On October 19th, I threw myself into the happy world of a Disney Parks Podcast meetup. Having received an invitation to attend the week before, I couldn’t wait to meet these amazing  Disney fans. I had seen their photos on Facebook and on the podcast site, listened to the podcasts, and even wondered what they were like in person. My family and I took the monorail to Polynesian Resort and headed for the Pineapple Lanai (Hello? Dole Whip!). It was there I met over a dozen of the fine folks that either host the podcast or are fans and friends of the hosts and podcast itself..

I was happily surprised. The fine folks from DPP are incredibly down to earth and all share a common bond- the love of a mouse named Mickey. We chatted about the latest park news, talked about the previous visits, and a few of us even swapped Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom cards! My daughter’s new Magic Kingdom obsession allowed her to make friends with some of the finest Disney folks I’ve ever met.

Krista Joy treated us to goodie bags filled with Disney merchandise and souvenirs, sponsored by Homes4uu.com. Although she didn’t need to win us over with ‘em, her thoughtfulness was impressive.

After about an hour, my newly found Disney friends took a few photos (the one above is Krista’s), said our goodbyes, and went on our merry ways. My DDP meetup was a definite highlight of our trip to Disney and I look forward to my next one. Fingers crossed it will involve Dole Whip!

Karyn Locke, Marketing and Social Media Guroo and Mid-America Guroo for trekaroo is a travel writer from Ohio that has a passion for all things Disney and a hankering for Dole Whip Floats at least three times a week. Also creator and blogger for Sand and Snow…and Everywhere in Between! she’s happy to give Disney tips to anyone that asks and is pleased as punch that her family shares her love of the most magical place on earth.