Going Beyond The Castle

In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle... Are you heading to Disney with a baby? Join us for a quick deep dive with Alexa, a Disney-area BabyQuip provider. She shares how she helps families ditch the heavy packing and choose the perfect rental gear—from park-approved strollers to cozy cribs—so your vacation feels more like a getaway and less like a move. We’re also joined by Katie as she share...

Those first three hours in the park can make or break your entire Disney day — and most people waste them. In this episode, Ashley & Lori walk you through exactly how to maximize rope drop, stack your Lightning Lanes strategically, mobile order at the right time, and avoid zigzagging across the park at Walt Disney World Resort. They will share their personal systems (yes, including opening the...

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation for 2026 and feeling overwhelmed? 😵‍💫 We’ve got you! In this episode, we break down exactly when you should start doing what—from the “just dreaming” phase 💭 to the days leading up to your first Lightning Lane tap-in ⚡🎟️. We’ll walk through the key planning milestones, explain why timing matters more than ever ⏰, and help you avoid common mistakes that ca...

We’re back and officially on a new schedule—because the Podcast Princess has spoken! 😂 In Episode 60, Fred, Lori, Ashley, and honorary host Katie kick off the new Thursday night livestream era with a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly helpful Disney World trip recap … featuring the iconic meetup where Lori finally met Ashley (and Katie) in person for the first time! From freezing temperatures t...

Planning a trip to  Walt Disney World  or  Universal Orlando ? This episode of  Going Beyond the Castle  is packed with practical tips, honest opinions, and theme park fun. We break down  what to prioritize, how to tour smarter, and how to maximize your day —from  rope drop strategies  to navigating big-ticket attractions, lines, and must-try snacks. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned park...

In Episode 58 of the Going Beyond the Castle Podcast , Fred Briley, Lori Talamo, and Ashley Rude embrace the chaos and dive into their exciting 2026 Disney and travel plans — from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris to cruises, international travel, and everything in between. The episode kicks off with a fun round of the fan-favorite game “One Has to Go – Disney Edition,” where the hosts debate...

🎉 Episode 57 of the Going Beyond the Castle Podcast is finally here — the Listener Awards! 🎉 In this long-awaited episode, Fred Briley, Lori Palombo, and Ashley Rude celebrate the incredible listeners who show up, support the show, and keep the Disney conversation going all year long. From rope droppers who hit play the second a new episode drops, to ultimate support moms, laugh-out-loud legends...

In this episode of  Going Beyond the Castle , Fred, Lori, and Ashley sit down with the incredible founders of  Storybook Nannies  to talk all about how their services help families experience Disney in a whole new way. From park days and resort help to special needs support and unforgettable family moments, this conversation dives into how Storybook Nannies brings peace of mind, flexibility, and e...

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...

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 C...

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 Thursda...

🎄 What to Get Your Disney & Universal Lover for Christmas | Cruise Essentials + Lori’s Disney Agency Trip Preview 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 a...

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 ...

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 th...

Are you struggling to pick the perfect place to stay on your next Disney trip? 🤯 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 primar...

🛳️ 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 s...

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 e...

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: 👑 Lori’s tiara unboxing moment 🎠 Nostalgia-filled stories about classic attractions 🎡 Honest thoughts on theming, technology, and...

✨ 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 2...

🏰🎢 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...

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 Wate...

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...

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...

🎙️ 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...

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: ✅ Smart packing hacks (think: cooling towels, neck fans, electrolyte packs) 🏰 Touring strategies for hot days at Disney World &a...