3x3 with Todd Martens!
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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.
Prioritize Disney World trips over frequent Disneyland visits if they bring more anticipation and joy, even if it means traveling farther.
Disney California Adventure is best appreciated in its current 'mixed bag' state—chaotic but full of heart and potential.
For a meaningful Disneyland trip, consider using Lightning Lane and arriving early to maximize rides and minimize crowds.
Food festivals at Disney parks often feel like temporary, overpriced kiosks rather than immersive experiences.
The best theme park experiences come from thoughtful planning and emotional investment, not just physical presence.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Host
Guest
Disney World
other
Disney California Adventure
other
Carly Weisel
person
Todd Martins
person
Disney Cruise Line
other
Becky
person
Cars Land
other
Quince
brand
It's a Small World
other
Rise of the Resistance
other
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