Greetings, Fellow Adventurers!
![Agent P World Showcase Adventure - United Kingdom SamsDisneyDiary](https://i0.wp.com/samsdisneydiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/dsc00395.jpg?resize=162%2C300&ssl=1)
About Me:
I’m a husband, father of three (with kids spanning elementary school, middle school, and college), and a lifelong Disney fan. As a D23 member, DVC owner at BoardWalk, and Annual Passholder, Disney has always been a big part of my life.
My first visit to Walt Disney World was in 1986. As a wide-eyed teenager, I couldn’t wait to get back to the Magic Kingdom—but not before riding the classics at EPCOT Center: World of Motion, Horizons, The Living Seas, Living with the Land, and the original Journey into Imagination. Those experiences left a lasting impression. Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to visit Magic Kingdom during its 15th anniversary and EPCOT Center when it was just four years old.
That trip sparked a passion that has shaped both my personal and professional life. Disney isn’t just a destination for me—it’s part of my story
Today, Walt Disney World isn’t just a theme park—it’s the one place where my entire family can always find something to smile about. What started as a handful of photos from my first trip has grown into thousands, each filled with memories of laughter, adventure, and shared experiences.
No matter the age—preschooler to teen—or who’s along for the ride—friends, family, or fellow Disney nerds—there’s always magic waiting to be discovered
Sharing my Disney adventures quickly became second nature, leading me to create SamsDisneyDiary—a video series and blog where I document the magic through my own experiences. That passion has grown over the years, and now, along with Greg from Fantasyland News, I co-host This Week at Walt Disney World Live with Sam and Greg every Wednesday, bringing the latest Disney updates to fans in real-time.
And if you ever want to chat Disney, I even check my email once in a while at sam@samsdisneydiary.com!”
How I Became a Disney Nerd:
![No Way Jose!!! If you don't know what that is... you are missing the BEST ice cream at Walt Disney World!!](https://i0.wp.com/thedisneynerdspodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/about-sam-from-samsdisneydiary-5.jpg?resize=300%2C207)
My passion for Disney started with the “Wonderful World of Disney” in the mid to late ’70s than “Disney’s Wonderful World”. Walt still introduced many of the shows, some even re-runs I’m sure, but to me, I was watching Uncle Walt. Take that background as a youngster and add a trip to Walt Disney World as a teenager. That was more than “one little spark”. My passion was born.
I think Walt summarized the heart of that passion best!
“Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have children’s approach to life. They’re people who don’t give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures”
To this day, walking into any Disney Park is stepping out of reality and into a place where I don’t have to grow up!
Favorite Disney Memory:
![Capturing the Magic](https://i0.wp.com/thedisneynerdspodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/about-sam-from-samsdisneydiary-1.jpeg?resize=255%2C300)
There are so many memories it’s impossible for me to pick just one; after all, I devoted a Blog to capture as many as I could. That said, I can narrow it down to experience, one that I have been lucky enough to witness multiple times.
It’s the first trip into the Magic Kingdom with a spouse, a child, a friend or any member of your family. After you enter the turnstiles, go around Town Square and get the “Cinderella Castle Reveal” for the first time. That first impression is priceless. I have been blessed to re-live that experience with each of my 3 children and other friends and family on their first visit.
Favorite Park:
As much as I wanted to leave EPCOT Center in 1986, Epcot is my go-to park!
Favorite Attraction:
![Star Wars Weekend... a Must do for me!](https://i0.wp.com/thedisneynerdspodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/about-sam-from-samsdisneydiary-2.jpg?resize=150%2C111)
Favorite attractions come and go, and with the rate of change in Disney Parks I’m sure my favorite changes often. My favorite is the attraction I can live through the eyes of my children. So today it’s “It’s a Small World”, for my youngest, “Rock-n-Roller Coaster” for my older two “Expedition Everest” for my wife and the simple pleasure of the Walt Disney Railroad for me.
Favorite Resort:
Epcot Resort Area. There’s something special about walking to Epcot (International Gateway) and catching a boat to Hollywood Studios.
Favorite Restaurant:
Dinner in World Showcase, after spending the day at the pool of an Epcot Resort. Your pick in Italy, I prefer Tutto Italia, but have no problem with Via Napoli, or just about any other World Showcase location.
![Mickey and Goofy..](https://i0.wp.com/thedisneynerdspodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/about-sam-from-samsdisneydiary-3.jpg?resize=300%2C182)
Favorite Character:
It all started with a mouse, but I have been considered Goofy by my family for years.