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 system behind every runner makes a bigger impact than most people realize. We cover how to show up during early morning long runs, how to navigate race weekend logistics like expo days and changing park plans, and what runners truly appreciate most when it comes to support.  We also talk through race morning, cheering strategies on the course, and how to celebrate your runner once they cross the finish line. Because at the end of the day, runDisney isn’t just about the miles, it’s about the memories made with the people who help make the experience possible. 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. 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 realistic one-day park itinerary, focusing on what they would truly prioritize if they could only pick the experiences that matter most. From must-do attractions and smart time saving strategies to the occasional splurge that feels worth it, we break down how to be intentional with both time and money while still having an unforgettable Disney day.  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. 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 about the rides we’d walk right past, even with a short wait.   Whether you agree with us or completely disagree, this episode is all in good fun and full of Disney hot takes! 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. 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/]