Soarin' Around WDW

SoarinAroundWDW
  • 4.8 (6)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 4D AGO

    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

  2. MAR 11

    Episode 84- Disney World Pre-Trip Planning: Rope Drops, Snacks & Strategy

    In this episode, we’re taking you along for all the pre-trip planning for our upcoming Walt Disney World vacation! From rope drop strategies to snack must-haves and Lightning Lane plans, we’re sharing exactly how we’re preparing for a magical few days in the parks with our girls. We walk through our full itinerary starting with arrival day and our first stay at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, plus a relaxing rest day that includes breakfast at Topolino's Terrace and dinner at Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' in Disney Springs. Dad joins the episode to talk about the portion of the trip he’ll be joining us for, where he’s staying, and what he’s most excited to do when we head into Disney's Hollywood Studios together for the first time in years. We share our priorities for the day, including Slinky Dog Dash, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and OF COURSE ending the night with Fantasmic!. We also break down our strategy for EPCOT rope drop (hello Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and Frozen Ever After), plus a potential ride on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. And of course we can’t forget Disney's Animal Kingdom, where our priorities include Avatar Flight of Passage, Kilimanjaro Safaris, and Expedition Everest before wrapping up the trip with dinner at Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Along the way we’re also sharing: Our rope drop strategies Lightning Lane and ride priorities Our must-try snacks in each park Tips for traveling with kids (including stroller and packing plans) And how we’re balancing park time, pool time, and family time If you love Disney planning, park strategies, and snack lists, this episode is for you! Be sure to tune in because after the trip we’ll be sharing full trip recaps and a Trip Transparency episode where we break down exactly what we spent and how we save for our Disney vacations. We’ll see ya real soon! ✨🏰✈️

    56 min

  3. MAR 4

    Episode 83- Valentine’s Weekend at Disneyland: Packed Parks & Plenty of Snacks

    We’re back with Days 3, 4, and 5 of our Valentine’s Weekend at the Disneyland Resort and this one is PACKED. From a full day at Disney California Adventure Park to soaking in the magic at Disneyland Park and wrapping it all up in Downtown Disney District, we’re breaking down everything, including alllll of the crowds. And yes… we ate. A LOT. 🤭 Snacks, snacks, and more snacks, plus THREE new sit-down restaurants.  We also get real about the holiday weekend crowds. How busy it actually felt, what wait times were like, and why Lightning Lane Multi Pass ended up being 100% worth it for us on these park days. Weather-wise? Absolute perfection… until it wasn’t. Our final day brought crazy cold rain in Downtown Disney, and we’re sharing how that changed our plans and whether it was still worth braving the storm. If you’re planning a Disneyland trip over a holiday weekend (or just want to hear all the details from ours), this episode has everything: rides, restaurants, strategy, crowds, and a little bit of Valentine’s magic 💕

    57 min

  4. FEB 25

    Episode 82- Valentine’s Weekend at Disneyland: Travel Day & EveryRide Challenge

    Part 1 of our Valentine’s weekend recap at the Disneyland Resort starts with travel day: how everything unfolded getting there and how I prepped mentally and strategically for what ended up being a massive park day. At one point, I thought I might need to complete 53 total attractions in a single 16-hour day across both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. I’m breaking down: How I structured the EveryRide strategy The ride order and pacing decisions What worked better than expected What derailed the entire plan If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to pull off EveryRide in one park day, this is the full behind-the-scenes recap. From the first attraction, to the final one. Did I walk away successful? Give Kids the World Donation Link: give.gktw.org/SoarinAroundWDWPod

    1h 2m

  5. FEB 18

    Episode 81- Treasured Attractions: Haunted Mansion: Pt 2

    In Episode 2 of the Haunted Mansion portion of our Treasured Attraction series, we return to the gates of the esteemed mansion to explore what lies beneath the cobwebs and candlelight. This week, we dive into the most widely accepted combined legend of the attraction, piecing together generations of tragedy, curses, and ghostly residents.  We break down the layered backstory of figures like Master Gracey, Constance Hatchaway, Madame Leota, and the Ghost Bride, and talk about why Disney has intentionally never given the Haunted Mansion a single definitive story. From Imagineer intent to evolving ride updates, we explore how the Mansion stays alive by changing with every generation, and every ride. But the story doesn’t stop at the ride itself. We also step behind the scenes to discuss some of the most legendary Haunted Mansion experiences ever offered, including exclusive after-hours dinners inside the attraction, Club 33’s infamous Ghostly Retreat, large-scale Haunted Mansion galas, and rare backstage tours that revealed the secrets behind the Mansion’s most iconic illusions. To round out the episode, we share some of our favorite Haunted Mansion Easter eggs to keep an eye out for on your next visit: from hidden wedding rings and cursed families to crypts packed with musical, literary, and Imagineer lore. Sources: https://yourmileagemayvary.com/2024/10/31/tbt-2002-when-we-had-dinner-inside-wdws-haunted-mansion/ https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2013/03/26/dining-in-disneyland-marc-davis-centennial-dinner-inside-the-haunted-mansion/ Link to Room for One More Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP_-QllQqu0&t=2s

    51 min

  6. FEB 11

    Episode 80- Treasured Attractions: Haunted Mansion Pt 1

    In this episode of Treasured Attractions, we begin our journey through one of Disney’s most iconic attractions: The Haunted Mansion. Part One takes us back to the very beginning, exploring the long development of the attraction—from its earliest concepts in the 1950s to its opening at Disneyland in 1969 as the last attraction Walt Disney personally influenced. We discuss the many Imagineers who helped shape the Mansion, the creative balance between spooky and silly, and how those competing visions ultimately made the ride unforgettable. We’ll also dive into the creation of the groundbreaking Omnimover ride system, the origins of classic characters like Madame Leota and the Ghost Host, and the opening of Walt Disney World’s version of the attraction. This episode sets the foundation for our Haunted Mansion series, uncovering why this attraction has remained a fan favorite for generations. So hop into your Doom Buggy and prepare to hurry back, there’s always room for one more. Credit and shoutout to the Walt Disney Family Museum for a huge part of the history and background of this attraction used int his episode

    54 min

  7. FEB 4

    Episode 79- Pre-Trip Planning for a Valentine’s Weekend at Disneyland

    In this episode, we’re officially kicking off our Valentine’s Weekend trip to Disneyland with a full pre-trip planning breakdown! We’re sharing how this unexpected West Coast trip came together thanks to a work conference, why we decided this would be a kid-free getaway, and how we made it all work financially while already having another Disney trip on the books. We dive into travel logistics, including flights, off-property hotel choices, and navigating conference-discounted park tickets (plus what not to do if you ever go that route). We also break down our park ticket strategy, Lightning Lane decisions, and how modifying conference tickets turned into a much bigger process than expected. This episode also sets the stage for a huge solo park day, as one of us prepares to attempt an EveryRide challenge at Disneyland Resort to raise money for Give Kids the World—a cause that’s incredibly close to our hearts. We talk about what the challenge involves, why we’re doing it, and how you can participate through donations and a giveaway. We wrap up with an overview of our tentative daily plans for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, what we’re most excited to experience for the first time, and what content you can expect during and after the trip across the podcast, Instagram, Patreon, and YouTube. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s Day Disney trip, attending a conference at Disneyland, traveling without kids for the first time, or just love hearing how the Disney planning sausage gets made—this episode is for you. ✨🎡💖 GKTW Fundraising Link https://give.gktw.org/fundraiser/6930377 Every Ride Attempt 2- Dec 2024 https://youtu.be/hS980Ya4Ico?si=sh33lPbTo7WD02Zg Every Ride Attempt 1- Dec 2023 https://youtu.be/_nZQC5yT8Pc?si=KOYam4dHQrKZcMn7

    31 min

  8. JAN 28

    Episode 78- Parks of the Future Part 4: The Moderate Resort Disney Is Missing

    Using our WED Wheel and listener polls, we set out to design a resort that feels like it has always belonged at Walt Disney World. One rooted in story, nostalgia, and thoughtful theming rather than characters on every wall. Olivia pitches a Frontierland-inspired resort influenced by the lore of Big Thunder Mountain, blending subtle storytelling with outdoor adventure and family-friendly pricing. Meanwhile, Dad dreams up the ultimate Walt Disney World nostalgia resort, celebrating the park’s earliest years through archival photos, extinct attraction vehicles, and a lobby that feels like a living museum. Along the way, we break down what defines a Disney moderate resort, discuss where these resorts could live on property, explore transportation options, room layouts, pools, dining, and recreation, and tackle how new development (like the upcoming Disney Lakeshore Lodge) could reshape the Bay Lake resort area. We wrap things up with a Would You Rather question that gets to the heart of Disney storytelling: reimagining old attractions, bringing back the past, or creating something entirely new. Would you stay at a resort like these? And what do you think Disney’s next moderate resort should be? Let us know and join the conversation.

    50 min
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4.8
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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
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © SoarinAroundWDW
  • Show Website
    Soarin' Around WDW

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