Going Beyond The Castle

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...

🎒✨ 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: ✅ Disney park bag mu...

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 kn...

Send us a text Ever wondered why some Disney nighttime shows leave you sobbing while others just don't hit the same? Our hosts dive deep into the emotional impact, technological marvels, and strategic viewing spots for Disney's premier evening spectaculars. Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom emerges as the tearjerker champion, with Jordan Fisher's vocals and the Hercules segment consistently trig...

Send us a text Ever wondered what happens when a Disney World regular steps into Walt's original kingdom for the first time? Join Fred as he takes us on a fascinating journey through Disneyland Resort, sharing insights that only a travel agent's trained eye could capture. From the moment he checks into the rustic elegance of Grand Californian Hotel to his final character encounters, Fred's experie...

Send us a text Step through the portal into Universal's Epic Universe, where five distinct worlds await your exploration. Having visited twice within the park's opening month, I've uncovered the secrets, must-dos, and unexpected delights of this groundbreaking addition to Universal Orlando Resort. Epic Universe surprises at every turn, beginning with the stunning Celestial Park hub featuring inter...

Send us a text What happens when a Disney veteran takes his best friend on a whirlwind first-timer's adventure through Walt Disney World? Fred and his lifelong friend Jamel join Ashley for a captivating trip report that reveals the magic, challenges, and unexpected discoveries of experiencing Disney through fresh eyes. After seven years of planning, the duo finally made their guys' trip happen – a...

Send us a text Welcome back to Going Beyond the Castle! After a refreshing four-week break, we're kicking off Season Two with exciting changes and tropical adventures waiting in the wings. The most thrilling news? We're welcoming Ashley as our new co-host! With parents who worked at Disney parks and a lifetime of Disney passion, Ashley brings authentic expertise and enthusiasm to our conversations...

Send us a text The smell of fall is in the air as Disney Parks gear up for their spectacular Halloween festivities. We're diving headfirst into the spooky season with our comprehensive guide to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. Having experienced this extraordinary event multiple times, we reveal why this ticketed party transforms an ordinary Disney day into an unforgettable...

Send us a text Step into the lush world of Disney's Animal Kingdom as we celebrate its 27th birthday and explore what makes this park a true conservation and cultural masterpiece. From the humble beginnings under Michael Eisner's vision to Joe Rohde's extraordinary dedication to authenticity, we unpack the rich history of a park that forever changed how themed entertainment approaches cultural rep...

Send us a text The ultimate theme park showdown unfolds as we pit Disney and Universal rides against each other across 13 categories. Prepare for passionate debate, surprising verdicts, and a deep dive into what makes each park's attractions uniquely special. From classic experiences to cutting-edge thrills, we evaluate everything from dark rides to water attractions, themed areas to nighttime spe...

Send us a text Dive into the latest Disney and Universal updates as we explore the exciting changes coming to both resorts this summer and beyond! Disney World is pulling out all the stops with both water parks operating simultaneously from late May through early September, plus the return of the popular H2O Glow night events at Typhoon Lagoon. We break down whether these water park experiences ar...

Send us a text Springtime at Disney World blooms with possibility and magic! The refreshing temperatures (70s-80s) create the perfect backdrop for exploring the parks without summer's sweltering heat or winter's occasional chill. If you time your visit just right – especially in May after spring break crowds disperse – you'll enjoy one of the year's most pleasant, less crowded Disney experiences....