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 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

Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle

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 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.

Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle

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 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!

Stay up to date with all things Going Beyond the Castle at beacons.ai/GoingBeyondTheCastle

🛳️ 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 shows. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or thinking about booking your first voyage, we've got the insider tips, funny stories, and honest reviews you need. 🚢 Get ready for deep-sea dives into cabin choices, beverage packages, shore excursions, and how to snag the best sun-lounger. They'll cover the good, the great, and the occasionally rocky waters of life at sea!

👀 New to the Podcast? Start with our favorite episode:

• All Aboard the Disney Treasure: Shelley's ...

💫 Join the Going Beyond the Castle family:

Website: https://openinapp.link/9d4il

Facebook: https://fb.openinapp.co/lw8vw

Instagram: https://insta.openinapp.co/gercn

TikTok: https://openinapp.link/p1ld5

✨ 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 completing our travel request form: https://gdocs.openinapp.co/gs2xm

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 know about Disney's ticketed holiday events. Fred shares his hilarious first-hand experience of attempting to consume as many complimentary treats as humanly possible at last year's party (spoiler alert: there were double-digit eggnog servings involved), while offering practical advice on maximizing your party time.

We explore each park's unique holiday offerings - from the nostalgic charm of the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and spectacular castle projections at Magic Kingdom, to Jack Skellington's impressive puppet show at Hollywood Studios, and the culturally rich Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Learn about price points, booking dates, and must-see experiences that make each celebration special in its own way.

Discover why the holiday season showcases Disney World at its magical best, with every park transformed through special entertainment, themed treats, and festive decor. Whether you're planning your first Disney Christmas or returning for another year of tradition, this episode provides the perfect planning guide to create unforgettable holiday memories. Want to experience the Disney parks during the most wonderful time of year? Reach out to us at info@goingbeyondthecastle.com to start planning your magical holiday getaway today!

🎒✨ 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 must-haves (MagicBands, neck fans, and fuel rods) ✅ Cruise packing hacks (Ziploc outfit bags, theme night attire & more) ✅ What to pack for kids (and what not to forget!) ✅ Our first thoughts on Disney’s new Starlight Parade ✅ The debut of Walt Disney’s animatronic at Disneyland (and our hot takes) ✅ Oh, and Lori may or may not invent a new app called "Tick-a-Cock" 😅

From Loungefly vs. fanny pack debates to cruise theme night chaos, this episode is full of laughter, packing hacks, and a little bit of roasting. Whether you’re a seasoned Disney traveler or heading to the parks for the first time, you’ll walk away with practical tips and lots of laughs.

🎧 Subscribe & follow for more weekly episodes covering: 🌀 Walt Disney World 🌀 Disneyland 🌀 Disney Cruise Line 🌀 Universal Parks 🌀 Travel hacks and family tips

📲 Stay connected: 🔗 Website: www.goingbeyondthecastle.com 📧 Email: info@goingbeyondthecastle.com 📱 Social: @GoingBeyondTheCastle

👉 What’s the one item you always pack for a Disney trip? Let us know!

✨ 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 2025 EPCOT Candlelight Processional lineup (including surprising narrator news!), and some unforgettable—and hilarious—stories from Disney’s Animal Kingdom and recent cruise ship drama.

Other highlights include: 🎢 Disney vs. Universal – are the parks worth the money as adults? 🍷 Adult-friendly experiences: lounges, festivals, nightlife, and more. 🛳 Cruise stories you won’t believe (yes… chicken tenders were involved). 👑 Why Disney adults embrace the “magic bubble” and celebrate life milestones in the parks.

Plus, we share details on our new Patreon, exclusive Discord community, and brand-new Going Beyond the Castlemerch!

👉 Join the conversation, laugh along with our chaos, and discover why being a Disney Adult might just be the best thing ever.

🔗 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/goingbeyondthecastle 👕 Shop our merch: goingbeyondthecastle.com 🌐 Connect with us: beacons.ai/goingbeyondthecastle

#DisneyAdults #DisneyPodcast #GoingBeyondTheCastle #DisneyWorld #UniversalStudios #EPCOT #DisneyTravel #CandlelightProcessional #DisneyParks #DisneyMerch