Going Beyond The Castle
Going Beyond The Castle is your ultimate travel podcast that takes you beyond the magical gates of Disney. Join hosts Fred and Lori as they explore a world of vacation possibilities, diving into the best experiences from Universal Studios, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Virgin Cruise Line, Sandals Resorts, and so much more. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just dreaming of your next getaway, tune in for expert tips, in-depth reviews, and insider secrets to make your vacation truly unforgettable.
Going Beyond The Castle
Park Updates & Plot Twists: The Latest from Disney and Universal
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
H2O glow dates have been announced for Typhoon Lagoon, which will be May 23rd through September 13th.
Speaker 2:Another thing I just can't see myself doing.
Speaker 1:I mean I know it's got to be popular though there's so many.
Speaker 2:I mean well, keep talking about it. Okay, so now. I used to love water parks when I was younger.
Speaker 1:I love going on. I still do. I like water slides, I really do. I love going on. I still do. I like water slides, I really do. I just. I'm just a germaphobe, I think I know they're very clean, it's just. And plus, though, if we're going there, I don't want to. I don't want to go to a water park, I want to go to the parks.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But again, I but this one. It turns Typhoon Lagoon into a dance party, and then you get free snacks with your ticket, Like that's a thing like I could see it being worth it. Yeah, it's not super expensive.
Speaker 2:It's $42.50 for kids and I mean $85 for adults. I'm not paying $85 to get nighttime in a water park, sorry.
Speaker 1:You don't want to go and have a party with Party Saris Rex.
Speaker 2:No, because what would happen is I would just spend 85 on unlimited mickey bars and soda, and then I would get diabetic coma like I did at the christmas party, christmas party.
Speaker 2:What's up? And welcome back to episode 26 of Going Beyond the Castle. Super excited to be back to speak. As always, I am your host, fred Riley, and with me, as always, is my fabulous co-host, the podcast princess Maury Caldwell. And it's me Alright. So this is going to be a fun episode. We're super excited to dive into this episode.
Speaker 2:As we talk, you know a lot of updates coming to the park. A lot of these we've hit previously, but there's just, you know, it seems like every week we just have more stuff coming out. You know, especially with everything that's been going down at Epic Universe universe and the release of photos and videos out there as Disneyland prepares to enter the seventh, as Disney World prepares to ramp up for the summer, and there's just, you know, new updates coming every week. So we're excited to dive into those this week, to talk about those.
Speaker 2:Before we dive in, as always, I will give a shout out to those that are joining us as we go beyond the castle. Each and every week, we are super thankful for you guys. I say it every week, but you know, you know you guys are truly what, what keep me going, and I'm sure laurie would say the same. We we do this podcast for fun. One, because we love getting to talk disney, and two, you know, we just love doing this, this podcast, with you guys. So definitely shout out to you guys for joining us each and every week. We are super excited to do this with you guys yeah for sure.
Speaker 2:With that being said, this whole episode is pretty much announcements, so we don't really have any specific announcements to start with, but we do. I'm going to say we have one big announcement that I am super excited to talk about. For those that have been following us for a while, we seem to come up with new stuff every once in a while, and I am super excited to say that we have a new website. So we now have a new website. It's the same exact website as before, wwwgoingbeyondthecastlecom, but it is new and improved. So we have all sorts of new fun stuff on here. The old one kind of pulled in, you know, bits and pieces from all sorts of different sources. This one really has it all right there, so you know whether you're learning to learn more about Lori and I. There's an About Us section where we can kind of dive in, talk a little bit about us. If you're looking to find out what's coming up on the schedule, you can see when we're going live each week as well as what we're going to be talking about. If you're looking to find the most recent podcast, you can do so here. All of the podcasts are linked so you can listen to it right on our website without having to go to a different source Our blog that we recently started. It's here. So each week we'll post our blog here. Youtube videos if you're more of a YouTube video type person, we post our YouTube videos here.
Speaker 2:And one of my favorite things that I'm super excited about now is merch. So we do have some going beyond the castle or beyond the castle podcast merch. So if you are interested in purchasing some merch, we do have it there. You know, as we come up with crazy ideas, I've already got a couple ideas and designs that I'm doing that I plan to drop this week. Well, you'll, you know, we'll launch some Disney and Universal and Cruise Line related shirts, you know, and things like that. That'll pertain to the podcast and we are going to be donating a portion of, you know, the merch that we get to benefits Like right now, gift Kids of the World is one that we're going to focus on. There's a couple other, you know, charities out there that you know really get to help people who don't necessarily get to experience it all the time, get to experience Disney, universal and things like that. So we're going to be focusing on that.
Speaker 2:We have current promotions. So if you're curious what the current promotions are at Disney World, universal, things like that we will be posting some current promotions on there and then, of course, ways that you can get a hold of us. We will be posting some car promotions on there and then, of course, ways that you can get a hold of us. That picture right there is the creepiest mickey I've ever seen in my life, but it's one of my favorites. Every time he comes out, yeah, so, yeah, definitely.
Speaker 2:Uh, go check out our podcast. It is live as of right now. I just opened up the website, so definitely go check it out, but you can also, at the very bottom of the home page, all the way down at the bottom, you can subscribe so as updates come to our website, you'll get emails. I'll let you know. Hey, we've dropped a new blog, we've dropped a new video, we've updated some merch or we've updated a new podcast episode. Definitely sign up. As it says, we respect your privacy, so we're not going to spam you with cat memes or anything like that. But definitely check out the website, subscribe to stay up to date with everything going beyond the castle great job.
Speaker 1:I might have to hire you to um update my website I'm down.
Speaker 2:I do like creating websites. It's fun. I enjoy it. A lot of work, but I enjoy it yeah, well, you did a great job, thanks, okay, cool, cool.
Speaker 1:With that being said, let's dive into the updates coming to Disney and I guess it's if you're flying Southwest to in out of MCO. So as of right now, it's just a value resort. So also movies, music, sports, art of animation and pop century are doing that. I feel like I'm too much of a control person and I would be so afraid. I mean I know they got it down. This is not anything new. This is things that they did before. Covid.
Speaker 2:And I guess, since you're going home, it's not the same as coming in and not having your luggage. It depends on the person, right? Because I sent this to Jamel, because Jamel is ironically flying Southwest when we go at the end of May, and he seemed interested. What I haven't told him is that because his flight leaves, he gets picked up by mirrors at 6 am.
Speaker 1:He has to turn his luggage in by 1 am.
Speaker 2:So if you have early flights, you have to do everything the night before.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it says any flights that depart before one, you have to drop off your luggage by 1 am the night before the flight. If your flight departs 1 pm or later, then you have to drop it four hours prior to departure.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm hoping they open it up because I would like to try it, because I don't. I have an evening flight when we come back. He abandoned me all day, even though there was a flight leaving at the same time as me, but he chose to go with the morning flight. But that was trust issues or something we'll talk about later. But yeah, so I may. I'm hoping they expand it because I'd like to try it and see it'd be super nice, but but I'm telling you I would be super paranoid.
Speaker 2:You're telling me I won't see my luggage from the time that I leave Disney until the time that I get to New Orleans, right?
Speaker 1:I also. I don't check bags, so I guess it really wouldn't work for me anyway, I'd take a lot of stuff.
Speaker 1:It's crazy. We've talked about this, maybe I've about this, maybe I've talked about it with someone, I don't. Even if I'm going for a whole week, I make sure I mean I don't have children. So, like each of us have our own, I mean I have children, I don't have small children, that's so everybody carries, everybody's responsible for their own stuff. So I have my, my carry-on suitcase that fits pretty much all of my clothes for the week and because I don't bring a whole lot extra, like when I'm going to disney or universal, I'm very specific in what I'm wearing each day. So I have all of that packed. And then I also have a backpack that is also a suitcase, so it can fit a lot of stuff in there, which is also a carry-on.
Speaker 2:See for me, I have a suitcase for clothes.
Speaker 1:I have a suitcase for.
Speaker 2:Disney necessities, and then I have a suitcase for souvenirs.
Speaker 1:That is the one challenge that we face.
Speaker 2:I will also say I could care less about how many bags I take, because perks of being military is I get free checked bags there you go if I didn't have that part it would be a totally different story, because if you tell me I gotta pay 60 dollars for each check back.
Speaker 1:Well, mine is more again. I guess it's a control thing, like I want to have all my stuff with me, so that way we get off and we go we don't have to wait waiting, just stand.
Speaker 2:Especially mco, like those bigger airports, you're just gonna stand there and just wait, yeah yeah, one thing about the services it does not include on your arrival. So it's only for departure right now which, hopefully, hopefully, we bring back some form of the magical express where they kind of take care of your luggage and all that stuff yeah, I've seen a lot of chat in the groups, speculation to see if if that's, if that's coming, so we'll see.
Speaker 1:Interesting to see. Yeah, so fun stuff if you don't want to have to tote your luggage especially. I mean, I guess too it's good, if you like, if it was extended for the day and you had time for the whole day, instead of checking your luggage at bell Services and then having to go back to the resort. You can just, you know, but I guess right now you can with the four-hour window. Unless, I wonder if it matters, though, like if you have the option like hey, I'm not leaving until later this evening, but I want to get it out the way. I'm sure you could. I'm sure you can. Yeah, I guess the the times they have listed are like minimums, so I mean I would. I could see that that way you can go, have a park day and then not have to go back to the resort. You could just head straight to um the airport. So I could see that we'll see.
Speaker 2:I'm gonna have jamel try it see if he loses his bags let him take one for the team facts.
Speaker 1:yeah, sweet, all right, moving on, and I didn't really put much notes because there's not really a whole lot of stuff, but I know you're going to show some things Facts. Man, I'm excited about this one and I cannot wait till we have a trip where we can stay there. We actually don't know yet where we're staying when we go in.
Speaker 2:Sounds like you're staying at Pop Century.
Speaker 1:I hope so. Probably not, though, because we registered kind of late. It is a cheer trip, so they give you like they tell us where we're going to stay and it is one of the value resorts. So we'll see. But Pop Century has their new coffee bar. I know we talked about it once before, but now it's open.
Speaker 2:It is. I'm so excited. It looks so good too. Like good too, like it does. They're just, they really are taking pop century to a new level. Yeah, like like, if you scroll up a little bit, like just this whole area just looks so welcoming, like before it looked like it looked like a true like pops, it like value resort that hadn't had any updates in years.
Speaker 2:Like it truly looked like a resort that was built in the 90s or the 2000s, but they're just doing so much to it nowadays and it just looks so good it does.
Speaker 1:And I think we might have talked about this before too I don't drink coffee in the room. No, I don't. So I'll usually go. But I'm also not. I've changed a little bit since I've been trying to change some of my diet habits. I'm also not. I've changed a little bit since I've been trying to change some of my diet habits. I'm only doing milk and honey in my coffee, so I don't necessarily need the sugary coffee drinks, but I don't just like plain coffee, so it's not like a fun time at all.
Speaker 1:When I am on vacation I will get a latte, so I'm excited to see what they have. Maybe we'll have to take a um, even if we're not staying there. Maybe I'll go and check it out when we go in may on some of our downtime if we have any see what they have it looks super great, though like it does.
Speaker 1:I'm trying to envision where it is. It's like I can see. It's kind of is that like almost in part of where the dining area was, because it looks like behind you could see somebody standing in the very back.
Speaker 2:So if you yeah on the other side is the food area. I don't know if you stayed at Pop before, but over to the left, back where you see the utensils back there on the left. That's where mobile pickup used to be was back on that side, I gotcha. I can't remember what used to be here, though.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Like yeah, I don't. I don't remember See this area right here Like this is where mobile pickup used to be over in the back, gotcha.
Speaker 1:But it looks cute.
Speaker 2:And the um the ice cream truck is.
Speaker 1:That is so cute, I know. I wonder if they have it on All the little, all the little. Oh wait, I think it was on the. You can't really see it, but yeah, it's on there.
Speaker 2:So cute. It looks super cute.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean it's almost like the little sundae you can get over at Beaches and Cream, yeah, mickey thing. So fun stuff. So anybody that goes to Pop in the next few days or next few weeks, let us know how the coffee bar is yeah, that's I'm telling you.
Speaker 2:I mean, pop is, I'm telling you, disney's making me fall in love more with Pop. Everything that they do to it Same. I would not be surprised, because Pop is one of the few resorts that you don't have to scan into the pool. I would not be surprised if that follows soon, especially with the Skyliner being there, the new food court being there. I could see them.
Speaker 1:Coffee bar nice screenshot. Yeah, definitely Sweet. Yep, yay for Pop. Alright. So what's next? This one and I know we've talked about it before with the perk. With what?
Speaker 2:No, we haven't. I'm just not a pool person, I'm not Me either. If it's at my resort, different story. But I just I can't see myself going to disney and being like let's go spend the day at the water park, like I know we don't.
Speaker 1:We don't do water parks either, just because I'm a germaphobe and I can't yeah but we have a lot of people like I actually quoted somebody today who has a very short trip and she was going to add the water I can't ever say it Water parks and sports option to her tickets.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 1:And I'm like, well, you're only going for so many days, that's way too many days of tickets. She didn't realize that she could go for free on her day, on her check-in day.
Speaker 2:I'm like you can go for free and then use the other days, for I was. But then Jamel got the same morning flight as I did and I was like let's go to the parks, let's go to Animal Kingdom.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I know I keep saying I'm going to go check it out on my check-in day, but same thing we never do.
Speaker 2:It's not worth it to me.
Speaker 1:Yeah, but anyway, I never even I started rambling and we didn't even take announce it 21st. Both water parks will be open now and at least through the summer. It's for now. It's may 21st through september 7th and I imagine it's got to be with the free perk and then all the folks going over the summer.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah they have to have it open well, and even lately, like they've been reaching capacity yet the water parks like so it's only going to get worse as we run into summer months, people taking advantage of the free water park on your check-in day Like capacity is just going to get reached at those water parks, so it only makes sense to open them both up.
Speaker 1:Right, hopefully, because it says Blizzard Beach is going to be temporarily closed from May 1st to the 20th. For some, I guess, refurb. So hopefully it can open back up, but yeah, so for the folks who like to enjoy the water parks, then you have your option for you, yeah, good for you? I like your shirt, is that new?
Speaker 2:it is. I bought four of them. Not the same style, but I bought four new shirts for my trips fun.
Speaker 1:I know me, olivia and I are kind of thinking thinking out our outfits because we'll be there. We have two days that are just park days and then we have two days that are cheer days, but hopefully one of those days we'll get to go. So we're going to Disney, bound together, we're going to pick outfits.
Speaker 2:There you go, See I just wear. Disney Hawaiian shirts. That's the stage of life I'm in.
Speaker 1:Well, no one else in the family will dress up anymore. So he's like, are we going to dress alike? I'm like he will not. He wears fishing shirts. I know he does. So he's got to. You know, with the red hair you got to in the light skin. He's got to protect the skin, especially when it's hot. So we'll see. I have to share our outfits. I don't know why I can't talk today.
Speaker 3:At least you don't make fun of me.
Speaker 1:Like my family does All right, so my family does All right. So, speaking of the water parks, h2o glow dates have been announced for Typhoon Lagoon, which will be May 23rd through September 13th this one.
Speaker 2:It says Another thing. I just can't see myself doing.
Speaker 1:I mean I know it's got to be popular though there's so many.
Speaker 2:I mean like I mean well, keep, keep, keep talking about it, and OK, so yeah Now. Well, keep talking about it.
Speaker 1:Okay, so now, I used to love water parks when I was younger. I loved going on. I still do. I like water slides, I really do. I'm just a germaphobe. I think I know they're very clean. It's just. And plus, though, if we're going there, I don't want to go to a water park, I want to go to the parks.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But again, my kids aren't fans, so but this one, it turns typhoon lagoon into a dance party, so and then you get free snacks with your ticket, the like that's. That's the thing, like I could see it being worth it. Yeah, it's not super expensive it's 42.50 for kids and I mean 85 dollars I'm not paying 85 dollars to get nighttime and have water parks, sorry. You don't want to go and have a party with Party Saris Rex.
Speaker 2:No, because what would happen is I would just spend $85 on unlimited Mickey bars and soda, and then I would go into a diabetic coma, like I did at the Christmas party. Christmas party, I wouldn't touch the water. I would just eat an excessive amount of Mickey bars.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it looks like some other Toy Story friends will be there too. But this complimentary snacks it says Mickey bars, popcorn and select beverages.
Speaker 2:I could see that being worth it, especially if you have kids that are like Older kids, younger teens. I could totally see it being Worth something. I would not take my 4-year-olds to it, but like eight, nine, ten, twelve, thirteen, yeah for sure, yeah, and I imagine.
Speaker 1:I didn't look at the times, but I imagine it's after. I was right, it's an evening event it is yeah, so I mean it would be cool, like if you did an animal kingdom day and the park closes early and then head over for an event like this and that way it's not as hot during the day.
Speaker 2:On a side note, an episode idea that just popped in my head because I got really salty that Animal Kingdom doesn't have a nighttime show anymore. We should do an episode on things that Disney got rid of that they should bring back.
Speaker 1:Ain't there no more, as they say in New Orleans. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm from kentucky, I know, I know how to pronounce. They have, okay, they have a band, it's called benny grunge and a bunch, I think, and they do a song called ain't there no more, and it's all of the things throughout new orleans that kind of go away. So you have to look it up. It's like a gimmicky song. They also do um 12 days of christmas, though in a funny kind of way. All right, so, moving on, what do we have next? The summer, at summer 2025, at disney world? So they have a lot of summer things yeah may.
Speaker 1:May 27th through september 1st, there are some kid zones with interactive activities magic kingdom and epcot. It looks like they have some. I think the really cool thing is which man? Last time when we were there for cheer, we went to eat. So we were staying at Saratoga Springs. We went to breakfast with another family that happened to be there. Josh and I left, walked back to our room and then when we met up at the competition, they're like oh yeah, or as soon as you left Chippendale, we're there. And I'm like, seriously, we missed out on it.
Speaker 2:But so there's going to be a lot more characters out and about at the resorts over the summer even at the I don't know if we I think we mentioned this one briefly like the characters that are going to be wandering during early magic hours, or whatever it's called now. Early entry, yeah, during early magic hours, or whatever it's called now. Early entry yeah, that's. I'd like to think that I'm excited to see that, but I'll probably be online waiting for a ride.
Speaker 1:I know, not me, but I won't be there early enough, probably If it's on.
Speaker 2:I'm hearing rumors like 645.
Speaker 1:Oh sweet, I don't plan to sleep at all When'm at disney, so it's fine yeah, it says characters would be out in the park earlier than normal for disney resort hotel guests. Yeah, yes, during early park hours I like extra magic hours, those sounded better yeah, that's that sounds good.
Speaker 1:They have two. It says um, so art of it. So it looks like, well, no, not all of the uh value, but art of animation. Pop century caribbean beach and wilderness lodge will have some disney themed activities. Another another plug for pop there. Yes, didn't really say well, I think it. No, it didn't really say too much on what the activities were. The Kid Zones they have Storybook Circus and Tomorrowland with your favorite Stitch Stitch. There's an Ultimate Game Party in Play Space featuring Goofy as he takes over the CommuniCorps Hall at Epcot. So lots of fun stuff over the summer.
Speaker 2:They're really pulling people for the summer, I think. I don't know. It just seems like every year, which I mean I had this conversation with somebody the other day, not trying to get into the politics of it, but just the things that these locations have tried to bring back and try to increase attendance since COVID and you know attendance is just going up every year. And you know attendance is just going up every year even with everything that's going on in the political side of the house of financials.
Speaker 1:I think I'm intrigued to see how crowds are this summer yeah, well, I was going to say I'll let you know, but no, I'm gonna be there. I mean, I'm going in may, so not the summer june, to epic. We're going to june and epic cannot wait. I'm excited for that, yep. So I think I kind of combined the next two bullets to staying at the resorts in the summer, but lots of summer stuff. It's not too late to go. They do have some promotions out as well.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they do Free dining.
Speaker 1:Free dining. Free dining.
Speaker 2:Up to 30% off hotels. Park tickets yeah, three-day three-park tickets, 50% off, kids tickets Like there's a lot of good promotions out right now off.
Speaker 1:Kids take it like there's a lot of good promotions out right now. Yeah, it's funny, I'm watching myself on the, I'm watching myself on my phone and I got my notes over here so I'm like need to bring them over. Anyway, people who are listening won't. Won't see that. Then your favorite that I added at the very end because it just got announced they um opened up the pool over at all star movies such a great pool like the phantasmic.
Speaker 2:Such a great pool Like the Fantasmic Pool. Such a great pool, All-Star. Movies is the top All-Star resort all day Like top three, Number one of the three.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and it's crazy because I haven't stayed at that one. I've stayed at Music before, but I haven't stayed at Movies. But it is like when I'm quoting, that's the first all-star that I pick.
Speaker 2:I wonder if I can switch to all-star movies. I'm staying at all-star sports.
Speaker 1:You haven't stayed. I stayed at music, but that was also a cheer competition where they put us there. Yeah, so we'll see. We'll see which one I get this time. I'll know. The email is supposed to go out on the 14th, so I'll find out on the 14th where we're staying Crossing our fingers for pop Crossing, but I think it's going to take a lot. It's funny because they only do one moderate for that and like the moderate always, but it's Coronado. So I'm like I'd rather stay at one of the all-stars.
Speaker 2:All-star yeah.
Speaker 1:I like Coronado if I'm in the tower and depending on the trip, but not this kind of trip I don't think. All right, so we can move on over to the parks. Lots of stuff happening over at the parks and we've talked about it a little bit before. On the Starlight Nighttime Parade they're starting to give a little bit more information on that, on the floats. Yeah On the floats. Yeah Says. This is the first nighttime parade in 10 years, so that's super cool.
Speaker 2:I'm super excited. I'm sad I'm going to miss it, but the Moana float looks fire all day, Like to see this at night. Just the Encanto float, too, looks like it's going to be crazy.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and then they just say summer, so it doesn't have a date. So I would imagine it's probably going to be June, probably.
Speaker 2:But I don't know. It's just too bad. It's going to be a great parade. Moana, peter Pan and Kanto Frozen Pinocchio.
Speaker 1:It is cool, especially like when you have a long day, because you know, we've said before that, like my family, we don't really do the parades, but whenever I go to the Halloween party I always watch the parade and I have tons of videos. I don't know why I haven't. I'm so far behind on sharing stuff. Maybe I'll share it when we get to halfway to Halloween, but it is, you know, when you have a long day in the park and you're almost kind of worn out, it's really good to just find a spot that you can just chill for a little while and watch the parade, because the kids love it, you know, and even, and even as an adult it's, you know, it's fun. And I'm a little lost again here. I am. Welcome back, thanks.
Speaker 2:Hopefully this is not how it's gonna go to rest of the night, but we'll see. Yeah, we're halfway through. Yeah, all right, what's next? I can see this being a parade that I see one time and then I skip it every time and go hit the hit the right. Just like you skip happily ever, I couldn't skip happily ever after. I don't know how you do it. That show just does something to me every time. But this I could see me being like I want it it done. I'm good, I'm going to go ride some rides now.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, I mean I would watch it. It's just the fam's like oh, let's go ride, rides, if we're even there.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm always there, open and close.
Speaker 1:I know, you know what, though I say a lot of times I'm so worn out. We don't, because we don't take breaks, we just go at it.
Speaker 2:You got to put more monsters back yeah. More caffeine?
Speaker 1:Yeah, I don't know. I haven't done a monster. I would probably die of a heart attack. Probably You'll be fine, there's defibrillators there, they'll be carrying me around like weekend at Bernie's Anyway. So what else came? What is it Shows over at Hollywood Studios the Little Mermaid, a musical adventure, along with the Disney villains. Unfairly ever after.
Speaker 2:Which super salty that these premiere like two days after I leave man, that stinks Four days.
Speaker 1:We leave on the 23rd. Yeah, everything, everything is going to be way after I leave, but hopefully I can catch some of it in December. December is going to be a business trip, so it's just going to depend on how much downtime we have. But I have more chances of seeing nighttime parades and shows on that type of trip than a family trip.
Speaker 2:Little Mermaid is probably one I would see once and be like I'm good, the Villains one, sign me up for that like, yeah, it looks cool. It does look super cool. Did you see the? Uh? Did you see the video of them putting the mirror in place the other day? No, I didn't.
Speaker 1:Oh, it looks super cool yeah, I haven't even done like the. Oh gosh, what's the other shows over at epcot? I can't even think what it is now. Is it little?
Speaker 2:like frozen, we do lightning mcqueen. Frozen is the top tier, top tier show. I'm super excited to take jamel to see frozen so wait, isn't that one?
Speaker 1:a little different though it's not. Not that it's not kid based, but isn't it more?
Speaker 2:the, the two people who, the two people from arendelle who tell the story of frozen, do a really good job of making it entertaining for adults too, because they know that all of us parents have sit there and watched frozen every single day of every single weekend on a repeat, so they do a really good job of keeping it funny and telling jokes and they make it fun for the, the parents. That's why I love it. I don't pay attention to the rest of it.
Speaker 1:Sweet, yeah, all right oh, this one, I'm excited about yes, buzz lightyear space ranger spin um is getting a refurb, yes, so it looks good like it's getting a nice update like yeah, it's a lot of stuff. It's like the vehicles, the blasters are going to be different, because right now it's just the one that's on the wait, do you? You don't hold the handheld blaster now, do you?
Speaker 2:I'm not now, no, it's, it's stationary.
Speaker 1:Oh, it's on, the it's on the yeah so I can. This is the one I fight with braden because he spins us. It's so I'm. I guess it does still look like it's going to spin, but but it's, it doesn't thing, is?
Speaker 2:it doesn't look like anybody's spinning their own cars anymore? Maybe they're going to turn it to certain yeah, these enhanced blasters will now include an always on laser and come in two different colors per star cruiser, in addition to new lighting, sound and vibration effects, so players know where they're aiming throughout the mission. I'm about to destroy Rachel Like it's over. Yes.
Speaker 1:But it doesn't.
Speaker 2:Star Cruisers will also receive a facelift, with a new design inspired by the colors Buzz Lightyear and Star Command. Each enhanced vehicle will now also come equipped with video monitors that provide real-time scoring, updates and other exciting features. It doesn't look like they're turning like the current ones do, that's good Fun so we'll have to ride it when we go in May. Yeah.
Speaker 1:And then we'll have to go back. See, we're going to have to go back next year. I'm going to have to go back, see, we're gonna have to go back next year. I have to tell josh, we're just gonna have to go back because there's all these new things that I'm not getting to do this year.
Speaker 2:So I mean we still need to. We still need to talk about our 2026 d23 disneyland trip, but that's in the future, yeah I'm down I am definitely we can pay.
Speaker 1:It's for the podcast. This one I thought maybe you would be excited about Because didn't you say you've always wanted to go diving over at Epcot the problem is that, in order to do this, you have to be open water certified.
Speaker 2:You can't just show up and go scuba diving in the seas with Nemo and friends, like. You have to Like, you actually have to be open water certified.
Speaker 1:I gotcha, oh well.
Speaker 2:But I need to finish my certification, so maybe this is motivation for me.
Speaker 1:Yeah, good reason to do it, but if you are schedule after May 1st to go and dive Uber and Epcot, not something that I want to do. What's happening? I need to stop talking and roll through it.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you do.
Speaker 1:Alright, disneyland, what we got.
Speaker 2:So we'll pull this one up too. Lots of good things coming to Disneyland. They've got a new show, disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live. My children would murder somebody over this. Super excited to have the cast of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse come to the theaters. Looks like it's supposed to debut on May 16th Disney's California Adventure. So it's supposed to be based off of the actual show Mickey's Mouse Clubhouse. Yes, there's a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Plus that's coming out later this summer, so it's going to be kind of styled based off of that. So that should be good for those who have kids. This one I'm excited about To meet Rex.
Speaker 2:Although I won't be there, but to meet Rex would be so cool. So it looks like they're going to be bringing Rex from Toy Story over to Pixar Pier in California Adventure.
Speaker 1:Oh man it starts June 1st. Huh, yeah, you're going in May. Yeah, so close.
Speaker 2:Disney timed this right when they invited us out. They said hey, everything starts in June, let's invite them out in may exactly, so they miss it all and have to come back right, but yeah, uh, you can go do a photo op with rex over at pixar pier.
Speaker 2:Starting in june, pixar pals playtime is returning to fantasyland on may 23rd. Guests can dance and play as they enjoy interactive games, activities and photo locations inspired by fans' favorite Pixar films. Looks like we've got the Incredibles. Toy Story what's the one with the emotions? That's super popular. I can't think of the name of it.
Speaker 3:Inside.
Speaker 2:Out, yep, inside Out. So lots of characters there. And then the last one that they recently announced was Stitch's Interplanetary Beach Party Beach Party Blast. Families can dive into the interactive Stitch's Interactive Beach Party Blast for a tidal wave of galactic good fun, where Stitch throws an adventure-filled space adventure, filled with his favorite tunes, dance moves and surprises. Starting may 23rd. I would go to this and I would look like the biggest 12 year old dancing with stitch all day when did y'all trip? All day before that too, yeah, it's before that.
Speaker 2:Every I'm telling you, I'm telling you. Disneyland said hey, let's invite them right before everything cool happens.
Speaker 1:Oh man, that stinks.
Speaker 2:Also coming up is Disneyland Star Wars night, so that one that one's kicking off next week. It is a special ticketed event where the park is going to be shutting down for a special ticket event over at Disneyland. So anything and everything Star Wars is going to be taking place. A couple of people from my group bought tickets, so they're supposed to have all sorts of Star Wars special merchandise that is only going to be available during the party. So definitely, if you are a Star Wars fan and heading to Disneyland over the next couple of weeks, definitely check that out. And then also taking place at Disneyland, which I think I think it's taking place now, is the shadows and memory of skywalker saga. It's a new projection show that they, that they do over in star wars edge uh by uh, the millennium falcon, so it's supposed to be a really great show that tells the story of uh lou skywalker. So I'm looking forward to seeing that when we go uh in 28 days fun yeah, dis Disneyland's got a lot of good stuff coming Like they're.
Speaker 2:They're going all out for their. They also just announced I think they announced a new snack platter for the dessert party at what's their show over at the world of color. Yes, they announced a new stack dessert tray, I think, for that. So the foodie in me thinks that's important.
Speaker 1:Yes, I can't wait to go get snacks at Disney Always.
Speaker 2:So yeah, that's Disney Moved through Disneyland pretty quick, but Epic Universe is where it's at right now.
Speaker 1:I know and I feel like there's so much stuff that we could have talked about, but it was like, as the week was going along, it was just like so many things, and then was going along, it was just like so many things, and then two we'll have. I mean not until june.
Speaker 2:I think we'll have another episode coming up, but I, uh, I really do appreciate one. The epic universe has finally taken the reins off of all the friends and family and social media managers and talent or the the um travel agents that are visiting epic universe and they're allowing us to see inside some of the stuff that's going on in epic universe. Big fan of the stuff that I'm seeing at harry potter like just like the photos and the videos going through the flu network stepping into the ministry of magic, like it is just like a top tier craftsmanship that's going on over there over the monsters. One just looks great. The how to train your dragon area looks fabulous. Like it all just looks super great and I really appreciate that. We've been getting bits and pieces of it but they haven't really been showing. At least I haven't seen any actual ride stuff. I've only seen like queues and stuff. So really excited to see what the rides look like once we start seeing some more of that stuff yeah, I'm trying really hard not to see too much.
Speaker 1:I mean I'm kind of torn because and I know I've said it a million times like I really don't research rides because I want to experience them without knowing. But I'm so curious about all of the epic stuff that I really want to look. So I mean you know they have some stuff out there. It was funny because I saw in one of the Facebook groups today. So I mean you know they have some stuff out there. It was funny because I saw in one of the Facebook groups today somebody posted a picture of the Harry Potter ride and it does look, the seating does kind of remind you of the Tower of Terror thing.
Speaker 1:And one person commented like y'all can't leave anything for surprise, can you? And I'm like people are excited about it. Like you have to know if you go on social media.
Speaker 2:You're going to see it.
Speaker 1:You're going to get spoilers.
Speaker 2:But, the thing is I don't and I mean I could be wrong, but I don't think it's going to be a drop ride, yeah no, I don't think so either I really don't.
Speaker 2:I've got to show this. Just looking inside of this place just looks like it's massive and even when you walk further back it looks bigger, like all the harry potter nerd in me is coming out big time and it's just. I'm super excited. I I may have to figure out how to talk rachel and let me take a weekend trip with her and maybe we'll leave the girls at lashawn's or your house and we'll like here you go and we'll go yeah, after. After these two trips, I've never allowed to go without her again.
Speaker 1:She's so salty. I don't blame her I don't either. Especially because I mean especially because she loves it too, like my family doesn't really care I mean, olivia might be a little salty, but not really Like they don't really care because they don't love it as much. So when I go without them I'm like, look, I have to do the research. So we're either going to all go or I'm going to go.
Speaker 2:But yeah, no, you definitely should take an adult trip Now that we know we can leave them at least with LaShawn's overnight. You're frozen again Now that we know we can leave them overnight with LaShawn.
Speaker 1:like it was weird like leaving my three-year-olds at somebody's house, so weird. But I could do it again if it meant going to epic universe without them. Well, I mean, it's good, good for them and good for you.
Speaker 2:Yes, so yeah do you want to talk? Do you want to talk dark, more and toothless, before and then come back and hit the perfect express pass and we can wrap up with all the announcements for vips and stuff yes, which I think we might have.
Speaker 1:Maybe I might have mentioned it last week as an announcement that you can start booking it now. Yeah, but they have a little bit more.
Speaker 2:I don't know if you have any pictures of that or not, but they have more yeah, like it looks super cool, like to have the professional makeup artists like, turn like and it's just like although I could be in a movie I don't know if it was us or if I saw it in one of the universal travel agent groups that they were like just a heads up once you go through this, you're not allowed to purchase alcohol.
Speaker 2:Wow, yeah, they were like once you go through the dark more experience and get all makeup done, they're gonna stop selling you alcohol in the park because they don't? I guess they don't want them to go and act the part yeah, I don't know, but they were like you can't drink, so they were like drink before you get turned into a monster. Uh, but it just looks like that. Looks so cool I would probably pay for this. I would.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:I think it's like $200 something.
Speaker 1:Wow, yeah, I don't know that it's something that I would do.
Speaker 2:I would I? Would? I mean, I spent $200 on a lightsaber, I'll pay $200 for somebody to paint my face.
Speaker 1:I mean, I paid probably like $60 for Olivia to get a little face paint See $140 more. Right, I mean they did a good job on her, but it was a butterfly over by the Seuss landing.
Speaker 2:Your internet's getting worse and worse. My internet Welcome back.
Speaker 1:It's time to wrap up our podcast.
Speaker 1:But you know, what's funny is I can hear you the whole time, I just can't talk. Yeah, so anyway, yeah, yeah, hear you the whole time, I just can't talk. Or yeah, so anyway, yeah, yeah, let's roll through it so we can get out of here. This is the one and I'm like, oh, I'm gonna do this, I'll be the kid. I mean I do the other characters over at universal, like I went and had a picture with shrek and stuff like that. Can't tell if I'm froze you were okay toothless who were in Isle of Burke.
Speaker 2:Yeah, like this, like just looks so epic. Like, sign me up for this.
Speaker 1:Yes, I'm definitely doing that.
Speaker 2:Like that part right there. I would just turn into a little child.
Speaker 1:Oh, it's so cool.
Speaker 1:Like like, sign me up. I'm going to have to watch the movies again. Yeah, before I go, and I know we talked a little bit, but that's my plan. But I want to be able to focus on it, not watch it while I'm doing other stuff. Which is crazy, because I restarted the first one and even the beginning. I'm like I don't ever remember this and I watched the first one like three times, but it's just because I wasn't fully paying attention. So I'm going to get to at least movie five is what I heard I need to watch up to before I go for the new ride, but then I'm going to watch. I think I'm going to watch the how to Train your Dragon movies too, just to see, not that you have to, but just to get it in the spirit of things.
Speaker 2:Yeah, for sure. And then I know we mentioned it it, I think, previously um epic universe express pass is available for purchase. They have mentioned some of the rides that it is available for. Something to note is that if you are staying at one of the top three resorts, it is not included for epic universe. You must purchase it separately and it's not going to include those top rides at Epic Universe. So at least initially, you know.
Speaker 2:Later down the road it may very well include the top, you know rides in each of the parks, but at least for right now we're looking at the Constellation Carousel, curse of the Werewolf, fire Drill, hiccup's Wing Gliders, acerca, arcanus, mario Kart, bowser's Challenge, monsters Unleashed, stardust Racers, untrainable Dragon and Yoshi's Adventure. So again, we're not seeing every single ride at Epic Universe being included in the Express Pass. But it is absolutely. It is definitely going to be a time saver, especially because right now, you know, unless you're one of those people that is buying you know three one-day tickets, like you're not, you're one of those people that is buying you know three one day tickets. Like you're not, you're not going to have a lot of time. Most people are getting one day at epic universe right now yeah so it's definitely.
Speaker 2:It is definitely worth it to get that express pass. If you can splurge, spend the money, definitely recommend getting the express pass, at least you know, early in the the you know the first couple months bet into epic universe.
Speaker 1:It'll save you a lot of time yeah, because I imagine it's gonna be crazy when we go, because we're going like two weeks after it opens and then you do have the three park multi-day express pass which universal just released.
Speaker 2:So instead of buying, you know the express pass for islands of adventure and universal studios and then one separate four.
Speaker 2:You could do the three for epic universe you can do the three part. They did release that option so you can get one for all three express pass for all three parks in in one option. So you know we're starting to see a lot more stuff open. You know, when it comes to epic universe we are roughly 40 something days out, maybe 50 days still. So you know, as we get closer and closer, we're just going to get more announcements as to. You know, one of the big things we're still waiting on is what boots going to look like at epic universe.
Speaker 2:So we'll start in see some of that soon yeah and just you know, as it opens and you know universe, I mean, it's the first time it parks open in orlando since animal kingdom. So, um, you know there's there's a lot to figure out when it comes to opening a new park, especially how long it's been since they last opened a new park in orlando. So definitely some exciting things to come as we dive into the opening of epic universe and just seeing you know what it looks like. So definitely more to follow up on epic universe.
Speaker 1:But that about wraps it up for today's episode covered a lot of good things took the whole hour, lori only froze a dozen times, it's fine, which is great, because I'm feel like my internet's getting worse and worse.
Speaker 2:So, yeah, definitely for those that are watching tuning in later, please head over and check us out on our social media pages. Definitely join our Going Beyond the Castle podcast group so you can stay up to date on things there and definitely you know, like, follow, subscribe to our content. That way you know, you can see more of our stuff and you can have a good time with us. We do have a couple good episodes coming up, lori, what do we have next week?
Speaker 1:The Ultimate Ride Showdown Disney versus Universal Rides.
Speaker 2:That one's going to be fun Olivia.
Speaker 1:Talamore. Yes, that'll be fun. I don't have the sheet open. I know what's next. Let me see.
Speaker 2:I think I do, I do. After that we have Lori's favorite episode yes, how can I?
Speaker 2:forget Animal Kingdom as we go into Earth Day and the anniversary of Animal Kingdom's opening. Yes, super excited to talk that. And then, possibly the episode that I'm most looking forward to is Halfway to Halloween. Yes, that'll be fun. I've told a couple of my clients this but if you are looking to go to Disney in the fall, definitely tune into this episode. We're going to talk all things Halfway to Halloween. We're going to talk Halloween at the parks and especially during that time we should start seeing announcements for all of the great things that are going to be happen at disney and universal during halloween season. So definitely tune in that episode if you were going to the parks in the fall.
Speaker 2:After that, we don't really know what's going to happen yet. We're I think we're taking a break with all of the travels that laurie and I have coming up in may. There's just a lot to wrangle with planning, podcast episodes and editing and all that type of stuff. So we are looking at taking a break in may, but once we know that we'll let you guys know and we're gonna pick right back up in june quick and fast with four trip recaps, because laurie and I do have a lot of trips coming up so super excited to talk all the things that's going on in the parks it's's fun stuff.
Speaker 2:We appreciate you guys for joining us each and every week, tuning in and going beyond the castle each week. It's a pleasure to get to do what we do with you guys every single week. If you are looking for more information on all things going beyond the castle, as I mentioned at the beginning of the episode, head over and check out our new website, wwwgoingbeyondthecastlecom. All things going beyond the castle, from episodes to videos, to merch to blogs everything that you're going to need for Going Beyond the Castle is right there. If you're looking to follow us on our social media channels, head on over to our Beacons page at beaconsai forward slash Going Beyond the Castle. You can follow us on all of our social media channels there as well as find our audio only version of our podcast each week.
Speaker 2:And then, lastly, if you're looking to reach out to us here going beyond the castle, we would love to hear from you, whether it's a you know, uh, whether you have a podcast episode idea, uh, whether you just want to share something that you loved about this week's episode, or even if you want to reach out about a quote. Definitely give us a shout. Our email is info at goingbeyondthecastlecom. So, with that being said, we appreciate you guys as always, we love you guys and we will talk to you guys next week. Bye, okay, bye, I'm back. Bye.
Speaker 3:Thank you for joining us on this magical journey. We hope today's episode brought a little extra spark to your day and inspired your next adventure, Whether it's a thrilling escape to Universal, a dream cruise getaway or unforgettable memories at Disney. Have questions, A topic you'd like us to cover, your own magical story to share, or looking for travel assistance? We'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line at info at goingbeyondthecastlecom. Be sure to check out all our social media links and podcast platforms at beaconsai forward. Slash goingbeyondthecastlepodcast and don't miss the fun in our Facebook group Going Beyond the Castle Podcast Lounge, where we share tips, updates and beyond the scenes moments. Until next time. See you real soon.
