Where In The Park Podcast - Discovering the Details of your Favorite Theme Parks

In this festive episode of the Where In The Park Podcast , we’re going from storybook to snow-filled Who-bilations  as we unwrap the full story behind Grinchmas at Universal Studios . Amanda traces the Grinch’s journey from: Dr. Seuss’s original 1957 story and its surprising inspirations The iconic 1966 TV special with Chuck Jones, Boris Karloff, and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” The wild ride o...

In honor of Walt Disney’s birthday, this week’s episode of the Where In The Park Podcast takes you on a journey through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to uncover the subtle — and not-so-subtle — tributes to the man who started it all. Kevin spotlights the details that connect directly to Walt’s life, from the inspirations behind Main Street, U.S.A., to the early struggles and triumphs...

Ever wondered how Where In The Park got started? Or how our signature game packs help theme park lovers of all ages explore the parks in a whole new way? In this special Black Friday episode, Amanda and Kevin sit down to share the full story—from the Disneyland scavenger hunt days to building a business that now spans theme parks across the U.S. We break down:  🎡 What the games are (and aren’t!)...

Windows With a View continues! In this episode, we take you further down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland to uncover the people honored in the next three windows: Claude Coats , Elias Disney , and Wathel Rogers . From Claude Coats’ towering artistic legacy, to Elias Disney’s place in Walt’s family and the town-squared storytelling of Main Street, to Wathel Rogers’ groundbreaking work in early Aud...

This week, we’re paying tribute to one of the most influential figures in theme park history: Jay Stein , the visionary leader who transformed Universal from a simple backlot tour into a global entertainment powerhouse. Jay Stein’s creative instincts, bold leadership, and “ride the movies” philosophy forever changed how we experience theme parks. From reinventing the Universal Studio Tour to champ...

Lights, legends, and a splash of soda shop sparkle — we’re back with Part 5 of our Hooray for Hollywood series! In this episode, we take a glamorous stroll back down the left side of Hollywood Boulevard at Universal Studios Florida , exploring: 🕶️ The historic inspiration behind Studio Styles and its connection to the Hollywood Walk of Fame 🍦 The sweet nostalgia of Schwab’s Pharmacy and how it be...

In this heartfelt episode of Where In The Park , we’re honoring Día de los Muertos — a beautiful tradition of remembrance that Disney respectfully brings to life each fall. Join us as we explore the history of the holiday , the meaning behind its symbols (marigolds, papel picado, calaveras), and how these traditions are celebrated in the parks — from the Rancho del Zócalo display at Disneyland to...

Step into the pumpkin-lit streets of Disneyland as we uncover The Magical History of Halloween at Disney Parks! 🎃 In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast , Amanda takes you on a spellbinding journey through the history of Halloween at Disney Parks around the world — from the humble Parade of the Pumpkins in 1959 to today’s spectacular Halloween Time celebrations. We’ll explore how Disney...

When the sun sets, the monsters come out… 🧟‍♂️ In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast , Kevin dives into the haunted history of Halloween Haunts at theme parks — from the very first Knott’s Scary Farm in 1973 to today’s Halloween Horror Nights, Fright Fests, and Howl-O-Screams across the country. ⚠️ Content Disclaimer: This episode includes references to horror-related material and real...

Step into the family plot in this chillingly detailed episode of Where In The Park . Join Kim as she unearths the forgotten stories behind the tombstones at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansions. These clever epitaphs are more than spooky fun—they’re heartfelt tributes to the Imagineers who helped bring the ghostly residents to life. From Master Gracey to Leota Toombs, and even hidden no...

Our Florida adventure continues in this final episode of our 3-part vacation recap series! We’re talking about our visits to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and SeaWorld Orlando. We'll share our experiences at The Beak & Barrel (twice!), Geo-82, the new Villains and Little Mermaid show at DHS, and more. 🎧 Tune in now to...

Pirates, portholes, and pixie dust—our very first Disney Cruise was nothing short of magical. In Part 2 of our summer trip recap series, we’re sharing what it was like to sail on the Disney Magic, including stops in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point—Disney’s brand-new private island! From themed dinners and Broadway-style shows to fish extender gifts and that classic D...

From Diagon Alley to the Battle at the Ministry —join us as we kick off our 3-part trip recap series! In this episode, we’re taking you with us to Universal Studios Florida , Islands of Adventure , and Epic Universe ! Hear what we rode, what we ate, what blew us away, and discover some tips and tricks for navigating the parks like a pro. Instead of a blog, we’ve put together a special YouTube vide...

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast , we continue our series on Universal Studios Hollywood by pausing in front of a subtle tribute to Jack Pierce, the man who created the original Universal Monsters—Frankenstein’s Monster, the Mummy, the Wolf Man, and more. You’ll hear about Pierce’s unlikely start in Hollywood, the makeup innovations that defined a genre, and the quiet nod to his le...

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast , we’re taking a little detour outside the gates of Knott’s Berry Farm to explore the mural that brightens the Beach Boulevard tunnel. This massive artwork pays tribute to Knott’s past and present, with nods to beloved attractions like Kingdom of the Dinosaurs, Calico Mine Ride, Timber Mountain Log Ride, and GhostRider, as well as iconic characters...

We’re continuing our Hooray for Hollywood series by turning around and heading down the other side of Hollywood Boulevard at Universal Studios Florida ! In Part 4, we explore the first three buildings on this side of the street— Mel’s Drive-In, Williams of Hollywood, and The Darkroom . From the neon glow of a California diner icon, to the movie props once sold in the legendary Prop Shop, to a came...

Step back onto Main Street, U.S.A. with us as we continue our Windows Series at Disneyland! In this episode, we pause at the Firehouse to reflect on Walt’s apartment and the eternal lamp glowing in his honor. Then, we explore the stories behind two incredible Disney Legends honored in second-floor windows above the Emporium: Charles Boyer, Disneyland’s first Master Illustrator, and Harriet Burns,...

Behind the gates of SeaWorld , Busch Gardens , and Sesame Place lies a shared history shaped by innovation, controversy, and reinvention. In this episode of Where In The Park , we chart the full timeline of United Parks & Resorts , from its earliest aquatic experiments and brewery beginnings to the rides, rescues, and rebrands that define it today. It’s a journey from reef to rescue—and everyt...

Step into the snowy streets of Hogsmeade — but not just once. In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast , Amanda takes you on a magical walkthrough of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade as it exists on both coasts : Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando’s Islands of Adventure. We explore what makes each version special, from the design of the shops and spell windows...

Ever strolled down Buena Vista Street and noticed a small set of golden mailboxes near the Five & Dime? Those tiny details tell big stories! In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, Amanda uncovers the history behind each mailbox and the names inscribed on them. We will then meet the live actors who call this place home, such as Officers Calvin and Clyde Blue, Phiphi Farouak Francis,...

In the 3rd episode of our Hooray for Hollywood series, Kim wraps up the right side of Hollywood Boulevard at Universal Studios Florida with a deep dive into the final stretch of facades—including Ralphs Grocery, Café Montmartre, the iconic Pantages Theater, and Café La Bamba. Discover the Hollywood legends behind these buildings, the stories etched into their plaques, and how Universal has lovingl...

On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney didn’t just open Disneyland—he opened each land with a dedication filled with vision, hope, and heart. In this episode, we revisit the five original land dedications: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland . We break down Walt’s words from opening day, explore how those sentiments still echo in the parks today, and share where...

What do Jason Bourne, Max Factor, Marilyn Monroe, and Pretty Woman have in common? They’re all part of the architectural story told along Hollywood Blvd at Universal Studios Florida. In Part 2 of our Hooray for Hollywood series, Amanda takes us through the next stretch of facades—from the Bourne Stuntacular and its futuristic roots to Max Factor’s glam legacy, a hotel fit for movie stars, and a to...

Did you know there’s a full-size replica of Independence Hall just steps away from Knott’s Berry Farm? On this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast , we explore the fascinating story behind this patriotic passion project from Walter Knott—why he built it, how accurate it really is, and what makes it so unique. From the Liberty Bell replica to minute architectural details, we compare the Knott’...

Have you ever noticed the windows above Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A.? Tucked among the storefronts are tributes to the visionaries who helped build the parks we love. Join us as we explore the stories behind three of those names: Buzz Price, Marty Sklar, and Jack Lindquist. These men didn’t design castles—but they shaped everything behind the scenes: the land, the legacy, and the marketing mag...