The Swinging Wake Podcast - Haunted Mansion News & Information https://swingingwakepodcast.com Pinecast (https://pinecast.com) enAlex and Kris Alex and Kris feedback@swingingwakepodcast.com no The Swinging Wake Podcast - Haunted Mansion News & Information https://swingingwakepodcast.com https://storage.pinecast.net/podcasts/covers/fd5796a2-50a8-4d5a-8b07-4a51a1f357d1/386907621704674923703cc4532f7dda31.jpg episodic Copyright 2026 A Haunted Mansion and Disney Happy Haunts Podcast. 32. A Tribute to Catherine O'Hara https://pinecast.com/guid/81502712-1f94-493e-9d54-635c1e608757 Mon, 11 May 2026 07:00:00 -0000 00:38:40 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

Plus:

“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

]]> no 1 31. Halfway to Halloween: Ghost Stories and Conspiracies https://pinecast.com/guid/3ef2d4fe-d08b-4b47-b928-471a373f9994 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 00:25:06 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

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…

]]> no 1 30. A Conversation with Justin from Foolish Mortals & Happy Haunts https://pinecast.com/guid/7e5e0124-d25f-48ae-a53c-ff14712062b1 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0000 00:49:12

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.

]]> no 1 29. 2025 Recap and News https://pinecast.com/guid/6f6050d1-6bd5-4f27-80bb-9489888d9e25 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0000 00:39:32

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

]]> no 1 28. Interview with Special Guest Andy Mack https://pinecast.com/guid/161c219f-af04-41f9-b918-fb55d01fdcc1 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:15:00 -0000 01:52:43 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

]]> no 1 27. Discussing Phantom Manor with Steph! https://pinecast.com/guid/ee66e51b-70cc-4eb8-9bd0-b72b2e181674 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:15:00 -0000 00:52:18 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

]]> no 1 26. Halloween 2025 Disneyland Resort Trip Recap https://pinecast.com/guid/435fc119-72ac-49ff-a6fb-666295f6f6cf Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:15:00 -0000 01:18:57 26. Halloween 2025 Disneyland Resort Trip Recap

In this episode, your hitchhiking hosts, Alex and Kris, discuss Alex's recent trip to the Disneyland Resort. They cover Halloween time, the 2025 runDisney Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend, Club 33, 1901, Oogie Boogie Bash, and more.

Trip Photo Album: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YSaVw5sdnU8vhjp2w-jxvOZuxVHM7okX

runDisney Brooks Shoes: https://www.rundisney.com/blog/2025-disneyland-halloween-half-marathon-brooks-running-shoe/

]]> no 25. 2025 Disneyland Resort Halloween Foodie Guide https://pinecast.com/guid/9c238671-d62c-42c1-83b8-4502f849fcc3 Tue, 02 Sep 2025 17:05:00 -0000 00:38:57 25. 2025 Disneyland Resort Halloween Foodie Guide

In this episode, your Hitchhiking Hosts, Alex and Kris, discuss the new foodie guides at the resort and their upcoming trip to the parks together!

2025 Disneyland Resort Halloween Foodie Guide: https://disneyparksblog.com/dlr/disney-eats-disneyland-halloween-foodie-guide-2025/

Oogie Boogie Bash Tickets: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/admission/events/oogie-boogie-bash/purchase/

Syndrome and Maleficent Teased for Oogie Boogie Bash https://wdwnt.com/2025/07/breaking-syndrome-and-maleficent-teased-for-oogie-boogie-bash-2025/

Disney Store Halloween Shop: https://www.disneystore.com/halloween-shop-content/

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Foodie Guide: https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/07/29/over-45-new-treats-announced-for-mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party-at-disney-world/?utm_source=xtwitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=disneyfoodblog&utm_content=dfbnews#sq_i3v90argvq

Plaza de la Familia 2025 Foodie Guide: https://wdwnt.com/2025/07/full-list-of-plaza-de-la-familia-2025-menu-items-at-disney-california-adventure/

]]> no 1 24. The Disney Treasure and Haunted Mansion Parlor https://pinecast.com/guid/82b26552-a3e4-4615-ab1b-8eebdf5d9e71 Mon, 07 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0000 01:25:13 24. The Disney Treasure and Haunted Mansion Parlor

Title: The Disney Treasure & The Haunted Mansion Parlor Special Guest: Teresa Urban

Episode Summary:

Your Hitchhiking Hosts are back with a chilling new episode! This week, we’re setting sail aboard the Disney Treasure to explore the mysterious and macabre Haunted Mansion Parlor—the first-ever Haunted Mansion-themed bar at sea. We’re joined by special guest Teresa Urban, who shares first-hand insights, photos, and video from her cruise aboard the Disney Treasure.

From singing portraits and ghostly gadgets to secret character lore and themed cocktails, we’re unearthing all the spine-tingling details Imagineering has tucked inside this elegant yet eerie lounge. Plus, we’ll discuss the latest updates on Haunted Mansion Holiday, Halloween at Disneyland, new Haunted Mansion merch, and anupdate on the upcoming Tower of Terror movie, produced by Scarlett Johansson.

Topics Covered:

  • Character deep dives: Captain Gore, The Mariner, Roland, Face Armchair, and more
  • Themed drinks, interactive illusions, and visuals synced with lightning strikes
  • Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay update (2025 closure + transformation timeline)
  • First Halloween merchandise drops at Disneyland Resort
  • Latest Haunted Mansion collectibles (Gargoyle plush, Hitchhiking Ghosts headband)
  • Tower of Terror movie story update from Scarlett Johansson interview

Disney Treasure Overview

  • Full Tour of the Haunted Mansion Parlor
  • Backstory, artifacts, and Easter eggs

Sources & References:

🎞️ Teresa Urban’s Onboard Media:

]]> no 1 23. The Attic Bride https://pinecast.com/guid/1276acad-c576-4ab1-892b-d45619aaadeb Mon, 23 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0000 00:41:28 23. The Attic Bride

The doors to the mansion are open again! Your hitchhiking hosts, Alex & Kris, are back to share what they have been up to and recent Haunted Mansion news. In this episode, the hitchhiking hosts discuss the attic Bride at the Haunted Mansion.

Show Notes:

Lowe’s Haunted Mansion Line: https://wdwnt.com/2025/06/first-look-at-2025-haunted-mansion-halloween-decorations-from-lowes/

Hallmark Haunted Mansion Collection: https://www.hallmark.com/haunted-mansion/

Kim Irving, Imagineer, Retiring: https://wdwnt.com/2025/06/breaking-imagineer-kim-irvine-daughter-of-leota-toombs-retiring/

Phantom Manor Epitaph Changes: https://wdwnt.com/2025/06/phantom-manor-in-disneyland-paris-removes-innuendo-from-tombs-adds-new-epitaph-for-lost-cat/

Disneyland Halloween and Oogie Boogie Announcements: https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2025/06/11/disney-announces-dates-and-prices-for-oogie-boogie-bash-2025/?utm_source=xtwitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=disneyfoodblog&utm_content=dfbnews#sq_i2bwn0c4ny https://wdwnt.com/2025/06/breaking-dates-prices-announced-for-oogie-boogie-bash-tickets-at-disney-california- adventure/

runDisney 2025 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Medals: https://www.rundisney.com/blog/2025-dlr-halloween-medal-reveal/

Attic Bride Discussion Topic:

https://insidethemagic.net/2024/09/haunted-mansion-constance-hatchaway-kc1mmb/  https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Constance_Hatchaway#Character_Biography  https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2025-01-17/disneyland-original-haunted-mansion-returns-new-scene  https://attractionsmagazine.com/new-haunted-mansion-bride-disneyland/  https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/Bride https://hauntedmansion.fandom.com/wiki/The_Beating-Heart_Bride     

Pic of Constance figurine in Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond: https://wdwnt.com/2024/12/haunted-mansion-gift-shop-opens-at-disneyland/

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