The Swinging Wake Podcast - Haunted Mansion News & Information

Alex and Kris
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Places & Travel

Welcome foolish mortals to The Swinging Wake Podcast. A podcast dedicated to Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion and other Disney Happy Haunts.

  1. 34. From the Haunted Mansion to the Funeral Home: Alex Talks About His Career as a Funeral Director

    3d ago

    34. From the Haunted Mansion to the Funeral Home: Alex Talks About His Career as a Funeral Director

    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:feedback@swingingwakepodcast.com 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...

    37 min
  2. 33. The Madame Leota Special

    Jun 25

    33. The Madame Leota Special

    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: 📧 feedback@swingingwakepodcast.com 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. 👻

    34 min
  3. 32. A Tribute to Catherine O'Hara

    May 11

    32. A Tribute to Catherine O'Hara

    The Swinging Wake Podcast – Episode 32 A Tribute to Catherine O’Hara In this heartfelt and haunting episode of The Swinging Wake Podcast, Alex and Kris gather in the séance room to celebrate the life, career, and Disney legacy of the incomparable Catherine O’Hara — the beloved voice of Sally in The Nightmare Before Christmas and one of the most influential character performers of her generation. Before entering tonight’s main tribute, the hosts open the crypt doors with the latest spooky Disney news, including the return of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, a first look at Disney’s 2026 Halloween merchandise collections, and breaking news about a darker live-action Casper series coming to Disney+ with executive producer Steven Spielberg. The main discussion explores Catherine O’Hara’s legendary career — from SCTV and Beetlejuice to Home Alone and Schitt's Creek — while taking a deep dive into why her portrayal of Sally became such an enduring part of Disney spooky culture and Haunted Mansion fandom. Alex and Kris discuss: Why Sally remains the emotional heart of The Nightmare Before Christmas Catherine O’Hara’s haunting performance of “Sally’s Song” Her dual role as both Sally and Shock The connection between Sally and Haunted Mansion Holiday How Catherine O’Hara helped shape gothic Disney storytelling with warmth, humor, and emotional depth The episode also reflects on O’Hara’s influence on comedy, character acting, and spooky fandom as a whole, while honoring the lasting emotional impact she left on generations of Disney and Halloween fans. Featured News Stories Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 2026 Dates & Details: “Shriek Peek” at Disney’s 2026 Halloween Merchandise: Casper Live-Action Disney+ Series Report Plus: Disney Halloween 2026 news Catherine O'Hara Tribute Billie Eilish Video “There’s always room for one more…” — and tonight, the mansion makes room to honor one of Disney’s most beloved spooky voices. Follow & materialize with us: 📸 Instagram: @SwingingWakePodcast 📘 Facebook: Swinging Wake Podcast 📧 feedback@swingingwakepodcast.com

    39 min
  4. 31. Halfway to Halloween: Ghost Stories and Conspiracies

    Apr 13

    31. Halfway to Halloween: Ghost Stories and Conspiracies

    31. Halfway to Halloween: Haunted Mansion Myths, Legends & Lore Welcome back, Foolish Mortals… 👻In this special Halfway to Halloween extravaganza, Alex and Kris gather around the proverbial campfire to explore the eerie, mysterious, and sometimes downright bizarre stories surrounding Haunted Mansion and beyond. From confirmed facts to debunked fiction—and everything in between—this episode dives deep into the ghostly lore that keeps Disney fans intrigued year after year. Episode Breakdown Fact, Fiction, or Folklore? We explore 10 chilling tales and categorize them into: Fact – Proven truths from Cast Member experiences and historical records Fiction – Debunked rumors and myths Folklore – Spine-tingling stories that live in the gray area Featured Topics Ashes in the Haunted Mansion (FACT) Yes… it has happened. While rare, Cast Members have protocols in place. Reminder: scattering ashes on private property (including Disney parks) is illegal. Is Walt Disney Frozen or Buried in the Mansion? (FICTION) The long-standing rumor is false . Walt Disney was cremated and interred in 1966. We also discuss the “Frozen conspiracy theory” tied to search results. Ghost Sightings in the Parks (FOLKLORE) Surveillance footage allegedly capturing a ghostly figure Stories from Cast Members near Club 33 and New Orleans Square The Little Boy Spirit & Phantom Riders (FOLKLORE) Reports of a playful spirit inside the attraction Phantom riders appearing late at night on both coasts The Attic Bride’s Dark Past (FACT) Once had a serial killer storyline Confirmed by Imagineer Kim Irvine The Hatbox Ghost Mystery (FACT + FICTION) Removed in 1969 due to technical limitations Returned in 2015 with updated Imagineering The Haunted Mansion Death Theory (FOLKLORE) Guests “die” and become the 1,000th ghost Popular fan theory explored online Real Skeletons in Pirates of the Caribbean (FACT) Early versions used real human bones Some may still remain today Brigham Young Hearse Rumor (FICTION) Debunked historical myth—but still fascinating lore Who Is the Ghost Host? (FACT → FOLKLORE → CANON) Theory connecting him to Master Gracey Fan interpretation that became semi-canon Sources & Further Reading PBS – Walt Disney Death Rumor https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/how-a-strange-rumor-of-walt-disneys-death-became-legend Ghost Sighting Video Report (2015) https://ca.movies.yahoo.com/2015-02-28-disneyland-ghost-video-after-closing-haunted-mansion-rivers-america.html Offhand Disney – Death Theory Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9118vX8m-co Little Boy Ghost Story https://wanderwisdom.com/news/little-boy-ghost-disneyland The Man with the Cane (WDW Ghost Story) https://creepypasta.fandom.com/wiki/The_Man_with_the_Cane LA Times – Attic Bride Update https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2025-01-17/disneyland-original-haunted-mansion-returns-new-scene Hatbox Ghost History https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Hatbox_Ghost Hatbox Ghost Imagineering Interview https://longforgottenhauntedmansion.blogspot.com/2015/08/conjuring-up-hatbox-ghost-interview.html Additional Haunted Mansion Theory Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUaQriC_5SM SF Gate – Real Skeletons in Pirates https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/Disneyland-s-Pirates-of-the-Caribbean-ride-once-16056619.php Snopes – Brigham Young Hearse Myth https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/hearseay/ Master Gracey Lore https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Master_Gracey Join the Conversation feedback@swingingwakepodcast.com. Instagram & Facebook: @SwingingWakePodcast. Leave a 5-star review to help other Foolish Mortals find the show! Support the Show Join our Patreon for bonus content, Discord access, and spooky goodies Closing We hope you had a _delightfully unlivable time…_Until next time— Hurry back…

    25 min
  5. 30. A Conversation with Justin from Foolish Mortals & Happy Haunts

    Apr 6

    30. A Conversation with Justin from Foolish Mortals & Happy Haunts

    Episode 30: Justin from Foolish Mortals & Happy Haunts | Haunted Mansion Fan Community Welcome, foolish mortals… In Episode 30 of The Swinging Wake Podcast, Alex is joined by Justin, the creator of Foolish Mortals & Happy Haunts, a popular Haunted Mansion fan page known for its community, content, and deep appreciation of Disney’s most beloved attraction, the Haunted Mansion. This episode explores the passion behind the fandom, the creativity of fans, and what keeps the Haunted Mansion timeless. 🔗 Connect with Foolish Mortals & Happy Haunts Follow Justin and join the community: Facebook Instagram: TikTok: 🎙️ Episode Highlights The story behind Foolish Mortals & Happy Haunts Building a 30K+ Haunted Mansion fan group A memorable connection to X Atencio’s legacy Incredible fan-made Haunted Mansion creations Favorite scenes, effects, and characters Debates and controversial opinions in the fandom Hidden details and overlooked elements of the attraction The future of Haunted Mansion fandom 🧵 Featured Fan Creation Check out this incredible fan-made Haunted Mansion setup:👉 Link 📩 Listener Engagement We’d love to hear from you:Email: feedback@swingingwakepodcast.comSocial: @SwingingWakePodcast If you enjoy the show, please consider:⭐ Leaving a 5-star review⭐ Subscribing⭐ Sharing with fellow Haunted Mansion fans 🔮 Upcoming Episodes A deep dive into Madame Leota Celebrating Catherine O'Hara Thank you for joining us for this séance…And remember—this podcast may follow you home.

    49 min
  6. 29. 2025 Recap and News

    Mar 9

    29. 2025 Recap and News

    Episode 29 – Haunted Mansion News, Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 & Our 2025 Podcast Recap Welcome back, foolish mortals… After drifting through the spirit world for a short hiatus, The Swinging Wake Podcast returns with a brand new episode full of Haunted Mansion news, Disney Parks updates, and a full recap of our 2025 podcast season. Join your grim-grinning hosts Alex and Kris as they materialize the latest Haunted Mansion developments from Disney parks around the world, discuss the expansion of Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort, explore the legendary Pepper’s Ghost illusion, and revisit the episodes that defined our Haunted Mansion discussions last year. Step into your Doom Buggy and join us on this journey… into regions beyond. 👻 Haunted Mansion & Disney Parks News 🎃 Oogie Boogie Bash 2026 Expands at Disneyland Resort Disney has officially announced the return of Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party at Disney California Adventure, and 2026 will feature a record 33 nights of Halloween festivities. The after-hours Halloween event will run from August 27 through October 31, bringing back fan-favorite experiences including: • The Frightfully Fun Parade• Villain-themed treat trails• Rare Disney character encounters• Halloween overlays and atmospheric entertainment 🔗 Event infohttps://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/disney-california-adventure/oogie-boogie-bash-halloween-party/ Alongside the party, Plaza de la Familia will return to Disney California Adventure to celebrate Día de los Muertos with cultural performances, themed food, and experiences inspired by Pixar’s Coco. 👻 The Haunted Mansion’s Famous Pepper’s Ghost Illusion Disney Imagineering recently highlighted the iconic Pepper’s Ghost illusion, the centuries-old theatrical trick responsible for the dancing ghosts inside the Haunted Mansion ballroom scene. Originally developed in the 1800s, the illusion uses angled glass and lighting effects to create the appearance of transparent spirits interacting with the physical environment. Disney Imagineers have continued to refine this illusion throughout the years, helping make the Haunted Mansion one of the most beloved attractions in Disney parks history. 🔗 Behind-the-scenes Imagineering videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m80WI0AK0P0 🏰 Haunted Mansion Updates Around the World 💍 Haunted Mansion Wedding Experiences Beginning in July 2026, Disneyland will reportedly begin offering small wedding ceremonies in the Haunted Mansion courtyard, allowing couples to celebrate their vows near one of Disney’s most iconic attractions. Additionally, the Haunted Mansion Parlor aboard the upcoming Disney Destiny cruise ship will feature themed wedding opportunities beginning in 2026. 🏗 Haunted Mansion Refurbishments Magic Kingdom – Walt Disney World The Haunted Mansion exterior at Magic Kingdom is currently undergoing refurbishment work while nearby construction continues for the new Villains Land expansion. Disneyland Park The Disneyland version of Haunted Mansion reopened in January 2026 after its seasonal Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay. 🚨 Haunted Mansion Incident Reports surfaced in early 2026 of guests scattering human remains inside the Magic Kingdom attraction — a rare but recurring issue that results in temporary ride closures for cleaning and safety procedures. 🌏 Mystic Manor Closure – Hong Kong Disneyland Mystic Manor, the Haunted Mansion-style attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland, temporarily closed for operational adjustments from February 24 to March 9, 2026. 🎧 2025 Swinging Wake Podcast Recap In 2025, we released seven Haunted Mansion podcast episodes covering Disney parks news, attraction history, interviews, and trip reports. Here’s a look back at the year inside the mansion. Episode 22 Haunted Mansion Changes Topics included: • Disneyland Haunted Mansion queue expansion• Madame Leota gift shop• Haunted Mansion Holiday updates• Oogie Boogie Bash announcements Episode 23 The Attic Bride – Constance Hatchaway Lore We explored the story of the infamous Haunted Mansion attic bride, Constance Hatchaway, along with Haunted Mansion merchandise news and Disney Imagineering history. Episode 24 Disney Treasure & Haunted Mansion Parlor With special guest Teresa Urban, we discussed: • The upcoming Disney Treasure cruise ship• The first-ever Haunted Mansion-themed bar at sea• New Haunted Mansion characters and lore Episode 25 Disneyland Halloween Foodie Guide 2025 A full breakdown of Halloween food, snacks, and drinks coming to Disneyland Resort. Episode 26 Disneyland Halloween Trip Recap Alex shares highlights from his Halloween trip including: • Disneyland Halloween Time• runDisney Halloween Half Marathon Weekend• Oogie Boogie Bash• Club 33 and 1901 experiences (Which connects to Alex’s runDisney experiences you’ve talked about before.) Episode 27 Phantom Manor with Steph We welcomed Steph from the Magic Key Adventures Podcast to discuss Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris and how it differs from the Haunted Mansion. Episode 28 Interview with Andy Mack Voice actor and former Walt Disney World cast member Andy Mack joined us to discuss working in the parks and his love for the Haunted Mansion. 👻 Coming in 2026 The spirits have more in store… In 2026 we’re planning: • More Haunted Mansion history deep dives• Interviews with Disney creators and fans• Behind-the-scenes Disney Parks discussions• Patreon and Discord community content• A new Disneyland Halloween trip report 📬 Contact The Show Emailfeedback@swingingwakepodcast.com Instagram & Facebook@SwingingWakePodcast If you enjoy the show, please leave a five-star review to help other foolish mortals discover The Swinging Wake Podcast. 👻 Hurry back… and beware — this podcast may follow you home. Notes go here

    40 min
  7. 28. Interview with Special Guest Andy Mack

    12/01/2025

    28. Interview with Special Guest Andy Mack

    28. Interview with Special Guest Andy Mack In this episode, Kris interviews Andy Mack about his time as a cast member at Walt Disney World, past and current projects, and the Haunted Mansion. Show Notes: https://andymackvoice.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@andymackvoice

    1h 53m
  8. 27. Discussing Phantom Manor with Steph!

    11/24/2025

    27. Discussing Phantom Manor with Steph!

    27. Discussing Phantom Manor with Steph! In this episode, your hitchhiking hosts, Alex and Kris, discuss recent Haunted Mansion news. Kris interviews Steph from "Magic Key Adventures Podcast" about her time at Disneyland Paris. Show Notes: Haunted Mansion Parlor on The Disney Destiny: https://wdwnt.com/2025/11/haunted-mansion-parlor-disney-destiny/ Disney Fairytale Weddings on The Disney Destiny: https://wdwnt.com/2025/10/get-married-haunted-mansion-parlor-disney-destiny/ Disney Fairytale Wedding Pricing: https://www.disneyweddings.com/cruise/pricing/ Haunted Mansion Parlor Award: https://disneyexperiences.com/haunted-mansion-parlor-achievement/ Steph at "Magic Key Adventures Podcast" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/magic-key-adventures-podcast/id1688830469 https://open.spotify.com/show/77Jj1Lze2IsmG6MwWOPF3m Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magic_key_adventures/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/MagicKeyAdventures

    52 min
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Welcome foolish mortals to The Swinging Wake Podcast. A podcast dedicated to Walt Disney’s Haunted Mansion and other Disney Happy Haunts.

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