Where In The Park Podcast - Discovering the Details of your Favorite Theme Parks

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

EPCOT’s China Pavilion: Architecture, Legends, and Hidden Details

Join Kevin as the EPCOT World Showcase series continues with a deep dive into the China Pavilion. From the massive paifang gate and the Temple of Heaven-inspired theater to roof guardians, Fu Dogs, hidden Chinese symbolism, and the history behind Nine Dragons Restaurant, this episode explores how Disney Imagineers brought elements of ancient China into the park.  In this episode, you’ll discover: *  why China was added to World Showcase after EPCOT construction had already begun  *  the real-world inspirations behind the pavilion’s architecture  *  the meaning of the rooftop “walking beasts” and dragon symbolism  *  the story behind Nine Dragons Restaurant and the House of Good Fortune  *  hidden Chinese characters, symbols, and cultural references throughout the pavilion  *  the history of the Circle-Vision films Wonders of China and Reflections of China  *  connections between the pavilion and Disney’s Mulan *  how the pavilion blends influences from the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Suzhou gardens  Plus, Kevin shares some fascinating discoveries and theories from researching the pavilion’s many architectural details and cultural references.  👉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

Exploring Universal Studios Hollywood’s Backlot with Lynn Barron from The Sweep Spot

Join Amanda and Kevin as they sit down with Lynn Barron, co-host of The Sweep Spot podcast and co-author of the Cleaning the Kingdom books, for a deep dive into the history and evolution of the legendary Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood. This episode focuses heavily on the Universal backlot experience — from classic attractions and retired effects to filmmaking history, tram tour evolution, guest experiences, and the unique blend of working studio and theme park that has defined Universal Studios Hollywood for generations. Along the way, the conversation touches on themed entertainment storytelling, changes to the park over the decades, and a few Disney comparisons from longtime theme park fans and historians. Learn more about Lynn and The Sweep Spot here: The Sweep Spot Website: https://thesweepspot.com/ [https://thesweepspot.com/]The Sweep Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesweepspot/ [https://www.instagram.com/thesweepspot/]The Sweep Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesweepspot [https://www.facebook.com/thesweepspot] The Sweep Spot Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesweepspot [https://www.youtube.com/@thesweepspot] 👉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

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

**SPOILER WARNING** Join Kevin & Amanda as we give a full recap from Fan Fest 2026 at Universal Studios Hollywood and dive into the history behind some of the properties found at this year's event!  In this episode, you'll discover: - what we ate and how we scored each item - what we saw, what we enjoyed, and some suggestions for next year - some tips to make your experience even more enjoyable - the history behind Scooby-Doo, Sailor Moon, Dungeons & Dragons, and One Piece at theme parks! Chapters: 00:00 - Intro 02:20 - Mango Banana Yoshi Smoothie 06:24 - Sailor Moon Bento Box, Moonlight Love Sparkle, and Tuxedo Mask Sandwich Cookie 13:58 - Jurassic Park Through the Eras 24:36 - Dungeons & Dragons Secrets of Waterdeep 32:59 - Yoshi Scavenger Hunt 40:45 - Scooby-Doo Meets the Universal Monsters: Mystery on the Backlot 1:04:30 - One Piece Grand Pirate Show, Golden Mango Splash 1:16:52 - Three Broomsticks: Curry Chicken, Dessert Trio 1:24:42 - Forbidden Forest: Search for the Hippogriff 1:34:36 - Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon The Miracle: Moon Palace Chapter Deluxe 1:46:50 - Universal Backlot Club 1:54:58 - Presale Medallion 1:54:18 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up 👉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