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Finding the right all-inclusive resort sounds easy until you start factoring in who is actually going on the vacation. This week, we’re looking at all-inclusive resorts through the lens of two very different families. Julie is, admittedly, a little extra when it comes to vacation planning, while Krystle’s family is much more willing to go with the flow. But beyond our planning styles, we’re also working with different family sizes, different ages, and different vacation dynamics. Julie is planning for a family of four, while Krystle is planning for a family of five, which can completely change what works when it comes to rooms, activities, dining, and overall value. We each looked at what matters most to our families and searched for resorts in three different categories: Under $5,000Under $10,000Wildcard with no budgetFlights are not included, so we’re comparing the resort experience itself and asking what you really gain as the budget increases. Better rooms? Better beaches? More activities? Better food? Or are there resorts at the lower end that check just as many boxes? We’ll walk through our criteria, the resorts that made our shortlists, where each one shines, and the tradeoffs we’d have to make along the way. Because when it comes to all-inclusive resorts, the “best” resort may have a lot less to do with how much it costs and a lot more to do with who you’re traveling with. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort may be one of the most instantly recognizable Value Resorts at Walt Disney World. Giant characters, oversized movie props, colorful courtyards, and some serious Disney nostalgia make this resort feel exactly like what many people picture when they hear "Disney Value Resort." But what do you give up for that lower price? We're unpacking All-Star Movies from top to bottom, including the rooms, resort layout, pools, dining, transportation, and those larger-than-life themed sections featuring Toy Story, Fantasia, 101 Dalmatians, The Love Bug, and The Mighty Ducks. We'll talk about Standard vs. Preferred rooms, which sections we think are worth requesting, and whether paying extra for a Preferred Room actually gets you anything beyond a shorter walk. We'll also compare All-Star Movies to its closest Value Resort competitors, including Pop Century and Art of Animation. Is the over-the-top Disney theming enough to make up for bus-only transportation? Is this a resort adults can actually enjoy? And who is All-Star Movies really a great fit for? If you're looking for a Disney resort that keeps the magic high without blowing the vacation budget, this one deserves a closer look. Resort Reviews is our weekly bonus series from Wanderlust and Wishes, where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean? It’s one of the biggest questions families ask when choosing a cruise, and the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. This week, we’re putting Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean head-to-head to talk about who does it better when it comes to the things that actually matter on vacation. We’re comparing cruise ship activities, staterooms, dining, kids clubs, entertainment, pools and water attractions, private islands, nightlife, service, and what’s actually included in your cruise fare. Does Disney Cruise Line still have the edge for families? Does Royal Caribbean offer more for teens and adults? How do Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay compare to Perfect Day at CocoCay? And once you factor in all those extras, which cruise line really gives you more for your money? We’re also talking about how newer ships like the Disney Adventure are changing the conversation around Disney Cruise Line, and why choosing between Disney and Royal Caribbean may have a lot more to do with your family and vacation style than simply picking the “better” cruise line. If you’re planning a Disney Cruise, considering a Royal Caribbean cruise, or trying to decide which cruise line is best for your next family vacation, this episode will help you figure out which experience fits you best. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

The random resort picker has spoken again, and this week we're heading to the Value Resort category with Disney's Pop Century Resort! Pop Century may be a Value Resort, but it has one major advantage that sets it apart from some of the other Value options at Walt Disney World: the Disney Skyliner. Add in updated rooms, a fun throwback-to-the-decades theme, and easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, and suddenly this little Value Resort starts looking like a pretty compelling option. We're unpacking everything you need to know about Pop Century, including the rooms, resort layout, pools, dining, transportation, preferred rooms, and all those larger-than-life reminders of the 1950s through the 1990s. We'll talk about whether paying extra for a Preferred Room actually makes sense, how much the Skyliner changes the experience, and why Pop Century can be such a great fit for guests who plan to spend most of their vacation in the parks. We'll also compare Pop Century to its closest competitors, including the All-Star Resorts and Art of Animation, and talk about who should choose Pop Century, who might want something different, and whether this resort really gives you the best of both worlds: Value pricing with some seriously convenient transportation. Resort Reviews is our weekly bonus series from Wanderlust and Wishes, where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

If you’ve ever planned a Universal Orlando vacation, you’ve probably heard at least a few of these: Universal is only for older kids. Express Pass means you won’t wait in line. Harry Potter is one land. You can do all of Universal in one day. And yes, people really do still ask us which Disney park has the Harry Potter castle. This week, we’re separating fact from fiction and tackling some of the biggest Universal Orlando myths we hear from travelers and clients. We’re talking Express Pass, Early Park Admission, hotel perks, Volcano Bay, traveling with younger kids, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and why planning Universal like you plan Walt Disney World can get you into trouble. With Epic Universe now part of the equation, there’s even more outdated and confusing advice floating around, so we’re breaking down what’s actually true, what depends on your trip, and what you really need to know before you go. Whether you’re planning your first Universal vacation or just want to see how many of these myths you’ve believed yourself, this episode will help you approach Universal Orlando with a much clearer game plan. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

The random resort picker is taking us to New Orleans this week! On this Resort Review episode, we're checking into Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, one of the smallest, most charming, and maybe most underrated resorts at Walt Disney World. French Quarter doesn't have the Skyliner. You can't walk to a theme park. There's no table-service restaurant, Club Level, or sprawling list of amenities. And yet, this little Moderate Resort has a seriously loyal following. So what makes people love it so much? We're unpacking everything French Quarter, from its incredibly compact layout and New Orleans-inspired atmosphere to the boat ride to Disney Springs, Doubloon Lagoon, dining, rooms, transportation, and, of course, those Mickey-shaped beignets. We'll talk about why being a smaller resort may actually be French Quarter's biggest advantage, how it compares to Port Orleans Riverside and Disney's other Moderate Resorts, and why this might be one of the easiest resorts to recommend to someone who wants Disney magic without feeling like they have to hike across their resort just to refill a drink. We'll also get into who we think French Quarter is perfect for, who should probably stay somewhere else, and whether it deserves its reputation as one of Walt Disney World's hidden gems. Resort Reviews is our weekly bonus series from Wanderlust and Wishes, where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

How confident are you in your Walt Disney World attraction rankings when you have absolutely no idea what’s coming next? This week, we’re putting our Disney opinions to the test with a blind ranking challenge. Julie and Krystle each brought 10 completely random Walt Disney World attractions and revealed them to each other one at a time. The catch? Once an attraction gets a spot on the list, it stays there. Do you play it safe and save the top spots? Do you panic and put something at #2 that absolutely does not belong there? And how quickly do you regret every decision you’ve made? There’s no strategy, no changing our minds, and definitely no take backs. Just 20 random attractions, questionable choices, and a whole lot of second-guessing. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

On this week's Resort Review, we're heading to Crescent Lake and checking into Disney's Beach Club Resort, a resort with two pretty big claims to fame: one of the best pools at Walt Disney World and a location that puts you just steps away from EPCOT. But are Stormalong Bay and that incredible location enough to make Beach Club one of Disney's best Deluxe Resorts? We're unpacking everything that comes with a stay at Beach Club, including the rooms, transportation, dining, pools, Beach Club Villas, and the overall resort atmosphere. We'll dive into what makes Stormalong Bay so different, why being able to walk into EPCOT's International Gateway can completely change the way you experience a Disney vacation, and why this resort is especially appealing for EPCOT lovers, festival trips, and families who actually want to spend time at their resort. We're also tackling the inevitable comparison: Beach Club or Yacht Club? They share a location and a pool, but they definitely don't have the same personality. We'll talk about who we think Beach Club is perfect for, who might be happier somewhere else, and where it lands on our Resort Review scorecard. Resort Review is our weekly bonus series where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Welcome back as we continue Kate’s European adventure! This time we’re heading aboard the Disney Dream for a seven-night Norwegian cruise. In Part 2, we pick up with Kate and her family as they sail from Southampton with stops in Amsterdam, Maloy, Alesund, and Bergen. We talk through Kate's experiences in each port from sailing into the fjords surrounded by incredible scenery to exploring tiny fishing villages, navigating the hairpin turns of Trollstigen, and spending the day wandering and shopping in Bergen. We also talk about how different a port-intensive European cruise feels from a more traditional Disney Cruise Line vacation. There was a lot less pool and lounge time and a lot more exploring, but for Kate and her family, that was exactly the point.  We revisit the topic of food allergies aboard the Disney Dream, where the experience was very different from the challenges faced earlier in the trip. Kate shares how Disney Cruise Line handled her son’s meals, the extra steps the dining team took to keep him safe, and a few gluten-free surprises that made the experience even better. Gluten-free churro waffles anyone? From unexpectedly beautiful weather to breathtaking scenery and a few emotional “I can’t believe I’m actually here” moments, this was the portion of the trip that left Kate already dreaming about going back. If a beach vacation isn’t necessarily your thing, or you’ve been looking for a different way to experience Europe without managing every logistical detail yourself, this might just put a Disney Cruise Line sailing through Norway on your travel wish list. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Our Resort Reviews series is back, and this time the random resort picker landed on one of the most iconic places to stay at Walt Disney World: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Known as Disney's flagship resort, the Grand Floridian has a reputation for luxury, incredible dining, beautiful grounds, and one of the best locations on property. But it also comes with a pretty significant price tag. So, does the experience actually live up to the reputation? We're unpacking everything you need to know about staying at the Grand Floridian, including the rooms, pools, transportation, dining, resort layout, Club Level, and those little details that make this resort feel different from anywhere else at Walt Disney World. We'll also tackle some of the questions we hear all the time. Is the Grand Floridian too fancy for families with kids? Is staying in the Main Building worth the upgrade? How much of a difference does being able to walk, boat, or take the monorail to Magic Kingdom really make? And most importantly, who should actually spend the money to stay here? Plus, we'll share where the Grand Floridian shines, where we think it falls a little short, and who might be happier spending their Disney resort budget somewhere else. Resort Reviews is our bonus series where we're making our way through the Walt Disney World resorts in completely random order. No rankings determining who goes first and no playing favorites. Just one resort at a time and our take on what you really need to know before you book. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

What happens when you combine Disneyland Paris, a few days exploring Europe, and a Disney Cruise Line sailing through the Norwegian Fjords? You get one pretty incredible 16-day European adventure. In Part 1, we’re joined by our friend and fellow travel advisor Kate to talk about how this trip came together, why her family decided to pair Disneyland Paris with a Norwegian Fjords cruise aboard the Disney Dream, and what it was like taking their first family trip to Europe. Then we unpack their time at Disneyland Paris. Kate shares what felt familiar compared with the U.S. Disney parks, what felt completely different, their stay at Disney Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel, how Premier Access helped them make the most of a shorter-than-planned park day, and the attractions and experiences that stood out most. From Phantom Manor and Hyperspace Mountain, there were plenty of moments that made Disneyland Paris feel distinctly Disney while still offering something new. We also talk about an important part of planning their trip: navigating Disneyland Paris with celiac disease. Kate shares how her family prepared, where they felt comfortable eating, where the experience fell short compared with Disney destinations in the U.S., and why advance research was so important when traveling internationally with a food allergy. And this is only the beginning of Kate’s trip. In Part 2, we’ll board the Disney Dream and head north for a seven-night cruise through Amsterdam and the Norwegian Fjords, including the experiences that left Kate ready to return to Norway tomorrow. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

This week, we're kicking off a brand-new Walt Disney World Resort Review Series on Wanderlust and Wishes. There are a LOT of places to stay at Walt Disney World, and choosing the right resort can make a huge difference in your vacation. So we're working our way through them one by one, breaking down what we love, what we don't, and who we think each resort is really best for. And because we don't want to play favorites, we're leaving the order completely up to chance. Each resort is randomly selected, and first up is Disney's Riviera Resort. Riviera is beautiful, compact, home to some of our favorite dining at Walt Disney World, and has one major transportation perk: the Disney Skyliner. But it also comes with Deluxe Resort pricing, subtle Disney theming, and some of the smallest accommodations on property if you're considering a Tower Studio. In this episode, we're unpacking the rooms, pools, dining, transportation, hidden details, overall atmosphere, and the pros and cons of staying at Riviera. We'll also talk about who we think this resort is perfect for, who might be happier somewhere else, and the big question: Is Disney's Riviera Resort actually worth the price? This week, Resort Review is taking over our regular Wednesday episode, but going forward, these reviews will be bonus episodes in addition to our regular weekly show. One resort at a time. Random order. No favorites. Just our take on what you really need to know before you book. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

What exactly is Club Level at Walt Disney World, and is it worth paying extra for? This week, we’re joined by our friends and fellow travel advisors Lindsay and Leslie to talk all things Disney Club Level. Between them, they’ve experienced Club Level stays at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and most recently, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, so we’re getting the firsthand scoop. We’re breaking down what Club Level actually includes, what the lounges and food offerings are like, and how the experience can differ from one Disney resort to another. Lindsay and Leslie share their experiences at each resort, what stood out, what they loved, and whether the extra cost changed the way they vacationed at Walt Disney World. Of course, we’re also tackling the big question: Is Disney Club Level actually worth it? Whether you’re considering your first Club Level stay, trying to decide which Disney resort offers the best fit for your family, or you’re simply curious about what happens behind those Club Level doors, this episode gives you a real-world look at the experience from people who have actually stayed there. Join us for a fun conversation about Disney’s Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, Club Level lounges, food and drinks, concierge-style service, and whether this Walt Disney World upgrade deserves a spot in your vacation budget. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Halloween season starts earlier than ever in Orlando, and one question comes up every year: Should you choose Disney Halloween or Universal Halloween? In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're comparing Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World with Halloween Horror Nights 35 at Universal Orlando Resort to help you decide which Halloween vacation is right for you. Or, should you experience both? We cover everything you need to know, including: • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party highlights for 2026  • Halloween Horror Nights 35 haunted houses and what has been announced so far  • Exclusive entertainment, parades, fireworks, scare zones, and live shows  • Halloween food, seasonal treats, and limited-time merchandise  • Character meet-and-greets and trick-or-treating at Disney  • Universal's Express Pass, Scream Early, Stay & Scream, R.I.P. Tour, and Premium Scream Night  • Disney Halloween beyond the party, including EPCOT, Disney Springs, and the resorts  • Who each event is best for—from families with young children to horror fans and adult couples  • Expert travel planning tips to help you maximize your Halloween vacation Whether you're looking for pumpkin wreaths, Boo-to-You Parade, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, and Disney magic—or movie-quality haunted houses, terrifying scare zones, and unforgettable thrills—we'll help you decide which Orlando Halloween experience deserves a spot on your itinerary. If you're planning a Halloween trip to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or both, this episode will help you travel thoughtfully and experience fully. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Think Walt Disney World is only for kids? Believe you have to  buy a MagicBand, or spend thousands of dollars to have a great Disney vacation? Think again! In Episode 114 of Wanderlust & Wishes, Julie and Krystle are busting some of the biggest Walt Disney World myths that first-time visitors hear over and over again. From Disney princess misconceptions and park reservations to staying off property, using a Disney travel advisor, bringing your own food into the parks, and whether rain really ruins your Disney day, we're separating fact from fiction. Whether you're planning your very first Walt Disney World vacation or you're a seasoned Disney fan looking to update your planning knowledge, this episode is packed with practical Disney vacation tips that can help you save time, reduce stress, and avoid common planning mistakes. Support the show Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: [email protected] Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7