Episode 97-Parks of the Past: Behind the Scenes Tours Pt 2

Episode 97-Parks of the Past: Behind the Scenes Tours Pt 2

Welcome back, Flight Crew! Today we're continuing our Parks of the Past: Behind the Scenes Tours series with Part 2, exploring even more discontinued Disney tours that gave guests exclusive access, fascinating stories, and unforgettable experiences throughout Walt Disney World.In this episode, we're diving into three fan-favorite tours: Marceline to Magic Kingdom – A storytelling-focused tour that connected Walt Disney's childhood in Marceline, Missouri to the design of Magic Kingdom, featuring early-morning Main Street access, in-depth attraction history, and a legendary backstage look inside Haunted Mansion. World Showcase: DestiNATIONS Discovered – Epcot's ultimate tour for detail lovers, taking guests through all 11 World Showcase pavilions while uncovering hidden Imagineering secrets, cultural inspirations, architectural details, and backstage stories from around the world. Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour – A food-focused adventure combining iconic Disney snacks, chef interactions, backstage kitchen visits, Disney culinary history, and even a mysterious tasting of a future menu item. We'll discuss what made these tours so special, whether they would still work today, what Disney could do to bring them back, and rank all six discontinued tours we've covered across both episodes. To support the show, join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SoarinAroundWDWPodcast

Episode 96- Parks of the Past: Behind the Scenes Tours Pt 1

Today we’re kicking off a brand new section of one of your favorite podcast series: Parks of the Past, Present and Future! Over the past couple of years, we’ve explored extinct attractions, current offerings, and future hopes for every Disney park—and now we’re expanding the series even further by diving into Disney’s Behind the Scenes Tours. In Part 1 of our “Past” tours series, we’re looking back at some of the most legendary experiences Disney ever offered, including the iconic Backstage Magic Tour, the hidden gem Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour, and EPCOT’s evolving UnDISCOVERed Future World Tour. We break down what made these tours so special, from exploring the Utilidors beneath Magic Kingdom to seeing backstage costuming, steam train roundhouses, Audio-Animatronics workshops, and hidden EPCOT spaces most guests never got to experience. Along the way, we also discuss: • Which backstage moments would’ve been the biggest “wow” experiences for us • Whether Disney should revive tours like Backstage Magic • What modern-day backstage experiences we’d love to see added today • And whether smaller specialty tours might actually be better than one giant all-day experience Plus, we’re getting VERY close to Episode 100 (!!), which also means our two-year podcast anniversary is right around the corner.

Episode 95- Nostalgic Nights: High School Musical 2

What time is it? Summertime! Nostalgic Nights is back, and this week Madi returns to the podcast to continue our High School Musical journey with the iconic summer sequel, High School Musical 2, the movie that somehow made country clubs, baseball choreography, and dramatic golf course solos feel like the biggest event of 2007. Before the movie discussion, we catch up on some Disney news and trip updates as well as general yapping from the two of us.  Then we’re diving into everything from Troy’s questionable plaid shorts and Sharpay’s fabulousness to the chaos of “Bet On It,” the best songs on the soundtrack, behind-the-scenes fun facts, and why this movie became the highest-rated Disney Channel Original Movie of all time. We also share our own memories of watching HSM2 back in the day and debate where it ranks among DCOM legends. It’s a discussion about a DCOM smash hit that you do not want to miss!

Episode 94- Treasured Attractions: Kilimanjaro Safaris Pt 2

Jambo, Flight Crew! We are back for Part 2 of our deep dive into one of Disney’s most unique and immersive attractions: Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Last episode, we explored the origins of the attraction, the creation of Harambe, and the original poacher storyline. This week, we head back out onto the savanna to focus on what truly makes Kilimanjaro Safaris so special: the animals, the ever-changing ride experience, and the incredible Imagineering details hidden throughout the attraction. We also share personal memories from riding the attraction over the years, including my own experience doing the Wild Africa Trek tour back in 2015 and why Kilimanjaro Safaris remains one of the most re-rideable attractions in all of Walt Disney World. Plus, we tease some upcoming content as we begin preparing for our trip to Disneyland Paris and ask listeners what questions they want answered about international Disney travel. Whether Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of your favorite attractions or you simply love learning more about Disney parks history and Imagineering, this episode is packed with stories, details, and appreciation for one of Disney’s most ambitious attractions ever created. Thank you so much for listening and for all of your continued support. We’ll catch you on the next safari truck! Follow along & connect with us: 📸 Instagram: @soarinaroundwdwpod 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoarinAroundWDWPod/videos 💌 Email: soarinaroundwdwpod@gmail.com ✨ Patreon bonus content available now! https://www.patreon.com/c/SoarinAroundWDWPodcast

Episode 93- Treasured Attractions: Kilimanjaro Safaris

Jambo, flight crew! Step with us into the savanna as we kick off a brand-new Treasured Attractions deep dive on one of Disney’s most ambitious experiences: Kilimanjaro Safaris. In Part 1, we trace this iconic attraction all the way back to Walt Disney’s original dream of bringing real animals into the parks, and how that vision finally came to life with the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 1998. Before you even board the safari truck, we explore the incredibly detailed backstory of Harambe, the fictional East African village that most guests walk through without ever realizing the depth of its history. From colonial roots and burned-out fort walls to modern tourism and conservation efforts, this land is packed with storytelling that sets the stage for everything to come. Then, we head into the attraction itself. Uncovering the original, much more intense storyline involving poachers, Little Red, and a finale that shocked early guests and changed the ride forever. We also dive into the sheer scale of the savanna, how Imagineers built an entire ecosystem from the ground up, and the hidden design tricks that make it all feel real. This is just the beginning. In Part 2, we’ll get even closer to the animals, reveal behind-the-scenes secrets, and share tips to make your next safari unforgettable. So grab your gear and get ready… your safari begins now. 🌿🦒