Welcome to Episode 50 of Going Beyond the Castle! 🎉
Tonight, Fred and Ashley are running the show princess-less and full of absolute chaos — and possibly even funnier because Lori isn’t here. In this milestone episode, we take a heartfelt dive into why travel matters, the moments that shape our vacations, and the people who make the magic come alive.

We break down:
✨ The newly released 2026 Disney Military Salute Tickets & Universal Military Freedom Pass
✨ Why cast members, team members, and BDMs truly make or break a Disney or Universal trip
✨ Personal memories from Disney World, Universal Studios, cruising, and traveling with kids
✨ Heartwarming character interactions (Stitch, Daisy, Belle, Donald… and maybe a Stormtrooper mishap)
✨ How strangers in the parks create unexpected pixie-dust moments
✨ Why our community — YOU — is the heartbeat of our podcast
✨ The chaos of parenthood, theme-park meltdowns, closets (don’t ask), and travel-induced sanity

PLUS:
We celebrate 50 episodes of Disney talk, theme park chaos, and community growth — all thanks to you.

Ever wanted to punch someone for stopping in the middle of Main Street, U.S.A.? (Kidding… mostly.) In this hilarious and brutally honest episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Fred, Lori, and Ashley dive into Disney and Universal park etiquette — the unspoken rules every guest should know.

From stroller chaos and line-cutters to saving spots for parades and those dreaded flash photos on Pirates of the Caribbean, the trio covers it all. You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, and you’ll probably feel a little called out.

✨ Topics include:

Walking and stroller awareness 🚼

Disney Destiny cruise updates 🛳️

Respecting the line (and your fellow guests) 🎢

Fireworks & parade courtesy 🎆

Dining dos and don’ts 🍔

“Manspreading,” “woman-spreading,” and everything in between 😂

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Welcome to "Park Proximity or Pool Paradise?" – the ultimate guide to selecting your Disney World or Disneyland hotel! Choosing where to sleep (or not sleep!) is one of the biggest decisions for any Disney vacation, and it can make or break your trip.

In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of the two primary hotel strategies:

🏰 Park Proximity: Staying at a hotel right near the action (think Monorail resorts, Skyliner access, or walking distance). Is the convenience worth the cost?

🌴 Pool Paradise: Opting for a resort with incredible amenities, world-class dining, and those show-stopping, themed pools (Stormalong Bay, we're looking at you!). Is a little extra travel time worth the superior relaxation and resort day experience?

We’ll cover transportation options, hidden costs, resort-specific perks, dining comparisons, and essential tips for every budget and travel style—from families with toddlers to couples on a romantic getaway.

Don't book your next Disney vacation until you listen! Tune in and discover whether you're a dedicated Park Hopper who prioritizes the front gate, or a seasoned resort guest who knows the true magic lies in a perfect afternoon by the water.

🛳️ Ahoy, fellow travelers! ⚓ Ready to set sail on the high seas of fun, food, and fantastic destinations? Then welcome aboard Ship Happens: Ashley, Lori & Friends Dive into Cruising!

🍹 Join your hosts Ashley and Lori, along with their hilarious cruising companion Bethany, as she spill the tea on everything from embarkation day jitters to port adventures, fancy dinners, and those can't-miss shows. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or thinking about booking your first voyage, we've got the insider tips, funny stories, and honest reviews you need. 🚢 Get ready for deep-sea dives into cabin choices, beverage packages, shore excursions, and how to snag the best sun-lounger. They'll cover the good, the great, and the occasionally rocky waters of life at sea!

👀 New to the Podcast? Start with our favorite episode:

   • All Aboard the Disney Treasure: Shelley's ...  

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✨ Planning a trip to a Disney park, Disney Cruise, or other destination? Have Fred and Lori book your trip for you (for free) and save you the time of getting those hard-to-get dining reservations, and ensuring you’re getting the best deal on your trip! Start planning your magical trip completing our travel request form: https://gdocs.openinapp.co/gs2xm

All aboard for an oceanic adventure! 🚢✨

This week, Ashley welcomes her very best friend and current Disney Cast Member, Katie, to the show for a deep dive into the enchanting world of Disney Cruise Line. Having dedicated years to bringing the magic to life on land 🏰, Katie is now preparing to set sail and experience a whole new kind of Disney magic.

We'll start by talking about the unique DCL experience—what sets a Disney cruise apart from the rest. Katie will share her unique perspective as a Cast Member—what she’s most excited to see from the guest side of the magic, including the legendary service 🛎️, the unique rotational dining system 🍽️, and the private island paradise, Castaway Cay ☀️🌴.

♥️🖤 Welcome to Going Beyond the Castle! Please be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any episodes! 👀 New to the Podcast? Start with our favorite episode:

   • All Aboard the Disney Treasure: Shelley's ...  

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✨ Planning a trip to a Disney park, Disney Cruise, or other destination? Have Fred and Lori book your trip for you (for free) and save you the time of getting those hard-to-get dining reservations, and ensuring you’re getting the best deal on your trip! Start planning your magical trip completing our travel request form: https://gdocs.openinapp.co/gs2xm

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In this episode, the hosts discuss various topics including their partnership with Walter and Rosie Candle Company, upcoming travel plans, spring deals for Disney and Universal, new food offerings at Disney, and the reopening of Universal's Stardust Racers. They also delve into the Harry Potter theme parks, exploring Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley, and share personal experiences and tips for visiting these attractions. In this episode, the hosts delve into the enchanting world of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios, discussing their favorite attractions, dining experiences, and shopping options. They share personal anecdotes about rides like Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and Escape from Gringotts, while also exploring the immersive dining at the Three Broomsticks and the Leaky Cauldron. The conversation touches on the cost of merchandise, the excitement of themed experiences, and the upcoming Fantastic Beasts attractions, culminating in a light-hearted wrap-up of their favorite aspects of the parks.

💫 Join the Going Beyond the Castle family:

✨ Planning a trip to a Disney park, Disney Cruise, or other destination? Have Fred and Lori book your trip for you (for free) and save you the time of getting those hard-to-get dining reservations, and ensuring you’re getting the best deal on your trip! Start planning your magical trip completing our travel request form: https://openinapp.link/321qm

In this fun and insightful episode of Going Beyond the Castle, the hosts dive into Disney and Universal attractions, comparing which rides are worth the wait, which don’t quite live up to the hype, and which underrated experiences deserve more attention.

You’ll hear:

Perfect for fans of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando, this episode mixes humor, practical tips, and heartfelt stories that will spark your own theme park memories.

✨ Welcome back to Going Beyond the Castle! In Episode 43, Fred, Lori, and Ashley dive into what it means to be a true Disney Adult and why Disney isn’t just for kids. From EPCOT festivals and signature dining to bar crawls on the Skyliner and Monorail, we explore all the ways adults can enjoy Disney World in their own magical way.

We also chat about the emotional side of being a Disney fan, the 2025 EPCOT Candlelight Processional lineup (including surprising narrator news!), and some unforgettable—and hilarious—stories from Disney’s Animal Kingdom and recent cruise ship drama.

Other highlights include:

Plus, we share details on our new Patreon, exclusive Discord community, and brand-new Going Beyond the Castlemerch!

👉 Join the conversation, laugh along with our chaos, and discover why being a Disney Adult might just be the best thing ever.

🔗 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/goingbeyondthecastle

#DisneyAdults #DisneyPodcast #GoingBeyondTheCastle #DisneyWorld #UniversalStudios #EPCOT #DisneyTravel #CandlelightProcessional #DisneyParks #DisneyMerch

🏰🎢 Ready to plan the ultimate Disney & Universal trip? In this week’s episode of Going Beyond the Castle, the hosts face off in a lively Disney vs. Universal draft, choosing their favorite resorts, rides, dining experiences, shows, and character meet-and-greets.

From debating why Wilderness Lodge is a must-stay, to sharing insider tips on quick-service dining and entertainment, to rapid-fire picks for Universal Orlando’s top attractions—this episode is packed with laughter, recommendations, and real theme park know-how.

Perfect for Disney fans, Universal thrill-seekers, and anyone planning their next magical vacation, this episode will help you build your dream park day while keeping you entertained with fun banter and insider stories.

🎧 Press play and join the conversation: Which resort, ride, or dining option would YOU draft first?

#DisneyWorld #UniversalOrlando #ThemeParkTips #TravelPodcast #DisneyDining #DisneyPodcast #UniversalStudios

We’re back with an “early edition” of Going Beyond the Castle, and Ashley just returned from the Most Magical Place on Earth! In this episode we break down a very real WDW week with little ones—what worked, what didn’t, and the magical surprises in between.

What we cover:

Resort & Arrival: All-Star Sports (Baseball section), pool time wins, monorail loop, and a near-miss Trader Sam’s wait

Water Park Reality: Typhoon Lagoon fun → Florida downpour exit

Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance (hello, mystery drop), Woody’s Lunch Box tachos, Star Tours’ Ahsoka sequence, Oga’s Cantina, Villains summer fun, and why Droid Depot is now easy walk-in

EPCOT: Guardians (skipped for motion sickness), new Test Track experience, Kidcot, Remy’s, Regal Eagle s’mores bar, Via Napoli pizza window thoughts

Animal Kingdom: Rope-drop Flight of Passage (kid-approved!), Everest honesty hour, Festival of the Lion King participation, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Flame Tree BBQ

Rest-Day Strategy: pools, Skyliner resorts, Beaches & Cream celebration shake, and letting kids recharge

Parenting in the Parks: managing expectations, naps, and celebrating the small moments (like playing football in the All-Star “stadium”)

What should we cover next—Disney Adults (magic isn’t just for kids), Overrated vs. Underrated Attractions, or The Art of the Rest Day? Tell us!