Disney Hot Takes, EPCOT Pizza Controversy, and the Truth About Disney Adults
Welcome back to Going Beyond the Castle! Episode 40 is here, and we’re bringing you all the Disney hot takes you didn’t ask for – from controversial food opinions to major park updates and why we believe Disney adults are the true backbone of the magic.
Whether you’re a seasoned Walt Disney World pro or just love hearing unfiltered theme park opinions, this episode is packed with laughs, debates, and the latest Disney news.
EPCOT Pizza Wars: Via Napoli Overrated?
We kicked things off with a foodie debate: Is Via Napoli at EPCOT really worth the hype?
Lori swears by its wood-fired pies, Ashley isn’t convinced, and Fred admits he’s never tried it but is ready to weigh in anyway. We even compare it to other park favorites like Connections Café pizza and discuss whether Disney dining is sometimes more about hype than taste.
Dinosaur at Animal Kingdom: Time for a Change?
Fred didn’t hold back calling Dinosaur “trash” and insisting it’s time for an overhaul. While some of us love the nostalgia, we all agreed that Animal Kingdom could use a major refresh – especially with Zootopia on the horizon.
Breaking Disney News: Zootopia, Muppets, and Big Thunder Mountain
Disney quietly dropped massive updates this week, and we’re here for it:
Zootopia is opening under Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life in November.
Muppets are taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Hollywood Studios.
Big Thunder Mountain is getting a completely reimagined backstory with rainbow caverns and new effects.
We break down what these changes could mean for the future of the parks and how they might impact your next trip.
Cruise Cabin Complaints & Why You Need a Travel Agent
Lori shared a story about a Carnival cruiser who was shocked by their noisy stateroom… but didn’t pick their cabin. This is why we stress using a travel agent – to avoid vacation disasters and make sure you’re getting the best experience possible.
Lightning Lane Frustrations & Disneyland Changes
Ashley tested the new Lightning Lane system and wasn’t impressed with the lack of control over times. Meanwhile, Disneyland announced they’re removing early entry for on-site guests in favor of one included Lightning Lane per person. We debate whether this change helps or hurts the value of staying onsite.
Rope Drop vs. Sleeping In
Is rope drop essential for a successful Disney day, or is it just a waste of sleep? Fred and Ashley are Team Rope Drop (“maximize your park ticket!”) while Lori would rather enjoy a slow morning and still get everything done. What’s your take?
Are Disney Adults Keeping the Magic Alive?
We closed out the episode with a bold statement: Disney adults are the reason the parks thrive.
Annual passholders, frequent visitors, and adult fans are the ones filling resorts, buying merch, and fueling the fandom year-round. Without us, would Disney still be the powerhouse it is today?
Final Thoughts & What’s Next
Episode 40 brought plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and passionate debates. Whether you agree or disagree, we’d love to hear your Disney hot takes in the comments below or in our Going Beyond the Castle Facebook Group.
Next week: We’re diving into cruise lines – Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and more. We’ll break down what makes each unique and help you decide which one might be right for your next vacation.