It’s Episode 55 of Going Beyond the Castle and it’s pure holiday chaos — because we’re playing Disney’s Secret Santa! Fred shows up totally unprepared (as tradition), Ashley brings the chaos wheel, and Lori tries her best to keep things somewhat sensible… but the gifts get ridiculous fast.

We spin a wheel of Disney characters and decide what gift we’d give them — from practical to hilarious — featuring Belle, Stitch, Hades, Jack Sparrow, Donald Duck, Figment, Mickey Mouse, and more. We also squeeze in a few quick Disney World updates, including the plan to repaint Cinderella Castle, Trader Sam’s opening earlier at the Polynesian, and chatter about parade updates.

If you love Disney podcasts, Disney World talk, and holiday Disney humor, this one’s for you.

What we cover in this episode:

• Disney’s Secret Santa: spinning for characters + gift ideas
• Disney World news: Cinderella Castle repainting + Polynesian updates
• Trader Sam’s changes and why we’re excited
• Rapid-fire character gift picks (some wholesome… some chaotic)
• Next week preview: Listener Awards (and the bribes are apparently open)

Pack your bags and grab your mouse ears! This week on Going Beyond the Castle, we are sitting down with Lori for an action-packed trip report that covers the best of Disney on land and at sea.

From the snowy streets of Magic Kingdom to the high seas on Disney’s newest fleet member, this episode is bursting with first-hand insights, "must-dos," and holiday magic.

♥️🖤 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: https://youtu.be/kC0jwcLCc7M

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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://openinapp.link/321qm

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Fred and Ashley break down the best holiday ride overlays at Disney and Universal, plus Fred recaps his 20-hour NYC trip to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child with Tom Felton. From Haunted Mansion Holiday and Jingle Cruise to Grinchmas, Living with the Land, and Epic Universe holiday potential, this episode is packed with Christmas cheer, park news, and chaos.

🎄 New episodes every Thursday
🔗 Find all our links at beacons.ai/goingbeyondthecastle

In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Ashley and Lori break down the ultimate holiday gift guide for Disney fans, Universal lovers, and cruise-goers — from stocking stuffers under $25 to big-ticket dream gifts like VIP tours, annual passes, and cruise onboard credit.

Lori also shares a sneak-peek of her upcoming Disney agency fam trip, including:
✨ Disney Treasure ship tour
✨ Refurbished room previews at Port Orleans, Copper Creek, Boulder Ridge & Polynesian Island Tower
✨ Candlelight Processional with Susan Egan
✨ Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
✨ Animal Kingdom After Hours
✨ A bonus day at Universal’s Epic Universe and Helios Hotel

If you love Disney parks, Universal Orlando, Disney Cruise Line, or need holiday gift inspo — this one’s for you!

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 😂

🔗 Follow, subscribe, and connect:

#DisneyPodcast #UniversalOrlando #DisneyWorldTips #ThemeParkEtiquette #DisneyTravelAgent #GoingBeyondTheCastle #DisneyPodcastCommunity

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 ...  

💫 Join the Going Beyond the Castle family:

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Facebook: https://fb.openinapp.co/lw8vw

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TikTok: https://openinapp.link/p1ld5

✨ 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