Kevin Yee worked for 15 years at Disneyland in a varieties of roles, and has spent a quarter of a century as an observer of the Disney theme park industry. He is a well-regarded online columnist and blogger on theme parks. Now he has collected stories of his experience as a Disneyland Castmember in a new book called “Mouse Trap.”

Mouse Trap is one Cast Member’s stories of backstage areas, fights, fires, private parties, orientation, cast events, cast romance, pranks, stupid guest tricks, mishaps, accidents, helping to create the Haunted Mansion Holiday, and working on September 11, 2001. But this is no mere listing of things that go wrong at Disneyland. For the first time, readers can experience what it’s like to be entranced by the magic of working in Walt Disney’s park. It’s not an experience one soon forgets, and readers will find themselves inevitably drawn in as well.

Mouse Trap is now available on LaughingPlace.com’s store for $17.99, but buy today to take advantage of a great discount.

Did Someone mention Pirates? I don’t know about you, but I’m getting jazzed for the release of Pirates Of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Lest we not forget the movie series was inspired by the theme park attraction. This Pirates boy figure by Shag is a tribute to that great attraction. Long may it sail the briny seas!

Shag Pirates of the Caribbean Pirate Boy Vinyl Figure It’s retro-licious!   Popular artist Shag lends his talent and style to a collectible vinyl figure based on the Disneyland Pirates of the Carribbean ride.   This colorful pirate boy stands almost 10-inches tall and comes in special window box packaging with a background also designed by Shag.   Limited edition of 500 pieces. Shag, whose real name is Josh Agle (he took the last two letters of his first name and the first two letters of his last name to create his artist moniker), is a Southern California-based artist whose work reflects his love for tikis, primitive art, and vintage movie and television themes.  His vivid and colorful paintings often display characters who lavishly partake in consumerism and are often in the middle of a situation that the viewer can interpret as well as enjoy visually. With his sophisticated and upbeat style, Disney naturally took keen interest in a collaboration with Shag.  His presence in the Disney resort world began with creating merchandise for the Enchanted Tiki Room’s 40th anniversary in 2003 and also led to his participation in commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Disneyland park in 2005. For the 50th anniversary, Shag created pieces of art that depicted each of Disneyland’s five lands, as well as a comprehensive "Shag-style" map of the park and other celebratory collectibles that are lauded and cherished by Disney and, of course, its legions of fans. - $59.99

Rod Miller was the Main Street Ragtime Pianist for 36 years at Disneyland. He retired last year, but his fans still miss him. For anyone looking to recapture a bit of that magical time, a new fan created 2-DVD Set has been released that looks back in time to 1993 when Rod was at the top of his game.

This is a great trip back to yesterday! Rod was host to celebrities (he played at Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding) and fans and he treated them all excellently like the great showman he was. Even if you were a casual visitor at the piano see and hear the atmosphere of Disneyland long gone.

Those of you who know Rod know that he protects his image closely, quality and image is important to him. So it’s good to know that this DVD has Rod Miller’s approval. You can buy this DVD set at the LaughingPlace.com Store for $24.00 before discount.

Disney has released another special edition of their great Mickey Mouse Ears. This time in fabulous Leopard Print. These are too cool and are available from the parks or if you can’t make it to Disney, then LaughingPlaceStore.com’s shopping service would be happy to pick up a pair or two for you. Including the shopping fee, the price is $30.50 for a pair of adult sized Leopard Print Mickey Mouse Ears.

I was doing some eBay surfing last night and found this great Disneyland U.S.A. Main Street Paper Model. Comes on CD so you control what paper you print it on. Is HO scale, so it will work with your train sets. And best of all it’s very affordable with a $9.99 buy it now price.

Would also make for great paper piecing if you’re doing scrapbooking or decorations for your child’s bedroom. There are a couple fan created sets like this out there, this is the only one that is recommended by The Disney Experience website.