Going Beyond The Castle

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!

In Episode 40 of Going Beyond the Castle, Fred, Lori, and Ashley serve up unfiltered Disney hot takes and break down the latest Walt Disney World news! From claiming EPCOT’s Via Napoli pizza is overrated to debating rope drop strategies, Disney Skyliner supremacy, and why Disney adults keep the parks alive, this episode is full of honest opinions, theme park insights, and hilarious banter.

We also dive into:

Subscribe now for your weekly fix of Disney World tips, theme park discussions, and vacation planning advice!

This week, Fred, Lori, and Ashley are diving into what it’s really like to take kids to Disney! From planning strategies and character dining to playground pit stops and must-have snacks, we’re sharing all the tips to help families make the most of their trip.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Going Beyond the Castle episode without a little chaos—dogs barking, thunder rolling, HR calling in, and a few side quests (like Disney bread and merpups 🐾). But through it all, we keep it real about the joys and challenges of traveling with kids.

✨ Topics include:

📩 Got questions about planning your own Disney trip? Reach out at [email protected] or visit www.goingbeyondthecastle.com.

🎙️ Episode 38 – Disney on a Budget vs. Disney in Luxury: Which Is Actually Better?

This week on Going Beyond the Castle, Fred and Ashley (aka the Chaos Twins) take over while Lori battles a bout of COVID. From wild VIP tour ideas (yes, Fred wants to wear a Stitch costume) to smuggling turtles in a bra—this episode has it all.

🎢 Then, the duo dives deep into the real topic: experiencing Disney on a budget vs. splurging on a luxury trip.Whether you're a budget-conscious family or a deluxe resort lover, we cover:

💸 Resort tier breakdowns (value, moderate, deluxe)

🍔 Dining plan pros and cons (and is Chef Mickey’s really the Golden Corral of Disney?)

⚡ Lightning Lane strategy tips

🚍 Why staying on-site matters

🏖️ Free & fun resort activities (including resort hopping!)

🎟️ VIP tours, Keys to the Kingdom, Premier Pass & more

Whether you're planning your very first Disney trip or looking to upgrade your experience, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and chaos in the best way.

🟣 Connect with us:

👋 Special thanks to our live viewers on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch. 

Planning a Disney vacation during the summer? ☀️ Don’t sweat it—literally! In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle, we dive into essential Disney summer tips to help you stay cool, comfortable, and stress-free on your next magical adventure.

Your hosts break down:

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, this episode is packed with real-life travel advice, family-friendly recommendations, and personal park stories to make your trip smoother.

💬 Don’t forget to like, follow, and share!

📩 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Message us on Podbean or email us directly!

#DisneyPodcast #DisneyTravelTips #SummerAtDisney #DisneyParksPlanning #WDW #Disneyland #BeatTheHeat #DisneyWithKids #TravelSmart #FamilyVacationTips #GoingBeyondTheCastle #PodbeanPodcast #ThemeParkTips #DisneyWorldPlanning #DisneyFansUnite #DisneyMagic

🎒✨ Packing Tips for Disney Parks & Cruises + Starlight Parade Reactions | Going Beyond the Castle Ep. 36

It’s time to pack like a pro! In this hilarious and helpful episode, Fred, Lori, and Ashley break down everything you need to know about packing for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line—plus how to stay sane while traveling with kids!

We’re covering:

From Loungefly vs. fanny pack debates to cruise theme night chaos, this episode is full of laughter, packing hacks, and a little bit of roasting. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney traveler or heading to the parks for the first time, you’ll walk away with practical tips and lots of laughs.

🎧 Subscribe & follow for more weekly episodes covering:

📲 Stay connected:

👉 What’s the one item you always pack for a Disney trip? Let us know!

Ready to believe in holiday magic again? We're unwrapping Disney World's freshly announced 2024 Christmas celebrations in this special July episode, and the festive lineup has us dreaming of sugarplums and Mickey-shaped treats already!

From unlimited cookies and falling "snow" at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party to the jazzy atmosphere of Jollywood Nights, we breakdown everything you need to know about Disney's ticketed holiday events. Fred shares his hilarious first-hand experience of attempting to consume as many complimentary treats as humanly possible at last year's party (spoiler alert: there were double-digit eggnog servings involved), while offering practical advice on maximizing your party time.

We explore each park's unique holiday offerings - from the nostalgic charm of the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and spectacular castle projections at Magic Kingdom, to Jack Skellington's impressive puppet show at Hollywood Studios, and the culturally rich Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Learn about price points, booking dates, and must-see experiences that make each celebration special in its own way.

Discover why the holiday season showcases Disney World at its magical best, with every park transformed through special entertainment, themed treats, and festive decor. Whether you're planning your first Disney Christmas or returning for another year of tradition, this episode provides the perfect planning guide to create unforgettable holiday memories. Want to experience the Disney parks during the most wonderful time of year? Reach out to us at [email protected] to start planning your magical holiday getaway today!