There’s a certain kind of excitement that’s hard to put into words—but I’m going to try anyway. As Festival of Friends gets closer, I find myself counting down the days with a level of anticipation that honestly feels like being a kid again. This event has been something we’ve poured our hearts into, and seeing it all come together is nothing short of incredible.
I keep thinking about that moment when I first arrive—walking into Magic Kingdom, soaking it all in, and grabbing that first Dole Whip. There’s just something about that first taste that signals the start of something special. It’s not just about being back in the parks… it’s about what comes next. The laughter, the conversations, the shared experiences—it all starts right there.
What makes this truly special, though, is the people. This community we’ve built—through the podcast, through shared memories, through a mutual love of Disney magic—has grown into something real and meaningful. Getting the chance to finally spend time together, face-to-face, is what I’m most excited about. These aren’t just listeners or followers… they’re friends.
We’ve got so many fun activities planned, and I can’t wait to experience every moment of it together. From the little in-between moments to the big highlights, this is going to be something we’ll all remember for a long time. Festival of Friends isn’t just an event—it’s a celebration of connection, joy, and the magic that brought us all together in the first place.
And I would be completely remiss if I didn’t take a moment to give my biggest, most heartfelt thank you to Gina and Missy. The amount of time, effort, and care they’ve put into making this event what it is cannot be overstated. This truly would not have come together without them—they are the real MVPs of Festival of Friends. And a special shoutout to my podcast partner Gina, who has been right there every step of the way. I’m beyond grateful for both of them.
I’m beyond excited. Truly. And I can’t wait to see all of you there
Josh