Going Beyond The Castle

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....

Send us a text 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 luxuriou...

Send us a text 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 Stormal...

Send us a text 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 avo...

Send us a text 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 Sup...

Send us a text 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 div...

Send us a text 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,...

Send us a text  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-...

Send us a text 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 packe...

Send us a text 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 thrilli...

Send us a text 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 p...

Send us a text In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Fred and Lori dive into the world of Disney World dining options. They break down the different dining plans available at the parks, offering an honest comparison of the pros and cons of each. From the Quick Service plan to the Disney Dining Plan, they discuss which plans offer the best value, which are worth the extra cost, and how they f...

Send us a text In this exciting episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Fred and Lori welcome EnchantAway Travel Agency Manager, Shelley Eastmer, to share the highlights of her recent adventure aboard the Disney Treasure. Shelley takes us on a journey through the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, offering a firsthand account of its stunning amenities, unique experiences, and unforgettable moments. From...