In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle...

Are you heading to Disney with a baby? Join us for a quick deep dive with Alexa, a Disney-area BabyQuip provider. She shares how she helps families ditch the heavy packing and choose the perfect rental gear—from park-approved strollers to cozy cribs—so your vacation feels more like a getaway and less like a move.

We’re also joined by Katie as she shares her full Disney Cruise Line trip report — from embarkation day excitement to the final wave goodbye. She walks us through what surprised her most, how the dining rotations and onboard entertainment compared to her expectations, and what made this sailing feel truly magical. If you’ve been cruise-curious or wondering whether a Disney cruise is worth it for your family, this honest, firsthand recap will give you the insight you need — plus a few tips we wish everyone knew before setting sail.

Those first three hours in the park can make or break your entire Disney day — and most people waste them. In this episode, Ashley & Lori walk you through exactly how to maximize rope drop, stack your Lightning Lanes strategically, mobile order at the right time, and avoid zigzagging across the park at Walt Disney World Resort. They will share their personal systems (yes, including opening the park map to book smart by location!) and explains how to set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful day before lunchtime even hits. If you want to ride more, wait less, and feel like a park pro by 10:30 a.m., this is the strategy episode you don’t want to miss.

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Planning a Walt Disney World vacation for 2026 and feeling overwhelmed? 😵‍💫 We’ve got you! In this episode, we break down exactly when you should start doing what—from the “just dreaming” phase 💭 to the days leading up to your first Lightning Lane tap-in ⚡🎟️.

We’ll walk through the key planning milestones, explain why timing matters more than ever ⏰, and help you avoid common mistakes that can cost you time, money, or sanity 😬. Whether you’re 600 days out or already counting down the weeks 📆, this episode will help you build a stress-free plan for your next trip to Walt Disney World Resort—without overplanning or missing the moments that matter most ✨🏰.

We’re back and officially on a new schedule—because the Podcast Princess has spoken! 😂 In Episode 60, Fred, Lori, Ashley, and honorary host Katie kick off the new Thursday night livestream era with a chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly helpful Disney World trip recap… featuring the iconic meetup where Lori finally met Ashley (and Katie) in person for the first time!

From freezing temperatures that had everyone questioning their life choices, to audibles being called all over Hollywood Studios, this episode is packed with real talk, ride drama, and “only our podcast” moments—like wheelchair VIP perks, Festival of the Arts food stops, and a legendary Beacon Barrell tip-moment with their server Bobby.

You’ll hear all about:

• The first-ever in-person meetup (and Lori’s immediate reaction: “Wow, you’re tall.” 😭)
• Animal Kingdom + EPCOT day one, including Flight of Passage choices, Dinosaur chaos, and Zootopia’s unexpected splash factor
• A Hollywood Studios rope drop that started with Rise delayed and ended with multiple audibles
• Toy Story Mania score battles, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and a surprisingly fast single rider Rise experience
• The moment Katie’s leg said “absolutely not,” leading to wheelchair mode in Magic Kingdom
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure decisions, PeopleMover moments, Pirates, Tiki Room first-timers, and parade + fireworks plans… that the cold absolutely bullied
• The best trip wisdom of all: If you think you packed enough for Disney in February—double it. 🧤❄️

If you love Disney trip reports, chaotic friend energy, behind-the-scenes park strategy, and the kind of humor that only comes from being cold, tired, and determined… this episode is for you.

📅 New Schedule Reminder:
✅ Livestreams: Thursdays @ 7:30pm Central
✅ Audio Drops: Tuesdays

Follow, subscribe, and keep up with everything Going Beyond the Castle—plus next week’s episode on the 2026 Disney planning timeline!

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando? This episode of Going Beyond the Castle is packed with practical tips, honest opinions, and theme park fun. We break down what to prioritize, how to tour smarter, and how to maximize your day—from rope drop strategies to navigating big-ticket attractions, lines, and must-try snacks.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned park pro, you’ll walk away with ideas you can use on your next visit to Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and beyond.

👉 Subscribe/follow for weekly episodes covering Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios, Epic Universe, and more.

In Episode 58 of the Going Beyond the Castle Podcast, Fred Briley, Lori Talamo, and Ashley Rude embrace the chaos and dive into their exciting 2026 Disney and travel plans — from Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris to cruises, international travel, and everything in between.

The episode kicks off with a fun round of the fan-favorite game “One Has to Go – Disney Edition,” where the hosts debate iconic Disney snacks, attractions, lands, resorts, parks, and holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and EPCOT Festival of the Holidays.

From there, the conversation shifts into real-world trip planning as the hosts share upcoming Disney trips, including stays at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Caribbean Beach Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge area dining, EPCOT festivals, Magic Kingdom fireworks, Hollywood Studios attractions, and Festival of the Arts. Fred also reveals details about his family’s international adventure to London and Disneyland Paris, including Harry Potter experiences, train travel in Europe, and the opening of World of Frozen.

You’ll also hear discussions about Disney dining plans, Lightning Lane strategy, park hopping, resort transportation, Skyliner tips, Disney Cruise Line planning, Carnival cruises, and balancing budgets while maximizing magical experiences. Plus, plenty of laughs, behind-the-scenes podcast moments, and real travel insights you can actually use when planning your next vacation.

Whether you’re a Disney superfan, a first-time park visitor, or a family planning your next big trip, this episode delivers inspiration, humor, and practical travel advice.

🎧 Subscribe to Going Beyond the Castle on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio for weekly Disney travel tips, vacation planning strategies, and honest conversations about all things theme parks and cruising.

🎉 Episode 57 of the Going Beyond the Castle Podcast is finally here — the Listener Awards! 🎉

In this long-awaited episode, Fred Briley, Lori Palombo, and Ashley Rude celebrate the incredible listeners who show up, support the show, and keep the Disney conversation going all year long. From rope droppers who hit play the second a new episode drops, to ultimate support moms, laugh-out-loud legends, and unforgettable alter egos, this episode is packed with inside jokes, heartfelt moments, Disney news, and pure chaos — exactly what Going Beyond the Castle does best.

Along the way, the crew also dives into Disney news and updates, including Festival of the Arts at EPCOT, the return of the Figment popcorn bucket, new dining coming to Disney Springs, and plenty of behind-the-scenes podcast banter. If you love Disney podcasts, Walt Disney World news, EPCOT festivals, Disney food, theme park chaos, and community-driven Disney content, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

🏰 Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and share the Going Beyond the Castle Podcast for weekly Disney and Universal discussions, travel tips, and a whole lot of fun.

In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Fred, Lori, and Ashley sit down with the incredible founders of Storybook Nannies to talk all about how their services help families experience Disney in a whole new way. From park days and resort help to special needs support and unforgettable family moments, this conversation dives into how Storybook Nannies brings peace of mind, flexibility, and extra magic to Disney vacations. Along the way, there’s plenty of humor, real-life stories, and behind-the-scenes insight into what it truly means to serve families in the parks.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Storybook Nannies got started and how their small idea turned into a thriving business
• What makes Storybook Nannies different from traditional nanny services
• Park play vs. resort care and how families use nannies during their trips
• Supporting families with infants, large age gaps, and special needs
• The planning, preparation, and personalized touches nannies bring to each family
• Safety protocols, training, certifications, and nanny-to-child ratios
• Heartwarming stories and unforgettable moments created in the parks
• Why Storybook Nannies has become a must-have service for many Disney families

Whether you’re a parent planning a Disney vacation, a travel agent looking for trusted resources, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes Disney stories, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and plenty of laughs.