Once Upon A Park

 This week on Once Upon A Park Podcast, we’re diving into all the big, shiny, hold-onto-your-Mickey-ears announcements Walt Disney World dropped for 2026! From new perks and guest benefits to refreshed experiences and park updates, Erica and Jonny break down everything you need to know, and of course, sprinkle in a little humor and plenty of planning tips along the way. If you love staying ahead o...

Ahoy, friends! This week’s episode of Once Upon A Park Podcast is all about the brand new Disney Destiny! Erica is packing her sunscreen, her Minnie ears, and approximately 14 snack strategies as she gets ready to set sail next week. We’re giving you a full trip preview of the things she’s most excited to experience onboard, from dazzling entertainment and innovative dining to the new spaces that...

Earlier this week, Disneyland dropped a ton of news for 2026, and we couldn’t wait to talk about it! In this episode, we're diving into all the buzz, from new experiences and shows to updates on some of our favorite classics. We’re talking about everything that’s coming to the parks next year and why 2026 is shaping up to be such a magical time to visit. Whether you’re planning your first tri...

In this week’s episode of Once Upon A Park Podcast, we’re serving up A Spoonful of Updates: Disney News You Can’t Miss! Join us as we recap the latest happenings from the Disney parks, dive into new announcements, and share our takes on what’s buzzing in the kingdom. From park updates to exciting new experiences, we’ve got the headlines, highlights, and a few surprises sprinkled in for good measur...

In this week’s episode, Erica is joined by special guest Shelby Knopp, owner of Wishes & Co. Travel Planning, as they relive our unforgettable September sailing aboard Utopia Of The Seas, our very first FAM trip as an agency! From exploring one of the newest Royal Caribbean ships to the behind-the-scenes fun of traveling with fellow agents, we share the highlights, laughs, and lessons learned...

 This week on Once Upon A Park Podcast, we’re diving into all the latest runDisney announcements (including that brand new Coast-to-Coast medal reveal!), the newest updates happening around the Disney Parks, and what’s coming with Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny. We’re talking park changes for the holidays to keep an eye on, and the storytelling magic shaping the next era of Disne...

If you’re a Disney Parks pro who feels like you’ve “done it all,” it might be time to set sail! This week on Once Upon A Park, we explore why Disney Park fans should consider trying a Disney Cruise for their next vacation. From deck parties and pirate nights to visiting multiple destinations, including Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, cruises offer a fresh kind of Disney magic. We’ll cover t...

In this week’s episode of Once Upon A Park Podcast, we're going head-to-head over Disney Springs, should it earn a spot on your Walt Disney World itinerary, or is it better left off the list? Erica shares all the reasons she loves visiting Disney Springs, from unique shopping and delicious dining to live entertainment and the overall vibe of Disney magic beyond the parks. Jonny plays devil’s...

It’s a big news day, Disney friends! And we're unpacking everything that just changed at Walt Disney World, because, of course, Disney dropped it all at once. From ride and show announcements to updated pricing across the parks, we’re breaking down what’s new, what’s changing, and how it might impact your next trip. If you’re planning a trip or just like to stay in the loop, this episode is y...

Erica is back from Walt Disney World, and this trip was full of new magic! In this episode, she’s recapping all of the exciting experiences she tried for the very first time, from brand new lounges to fresh entertainment and new park offerings. Hear what stood out most, which new spots are worth your time (and which ones you might be able to skip), and Erica’s honest impressions as she takes you a...

It’s time to talk about The Happiest Place on Earth!  In this episode, we’re recapping our Disneyland day from start to finish: rides, shows, snacks, and all the magical (and maybe not-so-magical) moments along the way. From rope drop energy to late-night fireworks, come along as we share everything we experienced and ate during our Disneyland adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard Disney fan or jus...

We’re back from the West Coast, and this episode is all about our very first park day at Disney California Adventure!  Join us as we walk through our entire day, from rope drop to park close, sharing everything we rode, what we ate, and all the fun moments in between (and a very special person that we finally met in person)! If you love hearing about perfect park days (and maybe a little food envy...

What a weekend! The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend is officially done, and I’m still riding the runner’s high. After nine years of waiting, I finally earned my runDisney Coast to Coast medal, and every single mile was worth it. In this episode, we're recapping all three races: the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. We’re talking race courses, character stops, costumes, weather, and how m...

Headed to a race outside your hometown? Don’t let forgotten shoes, dead watch batteries, or missing gels ruin your big day! In this episode, we're walking you through exactly what to pack for any destination race, with a little extra Disney magic sprinkled in for the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend since we will be there at this time of this episode release! From costume tips and t...

It’s almost race day at The Happiest Place on Earth, and we are gearing up for an unforgettable Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend! After nine years of waiting, Erica is finally set to earn her coveted runDisney Coast to Coast medal, and this trip is shaping up to be something truly special. In this episode, we’re sharing our full game plan, where we’re staying, the dining spots we’re most...

 Whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth, there’s something extra magical about celebrating a birthday, or any milestone, at Walt Disney World. In this episode of Once Upon A Park Podcast, we explore how to make those special moments truly unforgettable. From simple touches to over-the-top surprises, we're sharing inspiration, tips, and our own memories of birthday's past. If you’...

This week on Once Upon A Park, we're discussing our most controversial opinions and no churro, coaster, or content creator is safe.  From ride rethemes and park etiquette to the great “Disney Adults vs. influencers” showdown, we’re debating the hot takes that spark the biggest arguments in the parks (and at our own dinner table).  Tune in, pick a side, and get ready to laugh your way through...

So…you’ve got a free day on your Disney itinerary and no park plans?! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this episode, we’re diving into our favorite magical ways to spend a non-park day at Walt Disney World. Whether you’re looking to relax poolside, eat your way through the resorts, explore hidden gems, or soak up some pixie dust without ever scanning your MagicBand+, we’re sharing our top pi...

This week, we’re keeping it real and talking about something that’s been frustrating for a lot of Disneyland guests lately: closures. From Star Tours to Radiator Springs Racers, several attractions are down during both the 70th celebration and the kickoff to Halloween Time. As a travel planner and Disney fan, I get it from both sides, and I’m here to say it’s okay to be upset. In this episode, we...

This week on Once Upon A Park , we’re joined by two of our favorite Disney people, Zac and Brittany from Circle of Parks podcast! They’re fresh off a Walt Disney World and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort vacation, and they’re giving us the full recap. We chat all about what made this trip different from their past visits, what surprised them, and how splitting time between the parks and the beach chang...

We’re back, friends! After a little podcasting pause (sometimes life throws a few curveballs and you just need a breather), Once Upon A Park is officially back in your ears, and we’ve missed you! This week, we’re catching up on all the Disney magic we didn’t get to talk about during our time away. From park news to trip recaps and everything in between, we're diving into the highlights we mis...

In this week’s episode of Once Upon A Park, we’re running through 5 things happening at Walt Disney World right now that you definitely want on your radar. From park updates to must-know tips, this is your go-to briefing before your next magical adventure.  PLUS, we’ve got some bonus material you really need to hear if you’re even thinking about planning a trip to The Most Magical Place On Earth....

In this week's episode, we're diving into all the fun, nostalgia, and pixie-dusted excitement of Disneyland's 70th Celebration! From can't miss limited-time treats (hello, Jolly Holiday Bakery macarons) to must-have merch that had us reaching for our wallets, we’re sharing our top picks and what’s worth skipping. We also chat about what this milestone means to Disney fans and w...

This week on Once Upon A Park, we're reviewing Disney's Yacht Club Resort and sharing everything you need to know before booking a stay at this Deluxe property. From its prime location near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios to the iconic Stormalong Bay pool complex, we break down what makes Yacht Club a standout resort, and where it may fall short. We cover room types, dining options like Yach...

This week, we're going down the road from Disney and taking you inside Epic Universe before the gates officially open! Erica shares all the magical details from her exclusive preview of Universal Orlando’s brand-new theme park. From first rides on Stardust Racers (is it really better than VelociCoaster?!) to the immersive worlds of Super Nintendo World, Celestial Park, and beyond, we’re break...