Once Upon A Park

Planning your first trip to Epcot? There’s a LOT to know, so in this episode, we’re breaking down the basics, by the numbers! We’re talking about how many restaurants, attractions, and other experiences you’ll find throughout the park, including what you can expect in World Celebration, World Discovery, World Nature, and World Showcase. Whether you’re trying to figure out just how much there is to...

In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we kick things off with the latest Disney Parks news before diving into a fun "what if" discussion.  If Disney gave us the chance to become Imagineers for a day, what would our version of Villains Land look like?  We're dreaming up everything from headlining attractions and immersive restaurants to unique shopping experiences, and character inter...

The Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World debate is one that Disney fans have been having for decades, and while both destinations offer incredible experiences, each one has its own strengths. In this week's episode, we take a closer look at the areas where Walt Disney World truly shines. As former Disneyland regulars who now spend most of their Disney time on the East Coast, we share our personal...

Is a Walt Disney World Annual Pass worth it if you don't live in Florida? In this episode of Once Upon a Park Podcast, we're sharing real experiences from out-of-state Annual Passholders who answered our Instagram call for opinions. We discuss who an Annual Pass makes sense for, the perks that can add value beyond park admission, and why many runDisney participants consider it a must-hav...

In this episode, we’re talking all about the important role family and friends play in a runDisney weekend. From training season to race day, the support system behind every runner makes a bigger impact than most people realize. We cover how to show up during early morning long runs, how to navigate race weekend logistics like expo days and changing park plans, and what runners truly appreciate mo...

In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we're diving into a fun planning challenge: what does a “perfect day” at Walt Disney World actually look like when money IS an object? Instead of an unlimited budget dream day, we each build out a realistic one-day park itinerary, focusing on what they would truly prioritize if they could only pick the experiences that matter most. From must-do attractions...

This week on the Once Upon A Park, we’re sharing our most controversial Disney opinions yet: the rides and attractions we would (and have) skipped during a park day. From outdated classics to attractions we just don’t prioritize, we’re talking about the rides we’d walk right past, even with a short wait.   Whether you agree with us or completely disagree, this episode is all in good fun and full o...

In this week’s episode, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most talked-about Disney debates, whether the Disney Dining Plan actually holds up in real life or just sounds good on paper. We’re getting ready for our upcoming October trip to Walt Disney World for Wine & Dine Weekend, and we’ve built out a full dining game plan from quick service stops to table service reservations both in and...

On this week’s episode, we’re getting honest about our biggest Disney pet peeves. From questionable queue etiquette to transportation chaos, we’re diving into the little moments that can test even the biggest Disney fans. This episode is all in good fun and completely relatable for anyone who has ever found themselves internally screaming in the middle of Main Street U.S.A. Grab your park snack of...

On this week’s episode of the Once Upon A Park Podcast, we’re talking about those Disney days where absolutely nothing seems to go right. From Lightning Lane problems and Florida weather to exhaustion and hanger, we’re sharing what to do when your Disney day completely falls apart, and how to recover without letting it ruin your entire trip. We also talk about the pressure to have the “perfect” Di...

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is exciting, but many first time visitors are surprised by how quickly extra costs can add up once they arrive. In this episode, we’re breaking down four of the most common budget surprises guests don’t plan for: Lightning Lane options, airport transportation, the real cost of eating in the parks, and yes, the $5 bottle of water. These aren’t required expenses...

 In this episode of Once Upon A Park Podcast, we’re tackling one of the most common Disney planning questions we hear: is character dining at Disney actually worth it? We break down what character dining includes, who it’s best for, and when it makes sense to add it to your trip...and when it might not. We also talk about whether these experiences are really just for kids, share our personal favor...

In this episode, we’re talking all about summer at Walt Disney World...is it really as miserable as people say, or is it actually more doable (and maybe even a little underrated) with the right approach? We’re sharing a real, honest look at what summer feels like in the parks, what you should expect going in, and how to decide if it’s the right time for your family. Plus, we’ll touch on a few simp...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the top 5 questions everyone asks before booking a Walt Disney World vacation, especially with 2027 packages right around the corner. From the best time to visit and where to stay, to how to score the best deals and navigate dining and ride planning, we’re covering it all. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney traveler, this episode will help...

If “Eating Around the World at Epcot” is on your bucket list, this episode is your game plan. We’re breaking down how to snack your way through the Epcot World Showcase without tapping out halfway through, covering must-try bites, what to skip, and how to pace yourself so you actually enjoy it. We’re also sharing our best tips for budgeting, timing your day, and avoiding the most common mistakes....

This week, we’re reviewing Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, one of the most colorful and immersive Value Resorts at Walt Disney World. We break down everything you need to know, from the themed sections to room options, dining, and the major perk of Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. As always, we keep it honest with pros and cons, covering the incredible theming and family-friendly...

In this episode of the Once Upon A Park Podcast, we dive headfirst into the wild world of the runDisney Dopey Challenge! Four races in four days: a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon, add up to nearly 50 miles of running, six medals, and a weekend full of Disney magic...and early mornings. We break down what it’s really like to take on this legendary challenge, from pacing the early races a...

This week’s episode is a solo and deeply personal tribute to Jeff Galloway, Olympian, pioneer, the heart of runDisney, founder of the run/walk/run method that changed the running world forever. Erica reflects on what Jeff meant to the runDisney community and shares why his impact reaches far beyond pace groups and finish lines. This is a thank you, a remembrance, and a love letter to a man who hel...

In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we’re taking a deep dive into Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, just in time for our upcoming Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend stay this fall. I’ve stayed here before, but Jonny hasn’t, so this conversation is part resort review, part first-timer preview, and part race weekend game plan. We’re talking about the overall vibe of the resort and who it’s actua...

In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we’re keeping it casual and counting down our Top 10 Quick Service restaurants at Walt Disney World.  These are the spots we rely on when we want great food without slowing down the magic, the places that consistently deliver on flavor, value, and convenience. From hidden gems to fan favorites, we’re sharing the quick bites that are actually worth your time (an...

In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we’re diving fork-first into one of our favorite topics…Disney dining.  We’re counting down our Top 10 Table Service restaurants at Walt Disney World, the spots we would gladly make that Advance Dining Reservation for again and again. From immersive atmospheres to unforgettable entrées (and maybe a bread basket or two we still dream about), these are the full s...

In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we’re playing a classic Disney game with a twist, Disney This or That! We’re going head to head on some of the most debated choices across Walt Disney World and Disneyland, from attractions and snacks to parks, resorts, and experiences. Along the way, we’re breaking down why we choose what we choose, sharing hot takes, surprising opinions, and a few moments tha...

In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we’re lacing up our sneakers and diving into the latest runDisney news, the rumors everyone’s buzzing about, and what has us excited (and maybe side-eyeing a little). Then we head into the really fun stuff: if we were suddenly put in charge of Disney Imagineering, what attraction would we upgrade…or totally flip upside down? From small tweaks to full-blown reim...

In this week’s episode of Once Upon A Park, Jonny is putting Erica and special guest Ashley from Wishes & Co. in the hot seat as they recap their experience aboard the brand new Disney Destiny from last month! Ashley cruised alongside Erica, and together they’re answering Jonny’s questions while breaking down everything they did onboard, what they absolutely loved, what didn’t quite hit the ma...

Happy New Year! In the latest episode of the Once Upon A Park, we're dive into the latest runDisney news, as well as everything we’re most excited about for 2026 at Disney and beyond, from new experiences and upcoming entertainment, to what we can’t wait to try in the parks this year. We also break down the new Walt Disney World promotions that just dropped and share why we think they are som...