s release to Disney+, hosts Courtney and Emily interview New York Times bestselling author, Brian Jay Jones, about “Jim Henson: The Biography” (along with a dabbling of “George Lucas: A Life). Today, the world knows of the Muppets and the magic of puppetry, but Kermit the Frog and Sesame Street didn’t come out of thin air. They were born of Jim Henson’s creativity and work ethic. From the early days of Sam and Friends, to Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth, Jim Henson’s passion for puppetry created a new medium for storytelling that today is accepted as the same gold standard as any Walt Disney creation.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Brian Jay Jones: Twitter and Instagram @brianjayjones Website: https://brianjayjones.com/ 

#53: Author Interview - “Jim Henson: The Biography” & “George Lucas: A Life” by Brian Jay Jones in Honor of The Muppet Show on Disney+

While it may have started with a Mouse for Walt Disney, for many theme park and film fans, it started with a blog. Our current Instagram and TikTok culture is most associated with content creation, but Disney fans have been spreading the magic over the web since the 1990s. Join your hosts Courtney and Emily for a podcast party about “It All Started With a Blog: Detangling the Wide Web of Disney Bloggers ” by Paul Lane. Lane traces the history of Disney internet content creation from its humble beginnings on AOL discussion boards to modern platforms. The episode kicks off with a discussion with three featured content creators, Nikky J from the ThemePark Hipster, Victoria Wade from TeawithV, and “the godfather” of Disney podcasting, Lou Mongello of WDW Radio. The episode concludes with an interview with author Paul Lane about his interest and research into the world of Disney content creation.  Review Book of the Mouse Club on iTunes and Google Play and send any questions, comments, or suggestions to the hosts at bookofthemouseclub@gmail.com Follow Our Reading Journey On Social Media! Official Twitter and Instagram: @BookoftheMouse Courtney: Instagram @greatguthsby and Twitter @Courtney_Guth Emily: Instagram and Twitter @emily_mickde  Author Paul Lane: Twitter @AuthorPaulLane Amazon Book Link : It All Started With a Blog: Detangling the Wide Web of Disney Bloggers  Podcast Party Guests: Nikky J: Twitter @DrNikidaV and Instagram @themeparkhipster The Theme Park Hipster Podcast on iTunes and Spotify Blog: https://www.themeparkhipster.com/  YouTube Channel: The ThemePark Hipster Amazon Book Link: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide Lou Mongello: Twitter and Instagram @LouMongello WDW Radio Podcast on iTunes and Spotify Blog: https://www.wdwradio.com/  YouTube Channel: WDW Radio Website: http://www.loumongello.com/  Amazon Book Links: The Disney Interviews and 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World: Bonus! 40 Free Things to Enjoy, Eat, Do and Collect! Victoria Wade: Instagram @HeCallsMePinapplePrincess and Twitter @hecallsmePP Disney Tea with V Podcast on iTunes and Spotify Blog teawithv.squarespace.com

#52: Podcast Party - “It All Started With a Blog: Detangling the Wide Web of Disney Bloggers” by Paul Lane (ft. Special Guests Victoria Wade of Tea with V, Nikky J of Theme Park Hipster & Lou Mongello of WDW Radio)

Book of the Mouse Club is an Unofficial Disney podcast that explores books about Disney, its history, films, theme parks and more. Join us for discussions about books, interviews with authors and broader topics that relate to the literary realm of Disney. Disclaimer: Book of the Mouse Club has no affiliation with The Walt Disney Company. The views and opinions expressed by hosts and participants are theirs and theirs alone and do not represent the organizations or companies they happen to work for.

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Book of the Mouse Club

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