What makes runDisney worth the 2:30 AM alarm?

Carissa Galloway—RunDisney’s first female race announcer—joins us to explain why these races feel different, what happens behind the scenes before runners reach the start line, and how the community has changed during her two decades with the event.

Carissa also shares the finish-line story she has never forgotten, how runDisney can turn first-time participants into lifelong runners, and the fueling mistake that leaves too many athletes starting their race dehydrated and underprepared. Plus, we discuss costumes, running and announcing on the same morning, marathon training, and why no distance should ever be dismissed as “just” a 5K.

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Timestamps

00:00 Carissa Was The Face of RunDisney

03:40 Why RunDisney is Unlike Any Other Race

07:20 Is Disney the Perfect Place for Your First Race?

12:31 Carissa’s Journey to Announcing for RunDisney

16:15 The Evolution of RunDisney

19:00 Creating the Energy at the Finish Line

23:53 Behind the Scenes of a RunDisney Race

29:25 The Incredible Stories Behind the Races

36:23 Prepping to Announce Everything from Ironman to Power Boating

44:07 The Biggest Mistake Runners Make With Nutrition

50:28 Learn to Enjoy the Training Process

58:17 Follow Carissa for More RunDisney Fun

59:40 When’s Your Next Race?

Disney has restricted access to resort buses departing Disney Springs, closing a loophole that allowed guests to park for free and travel through a resort to the theme parks.

But is this really about parking—or is Disney beginning to make the “Disney bubble” less open?

We break down who the new rule affects, why some resort guests support it, the unexpected problems it creates for locals and Annual Passholders, and whether resort hopping, holiday displays, the monorail, or the Skyliner could eventually face similar restrictions.

We also ask the larger question: are Disney fans overreacting, or is this a small change that could set a major precedent?

Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Big Changes to Disney Transportation

04:02 Our New Studio

05:35 The Free Parking Loophole Disney Just Closed

12:14 Is Disney Actually Making a Good Decision?

22:22 Did Disney Just Ruin Your Next Vacation?

30:48 Where Do We Go From Here?

41:13 Is Everyone Overreacting or Is There Valid Concern?

49:40 Do You Think the Transportation Changes Will Impact Your Vacation?

What is the single greatest thing in all of Walt Disney World?

Are classic attractions better than modern rides? Can a Disney snack beat a character meet-and-greet? And when listeners vote, which part of the parks rises above everything else?

In our 400th episode, we reveal the final results of our Best of the Parks Tournament, as voted on by you, the listeners. After weeks of matchups across classic attractions, modern attractions, food and snacks, and character meet-and-greets, only one Disney World favorite can be crowned the champion.

In this episode, we cover:

• The final results of our listener-voted Disney World bracket
• Classic attractions vs. modern attractions
• Disney snacks vs. character meet-and-greets
• The biggest surprises from the tournament
• What Disney fans chose as the best thing in Walt Disney World
• A look back at 400 episodes of Enchanted Ears

Thank you for listening, voting, and being part of this milestone with us. Here’s to 400 episodes — and the magic still to come.

Submit a question/topic for us to discuss on a future episode.

Don’t forget to check us out on:

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Get your Enchanted Ears merch now

Timestamps

Celebrating 400 Episodes 00:00

Building the Bracket 02:17

These Were Some Tough Choices 03:50

The Podcast Throughout the Years 15:22

The Best Attractions at Disney World 19:14

Is Mickey Mouse’s Win Inevitable? 24:42

Thank You to Everyone Who Supported Give Kids the World 27:33

The Single Greatest Thing at Disney World 30:21