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

WhereInThePark.com
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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. Hooray for Hollywood (Part 6): Hats, Tributes, and Movie-Making Magic

    7H AGO

    Hooray for Hollywood (Part 6): Hats, Tributes, and Movie-Making Magic

    In the final part of our Hooray for Hollywood series, we’re wrapping up our building-by-building tour of Hollywood Boulevard at Universal Studios Florida with one last stretch of stories. In this episode, Amanda explores: 🎩 The Brown Derby Hat Shop and how it connects back to the real Brown Derby restaurants in Los Angeles🚏 A surprisingly rich story behind the Ivar, Selma, Rodeo, and Hollywood street signs—and how they quietly nod to early Hollywood families💚 The ever-changing corner now known as Wicked: The Experience, from film memorabilia and Lucy: A Tribute to Hello Kitty, UNIVRS, and beyond🎨 The Universal Studios Store mural, packed with visual references to filmmaking history, plus a bronze plaque honoring Chuck Lindberg, a behind-the-scenes merchandise legendIf you’ve loved this deep dive into the real-world inspirations behind Universal’s Hollywood Boulevard, this finale ties it all together. 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    29 min
  2. Behind the Brick with LEGOLAND Attractions Designer D. Mark Snell

    5D AGO

    Behind the Brick with LEGOLAND Attractions Designer D. Mark Snell

    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 partnership with the LEGO Group worked, where inspiration came from, and what made designing for LEGOLAND different from any other project. We also reminisce about growing up around theme parks, classic attractions, and the experiences that shaped Mark’s creative career, which spans projects for Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and more. If you’ve ever wondered how theme park attractions are designed, how creative constraints shape great ideas, or what it’s like to bring a park like LEGOLAND California to life, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective. 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    1h 14m
  3. The History of LEGOLAND Parks

    JAN 24

    The History of LEGOLAND Parks

    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 around the world. Along the way, we explore: How LEGO survived fires, financial collapse, and reinventionThe creation of Miniland and the first LEGOLAND park in BillundThe evolution of minifigures, themed lands, and licensed IPThe expansion of LEGOLAND parks across Europe, the U.S., Asia, and beyondHow ownership changes shaped the modern LEGOLAND experienceWhether you’re a lifelong LEGO fan, a theme park history buff, or someone who’s ever wandered through a LEGOLAND park wondering how it all came to be—this episode lays the foundation. 🎧 Listen now and discover how a toy company built an entire world, brick by brick. 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    27 min
  4. Roastie Toasties: The Tiny Popcorn Workers of Disney Parks

    JAN 16

    Roastie Toasties: The Tiny Popcorn Workers of Disney 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 peanut roasting machines, explore how the original Tosty Rosty Man played a crucial role in building trust with customers, and uncover how Disney adopted and reimagined this detail as part of its immersive storytelling philosophy. You’ll learn: How early popcorn and peanut roasting machines actually workedWhy the Tosty Rosty figure was more than just decorationHow popcorn carts became part of Disney storytelling from opening dayThe timeline of Disney popcorn sponsorships, from Orville Redenbacher to Pop SecretWhere you can find Roastie-Toasties today across Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong DisneylandNext time you grab popcorn, you may find yourself stopping for more than just the snack. 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    25 min
  5. Why EPCOT Exists: The Story Behind World Showcase

    JAN 10

    Why EPCOT Exists: The Story Behind World Showcase

    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 annual reports, leadership changes, abandoned ideas, and major pivots, this episode traces the long and winding path that led to the EPCOT we know today. Along the way, we explore early concepts like International Street, Little Europa, permanent World’s Fair ideas, and the moment when EPCOT officially stopped being a city and became something else entirely. This episode sets the stage for what’s coming next: a pavilion-by-pavilion exploration of the details, stories, and design choices that make World Showcase such a unique place to wander. If you’ve ever wondered why EPCOT feels different from every other Disney park, this is where the answer begins. 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    22 min
  6. Holiday Magic at Disneyland Resort: How Christmas Traditions Took Shape

    JAN 2

    Holiday Magic at Disneyland Resort: How Christmas Traditions Took Shape

    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 Circus and the roots of the Candlelight Processional, to holiday parades, fireworks like Believe… In Holiday Magic, attraction overlays, and the iconic Main Street, U.S.A. Christmas tree, we explore not just what happens during the holidays—but when these traditions began and who helped shape them. This episode is intentionally focused on Disneyland Resort only. The holiday histories of Walt Disney World, international Disney parks, and Disney Resort Hotels will be covered in future episodes—along with a dedicated deep dive into Haunted Mansion Holiday. If you love Disney details, park history, and understanding the stories behind the magic, this one’s for you. 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    23 min
  7. SeaWorld San Diego: Park President Interview - Holiday Magic, Big Projects, and Vision

    12/23/2025

    SeaWorld San Diego: Park President Interview - Holiday Magic, Big Projects, and Vision

    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 ready for opening night - The story behind adding “millions of lights” around the park - The partnerships and operational problem-solving that guests rarely get to see. All of that and much more in this special episode of the Where In The Park Podcast! 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    44 min
  8. SeaWorld San Diego at Christmas A Timeline of Lights, Traditions, and Holiday Entertainment

    12/19/2025

    SeaWorld San Diego at Christmas A Timeline of Lights, Traditions, and Holiday Entertainment

    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 time, and how Christmas Celebration has continued to evolve into the park-wide seasonal tradition guests know today. Check out our Blog Page at WhereInThePark.com/Podcast to see the full list of resources we referenced for this episode. 👉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 of this episode in our free Facebook Group here! 👉Prefer to read along instead of listening? Check out our Blog Page here, where you'll find pictures 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 @WhereInThePark on your favorite social media platforms: Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Thanks so much for listening!

    18 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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