Once Upon a Castle Podcast

Host Gini brings on her husband, Jason West, to recap a packed two-day Disneyland Resort trip after discussing his limited Disney background, first impressions, and preference for atmosphere and exploration over long lines.  At Disneyland they rope-dropped Fantasyland rides, ate at Red Rose Tavern, rode a Main Street firetruck, took the “Women Who Make the Magic” guided tour (with reserved viewing and treats), did Star Tours, Cafe Orleans, enjoyed Bootstrappers with Jack Sparrow, hit Pirates and Haunted Mansion, and used tour viewing for Paint the Night and castle projections (fireworks canceled). At DCA they rope-dropped Guardians, endured a long Web Slingers delay, bought Lightning Lane and a Cars single pass, rode Radiator Springs Racers, ate at Lamplight Lounge, sampled Food & Wine items and live music, and ended with the World of Color dessert party. They conclude the tour/dessert party and Lightning Lane felt worth the cost, and Gini teases an upcoming interview with author/podcaster Michael Holland.
 
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Patreon: Once Upon a Castle Podcast (Gini)
Email: magic@onceuponacastlepodcast.com
 

In the finale of a four-part Once Upon a Castle series on Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, the host Gini recaps prior episodes on attractions, entertainment, and dining, then interviews Teresa Urban, host of the DL Weekly podcast and a travel planner with Concierge Travel. Teresa shares her Disney story, including being terrified of Haunted Mansion on her first Walt Disney World trip in 2000 before it became her favorite attraction, and explains how podcasting since 2017 deepened her Disneyland connections and community. They discuss the “wonder” and layered details of New Orleans Square, Walt Disney’s presence there and on Main Street, exploration tips beyond the main path, favorite entertainment like the Bootstrappers and Fantasmic, and strategy for a perfect park day. Teresa recommends Fantasmic dining packages, especially Rancho del Zocalo, and says she hopes Disneyland’s castle never changes. Gini closes by teasing an upcoming trip report, a New Orleans Square food crawl, the Women Who Make the Magic tour, and a World of Color dessert party.
 
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Patreon: Once Upon a Castle Podcast (Gini)
Email: magic@onceuponacastlepodcast.com
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https://www.dlweekly.net/
 

Episode three of the Once Upon a Castle four-part New Orleans Square series focuses on food, covering restaurants, snack spots, and exclusive dining while highlighting Walt Disney’s design influence and key details. Gini shares podcast updates (over 1,100 downloads and international listeners) and notes Port Royal has temporarily become jazz-club-inspired seating through summer. The episode profiles Café Orleans (originally Creole Café, opened July 24, 1966), including Walt’s antique Italian espresso machine and the Monte Cristo’s history; the French Market (1966–Feb. 17, 2023) and its transformation into Tiana’s Palace (opened Sept. 7, 2023); Mint Julep Bar (1966) for mint juleps and beignets; Blue Bayou (opened March 18, 1967) inside Pirates of the Caribbean with bayou ambiance and upcoming refurbishment (May 2026); Club 33 (June 15, 1967) membership details; Royal Street Veranda (1983); La Patisserie (1988–2004); 21 Royal (2017) $15,000 private dining; and Harbor Galley’s menu and McDonald’s sponsorship history, plus Pelican’s Landing seating.
 

In part two of a four-part Once Upon a Castle series on Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, Gini focuses on how live entertainment and street atmosphere make the land feel like a living neighborhood, from opening-day 1966 jazz musicians to modern acts that create “between-attractions” worldbuilding. The episode notes the land’s importance as Disneyland’s first new post-opening land and highlights performers and eras including Jack McVea and the Royal Street Bachelors (1966–1992), the Shoeshine Boys tap-and-shoeshine act, 1980s jazz groups like Teddy Buckner and the Side Street Strutters, Fantasmic’s history and 2024 return after the 2023 dragon fire, Jambalaya Jazz (documented in 2006) with singer Queenie, the pirate-comedy band the Bootstrappers, the short-lived 2009–2010 Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee, and the 2023–2024 Heartbeat of New Orleans projection. It also mentions character encounters (Tiana, Jack Sparrow, Red, Jack Skellington and Sally), shares listener ideas (a jazz club, cooking lessons with Tiana), and previews part three on New Orleans Square dining.
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TikTok: @virginiakwest 
Patreon: Once Upon a Castle Podcast (Gini)
Email: magic@onceuponacastlepodcast.com

Gini begins a four-part series on Disneyland’s New Orleans Square, shares podcast stats (869 downloads) and listener locations (United States, Hong Kong, India, Canada, Israel), and invites reviews. Part 1 covers the land’s atmospheric design, its dedication on July 24, 1966, and its French Quarter inspiration tied to the Rivers of America, plus early precursors like a 1955 New Orleans Street area and Holidayland (1957–1961). Key Imagineers are highlighted, along with evolving spaces such as the Court of Angels, the planned Royal Suite above Pirates, the Disney Gallery (1987–2007), the Disneyland Dream Suite (opened 2008), and 21 Royal Street. The episode details Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion histories and updates, the New Orleans Square railroad station, the former Pirates Arcade Museum, and the land’s past and current shops, including Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond (2024) and other themed retail locations.
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Patreon: Once Upon a Castle Podcast (Gini)
Email: magic@onceuponacastlepodcast.com

Gini shares her first solo Disneyland birthday trip—minute-by-minute—plus whether she pulled off a $1,000 budget challenge. Expect listener tips, ride/food highlights, fireworks strategy (Small World!), and a full cost breakdown showing she landed slightly over budget on essentials but would absolutely do a solo trip again.
 
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Patreon: Once Upon a Castle Podcast (Gini)
Email: magic@onceuponacastlepodcast.com
 

The interview features Lynn Barron, host of the Sweep Spot Podcast, Disney historian, and former Disneyland custodial cast member. He discusses his journey from a childhood Disney enthusiast to working at Disneyland in a custodial role, which gave him a unique perspective on the park’s operations, cleanliness, and the importance of Walt Disney’s vision. Lynn also shares the origins of his podcast, which began as a way to cope with his mother's passing and grew into a popular show among Disney fans. He reflects on the experiences and guests that have marked his 15-year podcasting career, including writing books about Disneyland's behind-the-scenes stories. The discussion highlights the importance of Disney history, custodial work's crucial role in maintaining the park's magic, and tips for enjoying Disneyland.
 
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sweep-spot-a-disneyland-show-by-former-cast-members/id423487977 
https://www.instagram.com/thesweepspot?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
 
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TikTok: @virginiakwest 
Patreon: Once Upon a Castle Podcast (Gini)
Email: magic@onceuponacastlepodcast.com
 
 

In this episode of the Once Upon a Castle podcast, host Gini concludes a four-part series on Adventureland with special guest Freddie Martin, a former jungle cruise skipper and Disney historian. Freddie shares his experiences and stories from working at Disneyland, including memorable moments on the Jungle Cruise and the significance of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. The episode also covers listener reviews, the creative intent behind Adventureland, and tips for making the most of a visit to this iconic land. Listeners are encouraged to immerse themselves in the environment and to explore the history and hidden details within Adventureland.
 
Freddy Martin Linktree
The Backside of Water Podcast
Themed Attraction Podcast
 
Instagram: Once_Upon_a_Castle_Podcast_
TikTok: @virginiakwest 
Patreon: Once Upon a Castle Podcast (Gini)
Email: magic@onceuponacastlepodcast.com