Catch Us At The Castle

Disney experts Steph Sweets and Ed Pizza share all their tips, tricks and stories from hundreds of Disney park visits around the world.

Tokyo Disney Deep Dive: Popcorn, Packages & Planning the Perfect Trip 11/15/2025

Tokyo Disney Deep Dive: Popcorn, Packages & Planning the Perfect Trip 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 /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/39042495

From Very Merry to Jollywood: Disney World’s Most Festive Time Of Year! 11/01/2025

From Very Merry to Jollywood: Disney World’s Most Festive Time Of Year! 🎄 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. /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/38871470

Queue the Magic: Beating the Lines at Disney World! 10/24/2025

Queue the Magic: Beating the Lines at Disney World! 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/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/38773000

A Day At Disneyland With A Collapsed Lung 10/10/2025

A Day At Disneyland With A Collapsed Lung 🎙️ 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. /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/38620525

Coast-to-Coast Disney — Six Parks in 24 Hours, Halloween Time, and Brand-New Restaurants 09/27/2025

Coast-to-Coast Disney — Six Parks in 24 Hours, Halloween Time, and Brand-New Restaurants 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. /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/38379030

Disneyland Ride Strategies: How To Get The Most Out Of A Day In The Parks 09/21/2025

Where to Stay at Disney World — On-Site, Off-Site & Everything in Between 09/16/2025

We Don't Go To Disney Without..... 09/10/2025

Dueling Castles: Disneyland vs Walt Disney World 08/30/2025

Dueling Castles: Disneyland vs Walt Disney World 🎙️ Show Summary Disneyland vs. Disney World: which castle reigns supreme? In this episode, Steph Sweets and Ed Pizza go head-to-head on their favorite things about each park—from snacks and rides to history and theming. Along the way, they trade surprises, poke fun at each other’s picks (yes, churros are worth fighting for), and dig into what makes each coast magical in its own way. Whether you’re a devoted Disneyland regular or a Disney World diehard, you’ll find plenty to nod along with—and maybe a few reasons to switch sides. ✨ Episode Show Notes In this episode of Catch Us at the Castle: Why Disneyland feels special as “the park where Walt walked” and how its compact size makes park hopping effortless. The case for Disneyland churros (and why Disney World needs to step it up). Quick service vs. table service: how the food game differs coast to coast. Preserving Disney history—how Disneyland balances nostalgia with new attractions better than its bigger sibling. Web Slingers and other experiences you’ll only find at Disneyland. Transportation talk: multiple airports, easy walking distance hotels, and why Anaheim is simpler than Orlando. Security differences that might change how you experience each park. At Disney World: the sheer scale—four parks, water parks, Disney Springs, and endless non-park activities. Figment, festivals, popcorn creations, and the surprisingly good fine dining at Disney World. Fireworks strategy: why you can stroll up last-minute in Orlando but need hours of patience in Anaheim. And yes… why one of these parks has protesters outside and the other doesn’t. Plus: Surprising picks from both Steph and Ed’s lists. The little details that make or break a Disney trip. Listener challenge: where do you stand on churros, castles, and coast-to-coast comparisons? 👉 Subscribe to Catch Us at the Castle for more insider Disney park debates, trip hacks, and stories that make the magic even better. /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/38027825

YES! The World Really Does Need Another Disney Podcast! 08/23/2025

YES! The World Really Does Need Another Disney Podcast! 🎙️ Show Summary Welcome to the very first episode of Catch Us at the Castle! Steph Sweets (who somehow managed to visit Disneyland nearly 100 times last year) and Ed Pizza (who visited almost all of the Disney Parks and calls Disney World home) are here to kick things off. Together, they’ll share their love for Disney Parks, their favorite rides and foods, and their craziest Disney adventures. This isn’t just another Disney podcast—we’re blending insider tips, funny mishaps, and genuine love for the parks to help you plan smarter trips and enjoy every magical detail (even when the apps crash and the lines feel endless). From Guardians of the Galaxy to Dole Whip, from 24-hour park challenges to Tokyo Disney treasures, we’ve got stories, laughs, and plenty of pixie dust to sprinkle. Whether you’re a first-timer dreaming of your first castle selfie or a seasoned pro who knows where to find the best snacks, you’ll want to listen in, laugh along, and maybe even learn something new. ✨ Episode 1 Show Notes In this episode: Why the world does need another Disney podcast (yes, we asked ourselves the same question). Steph’s insane Disneyland streak (nearly 100 visits in a year!) and how Ed is still trying to keep up. Our very different “home parks”—Disneyland for Steph, Disney World for Ed—and why that makes us the perfect combo. Personal Disney moments that made us cry, laugh, and question our life choices (looking at you, 24-hour challenge). Our favorite rides, from Guardians and Web Slingers to Haunted Mansion Holiday and Matterhorn. The food that keeps us coming back: Dole Whip, raspberry Mickey macarons, chips and queso in Toontown—basically, Disney is just our excuse to snack. Epic Disney adventures like trying to ride every ride in one day or hitting all six North American parks in 24 hours (and what went terribly, hilariously wrong). Why we started Catch Us at the Castle and what you can expect in future episodes—trip planning tips, best restaurants and hotels, special giveaways, and yes, plenty of Disney gossip. Plus: A special shoutout to international parks (Tokyo, Paris, and even Abu Dhabi 👀). Behind-the-scenes chaos as we try to nail down the perfect sign-off. Spoiler: it’s a work in progress. 👉 Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next episode of Catch Us at the Castle. We promise smart tips, plenty of laughs, and maybe a churro review or two. /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/37903415

Hollywood Studios Changes: Are There More Muppets In Our Future? 08/21/2025

Hollywood Studios Changes: Are There More Muppets In Our Future? 🎙️ Show Summary Change is in the air at Hollywood Studios, and this time it’s all about the Muppets. Steph Sweets and Ed Pizza dive into the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D, the big re-theme of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and what these shifts might mean for the future of the parks. From nostalgia for Jim Henson’s final project to theories about a full-blown Muppets Land, they explore what’s happening now, what could be coming next, and why change at Disney is always both bittersweet and exciting. ✨ Episode Show Notes In this episode of Catch Us at the Castle: The timeline of Muppet*Vision 3D’s closure — and why it might not be the end of the Muppets in the parks. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s re-theme: why it was overdue and what a Muppets makeover could look like. Jim Henson’s legacy, the history of Muppet*Vision 3D, and its surprising run at Disneyland. The balance between nostalgia and change — which attractions feel “untouchable” and which ones are ready for something new. Why under-attended attractions disappear (and how fans can keep their favorites alive). The Villains show at Hollywood Studios — clever tech, low cast size, and why it might be a testing ground for bigger things. Steph’s “2045 Project” theory: how maps, expansion plans, and Disney’s land-use filings point toward a potential Muppets mini-land. Creative ideas for re-theming nearby restaurants, walkways, and green space to expand the Muppets footprint. You’ll also hear: A lively debate about Walt’s philosophy of change and how much of it is interpretation. The quirky resurgence of Muppets fandom among Gen Z thanks to Disney+. Some “tin foil hat” park map theories that may not be so far-fetched after all. 👉 Catch Us at the Castle brings you the stories, tips, and insider details that make Disney Parks endlessly fascinating — subscribe now so you don’t miss what’s next. /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/37903650

Disneyland Lodging: Should You Stay Onsite? 08/21/2025

Disneyland Lodging: Should You Stay Onsite? ***Disclaimer: We recorded this episode right before Disneyland changed the rules for Early Entry. Those changes won't go into effect until January and we'll discuss those on an episode soon! 🎙️ Show Summary Booking a Disneyland trip and stressing over where to stay? Steph Sweets and Ed Pizza have you covered. In this episode of Catch Us at the Castle, we spill the pixie dust on Disneyland lodging—on-site, off-site, and everything in between. From $1,000 nights at the Grand Californian to hidden-gem motels like the Candy Cane Inn, we share what’s worth the splurge, where to save, and how to hack your hotel stays with points. We’re funny, sometimes a little too honest (yes, we admit to skipping free hotel breakfast for Starbucks), but most importantly—we’ve spent hundreds of nights at and around Disney parks and we know what actually works. Whether you’re a first-timer deciding between on-site perks or a Disney veteran hunting for the best redemption deals, this episode is your ultimate cheat sheet. ✨ Episode Show Notes In this episode: On-site hotels at Disneyland: Disneyland Hotel, Pixar Place, and Grand Californian—what you actually get for the price. The truth about perks like early entry, character greetings, and those coveted private entrances. Why many off-site hotels are closer to the gates than “Disneyland Resort” hotels (and way cheaper). Points & miles hacks: how to use Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton free nights or certificates to save big. Our honest experiences with breakfast lines, convention hotels, and why sometimes Starbucks wins. Security hacks: which entrances move fastest, and how to avoid the longest lines. Our guilty hotel confession: the quirky charm of the Candy Cane Inn (and why we’re tempted). Steph’s pro-tips for scoring $130/night rates in Anaheim. Ed’s breakdown of which hotel programs give you the most value near Disneyland. You’ll also hear: Why naps are the real Disneyland luxury. How annual passes change your park strategy. A few playful digs at hotel décor. 👉 Subscribe to Catch Us at the Castle for smart Disney tips, funny stories, and insider secrets that make every trip more magical—without wasting a dollar or a churro. /episode/index/show/9d615988-4018-42e0-893f-e7acf5864b67/id/37903605

Trailer: Catch Us At The Castle 07/07/2025

Catch Us At The Castle

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