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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
87 episodes
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...
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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 ...
Ep. 67: 2026 Walt Disney World News
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 a...
Ep. 66: Trip Preview! Disney Destiny
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 givi...
Ep. 65: Breaking Disneyland 2026 News
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 abou...
Ep. 64: A Spoonful of Updates: Disney News You Can’t Miss
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 ...
Ep. 63: Utopia to Upheaval: Our First FAM Trip + Industry Drama
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...
Ep. 62: Walt Disney World News And Then Some
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 C...
Ep. 61: Why Disney Park Fans Should Consider a Disney Cruise
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...