This week on Going Beyond the Castle, Ashley takes the captain’s chair once again while Fred is out on baby leave—hello and congrats to the Briley family on their adorable new arrival! Joined by the ever-fabulous Podcast Princess, Lori Talamo, and beloved friend of the pod (and real-life Disney cast member!) Katie Roberts, the crew dives into all things Disney Cruise Line.

Whether you're a DCL first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, this episode is packed with insider info, hilarious detours, and honest answers about everything from seasickness and dining to Castaway Cay, seven-night itineraries, and the mysterious world of swimming with pigs in Nassau.

In This Episode:

• Baby Briley updates and Fred heckling from the comments

• Why Lori and Katie are spreadsheet and ADR-booking superheroes

• Disney ticket price hikes & Lightning Lane sticker shock

• Frozen Ever After ditching the projected faces (finally!)

• The truth about Castaway Cay: food, adult beaches, the 5K, and medal hunting

• Nassau excursions — Atlantis, stingrays… and the infamous pig swim

• Comparing Disney Cruise Line to Carnival & Holland America

• Ship talk: Wish vs. Fantasy, and why the Treasure has everyone excited

• Magical portholes, cabin secrets, and how to pick the right room

• Bingo wins, trivia battles, Broadway-style shows, and the “don’t stay in your room” rule

• Disney Cruise wish lists, dream itineraries, and bucket-list cruises

Katie brings her first-hand cast member perspective, Lori brings the travel-agent expertise, and Ashley brings… well, chaos, questions, and a fly that refuses to leave the microphone.