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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.com Facebook: https://fb.openinapp.co/5pn81 Instagram: https://insta.openinapp.co/wm2nr TikTok: 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 info@goingbeyondthecastle.com 👂Prefer to listen to the podcast? Apple Podcast: https://apple.openinapp.link/zl1k8 Amazon Podcast: https://amzn.openinapp.co/2ideg Spotify Podcast: https://spotify.openinapp.co/htlgp Pandora Podcast: https://openinapp.link/kseat

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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 representation. The majestic Tree of Life stands as both literal and figurative centerpiece of our discussion—a 145-foot tall engineering marvel built on an oil rig foundation, adorned with 300 meticulously carved animal designs that reward those who take time to look closely. We share our awe at this iconic structure and the technological wonder of the Tree of Life Awakenings projection show. Our journey takes us through each distinctive land, from the vibrant streets of Harambe in Africa to the mystical realm of Pandora with its bioluminescent wonders. We debate our favorite attractions—with Flight of Passage and Expedition Everest earning high praise—while acknowledging the simple joy of watching majestic animals on Kilimanjaro Safaris. Food lovers will appreciate our passionate endorsements of Flame Tree Barbecue's legendary offerings, Yak & Yeti's Asian-inspired delights, and those can't-miss snacks like street corn and pineapple lumpia. Beyond the attractions and dining, we explore what truly sets Animal Kingdom apart: its commitment to conservation, cultural authenticity, and the rewards it offers to guests willing to slow down and appreciate the details. As we look toward exciting changes with DinoLand transforming into Tropical Americas, we reflect on why this park deserves recognition as Disney's most underrated treasure—a place where education and entertainment blend seamlessly in a celebration of our natural world.

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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 are worth your vacation time and discuss the upgraded amenities at Pop Century Resort, including their stylish new coffee bar that's elevating this value resort experience. The Magic Kingdom's upcoming Starlight Nighttime Parade marks the first nighttime parade in 10 years, featuring breathtaking floats showcasing Moana, Encanto, Frozen and more. We also explore Hollywood Studios' two new shows premiering May 24th and the exciting enhancements coming to Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, including upgraded blasters with real-time scoring systems that promise to revolutionize this classic attraction. Disneyland fans have plenty to look forward to with Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live debuting in May, Rex from Toy Story joining Pixar Pier in June, and several new interactive experiences like Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Blast. We cover it all, including the upcoming Star Wars Nite special events. The real showstopper, however, is the continued reveals from Epic Universe. We share our excitement about the impressive craftsmanship in the Wizarding World's Ministry of Magic, the immersive How to Train Your Dragon experiences, and the Dark More monster transformation opportunity. With Universal now selling Express Passes specifically for Epic Universe attractions, we discuss which options might be worth the splurge for this highly-anticipated new park. Whether you're planning a summer vacation or just dreaming about future theme park adventures, this episode is packed with the latest updates to fuel your planning. Subscribe now and join our Facebook group to stay connected with all things Disney, Universal, and beyond!

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