In Part 2 of our Big Thunder Mountain Treasured Attractions series, we’re going behind the scenes to uncover what makes this attraction so much more than a roller coaster. We’re talking Imagineering tricks, hidden storytelling, sound design, forced perspective, ride mechanics, block zones, lift hills, braking systems, and all the engineering that makes this “runaway” mine train feel completely out of control while actually being incredibly controlled.

Then we’re comparing Big Thunder Mountains from around the world, diving into some surprising facts and statistics, and looking at how this iconic attraction has made its way into movies, television, video games, comics, and even potential future adaptations.

Plus, we share some of our favorite Big Thunder memories, and debate where it ranks among Disney’s mountain attractions. 

So grab your bandana and cowboy hat and climb aboard because we’re wrapping up our Treasured Attractions deep dive into one of Disney’s most beloved attractions!

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Welcome back to another episode of Treasured Attractions! This time, we're climbing aboard Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to uncover the incredible story behind one of Disney's most beloved attractions.

Long before the runaway mine trains raced through Frontierland, the story began with Walt Disney's lifelong love of trains, the original Rainbow Caverns Mine Train, and a canceled Frontierland project that almost changed Disney history forever. Join us as we trace the attraction's evolution from Mine Train Through Nature's Wonderland to Tony Baxter's groundbreaking vision that forever changed the way Disney designed roller coasters.

Whether Big Thunder is your favorite Disney coaster or you've never stopped to think about its history, this episode is packed with Imagineering stories, fascinating facts, and the creative decisions that turned a simple concept into a timeless Disney classic.

Keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the train at all times… and enjoy the wildest flight in the wilderness!

This week on Nostalgic Nights, we're heading back to 1989 to revisit one of Disney's most creative live-action adventures: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! 🐜🔬

For me, it's a childhood favorite, but for Madi, it's his very first time seeing this Disney classic. We discuss whether the movie still holds up, our favorite moments, the incredible practical effects that brought the oversized backyard to life, and the emotional scene that still gets audiences decades later. We also dive into behind-the-scenes facts, casting stories, the sequels that followed, and the Disney Parks attractions inspired by the film, including the legendary Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience!

Whether you grew up watching Wayne Szalinski's inventions go hilariously wrong or you're discovering this movie for the first time, join us as we decide if this Disney classic deserves its nostalgic reputation.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kybpvavj0ss

Ever wondered what it would be like to step inside the Haunted Mansion after the lights come on or watch Fantasmic! come to life from backstage? In this installment of our Parks of the Future series, we're each dreaming up the ultimate Disney behind-the-scenes tours we'd love to see become reality.

From attraction-specific experiences and nighttime spectaculars to operational tours that reveal the incredible logistics behind the magic, we're sharing our ideas for immersive experiences designed for Disney's biggest fans. Whether it's exploring ride maintenance bays, visiting Imagineering-inspired spaces, or getting an exclusive look at how the parks operate day after day, no idea is off limits.

Join us as we imagine the next generation of Disney behind-the-scenes tours and let us know, which one would you book first?

Featuring our friend, Kim @disney.sme - go give her a follow and show her some love!! 

Join us as we wrap up our Parks of the Present series by exploring some of the most immersive and unforgettable tours currently offered at Walt Disney World!

This week, Dad and I head to Disney's Animal Kingdom to take a closer look at experiences like Wild Africa Trek, Savor the Savanna, Caring for Giants, and Up Close with Rhinos before making our way to Magic Kingdom for the iconic Keys to the Kingdom Tour. We'll break down what each tour includes, who we think it's best for, and whether we think the price tag is worth it.

Along the way, we share our honest thoughts, including our own experience on Keys to the Kingdom, and rank every tour we've covered throughout this series from the ones we'd book first to the ones we'd skip.

Whether you're planning your next Walt Disney World vacation or just love learning about the unique experiences beyond the attractions, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes magic, conservation stories, and plenty of Disney discussion.

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Our France adventure comes to a close 🇫🇷✨ In this final installment of our Disneyland Paris trip recap, I’m joined by my cousin Latoya to reflect on the second half of our unforgettable journey through France. From the magic of Disneyland Paris and Disney Adventure World to time spent exploring beyond the parks, we’re sharing all the memories, laughs, and surprises that made this trip so special.

We dive into whether Disneyland Paris lived up to the hype, our favorite (and least favorite!) attractions, and the unique experiences that set this park apart: from Royal Encounters and reserved fireworks viewing to using Premier Access. We also talk about our time in Paris, including bus adventures around the city, strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens, and a scenic cruise along the Seine. We also reflect on life at the Disneyland Hotel, what we’d do differently next time, and the unforgettable experience of staying in a French château for a family wedding.

Finally, we give our honest thoughts on Disney Adventure World and whether it’s worth visiting before the expansion is complete. Whether you’re planning your own Disneyland Paris trip or just love hearing Disney travel stories, we hope this two-part recap brings a little magic to your day. Thanks for coming along on the journey with us! Au Revoir! 

✨ LINKS + FAVORITES MENTIONED ✨

Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/soarinaroundwdwpod

Hotel Maison Hamelin: https://all.accor.com/hotel/C2L2/index.en.shtml

Rachel L’Antigua Photos: https://rachelantiguaphotos.com/ and @rachelantiguaphotos on instagram 

Cafe Cosi in Cusset: https://thecosi-cusset.eatbu.com/?lang=en 

Hyatt Place CDG Airport: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/cdgzp-hyatt-place-paris-charles-de-gaulle-airport

Let’s be friends!📸 Instagram: @soarinaroundwdwpod

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Our France trip recap is finally here! Join us as we kick off our two-part recap with the unforgettable journey from North Carolina to Paris, including a last-minute flight change that completely altered our travel plans.

From our first impressions of Paris and exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame, and the Seine River, to sharing our favorite food, transportation tips, and what surprised us most about the City of Light, we're diving into everything from the first half of our adventure. We also begin our Disneyland Paris experience with our first day in the parks and share our initial thoughts on the Disneyland Hotel, the attractions, and what it was like visiting a brand-new Disney resort for the first time.

Whether you're planning your own trip to France or simply want to travel along with us, we hope you'll join us for Part 1 of our France adventure!

Our travel advisor: @2plus3travelers

Let’s be friends!📸 Instagram: @soarinaroundwdwpod

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One hundred episodes later... what a journey it's been!

In this special milestone episode, we're taking a look back at how Soarin' Around WDW got its start, sharing some of our favorite memories from the past 100 episodes, and reflecting on the moments that made this adventure so rewarding. From unexpected growth and unforgettable collaborations to behind-the-scenes challenges and some of our most popular episodes, we're celebrating everything that has brought us to this incredible milestone.

We're also answering listener questions, sharing what we're most excited about for the next 100 episodes, and giving you a sneak peek at all the Disney adventures still to come in the second half of this year.

As a thank you for your support, we're celebrating with a special 100th episode giveaway! Be sure to check out our Instagram for all the details on how to enter.

Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you're just joining the Flight Crew, thank you for being part of this journey. We couldn't have reached 100 episodes without you, and we can't wait to see where the next 100 take us! 

Help support our show: https://www.patreon.com/c/SoarinAroundWDWPodcast

Welcome back, Flight Crew! ✈️ This week we’re continuing our Parks of the Past, Present & Future series by diving into all of the behind-the-scenes tours and Enchanting Extras currently offered at Walt Disney World. From nighttime safaris at Animal Kingdom Lodge to Segway adventures through Fort Wilderness, EPCOT greenhouse tours, scuba diving inside The Seas pavilion, and the ultra-expensive Disney VIP Tours… we’re breaking down what these experiences include, what they cost, and whether they actually feel worth it 👀We also talk about:✨ Why Disney seems to offer fewer “behind the scenes” tours than we expected✨ Which tours feel underrated vs overpriced✨ VIP Tours vs Premier Lightning Lane Pass pricing comparisonsAnd of course, we’re saving the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom-specific tours for Part 2 next week because this episode would have been WAY too long otherwise 😂Let us know your thoughts in the comments and follow along over on Instagram @soarinaroundwdwpod!

Join us as we break down all the details of our upcoming trip to France and Disneyland Paris! We're sharing our travel plans, where we're staying, how we're getting around, and what we're most excited to experience during our first visit to Disneyland Paris. From the iconic Disneyland Hotel and our park plans to character experiences, must-do attractions, and even champagne on Main Street, we're covering everything we've planned so far.

Plus, we're answering listener questions about transportation, dining reservations, resort choices, how far in advance you should start planning a Disneyland Paris vacation, and the pros and cons of Disneyland Paris' Premier Pass system. Whether you're dreaming of your own Disneyland Paris adventure or just want to follow along before our trip reports, this episode is packed with planning tips, excitement, and plenty of Disney magic.

We'll see you real soon! ✈️🏰🥂

Dedicated to DLP Episode 214 DLP for First Timers: https://dedicatedtodlp.com/podcast/214-disneyland-paris-for-first-timers/

My childhood bestie Rachel’s Photography: https://www.instagram.com/rachelantiguaphotos/ 

Amazon Storefront Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/soarinaroundwdwpod/ 

Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/SoarinAroundWDWPodcast