We had the good fortune of connecting with Winnie Poon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Winnie, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Disney makes me happy. Specifically, Disney parks. In 2015, it stunned me how a theme park could create such immersive and thoughtful worlds. As an architect, I was in awe of the talent and creativity that went into building these environments. In 2017, it connected me to a new home and lifestyle. I went from being a born and raised New Yorker to a Los Angeles transplant and Disneyland was a major motivation. In 2020, it introduced me to a new family through social media in the mist of a global pandemic. The friendships that grew out of starting a Disney Instagram account have been some of the most meaningful of my life and I am so grateful for them. In 2022, it graduated from being a playground for my inner child to being a literal playground for my actual child. And it makes me emotional to imagine the memories we’ll make together as she grows up. Disney has influenced so much of my adult life in such a short time, I truly can’t imagine how drastically different my life would be if we never took that first trip.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
If the Winnie from 3 years ago saw the Winnie of today, she would be shocked. I’ve crossed major Disney bucket list items she only dreamed of experiencing, I work with brands she had only shopped at, I got to attend an event thrown by Marvel that she could never have imagined was in the cards for me. And this all started because I wanted to start an account to keep people updated on Disney news since I was going to the parks so often. But when the pandemic hit, I had to pivot and started creating content at home. I was camera shy and would find creative ways to hide my face. But when my sweet Disney family encouraged me, I found courage and stepped outside my comfort zone. And when reels were introduced, I was intrigued and started making transition videos. Ultimately, I had no control over the path that led me here. Sometimes you just have to embrace the chaos and just do what feels right for you. And hopefully you have good people around you to guide you along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First and foremost, if they’re going to be visiting me in my area, then it’s automatically assumed they want to go to Disneyland. We’ll spend 2 days where we’ll have just enough time to get a hearty taste of rides, restaurants, shopping, and being ridiculous together while still leaving them wanting more.

Another thing I love about my neighborhood is the abundance of thrifting opportunities. While I’ll be on the hunt for Disney finds, there’s bound to be treasures that tug at their heartstrings or a unique piece they didn’t know they needed. We could go to the Long Beach Antiques Market, Rose Bowl Flea, and Orange Circle.

One of my favorite places to eat with friends is Kura Revolving Sushi Bar. A sushi restaurant where you get to pick your food as it passes your table on a conveyer belt. There’s a kitty robot that brings you drinks and capsule prizes that drop to your table when you’ve eaten a certain amount of plates. It’s so much fun!

At some point, or multiple points, we’ll go to the Anaheim Packing House. A giant food hall with a ton of options for a meal, dessert, and/or drinks. We can take advantage of the lovely Southern California weather and enjoy our treats in their gorgeously decorated outdoor seating.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, James and I fell in love with each other and then we fell in love with Disney together. We have been together for 14 years. Throughout all those years, he’s offered nothing but his unwavering support, encouragement, and love.

My Disney family who has made these last 3 years of my content creation journey so fun and exciting. Although I met them through social media, they’ve become real life friends I’ve come to rely on. Vee (@stormtrooping_padawans), David Q (@qs_trips), Kyle & Melinda (@disneyparkduo), Casi (@ourmagicalreality), Kristen (@thehappiestclubonearth), Anne (@magicintoontown) and Nicole (@cocoandthecastle).

Instagram: @disneyland_ish

Other: TikTok: @disneyland_ish

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.