Universal Fan Fest 2026 Review: Food, Shows, Tips & Theme Park History

4 Parks. 3 Days. One Patriotic Weekend! Comparing Fourth of July Celebrations

What happens when you visit four different theme parks in just three days to experience one of the biggest holidays of the year? That's exactly what we set out to do over Fourth of July weekend! Join us as we compare the Independence Day celebrations at Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, and Disney California Adventure, exploring how each park puts its own unique spin on America's birthday. From patriotic entertainment and limited-time food to fireworks, atmosphere, decorations, and unexpected surprises, we break down what each park did well, what stood out, what areas needed improvement, and which experiences are worth adding to your own Fourth of July plans. Along the way, we share firsthand stories from our whirlwind weekend, compare the parks across a variety of categories, and discuss how each destination stays true to its own identity while celebrating the holiday. If you've ever wondered where to spend the Fourth of July at a theme park—or simply love discovering the details that make each destination unique—this episode is for you. Did you go to a theme park for America's 250th birthday? Let us know! Check out our fireworks video at Knott's on VinceTheHatman's YouTube Channel [https://youtu.be/0dxw2Znzslg?si=9G_9GADGDhcSPKEY]: https://youtu.be/0dxw2Znzslg?si=9G_9GADGDhcSPKEY or on their Knott's Then & Now Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/groups/900497253930693/]: https://www.facebook.com/groups/900497253930693/ 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at WhereInThePark.com [https://WhereInThePark.com], and use code PODCAST10 at checkout to take 10% off your next adventure! 👉Explore even more with a FREE Digital Game at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and more! Go to WhereInThePark.com [https://whereinthepark.com/], and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here [https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark]! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here [https://shop.whereinthepark.com/blogs/where-in-the-park-podcast-blog]: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark/] - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark] - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

Getting to Know the WITP Team: Kevin Takes the Hot Seat-Theme Parks, Favorites & Fun Questions

It’s Kevin’s birthday week, and we’re celebrating with a special episode all about one of the creators behind Where In The Park! 🎉 This week, Amanda and Kim put Kevin in the hot seat with a fun round of questions covering everything from his favorite theme park memories and must-do attractions to the creation of Where In The Park and the little details that make the parks so special. Learn more about Kevin’s love for theme parks, what inspires his creativity, some behind-the-scenes stories from building WITP, and maybe even a few surprising answers along the way! Plus, our amazing Where In The Park community joined the celebration by submitting their own questions for Kevin to answer. Whether you’ve played our games, listened from the beginning, or you’re just discovering Where In The Park, join us for a fun conversation celebrating the people, stories, and memories behind the magic. ✨ 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at WhereInThePark.com [https://WhereInThePark.com], and use code PODCAST10 at checkout to take 10% off your next adventure! 👉Explore even more with a FREE Digital Game at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and more! Go to WhereInThePark.com [https://whereinthepark.com/], and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here [https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark]! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here [https://shop.whereinthepark.com/blogs/where-in-the-park-podcast-blog]: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark/] - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark] - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

Windows With A View (Part 5): Rocks, Maps, Gold, and Costumes

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, we continue our Windows With A View series along Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland, exploring the dedication windows hidden around the Carnation Café courtyard. Discover the stories behind Fred Joerger, Disneyland's legendary rockwork expert; the mysterious "Sam the Tailor" window that many believe may reference Disney Legend Sam McKim; Ed Winger, the craftsman connected to the famous Burning Settler's Cabin and Mike Fink Keel Boats; and Renié Conley, the Hollywood costume designer who helped create Disneyland's original Cast Member costumes and designed the gowns worn by Betty Taylor in the Golden Horseshoe Revue. Along the way, we'll uncover hidden details, forgotten attractions, the history of Frontierland, and the creative minds whose work still shapes Disneyland more than 70 years later. Links referenced in this episode: Imagine That! Ep. 22 - A Chat with Matt McKim - Pt. 1 [https://youtu.be/rNtvYDubx4Y?si=JYP8Od0OJh5Zsn72]: https://youtu.be/rNtvYDubx4Y?si=JYP8Od0OJh5Zsn72 [https://youtu.be/rNtvYDubx4Y?si=JYP8Od0OJh5Zsn72] Imagine That! Ep. 23 - Disney Imagineer Matt McKim - Part 2 [https://youtu.be/cCZFR4yzIqg?si=GUWZNn9GE2Yd6bFI]: https://youtu.be/cCZFR4yzIqg?si=GUWZNn9GE2Yd6bFI [https://youtu.be/cCZFR4yzIqg?si=GUWZNn9GE2Yd6bFI]  Imagine That! Ep. 39: The Rockwork Architect: The Life and Legacy of Fred Joerger [https://youtu.be/pkRvil_Uf2Q?si=xdztJ_MQncNZL0iL]: https://youtu.be/pkRvil_Uf2Q?si=xdztJ_MQncNZL0iL [https://youtu.be/pkRvil_Uf2Q?si=xdztJ_MQncNZL0iL] 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at WhereInThePark.com [https://WhereInThePark.com], and use code PODCAST10 at checkout to take 10% off your next adventure! 👉Explore even more with a FREE Digital Game at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and more! Go to WhereInThePark.com [https://whereinthepark.com/], and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here [https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark]! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here [https://shop.whereinthepark.com/blogs/where-in-the-park-podcast-blog]: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark/] - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark] - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

Park Press: June 2026 – Events, Updates & Road Trips

Welcome to the Park Press episode for June 2026 of the Where In The Park Podcast—your source for everything happening at WITP! In this episode, we’re sharing some exciting new updates at WITP, including our newest member of the team! Then, we dive into our theme park connections during our road trip to Rogue Comic Con, upcoming events in June and July, and what's on tap for the WITP Podcast. Whether you’re planning your next visit or just love staying in the loop, Park Press is here to keep you connected to the parks and the Where In The Park Team! 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at WhereInThePark.com [https://WhereInThePark.com], and use code PODCAST10 at checkout to take 10% off your next adventure! 👉Explore even more with a FREE Digital Game at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and more! Go to WhereInThePark.com [https://whereinthepark.com/], and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here [https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark]! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here [https://shop.whereinthepark.com/blogs/where-in-the-park-podcast-blog]: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark/] - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark] - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

An Enchanted Forest Built on Imagination: Honoring Roger Tofte

This week on the Where In The Park Podcast, Amanda takes a heartfelt and detailed look at the life and legacy of Roger Tofte, creator of Enchanted Forest — the beloved family-owned theme park nestled in the forests of Oregon. From Roger’s early life in Wisconsin and service in the Navy during the Korean War, to hand-building Enchanted Forest alongside his wife Mavis and their children, this episode explores the incredible story behind one of the Pacific Northwest’s most unique theme parks. Join us as we journey through Storybook Lane, Tofteville Western Town, the Old European Village, the Challenge of Mondor, the Big Timber Log Ride, the Comedy Theatre, and more — while also sharing personal stories from our own visits to the park and reflecting on the craftsmanship, creativity, and heart that make Enchanted Forest so special. We also discuss the hardships the park endured during COVID, the Oregon wildfires, and the devastating 2021 ice storm, along with the incredible community response that helped preserve Roger’s dream for future generations. Topics discussed in this episode include: *  Roger Tofte’s early life and inspiration for Enchanted Forest  *  The seven-year construction process of the park  *  Storybook Lane and the park’s handcrafted fairy tale scenes  *  Tofteville Western Town and the Haunted House  *  The Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster and Challenge of Mondor  *  The Old European Village and live entertainment  *  Possibly Irish and Susan Vaslev’s contributions to the park  *  The park’s recovery after COVID, wildfires, and the 2021 ice storm  *  Roger Tofte’s passing and Celebration of Life  *  Why Enchanted Forest continues to inspire generations of families  As partners with Enchanted Forest, we’re honored to share this story and celebrate the legacy of a man who proved that imagination, perseverance, and heart can create something truly timeless. 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at WhereInThePark.com [https://WhereInThePark.com], and use code PODCAST10 at checkout to take 10% off your next adventure! 👉Explore even more with a FREE Digital Game at Downtown Disney, Disney Springs, and more! Go to WhereInThePark.com [https://whereinthepark.com/], and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here [https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark]! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here [https://shop.whereinthepark.com/blogs/where-in-the-park-podcast-blog]: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark/] - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark] - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark] - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark