Circle of Parks Podcast: Talking all things Walt Disney World

Zach and Brittany break down their top over, under, and properly rated attractions and restaurants in Walt Disney World based on personal experiences and family preferences.

• Peter Pan's Flight unanimously chosen as most overrated attraction due to consistently long wait times despite short ride duration
• Animal Kingdom trails and Living with the Land recognized as underrated gems offering unique experiences wit...

Walt Disney may have passed away decades ago, but his creative spirit continually inspires millions who visit the parks bearing his name. Many visitors, especially younger generations, don't realize there was an actual man behind the Disney magic—a visionary whose persistence through multiple bankruptcies and setbacks led to creating the entertainment empire we know today.

For our milestone 200th episode, we're t...

We rate and review every attraction in Disney's Magic Kingdom as underrated, overrated, or properly rated to help you navigate your next vacation more effectively. From Main Street USA to Tomorrowland, we share insights on wait times, experiences, and whether popular attractions live up to their hype.

• Main Street USA is often overlooked as guests rush to rides, but contains incredible historical details and charm

We take a deep dive into whether Animal Kingdom attractions live up to the hype, rating everything from the animal trails to the thrilling coasters as under, over, or properly rated.

• The Boneyard playground and DINOSAUR ride in Dinoland USA are both surprisingly underrated experiences
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond delivers strong performances but runs a bit long
• Expedition Everest features actual arti...

We explore whether Hollywood Studios attractions live up to their hype, examining each experience to determine if it's under, over, or properly rated in this 2025 update. 

• Breaking news: Disney World begins piloting the return of Resort Airline Check-in service at Pop Century
• Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is underrated with its impressive Broadway-style condensed performance
• Tower of Terror debate: ...

Zach and Brittany dive into the ultimate debate about Epcot attractions—deciding which ones are underrated, overrated, or properly rated based on their experiences and changing opinions over the years.

• Spaceship Earth sparks disagreement with Zach calling it underrated while Brittany says it's properly rated
• Both hosts agree Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind lives up to the hype as properly rated
• Mi...

The 90s was a defining decade for Disney, creating cherished characters and stories that still influence the parks today. We dig deep into the remaining 90s-era attractions and experiences across Walt Disney World to guide nostalgic millennials on where to recapture their childhood memories.

• PhilharMagic in Magic Kingdom provides the strongest collection of 90s movie scenes and music in one place
• Journey of the Lit...

The return of Disney's paid "skip the line" options has sparked heated debates among parkgoers, and for good reason. We're diving deep into the true value proposition of Lightning Lane single passes – those individually purchased front-of-line privileges ranging from $12-25 per attraction.

Beyond simple time-versus-money calculations lies a more profound question: What experiences are you sacrificing wh...

Our latest episode dives into the fun challenge of selecting one land, one attraction, and one food item from each Walt Disney World park. We explore favorites from all four parks, sharing our experiences and recommendations for the ultimate Disney day. 

- Discussing our picks for Disney merch that fans will love 
- Highlighting the magic of Adventureland and Pirates of the Caribbean 
- Enjoying the excitement of T...

Join us for a thrilling ride through the enchanting world of Disney World roller coasters with our special guest, Nolan, who teams up with Brittany to share their exciting experiences on seven of these magical attractions. Together with Ryan and me, who've braved all nine coasters, we embark on a lively discussion about the highs and lows of each ride. From the beginner-friendly Barnstormer to the intriguing debate over Rock &...

Navigating the emotional landscape of canceling a Disney trip last minute highlights the value of family, flexibility, and a great travel planner. With unexpected obstacles arising, we explored our feelings and learned practical lessons about adjusting plans and cherishing family moments. 

• Discussing the latest Disney merch and Cinderella's anniversary 
• Sharing emotions experienced during the trip cancellation 

What if you could experience Disney World in a whole new way, free from the usual hustle and bustle of a family trip? Join us as we embark on a kid-free adventure through the parks, starting with a stay at the Port Orleans French Quarter. We're ready to explore its New Orleans charm and share our thoughts on the Disney Princess collection at Bath Body Works before diving into the magic of Animal Kingdom. Our journey is all abo...

Dive into the culinary treasures of Animal Kingdom as we explore the must-eat dining options for first-time visitors. From character dining at Tusker House to quick service delights like Flame Tree Barbecue, this episode highlights the delicious foods and unique dining experiences that make your visit unforgettable.

• Unique character dining experiences at Tusker House 
• Themed ambiance and flavorful dishes at Yak and...

Epcot is a culinary wonderland filled with diverse dining options that every first-time visitor should explore. From character dining at Garden Grill to unique offerings in the World Showcase, we highlight must-try restaurants and snacks that ensure a delightful experience at Epcot. 

• Coral Reef Restaurant: thematic dining with aquarium views 
• Garden Grill: character dining with a rotating view of Living with the La...

Discover the must-try dining experiences and snacks for first-timers at Hollywood Studios. From signature restaurants to cozy quick-service spots, this episode explores the best culinary delights to elevate your time in the park.

• Unforgettable dishes at Hollywood Brown Derby 
• Nostalgic comfort food at 50s Primetime Cafe 
• Unique dining experience at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater 
• Themed atmosphere and drinks at...

Discover the can’t-miss dining spots at the Magic Kingdom! This episode provides a detailed guide on where to eat, from the iconic Cinderella’s Royal Table to quick-service options like Casey’s Corner and Columbia Harbor House. We explore priced menus and the unique experiences associated with each location, ensuring that listeners leave with all the vital information needed for their first trip.

• Dining experiences at Ci...

Animal Kingdom holds many secrets that enrich the visitor experience beyond rides and attractions. The episode explores backstories, dining options, and hidden gems, encouraging listeners to slow down and appreciate the park’s unique offerings. 

• The evolution of Dino Land from the canceled Beastly Kingdom 
• The backstory of the Tree of Life and its significance 
• Dining comparisons between Flame Tree BBQ and Sa...

Hollywood Studios is a vibrant tapestry of secrets and hidden gems that celebrate the history of cinema and Disney's legacy. This episode delves into the park's carefully curated details, narrative nods to classic films, and the charm of its attractions, awakening a deeper appreciation for the stories and artistry behind Hollywood Studios. 
• Exploring the unique entrance inspired by the Pan Pacific Auditorium 
• ...

We reflect on our 2024 Disney adventures and share plans for 2025, highlighting our kidless trips, experiences at festivals, and lessons learned along the way. Join us as we celebrate the magic of Disney and anticipate exciting upcoming journeys.

• Reflection on Disney trips of 2024 
• Highlights from the Festival of the Arts 
• Importance of behind-the-scenes tours in Disney experiences 
• Experience of Disney...