36. Behind the Scenes at the Haunted Mansion: Alex Interviews Kris About Being a Disneyland Cast Member

36. Behind the Scenes at the Haunted Mansion: Alex Interviews Kris About Being a Disneyland Cast Member

What does it really feel like to work at the Haunted Mansion?

In this special interview episode, Alex turns the tables and interviews co-host Kris about her unforgettable time as a Disneyland Cast Member at one of the world's most beloved attractions—the Haunted Mansion.

From being assigned to her dream attraction on her very first day to walking the attraction with the lights on, working New Year's Eve on Main Street, backstage traditions, celebrity encounters, magical guest moments, and even riding Pirates of the Caribbean during a shift, Kris shares stories she's never told publicly before.

The conversation also explores the personal side of her Disney journey—how working for The Walt Disney Company helped her through one of the most difficult periods of her life and ultimately led her to lifelong friendships, renewed confidence, and the path that eventually brought The Swinging Wake Podcast to life.

Whether you're a Haunted Mansion superfan, a Disney Parks enthusiast, or someone who's ever dreamed of becoming a Cast Member, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

In This Episode

• Disney Parks news and Oogie Boogie Bash updates
• Christmas in July with ConciEARS
• How Kris became a Haunted Mansion Cast Member
• Traditions and Cast Member training
• Walking the Mansion with the lights on
• Behind-the-scenes areas guests never see
• Working Haunted Mansion Holiday vs. Classic
• Favorite Cast Member memories and magical guest interactions
• Celebrity encounters at Disneyland
• New Year's Eve on Main Street
• Cast Member traditions and camaraderie
• Favorite Haunted Mansion scenes, ghosts, and details
• Why Kris ultimately left The Walt Disney Company
• Would she ever return to Disneyland?

Listener Question

If you could spend one hour backstage at the Haunted Mansion, what would you choose to see?

Would you:

• Walk the attraction with the lights on?
• Visit the workshop where props are restored?
• Watch the stretching room "unstretch?"
• Explore somewhere else entirely?

Let us know by emailing us or commenting on social media!

Featured Sponsor

A huge thank you to James at ConciEARS for sponsoring this episode!

James has planned Disney vacations for us in the past and is currently helping us plan our Disneyland trip this September. His vacation planning services are completely FREE and can help take the stress out of planning your next Disney or Universal vacation.

📧 JHall@Conciears.com📸 @JamesDisneyConciears🌐 Conciears.com

Be sure to tell James The Swinging Wake Podcast sent you!

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