The Swinging Wake Podcast - Haunted Mansion News & Information

The Swinging Wake Podcast – Episode 42: Trip Recap A Birthday, a Proposal, Club 33, and Halloween Magic at Disneyland! Welcome back, Foolish Mortals! Your grim grinning hosts, Alex and Kris, are returning from regions beyond with a hauntingly unforgettable Disneyland trip recap! In Episode 42, we're taking you along on Alex's recent adventure to the Disneyland Resort, filled with spooky celebrations, magical memories, and some truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences! From exploring Haunted Mansion Holiday and attending Oogie Boogie Bash to an unforgettable dining experience at Napa Rose Chef's Counter, there's plenty of Disney magic to unpack. Alex also shares the story of a very special proposal, celebrating his 33rd birthday at Disneyland, and experiencing the legendary Club 33, complete with a Nightmare Before Christmas Halloween overlay! But first, we're digging up the latest Disney news, including new Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, Haunted Mansion collectible figures, a Headless Horseman Spirit Jersey, and some ghostly new Disney account avatars! In This Episode: Spooky new Disneyland merchandise and Haunted Mansion news The journey to California and Disneybounding with friends Experiencing Haunted Mansion Holiday A magical Disneyland proposal! Fine dining at Napa Rose Chef's Counter Celebrating Alex's 33rd birthday at Club 33 A look inside the exclusive Club 33 and its fascinating history Halloween festivities at Oogie Boogie Bash, including treat trails, costumes, attractions, and the Swinging Wake Street Party Exploring Downtown Disney and Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar Favorite memories and highlights from an unforgettable trip Whether you've always dreamed of stepping inside Club 33, love the spooky atmosphere of Disneyland during Halloween Time, or simply enjoy a little Disney magic, this episode is one you won't want to miss! So climb aboard your Doom Buggy, lower your safety bar, and join us for a trip filled with happy haunts, unforgettable surprises, and memories that will last a lifetime. Connect With Us! Have a question, a spooky story, or a favorite Disneyland memory? We'd love to hear from you! 📧 Email: [email protected] 👻 Facebook & Instagram: @SwingingWakePodcast 🦇 Join Our Patreon! Support the podcast for access to our community Discord and spooky surprises! ⭐ Enjoying the show? Leave us a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform! Your support helps other Foolish Mortals discover The Swinging Wake Podcast. Episode News & Sources: Nightmare Before Christmas Starbucks Tumbler The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad Spirit Jersey Haunted Mansion Blind Box Figures Nightmare Before Christmas Tiki Mug at Trader Sam's Until next time, we hope you have a delightfully unlivable time! Hurry back… #TheSwingingWakePodcast #Disneyland #HauntedMansion #Club33 #OogieBoogieBash #HauntedMansionHoliday #DisneyPodcast #DisneyHalloween #NightmareBeforeChristmas #DisneylandResort #TraderSams

Episode 41: Voices of the Mansion with Andy Mack Welcome, foolish mortals, to another episode of The Swinging Wake Podcast! This week, Alex and Kris are joined once again by friend, former Disney Cast Member, and voice actor Andy Mack for a journey into the voices that bring Disney’s Haunted Mansion—and its happy haunts—to life. Before stepping into the Mansion, Alex and Kris catch up on some spooky Disney news, including after-dark tours of Walt Disney’s former Los Feliz home, new Halloween character bag charms at Disneyland, the Haunted Mansion x Stoney Clover Lane collection, Flotsam and Jetsam shoulder plushes from Tokyo Disney Resort, and the Haunted Mansion-inspired Halloween decorations appearing around the Disneyland Hotel. Then it’s time to lower the safety bar and climb aboard our Doom Buggies as we explore some of the most iconic voices in Haunted Mansion history. In This Episode 👻 Paul Frees – The Ghost HostWe explore the incredible career of the “Man of a Thousand Voices,” from the Ghost Host and Pirates of the Caribbean to Ludwig Von Drake, the Pillsbury Doughboy, and beyond. 🔮 Eleanor Audley – Madame LeotaThe legendary voice behind Madame Leota—as well as Lady Tremaine and Maleficent—and how her commanding performance became one of the defining sounds of the Mansion. 🕯️ Leota Toombs – Little LeotaThe Imagineer whose face inspired Madame Leota and whose sweet, eerie voice still encourages foolish mortals to “hurry back” at the end of their journey. 🎶 Thurl Ravenscroft & The MellomenWe head into the graveyard to meet the voices—and faces—behind the Singing Busts and discuss Ravenscroft’s enormous Disney legacy. 🎼 Buddy Baker & X AtencioThe creative team responsible for giving the Haunted Mansion its unforgettable musical identity, including the creation of “Grim Grinning Ghosts.” 🎃 Haunted Mansion HolidayWe discuss Kim Irvine carrying on her mother Leota Toombs’ legacy, Suzanne Blakeslee stepping into the role of Madame Leota, Corey Burton taking over Ghost Host duties, and Danny Elfman’s connection to both The Nightmare Before Christmas and Disney Parks. 🎙️ The Art of Voice MatchingAndy gives us a voice actor’s perspective on why iconic characters sometimes have multiple performers and how voice matching allows familiar characters to remain consistent across films, attractions, commercials, and other projects. 🌎 Voices Around the WorldOur Doom Buggies travel beyond the original Mansion as we discuss Vincent Price and Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, Teichiro Hori at Tokyo Disneyland, and Stephen Stanton and Frank Welker bringing Lord Henry Mystic and Albert to life in Hong Kong Disneyland’s Mystic Manor. 🎭 Honorable MentionsWe also shine a light on Loulie Jean Norman and Betty Taylor, two performers whose voices helped make the Haunted Mansion graveyard the swinging wake we know and love. Listener Question Do you have a favorite graveyard ghost? Maybe it’s one of the Singing Busts, the opera singers, or another happy haunt lurking among the tombstones. We want to hear from you! 📧 Email: [email protected]📱 Facebook & Instagram: @SwingingWakePodcast Please consider leaving us a 5-star review wherever you listen. It helps other foolish mortals discover The Swinging Wake! You can also join our Patreon for access to our community Discord and some spooky surprises. Until next time, we hope you have a delightfully unlivable time. Hurry back… - Links & Sources Disney News & Merchandise Walt Disney Mansion After Dark Tour Disneyland Halloween Costume Bag Charms Tokyo Disney Resort Flotsam & Jetsam Shoulder Plush Haunted Mansion x Stoney Clover Lane Collection Halloween at the Disneyland Hotel The Voices & Creators of the Mansion Paul Frees — Wikipedia Paul Frees — D23 Paul Frees — Disney Wiki Eleanor Audley — Disney Wiki Leota Toombs — D23 The Singing Busts — Disney Wiki Thurl Ravenscroft — Disney Wiki Thurl Ravenscroft — D23 Buddy Baker — D23 X Atencio & The Haunted Mansion — Laughing Place Kim Irvine — D23 Suzanne Blakeslee — Disney Wiki Corey Burton — Disney Theme Parks Wiki The Nightmare Before Christmas — D23 Danny Elfman — D23 Vincent Price — Disney Wiki Stephen Stanton — Disney Wiki Frank Welker — Disney Wiki Loulie Jean Norman — Disney Wiki Betty Taylor — Disney Wiki Disneyland Audio Tour / Haunted Mansion Audio — DisneyChris.com

Episode 40. Lost in the Twilight Zone: A Tower of Terror Deep Dive Hollywood, 1939. A mysterious hotel. A fateful lightning strike. And an elevator ride into… The Twilight Zone. ⚡🏨👻 Welcome, foolish mortals, to another episode of The Swinging Wake Podcast! This week, Alex and Kris are checking into the Hollywood Tower Hotel for a deep dive into one of Disney’s greatest spooky attractions: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. But first, we materialize some news from around the Disney Parks! We discuss the newly released 2026 Oogie Boogie Bash merchandise, a new glow-in-the-dark Haunted Mansion Loungefly, our first look at Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake Street Party, the 2026 Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house, and Disneyland Resort’s celebration of 25 years of Haunted Mansion Holiday. Then it’s time to take that service elevator straight into the fifth dimension. We explore the history and creation of the original Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including its 1994 opening, the Imagineering behind its groundbreaking ride system, Michael Eisner’s influence on the attraction, and how Disney incorporated Rod Serling and The Twilight Zone into an entirely original story. We also wander through the incredible environmental storytelling of the Hollywood Tower Hotel—from its abandoned lobby and creepy libraries to the antiques, props, sounds, smells, and tiny details that make it feel like the hotel has truly been frozen in time since October 31, 1939. Our journey takes us around the world as we discuss the former Disney California Adventure version, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo DisneySea’s completely different Harrison Hightower storyline, and the transformation of DCA’s Tower into Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! And we’re joined by special guest Tony O Tower, a Disney content creator with a particular love for the Tower of Terror! Together, we compare the Tower of Terror with our beloved Haunted Mansion and look at what makes these two attractions similar—and what sends them into completely different regions beyond. 👻 Listener Question Do you have a favorite episode of The Twilight Zone? Send us your answer at [email protected], or find us on Facebook and Instagram at SwingingWakePodcast. You can also support The Swinging Wake by leaving us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review wherever you listen and joining our Patreon for access to our community Discord and other fun goodies. 🔗 Links & Sources Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 MerchandiseSee the full merchandise lineup at WDWNT Haunted Mansion Singing Busts LoungeflyView the BoxLunch exclusive backpack Madame Leota’s Swinging Wake Street PartySee Disney's first preview at WDWNT 2026 Haunted Mansion Holiday Gingerbread HouseSee photos at Laughing Place Haunted Mansion Holiday 25th Anniversary MerchandiseSee the anniversary collection at WDWNT Behind the AttractionSeason 1, Episode 4 — The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Hollywood Tower Hotel History & DetailsHollywood Tower Hotel – Disney Wiki The Biltmore Los AngelesThe Story of an L.A. Icon – Discover Los Angeles The Twilight ZoneThe Twilight Zone on IMDb Tower of Terror Ride-ThroughWatch the ride-through on YouTube 🏨 Follow Our Guest: Tony O Tower Tony shares Disney Parks content, attraction lore, travel tips, and his experiences visiting the parks as a person with autism—with a special love for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Follow Tony O Tower on InstagramWatch Tony O Tower on YouTube Thanks for joining us for another journey into regions beyond. Hurry baaaaack… 👻

The Swinging Wake Podcast — Episode 39: The Disneyland Resort Halloween Foodie Guide 2026: Our Top Picks Spooky season has officially arrived at the Disneyland Resort, and the Happy Haunts are hungry! In Episode 39 of The Swinging Wake Podcast, Alex and Kris are digging into the 2026 Disneyland Resort Halloween Foodie Guide and sharing the treats, drinks, and seasonal eats they’re most excited to try. With an enormous lineup of new and returning Halloween offerings across Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, the Disneyland Resort hotels, and Downtown Disney, narrowing down the list wasn't easy! Alex and Kris each reveal their Top 10 Halloween foodie picks for 2026, including spooky sweets, seasonal churros, specialty drinks, pumpkin creations, and a few offerings that might be worth making a special trip for. Before hopping into their Doom Buggies for the main discussion, Alex and Kris catch up on the latest Happy Haunt happenings around the Disney Parks, including: 🏚️ Haunted Mansion's temporary closure as it prepares for Haunted Mansion Holiday and Jack Skellington's annual takeover 🎂 The Haunted Mansion's 57th birthday 🎃 New Disney Halloween and Villains merchandise 🐎 The Headless Horseman Popcorn Bucket at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 😈 Oogie Boogie's return to the entrance of Disney California Adventure 🏃 The 2026 runDisney Virtual Spooktacular , including the Haunted Mansion-inspired Dig & Dash 3-Miler and Eternal Waltz 6-Miler 👻 The return of the Hitchhiking Ghosts Treat Trail at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 🍹 Halloween offerings at Disney Springs and the return of the seasonal overlay at Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar 💀 New Día de los Muertos offerings coming to Paradise Garden Grill Plus, we want to hear from you! Listener Question:We've shared our top picks from the 2026 Halloween Foodie Guide — what's at the top of your must-try list? Write in and let us know! 📧 Email: [email protected]📸 Instagram: @SwingingWakePodcast👻 Facebook: Swinging Wake Podcast If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving us a 5-star review wherever you listen. It helps other foolish mortals discover The Swinging Wake Podcast! You can also join our Patreon for access to our community Discord and some fun goodies from regions beyond. Hurry baaaack… 👻 Sources & Further Reading Haunted Mansion Haunted Mansion Closes for Transformation to Haunted Mansion Holiday — Daps Magic 57 Years Ago Today Disney Opened Classic Theme Park Ride The Haunted Mansion — Men's Journal Halloween Merchandise New Disney Villains Merchandise Collection — WDWNT Headless Horseman Popcorn Bucket — WDWNT Disney Halloween Merchandise Guide — Disney Parks Blog Disneyland Halloween 2026 Merchandise Collection — WDWInfo Social Media & Merchandise Finds Instagram Reel Instagram Post Instagram Post Instagram Post Instagram Post Instagram Post Instagram Reel Instagram Post runDisney 2026 runDisney Virtual Spooktacular Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party — Walt Disney World Halloween Foodie Guides Disney Eats: 2026 Halloween Foodie Guide at Disneyland Resort Disney Eats: Halloween at Disney Springs 2026 Halloween Season at Disney Springs — WDWNT Follow The Swinging Wake Podcast for more Happy Haunt news, Disney Parks discussion, and everything from regions beyond!

The Swinging Wake Podcast – Episode 38 The Story of Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween has officially materialized at the Disney Parks, and this week we're celebrating one of Disneyland Resort's most beloved seasonal traditions—Oogie Boogie Bash! Before diving into the history of Disney California Adventure's wildly popular Halloween event, we catch up on all the latest spooky Disney news, including new Halloween merchandise, foodie offerings, Haunted Mansion updates, Disneyland character dining, and much more.  Then we travel through the fascinating evolution of Disneyland Halloween celebrations, from Mickey's Halloween Treat in the 1990s to today's villain-filled Oogie Boogie Bash. We explore the immersive storytelling behind Villains Grove, the origins of the event, Haunted Mansion-inspired entertainment, attraction overlays, and how Halloween is celebrated at Disney Parks around the world—including Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line's Halloween on the High Seas.  Plus, we ask this week's listener poll: If you could give any Disney attraction a Halloween overlay, what would it be? Let us know! 👻 In This Episode Disneyland Halloween Character Dining returns Pastel Cutie Ghost merchandise Haunted Mansion stretching room update Old Navy's Disney Haunted Harvest collection Halloween foodie preview Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party Bob Gurr at Midsummer Scream Ozzy Osbourne at Halloween Horror Nights New Pandora Disney charms Disney x Starbucks Fall collection The complete history of Oogie Boogie Bash Mickey's Halloween Party through the years Villains Grove and Disney storytelling Madame Leota's Swinging Wake Street Party Ghost Galaxy & Disneyland Halloween overlays Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Halloween celebrations at Disney Parks worldwide Halloween on the High Seas Predictions for the future of Oogie Boogie Bash Listener Question of the Week  💀 Listener Question If Disney could give one more attraction a Halloween overlay, which attraction would you choose and why? Send us your answer! 📧 [email protected] 📱 Follow The Swinging Wake 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swingingwakepodcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingWakePodcast 💜 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SwingingWakePodcast 🎃 Episode Sources Disneyland Halloween Character Dining https://www.instagram.com/p/DaoBw09AWvf/?img_index=3 Pastel Cutie Ghost Collection https://wdwnt.com/2026/07/pastel-cutie-ghost-collection-coming-soon-to-disney-parks-online-shopping/ https://disneyparksblog.com/products/new-halloween-cutie-ghost-collection-arrives-at-disney-store/ Haunted Mansion Stretching Room Update https://wdwnt.com/2026/07/haunted-mansions-stretching-room-scrim-cleaned-hanging-corpse-visible-again/ Old Navy Haunted Harvest Collection https://themainstreetmouse.com/2026/07/29/old-navy-and-disney-unveil-new-haunted-harvest-halloween-collection-featuring-mickey-friends/ Halloween Food Preview https://www.instagram.com/p/DbYtaqYE46j/ https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/07/30/first-look-disney-reveals-5-new-halloween-snacks/ Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party https://www.instagram.com/p/DbcGhugFDPh/?img_index=1 Midsummer Scream https://midsummerscream.org/ Halloween Horror Nights – Ozzy Osbourne https://www.inparkmagazine.com/hhn-2026-ozzy-osbourne/ Pandora Disney Charms https://www.instagram.com/p/DbaKapwFMSf/ https://www.disneystore.com/brands/pandora-jewelry/?originalTerm=pandora%20charms&searchType=redirect&pdpRedirect=0 Disney x Starbucks Fall Collection https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbdgD5_RnGE/ The History of Oogie Boogie Bash https://attractionsmagazine.com/depaoli-on-deparks-rich-backstory-disneys-oogie-boogie-bash/ https://mouseplanet.com/history-of-disneyland-halloween/7670/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey%27s_Halloween_Party https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/oogie-boogie-bash-halloween-party/ Frightfully Fun Parade https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Frightfully_Fun_Parade Ghost Galaxy https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Space_Mountain:_Ghost_Galaxy Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/ Disney Halloween Around the World https://www.disneylandparis.com/en-gb/seasons/halloween https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/topics/event/halloween2026/tdl.html https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/ https://www.shanghaidisneyresort.com/ Halloween on the High Seas https://disneyparksblog.com/dcl/your-guide-to-halloween-on-the-high-seas/ https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/specialty-cruises/halloween-on-the-high-seas/ https://disneyexperiences.com/halloween-high-seas-cruise/

Episode 37 – ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter with Special Guest Andy Mack Prepare yourselves, Foolish Mortals! This week we're stepping away from the Haunted Mansion (just briefly!) to explore one of the most infamous attractions Disney has ever created—ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. Join Alex and Kris as they take a deep dive into the terrifying history of the Magic Kingdom attraction that traumatized an entire generation of Disney guests. Learn how Alien Encounter evolved from Mission to Mars, why it was unlike anything Disney had ever built, the groundbreaking special effects that made it so frightening, and why the attraction ultimately disappeared forever. We're also thrilled to welcome back voice actor and former Walt Disney World Cast Member Andy Mack! Andy shares behind-the-scenes stories from working Alien Encounter during the Disney College Program, including: What it was like portraying the doomed XS Tech technician Guests' unforgettable reactions (including some who literally couldn't handle it!) The attraction's impressive effects and technology Cast Member camaraderie in Tomorrowland Why Alien Encounter could never exist at Disney today His favorite memories from working at Walt Disney World We also discuss this week's Disney Parks news, including: Yzma's arrival at Oogie Boogie Bash The new Hatbox Ghost popcorn bucket coming to Disneyland Disney's 2026 Mickey Family Halloween Collection Haunted Mansion queue changes at Magic Kingdom Oogie Boogie Bash ticket sellouts Listener Question If you could bring back one extinct Disney attraction, which would it be? Let us know!📧 [email protected] Follow Andy Mack 🌐 Website: https://www.andymackvoice.com Check out Andy's latest projects, including: Hunt: Showdown 1896 The King Is Watching Tuttle Twins Reel Tiny Connect with The Swinging Wake 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swingingwakepodcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingWakePodcast 💬 Patreon & Discord:https://www.patreon.com/SwingingWakePodcast ⭐ If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen. It helps more Foolish Mortals discover the podcast! Sources Disney Food Blog – Disney Teases New Villain for Oogie Boogie Bash https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2026/07/14/disney-teases-new-villain-for-oogie-boogie-bash-and-90s-kids-are-ready/ WDW News Today – Hatbox Ghost Popcorn Bucket Coming to Disneyland https://wdwnt.com/2026/07/haunted-mansion-hatbox-ghost-popcorn-bucket-coming-to-disneyland/ Disney Parks Blog – New Mickey Family Halloween Collection https://disneyparksblog.com/products/new-mickey-family-halloween-collection/ WDW News Today – Haunted Mansion Gravestones Rearranged as Construction Walls Come Down https://wdwnt.com/2026/07/haunted-mansion-gravestones-rearranged-as-construction-walls-come-down-at-magic-kingdom/ Inside the Magic – Oogie Boogie Bash Dates Reach Capacity https://insidethemagic.net/2026/07/disneyland-is-running-out-of-oogie-boogie-bash-tickets-as-six-2026-nights-reach-capacity-bwb1/ Disney Fandom – ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/ExtraTERRORestrial_Alien_Encounter YouTube – ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter Ride-Through https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9FmFnMbcgk Disney Fandom Discussion – ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter https://disney.fandom.com/f/p/4400000000000518131 Andy Mack Voice Actinghttps://www.andymackvoice.com

36. Behind the Scenes at the Haunted Mansion: Alex Interviews Kris About Being a Disneyland Cast Member What does it really feel like to work at the Haunted Mansion? In this special interview episode, Alex turns the tables and interviews co-host Kris about her unforgettable time as a Disneyland Cast Member at one of the world's most beloved attractions—the Haunted Mansion. From being assigned to her dream attraction on her very first day to walking the attraction with the lights on, working New Year's Eve on Main Street, backstage traditions, celebrity encounters, magical guest moments, and even riding Pirates of the Caribbean during a shift, Kris shares stories she's never told publicly before. The conversation also explores the personal side of her Disney journey—how working for The Walt Disney Company helped her through one of the most difficult periods of her life and ultimately led her to lifelong friendships, renewed confidence, and the path that eventually brought The Swinging Wake Podcast to life. Whether you're a Haunted Mansion superfan, a Disney Parks enthusiast, or someone who's ever dreamed of becoming a Cast Member, this is an episode you won't want to miss. In This Episode Disney Parks news and Oogie Boogie Bash updates Christmas in July with ConciEARS How Kris became a Haunted Mansion Cast Member Traditions and Cast Member training Walking the Mansion with the lights on Behind-the-scenes areas guests never see Working Haunted Mansion Holiday vs. Classic Favorite Cast Member memories and magical guest interactions Celebrity encounters at Disneyland New Year's Eve on Main Street Cast Member traditions and camaraderie Favorite Haunted Mansion scenes, ghosts, and details Why Kris ultimately left The Walt Disney Company Would she ever return to Disneyland? Listener Question If you could spend one hour backstage at the Haunted Mansion, what would you choose to see? Would you: Walk the attraction with the lights on? Visit the workshop where props are restored? Watch the stretching room "unstretch?" Explore somewhere else entirely? Let us know by emailing us or commenting on social media! Featured Sponsor A huge thank you to James at ConciEARS for sponsoring this episode! James has planned Disney vacations for us in the past and is currently helping us plan our Disneyland trip this September. His vacation planning services are completely FREE and can help take the stress out of planning your next Disney or Universal vacation. 📧 [email protected]📸 @JamesDisneyConciears🌐 Conciears.com Be sure to tell James The Swinging Wake Podcast sent you! Connect With The Swinging Wake 📧 [email protected] Follow us on Facebook & Instagram:@SwingingWakePodcast ⭐ If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review! It helps other Foolish Mortals discover the podcast. Support the show on Patreon for bonus content, access to our community Discord, and exclusive goodies!

Episode 35 – The Museum of the Weird In this mini episode of The Swinging Wake Podcast, we're diving into one of the most fascinating "what ifs" in Disney history—the legendary Museum of the Weird. Originally conceived by Imagineer Rolly Crump as a companion attraction to the Haunted Mansion, this bizarre collection of surreal oddities never officially opened... but its influence can still be found throughout Disney Parks around the world. Join Alex and Kris as they explore the history of this unrealized attraction, Walt Disney's plans for it, and the many ways its strange legacy continues to live on today. In This Episode Disneyland's upcoming Haunted Mansion closure for the Halloween overlay New Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas rubber ducks New Haunted Mansion merchandise currently available at Disneyland Resort The origins of the Museum of the Weird Rolly Crump's surreal concepts and artistic inspirations Walt Disney's vision for integrating the Museum into the Haunted Mansion Why the Museum was ultimately never built Museum of the Weird concepts that survived inside the Haunted Mansion References throughout Disney Parks, Disney Cruise Line, and Mystic Manor Unproduced films, comics, and other media inspired by the Museum Listener Poll If Disney finally built the Museum of the Weird today, how would you want to experience it? As its own standalone attraction? As a Haunted Mansion pre-show or post-show walkthrough? As part of a Haunted Mansion expansion? Or do you think it's better preserved as a legendary piece of Disney history? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or in our Patreon Discord! Follow The Swinging Wake 📧 Email: [email protected] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swingingwakepodcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingWakePodcast 🎧 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/SwingingWakePodcast If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a 5-star review wherever you listen to podcasts. It helps other Foolish Mortals discover The Swinging Wake! References & Further Reading Museum of the Weird & Haunted Mansion History Walt Disney Family Museum – Imagineering the Haunted Mansion: Rolly Crump https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/imagineering-haunted-mansion-rolly-crump Museum of the Weird (Haunted Mansion Wiki) https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Museum_Of_The_Weird Unproduced Haunted Mansion Animated Special https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Unproduced_Haunted_Mansion_Animated_Special It's Kind of a Cute Story by Rolly Crump & Jeff Heimbuch (2017) Disney Comics Disney Kingdoms: Seekers of the Weird https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Kingdoms-Seekers-Brandon-Seifert/dp/0785154523 Disney Kingdoms: The Haunted Mansion https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Kingdoms-Haunted-Brandon-Seifert/dp/1302926624 Disneyland News Haunted Mansion Closing for Holiday Overlay https://www.nj.com/entertainment/2026/07/disneyland-will-temporarily-close-this-popular-attraction-heres-why.html Haunted Mansion & NBC Rubber Ducks https://wdwnt.com/2026/07/the-nightmare-before-christmas-rubber-ducks-at-disneyland-resort/ New Haunted Mansion Merchandise Collection https://wdwnt.com/2026/07/new-haunted-mansion-merchandise-collection-arries-at-disneyland-including-grandfather-clock-loungefly-bag-starbucks-accessories-and-more/ Additional Reading ScreenRant – Haunted Mansion: Stray Spirits & Ride Closure https://screenrant.com/disney-the-haunted-mansion-stray-spirits-series-and-ride-closure/

The Swinging Wake Podcast – Episode 34 From the Haunted Mansion to the Funeral Home: Alex Talks About His Career as a Funeral Director Have you ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at a funeral home? In this special episode of The Swinging Wake Podcast, Alex steps away from the Haunted Mansion for a candid conversation about his career as a traveling funeral director. From midnight removals and meeting with grieving families to embalming, cremation, and the realities of modern funeral service, this episode offers an honest look into a profession that is often misunderstood. Kris asks the questions many people have always wondered about, covering everything from education and daily responsibilities to common misconceptions, industry trends, and how working with death has shaped Alex's outlook on life. Of course, no Swinging Wake episode would be complete without bringing the conversation back to Disney's Haunted Mansion, where Alex shares whether his profession has changed the way he experiences the attraction—and whether working around death has ever convinced him that ghosts might actually exist. In This Episode Alex's journey into funeral service Mortician vs. funeral director: what's the difference? Life as a traveling funeral director On-call schedules and overnight removals Embalming and when it is (or isn't) required Paperwork and legal responsibilities Handling communicable diseases safely Traditional burial vs. cremation trends Supporting grieving families Family conflict and next-of-kin situations Resources for those experiencing grief Cultural and religious funeral traditions The importance of pre-planning How COVID-19 changed funeral service Green burial and environmentally friendly options Common misconceptions about funeral directors The most rewarding—and most challenging—parts of the profession Reflections on life, mortality, and spirituality Haunted Mansion and the funeral profession Do funeral directors believe in ghosts? Listener Q&A and closing thoughts This Week's Mansion Monday Poll If you had to spend eternity in one area of the Haunted Mansion, where would it be? The Stretching Room The Séance Circle The Ballroom The Graveyard Vote on Instagram after the episode drops! We'd Love to Hear From You! Did something in this episode surprise you? Do you have questions about the funeral profession that you'd like us to cover in a future episode? 📧 Email us:[email protected] Follow us on social media: Instagram: @SwingingWakePodcast Facebook: Swinging Wake Podcast If you're enjoying the show, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more foolish mortals discover The Swinging Wake Podcast! Looking for even more haunted fun? Join our Patreon community for: Exclusive bonus content Access to our Discord community Monthly goodies and behind-the-scenes content Until next time… Hurry back...

The Swinging Wake Podcast – Episode 33 Madame Leota Special Welcome, foolish mortals, to Episode 33 of The Swinging Wake Podcast! This week, Alex and Kris gather around the séance table for a deep dive into one of the Haunted Mansion's most beloved residents: Madame Leota. From her origins in Imagineering history to her appearances in films, merchandise, and parks around the world, we're summoning spirits from regions beyond for a complete exploration of the Mansion's mysterious medium.  In This Episode 👻 Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 updates and ticket information 🎃 First look at Madame Leota's Swinging Wake – A Haunted Mansion Street Party, replacing the Frightfully Fun Parade 🕸️ Spirit Halloween's new Haunted Mansion costume collection ⚰️ Lowe's newest Haunted Mansion graveyard décor, including Rosie the Pig and Francis Xavier tombstones 🔮 The history and evolution of Madame Leota within the Haunted Mansion attraction 📚 Leota Toombs, Eleanor Audley, Harriet Burns, and the Imagineers behind the séance 🎭 Madame Leota's appearances across Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Phantom Manor, films, comics, and video games 🎙️ Special guest performance by voice actor Andy Mack performing Madame Leota's iconic séance incantation 🎬 Discussion of Madame Leota portrayals by Jennifer Tilly, Jamie Lee Curtis, and even Miss Piggy! 🏚️ Haunted Mansion Holiday's alternate Madame Leota Christmas incantation Sources & Links Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Disneyland Resort – Oogie Boogie Bash: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/oogie-boogie-bash-halloween-party/ Madame Leota & Haunted Mansion History Haunted Mansion Wiki – Madame Leota: https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Madame_Leota Haunted Mansion Wiki – Leota's Spellbook: https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Leota%27s_Spellbook Haunted Mansion Wiki – Leota's Vardo: https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Leota%27s_Vardo Society of Explorers and Adventurers Wiki – Madame Leota: https://societyofexplorersandadventurers.fandom.com/wiki/Madame_Leota Imagineering & Development Articles D23 – Leota Toombs: https://d23.com/walt-disney-legend/leota-toombs-thomas/ Walt Disney Family Museum – Madame Leota's Little-Known Story: https://www.waltdisney.org/blog/haunted-mansion-madame-leotas-little-known-story Long Forgotten Haunted Mansion Blog – The Séance Circle (Part One): https://longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com/2010/08/seance-circle-part-one-real-fake-not.html MEL Magazine – Oral History of The Haunted Mansion: https://medium.com/mel-magazine/a-super-spooky-yet-family-friendly-oral-history-of-disneys-haunted-mansion-f1a8650803b2 Books & Comics Mentioned Seekers of the Weird (Disney Kingdoms Graphic Novel): https://www.amazon.com/Disney-Kingdoms-Seekers-Brandon-Seifert/dp/0785154523 It's Kind of a Cute Story by Rolly Crump: https://www.amazon.com/Kind-Cute-Story-Rolly-Crump/dp/098547064X Video Mentioned Madame Leota Poster / Phantom Manor Discussion Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6JnbKuoeAU&t=40s Podcast Question of the Week If you could bring home one Haunted Mansion artifact, which would it be? 🔹 A Stretching Portrait🔹 Madame Leota's Crystal Ball🔹 A Graveyard Tombstone Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or by emailing us at: 📧 [email protected] Follow The Swinging Wake Podcast 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwingingWakePodcast 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swingingwakepodcast 🎙️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/swingingwakepodcast ⭐ Leave us a 5-star review wherever you listen to podcasts! Hurry back... there's always room for one more. 👻