Castle Talk Radio

Disney Genie Preview

We are all missing Fastpass and MaxPass, but don't worry, Disney has announced the newest version of in-park planning help and line cutting systems... Disney Genie. In this episode, we are breaking down everything we know about Disney Genie, Disney Genie+, Lightning Lanes, and pay-per-ride Fastpass? Will Disney Genie be a hit or a flop for families planning Disneyland vacations? How will this affect your park plan? Take a listen to the latest Disneyland with Kids Podcast as we break down what we know, and what we think we might see with the new Disney Genie, coming this fall. In this Episode - What To Know About Disney Genie Now In this episode, Leslie, from Trips with Tykes, and Julie, from Mom Rewritten, are breaking down everything we know so far about Disney Genie - a new planning tool, line access system, and more coming to Disneyland (and Walt Disney World) Fall 2021. Leslie and Julie talk about everything we know, and some educated guesses on what we might see when this new offering rolls out to Disneyland guests later this season. In this episode we cover: Fastpass and MaxPass - Goodbye dear friends What is Disney Genie - a free planning tool Disney Genie+ - A replacement for MaxPass What is a Lightning Lane How many attractions will have Lightning Lane Access through Disney Genie+ Paid a la carte Lightning Lane attractions Estimated pricing for the a la carte options How will this affect families on a budget Disney Genie release and Virtual Queues Questions we still have about the Disney Genie system Just an hour after this episode was recorded, OC Register published an article stating the a la carte Lightning Lane options will be called Lightning Lane Select. After listening to this episode of the podcast, you might also find these episodes and articles helpful: Disney Genie+ - Your Questions Answered (article on Trips with Tykes) Things To Do While Waiting In Line (article on Mom Rewritten) The Disneyland App (Podcast Episode) Avengers Campus (Podcast Episode that talks about virtual queues)

Disneyland - Please Bring These Things Back (S3 Ep1)

Disneyland has a changed a lot over the years, but it seems announcements about upcoming changes are coming faster than ever. At the same time, we still have plenty of experiences that have yet to return to the parks. It is a strange time, and we are reflecting on favorites and what we want Disneyland to bring back. It is season 3 of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast and we are kicking it off with our season opener, recorded in Disneyland in the Wine Country Trattoria area. So sit back, listen in, and enjoy the background sounds of the park. In this Episode - What we love and what we miss In this episode, Becca, Jessica, Julie and Leslie gather together after a busy day of exploring Halloween Time at Disneyland. We take a moment to reflect as it was our first time with all four of us IN the parks together since the reopening. We play a somewhat rapid fire pick 3, so play along with us. What are our top 3 food picks? Which attractions are the most underrated that people should be sure not to miss? What 3 things do we want Disneyland to please bring back! After listening to this episode, you might also like these episodes of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast: Best Disneyland Souvenirs Best and Worst Disneyland Foods Top Hotel Picks for Disneyland with Kids Disney's Aulani after Reopening

Magic Key - Secret Ways to Save and More

Information about Disneyland's new Annual Pass program - Magic Key - has been released. What will the cost be, are there blackout dates, and what about payment arrangements? Get all the answers from this episode of the Disneyland with Kids podcast. Disneyland's New Magic Key Pass Disneyland's Magic Key Pass will go on sale on August 25, 2021. Before you wait in what will probably be a multi-hour virtual queue to purchase your Magic Key, be sure to listen to this episode. We have secret ways to save, plus reasons why you might want to wait to purchase that pass. In This Episode - Magic Key Details In this episode of the Disneyland with Kids podcast, Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, went live, minutes after the details were released about Disneyland's Magic Key Pass, the new annual pass program. We have turned the first part of that live stream into a podcast for our listeners. Before we get into the show notes, one of our tips involves purchase tickets through our partners at Get Away Today. Did you know that Disneyland with Kids members have an exclusive discount? Be sure to book via our link, plus use code DisneyKids to save an additional $10 on hotel bookings of 2 nights or more. What We Cover In Our Magic Key Episode: We break down the 4 different Magic Key Pass options, their perks, costs, and yes, payment plans General info on black out dates Why the top key doesn't say "no blackout dates" even though there are none When will Magic Keys go on sale (hint: August 25th) Special Gift for those purchasing the first 66 days Magical Extras during September Why you should buy a park ticket now, and your Magic Key later Secret ways to save on your Magic Key Which Magic Key will we be getting Note: We have confirmed that the California Resident Tickets cannot be upgraded to Annual Passes You Might Also Like After finishing this episode you may also like: Top Hotel Picks for Disneyland With Kids (podcast episode) Best and Worst Disneyland Souvenirs (podcast episode) Best and Worst Disneyland Foods (podcast episode) Disneyland New Magic Key Pass Details (article) How to make Disneyland Reservations (article)

Stay Cool at Disneyland with Kids

It is heating up and Disneyland is welcoming back guests. Thinking a Disneyland vacation sounds good right now but not sure about the heat? We have tips to help you stay cool while visiting Disneyland with Kids in this episode of the podcast.

Masks and Social Distancing Removed at Disneyland (S2 Ep 24)

On June 15, 2021, Disneyland opened to out-of-state guests. With California's State Restrictions lifted, Disneyland quickly removed mask mandates and social distancing requirements. What are the parks like now that those are gone? And what else must guests planning a summer vacation to Disneyland know before visiting the parks? From what restrictions are in place, to grabbing a virtual queue boarding group, Disneyland tried to return to a "mostly normal" operation, but what was it really like? Becca and Leslie weigh in on how Disneyland is doing and if they think now is a good time to visit the parks. Disneyland Continues To Move Forward After Restrictions Lifted Before we get into this episode's show notes, we want to make sure that our listeners are prepared for their Disneyland vacation. Disneyland is requiring reservations to enter the parks. We suggest purchasing your tickets through our partners at Get Away Today (we have negotiated an exclusive low rate for our Disneyland with Kids members on park tickets) and then making your park reservations ASAP! You can book reservations up to 120 days in advance. In addition, you can also get great hotel deals, free nights, and discounted or free hotel parking, among other perks. Use code DisneyKids to save on hotel bookings of 2 nights or more. In This Episode In this episode of the podcast, Becca, from this Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Leslie, from Trips with Tykes, talk about the changes at Disneyland on June 15, 2021. Both of them were in the parks that week. From Leslie being their June 14th (the last day of restrictions) to June 16th, and Becca being there June 15 - 18th, they compare notes of their experiences and tell you what to be prepared for if you plan on visiting the parks soon. Here is what we cover in this episode of the podcast: California removes all restrictions and out-of-state guests are welcomed back to Disneyland The ever-changing experience of getting through security and into the Disneyland Resort area... what is the best way to enter and more Masks - Disneyland ditches masks with less than 24-hour notice, but some people still need to wear them (note: all guests must continue to mask on shuttles, monorail, etc) What percentage of people still masked What about the children and masks As we tired of talking about the pandemic, we moved on to talking about Virtual Queues and how they have changed Disneyland vacations (be sure to check out Leslie's article on Obtaining a Virtual Queue after you finish this episode) What were the crowds like and is it worth it to visit Disneyland right now After listening to this episode, you might also find these articles and past episodes helpful in planning your Disneyland visit: Avengers Campus (episode) Top Hotel Picks for Disneyland with Kids (episode) Best and Worst Disneyland Souvenirs (episode) How to Get Disneyland Park Reservations (article with video instructions) Discount Disney Gift Cards (article) Disneyland in July 2021 (article- guest guide)

Avengers Campus Disneyland with Kids (S 2 Ep 23)

On June 4, 2021 Avengers Campus opened at California Adventure Park at the Disneyland Resort. This much awaited "Marvel Land" brings super heroes from the MCU along with other nods to the popular franchise. But you can't just stroll into a top secret super hero training facility... That is why we are breaking down everything you should know about Avengers Campus if you plan to visit Disneyland this summer. From how to join the virtual queue, to mobile ordering, and beyond... we talk about it all. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort) Visiting Avengers Campus - Tips You Need To Know In this episode of the Disneyland with Kids podcast, Julie, from Mom Rewritten, and Leslie, from Trips with Tykes, talk about previewing Avengers Campus and Julie's experience attending as a regular guests on opening day. This episode is chock-full of great tips and info, so you will want to be sure to download and listen to it a couple of times before visiting. Ready for a Super Hero Vacation? Before we get to the show notes, just a reminder that if you are ready for a visit to Disneyland you can book through our partners at Get Away Today for our super discount. In this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast, we are giving you the most up to date information (as of June 9, 2021) on Avengers Campus. From how to get into the land, to how to eat some giant food, we are giving our best tips. We will talk about: How to get into Avengers Campus - Virtual Queues and Standby The new WEB SLINGERS attraction Why this is the time to ride Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! Food in Avengers Campus Mobile Ordering and Walk-up ordering - why you may not get to eat at Pym Test Kitchen Merchandise in Avengers Campus Character interactions in Avengers Campus and why you can see all your favorites Can you ride both WEB SLINGERS and Rise of the Resistance in the same day In this episode, Leslie references Becca's flow chart to figure out the virtual queue systems. Here is a copy of that flow chart. Be sure to visit Becca's site as a thank you for taking the time to create this.

Disneyland to Welcome Out of State Guests

Disneyland reopened to guests on April 30, 2021 after a 412 day closure... with one catch. Only California Residents could visit the parks. Finally, Disneyland has announced when they will be able to welcome back out-of-state guests. Plus, updates to the reservation system and more in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast. It is the day many of us, including 2 of our co-hosts, have been waiting for. Disneyland has finally announced when out-of-state guests may return to the parks. Before we begin, a reminder that our partners at Get Away Today have given our Disneyland with Kids members an exclusive discount on multi-day Disneyland tickets. You can get your tickets now and start booking your park reservations! Disneyland Announces Out-of-State Guests May Return mid-June In today's episode of the Disneyland with Kids podcast, Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, discuss Disneyland's announcement that out-of-state guests may return to the park, the change in how far in advance you can book your Disneyland Park Reservations, and will vaccines be required? In This Episode Disneyland announced the date out-of-state guests may return to the parks. June 15th can't come fast enough. Park reservations are now open 120 days in advance. When can out-of-state guests start making their reservations? Will vaccines or negative tests be required to visit Disneyland? Will face masks be required? Temperature checks are being dropped. Will Disneyland go to 100% capacity? Plus we answer some questions from our audience during the livestream. During this episode, we also talk about Disneyland Park capacity numbers. We also talk about how to make Disneyland Park Reservations. Ready to Book Your Disneyland Vacation? Be sure to book your vacation ASAP if you hope to go this summer. We think dates will start to fill up soon. Remember that in addition to our exclusive ticket discounts, Get Away Today has hotel deals and you can save even more on stays of 2 nights or more with code DisneyKids. Why you need the Disneyland App (podcast episode) Disneyland Reopening Day Recap (podcast episode) Avengers Campus Guide (article) Still have tickets from pre-Covid? Check if they are still valid (article)

Tips for Disneyland Summer 2021

If you are hoping to visit Disneyland in Summer 2021, it is going to look a lot different than the Disneyland of summers past. We are giving you the top tips and need-to-know info to plan a successful and magical Disneyland vacation as the parks continue their phased reopening. Disneyland Tips for Summer 2021 Vacations Gone are the days of a last-minute trip to Disneyland for summer vacation. Summer 2021 will require a lot more planning if you are heading to The Happiest Place On Earth. From who is allowed in the parks, to making reservations, lines, and characters, to mobile ordering. We have the best tips to help you enjoy some time at the parks as Disneyland continues a phased reopening. Before we get into this episode's content, just a reminder that we have negotiated a super-secret discounted rate on Disneyland tickets for our audience. CLICK HERE to book your vacation, and remember to use code DisneyKids if you book a hotel of two nights or more for even more savings. In this episode, Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Julie, from Mom Rewritten, are talking about their best tips for visiting Disneyland in Summer 2021. Of course, hours after we recorded this episode (the day before publishing) the guidelines changed so be sure to read below to get the updated information as well. In this episode we cover: Changes we have already seen from the parks reopening on April 30, 2021 to now... hint it has to do with crowds Who can go to the Disneyland Resort Disneyland Theme Park Reservations - How early do you need to make them and more What time to arrive at the parks and other reopening details you will want to take note of Where to Park at Disneyland The importance of the Disneyland App Virtual Queues - Changes and new rides utilizing this queuing option Where to take a break at Disneyland Mobile ordering and one extremely important tip if you hope to eat at the parks And many more insider tips Changes After This Episode Less than 2 hours after we finished recording this episode, Orange County was moved into the Yellow, least restrictive tier of California's Reopening Blueprint. This allows Disneyland to increase to a maximum 35% capacity and move to a 50% capacity for indoor dining. At this time, only California Residents are permitted to visit the parks. California hopes to fully reopen, with minimal mitigation efforts, beginning June 15, 2021 so be sure to join the Disneyland with Kids group (or sign up for our Newsletter) to stay up to date on all the information. Rise of the Resistance Episode Disneyland App Episode Magic Returns Episode (from reopening day) Characters at Disneyland Upon Reopening (article) Mom's Disney Packing List (article)

Disneyland Reopening - Magic Returns (S2 Ep20)

Disneyland and California Adventure Park reopened to guests on April 30, 2021, after more than 400 days closed due to the pandemic. The Disneyland with Kids co-founders were at the reopening, and two of them were able to go into the parks. What are our biggest tips for attending Disneyland right now? Find out in this episode which we have aptly titled... Magic Returns. Disneyland with Kids - the Magic Returns Disneyland park reopened on April 30, 2021, to California Residents. With reduced capacity, hiatus of services like MaxPass, mask mandates, and more... it is a different Disneyland than we remember. But the magic is still there. What was it like to walk down Main Street? Were the characters plentiful? How was wearing a mask all day? Find out in this episode. For those interested, we will add a transcript for this episode as soon as possible. In this episode, all four co-founders are talking about the reopening of Disneyland. We start with Leslie and Julie in Disneyland, where you can hear the sounds of Main Street USA. Later that night, all four of us gathered in a hotel room, recording onto a phone, as we dissect everything from that day. This episode is a little different than what you may be used to. It is more raw, and almost a behind-the-scenes of how the four of us discuss Disneyland topics when researching and writing articles. We think you will enjoy it. In This Episode - Disneyland Opens and Magic Returns In this episode we cover: What did it feel like to walk back into Disneyland (crying is totally allowed) What are our biggest tips for those planning a Disneyland vacation (hint, join the Disneyland with Kids group on Facebook) How were the crowds What were the lines like Dining and mobile ordering How much did they use their phones Masks - can you ever take them off Dining Reservations - should you make some The new rides at Disneyland Other tips for visiting Disneyland as it reopens to guests As a side note, in the episode we asked Julie and Leslie how many rides they were able to go on. They counted after the episode and belive it was 14. Keep in mind, the hours were shortened (9-7) and they also had to do research, etc for their sites and sites they freelance for. Had they been there as a regular guest, they both think they could have ridden 25+ rides. Note: All co-founders of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast are fully vaccinated. Ready To Get Back To Disneyland? If you are hoping to head to Disneyland in 2021, whether right now as a California Resident, or as someone hoping to go once those not living in California are allowed to attend, our partners at Get Away Today can help. Now is the perfect time to book your hotel, before they fill up and prices go up. Plus if you purchase your tickets now, you will be ready to make all your park reservations once they are available. Book through our partners and save even more with our exclusive discounts on tickets, and use code DisneyKids to save even more on hotel stays of 2 nights or more. Disneyland with Kids - Magic Returns (Guide to all the important info) Why You Need The Disneyland App (Podcast Episode) What is Open at Disneyland for Dining (Article) How to Get Disneyland Reservations (Article) Tips for Disneyland After the Reopening (Article) Ticket Expiration Date Info (Article)

Top Hotel Picks For Disneyland with Kids (S2 Ep19)

One of the biggest decisions when planning a Disneyland vacation is where to stay. From onsite to nearby hotels, budget to luxury, there is no shortage of options. But what happens when a family cannot fit in a standard 4 person room? Today, we are not only talking about our top hotel picks for Disneyland with Kids vacations, but really focusing in on those that can sleep anywhere from five people on up.  Photo credit: Becca Robins A little extra fun in this episode: Becca tells the story of how someone recognized her in the bathroom and Jessica sneaks in some secret phrases. Best Hotels for Disneyland with Kids Vacations As Disneyland Reopens, we know that many families are beginning to plan their vacations. Whether you are heading there now as a California resident, or booking a vacation for later this year, adding on a hotel booking is a great way to make your Disneyland visit a full vacation. Booking Your Disneyland Vacation Hotel Remember that most, if not all of the hotels we mention in this episode are able to be booked via our partners at Get Away Today. Not only that, but you can save an extra $10 on their already great prices when you use code DisneyKids on hotel stays of two nights or more. And of course, we also have our special discount on Disneyland tickets, only available via our group's link, so be sure to check that out while you are on their site. In This Episode: Our Favorite Disneyland Area Hotels For Families For the hard of hearing, we will have a transcript available here in the near future. Disneyland with Kids Top Hotel Picks - Show Notes In this episode, Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, are talking about Disneyland area hotels for families, with a focus on those that can sleep five or more. We cover several different categories, so you will almost be sure to get a suggestion that is great for your family. From budget options to best pools, we are covering our favorites. Here is what we cover in this episode: Traveling again - are we ready Hotels and the dreaded "exceeds maximum occupancy" message Best hotels in the Disneyland area - our favorites Best hotels for families based on the pools Best hotels with full suites for families visiting Disneyland Becca constantly professes her love the Courtyard Anaheim Theme Park Entrance Jessica can't help but talk about the Pizza Press, part of the reason she loves The Anaheim Hotel Where would we stay if money was not an issue Jessica sneaks in some Disney phrases - how many did you hear Becca tells an embarrassing story of being recognized in a bathroom at Disneyland After listening to this episode you might also like: How many days do you need at Disneyland (podcast episode) New hotels coming to the Disneyland Area (article on Disneyland with Kids Site) Becca's YouTube Channel with Room Tours and Disneyland Tips Jessica's Facebook Video List with Walking to Disneyland Ultimate List of Disneyland Area Hotels for Large Families (article) Disneyland Area Hotels with Free Breakfast (article) Ready to book your vacation? Remember, our partners at Get Away Today are here and ready to help you book your Disneyland vacation. You can call them at 855-GET-AWAY or book online. Be sure if you call in to mention Disneyland with Kids to get our special discounts.