Disneyland With Kids Podcast

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 Changing 01:17 What's Coming to Carousel of Progress 01:52 Why the Attraction's History Matters 02:15 The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair 02:46 The Sherman Brothers and That Famous Song 03:18 From the World's Fair to Disneyland 04:06 Carousel of Progress Comes to Walt Disney World 04:43 Why Disney Is Updating the Attraction Now 05:37 Meet the New Carousel Family 06:46 Act One: The 1960s 08:16 Act Two: Halloween Night in 1985 09:30 Act Three: New Year's Eve 1999 10:55 Act Four: A Possible Future 11:51 Imagineering Inspiration for the New Finale 13:18 Honoring the Past While Building the Future 14:53 What Does Progress Look Like Now? 15:53 When the New Carousel of Progress Debuts 16:19 Walt Disney Is Joining the Attraction 16:44 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 Wave 01:18 Who Was on Jessica's Trip? 01:43 Preparing for an Extreme Heat Forecast 03:12 What to Pack for a Hot Disneyland Day 03:52 Sunscreen and Reapplying Throughout the Day 05:15 Hydration, Water & Electrolytes 07:11 How the Heat Changed Their Park Strategy 08:36 Using Indoor Attractions & Staying in One Area 11:08 Conserve Energy and Watch for Dehydration 12:50 Why Midday Hotel Breaks Matter 13:51 Cool Showers, Fresh Clothes & Resetting 14:35 Chafing and Other Heat-Related Comfort Issues 14:59 Why Disneyland Heat Feels Different Than Heat at Home 16:12 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 Chapters 0:00 Why You Should Start Planning Disneyland 2027 Now 0:17 Welcome to Castle Talk Radio 1:25 Why Waiting Until Black Friday Could Cost You More 2:53 Current 2027 Disneyland Deals & Get Away Today 3:39 Flexible Disneyland Tickets for 2027 4:39 Refunds, Peace of Mind & Booking Early 5:21 Why Booking Early Gives You Better Hotel Options 5:47 Disneyland Hotel Package Pricing for a Family of Five 8:32 January 2027 Disneyland Vacation Pricing 9:29 Hilton Garden Inn Garden Grove Package 10:23 Element Anaheim & Courtyard Anaheim Pricing 10:45 Disney vs. Off-Property Hotel Pricing 11:40 Pixar Place Hotel & Club Level Pricing 13:02 Traveling Around Holidays & Peak Dates 13:46 How Much Can You Save Staying Off Property? 15:01 Spring Break 2027 Disneyland Prices 15:39 Knott's Hotel Package Option 16:05 Walking-Distance Disneyland Hotel Options 16:45 Tropicana, Anaheim Hotel, Fairfield & Howard Johnson Pricing 17:07 What If a Better Disneyland Deal Comes Out Later? 17:27 How Get Away Today Handles New Discounts 17:50 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.

Book your Disneyland vacation and save by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk   In this episode, Jessica takes you through Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, one of the biggest expansions of Disneyland Resort in recent history. She talks about the atmosphere, how the land has changed, the rides, the dining, and so much more!

Save on your Disneyland vacations by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk   Join us as we explore New Orleans Square in our land by land deep dive into Disneyland in celebration of the 70th Anniversary.

Save on your Disneyland vacations by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk (We are affiliates and may earn money when you book) This week we deep dive into Main Street USA in Disneyland. From how Walt's childhood hometown inspired it to the secrets hidden above eye level, we cover some of the best things about Main Street USA and some of the hidden details you may have missed.

Save on your Disneyland vacation by booking here: https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=9156   This week, Jessica deep dives into Mickey's Toontown as we continue our deep dives into the iconic Disneyland lands. 

Book these hotels and more at https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk Today we are sharing some of the best hotels that have access to the free shuttle service at Disneyland's Toy Story Lot. These hotels also happen to be fairly close to the Anaheim Convention Center - where much of D23 is held.   

Book your vacation here: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk Today we are exploring Frontierland. Jessica shares some hidden details, a re-gifted item, and why Frontierland is more than just Big Thunder Mountain.

Get all of my Disneyland Resort Rope Drop Strategies: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/720337/160288680833975828/share   Today we are walking through Fantasyland at Disneyland, sharing the rides, eats, and little details that make this the heart of Disneyland Park.    Save on Disneyland vacations by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk  

We paid for Disneyland's most expensive character dining - Disney Princess Breakfast Adventure. We are sharing about everything from the characters, to the food, and the small details that made it feel like you were royalty.  Want a visual look at the experience? Becca has a full youtube video here: https://youtu.be/5hfGPwuad5A Book your Disneyland vacation with our partners and save by visiting Get Away Today  

In this episode we discuss everything new and returning this summer. Plus we talk about the amazing ticket deal you can get at our partners with Get Away Today.

Book your Disneyland vacations and save at https://www.getawaytoday.com/?referrerid=9156   This week we are exploring Bayou Country, with hidden details, tips and a little history! 

Today we explore Adventureland in Disneyland park. Hidden details, history behind different attractions, and ride guides.  Book your vacations by visiting our partners at Get Away Today 

To save on your next vacation visit https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk Today we are exploring the differences when staying offsite vs onsite at Walt Disney World Resort. Unlike Disneyland, this decision will make a huge difference in how your vacation plays out.  Becca has done both, and contrasts the experience staying offsite and onsite, shares who each option is best for, and what guests should consider when making this decision.

This week we are back with Ashley talking about her trip to Orlando where she picked only 2 Disney World and 1 Universal park to visit during their family vacation.    Remember the best way to save on your theme park vacations is by visiting our partners at Get Away Today. 

Ashley recently went to Walt Disney World. She was able to get flights from California to Orlando for FREE (other than taxes). She also used points to get a FREE hotel stay! Listen in on today's episode for more information. Combining points travel with discounted tickets from our partners at https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk makes for an affordable vacation.

Save on Disneyland vacations by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk    

Today we are sharing about the Women Who Make The Magic Guided Tour at Disneyland. This is a limited time tour but we hope it is extended. We also talk about what to expect with all guided tours at Disneyland Resort.    View a full video about this tour here: https://youtu.be/_4vwR4v7ukE?si=_isV-SYX5OQFfZs8   Get the best deals on your Disneyland and other theme park vacations at https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk  

Book your Disneyland Vacation and save: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk   Today, Josh D'Amaro takes on his new role of CEO of the Walt Disney Company. We look back at what Josh has done - both good and bad - in his past leadership positions, and look at what we hope he will bring to the Walt Disney Company moving forward.  

Save on Disneyland tickets and packages: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk  (We earn money when you book through our link) Today we are chatting about the 2026 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. From what were the big hits, to some major misses, and everything in between. We also talk about the diminishing number of food items at the Sip and Savor booths and what we would like to see change for next year. 

Book your vacation and save: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk   This week, Disney announced that the new Animation experience at Disney Hollywood Studios would not include live animators.  The announcement was hidden in the excitement of an Olaf animatronic welcoming guests... and then about Animators on pre-recorded videos doing the instruction.  We discuss the changes this makes to the experience, and how it affects guests and Cast Members alike.   Today's episode is sponsored by https://ariastranportation.com

Disney has announced that Monsters Inc, Mike and Sully to the Rescue will no longer be closing for good in 2026.  Jessica dives into this news and what it means for the future of Disneyland, the Avatar experience, and more.

In this episode we visit all of the ways to go Soarin' From the original - Soarin' Over California, to Soarin' around the World, and the incoming Soarin' Across America, we discuss the history and many versions of this staple in Disney California Adventure and EPCOT This episode is sponsored by AriasTransportation  Book your theme park vacations and save money by visiting our partners at Get Away Today 

Today we are looking at 25 years of California Adventure and how the Disneyland Resort is celebrating this milestone.  From viral popcorn buckets, to new characters, and so much more, we are sharing memories, tips and special deals. To get the best deals on Disneyland vacations visit our partners at Get Away Today.

Is Disneyland worth the cost in 2026? We break down what you get, and what has been taken away, plus we compare several other event prices to see if Disneyland is worth it. This episode is sponsored by Arias Transporation Save on Disneyland vacation by visiting our partners at Get Away Today 

Today we are being armchair Imagineers and adding to both Disneyland and California Adventure Theme Park with new experiences. Tell us what you would imagineer in the parks! Thank you to AriasTransportation for sponsoring this week's episode. Ready to book your own Disneyland vacation? Visit https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk to save on tickets, hotels and beyond.

The 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration is here! Ring in the Year of the Horse at Disneyland with Horace Horsecollar, Mickey, Minnie, and more! Get the best deals on Disneyland vacations by booking through our partners at https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk  

Hi friends!  While we are on our holiday break, we would love if you would look into some of our partners (we may earn money by sharing these links, you still get the same great deal).  Book your Disneyland and other travel through Get Away Today and get their amazing service, low prices, and more! Book here: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk Looking for transportation to and from one of the Southern California Airports? Check out our partners https://ariastransportation.com for all your transportation needs.  

We are on a holiday break but would love if you have found our podcast fun or helpful, if you could leave a review. It helps our podcast get recommended to more Disneyland and theme park friends. We want you to know we are thankful for you this season! Happy New Year!

We are on a holiday break, but be sure to check out Becca's YouTube - Theme Park Tips Gal where she shares hotel tours, park tips, and even does fun in-park challenges. View here: https://youtube.com/@themeparktipsgal  

We are on a Holiday break, but wanted to let you know that Jessica's book is out now! Purchase it here: https://amzn.to/3L0JlwR  

We are taking a look back on our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide because guess what - everything still works today!  This episode is sponsored by Arias Transportation Looking to get the best deals on Disneyland vacations? Visit https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk to lock in our exclusive pricing.  (We earn money at no additional cost to you!)

Disneyland after Dark events for 2026 kick off in January and tickets for the first two after dark events go on sale the week of December 8th. Get all of the information you need to plan for these events. This episode is sponsored by Arias Transportation To get the best deals on Disneyland vacations and park tickets visit our partners at Get Away Today

Join us as we talk about some of the most popular classic and modern day favorite eats at Disneyland Resort. From Churros to Fried Chicken, we cover it all.  Remember to get the best deals on Disneyland and other Theme Park Tickets visit https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk

These hotels behind Harbor Blvd are some hidden gems that people skip over because they don't realize how close they actually are!   Just a note, we are currently migrating our site, CastleTalkRadio.com so our free printables may be currently unavailable but should be back soon! Listen in as we talk about our favorite hotels just behind Harbor Blvd. This episode is sponsored by AriasTransportation.com   Get the best deals on these and other hotels, Disneyland tickets and more when you book through our partners at GetAwayToday.com/CastleTalk

Listen in as we explore the sites, sounds, and the FOOD at Disney California Adventure for the Holidays in 2025.  This is part 2 of our Holiday deep dive, so be sure to check out last week's episode if you missed it. This episode is sponsored by AraisTransportation.com    For the best deals on Disneyland tickets, and all Theme Park Vacations, visit our partners at Get Away Today

Join us as we explore Disneyland during the Holidays. We step back and remember what it was like to see Disneyland in all its holiday glory for the first time. From decor, to sounds, smells, and beyond, we are sharing the wonder you can experience at Disneyland Park.   This is part 1 so be sure to tune back in next week for part 2 where we explore Disney California Adventure.

This week we stroll down Katella Avenue, from Harbor Blvd to Disneyland Drive as we explore these walking distance hotels. You can get the best deals on these and other hotels by visiting our partners at Get Away Today at https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk Thank you to www.AriasTransportation.com for sponsoring this episode. We are currently migrating our site, so we are unable to link to the download at this time. As soon as it is available, we will link to where you can get this, and all of our freebies.

In this episode, Becca,  Theme Park Tips Gal on YouTube, is sharing 5 tips for adding Universal Studios Hollywood to your Disneyland vacation. She shares tips for when to add the park on, extras you should splurge on when booking your vacation, transportation between the two areas, and of course, how to save by booking through their partners at Get Away Today.   This episode was sponsored by AriasTransportation.com   You can get helpful theme park tips from Becca by visiting her YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/@themeparktipsgal or by reaching out to her on Instagram at https://instagram.com/thebeccarobins  

Today we are stepping back in time! What was it like to visit Disneyland 25 years ago?  Both Jessica and Becca visited Disneyland during this time, and so we talk about everything from prices, to security, to lack of reservations, to the fever dream that was Rocket Rods.  Remember, to get the best deals on Disneyland vacations, visit our partners at GetAwayToday.com/castletalk Watch Park Pass's video on the Indiana Jones Queue: https://youtu.be/LLDMf2s1bKo?si=YVWxdpznPXhl2Z28 Check out Yesterland's article on Innoventions here: https://www.yesterland.com/dreamhome.html  

The Monsters, Inc. *attraction* is closing, and Becca and Jessica are discussing why. This *theme park* ride at *Disneyland* holds a special place in the hearts of *Disney parks* fans. Join us as we reminisce about *Mike Wazowski* and the *Pixar* movie *Monsters Inc*!   Book your Disneyland and other theme park vacations at https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk to get the best deals! (We earn money but you still save)    

Disneyland Tickets have so many add-ons and options. Single Day, Multi-Day, Parkhopping, Lightning Lane? It can be a bit confusing. Today we are breaking it down for you and helping you figure out what ticket options are right for your travel party. Plus, how you can save big on Disneyland tickets. Thank you to AriasTransportation.com for sponsoring this episode.   Want Disneyland Discounts & More? Keep Reading: Using the links below helps support our channel as we may earn a small commission. You still get amazing deals! Our listeners get the best Disneyland ticket deals by using our partners at Get Away Today You can unlock our exclusive pricing by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk OR by calling 855-438-2929 and asking for the Castle Talk Radio EXCLUSIVE pricing.

When should I start planning my Disneyland vacation? Today we are talking all about the perfect timing to plan your vacation, and get the best deals. From when to book your vacation, to when to make reservations, we have you covered. Thank you to AriasTransportation for sponsoring this episode of Castle Talk Radio Want Disneyland Discounts & More? Keep Reading: Using the links below helps support our channel as we may earn a small commission. You still get amazing deals! Our listeners get the best Disneyland ticket deals by using our partners at Get Away Today You can unlock our exclusive pricing by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk OR by calling 855-438-2929 and asking for the Castle Talk Radio EXCLUSIVE pricing.

Disneyland Resort has announced that in 2026 they will no longer offer Early Entry for guests staying at the Disney owned hotels. This was a major perk for guests spending big bucks to stay at the Disneyland hotels - Grand Californian Hotel, Disneyland Hotel, and Pixar Place Hotel. We break down what guests are losing and what Disney is offering instead, and talk about why Disney made the decision, and how fans are reacting.  Will you be staying on site after this announcement? Reddit threads: https://www.reddit.com/r/disneyparks/comments/1mviyxw/disneyland_is_ending_early_entry_and_replacing_it/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Disneyland/comments/1mvgh6u/early_entry_ending_for_resort_guests_in_2026/   Get the best deals on Disneyland vacations by booking here: https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk  

Ever wonder why Disneyland seems so busy? Today, Becca and Jessica are talking about Disneyland crowd levels and why some things you assume make the parks busy, actually don't. Get some Disneyland tips and tricks to make the most of your next visit!   Get the best deals on Disneyland tickets by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk    

Have you ever wanted to dine with your favorite Disney characters? Today we are talking all about character dining at Disneyland Resort and some of the best and not-quite-best options available. Jessica and Becca discuss their experiences with character dining and which options are the best and which ones might not be worth your time or money at Disneyland Resort. Want Disneyland Discounts & More? Keep Reading: Using the links below helps support our channel as we may earn a small commission. You still get amazing deals! Our listeners get the best Disneyland ticket deals by using our partners at Get Away Today You can unlock our exclusive pricing by visiting https://getawaytoday.com/castletalk OR by calling 855-438-2929 and asking for the Castle Talk Radio EXCLUSIVE pricing.