Once Upon A Park

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 everything you need to know, from the themed sections to room options, dining, and the major perk of Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

As always, we keep it honest with pros and cons, covering the incredible theming and family-friendly suites, along with the long walks, noise levels, and whether it’s the right fit for your travel style. We wrap up with our signature questions to help you decide if Art of Animation is the perfect home base for your next Disney trip.

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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, half marathon, and full marathon, add up to nearly 50 miles of running, six medals, and a weekend full of Disney magic...and early mornings. We break down what it’s really like to take on this legendary challenge, from pacing the early races and deciding whether to stop for character photos, to fueling, recovery, and even how to balance park time with sore legs. Whether you’re an experienced runner looking for a unique endurance goal, a Disney fan considering your first challenge, or just curious what it takes to survive four consecutive early morning races, this episode gives you the insider scoop on whether the Dopey Challenge is truly worth it. 

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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 changed the running world forever. Erica reflects on what Jeff meant to the runDisney community and shares why his impact reaches far beyond pace groups and finish lines. This is a thank you, a remembrance, and a love letter to a man who helped so many of us believe we could do hard things, and then go out and do them. 

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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 Weekend stay this fall. I’ve stayed here before, but Jonny hasn’t, so this conversation is part resort review, part first-timer preview, and part race weekend game plan.

We’re talking about the overall vibe of the resort and who it’s actually a great fit for, how the addition of Gran Destino Tower changed the feel of the property, and yes, we get into the transportation situation. We also cover the dining options, what’s worth your time, and why Coronado Springs can be a sneaky good choice for a runDisney weekend.

If you’re considering Coronado for your next Walt Disney World trip, or trying to figure out where to stay for Wine & Dine, this episode will help you know exactly what to expect. And Jonny? He’s about to get fully briefed. 

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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 we rely on when we want great food without slowing down the magic, the places that consistently deliver on flavor, value, and convenience. From hidden gems to fan favorites, we’re sharing the quick bites that are actually worth your time (and your mobile order).

If you’re planning your park days and want to eat well without booking a reservation, this episode is your go-to guide. Come hungry, and maybe with your My Disney Experience app ready.

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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 restaurants at Walt Disney World, the spots we would gladly make that Advance Dining Reservation for again and again. From immersive atmospheres to unforgettable entrées (and maybe a bread basket or two we still dream about), these are the full sit-down experiences that rise to the top for us.

If you’re planning your next trip and trying to narrow down where to book those coveted reservations, this episode will help you build your must-dine list. Come hungry.

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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 debated choices across Walt Disney World and Disneyland, from attractions and snacks to parks, resorts, and experiences. Along the way, we’re breaking down why we choose what we choose, sharing hot takes, surprising opinions, and a few moments that might be slightly controversial. It’s lighthearted, opinionated, and full of Disney fun, perfect for playing along at home and seeing where you land on the Disney debate spectrum. 

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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 us excited (and maybe side-eyeing a little). Then we head into the really fun stuff: if we were suddenly put in charge of Disney Imagineering, what attraction would we upgrade…or totally flip upside down? From small tweaks to full-blown reimagining dreams, we’re sharing exactly what we’d change, why we’d do it, and how we’d bring a little extra magic to the parks. If you love Disney debates, bold ideas, and behind-the-scenes dreaming, this episode is for you!

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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

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 aboard the brand new Disney Destiny from last month! Ashley cruised alongside Erica, and together they’re answering Jonny’s questions while breaking down everything they did onboard, what they absolutely loved, what didn’t quite hit the mark, and all the honest, firsthand details in between. If you’re curious whether Disney Destiny is worth the hype, this episode is packed with real talk, expert insight, and plenty of Disney magic.

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

Follow Ashley on IG @ashleysmithwishes

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

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 2026 at Disney and beyond, from new experiences and upcoming entertainment, to what we can’t wait to try in the parks this year. We also break down the new Walt Disney World promotions that just dropped and share why we think they are some of the best deals we’ve ever seen, including who they’re perfect for and how to maximize the savings. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifteenth, this episode is packed with inspiration and insider insight to help you start 2026 with magic! 

If you’re loving the show, we’d be so thankful if you could leave us a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

IG: @OnceUponAParkPodcast

Erica IG: @TravelPlannerErica

Jonny IG: @Darth.Mouse

Email Us: [email protected]

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