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 dive into:

• Animal Kingdom’s Zootopia update & what it means for the park’s future
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Muppets overlay and Big Thunder Mountain re-theme
• Disney Dining Plan 2025 – convenience or waste of money?

Subscribe now for your weekly fix of Disney World tips, theme park discussions, and vacation planning advice!

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 side quests (like Disney bread and merpups 🐾). But through it all, we keep it real about the joys and challenges of traveling with kids.

✨ Topics include:

• Choosing the best time of year to visit with kids
• Character dining recommendations for different ages
• Why breaks and snacks are essential survival tools
• Kid-friendly activities at resorts and parks
• Expecting the unexpected (and rolling with it!)

📩 Got questions about planning your own Disney trip? Reach out at info@goingbeyondthecastle.com or visit www.goingbeyondthecastle.com.

🎙️ 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 on a budget vs. splurging on a luxury trip.Whether you're a budget-conscious family or a deluxe resort lover, we cover:

💸 Resort tier breakdowns (value, moderate, deluxe)

🍔 Dining plan pros and cons (and is Chef Mickey’s really the Golden Corral of Disney?)

⚡ Lightning Lane strategy tips

🚍 Why staying on-site matters

🏖️ Free & fun resort activities (including resort hopping!)

🎟️ VIP tours, Keys to the Kingdom, Premier Pass & more

Whether you're planning your very first Disney trip or looking to upgrade your experience, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and chaos in the best way.

🟣 Connect with us: 💻 Website: www.goingbeyondthecastle.com 🔗 All links: beacons.ai/goingbeyondthecastle 📧 Email: info@goingbeyondthecastle.com

👋 Special thanks to our live viewers on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch.

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 & Disneyland
• 🥤 Hydration and rest tips to avoid heat exhaustion
• 🌟 The return of the iconic Sorcerer Hat at Hollywood Studios
• 🔥 A wild story involving a fire and Disney’s electric buses
• 🍽️ Best indoor dining spots to cool off midday
• 🎡 Why staying on-property can be a total game-changer during hot months
• 📅 Navigating crowds during peak summer and holiday seasons

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, this episode is packed with real-life travel advice, family-friendly recommendations, and personal park stories to make your trip smoother.

💬 Don’t forget to like, follow, and share!

📩 Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Message us on Podbean or email us directly!

#DisneyPodcast #DisneyTravelTips #SummerAtDisney #DisneyParksPlanning #WDW #Disneyland #BeatTheHeat #DisneyWithKids #TravelSmart #FamilyVacationTips #GoingBeyondTheCastle #PodbeanPodcast #ThemeParkTips #DisneyWorldPlanning #DisneyFansUnite #DisneyMagic

🎒✨ 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!

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!

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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 triggering waterworks. We explore the show's remarkable technology – 58 moving searchlights and extensive projection mapping that transforms not just the castle but Main Street itself. From secret viewing spots to the mysterious identity of Tinkerbell (spoiler: possibly a grown man), we uncover the magic behind the most beloved fireworks show in Disney history. The conversation shifts to Epcot's Luminous, where massive fountain barges shoot water 100 feet high around World Showcase Lagoon. We share insider tips on prime viewing locations, including the Japan Pavilion's second level and the strategically sloped area behind Port of Entry where height differences won't block your view. Hollywood Studios' Fantasmic rounds out our nighttime spectacular tour. This theatrical experience offers a different energy – Mickey battling villains in an amphitheater setting complete with water projections, character appearances, and that impressive Maleficent dragon transformation. We even discuss the unique pre-show atmosphere with its nostalgic soundtrack and enthusiastic crowd participation. Whether you're planning your first Disney trip or your fiftieth, our practical advice on dessert parties (are they worth it?), dining packages, and alternative viewing experiences like fireworks cruises will help you create the perfect Disney evening. We also share strategies for avoiding the post-show transportation crush that has many guests skipping these spectaculars altogether. What magical memories will you make after dark? Subscribe now and join our Disney community as we continue exploring all things beyond the castle!

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

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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 experience reveals the surprising differences and delightful similarities between the California and Florida parks. The episode's highlight? A VIP tour guided by the knowledgeable and passionate James, who transforms the day into an unforgettable adventure with behind-the-scenes stories and instant access to fourteen attractions in just five hours. Standing outside Walt's apartment above the Fire Department—where a lamp still burns eternally—brings Disney history vividly to life. Food takes center stage throughout the narrative as Fred confesses his daily addiction to brioche French toast, discovers the oversized delights at Pym's Test Kitchen, and confirms what Disneyland fans have always claimed: those California churros truly are magical! The World of Color dessert party earns its price tag with reserved seating, unlimited refreshments, and a show emotional enough to bring tears to seasoned Disney veterans. Perhaps most valuable for future travelers are Fred's practical observations: the ease of park-hopping when the parks are just 50 feet apart, the different approaches to character interactions, and technological differences that might surprise Walt Disney World regulars. Whether you're planning your first visit to Disneyland or simply enjoy comparing Disney experiences across different parks, this episode offers both practical tips and heartfelt reflections on experiencing the park where Walt's dream first came true. Ready to experience the original magic for yourself? Reach out to our travel experts who can help make your Disneyland dreams a reality, complete with insider knowledge on must-do attractions, dining reservations, and how to maximize your time in the Happiest Place on Earth.

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