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

After exploring the history of LEGOLAND, we’re continuing the story with someone who helped shape it firsthand.

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, we sit down with D. Mark Snell, a veteran theme park attraction designer who served as the lead attraction designer for LEGOLAND California while working at Jack Rouse Associates.

Mark shares what it was like designing a brand-new theme park from the ground up—how the partne...

Long before there were roller coasters, Miniland skylines, and yellow minifigures, there was a small woodworking shop in Billund, Denmark.

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, Kevin takes listeners on a comprehensive journey through the history of LEGOLAND—starting with Ole Kirk Christiansen’s early struggles, the invention of the LEGO brick, and the surprising path that led from factory tours to full-scale theme parks ...

Popcorn is one of the most iconic snacks at Disney parks—but have you ever noticed the tiny figures inside the popcorn carts, quietly turning the drum?

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, Amanda dives into the charming and often-overlooked history of the Roastie-Toasties—the miniature “workers” found inside popcorn carts at Disney parks around the world.

We trace their origins all the way back to late-1800s popcorn and ...

Before EPCOT had pavilions, festivals, or a lagoon lined with countries, it was something entirely different.

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, we’re laying the groundwork for a brand-new monthly series by diving deep into the history of how EPCOT came to be—and why half of the park is dedicated to the World Showcase.

From Walt Disney’s original plans for the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, to decades of...

The holidays at Disneyland didn’t just appear overnight—they were built thoughtfully, year by year, experiment by experiment.

In this episode of the WITP Podcast, we’re focusing exclusively on Disneyland Resort, diving deep into how holiday traditions at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure began, evolved, and became some of the most beloved seasonal experiences in theme park history.

From the early Mickey Mouse Club Circu...

In this special interview episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, Amanda and Kevin sit down with Tyler Carter, Park President of SeaWorld San Diego, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about Christmas Celebration planning, park operations, and guest experience.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- Tyler's top priorities as Park President
- The holiday planning timeline and milestones required to be read...

In this episode of the Where In The Park (WITP) Podcast, Amanda traces the history and evolution of Christmas at SeaWorld San Diego—from the park’s early years and the rise of the SkyTower “Tree of Lights,” through the 1973 energy crisis, and into the modern era of seasonal shows, character experiences, and holiday entertainment.

Along the way, we explore milestones like SnowWorld, the shifts in SeaWorld’s holiday show lineup over t...

In this festive episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, we’re going from storybook to snow-filled Who-bilations as we unwrap the full story behind Grinchmas at Universal Studios.

Amanda traces the Grinch’s journey from:

• Dr. Seuss’s original 1957 story and its surprising inspirations
• The iconic 1966 TV special with Chuck Jones, Boris Karloff, and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”
• The wild ride of film and TV rights changing hands ov...

In honor of Walt Disney’s birthday, this week’s episode of the Where In The Park Podcast takes you on a journey through Disneyland and Disney California Adventure to uncover the subtle — and not-so-subtle — tributes to the man who started it all. Kevin spotlights the details that connect directly to Walt’s life, from the inspirations behind Main Street, U.S.A., to the early struggles and triumphs reflected on Buena Vista Street, an...

Ever wondered how Where In The Park got started? Or how our signature game packs help theme park lovers of all ages explore the parks in a whole new way?

In this special Black Friday episode, Amanda and Kevin sit down to share the full story—from the Disneyland scavenger hunt days to building a business that now spans theme parks across the U.S.

We break down:
 🎡 What the games are (and aren’t!)
 🧭 What the QR codes reveal<...

Windows With a View continues! In this episode, we take you further down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland to uncover the people honored in the next three windows: Claude Coats, Elias Disney, and Wathel Rogers.

From Claude Coats’ towering artistic legacy, to Elias Disney’s place in Walt’s family and the town-squared storytelling of Main Street, to Wathel Rogers’ groundbreaking work in early Audio-Animatronics — these windows reveal ...

This week, we’re paying tribute to one of the most influential figures in theme park history: Jay Stein, the visionary leader who transformed Universal from a simple backlot tour into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Jay Stein’s creative instincts, bold leadership, and “ride the movies” philosophy forever changed how we experience theme parks. From reinventing the Universal Studio Tour to championing the creation of Universal Stud...

Lights, legends, and a splash of soda shop sparkle — we’re back with Part 5 of our Hooray for Hollywood series!

In this episode, we take a glamorous stroll back down the left side of Hollywood Boulevard at Universal Studios Florida, exploring:

• 🕶️ The historic inspiration behind Studio Styles and its connection to the Hollywood Walk of Fame
• 🍦 The sweet nostalgia of Schwab’s Pharmacy and how it became Hollywood’s most iconic hango...

In this heartfelt episode of Where In The Park, we’re honoring Día de los Muertos — a beautiful tradition of remembrance that Disney respectfully brings to life each fall.

Join us as we explore the history of the holiday, the meaning behind its symbols (marigolds, papel picado, calaveras), and how these traditions are celebrated in the parks — from the Rancho del Zócalo display at Disneyland to Plaza de la Familia at California Adve...

Step into the pumpkin-lit streets of Disneyland as we uncover The Magical History of Halloween at Disney Parks! 🎃

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, Amanda takes you on a spellbinding journey through the history of Halloween at Disney Parks around the world — from the humble Parade of the Pumpkins in 1959 to today’s spectacular Halloween Time celebrations.

We’ll explore how Disney turned a one-day pumpkin parade into ...

When the sun sets, the monsters come out… 🧟‍♂️

In this episode of the Where In The Park Podcast, Kevin dives into the haunted history of Halloween Haunts at theme parks — from the very first Knott’s Scary Farm in 1973 to today’s Halloween Horror Nights, Fright Fests, and Howl-O-Screams across the country.

⚠️ Content Disclaimer: This episode includes references to horror-related material and real tragedies that occurred at theme park...

Step into the family plot in this chillingly detailed episode of Where In The Park. Join Kim as she unearths the forgotten stories behind the tombstones at Disneyland and Magic Kingdom’s Haunted Mansions. These clever epitaphs are more than spooky fun—they’re heartfelt tributes to the Imagineers who helped bring the ghostly residents to life. From Master Gracey to Leota Toombs, and even hidden nods to modern-day Imagineers, we’ll e...

Our Florida adventure continues in this final episode of our 3-part vacation recap series!

We’re talking about our visits to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and SeaWorld Orlando.

We'll share our experiences at The Beak & Barrel (twice!), Geo-82, the new Villains and Little Mermaid show at DHS, and more.

🎧 Tune in now to hear ho...

Pirates, portholes, and pixie dust—our very first Disney Cruise was nothing short of magical.

In Part 2 of our summer trip recap series, we’re sharing what it was like to sail on the Disney Magic, including stops in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point—Disney’s brand-new private island!

From themed dinners and Broadway-style shows to fish extender gifts and that classic Disney service, we...