Once Upon A Park

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 your Disney day completely falls apart, and how to recover without letting it ruin your entire trip.

We also talk about the pressure to have the “perfect” Disney vacation, when it’s okay to pivot plans, and why some of the best Disney memories happen when you stop trying to force the magic.

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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 plan for: Lightning Lane options, airport transportation, the real cost of eating in the parks, and yes, the $5 bottle of water. These aren’t required expenses, but they’re ones many families choose once they’re there. We’ll walk through what to expect and how planning ahead can help you avoid mid-trip surprises and build a budget tha...

 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 when it makes sense to add it to your trip...and when it might not. We also talk about whether these experiences are really just for kids, share our personal favorites, and highlight a few underrated options you may want to consider for your next visit. If you’ve been debating whether a character meal belongs on your...

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 at what summer feels like in the parks, what you should expect going in, and how to decide if it’s the right time for your family. Plus, we’ll touch on a few simple ways to make the experience smoother so you can still enjoy the magic without feeling overwhelmed.

And of c...

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 deals and navigate dining and ride planning, we’re covering it all. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney traveler, this episode will help you feel more confident, more prepared, and a whole lot less stressed when it comes to planning your trip. Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how working with a travel...

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, and how to pace yourself so you actually enjoy it.

We’re also sharing our best tips for budgeting, timing your day, and avoiding the most common mistakes. Whether you’re going all-in or just making a few stops, this will help you do Epcot like a pro (and still make it to Canada).

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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 perk of Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

As always, we keep it honest with pros and cons, covering the incredible theming and family-friendly suites, along with the long walks, noise levels, and whether it’s the right fit for your travel style. We wrap up with our signature questions to help you decide...

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 a weekend full of Disney magic...and early mornings. We break down what it’s really like to take on this legendary challenge, from pacing the early races and deciding whether to stop for character photos, to fueling, recovery, and even how to balance park time with sore legs. Whether you’re an experienced runn...

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 community and shares why his impact reaches far beyond pace groups and finish lines. This is a thank you, a remembrance, and a love letter to a man who helped so many of us believe we could do hard things, and then go out and do them. 

If you’re loving the s...