Soarin' Around WDW

SoarinAroundWDW
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  • PLACES & TRAVEL
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Join us, a Disney family who have been enchanted by Disney magic since childhood, as we share our stories and experiences from our countless visits to Disney parks. From our earliest memories of Mickey Mouse to our latest adventures riding the newest attractions, we bring you along on a nostalgic and exciting journey through the happiest place on Earth. In each episode, we'll delve into our favorite rides, review recent and upcoming EveryRide challenge attempts, explore hidden gems, and discuss the evolution of the parks over the years.

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 92- Disney on a Budget: Smart Ways to Save + Our Full Trip Cost

    Planning a Disney vacation but worried about the cost? You’re not alone! And the good news is, it doesn’t have to break the bank. In this episode, we’re sharing exactly how we make Disney work for our family of four without sacrificing the magic. From booking strategies and where to stay, to food, souvenirs, and some of our favorite underrated money-saving hacks, we’re walking you through everything we do before the trip to keep costs down. Then, we’re pulling back the curtain and getting into full price transparency. We’re breaking down what we actually spent on our recent Walt Disney World trip, covering everything from resort and tickets to flights, food, Lightning Lanes, and merch, so you can see what a realistic Disney budget looks like. Whether you’re planning your first trip or trying to make your next one more affordable, this episode will help you feel more confident, prepared, and in control of your Disney budget. Because “budget” doesn’t mean bare bones, it just means being intentional. ✨ In this episode: Our best pre-trip money-saving strategies On-property vs. off-property considerations Travel, food, and souvenir budget tips Gift card + rewards hacks we actually use Our full Disney trip cost breakdown (every category!) If you’ve ever wondered “what does a Disney trip really cost?”, this one’s for you. Links: Fetch referral code: https://referral.fetch.com/vvv3/referralqr?code=GQF11 Disney Visa Inspire Card (I upgraded :D ) https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200m/L4C4N8BIM7 Ibotta: https://ibotta.onelink.me/iUfE/1005cd3f?friend_code=wbjjyng

    54 min

  2. APR 29

    Episode 91- Generations in Bloom: Garden Rocks & Family Roots

    In this very special episode of Soarin’  Around WDW, we’re joined by a guest who brings decades of Disney memories to the table, my step-mom Doreen! From attending the 1964–1965 World’s Fair as a young girl to experiencing the early days of Walt Disney World, her story is a true walk through Disney history. We take a trip down memory lane as Doreen shares her first visits to the parks, favorite childhood attractions, and what it was like introducing her own kids (and now grandkids) to the magic. From unforgettable family trips and Halloween parties at Magic Kingdom to multi-generational visits spanning decades, this episode is all about how Disney magic grows with your family. Then, we dig into one of her favorite offerings: the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival! We explore the history of the festival, how it’s evolved over the years, and what makes the 2026 festival so special, from stunning topiaries and Outdoor Kitchens to the always-popular Garden Rocks Concert Series. Plus, we share our own festival experiences, favorite musical acts we’ve seen over the years, thoughts on the Garden Graze, and whether the festival has stayed true to its roots. Whether you love the flowers, the flavors, or the music, this episode is a celebration of Disney across generations 🌸🎶

    1h 4m

  3. APR 22

    Episode 90- Parks of the Future Part 5 (2/2): Aegean Eats & Entertainment

    We’re back to wrap up our Greece Pavilion concept in this second half of Parks of the Future Part 5! If you joined us last week, you experienced the thrills of Fire of the Aegean, and now it’s time to bring the rest of this EPCOT pavilion to life. In this episode, we shift from thrills to atmosphere as we fully design the heart and soul of the pavilion: the dining, entertainment, and guest experiences that make World Showcase so special. From the whitewashed seaside villages of Santorini and Mykonos to the rich history of ancient Greece, we’re blending authentic culture with a touch of Disney magic. We imagine a brand-new stage show, “Hercules: Rise of a Hero,” bringing the energy, humor, and music of Disney’s Hercules to EPCOT with a Broadway-style production full of audience interaction, iconic songs, and larger-than-life storytelling. Then, come hungry! Because we’re diving into two all-new dining locations:🥙 Agora Grill, a quick-service spot serving up classic Greek favorites like gyros and fresh salads🍽️ Olive & Lyre, a table-service experience featuring traditional dishes, shareable spreads, and live music inspired by real Greek tavernas We also talk character meet-and-greets, the importance of live entertainment in the parks, and how to balance authentic culture with Disney IP in a modern EPCOT. So, would you grab a gyro and catch a show? Or head straight back to the coaster? Let us know what YOU would add to a Greece pavilion and don’t miss our Would You Rather debate this week! 🇬🇷✨ The pavilion is complete… now it’s your turn to explore.

    45 min

  4. APR 15

    Episode 89- Parks of the Future Part 5 (1/2): Expanding World Showcase

    This week on Soarin’ Around WDW, we’re diving back into our Parks of the Future series with a truly epic armchair imagineering session, and we’re not doing it alone. Joining us are our favorite creative minds from the Idiot’s Guide to Imagineering: Stephen and Marissa! Together, we set our sights on EPCOT’s World Showcase and tackle one of the biggest “what ifs” in Disney history: adding a brand-new pavilion. After exploring the history, lost concepts, and untapped potential of World Showcase, we reveal our bold country of choice, and begin building it from the ground up. In this first installment, we focus on the headlining attraction: Fire of the Aegean, a thrilling, multi-launch coaster that plunges guests into the heart of a volcanic eruption inspired by the real-life history of Santorini. Blending high-intensity thrills with classic EPCOT-style education, this non-IP experience explores geology, culture, and the raw power of nature in a way Disney has never done before. We also debate the future of non-IP attractions, reflect on the legacy of EPCOT’s storytelling (including Illuminations: Reflections of Earth), and get inspired by travel dreams and global cultures along the way. So, would you brave the eruption? And is there still room in EPCOT for original, educational attractions like this? Next week, we bring the full pavilion to life with dining, entertainment, and a heroic twist you won’t want to miss.

    45 min

  5. APR 8

    Episode 88- Treasured Attractions: Haunted Mansion Pt 4

    Welcome back, foolish mortals… it’s time to close the creaking doors on our Treasured Attractions series all about the Haunted Mansion. In this final episode, we explore how this iconic attraction expanded far beyond its walls to leave a lasting mark on Disney parks, films, and fandom. From the bold and divisive Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas, to international variations like Tokyo’s seasonal transformation and Disneyland Paris’s hauntingly elegant Phantom Wedding, we dive into how different parks reinterpret the mansion’s eerie charm. We also take a deep look at the mansion’s journey to the big screen, comparing the 2003 cult classic starring Eddie Murphy with the modern 2023 reboot, and discussing what each film got right (and wrong) about translating a ride into a story. Beyond film, we explore the mansion’s extended universe through comics, limited-time park experiences, and the ever-growing fan culture that continues to build on its легенdary lore. Plus, we share some personal stories, memories, and a fun “Would You Rather” from our friend @magicaltravelwithkatrina to wrap things up. Ultimately, this episode is all about legacy: how the Haunted Mansion became more than just a ride, evolving into a cultural touchstone that continues to adapt with every generation. So step inside one last time… and remember: there’s always room for one more.

    1h 5m

  6. APR 1

    Episode 87- From Skyliner to Safari: Trip Recap Part 2

    In Episode 87 of Soarin’ Around WDW, we’re back with Part 2 of our Walt Disney World trip recap! From a smooth arrival and easy app check-in to soaking in everything our resort had to offer, we’re breaking down the rest of our stay. We also take a step back and talk about our much-needed rest day. Recharging by the pool and enjoying some delicious meals, including a fun character breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace and a delicious dinner at Homecomin’. Then it’s on to EPCOT (powered by the Skyliner, of course), where we share our favorite moments, snacks, and what it was like navigating the day when not everyone was feeling 100%. From there, we head to Animal Kingdom for a full lineup of highlights: safari, Festival of the Lion King, conquering Expedition Everest, and experiencing Flight of Passage. We’ll wrap things up with more food reviews (including Yak & Yeti), overall thoughts on the parks, and our delayed journey home. Plus, we look ahead to future trips and where we’d stay if we did it all again. It’s a little bit of everything: highlights, real moments, great food, and all the magic in between.

    1h 1m

  7. MAR 25

    Episode 86: From Takeoff to Hollywood- Trip Recap Part 1

    We are back from our Walt Disney World adventure and kicking off our trip recap series! In this episode of Soarin’ Around WDW, I’m joined by my dad as we relive our Hollywood Studios day, our first park day of the trip and one filled with early mornings, changing plans, and a whole lot of Disney magic. We start from the very beginning: rope drop strategy, Skyliner tips, and what it’s really like tackling the parks solo with kids (and maybe a little overpacking 😅). From riding Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway twice before 9am to surprise character sightings like Jiminy Cricket, we break down how the morning unfolded and what worked (and what didn’t). We also share highlights like Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania (with some first-time wins!), Rise of the Resistance, and Blake’s very first coaster on Slinky Dog Dash. Plus, we talk shows like Indiana Jones and Beauty and the Beast, and whether some of these classics are starting to feel a little different. Of course, we couldn’t skip our experience at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. Covering the food, the atmosphere, and a cast member who truly made the meal special. As the day went on, things didn’t go exactly as planned, with Aili not feeling well and having to head back early, but we still wrapped up the night with Fantasmic and some very memorable (and slightly frustrating) moments. We also hear about my dad’s stay off-property, his visit to Kona Cafe the next morning, and his overall thoughts on crowds, Lightning Lanes, and our Hollywood Studios strategy, including our experience using Wait Magic. It’s an honest, detailed look at a full Disney park day: complete with highs, hiccups, and everything in between.

    47 min

  8. MAR 18

    Episode 85- Treasured Attractions: Haunted Mansion Pt 3

    Happy Wednesday, foolish mortals! After a brief Haunted Mansion hiatus (thanks to all of our recent trip content), we’re finally climbing back into our doom buggies and continuing our journey through one of Disney’s most legendary attractions. In this episode, we’re traveling around the globe to explore the different versions of the Haunted Mansion found in Disney parks worldwide. What originally started as a two-episode series has now expanded into four episodes, because every time we dig into this attraction’s history, we uncover even more fascinating details that are just too good not to share. Today’s episode focuses entirely on the international variations of the Haunted Mansion, including how the story, setting, and even the tone change depending on the park and culture. We’ll explore: Tokyo Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion, the only version located in Fantasyland and a bit of a time capsule that preserves scenes long removed from the American parks. Phantom Manor at Disneyland Paris, the darkest and most story-driven version of the attraction, with a fully developed narrative tied directly to Frontierland and the tragic Ravenswood family. Mystic Manor at Hong Kong Disneyland, a completely reimagined take on the concept that removes ghosts entirely and replaces them with magical chaos inside the home of eccentric explorer Lord Henry Mystic. Along the way we’ll talk about unique ride scenes, cultural influences, Imagineering choices, hidden Easter eggs, and even a fan-made Phantom Manor short film currently in production. If you’re watching on YouTube, we’re also trying to include photos of each mansion’s exterior and some of the scenes we talk about throughout the episode. Next week we’ll wrap up the series with the final episode covering holiday overlays, films inspired by the attraction, and some of our own Haunted Mansion stories. So dim the lights, stay together please, and remember… there’s always room for one more. YouTube link to Phantom Manor Bride's Song English Teaser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmkIYWaeUIY

    46 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Join us, a Disney family who have been enchanted by Disney magic since childhood, as we share our stories and experiences from our countless visits to Disney parks. From our earliest memories of Mickey Mouse to our latest adventures riding the newest attractions, we bring you along on a nostalgic and exciting journey through the happiest place on Earth. In each episode, we'll delve into our favorite rides, review recent and upcoming EveryRide challenge attempts, explore hidden gems, and discuss the evolution of the parks over the years.

Information

  • Creator
    SoarinAroundWDW
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SoarinAroundWDW
  • Show Website
    Soarin' Around WDW

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