Parks and Pals

‘All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them’ - one of our favourite parts of exploring the world of Disney is getting to create magical moments and memories that will last a lifetime. This week’s guest Lauren Evans (@laurensfloatinglights) is no stranger to taking the plunge to create magic for countless individuals; with her time at EPCOT completing the Cultural Representa...

Disney World is filled to the brim with enchanting characters from all of your favourite films, but where do you start with it all? In this week's episode, we dive deep into every character meet available at Disney World Orlando, including parks, experiences, events and dining - get ready with those poses!

For those wanting to explore wider opportunities in Orlando look no further! This week we speak to Laura (@laura_alices) to discuss her extensive history of working for both Disney World and Universal Studios. We'll walk through the application process, what it's really like to work for the theme park giants, and the highs and lows of residing in Florida. 

EPCOT's ever-changing landscape, immersion in world cultures, and fantastics festivals are what makes it an unmissable park to visit. During the early period of the year, the park welcomes Festival of the Arts which is filled with Broadway entertainment, countless displays of the creative arts and, of course, a diverse range of food offerings. This week, we explore the highlights and history...

After so much speculation, anticipation and excitement, the theme park world is edging closer to the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida. In this week’s episode we will discuss all of the recent announcements from Universal Resorts on Orlando’s latest theme park, alongside plenty of educated and downright ludicrous predictions for what awaits us when we step through the gates in 2025....

Orlando is considered one of the theme park capitals of the world, but what should you do if you’re looking to escape the Disney and Universal bubble? In this week’s episode, we take you on an in-depth sightseeing tour of all the incredible attractions, experiences, and eateries Orlando has to offer. Step outside your comfort zone and see all the weird and wonderful offerings in the sunshine state...

Bonjour from the most magical place in Europe! This week, we are joined by Emily (@openuponaemily_) to discuss the wonders of Disneyland Paris, top tips, and all of our favouites. Expect delicious delicacies, attraction adaptations and travel tips galore!

With countless attractions, beverages, character meets, and photo opportunities around Walt Disney World, it can be difficult to explore all the magical offerings. In this week's episode, we decide to travel through the four parks, spending some well needed time and attention on the rides and attractions we commonly miss out on. Expect fact files, anecdotes and a deep dive into Tom Sawyer&apo...

Disney World is home to some of the most extravagant, creative, and immersive hotels in the world, so choosing where to stay can seem a mammoth task. Do you sip pina coladas in Carribean Beach, enjoy all that nature has to offer at Animal Kingdom Lodge, or luxuriate in the majesty of the Grand Floridian? This week, we’ve compiled our list of resorts and ranked them from best to worst - who will be...

Rich Fish has done it all - from working on Universal Studios Orlando's latest rides, to starring in some culturally iconic films, he has wonderful stories to tell and we're so excited to share them with you. In this week's episode, we explore the ins and outs of Universal Studios from behind the scenes and gain an insight into the process of how rides make it to the public. Expect...

With the nights drawing in and 2023 coming to a close, we take a look back at this year's highlights and look forward to what 2024 has to offer. Expect magical memories, meticulous planning and rumours galore as we reflect on what has been a wonderful year for us both and the making of Parks and Pals. In the words of Ronto - that's a wrap!

Universal Resort Orlando is best known for its incredible thrill rides, immersive attractions and extravagant events - but what else is on offer at one of Florida's most visited theme parks. This week, we explore the additional experiences on offer across Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk - who's ready for some VIP passes? 

In the words of a famous Christmas advert... holidays are coming! Nowhere does Christmas quite like Disney; from the elaborate decorations, timeless characters in their winter attire, or snow down Main Street USA, Disney knows how to get you into the holiday spirit. This week, we explore the winter wonder of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Expect tasty treats, perfect parades and a long...

A love of Disney can take you all around the globe; from Tokyo to California, Hong Kong to Paris, or Orlando and the high seas. For this week’s episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Harriet (@harrietbrasset) for one of the most insightful and enjoyable interviews we’ve ever done. Hear us talk about all things Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise line with top tips, magical memories and e...

Another year has passed, and Chloe is another year older. We've shared several wonderful experiences at Disney World and now it's time for Chloe to create the ultimate day at the parks. There's limitless fun to be had with luxurious accommodation,  spectacular dining and entertainment, and of course, bottomless margaritas. Join us for an epic day in Orlando to celebrate Chloe's...

In the final episode of our 'hidden magic' series, we venture to the experimental prototype community of tomorrow (EPCOT) to explore the hidden details, designs and secrets of the multicultural park. Pack your passport, as we show the fine details of each perfectly designed pavilion, time travel to the hidden historical accuracies of Spaceship Earth, and share weird and wonderful referen...

Apart from being the go-to theme park destination on the planet, Disney World is host to an array of additional tours and experiences for guests to indulge in. From animal encounters, world class food and beverage experiences and grand guided tours of the parks and surrounding resorts, there's something for everyone on site. This week we explore everything Disney World has to offer including...

Dead men tell no tales! However, in this episode, we explore every aspect of the Disney parks classic Pirates of the Caribbean. Joined by the expert knowledge of Shannon Hunter (@magically_melly), we discuss the hidden treasures found throughout the rides, amazing animatronics, and the transition to the silver screen. Set sail for a podcast adventure that even Jack Sparrow would question. 

Join us for a spine-chilling Halloween experience! On the 31st episode,  on the 31st October, we'll explore the eerie and unsettling side of Disney World parks that will send shivers down your spine. Plus, we'll take a nostalgic trip through Disney's timeless films, delving into the creepiest moments in Disney animation history. Get ready for a Halloween special that's sure to...

Hopping across from Disney World to Universal Studios Orlando, we find ourselves lured into Dr Oddfellow’s Halloween Horror Nights! This week, we are joined by fellow HHN’s fanatic Liam Nixon (@liam_throughalens) as we discuss the highs, lows and all-consuming dread at the events of the 32nd year of frights. Be prepared for eye-opening exorcisms, child’s play with Chucky, and terrifying scare zone...

October can only mean one thing…it’s spooky season! And what better way to explore the frightening festivities than by observing the headless horsemen at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Join us as we enjoy creepy character meets, scary snack selections and lots of free candy at Disney Worlds ‘scariest’ night of them all! 

Disney World is no stranger to hidden details, immersion and superb storytelling - and we’re not just talking about the rides! In this week's episode, we discuss our favourite queues throughout Disney World; how to pass time with a long wait time? And what makes it worth the wait? Do you know where Kylo Ren lives, because we are still searching…

The future’s bright. The future’s Disney! Following Disney's destination D23 announcements, we’ve decided to explore all the upcoming and exciting projects planned. How will Animal Kingdom be transformed by the world of Encanto? What will Epcot look like by summer 2024? And which rides are we all most looking forward to? All will be discussed and more as we prepare for what lies ahead at the...

We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be. Following on from our ‘hidden magic’ series, this week we’ll explore the countless hidden details of the film fanatic’s fantasy - Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Drop in and uncover the secrets of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, discover the mysteries of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and track the treasure trove of facts surrounding To...

To celebrate our 25th anniversary episode we decided to bring back some of our favourite guests for a jammed-packed Disney quiz spectacular! Think you know your Fantasyland from your Frontierland? We encourage you to grab your notepads, pens and pixie dust to play along in what is sure to be an unforgettable Disney World quiz. WARNING - may contain terrible kazoo playing! Featuring: @elana_holmes...