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Once Upon A Park
"Once Upon A Park" is hosted by us, husband and wife duo, Erica and Jonny, and we share a deep love for the Disney Parks, both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Join us as we explore the magic, history, and latest news from Disney destinations around the world. Each episode is filled with our stories, insider tips, and heartfelt discussions that capture the essence of the Disney experience. Whether you're a seasoned park-goer or planning your first visit, our passion and expertise on both coasts make "Once Upon A Park" a must-listen for Disney enthusiasts of all ages.
Episodes
93 episodes
Ep. 91: Building Our Own Villain's Land
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...
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Ep. 90: Things WDW Does Better Than Disneyland
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 are...
Ep. 89: Should Non-Floridians Buy a Disney Annual Pass?
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 di...
Ep. 88: How to Support a runDisney Runner: Family & Friends Guide
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 ...
Ep. 87: Champagne Disney Plans on a Soda Budget
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 rea...
Ep. 86: The Disney Ride Skip List
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 From outdated classics to attractions we just don’t prioritize, we’re talking ...
Ep. 85: Can We Beat The Disney Dining Plan?
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 Wa...
Ep. 84: The Disney Park Behavior Debate
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...
Ep. 83: What To Do When Your Disney Day Falls Apart
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 y...
Ep. 82: Hidden Disney Costs No One Warns You About
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 pla...
Ep. 81: Is Character Dining at Disney Actually Worth It?
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 wh...
Ep. 80: Summer at Walt Disney World: Worth It or Not?
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 ...
Ep. 79: Top 5 Questions Everyone Asks Before Booking Walt Disney World
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 d...
Ep. 78: Eating Around the World at Epcot
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,...
Ep. 77: Disney's Art of Animation Resort - An Honest Review
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 p...
Ep. 76: Is The Dopey Challenge Worth It?
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...
Ep. 75: Tribute to Jeff Galloway: The Heart of runDisney
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...
Ep. 74: Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort: An Honest Review
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 conversa...
Ep. 73: No RSVP Required: Our Top 10 Quick Service at WDW
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 pla...
Ep. 72: Fork Yeah! Our Top 10 Walt Disney World Restaurants
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 D...
Ep. 71: Disney This or That
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 par...
Ep. 70: If We Were Imagineers for a Day
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 fu...
Ep. 69: Trip Recap! Disney Destiny with Ashley
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...
Ep. 68: 2026 at Walt Disney World and Beyond
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 ...