Shows / Once Upon A Park
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…
Episodes
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 107: Trip Recap! runDisney Wine & Dine Weekend
Join us as we recap our experience at the 2026 runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World! We’re talking about the latest changes to the…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 106: Trip Preview: runDisney Wine & Dine Weekend
We’re heading to Walt Disney World for runDisney’s Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, the kickoff to Erica's runDisney "Perfect Season"! In this episode, we’re…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 105: Disney Believe: All Wish, No Wow
This week, we’re diving into everything revealed about Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Believe. From new dining experiences and themed lounges to…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 104: It's A Disney Christmas In October
Planning a Disney World Christmas vacation in 2026? In this episode, we’re covering the latest Walt Disney World holiday news and updates, including what’s new…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 103: Trip Report-Club Level at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
What is it really like to stay Club Level at a Disney Deluxe Resort? This week, Erica is sharing her firsthand experience staying Club Level at Disney’s Beach…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
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…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 60: Disney Springs: Must-Visit or Skip It?
In this week’s episode of Once Upon A Park Podcast, we're going head-to-head over Disney Springs, should it earn a spot on your Walt Disney World itinerary, or…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 59: Changes at WDW…The Good, The Bad, and The Meh
It’s a big news day, Disney friends! And we're unpacking everything that just changed at Walt Disney World, because, of course, Disney dropped it all at once…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 58: What’s New at Walt Disney World: Erica’s Trip Recap
Erica is back from Walt Disney World, and this trip was full of new magic! In this episode, she’s recapping all of the exciting experiences she tried for the…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 57: Trip Recap - Disneyland Day
It’s time to talk about The Happiest Place on Earth! In this episode, we’re recapping our Disneyland day from start to finish: rides, shows, snacks, and all…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 56: Trip Recap - DCA Day
We’re back from the West Coast, and this episode is all about our very first park day at Disney California Adventure! Join us as we walk through our entire…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 55: Disneyland Halloween Half Weekend Recap!
What a weekend! The Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend is officially done, and I’m still riding the runner’s high. After nine years of waiting, I…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 54: The Ultimate Guide To Packing For A runDisney Race
Headed to a race outside your hometown? Don’t let forgotten shoes, dead watch batteries, or missing gels ruin your big day! In this episode, we're walking you…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 53: Trip Preview! Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend
It’s almost race day at The Happiest Place on Earth, and we are gearing up for an unforgettable Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend! After nine years of…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 52: Making Birthdays Special At Walt Disney World
Whether it’s your first trip or your hundredth, there’s something extra magical about celebrating a birthday, or any milestone, at Walt Disney World. In this…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 51: Our Most Controversial Disney Opinions
This week on Once Upon A Park, we're discussing our most controversial opinions and no churro, coaster, or content creator is safe. From ride rethemes and park…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 50: What To Do On A Non-Park Day At Walt Disney World
So…you’ve got a free day on your Disney itinerary and no park plans?! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this episode, we’re diving into our favorite…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 49: Disneyland Refurbs During Peak Season
This week, we’re keeping it real and talking about something that’s been frustrating for a lot of Disneyland guests lately: closures. From Star Tours to…
- Once Upon A Park
Ep. 48: Trip Recap With Zac & Brittany
This week on Once Upon A Park, we’re joined by two of our favorite Disney people, Zac and Brittany from Circle of Parks podcast! They’re fresh off a Walt…