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Going Beyond The Castle
By Fred Briley, Lori Talamo, and Ashley RudeLeisure
Going Beyond The Castle episodes
- Disneyland 101: First-Timer Tips with Stephanie Breeden
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Curious how Disneyland stacks up against Walt Disney World? This week, we’re joined by Stephanie—a Navy veteran and seasoned Disney traveler—who shares her love for Walt’s original park. From childhood trips with her grandmother to her recent visit for the Food & Wine Festival, Stephanie offers insider tips and unique insights.
She breaks down her split stay between the luxurious Grand Californian and the vibrant Pixar Place Hotel, explaining how staying on property elevates your experience. Plus, discover the Disneyland-exclusive attractions that outshine their Florida counterparts—like the extended Pirates of the Caribbean, Avengers Campus, and the thrilling Indiana Jones Adventure.Stephanie also dishes on must-try dining spots, from Blue Bayou to the best churros, and even shares a surprise celebrity encounter in the Grand Californian lobby.Whether you're a Disney World fan eyeing California or a Disneyland newbie, this episode is packed with tips and magical details you won’t want to miss.Ready to explore the original magic? Tune in now and start planning your Disneyland adventure!Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
53 min - The Final Countdown: Ranking Walt Disney World Resorts
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Choosing the perfect Disney World resort can make or break your vacation experience. In this comprehensive breakdown, we pull back the curtain on every Disney accommodation option to help you find your ideal home base.
We start with the crème de la crème – deluxe resorts. From the Hawaiian paradise of the Polynesian with its iconic 'Ohana restaurant to Beach Club's legendary Stormalong Bay pool (complete with actual sand at the bottom!), each luxury option offers distinct advantages. We don't hold back on honest assessments either – Animal Kingdom Lodge may offer spectacular savanna views, but its remote location makes it a tough sell for park-focused travelers. Meanwhile, Wilderness Lodge transforms into an absolute Christmas wonderland during the holiday season, making it worth every penny from November through January.Moderate resorts offer that sweet spot between luxury and value. Caribbean Beach earns high marks for being the Skyliner hub despite its sprawling size, while Port Orleans French Quarter combines charming New Orleans theming with the perfect compact footprint. We share strategic room request tips to maximize your experience at each location and discuss transportation options that can make or break your park days.For budget-conscious travelers, we compare the value resorts with surprising insights. Did you know that all three All-Star resorts feature virtually identical rooms, food courts, and amenities? The only real difference is the decorative skin! Meanwhile, Art of Animation's family suites and Pop Century's Skyliner access make them standout options in the value category.Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime splurge or maximizing every dollar for multiple Disney adventures, our candid resort rankings will help you make the perfect choice for your travel style. What's your Disney resort strategy – maximize park time with a value resort or indulge in the full resort experience?Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
43 min - Spring Break Survival: Conquering Crowds at Disney & Universal
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The dreaded question every Disney and Universal travel agent faces: "When is it not crowded?" For spring break travelers, the answer might be disappointing, but your vacation doesn't have to be.
Fred and Lori tackle the reality of March and April crowds when schools across the country schedule breaks at different times, creating a sustained peak season at the parks. Rather than avoiding these periods, they share proven strategies for thriving despite the crowds. "Go in with the expectation that it's crowded. That way, if it's not, you're happy," Lori advises, sharing stories of clients who experienced surprisingly short wait times during traditionally packed holiday weekends.The hosts dive deep into maximizing early entry benefits that come with on-property resort stays, with specific guidance on arriving well before the perk begins and knowing which attractions to target first. They break down when Lightning Lane and Express Pass investments truly pay off (hint: Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are must-haves during spring break) and how to strategically use mobile ordering to bypass lengthy food lines.For families battling Florida's heat, Fred and Lori offer creative solutions beyond the obvious advice. From taking advantage of the new complimentary water park day offered to Disney resort guests, to identifying the best indoor shows for midday breaks, to using cooling towels and finding hidden shaded areas throughout the parks—their practical tips come from years of personal experience navigating crowded parks.The episode concludes with alternative activities for when lines become unbearable, from engaging scavenger hunts and explorer badges to resort hopping and shopping districts. Their message is clear: with proper planning and realistic expectations, spring break at Disney and Universal can still be the magical experience your family deserves.Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
57 min - Universal Orlando Unleashed: Thrills, Lands & Bites
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In this exciting episode, hosts Fred Briley and Lori Talamo take you on a thrilling tour of Universal Studios Orlando. They dive deep into the park's wide array of attractions, from heart-pumping thrill rides to family-friendly experiences. Fred and Lori share their favorites, including the magical Harry Potter areas, the lively Simpsons Springfield, and the action-packed Marvel Superhero Island.
They also offer insightful travel tips, including how to navigate the crowds, secure dining reservations, and make the most of your visit. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned theme park enthusiast, this episode is packed with helpful insights and the latest updates on Universal Orlando’s best attractions, shows, and promotions. Tune in for all the must-know details to plan your perfect Universal Studios adventure!
Going Beyond The Castle - Episode # 21♥️🖤 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💫 Join the Going Beyond the Castle family:Website: www.goingbeyondthecastle.comFacebook: https://fb.openinapp.co/5pn81Instagram: https://insta.openinapp.co/wm2nrTikTok: https://openinapp.link/vp62f✨ 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 by emailing us at [email protected]👂Prefer to listen to the podcast?Apple Podcast: https://apple.openinapp.link/zl1k8Amazon Podcast: https://amzn.openinapp.co/2idegSpotify Podcast: https://spotify.openinapp.co/htlgpPandora Podcast: https://openinapp.link/kseatStay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
1 hr 11 min - Love, Laughter, and Disney Trivia: A Valentine’s Edition
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Join us for a fun-filled Valentine's episode of *Going Beyond the Castle* as hosts Fred Briley and Lori Talamo team up with their spouses, Rachel and Josh, for a Disney-themed trivia night! From guessing each other's favorite attractions and snacks to sharing hilarious travel mishaps, this episode is packed with laughter, nostalgia, and plenty of Disney magic.
Along the way, we dive into recent Disney announcements, romantic date night ideas, and the joys (and challenges!) of planning the perfect Disney trip. Whether you're a Disney-loving couple or just a fan of all things magical, this episode is sure to entertain and inspire!Going Beyond The Castle - Episode # 20♥️🖤 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💫 Join the Going Beyond the Castle family:Website: www.goingbeyondthecastle.comFacebook: https://fb.openinapp.co/5pn81Instagram: https://insta.openinapp.co/wm2nrTikTok: https://openinapp.link/vp62f✨ 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 by emailing us at [email protected]👂Prefer to listen to the podcast?Apple Podcast: https://apple.openinapp.link/zl1k8Amazon Podcast: https://amzn.openinapp.co/2idegSpotify Podcast: https://spotify.openinapp.co/htlgpPandora Podcast: https://openinapp.link/kseatStay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
53 min - Four Parks, One Day: Crafting the Perfect Disney Challenge
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Think you can conquer all four Disney parks in one day? In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle, hosts Fred and Lori, along with special guest Olivia, dive into the ultimate Disney Four Park Challenge! From thrilling rides at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios to indulging in the best Disney snacks at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom, they share personal experiences, expert strategies, and must-know planning tips.
Whether you're tackling the challenge solo, with family, or as a fun couples challenge, this episode is packed with insider advice, magical photo opportunities, and the best ways to experience Disney’s nighttime magic. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure—hit play and start planning your own Four Park Challenge!Going Beyond The Castle - Episode # 19♥️🖤 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💫 Join the Going Beyond the Castle family:Website: goingbeyondthecastle.comFacebook: https://fb.openinapp.co/5pn81Instagram: https://insta.openinapp.co/wm2nrTikTok: https://openinapp.link/vp62f✨ 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 by emailing us at [email protected]👂Prefer to listen to the podcast?Apple Podcast: https://apple.openinapp.link/zl1k8Amazon Podcast: https://amzn.openinapp.co/2idegSpotify Podcast: https://spotify.openinapp.co/htlgpPandora Podcast: https://openinapp.link/kseatStay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
51 min - Dining at Disney: Where to Eat and What to Try
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If you're planning a trip to Disney and wondering where to eat, this episode of Going Beyond the Castle is a must-watch! Hosts Fred Briley and Lori Talamo take you on a delicious journey through the best dining spots across Disney World, sharing their top restaurant picks in Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Whether you're craving a quick-service meal at Columbia Harbor House or a family-style feast at Liberty Tree Tavern, they've got you covered. They also discuss the importance of dining reservations, character dining experiences, and hidden gems that will elevate your Disney trip. Plus, Fred and Lori share their personal parenting insights and family-friendly dining tips, making this episode perfect for Disney-loving families. From Woody's Lunchbox to Sci-Fi Drive-In, Flame Tree Barbecue to Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’, this conversation is packed with restaurant recommendations, food experiences, and expert travel tips to help you make the most of your Disney dining adventure. Don’t miss out—watch now and start planning your next magical meal!
Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
1 hr 16 min - Mardi Gras at Universal: Your VIP Guide to the Party
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In this episode, Fred and Lori dive into all things Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Orlando! From the dazzling parade floats and live entertainment to the mouthwatering Cajun cuisine and exclusive merchandise, they break down everything you need to know to make the most of this spectacular event. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Mardi Gras pro, this episode is packed with tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes insights. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
53 min - Sailing into the Future: A Virgin Voyages Deep Dive with Ruel Campbell
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In this exciting episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Lori and Fred welcome Ruel Campbell from Virgin Voyages to explore all things Virgin Voyages Cruise Line! Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or new to the world of cruising, Ruel shares insider insights into the unique experiences Virgin Voyages offers. From the innovative ship designs to the luxurious onboard amenities and thrilling itineraries, this conversation covers everything you need to know about sailing with Virgin Voyages. Join us as we dive into the future of cruising, what sets Virgin Voyages apart, and why it might be the perfect vacation choice for your next getaway.
Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
1 hr 1 min - Savoring the Magic: Food Allergy Tips for Disney Dining
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In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Fred and Lori are joined by Lauren Miller from EnchantAway Travel to dive into all things dining at Disney with food allergies. From navigating menus to understanding Disney’s allergy-friendly policies, Lauren shares essential tips and tricks to ensure that guests with dietary restrictions can enjoy a safe and delicious experience at the parks and resorts. Whether you're gluten-free, dairy-free, or have other food sensitivities, this episode will give you the tools and knowledge to make your next Disney vacation worry-free when it comes to mealtime. Tune in for expert advice and practical suggestions to make dining at Disney magical for everyone!
Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle
56 min
About Going Beyond The Castle
From the publisher's feed
Going Beyond The Castle is your ultimate travel podcast that takes you beyond the magical gates of Disney. Join hosts Fred, Lori and Ashley as they explore a world of vacation possibilities, diving…
into the best experiences from Universal Studios, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Virgin Cruise Line, Sandals Resorts, and so much more. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just dreaming of your next getaway, tune in for expert tips, in-depth reviews, and insider secrets to make your vacation truly unforgettable.