Catch Us At The Castle

✨ Show Notes D23 delivered a mountain of Disney announcements, plenty of surprises, and more time standing in line than Steph and Ed ever imagined! This week on Catch Us At The Castle, we're recapping our first D23 together, from the excitement of the Honda Center showcases to the chaos of merchandise lines, questionable convention center food, and some unforgettable Disney moments. We're diving into new attractions coming to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and parks around the globe, including Villains Land, Cars Land, Avengers Campus, and the return of some beloved Disney favorites. Plus, why is Josh D'Amaro's mom responsible for one of the biggest announcements of the weekend? And is D23 actually worth the money? Grab your Mickey ears (and comfortable shoes) because we've got a LOT to unpack!   🏰 In This Episode ✨ Our first D23 together: what we loved, what surprised us, and what we'd do differently ✨ Is D23 worth the money? Comparing ticket packages, special perks, and Honda Center experiences ✨ The endless merchandise lines, virtual queues, and why rope dropping D23 might be a mistake ✨ Josh D'Amaro, his mom, and the long-awaited repair of Expedition Everest's Yeti ✨ New attractions at Magic Kingdom, including Cars Land and Villains Land ✨ Big changes coming to Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT—including Dreamfinder's return ✨ Avengers Campus expansion, Disneyland's Tomorrowland reimagining, and returning entertainment favorites ✨ International Disney announcements, including Space Mountain, Spider-Man, Lion King, and Wreck-It Ralph attractions ✨ Disney entertainment announcements and the exciting return of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit   ⏱️ Episode Timestamps Time Topic 1:14 Our first D23 together: was it everything we expected? 3:10 What is D23, and are the expensive ticket packages worth it? 8:34 Merchandise madness, virtual queues, and why we wouldn't rope drop again 20:03 Disney Parks announcements begin: Carousel of Progress and Space Mountain 24:56 The Yeti is getting fixed! Josh D'Amaro's mom and Disney magic 31:07 Disneyland expansion: Avengers Campus, new attractions, and returning entertainment 38:42 Animal Kingdom's Indiana Jones, Encanto, and more international park announcements 42:15 Magic Kingdom's Cars Land and Villains Land, plus Hollywood Studios updates 47:50 Dreamfinder returns to EPCOT, plus Oswald's comeback 53:03 Disneyland's Tomorrowland reimagining and our final D23 verdict

Watch Us On YouTube! Nobody has a perfect Disney vacation—not even us! This week, Steph and Ed share the biggest mistakes they've made over years of family trips to Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and beyond. From poor planning and missed character meet-and-greets to soggy shoes, stroller debates, and dining disasters, they reveal the lessons that made every future vacation better. Whether you're planning your first Disney trip or your fiftieth, these tips can help you avoid common pitfalls and create a smoother, more magical vacation. In This Episode ✨ Why planning (and flexibility) are equally important ✨ The rookie mistakes Ed made on his very first Disney World trip ✨ Why giving kids snack and souvenir budgets actually reduces stress ✨ Rope drop strategy and why your first ride matters ✨ The importance of naps, rest days, and realistic expectations ✨ Character meet-and-greets: how to prepare kids before your trip ✨ Rain plans, comfortable shoes, and avoiding vacation-ending blisters ✨ Dining reservations, mobile ordering, and why waiting until you're hungry is a mistake ✨ International Disney parks: why researching restaurants matters ✨ The one mindset shift that makes every Disney vacation more enjoyable ⏱ Episode Timestamps 1:15 – This week's topic: our biggest Disney vacation mistakes 5:30 – Ed's first Disney World trip and the VIP Tour lesson 7:40 – Giving kids snack money and souvenir budgets 10:00 – Rope drop strategy and choosing the right first attractions 14:25 – Nap time, stroller strategy, and avoiding meltdowns 19:05 – Character meet-and-greets: mistakes and preparation tips 21:20 – Rain plans, wet shoes, and vacation-saving essentials 25:05 – Dining reservations, mobile ordering, and planning meals 29:35 – Rest days, comfortable shoes, and pacing your vacation 34:05 – Setting expectations for the perfect (imperfect) Disney trip

Watch Us On YouTube! Big leadership news is shaking up the Disney universe — and we're diving straight in. Steph and Ed break down Josh D'Amaro's appointment as CEO, Dana Walden's new role, and what this means for Disney's future. How well will the two work together? Are Josh and Dana better suited to take over Disney than Bob Chapek? Is Disney a content company or an experiences powerhouse? (Spoiler: it's complicated.) Plus, we say goodbye to Anaheim's ART bus system and unpack what that means for your next Disneyland trip. It's corporate strategy, park philosophy, and transportation drama — all with pixie dust and a side of nostalgia. ⏱ Episode Timestamps 0:00 – CEO succession news breaks: Josh D'Amaro announced 3:30 – Why fans aren't surprised (and why they're excited) 6:40 – Dana Walden's new role & why it matters 10:30 – Is Disney a content company or an experiences company? 13:15 – The IP debate: Do movies have to drive the parks? 17:45 – Avatar, Avengers Campus & what makes an attraction "must-do" 20:00 – What defines a franchise? Nostalgia vs. box office 27:10 – ART bus system shutting down at Disneyland 30:45 – Why ART may really be going away (and what replaces it?) 35:50 – Tease: Our biggest Disney park mistakes (coming next episode!)

Is visiting Disney during the holidays actually worth it — or is it just crowds, chaos, and five-hour wait times? 🎄🏰 This week on Catch Us At The Castle, Steph and Ed break down what it's really like to visit Disney World and Disneyland between Thanksgiving and New Year's (without the holiday parties). They talk holiday crowds, Lightning Lane strategy, the best times to go, and what to do when your favorite rides are totally out of reach. Plus, they share festive alternatives like gingerbread houses, resort hopping, Santa sightings, and whether they think Disneyland or Disney World is the better holiday bet. If holiday Disney is on your wish list, this episode is all about planning smart, setting expectations, and deciding if the magic is worth the madness. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 0:00 – Why people want to visit Disney during the holidays. 1:14 – What this episode covers (and what it doesn't), 2:01 – Why holiday Disney really is more magical. 4:44 – How bad do holiday crowds actually get? 5:38 – Real wait times & what to expect for virtual queue rides. 7:17 – Lightning Lane strategy & planning pitfalls. 0:43 – What to do if you can't ride your must-dos. 13:30 – Is there a "slow" time during the holidays? 17:26 – Disneyland vs. Disney World at Christmas. 19:58 – Final verdict: is holiday Disney worth it?

Watch Us On YouTube! Planning your first trip to Tokyo Disney or plotting a return? Ed and Steph unpack everything they've learned from multiple visits to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea — where to stay, how the packages work, why popcorn is practically a sport, and whether this legendary destination can really be cheaper than a U.S. Disney trip. From fantasy-worthy hotels to fantasy-priced Chateau rooms, Fantasy Springs rides, and those iconic popcorn buckets, this is your starter guide to doing Tokyo Disney right.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Cold open: Snack chat, popcorn tongs, and a total brain freeze on Pascal's name 00:37 – Welcome back to the castle: Intro to the episode and today's focus on Tokyo Disney planning 01:15 – Why Tokyo Disney is its own beast: Distance from Tokyo proper, airport logistics & why staying close matters 02:30 – On-site icons: Tokyo Disneyland Hotel vs. Hotel MiraCosta, room themes, triple twin setups & fitting families in one room 05:00 – Monorail, "walk" hotels & paying to loop the bay: Toy Story Hotel, Hilton Tokyo Bay, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay, Ambassador & Celebration Hotel 06:40 – Early entry perks: Happy Entry details, which hotels qualify, and why Tokyo DisneySea access is more restricted 09:45 – The pain of booking Disney hotels in Japan: Website woes, late-night drops & popular package dates selling out 10:56 – Packages 101: What's included, Premier Access, paper vouchers, and why packages can be big value for overseas visitors 13:30 – Premier Access vs. U.S. Lightning Lanes: Journey to the Center of the Earth, Beauty and the Beast and how "unlimited" really works 16:00 – Dining inside the package: Pre-booking restaurants, how flexible reservations really are, and picking rides as part of the deal 17:45 – Food reality check: Why table-service is "fine but not fantastic," and how packages can over-lock you into sit-down meals 18:45 – Counter-service & the mall food court: Better options for noodles, sushi, fried rice and saving some yen 20:00 – Park overview: How Tokyo Disneyland compares to the U.S. parks vs. why Tokyo DisneySea feels like a whole different world 21:30 – Journey to the Center of the Earth & immersive theming: Steam, sound design, and forgetting you're in a Disney park 22:45 – Classic rides with a twist: Indiana Jones, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Mystic Manor vibes and unique attractions 23:45 – Small World with Groot?! The Groot overlay that makes even Small World feel fresh again 25:00 – The popcorn obsession: Garlic shrimp, roast beef, scallop, chocolate lines, and why buttered popcorn is the hardest to find 26:45 – Popcorn tongs & etiquette: Mickey-hand tongs, cultural norms about walking and eating, and how Ed ate a lot of weird popcorn for friends 28:30 – How many days do you need? A one-day plan for Disneyland and why Ed calls DisneySea a "two-day" park 29:30 – Non-ride ways to explore DisneySea: Boats, trains, canoeing and just wandering through next-level theming 31:00 – Fantasy Springs land overview: How it fits into DisneySea and why it still feels like its own mini-gate 31:45 – Ranking the four new Fantasy Springs rides: Rapunzel's Lantern Festival (favorite) Peter Pan's Neverland Adventure Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey Tinker Bell's Busy Buggies (cute but skippable unless you've got little ones) 34:20 – Eating in Fantasy Springs: Snuggly Duckling, (probably) Lookout Cookout & using these spots as air-conditioned escapes 36:30 – Fantasy Springs Hotel review: Tangled rooms, limited dining, the eye-popping Chateau side & why it might be a "one and done" 38:45 – Popcorn buckets as a lifestyle: Baymax fandom, the wall of buckets, Rapunzel light-up bucket & why they're hard to pack home 41:00 – Is Tokyo Disney actually cheaper than U.S. parks? When it can be, when it isn't, and how packages, hotel choice and Fantasy Springs affect the bill 43:00 – Tokyo DisneySea as a top-tier park: Why so many fans (including Ed now) say it's their favorite park in the world 44:15 – Looking ahead: Dreaming about a future big-group trip and maybe, maybe a Chateau stay if Ed wins the lottery 44:45 – Wrap-up: Final thoughts and a reminder you can always catch us at the castle

Watch Us On YouTube! 🎄 Episode Summary It's the most magical time of the year at Walt Disney World! Steph and Ed unwrap everything you need to know about Disney's holiday season — from Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights to the free festive fun at the resorts, Epcot, and Disney Springs. They share their favorite strategies for avoiding long lines, saving a little pixie dust (and cash), and soaking up all the holiday cheer — hot cocoa, snow on Main Street, Santa Jack, and all! 🕒 Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 00:00 – Kicking off the holiday season at Disney World 01:15 – Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party overview and ticket tips 04:10 – What's included: treats, fireworks, parade, snow, and character meet & greets 06:10 – Steph's experience (and why she's still chasing that cookie-and-hot-chocolate moment!) 07:15 – Ride strategies for party nights, including Jingle Cruise and short standby waits 09:00 – How to prioritize: characters, parades, fireworks, or rides?  10:25 – Why late-night ride runs can make your ticket totally worth it 12:35 – The ideal Christmas party plan (Ed's and Steph's versions!) 14:50 – Parade-watching hacks and the best viewing spots beyond Main Street 17:00 – Surviving the end-of-night crowds and creative exit strategies 20:25 – Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios: fun idea or festive flop? 22:20 – What worked, what didn't, and whether Jollywood's worth the cost 23:45 – Free holiday fun: Epcot's Candlelight Processional and seasonal treats 25:10 – Disney Springs tree stroll, Santa meetups, and festive extras 26:55 – Resort hopping for holiday decorations (and where to grab a snack!) 28:20 – The legendary Grand Floridian gingerbread house — and its 2025 fate 31:10 – Steph and Ed's closing thoughts: how to plan a merry trip without overspending ✨ Key Takeaways Very Merry Christmas Party is pricey but magical — plan ahead, skip long treat lines, and hit rides during parades or fireworks. Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios is improving, but may not be must-do yet. Epcot's Candlelight Processional and resort-hopping make for festive (and free!) alternatives. Disney Springs offers great décor, the Christmas Tree Stroll, and easier Santa meetups. Pro tip: Visit Magic Kingdom on a party day without a party ticket — you'll enjoy lower daytime crowds and can spend your evening resort-hopping for holiday magic.

Watch Us On YouTube! Ready to conquer every ride at Walt Disney World like a pro? Steph and Ed share their tried-and-true ride strategies for all four Disney World parks, from when to hit Magic Kingdom on a party day to how to squeeze the most value out of Lightning Lanes and virtual queues. Whether you're planning your first visit or your fiftieth, this episode is packed with insider timing tips, smart shortcuts, and even a few snack detours along the way. 🕒 Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 00:00 – Why accurate crowd calendars are your best trip-planning tool 01:15 – Early Theme Park Entry vs. After Hours: What's worth it 02:40 – The pros and cons of staying at a Deluxe resort (and sneaky point-redemption options!) 04:10 – Magic Kingdom tips: early entry strategy, party-day hacks, and must-ride priorities 07:20 – Lightning Lane Multi Pass 101 — how to budget, stack, and modify reservations 10:00 – Which rides sell out fastest (and which to skip in early entry) 13:00 – Haunted Mansion, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, and crowd shifts since Big Thunder's closure 15:20 – Epcot strategy: single-rider secrets, food-and-ride balance, and best entrances 20:25 – Hollywood Studios: rope-drop vs. Lightning Lane, and the best way to tackle Star Wars + Toy Story lands 27:35 – Why Toy Story Mania is easier to ride at Disney World than Disneyland 28:05 – Animal Kingdom in half a day: best rope-drop route, food favorites, and when to safari 33:40 – Hidden gem: paid nighttime safaris and after-hours park options 36:00 – Ed and Steph's hot takes on after-hours events, costs, and when they're worth it 37:23 – Wrap-up and listener Q&A invitation ✨ Key Takeaways Use crowd calendars and early/after-hours access to beat long lines. Lightning Lanes can be worth it, but plan which parks deserve your budget. Single-rider lines at Epcot and Hollywood Studios are big time-savers. Animal Kingdom + Epcot make a perfect same-day park-hop combo. Eat well, plan smart, and rope drop early — the castle (and the rides) await!

🎙️ Episode Summary In this powerful yet uplifting episode, Steph shares her harrowing journey of discovering — and living with — Valley Fever, a rare fungal illness that led to a collapsed lung while she was walking around Disneyland. From the first cough to surgery at the Mayo Clinic, Steph opens up about what she's learned, the misconceptions around the disease, and why awareness matters — all with humor and resilience. Ed helps unpack the story, adding context and questions (plus a few Disney tie-ins along the way). 🕒 Episode Highlights & Time Stamps 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Catch Us At The Castle! 01:15 – Steph reveals her collapsed lung story from Disneyland 02:30 – Early symptoms and multiple misdiagnoses 05:00 – Learning what Valley Fever actually is — and how it's contracted 07:00 – Surprising stats about where Valley Fever exists in the U.S. 09:45 – When the "just pneumonia" diagnosis didn't add up 11:00 – Steph's determination to make it to Disneyland's Pride Night anyway 13:00 – The trip that changed everything: Mayo Clinic and the collapse confirmation 15:20 – Facing surgery and what doctors found inside Steph's lung 18:50 – Recovering and discovering new non-opioid pain options 22:45 – Steph's takeaways: how to advocate for yourself with doctors 25:20 – Living with Valley Fever long-term and finding hope 27:45 – Looking ahead: awareness, advocacy, and Disney dreams ahead 30:00 – Closing thoughts: Steph's return to the parks and Ed's reflections ✨ Key Takeaways Don't ignore a cough that lingers more than 3 weeks — especially if you live in or travel through the Southwest. Ask for a Valley Fever test (and re-test if symptoms persist). Advocate for your care — Steph's persistence likely saved her life. New testing and treatment options are emerging, thanks to research at Mayo Clinic.

Watch Us On YouTube! Thinking about your next Disney World trip but overwhelmed by all the hotel choices? In this episode, Steph Sweets and Ed Pizza break down the pros, cons, and hidden gems of staying on-site, off-site, or even with Disney Vacation Club. From $1,000-a-night deluxe resorts to budget-friendly rooms under $200, they share real-world tips, point-hacking strategies, and surprising ways to save. You'll hear: ✨ Why the "Disney bubble" is real — and worth it ✨ The best value resorts (and which moderates to skip) ✨ Insider info on Swan & Dolphin, Good Neighbor hotels, and timeshares ✨ How Disney Vacation Club (DVC) stays can unlock deluxe perks at moderate prices ✨ What to watch out for with off-site "deals" that aren't really deals Whether you're planning your first family trip or a repeat adults-only getaway, this episode will help you match your budget to the right resort — and avoid rookie mistakes along the way. Key Moments 01:20 – Steph's coast-to-coast Disney challenge: all six parks in 24 hours 05:40 – Disneyland Halloween Time: 100+ new food items & seasonal churros 07:55 – Fireworks recap: last night of Wondrous vs. revamped Halloween Screams 08:40 – Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay & the real gingerbread house tradition 12:00 – Disney's tech win: how to reset your Magic Key for repeat surprises 12:50 – Over to Walt Disney World: Food & Wine Festival kicks off at Epcot 16:20 – Test Track's breathtaking revamp (and single rider vs. Lightning Lane strategy) 20:55 – Navigating Lightning Lane tiers: Frozen, Ratatouille, Test Track & Guardians  21:45 – Geo 82: Disney's first adults-only lounge (and Steph's pro tip for fireworks seating) 25:05 – Drink prices vs. experience: are the cocktails worth $20+? 28:20 – Beak and Barrel opens at Magic Kingdom: theming, interactivity & must-try mocktails 31:15 – 45-minute seating limit explained (and why it might loosen over time) 33:20 – Pirate theming, animatronics & hidden Easter eggs inside Beak and Barrell 35:20 – Starlight Parade debut at Magic Kingdom — why Steph loved it 37:15 – Wrap-up: working from Disney, listener feedback, and what's next 👋 Connect with us: Follow Steph on Instagram: @stephparkside  Follow Ed on social: @pizzainmotion 🎧 Love the show? Don't miss future episodes of Catch Us at the Castle. 👉 Follow, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch Us On YouTube! Planning a trip to Disneyland and wondering how to beat the crowds? In this episode, Steph Sweets and Ed Pizza share their tried-and-true strategies for maximizing ride time, avoiding long waits, and making the most of every magical minute in the parks. From rope drop secrets to smart use of Lightning Lanes, they'll help you navigate Disneyland like a pro. You'll hear: ✨ The key differences between Disneyland and Disney World ride planning ✨ Why rope dropping is essential (and which rides to prioritize first) ✨ Hidden benefits of single rider lines and rider swaps for families ✨ Smart Lightning Lane strategies (and why you can't book in advance) ✨ How to avoid peak crowds with a surprising school calendar trick Key Moments 00:45 – How Disneyland ride planning differs from Disney World 03:20 – Why you must rope drop (and which rides to target) 07:05 – Using single rider lines at Matterhorn, Millennium Falcon & Space Mountain 10:42 – Rider swap explained for families with little ones 13:15 – Lightning Lane strategy: what to book first after scanning in 17:30 – The Fantasyland rope drop trick: Peter Pan, Mr. Toad & Pinocchio in rapid succession 22:05 – Why Arizona & Utah school breaks make Disneyland extra crowded 25:10 – Touring Plans app tips to minimize wait times 28:40 – How to adjust strategy during peak vs. low-crowd times 32:15 – Final takeaways: rope drop, flexibility, and smart planning win the day 👋 Connect with us: Follow Steph on Instagram: @stephparkside Follow Ed on social: @pizzainmotion 🎧 Love the show? Don't miss future episodes of Catch Us at the Castle. 👉 Follow, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts.