Castle Talk Radio

Disneyland Planning - Start Here Part 2

Do you know the most frequently used Disneyland lingo? In this episode, we’ll discuss terms you need to know for your Disneyland vacation and how to use them in the parks. Take a listen to the latest Disneyland with Kids Podcast as we break down things like Rider Switch, Multi-Experience Pass and more. In this Episode – Start Here Part 2 In this episode, Jessica, from The Happiest Blog on Earth, and Julie, from Mom Rewritten, share some Disneyland lingo and helpful advice to get you through your first day at Disneyland. In this episode we cover:  Rope drop mobile order lightning lane Multi-experience Pass Rider Switch Pass You might also like: After listening to this episode of the podcast, you might also find these episodes and articles helpful: Start Here Guide Part One (Podcast Episode) Disney Genie+ (Podcast Episode) Disneyland Rider Switch (article on The Happiest Blog on Earth) Disneyland Rope Drop - How to Maximize the First Two Hours (article on Mom Rewritten)

Tips For Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival with Kids

Nothing says spring at Disneyland Resort like the return of Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. Tasting your way around California Adventure with the help of our tips will be a day the whole family, yes even the non-foodies, can enjoy. Check out everything to know, and the one questionable food item, before going to Food and Wine with Kids. The California Adventure Food and Wine Festival has become a staple for Spring Break visits to Disneyland. Yet, most families tend to go in to their spring visit with little knowledge about the event. Today we are breaking down our best tips, hacks, and more. Plus, what will the kids enjoy? The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Podcast Episode You NEED To Listen To Becca and Jessica headed down to California Adventure's Food and Wine Festival to taste, ride, and watch all the happenings of the event on opening week. And now they are here to break down the best foods, tips, and hacks for you. Plus they talk about what kids will enjoy about the festival. In This Episode In this episode, we cover it all. Here are just some of the highlights from this episode. A quick overview of the Food and Wine Festival Making a plan for your Food and Wine Festival Visit - Remember to get your printable food planner from Jessica Sip and Savor Card - How It Works Secret no line hack for buying your Sip and Savor Card Tips for skipping lines, ordering food, and picking it up Fun activities for kids at Food and Wine Festival Our top food picks The infamous PB&J Mac If you attend(ed) Food and Wine Festival, be sure to join our Disneyland with Kids Facebook group and weigh in on the different options. You Might Also Like: After listening to this episode, you might also like the following episodes and articles: Spring Break At Disneyland (Episode) Disneyland Date Night - Because Food and Wine Festival is the perfect date night. (Episode) What To Bring To Disneyland (Article) Food and Wine Festival Planning Guide (Article) Book Your Disneyland Vacation! Don't forget that our Disney Friends can lock in exclusive, low ticket rates plus free hotel nights and more when you book via our partners at Get Away Today. This discount is exclusive to our followers, and you must use our link, or mention the Disneyland with Kids ticket discount when you call on the phone.

Tips For Spring Break At Disneyland

Spring Break is on the horizon, and if you are planning to head to Disneyland, there is a lot to know. From expected crowd levels, to when to book your vacation, ride closures, and returning spectaculars, get all of the information and some special deals in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast. Spring Break At Disneyland with Kids If you are a member of the Disneyland with Kids Facebook group, you know Spring Break is a popular topic right now. (Side note - if you aren't a member come and join us!) From when will crowds be the worst, to some special ticket offers, guests are excited to have spring break at Disneyland for the first time in 3 years. In this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast we are sharing tips, info and more to help you with your Spring Break Vacation. Want more Spring Tips and fun Disney activities at home? Be sure to purchase and subscribe to the Disneyland with Kids Magazine! You can purchase just the spring issue, but we think you will want the full 2022 subscription. In This Episode We Discuss Spring Break at Disneyland Julie and Becca are breaking down Spring Break at Disneyland. From dates to crowds, returning spectaculars, and tips for having a great time, we cover it all. Here is what we discuss in this episode: When is Spring Break at Disneyland? What days are most crowded during Spring Break? When should you book your Spring Break Vacation? What is the weather like at Disneyland for Spring Break? What is our biggest tip for Spring Break at Disneyland with Kids? What are some other attractions to add to Spring Break in Southern California? Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Nighttime Spectaculars Returning And more Book your Spring Break Vacation and Save If you are ready to book your Spring Break Vacation at Disneyland, be sure to CLICK HERE to book via our partners. We have special ticket discounts and hotel rates available for our audience. After listening to this episode, you may also want to check out the following episodes and articles: Disney Genie+ (podcast episode) What's In Our Disney Park Bags (podcast episode) Your Start Here Guide To Planning A Disneyland Vacation (podcast episode) Top Hotel Picks for Disneyland with Kids (podcast episode) Complete Guide To Spring Break at Disneyland (article) Spring Break Attractions In Southern California (article)

Disneyland Date Night

Love is in the air. Time to ditch the kids and head out for a date night at Disneyland. In this episode of Disneyland with Kids we are giving our favorite date night ideas for you and your partner, but also giving you tips on how to score that kid-free time at the parks. Disneyland Date Night Ideas and Tips Yes, people go to Disneyland without Kids... and sometimes as parents, we forget how fun and romantic the Disneyland Resort can be. In honor of the month of love, we are sharing tips and ideas for a Disneyland Date Night. So grab your partner and listen to this episode together and dream of date nights to start planning. In This Episode - Disneyland Date Nights If you are wanting a date night at Disneyland, first thing we suggest is looking into Nanny-Land. Nanny-Land specializes in Disney vacations (on both coasts) and helping parents either in the parks or at the hotel. Use crown code DISNEYKIDS for an extra discount on your service. Still need tickets? Our partners at Get Away Today have a special rate available for our listeners and Facebook Group Members. This rate is only available via our specific link, and is available on all ticket types - even when you pre-purchase Diseny Genie+ In this episode: Show Notes In this episode, Julie, from Mom Rewritten, and Leslie, from Trips with Tykes, talk about how to have a date night at Disneyland and what options you might consider. From dinner and rides inside the park, to what to do if you do not have a park ticket, they have ideas for every couple. A variety of ideas to ensure the kids are taken care of at the hotel.  Using Nanny-Land options, both in and out of the theme park. Apply Crown Code: DISNEYKIDS for additional savings! Date night suggestions inside the Disneyland theme park, including best dining for adults, rides and special nighttime events. Additional grown-up date night ideas at Disney California Adventure. Which restaurants are best for a romantic dinner and how to tour seasonal festivals like Disney Food & Wine without the kids. Book Advance Dining Reservations for the perfect date night restaurants. We recommend using MouseDining to score these highly coveted reservations. Maximizing an evening out inside the Downtown Disney District. What adults can experience for a date night at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, including top restaurants and where to book a relaxing couples massage! Date night tips for a night at the Disneyland Hotel and the one major reason to book an on-site Disneyland Resort hotel with Get Away Today. Our thoughts on the most romantic things to do on a date night at Disneyland. Discussion on the release of the first issue of the Disneyland With Kid digital magazine. Would You Rather question and answer. You Might Also Enjoy After listening to this episode you might also enjoy the following podcast episodes and articles: Disneyland Date Night - Blue Bayou Review (article) Luxury Hotels near Disneyland (podcast episode) How to Eat at Disneyland Without Advance Dining Reservations (article) Disneyland With Kids fall meet up

Live from Disney Lunar New Year Celebration

Disneyland's Festival Season kicks off in 2022 with the return of the Disney Lunar New Year Celebration. The festival takes place from January 21 - February 13, 2022... and we are reporting live with tips, info, and a little bit of trivia. If you are planning a trip to Disneyland during the Lunar New Year Celebration, whether it is in 2022 or 2023, we are giving you tips, must-dos, and more. First - you can save on your Disneyland tickets by booking through our partner at Get Away Today. When you book via our specific link or mention Disneyland with Kids when booking by phone, you will lock in a special, even LOWER ticket price. Plus, if you book a hotel stay of 2 nights or more you can use code DisneyKids to save even more. Now... about this podcast episode... Note: This podcast was recorded live inside the parks. As such, the quality (specifically background noise) is not our usual standards. We still hope you enjoy this episode. Disney's Lunar New Year Celebration In this episode, Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, are meeting up to discuss their visit to Lunar New Year 2022. From the food to activities, to Super Bowl Sunday, and even some trivia, you will get a great overview of what to expect during this time. Get A Lunar New Year Recipe To Make at Home The Disneyland with Kids Digital Magazine Spring 2022 Issue is about to go live. In it, we have great tips for festival season, spring break, and... a Lunar New Year copycat recipe! You can subscribe to our magazine and use code FRIENDS to save $5 on an annual subscription. In This Episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast We are covering the Disney Lunar New Year Celebration as we ring in the Year of the Tiger at California Adventure. Here is what we talk about in this episode: Festival Season Returns to Disneyland Resort in 2022 What is the Lunar New Year Celebration Food from Lunar New Year Celebration Activities for non-foodies Tips to avoid long lines at the food booths Special character meet and greets New float for Lunar New Year Super Bowl Sunday offerings Crowds, weather, park hours and more Lunar New Year Trivia that Becca fails miserably Now that you have listened to this episode, here are some other articles and episodes you may like to check out: Disneyland in 2022 (podcast episode) Food & Wine Festival (2020 pre-closure podcast episode) Guide to Disney Lunar New Year 2022 (article) Disneyland Monthly Guides (articles)

Coming To Disneyland in 2022

2022 looks to be a promissing year at Disneyland Resort. If you are wondering what you can look forward to when visiting Disneyland this year, the answer is... A LOT! From returning favorites, to new technology, and lands being overhauled. We talk about it all in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast. What To Look Forward To At Disneyland in 2022 It seems hard to believe that it has been less than a full year since Disneyland reopened after a lengthy 14-month closure, but it is true. As we head into the first full calendar year since the reopening, we have a lot of exciting announcements already revealed for Disneyland. (Photo Courtesy of Disneyland Resort) Disneyland is finally getting new technology that Walt Disney World has had for a while, Nighttime Spectaculars are returning, Festival Season is back. It all feels so full of hope! So take a listen to what you can expect at Disneyland this year. One super exciting announcement for 2022 is the all-new Disneyland with Kids Digital Magazine. The quarterly magazine will feature park planning tips, Disney activities, and so much more. And... our podcast listeners can save $5 off the Annual Subscription with code podcast. In This Episode: 2022 - The Comeback Year? In this episode Julie, from Mom Rewritten, and Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, talk about everything new and returning to Disneyland in 2022. Is this the comeback year? Maybe. Take a listen and decide. In This Episode: Show Notes Upcoming launch of the Disneyland with Kids Digital Magazine Disney Lunar New Year including a new character coming to the event in 2022 Details of the upcoming Disney California Food & Wine Festival  Three nighttime special ticketed events in early 2022 MagicBands coming to Disneyland, including speculation on what they might offer. Disney Genie+ and what you need to know before you buy it. Returning shows include Fantasmic!, World of Color, Disneyland Forever fireworks, and the one that won’t go away, the Main Street Electrical Parade! Must-know changes to the popular return of the Southern California Resident ticket deal. Purchase tickets through our partner Get Away Today and upgrade to a Magic Key. Toontown reimagining including details on when it’s closing for renovations (hint: very soon!) Resort updates including Downtown Disney District and new tower at the Disneyland Hotel. The fan club D23 Expo returns to Anaheim in September 2022.  Disneyland With Kids fall meet up details. You Might Also Enjoy After listening to this episode you might also enjoy the following podcast episodes and articles: Disney California Lunar New Year (article) Disney California Food & Wine Festival (article) Disneyland is Getting MagicBand+ (article) Everything to Know About Disney Genie+ (podcast episode) What’s New, Returning and Coming to Disneyland? (article)

Is Disney Genie Magic at Disneyland?

Disneyland has released the Genie! Touted as the "next generation, new and improved, MaxPass" Disney Genie isn't a complete success. Our experts weigh in on what they liked about the Genie, what parts are in need of improvement, and if it is worth the paid upgrades.  On December 8, 2021, Disneyland released it's new service to help guests tour the parks more efficiently, skip the standby lines, and save time at Disneyland. While the first day was met with technical difficulties, by December 10th, the system was running pretty smooth. Our two experts and co-hosts were in the park December 10 - 11, 2021 to test it out, and they are sharing what they liked, some helpful tips, and ways they think the system needs to be improved. Plus, how many rides did they really get done utilizing Disney Genie+? Everything To Know About Disney Genie+ In this episode of the podcast, we cover our experiences utilizing Disney Genie, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane at Disneyland Resort. Before listening to this episode, you may want to check out our Disney Genie Preview, which gives a general overview of the system before it was released. Did you know that you can pre-purchase Disney Genie+ on your park ticket? Not only that but you can still save money when you use our link and special discounts through our ticket partners at Get Away Today. Not sure if you want to commit to Genie+ yet? We cover this in our podcast today. In This Episode: Disney Genie at Disneyland Resort - Real World Test In this episode, Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Leslie, from Trips with Tykes, talk about their experiences utilizing Disney Genie, Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes at Disneyland Resort. Both of us were in the parks, using these services, but with different touring styles, so that we could report back to you about how it worked out in different touring scenarios. In this episode we cover: A brief recap of Disney Genie, Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes (for more details be sure to check out the preview episode) What strategy we planned to use for our days in the parks Our thoughts with the Disney Genie interface within the Disneyland App Is Disney Genie (the free tool) as worthless as social media says Problems Disney needs to fix on the Disney Genie interface Becca's biggest pet peeve about the system - seriously, this is an easy fix Disney Paid Disney Genie+ to access Lightning Lanes Can you ride all Genie+ rides in one day How to utilize this with families Our strategies and tips for making the most out of Genie+ A secret hack to get multi-experience passes The issue with rides breaking down (though it does seem other people are saying this issue is now under control this week) Individual Lightning Lanes - Are they worth the cost What FREE option might be a better bet on some rides The Debate: Becca and Leslie discuss if Genie+ is worth the extra cost Our final ride count using the system Not going to lie, this episode is a long one and covers a TON of information so you may want to download it to your device for easy access again and again. The real test of Genie+ will be over the holiday break, and you can bet we will be keeping an eye on it, and Jessica will be in park to test it out, so we will update you when we come back in January. Which, this is the last episode until after the New Year, so have a wonderful holiday season and we will see you in 2022! Disney Genie Questions Answered (article) What Disneyland Got Wrong (and Right) About Disney Genie (coming article, link will be added soon) Disney Genie Preview (podcast episode) Planning a Disneyland Vacation? Start Here (podcast episode)

Disneyland Tips From A Mom of Two (Kayla’s Trip Report)

If you are heading to Disneyland, you might be wondering what to expect, where to stay, and how to plan for the trip. While listening to Disneyland experts is a great start, sometimes you want to hear from someone just like you. Someone that goes to the parks, but doesn't study them constantly. What do they wish they had known? What did they love? Today, we talk with Kayla about just this. Kayla, a moderator in the Disneyland with Kids group, is sharing her recent trip. While Kayla has visited in the past, this was her first trip as a family of four, and her first trip back since the reopening of Disneyland Park. She has a lot of great tips and reminders for those planning their vacation. Before checking out the episode, we are excited to share with you the Disneyland with Kids Digital Magazine, coming in 2022. We currently have an introductory price on annual subscriptions available. PLUS you will get a free Mini Issue as a signup bonus.  Tips for Disneyland with Kids Every Parent Should Hear On today's podcast, Becca from This Crazy Adventure Called Life interviews Kayla, one of the moderators of the Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group about her recent vacation at Disneyland. Kayla drops some great tips for those planning a vacation. Kayla is the mom of 2, with a 7-year-old and almost-3-year-old. She recently took her first vacation since the reopening of Disneyland, and the first time with both of her kids. She talks about where she chose to stay, how many days she went to Disneyland, what she wished she had known, and what she loved that surprised her. In This Episode Of Disneyland with Kids Podcast In this episode we cover:  Kayla's experience rebooking her trip Why she chose to switch hotels last minute Would she stay at this hotel again Walking to the park, versus taking the ART What she wish she had known before this trip Why she was a bit disappointed about the food How Kayla scored her dining reservations (hint: Mouse Dining) What surprised Kayla about this trip How many days did Kayla go, and was it the right amount of days Kayla's tip for parents planning a Disneyland vacation Be Sure To Also Check Out After you finish listening to this episode, you may also want to check out: Luxury Hotels Near Disneyland (podcast episode) Planning a Disneyland Vacation? Start Here! (podcast episode) Best Rides for Toddlers at Disneyland (article) Disneyland Area Hotels for Large Families (article)

Luxury Hotels Near Disneyland

Looking for luxury accommodations for your Disneyland Vacation? The luxury options for your Anaheim vacation have more than doubled in recent years. While budget and moderate hotels are still the norm, several luxury, four-diamond options are now available for those looking for high-end accommodations. Today we are breaking down the 5 AAA four-diamond hotel options within the Disneyland Resort Area.  Photo: Becca Robins, A King Room at Westin Anaheim Luxury Hotels At Great Prices Before we dive into this episode, we wanted to touch on getting a deal on your luxury hotel. While these hotels are higher-end, that doesn't mean you won't be able to find a great deal. Our partners at Get Away Today have locked in some amazing rates at the hotels we mention in this podcast episode. You can combine these hotel deals with our special discount on Disneyland tickets for the ultimate savings. Plus don't forget to use code DisneyKids to save even more when you stay two nights or more. Luxury Hotels For Disneyland Vacations In this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast, we are covering the 5 luxury hotels (with a AAA 4 diamond rating) in the Disneyland Resort area. Which of these hotels does not offer a hot tub? Which one can you hear the sounds of the park from? And which one has Storm Troopers in the halls? Take a listen to this week's episode to find out. In This Episode In this episode, Leslie and Jessica discuss the luxury hotels in the Disneyland area. Between the two of them they have stayed at 4 of the hotels, and toured all of them. Leslie brings her experience with luxury travel to the conversation to compare rates, amenities, and more, while Jessica uses her extensive Disneyland lodging experiences, and rooftop bar visits to help you decide which hotel is right for you and your family. Some of the highlights from this episode include: A brief overview of the 5 luxury hotels A refresher of where to listen for more information on the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel Jessica's recent stay at the JW Marriott Anaheim What your kids might break at the JW Marriott What the JW Marriott is missing Location information Leslie's recent stay at the Radisson Blu Why the Radisson Blu is the luxury option for larger families Is the Radisson Blu walking distance Jessica and Leslie discuss the Westin and Jessica's recent tour Plus: Pricing, location, dining, and more on all five luxury hotels If you are interested in Disneyland area hotels, you will love that we plan to feature hotel highlights in the all-new Disneyland with Kids Digital Magazine. Be sure to check out our subscription specials and more. After Listening, Also Check Out After you finish listening to this episode, be sure to check out these great articles and podcast episodes: Grand Californian (Podcast Episode) Disneyland Hotel (Podcast Episode) Comparing the Grand Californian and Disneyland Hotel (Article) Meet the co-hosts and founders of Disneyland with Kids February 2020 Photo by A&C Photography, From left to right: Jessica Sanders, Becca Robins, Leslie Harvey, Julie Bigboy Disneyland with Kids is an online community of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and more... who help each other plan trips to Disneyland with the littlest Mouseketeers. Disneyland with Kids was founded by four Disneyland experts and travel writers, who all happen to be moms. Each of them gives expert advice on their own sites, this podcast, and in the Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group. Be sure to check out each of our co-founders' sites and social media channels: Leslie- Trips with Tykes Follow Leslie on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Becca - This Crazy Adventure Called Life Follow Becca on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook Jessica - The Happiest Blog On Earth Follow Jessica on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Julie - Mom Rewritten Follow Julie on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Disneyland Holiday Preview 2021

Heading to Disneyland for the Holidays this year? Check out what is returning, what is new, and get some tips to make the most out of your time at The Merriest Place On Earth. Disneyland Holidays 2021 - What's Returning and What Is New Disneyland Holidays are back. The Holidays begin at Disneyland on November 12, 2021, and we couldn't be more excited. Old favorites return, and new experiences await. We are breaking down everything that is going on in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast. In this episode, Jessica, from The Happiest Blog on Earth, and Julie, from Mom Rewritten, are sharing everything we know so far about the holidays in 2021. Jessica and Julie talk about everything we know, and some ways your trip might be different this season at Disneyland Resort. Before we get to the show notes, just a reminder that now is a great time to book your holiday and 2022 vacations. Get discount tickets, free hotel nights and more when you book via our partners at Get Away Today. Use code DisneyKids to save even more on hotel stays of 2 nights or more. BOOK HERE. In This Episode Two major changes to your holiday visit Holiday decor and overlays Live entertainment and parades Holiday in parks meet up Festival of Holidays and seasonal food You Might Also Like After listening to this episode you might also be interested in the following podcast episodes and articles. Disney Genie Preview (podcast episode) Holidays at Disneyland (2019 podcast episode) Holidays at Disneyland 2021 - Visiting Tips for Busy Days (article on Mom Rewritten) Merries Nites - A Disneyland Holiday Party (article on The Happiest Blog on Earth)