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

WhereInThePark.com
  • 4.9 (9)
  • Places & Travel

We're Kevin, Amanda, & Kim from Where In The Park! Join us each episode as we discuss the history, stories, and secrets behind the details of your favorite theme parks, from Disney to Universal Studios and beyond. 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Discover even more details with seek-&-find game packs from WhereInThePark.com! Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off your next adventure! 👉Meet the WITP Team! Check out the Events page to see where we will be next! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find posts on today's full episode, as well as individual pages about key details discussed! WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive discounts throughout the year, be notified of new games, and stay up to date on all things WITP! 👉Follow us on social: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening! Until next time, we'll see you somewhere in the park!

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

    4d ago

    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 Imagine That! Ep. 23 - Disney Imagineer Matt McKim - Part 2: 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 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    18 min

  2. Jun 6

    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, 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    51 min
  3. An Enchanted Forest Built on Imagination: Honoring Roger Tofte

    May 29

    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, 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    36 min
  4. EPCOT’s China Pavilion: Architecture, Legends, and Hidden Details

    May 16

    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, 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    39 min
  5. Exploring Universal Studios Hollywood’s Backlot with Lynn Barron from The Sweep Spot

    May 8

    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/ The Sweep Spot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesweepspot/ The Sweep Spot on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesweepspot The Sweep Spot Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thesweepspot 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    1h 3m
  6. Universal Fan Fest 2026 Review: Food, Shows, Tips & Theme Park History

    Apr 26

    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, 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    1h 58m

  7. Apr 18

    Park Press: April 2026 – Events, Updates & a BIG Announcement

    Welcome to the Park Press episode for April 2026 of the Where In The Park Podcast—your monthly source for everything happening at WITP! In this episode, we’re sharing some updates on two previous episodes of the podcast, specifically updates about locations at Universal Studios parks dedicated to Jay Stein and Irvine Thalberg. We’ll also cover the fun events we have attended since our last Park Press episode, as well as a look ahead at upcoming park days and events. We also give a brief highlight of what’s coming next for the Where In The Park Podcast. And, at the end, we'll also be making an announcement of a very big/huge project that we're working on.  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! 00:00 Intro 00:27 Updates from Prior Episodes: Thalberg Building - USH 05:13 Updates from Prior Episodes: I. Stein Building - USF 10:04 Recent Events: Disneyana Fan Club Expo 30:50 Recent Events: Savannah Banana Day 36:17 Upcoming Park Days 43:03 Upcoming Events 49:50 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT 52:41 Upcoming Podcast Episodes 56:45 Wrap Up 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    59 min
  8. Windows With A View (Part 4): Community, Archives, Medicine, and… Massage Parlors?

    Apr 11

    Windows With A View (Part 4): Community, Archives, Medicine, and… Massage Parlors?

    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. This section of the park tells a surprising mix of stories—spanning community, archives, medicine… and even a few unexpected mysteries. We explore the legacy of Mary Anne Mang, the driving force behind the Disney VoluntEARS program, and Dave Smith, the founding archivist who preserved Disney history and connected with fans through his beloved “Ask Dave” column. Then, we step into opening day history with the Upjohn Pharmacy, uncovering how this real-world company became part of Walt Disney’s vision for Main Street—and the stories behind the names in its window. And finally… we take a closer look at the curious window of Christopher D. Miller, where the details raise more questions than answers—including one of the most unexpected window pairings on Main Street. 👉Ready to discover your favorite theme park? Check out our games at 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, and use code WITPDIGITAL 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation on our Facebook Group here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/whereinthepark 👉Prefer to read along & see pictures instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here: WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Follow us @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whereinthepark Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/whereinthepark TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whereinthepark YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@whereinthepark

    26 min
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About

We're Kevin, Amanda, & Kim from Where In The Park! Join us each episode as we discuss the history, stories, and secrets behind the details of your favorite theme parks, from Disney to Universal Studios and beyond. 👉Become a WITP Explorer! Join the conversation in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Discover even more details with seek-&-find game packs from WhereInThePark.com! Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off your next adventure! 👉Meet the WITP Team! Check out the Events page to see where we will be next! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find posts on today's full episode, as well as individual pages about key details discussed! WhereInThePark.com/Podcast 👉Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive discounts throughout the year, be notified of new games, and stay up to date on all things WITP! 👉Follow us on social: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening! Until next time, we'll see you somewhere in the park!

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