Castle Talk Radio

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.

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.

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.

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

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)

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.

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.

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 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.

• Upcoming launch of the Disneyland with Kids Digital Magazine

After listening to this episode you might also enjoy the following podcast episodes and articles:

• Disney California Lunar New Year (article)

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+?

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, 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)

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)

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. 

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 we cover: 

• Kayla's experience rebooking her trip

After you finish listening to this episode, you may also want to check out:

• Luxury Hotels Near Disneyland (podcast episode)

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. 

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.

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, 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

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 you finish listening to this episode, be sure to check out these great articles and podcast episodes:

• Grand Californian (Podcast Episode)

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

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 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.

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.

• Two major changes to your holiday visit

After listening to this episode you might also be interested in the following podcast episodes and articles.

• Disney Genie Preview (podcast episode)

We are dumping out those purses, backpacks and fanny packs to tell you what is in our bags for a day in the park with our family. From items you have thought about, to items we have learned about the hard way, and even what popular items you should just leave at home, we are spilling our tips for what you need in the parks.

Join us on this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast and don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast service!

From the minimalist to the "I have a pharmacy in my purse" mom (cough*Becca*cough), everyone has their own packing style. As moms who have been to Disneyland dozens, if not hundreds of times between the two of us, we have tips on what to take, no matter your packing style.

Before we get to this week's episode, just a reminder that our partners at Get Away Today have discounted tickets, free hotel nights and more! Plus use code DisneyKids on your vacation stay of 2 nights or more to save extra. BOOK NOW!

In this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast, Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, discuss what we have in our bags for a day at the parks. Special shout out to Julie, from Mom Rewritten, as she created some talking points as we originally tried to record this episode with her, but had technical issues.

• What is our packing style

Not to brag, but this episode has a lot of great tips in it and I definitely think everyone from the over-packer to the notorious under-packer can learn something from it.

Did we miss one of your favorite park essentials? Come tell us what you are packing in the Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group.

After listening to this episode be sure to check out these other great episodes and articles to plan your Disneyland vacation:

• Disneyland App (Podcast Episode)

So you have decided to head to Disneyland. This episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast will make sure your vacation gets off on a magical start. If you are heading to Disneyland, there are some important steps you need to take, before you even book your vacation. Start here, whether you are a first-time visitor or an old pro!

Disneyland has changed a lot over the years, and especially just in the last two years. Gone are the days of planning a last-minute trip, just showing up to the park, and walking in. We touch on some of the most important things that guests, old and new, should know before heading to Disneyland. From buying tickets and reservations to virtual queues, and beyond.

There is so much information out there about Disneyland that it can be a bit overwhelming for those who want to know where to start. While it may be fun to look up the 20 best foods to try while at the parks if you skip the steps about buying tickets and making reservations, you won't ever get to try them. So this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast is your "Start Here" guide for planning your vacation.

If you are already a Disneyland pro, bookmark this episode to send to friends planning their vacation so that you don't have to write out 20 pages of notes.

Before we get into this episode, just a reminder that we have negotiated a super-secret rate for our followers/listeners and Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group Members on Disneyland tickets.

This rate is available through our partners at Get Away Today, and can be used on just tickets, or combined with their hotel deals.

You must visit our unique link to get our rate, so be sure to CLICK HERE.

In this episode, Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, and Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, are breaking down the most important, start here, do not pass go things to know and do for your Disneyland with Kids vacation (or without kids... we don't judge).

In this episode we cover:

• Buying Disneyland tickets and what to know

After you finish listening, you might also like to check out these other episodes and articles on our websites.

• Disney Genie Preview (podcast episode)

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, 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

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)

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, 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