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 or just sounds good on paper. We’re getting ready for our upcoming October trip to Walt Disney World for Wine & Dine Weekend, and we’ve built out a full dining game plan from quick service stops to table service reservations both in and out of the parks. Before anything is booked, Jonny puts on his very serious accountant hat and breaks down the numbers to see how the 2026 Disney Dining Plan stacks up against our very intentional “eat what we want, when we want” strategy. We’re sharing our approach and our thought process, but not all the answers, because you’re going to want to hear how this one plays out for yourself! If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaparkpodcast/] Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica [https://www.instagram.com/travelplannererica/] Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse [https://www.instagram.com/darth.mouse/] Email Us: OnceUponAParkPodcast@gmail.com Ready to plan a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or are you ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line? I'd love to help! Visit my travel website at www.TravelPlannerErica.com [https://www.travelplannererica.com/]

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 good fun and completely relatable for anyone who has ever found themselves internally screaming in the middle of Main Street U.S.A. Grab your park snack of choice and come laugh along with us as we share the things that drive us just a little bit crazy at Disney parks.  If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaparkpodcast/] Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica [https://www.instagram.com/travelplannererica/] Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse [https://www.instagram.com/darth.mouse/] Email Us: OnceUponAParkPodcast@gmail.com Ready to plan a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or are you ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line? I'd love to help! Visit my travel website at www.TravelPlannerErica.com [https://www.travelplannererica.com/]

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 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. If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaparkpodcast/] Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica [https://www.instagram.com/travelplannererica/] Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse [https://www.instagram.com/darth.mouse/] Email Us: OnceUponAParkPodcast@gmail.com Ready to plan a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or are you ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line? I'd love to help! Visit my travel website at www.TravelPlannerErica.com [https://www.travelplannererica.com/]

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 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 that works for your trip.  If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaparkpodcast/] Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica [https://www.instagram.com/travelplannererica/] Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse [https://www.instagram.com/darth.mouse/] Email Us: OnceUponAParkPodcast@gmail.com Ready to plan a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or are you ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line? I'd love to help! Visit my travel website at www.TravelPlannerErica.com [https://www.travelplannererica.com/]

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 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 itinerary (or in your budget), this episode will help you decide.  If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/onceuponaparkpodcast/] Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica [https://www.instagram.com/travelplannererica/] Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse [https://www.instagram.com/darth.mouse/] Email Us: OnceUponAParkPodcast@gmail.com Ready to plan a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or are you ready to set sail with Disney Cruise Line? I'd love to help! Visit my travel website at www.TravelPlannerErica.com [https://www.travelplannererica.com/]