About Cody

My name is Cody, and I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. Growing up, I made periodic trips to Disneyland with my mom or her side of the family, and those visits planted the early seeds of my love for Disney. Two of my uncles—Jason and James, my fellow co-hosts on the Talking Disney Podcast—were (and still are) huge Disneyland fans, and they’ve had a massive influence on turning that childhood fun into a lifelong passion.

I was always the “Disney kid” in school, but my fandom really took root during my senior year of high school. After a rough patch in junior year, I needed something pure and magical to hold onto. That’s when I discovered the world of Disney YouTubers—especially channels like FreshBaked!—and it was like “A Whole New World” opened up. It was then that I realized, it wasn’t just about the rides; it was the atmosphere, Walt’s history, the hidden details, and the little things most guests miss. That deeper appreciation has stuck with me ever since.

These days, to the surprise of even myself, I call Northern Utah’s Cache Valley home. Ten years ago, I never would’ve pictured myself here, but it’s where I met my wife, Lucy, and we’ve built a real life together. It’s a beautiful area and we enjoy living here. But I may have a secret plot to try and figure out how to make the move to Walt Disney World!

To the surprise of no one who knows me, Disneyland will always be my “Home Park” thanks to those childhood roots. But I’ve been lucky enough to explore more: Tokyo Disney Resort in 2017, Walt Disney World in 2018 and 2025. While I still prefer Disneyland over Magic Kingdom, EPCOT at WDW has stolen my heart—it is hands down my favorite park overall. The grandeur, the scale, the World Showcase’s incredible theming and architecture, the cultural immersion, the festivals with artists, musicians, and endless food… It's the perfect blend of realism and Disney magic. As a foodie, EPCOT is basically paradise!

Starting the Talking Disney Podcast back in 2019 with Jason was equal parts exciting and nerve-racking. We were listening to tons of Disney pods at the time, and the idea of doing our own felt a little crazy. Early episodes were audio-only—like awkward phone calls with no visual cues, stepping on each other’s lines, and major microphone shyness. Our unofficial motto? “Screw it, Let’s do it.” We’ve come a long way since those jitters, and bringing James on as the third co-host starting with Episode 51 was a game-changer. Now it’s the perfect outlet to geek out with people who are just as passionate.

MY FAVORITE ATTRACTION

At the Disneyland Resort, Radiator Springs Racers takes the crown lately—I love the movie Cars—and that entire land and ride are a masterclass in storytelling, theming and immersion. Over at Walt Disney World, it’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios. As a big Aerosmith fan, that launch, the soundtrack, and the pure rush of adrenaline make it one of the most fun coasters I’ve ever ridden. (Fingers crossed the upcoming Muppet Mayhem re-theme keeps the energy high!)

MY FAVORITE RESORT HOTEL

I’ve only stayed at one Disneyland Resort hotel so far: the (then) Paradise Pier Hotel, now Pixar Place Hotel. It was great, but I’m dying to experience the classic Disneyland Hotel and the luxurious Grand Californian someday. At Walt Disney World, my favorite so far is Pop Century—I love the fun retro aesthetic, and the Skyliner access is a huge win. It’s such an efficient, magical way to soar over to Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. It may not be the fanciest hotel on WDW property, but the Skyliner gives it a major edge!

MY FAVORITE ANIMATED FILM

When we reviewed every Walt Disney Animated Feature Film on the podcast, I gave perfect 100s to The Fox and the Hound, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear. Right now, Brother Bear gets the slight edge—it’s just so underrated, with gorgeous animation, a touching story about family and perspective, and a great Phil Collins soundtrack. Ask me tomorrow, though, and it might switch to one of the others!

MY FAVORITE LIVE-ACTION FILM

Saving Mr. Banks is the one I rewatch every few months. It gives such a heartfelt, whimsical peek behind the curtain at how Mary Poppins came to be—with laughs, tears, and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney? It just doesn’t get better than that.

MY FAVORITE DISNEY CHARACTER

This one always trips me up—I tend to gravitate toward movies more than individual characters. But if I have to pick, it’s Donald Duck from the Fab Five. He’s crazy, funny, full of attitude and heart—what’s not to love?

MY FAVORITE DISNEY SNACK

A Disneyland churro, and very specifically a DISNEYLAND churro. They just aren’t the same over at WDW—nothing beats that cinnamon-sugar perfection!

MY FAVORITE PARADE

Paint the Night—the best nighttime electrical parade in my opinion. Those million-plus LED lights, vibrant floats, high-energy music, and Disney magic flooding the route? It’s an after-dark sensation that never fails to dazzle.

MY FAVORITE NIGHTTIME SPECTACULAR

Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom—hands down the best fireworks show I’ve ever seen. The lights, lasers, projections on the castle, soaring score with modern takes on classic songs… It captures the heart, magic, and heroism of Disney stories like no other show has.