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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
104 episodes
Ep. 102: Trip Preview: Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival
This week, we’re doing a quick Trip Preview! By the time you’re listening, Erica is already landing in Orlando, and today she's sharing a peek at what’s on the itinerary, but most importantly, what’s on the Foodie Wish List for Epcot’s Food &am...
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Ep 101: Is Disney Club Level Worth It? Everything You Need to Know
Is Disney Club Level actually worth the extra money? In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Club Level at Disney Resorts, including what it costs, what’s included, and what you can expect from the Club Level loun...
Ep. 100: 100 Episodes & One Giant Topic
In this episode, we’re talking all things Caring for Giants at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Erica recently experienced the tour and is sharing why she wanted to do it, what she learned, what surprised her, and whether this unique elephant experienc...
Ep. 99: Is Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party Worth It?
This week, we're recapping Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World! Erica has never been quiet about her disdain for this popular Halloween event, but after giving it another chance, did this trip change her mind? We're talki...
Ep. 98: D23: Some Hits, Some…Questions
D23 brought a LOT of Disney news, and we’re breaking down the biggest announcements from Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. From new lands and attractions to returning favorites and the Disney Believe, we’re ranking each ann...
Ep. 97: Part 2 - Was the Walt Disney World VIP Tour Worth the Cost?
In Part Two of our Disney Private VIP Tour series, Erica shares her honest, firsthand review after experiencing a Walt Disney World VIP Tour. Was it truly a VIP experience, or just an extremely expensive Lightning Lane? We break down how many a...
Ep. 96: Part 1-Is a Walt Disney World VIP Tour Worth The Cost?
In this episode of Once Upon a Park, Erica is counting down to her very first Walt Disney World VIP Tour! Part 1 of this two-part series is all about the anticipation as Jonny asks Erica what she's expecting, what she's most excited ab...
Ep. 95: 5 Disney Things That Are Worth The Money
We're hopping on the viral "5 Things Worth the Money" trend with a Disney twist! In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we're sharing five Disney splurges we think are absolutely worth it, along with five that might not deserve your vacation doll...
Ep. 94: The BEST Walt Disney World Park for EVERYTHING
Is there really a "best" park at Walt Disney World? In this episode of Once Upon A Park, we're putting that question to the test! Instead of crowning one overall winner, we're comparing Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdo...
Ep. 93: New Chapters & The Magic Ahead
In this episode of Once Upon A Park, Shelby Knopp is back on the podcast, and we have a lot to catch up on! We talk about what life has been like since becoming the sole owner of Wishes & Co. Travel Planning, why she finally decided to sign...
Ep. 92: By The Numbers - Epcot
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, includin...
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...
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,...