3x3 with Todd Martens!

Very Amusing with Carlye Wisel - A Theme Park Podcast1h 11mMay 13, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this lively episode of *Very Amusing with Carly Weisel*, host Carly welcomes her longtime colleague and theme park expert Todd Martins from the *Los Angeles Times* for a spirited '3x3' debate. The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into Disney California Adventure, where both agree on the triumph of Cars Land but debate the park’s overall identity—Carly sees it as a chaotic, endearing mess, while Todd appreciates its transitional charm. They then tackle the eternal Disney World vs. Disneyland debate, with Todd championing Disneyland’s history and compact intimacy, and Carly arguing for Disney World’s boundless scale and immersive grandeur. The discussion shifts to favorite attractions, with Carly naming *It’s a Small World* as her favorite due to its nostalgic, artful design, while Todd praises *Rise of the Resistance* and *Peter Pan*. The episode closes with a candid talk on theme park food festivals, where both express skepticism about their value, citing overpriced, fast-food-style offerings and lack of thoughtful integration. A listener call offers a practical guide for Southern California families balancing annual Disneyland trips with the dream of a full Disney World vacation, leading to a thoughtful recommendation to prioritize the more anticipated, transformative Disney World trip over frequent local visits. The episode is a celebration of passion, debate, and the emotional connection theme parks inspire.

Key Takeaways
1

Prioritize Disney World trips over frequent Disneyland visits if they bring more anticipation and joy, even if it means traveling farther.

2

Disney California Adventure is best appreciated in its current 'mixed bag' state—chaotic but full of heart and potential.

3

For a meaningful Disneyland trip, consider using Lightning Lane and arriving early to maximize rides and minimize crowds.

4

Food festivals at Disney parks often feel like temporary, overpriced kiosks rather than immersive experiences.

5

The best theme park experiences come from thoughtful planning and emotional investment, not just physical presence.

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Welcome & Mother's Day High Tea Tradition

Carly opens the episode with a warm welcome, reflecting on her family's quirky Mother's Day tradition of high tea, and introduces the special guest, Todd Martins, setting the tone for a fun, friendship-driven conversation.

10:00
10 min

Disney Cruise Line Discounts & Booking Tips

Carly and Becky discuss major Disney Cruise Line deals, including 50% off for up to three kids ages 17 and under, 25% off for adults, and onboard credit. Becky emphasizes using Mouse Fan Travel for expert, free booking assistance.

20:00
20 min

Disney California Adventure: Love It or Hate It?

I think it's just so fun to be here. You know, you're trying... you're trying like do you have your redeeming qualities? You have other factors that I don't really enjoy. But you know what? We're here and we're happy and we're having a good time.

Highlight
40:00
20 min

Disney World vs. Disneyland: The Great Debate

Disney World is the big dream. Like if we had more space and we could build even more things, what would we build? Like to me, Disneyland is the first draft and Disney World is the story you publish.

Highlight
1:00:00
20 min

Favorite Attractions & Food Festivals

If you're ever at Epcot during a festival at nighttime or especially on a weekend night, people are really intoxicated. The crowd generally is pretty intoxicated in a way that I don't like to be a part of.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I would remove the Buzz Lightyear attraction. It's outdated. There's nothing I can do on that attraction that I can't do on my iPhone in 2026.
Todd Martins59:23
Viral: 88.0
Disney World is the big dream. Like if we had more space and we could build even more things, what would we build? Like to me, Disneyland is the first draft and Disney World is the story you publish.
Carly Weisel27:18
Viral: 85.0
If you can yield more joy from anticipating and planning and dreaming and executing a Disney World vacation, that's going to give you more to look forward to over a longer period of time.
Becky70:57
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

Carly Weisel

Guest

Todd Martins
Topics Discussed
Disney World vs Disneyland95%Disney California Adventure90%Local vs. Destination Theme Park Trips88%Theme Park Food Festivals85%Disney Cruise Line Deals80%Park Hopping & Trip Planning75%Lightning Lane & Ride Efficiency70%Disney Park History & Nostalgia65%
People & Brands

Disney World

other

25xPositive

Disney California Adventure

other

22xMixed

Carly Weisel

person

15xPositive

Todd Martins

person

12xPositive

Disney Cruise Line

other

8xPositive

Becky

person

7xPositive

Cars Land

other

6xPositive

Quince

brand

6xPositive

It's a Small World

other

6xPositive

Rise of the Resistance

other

5xPositive

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