Castle Talk Radio

Two hotels. Right next door to each other. Very different reasons to choose each one.
In this episode of Castle Talk Radio, Becca and Jessica compare SunCoast and Element, two Disneyland-area hotels located about a 15-minute walk from the parks. Two Hotels Transcript
We’re comparing the things that actually matter when choosing a hotel for a Disneyland vacation, including room layouts, how many people can sleep in each room, kitchen features, breakfast, parking, pools, noise, and the overall feel of each property.
Element stands out for its extended-stay style rooms and one of our favorite included hotel breakfasts, including options for guests with different nutritional needs. Two Hotels Transcript Two Hotels Transcript
SunCoast offers a more traditional hotel-room setup, plus a large relaxing pool area, hot tub, outdoor games, and fireworks views. Two Hotels Transcript
We also talk about some of the perks available when booking through Get Away Today, including free parking and breakfast at SunCoast, which can make a big difference in the total cost of your stay. Two Hotels Transcript
By the end, we share which hotel we would choose depending on whether we were traveling as a couple, with friends, or with the whole family.
Book Disneyland vacation packages with Get Away Today:getawaytoday.com/castletalk
Chapters
00:00 Two Disneyland hotels, one comparison00:22 SunCoast vs. Element01:32 Location and walking distance03:21 Room types and sleeping capacity04:49 SunCoast vs. Element room layouts06:18 Parking, breakfast and Get Away Today perks07:56 Element's included breakfast08:37 Comparing the pools11:15 Saltwater pools and hotel amenities12:22 Freeway location and noise13:58 Overall hotel feel14:39 Which hotel is best for your travel group?15:49 Final thoughts

Halloween Horror Nights is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s biggest events of the year, but is it actually worth the hype, the price, and the scares?
This week, Jessica is joined by her daughter Julienne, who recently experienced Halloween Horror Nights for the first time. They talk about what it was really like for a total newbie, whether the 2 p.m. ticket was worth it, how they prioritized their limited time, and whether the event was actually as scary and crowded as it looks online.
They also dive into Julienne’s experience on the new Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, how they approached the haunted houses, why lining up before one of their priority houses opened paid off, and how they managed to fit in Super Nintendo World and Toadstool Cafe during the event.
If you’ve been curious about Halloween Horror Nights but aren’t sure if it’s for you, this episode gives you a first-timer’s perspective to help you decide.
Get tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood and Halloween Horror Nights through Get Away Today:getawaytoday.com/castletalk
CHAPTERS
00:00 Is Halloween Horror Nights worth it?00:21 A first-timer’s perspective with Julienne01:32 Halloween Horror Nights ticket options03:18 Arriving for the 2 p.m. ticket04:17 What to prioritize before Horror Nights begins05:03 Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift07:23 Choosing priority haunted houses07:51 Why they lined up before the houses opened09:04 What they didn’t have time to do09:42 Were the crowds as bad as expected?10:52 How scary is Halloween Horror Nights?12:23 The best use of their time13:13 Super Nintendo World and Toadstool Cafe14:28 Would Julienne do Halloween Horror Nights again?15:46 Final thoughts and ticket information

Show Notes
Disneyland raised ticket prices again on October 6, 2026... but this might be the most boring Disneyland price increase we’ve seen in years.
In this episode of Castle Talk Radio, Becca and Jessica break down what actually changed, what surprisingly stayed the same, and why the headline “Disneyland raises ticket prices” doesn’t tell the whole story.
We talk about the small increases to select one-day tickets, unchanged base prices for multi-day one-park-per-day tickets, changes to Park Hopper pricing, and the whopping $1 increase to Lightning Lane Multi Pass. We also get into two things that didn’t increase at all: Disneyland parking and Magic Keys. Boring Price Increase Captions Boring Price Increase Captions Boring Price Increase Captions
There was also a major change for Magic Key holders: Disney removed the no-show penalty and now allows passholders to cancel a reservation through the end of the reserved day. We discuss what that could mean for reservation availability and whether Disney may eventually need to rethink the policy. Boring Price Increase Captions Boring Price Increase Captions
Then we get into the bigger question: why was this year’s increase so restrained? Could the economy be influencing Disney’s decisions? Could Disneyland eventually shift its major price increases back to spring? And does this tell us anything about Disney pricing under new CEO Josh D’Amaro compared with the Bob Chapek era? Boring Price Increase Captions Boring Price Increase Captions
Most importantly, we talk about what this means if you’re planning a Disneyland vacation. For many families buying regular multi-day one-park-per-day tickets, there simply isn’t the same urgency to rush out and buy tickets that there has been after previous price increases. Park Hopper travelers may have more incentive to compare prices, but this is definitely not a reason to panic-buy your vacation. Boring Price Increase Captions Boring Price Increase Captions
Discounted Disneyland tickets are available through our partners at Get Away Today. Visit GetAwayToday.com/CastleTalk to compare current ticket pricing and support Castle Talk Radio.
 
Chapters
00:00 Disneyland’s surprisingly boring price increase00:57 What changed with one-day Disneyland tickets02:18 Multi-day ticket prices didn’t increase03:22 Park Hopper prices get more complicated07:31 Lightning Lane went up... one dollar08:24 No increase for parking or Magic Keys09:28 Disney removes the Magic Key no-show penalty12:00 Why was this price increase so small?13:15 Could Disneyland move price increases back to spring?14:45 Chapek, D’Amaro and Disney’s pricing philosophy16:59 What this actually means for your Disneyland vacation19:20 Don’t panic over the price-increase headlines20:30 Where to check discounted Disneyland tickets

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Visit GetAwayToday.com/CastleTalk for discounts on tickets, hotels, and Orlando attractions.
Carousel of Progress has always been about one thing: progress.
Now, more than 60 years after Walt Disney and his Imagineers introduced the attraction at the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair, Disney is preparing to move the story forward again.
In this episode of Castle Talk Radio, Becca and Jessica look back at the history of Carousel of Progress and break down the major refresh coming to Walt Disney World in 2027.
We talk about how the attraction evolved from the World’s Fair to Disneyland and eventually Magic Kingdom, why “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” remains such an important part of the attraction, and why updating Carousel of Progress may actually be one of the most faithful things Disney could do with it.
Then we step through the newly announced version of the show, including a new generation of the Carousel family, the 1960s, Halloween night in 1985, New Year’s Eve 1999, a possible future, and the addition of a Walt Disney Audio-Animatronic.
Plus, we discuss why the technology may change, but the real heart of Carousel of Progress has always been the same: family.
The updated Carousel of Progress is expected to debut at Walt Disney World in late spring 2027.
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Visit GetAwayToday.com/CastleTalk for discounts on tickets, hotels, and Orlando attractions.
Chapters
00:00 A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Is Changing01:17 What’s Coming to Carousel of Progress01:52 Why the Attraction’s History Matters02:15 The 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair02:46 The Sherman Brothers and That Famous Song03:18 From the World’s Fair to Disneyland04:06 Carousel of Progress Comes to Walt Disney World04:43 Why Disney Is Updating the Attraction Now05:37 Meet the New Carousel Family06:46 Act One: The 1960s08:16 Act Two: Halloween Night in 198509:30 Act Three: New Year’s Eve 199910:55 Act Four: A Possible Future11:51 Imagineering Inspiration for the New Finale13:18 Honoring the Past While Building the Future14:53 What Does Progress Look Like Now?15:53 When the New Carousel of Progress Debuts16:19 Walt Disney Is Joining the Attraction16:44 Why Family Is Still the Heart of the Story
 

Disneyland in a Heat Wave: How to Survive the Heat
Your Disneyland trip is booked, and then a few days before you leave, the forecast changes. Suddenly, it is going to be HOT.
In this episode of Castle Talk Radio, Becca and Jessica talk about Jessica’s recent Disneyland trip during an extreme Southern California heat wave and what actually helped her group handle the high temperatures.
We talk about what to pack, staying hydrated, sunscreen, adjusting your park strategy, taking midday breaks, and why a hot day at Disneyland can feel very different from the same temperature at home.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why Disneyland heat waves can happen even into the fall
What Jessica packed for triple-digit temperatures
Portable fans, umbrellas, sunscreen, and other heat essentials
How to remember to reapply sunscreen
Where to get free cups of water in the parks
Electrolytes and staying ahead of dehydration
Why extreme heat may mean changing your normal rope drop strategy
Conserving energy by touring one area of the park at a time
Using indoor attractions and air conditioning strategically
Why midday hotel breaks become even more important in extreme heat
Cool showers, fresh clothes, and other ways to reset
Preventing and treating chafing
Why Disneyland can feel hotter than the same temperature at home
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED
Favorite theme park heat essentials:Becca's favorite fan: https://amzn.to/4d0udui
Cooling Towels: https://amzn.to/4y5cFpa
Powder Sunscreen you can wear over makeup: https://amzn.to/4xZzrhD
 
Disneyland vacation packages and tickets through Get Away Today:https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk
Some links may be affiliate links. Using them does not cost you anything extra and helps support Castle Talk Radio.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Disneyland in a Heat Wave01:18 Who Was on Jessica’s Trip?01:43 Preparing for an Extreme Heat Forecast03:12 What to Pack for a Hot Disneyland Day03:52 Sunscreen and Reapplying Throughout the Day05:15 Hydration, Water & Electrolytes07:11 How the Heat Changed Their Park Strategy08:36 Using Indoor Attractions & Staying in One Area11:08 Conserve Energy and Watch for Dehydration12:50 Why Midday Hotel Breaks Matter13:51 Cool Showers, Fresh Clothes & Resetting14:35 Chafing and Other Heat-Related Comfort Issues14:59 Why Disneyland Heat Feels Different Than Heat at Home16:12 Wrap-Up & Get Away Today

Planning a Disneyland vacation in 2027? In this episode, Becca and Jessica explain why now may be the best time to start booking, why waiting until Black Friday could actually cost you more, and how booking early can help you lock in better prices and hotel availability.
They also compare real 2027 Disneyland vacation package pricing for Disney Resort hotels and nearby Good Neighbor hotels, including options for families traveling during January, February, and spring break. Plus, learn what happens if a better deal comes out after you book and how Get Away Today can help you save.
Book your Disneyland vacation through our partners at Get Away Today: getawaytoday.com/castletalk
Chapters0:00 Why You Should Start Planning Disneyland 2027 Now0:17 Welcome to Castle Talk Radio1:25 Why Waiting Until Black Friday Could Cost You More2:53 Current 2027 Disneyland Deals & Get Away Today3:39 Flexible Disneyland Tickets for 20274:39 Refunds, Peace of Mind & Booking Early5:21 Why Booking Early Gives You Better Hotel Options5:47 Disneyland Hotel Package Pricing for a Family of Five8:32 January 2027 Disneyland Vacation Pricing9:29 Hilton Garden Inn Garden Grove Package10:23 Element Anaheim & Courtyard Anaheim Pricing10:45 Disney vs. Off-Property Hotel Pricing11:40 Pixar Place Hotel & Club Level Pricing13:02 Traveling Around Holidays & Peak Dates13:46 How Much Can You Save Staying Off Property?15:01 Spring Break 2027 Disneyland Prices15:39 Knott’s Hotel Package Option16:05 Walking-Distance Disneyland Hotel Options16:45 Tropicana, Anaheim Hotel, Fairfield & Howard Johnson Pricing17:07 What If a Better Disneyland Deal Comes Out Later?17:27 How Get Away Today Handles New Discounts17:50 Final Advice for Booking Disneyland in 2027

Humans are finally being invited into Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
In this episode of Castle Talk Radio, Becca and Jessica explore the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land coming to Walt Disney World. Rather than simply recreating scenes from the movies, Disney is building an entire city where guests will visit as human tourists during H.U.M.A.N. Day.
We discuss:
• Why humans are now welcome in Monstropolis• What H.U.M.A.N. Day means• The suspended door-vault coaster and its first-of-its-kind vertical lift• Why the coaster will not be ready when parts of the land open in 2027• “Welcome to Monstropolis,” featuring a new song by Randy Newman• The Glob Theater show starring Mike and Sulley• Harryhausen’s Restaurant and its Audio-Animatronics sushi chef• Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza and the Monsters University Alumni Club• Shopping at the Scareporium• The bittersweet reality of Monstropolis replacing the former Muppets area• Why this could transform how families plan their Disney’s Hollywood Studios days
Monstropolis is shaping up to be much more than a new attraction. Disney is creating a city filled with restaurants, businesses, entertainment, hidden details, and plenty of reasons to slow down and explore.
Read the official announcement:https://disneyparksblog.com/wdw/monsters-inc-land-monstropolis-walt-disney-world/
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation? Save on tickets and vacation packages through our partners at Get Away Today:https://www.getawaytoday.com/castletalk
Subscribe to Castle Talk Radio so you don’t miss future Monstropolis updates as Disney reveals additional opening details.

Jessica talks to Becca about her Oogie Boogie Bash experience and the kick-off to Halloween Time. From the new street party, to the low crowds, they talk about what Halloween time looks like in 2026.
See Becca's Oogie Boogie Bash costume reveal: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcRwtrEykz-/
 
Want to visit Disneyland? Lock in the current pricing (plus our extra discount) for trips through 2027 at https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk
 

Let's chat about D23... and why it felt like a letdown to many. Book your vacation here and save: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk

Save on your vacation by booking through our partners here: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk
 
It is our final land in our 70th Solo Series where we deep dive into each land of Disneyland Park. Today we talk about Tomorrowland. The land that is most talked about every time people talk about what they want to happen at Disneyland. Be sure to check out the full series from this summer and tune in next week as Jessica covers D23 announcements.