What happens when you take ALL control out of planning a Disney and Universal day… and let a random wheel decide everything? From the park you visit to the ride you rope drop, what you eat, and even the weather—this episode is full of surprises, strategy, and a little bit of chaos. We’re putting our planning skills to the test as we try to make it all work… no matter what the wheel gives us. Would YOU survive this kind of theme park day? Play along with us and see how your day stacks up!

Spring Break is one of the most popular (and busiest!) times to travel—but with the right strategy, it can also be one of the BEST times to get away. In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to plan a stress-free, memory-filled Spring Break vacation. From the best destinations for families, couples, and groups (hello Disney, Universal, cruises, and all-inclusives!) to when you should book, what to prioritize, and how to avoid peak travel headaches—we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share insider tips, common mistakes to avoid, and how working with a travel advisor can make all the difference. Whether you're planning for this year or getting ahead for next, this episode will help you spring into vacation mode the right way!

In this episode of Going Beyond the Castle, Lori and Bethany share their firsthand experience from their recent FAM trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos, giving you an inside look at one of the Caribbean’s most popular all-inclusive family resorts. From touring the different villages and room categories to sampling the dining options, exploring the waterpark, and relaxing on the world-famous Grace Bay Beach, they break down what truly makes this resort stand out — and who it’s best suited for. Lori shares honest takeaways about value, service, kids clubs, teen spaces, beach quality, and how Beaches compares to a Disney or Universal vacation for families looking to pivot to a stress-free, sun-soaked getaway. If you’ve ever wondered whether an all-inclusive beach escape could rival theme park magic, this episode gives you the real scoop straight from Lori’s travel advisor perspective.

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.

Want more GBTC? Visit us at: www.goingbeyondthecastle.com

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.

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