The Swinging Wake Podcast - Haunted Mansion News & Information

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!