Castle Talk Radio

How much will you spend on souvenirs? Is a $200 lightsaber really worth it? What are some of the best and worst souvenirs at Disneyland? That is what you will find out in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids podcast as we tackle the best and worst souvenirs and extras at Disneyland Resort. 

One of the most popular questions in the Disneyland with Kids Facebook group is - How much should I budget for souvenirs? Followed closely by "Is ______ worth the money?" Today, we are attempting to give you the answers. From what to budget, to which souvenirs we love, and which ones we totally regret we are spilling all of it. We even share some of our favorite free souvenirs, added experiences and Julie gives the best tip we have ever given on this podcast!

For the hearing impaired, you will be able to download the transcript here shortly.

In this episode,  Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Julie, from Mom Rewritten, are talking about the best and worst souvenirs and additional experiences at Disneyland Resort. We break down budget expectations, some ground rules we have for souvenir shopping with kids, and the best souvenirs for not only our kids but ourselves. Of course, it wouldn't be a best and worst if we didn't include some of the biggest misses.

Plus this is the episode where you finally find out about those $200 lightsabers!

While you listen, be sure to join our Facebook group for all things Disneyland. 

In This Episode We Cover:

• Disneyland souvenir budgets

After listening to this episode you may want to also check out some of our previous episodes and articles on our sites. We suggest:

• Save Money On Disneyland Vacations

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, 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

If you are planning a trip to Disneyland, you will need the Disneyland App! From ordering food, to checking wait times, cutting lines, and more, the Disneyland App is your key to an amazing, magical Disneyland visit. Check out the best parts of the app in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids podcast.

Today we are talking about some of our favorite tips and tricks for the Disneyland App. If you are planning a Disneyland trip, grab your smart phone, make sure you have the app downloaded (we talk about which app it is if you can't find it) and explore the app with us as you listen in. 

We will talk about how you can use the app to find wait times, mobile order food, find bathrooms (super important with younger kids) and use the app to cut lines. This is a great introduction to how to really maximize your vacation with the Disneyland App. We even give a few of our more advanced, secret uses of the Disneyland App. 

For the hearing impaired

In this Episode,  Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, and Leslie, from Trips with Tykes, are talking about the Disneyland App. As Disneyland regulars, who are always trying to get as much into their vacation as possible, these two have learned that the Disneyland App is a big part of making the most of your vacation. To put it in Leslie's words "it is pretty clutch!"

We suggest downloading the Disneyland App as you listen to this episode and following along in the app if you are not familiar with it.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Where to get the Disneyland App - and which app is the right one

*In this episode we talk about MaxPass a paid upgrade, but we want to be clear that at the time of this recording FREE Fastpass is still available to guests.

After listening to this episode you may want to also check out some of our previous episodes and articles on our sites. We suggest:

• MaxPass vs Fastpass

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, 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

When you say Disneyland with Kids, you probably think of younger children, but today we are talking about taking your teenagers to Disneyland. Disneyland with Teens - is it a good idea? What is there for teens to do at Disneyland? What tips should parents of teens know before their vacation? Answers to all this and more from our experts and parents to teens!

While many of our listeners and Facebook group members have younger kids, we know that plenty of us have teenagers. Maybe you are wondering if your kids will still enjoy Disneyland once they hit those tween and teen years. Perhaps 2020 has you postponing your previously planned Disneyland vacation, and you are wondering "will my kids be too old for Disneyland?" when you are able to go again.

We don't think so. 

From thrill rides to new-found independence, shopping to dining, and everything in between, listen in as we share everything parents need to know about Disneyland with Teens.

Hearing impaired, or prefer to read? Download the transcript for this episode here:

In this Episode,  Julie, from Mom Rewritten, and Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, are talking about Disneyland with teenagers. As moms of teens, they know that it is a different experience going with teens than with toddlers and young kids. So today they are sharing some great tips for making sure your teens have a great time at the happiest place on earth.

From why teens will enjoy going (including a quote from Julie's son that will pull at your heart-strings) to how to make sure teens have a great time, they cover the best tips and must-know information for your vacation.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Will teens enjoy Disneyland

After listening to this episode you may want to also check out some of our previous episodes and articles on our sites. We suggest:

• MaxPass vs Fastpass

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, 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

We hate to say it but there is a lot more to do in Southern California than just Disneyland. From other Theme Parks (like one with a wizard) to beaches, zoos and beyond, you can find a lot to do when you need a break from Disneyland. In this episode of the podcast we are talking about things to do in Southern California on a non-Disneyland day. After listening to this, we really think you will want to add some of these attractions on to your Disneyland vacation.

There are a lot of things to do in Southern California with kids during your Disneyland vacation. Whether you take a break mid-week to relax at the beach, or just head to dinner and a show, there are plenty of options besides Disneyland.

Be sure to check out this episode when planning your vacation and how many days you want to spend in Southern California. We even spill some of our secret beaches that are rarely crowded.

In this Episode, Becca from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, and Julie from Mom Rewritten are talking about ways to take a break from Disneyland and enjoy some other Southern California Attractions.

It is hard to believe we are suggesting it, but yes, there are other things to do in Southern California. Julie is a SoCal native and Becca makes sure to explore other attractions nearly every single visit, so today they are breaking down some of their favorites for you. From other theme parks to beaches, museums to dinner shows, what is worth checking out while you are at Disneyland with Kids for a break from the Disney bubble.

Between the two of them, they have visited dozens of beaches and can tell you the best beaches in San Diego area, or the closest beaches to Disneyland, while telling you the pros and cons of each location.

Of course, there are other theme parks, zoos and attractions you may want to visit and purchase tickets to for your vacation. 

Did you know that many other locations also sell tickets through our preferred partner Get Away Today? From discount tickets to other locations, and creating custom bundles, Get Away Today is happy to help add on other attractions to your Disneyland vacation. 

In This Episode We Cover:

• Other theme parks and which age groups they are best for (Knott's Berry Farm with toddlers? We weigh in!)

After listening to this episode you may want to also check out some of our previous episodes and articles on our sites. We suggest:

• Staying offsite at Disneyland with Kids (podscast)

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 give 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, 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

Maybe you are a Disneyland regular who is planning their first Walt Disney World vacation? Or maybe you frequent Walt Disney World, but are making a voyage to the original Disney theme park. Either way, if you are planning a vacation to the "other park" there are going to be some big differences. From size, to how far in advance you can make reservations... today we are covering some of the biggest differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

In this Episode, Leslie from Trips with Tykes, and Julie from Mom Rewritten are comparing the differences between Disneyland and Walt Disney World, and what it will mean for planning your vacation with your family. 

Both Leslie and Julie spend time at both parks, Leslie visiting Walt Disney World since she was little before moving to California and becoming a Disneyland regular (but still making a trip to the east coast nearly annually) and Julie growing up going to Disneyland, and just starting annual Walt Disney World trips in the last 5 years or so.

Between the two of them, they talk about several differences that you will want to take note of between Disneyland and Walt Disney World vacations.

It is worth mentioning, if you are planning a Walt Disney World vacation, Leslie is also a host of the Disney Deciphered podcast, which focuses much more on Walt Disney World. 

In This Episode We Cover:

• Booking your vacations 

While Disneyland is still closed our partners at Get Away Today are now booking 2021 vacations to Disneyland Resort. While you cannot yet include tickets, you can lock in your hotel. Use code DisneyKids to save extra on hotel stays of 2 nights or more. Once Disneyland ticket sales reopen, you can easily add them to your package.

Get Away Today can also take care of all of your Walt Disney World vacation needs. They also have some amazing booking offerings, so be sure to price your Walt Disney World Vacation with them.

If you just need to get your Disney fix, they are booking vacations now for Walt Disney World and offer a full concierge service for your trip. Fill out this form to get a personalized quote for your vacation.

After listening to this episode you may want to also check out some of our previous episodes. We suggest:

• Fastpass vs MaxPass 

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 give 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, 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

2020 has been a wild and crazy ride, especially in the Disneyland realm. Today we are giving an update of Disneyland info and talking about which ride describes how we each feel about 2020. Welcome, to season 2 (yes... season 2) of the Disneyland with Kids podcast!

2020 really has been a wild ride... Mr Toad should be worried his attraction may be rethemed as an ode to this year. From an unprecedented closure, to ever changing reopening dates, it seems like 2020 keeps even the main mouse on his toes. 

In this Episode, Jessica from The Happiest Blog On Earth, Leslie from Trips with Tykes, Becca from This Crazy Adventure Called Life and Julie from Mom Rewritten are all back. That is right, all four of the hosts are here, talking about the closure and what to expect when Disneyland Reopens.

In the season 2 kick off, we cover:

• What ride is 2020? (Tell us who you think had the best answer, plus give your answer, in a comment.)

While Disneyland is still closed our partners at Get Away Today are now booking 2021 vacations to Disneyland Resort. While you cannot yet include tickets, you can lock in your hotel. Use code DisneyKids to save extra on hotel stays of 2 nights or more. Once Disneyland ticket sales reopen, you can easily add them to your package.

If you just need to get your Disney fix, they are booking vacations now for Walt Disney World and offer a full concierge service for your trip. Fill out this form to get a personalized quote for your vacation.

After listening to this episode you may want to also check out some of our previous episodes. We suggest:

• Disneyland is closed!

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 give 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, 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

The great American Road Trip! One of the best destinations to road trip to is Disneyland. And that is exactly what we are talking about in today's episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast. From how to pack your car for a road trip, to how to keep the kids entertained, our road trip warrior experts are helping you plan to that everyone is still smiling when the vacation is over. After listening to this episode, will you join Becca in team #roadtripsforlife? 

While flying to Disneyland is a popular option, many of our Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group members have chosen to make the journey to The Happiest Place on Earth an adventure all its own via a road trip. Thankfully, between other group members, and our co-founders we have all of the best road trip tips for you. 

Before we get into the show notes, just a note that we are currently looking for a transcription service for our episodes. We are working to make our information accessible. In the meantime, most (if not all) of the information from the podcast may be found on our websites within the links in the show notes.

Here is what you can look forward to in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast

In this episode, Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, and Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, discuss their best tips for driving to Disneyland for your vacation. As moms who have made the drive often, from Utah and Idaho respectively, we have come together to offer our best tips. From planning, to packing, and how to keep everyone happy along the way, we have you covered. 

If you are looking for specific tips, like where to stop along the way for your route, be sure to join the Disneyland with Kids Facebook group. Many of our members are happy to share their favorite places to stop and rest, stretch, and get a bite to eat.

Before we get to the show notes, let's talk about planning your Disneyland vacation.

If you are hoping to head to Disneyland Resort when ticket sales resume, we suggest booking through our partners at Get Away Today. As a reminder, ticket sales have been paused while Disneyland works to reopen. However, you can still book hotels, and Disneyland will open ticket sales again when they are able to.

Not only do they have amazing discounts for our followers, they offer a Peace of Mind Plan, so you can book now, getting the best deal, but knowing that they will take care of you should you need to cancel or reschedule. They are currently booking vacations through 2021!

They have discounted tickets, free hotel nights and more. Be sure to use code DisneyKids when booking a hotel stay of 2 or more nights to save even more! 

They also have partners in areas like St George - where my family likes to stop overnight on our drive down to Disneyland.

• Why Becca is team #roadtripsforlife

• Our episode about Flying to Disneyland with Kids

Want to talk more about your road trip for your Disneyland vacation? Be sure to share with us in the Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group.

Plan Your Disneyland Vacation:

If you want to book a Disneyland vacation we suggest booking through our partners at Get Away Today.

Want to connect with other Disneyland with Kids community members, receive and share tips, and more? Join the Disneyland with Kids Group on Facebook.

Connect With The Hosts:

You can connect with the hosts of Disneyland with Kids at the following locations:

Leslie - Trips with Tykes

Connect with Leslie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Julie - Mom Rewritten

Connect with Julie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Becca - This Crazy Adventure Called Life

Connect with Becca on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Jessica - The Happiest Blog On Earth

Connect with Jessica on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

The Paradise Pier Hotel at Disneyland Resort is one that is appealing to many families who want to stay at a Disney owned property, but don't want to pay the big bucks for the Disneyland Hotel or Grand Californian. But is the Paradise Pier Hotel worth the cost? What is the theming of the hotel? Is it Disney enough? How far is the walk to the parks from Paradise Pier Hotel? We are covering it all for you in this episode of our podcast.

Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel is a popular option for families that want all the on-site perks from a Disneyland Resort hotel, but don't want to pay the big bucks. But unlike Walt Disney World, Disneyland's cheapest hotel is in no way a value resort.

We are diving into this hotel and covering everything from theming, to room layouts, amenities, and distance to the parks, all in an effort to discover if this hotel is worth it's price tag. And what is that price tag? You might be shocked to find out.

Here is what you can look forward to in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast

In this episode, Julie, from Mom Rewritten, and Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, discuss Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel. From layout, to dining, and even the price tag, they are sharing everything they know so that you can decide if it is worth the cost to stay at this hotel.

The Paradise Pier Hotel is often a draw for travelers who want the perks that come with staying on site, but want a smaller price tag than the other Disney owned properties at Disneyland. The hotel was not originally a Disney owned property, but Disney purchased it in 1995, calling it the Disneyland Pacific Hotel, Renaming it Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel in 2000.

Does the fact that it was not originally a Disney property show? Is the hotel up to date? And what is the strangest part about this hotel?

Before we get to the show notes, let's talk about planning your Disneyland vacation.

If you are hoping to head to Disneyland Resort when ticket sales resume, we suggest booking through our partners at Get Away Today. As a reminder, ticket sales have been paused while Disneyland works to reopen. However, you can still book hotels, and Disneyland will open ticket sales again when they are able to.

Not only do they have amazing discounts for our followers, they offer a Peace of Mind Plan, so you can book now, getting the best deal, but knowing that they will take care of you should you need to cancel or reschedule. They are currently booking vacations through 2021!

They have discounted tickets, free hotel nights and more. Be sure to use code DisneyKids when booking a hotel stay of 2 or more nights to save even more! This includes stays at the Disney owned hotels, including the Paradise Pier Hotel! 

• Where is Paradise Pier located and how long will it take to get to the parks

• Our episode about Overview of the Disneyland Resort Onsite Hotels

Want to talk more about hotels for your Disneyland vacation? Be sure to share with us in the Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group.

Plan Your Disneyland Vacation:

If you want to book a Disneyland vacation we suggest booking through our partners at Get Away Today.

Want to connect with other Disneyland with Kids community members, receive and share tips, and more? Join the Disneyland with Kids Group on Facebook.

Connect With The Hosts:

You can connect with the hosts of Disneyland with Kids at the following locations:

Leslie - Trips with Tykes

Connect with Leslie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Julie - Mom Rewritten

Connect with Julie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Becca - This Crazy Adventure Called Life

Connect with Becca on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Jessica - The Happiest Blog On Earth

Connect with Jessica on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Disneyland has announced a reopening date! We have all of the information you need straight from Disney PR and we are letting you know what it means for your Disneyland vacation. From ticket sales, to hotel reservations, and things that were missing from the press release, we are talking about it all in this bonus episode of the Disneyland with Kids podcast.

In this episode, Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, and Becca, from This Crazy Adventure Called Life, are sharing the breaking news about the Disneyland Resort reopening announcement. Not only that, they are dissecting the announcement and sharing what it means for you and your vacation.

What should you know about Disneyland Opening after the extended closure? What will happen with ticket sales? Can you renew your Annual Pass? We cover it all.

In this episode we cover:

• The dates of the Disneyland reopening phases: Downtown Disney - July 9, Disneyland Parks - July 17, and 2 of the hotels on July 23

To stay updated on the reopening news join the Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group

Connect With The Hosts:

You can connect with the hosts of Disneyland with Kids at the following locations:

Leslie - Trips with Tykes

Connect with Leslie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Julie - Mom Rewritten

Connect with Julie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Becca - This Crazy Adventure Called Life

Connect with Becca on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Jessica - The Happiest Blog On Earth

Connect with Jessica on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Planning a trip to Disneyland and wondering if you should stay at the Disneyland Hotel? Or maybe you are wondering what the rooms are like? Should you make time to visit the pool? And what perks do you get when staying at the Disneyland Hotel. That is what we are covering today.

The Disneyland Hotel dates almost back to the opening of Disneyland. Check out why this hotel is so magical that it brings our hosts to tears.

In addition to lodging, Disneyland hotel offers shopping, a uniquely themed pool area, and dining, including an unexpected gem which Leslie says, "It's so Disney [in that] it's an experience as well as a place to eat and drink."

If you have ever wondered what it is like to stay at the Disneyland Hotel, what perks you get, if you really feel like you are in the Disney bubble, or the big one... if it is worth the price... than this is the episode for you!

Please note: This episode was recorded in advance, and much has happened since this episode was recorded. No matter when you are listening, we want it to be clear that Disneyland with Kids stands with people of color. We hear you, we love you, and we stand with you.

Here is what you can look forward to in this episode of the Disneyland with Kids Podcast

In this episode, Jessica, from The Happiest Blog On Earth, and Leslie, from Trips with Tykes, discuss the Disneyland Hotel. From layout, to dining, and even the price tag, they are sharing everything they know so that you can decide if it is worth the cost to stay at this hotel.

Disclosure: Some of our hosts' stays at Disneyland properties and surrounding hotels may be complimentary or discounted. We will always give you an honest review, and even if we did not pay for the hotel, consider cost in our recommendations. All opinions are 100% our own.

Before we get to the show notes, let's talk about planning your Disneyland vacation.

If you are hoping to head to Disneyland Resort after it reopens from it's temporary closure, we suggest booking through our partners at Get Away Today.

Not only do they have amazing discounts for our followers, they offer a Peace of Mind Plan, so you can book now, getting the best deal, but knowing that they will take care of you should you need to cancel or reschedule. They are currently booking vacations through 2021!

They have discounted tickets, free hotel nights and more. Be sure to use code DisneyKids when booking a hotel stay of 2 or more nights to save even more! This includes stays at the Disney owned hotels, including the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa! 

• Where is the Disneyland Hotel located and how long will it take to get to the parks

• Our episode about Overview of the Disneyland Resort Onsite Hotels

Want to talk more about hotels for your Disneyland vacation? Be sure to share with us in the Disneyland with Kids Facebook Group.

Plan Your Disneyland Vacation:

If you want to book a Disneyland vacation we suggest booking through our partners at Get Away Today.

Want to connect with other Disneyland with Kids community members, receive and share tips, and more? Join the Disneyland with Kids Group on Facebook.

Connect With The Hosts:

You can connect with the hosts of Disneyland with Kids at the following locations:

Leslie - Trips with Tykes

Connect with Leslie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Julie - Mom Rewritten

Connect with Julie on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Becca - This Crazy Adventure Called Life

Connect with Becca on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Jessica - The Happiest Blog On Earth

Connect with Jessica on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter