All Things Travel Podcast

If you could change just one thing about your next Walt Disney World trip, what would actually move the needle? This week, Ryan and Julie break down the upgrades worth the extra investment — and which ones fit which kind of family.

Upgrade Your Resort
Moving up to a deluxe resort buys back time — faster transportation, extended evening park hours, and more theming. Villa-style accommodations add kitchenettes, separate sleeping areas, and room to actually spread out.

Go Club Level
A bigger price jump, but it comes with a private lounge, food and drinks all day (including alcohol), and a dedicated concierge — often cheaper in the long run than paying for breakfast and snacks separately.

Room View & Location
Available at every resort tier, not just deluxe — a preferred room or park/fireworks view can mean less walking and a better evening on the balcony after the kids are asleep.

In the Parks
The Lightning Lane Premier Pass skips reservations entirely; the VIP tour (minimum 7 hours) gets you a private guide and zero lines; and minivans beat the bus system when a resort is far from the action.

Special Occasions
A fireworks dessert party or a signature dining experience — Ryan’s pick is California Grill — can be the most affordable upgrade on this list with one of the biggest payoffs in memories.

Where in the World?
A couple’s northern Europe cruise was cancelled days before departure when their dog got sick — but a full Princess Cruise Line credit turned it into a Hawaii cruise happening in just two weeks. A reminder to check whether your travel protection plan actually covers pets.

Next week: ways to slow down your trip and really take it all in. Wondering which upgrade is actually worth it for your family? Hit play to find out — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you’re ready to start planning.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Most travelers default to a plane, a car, or a tour bus in Europe — and skip the one option that’s often faster, more scenic, and drops you right in the heart of the city. This week, Ryan and Julie make the case for train travel across Europe, plus four scenic routes worth planning a trip around.

Why Trains Make Sense
Europe’s rail network is extensive, efficient, and often more comfortable than flying — stations sit in city centers, trains run with dining cars and panoramic windows, and the ground-level view gives you an authentic look at daily life you’d miss from a plane.

Four Scenic Routes Worth the Trip
The Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt through the Swiss Alps), the Bernina Express (Switzerland into Italy via a UNESCO mountain pass), the West Highland Line (Glasgow through the Scottish Highlands, Harry Potter viaduct included), and the Cinque Terre Express (Italy’s colorful coastal villages, with hiking trails built right into the ticket).

Making the Most of It
Know the difference between high-speed, regional, and scenic trains; consider a rail pass if you’re covering multiple countries; pack light since you’re handling your own luggage; and build in room to hop off a train on a whim — the flexibility is part of the appeal.

Where in the World?
A family of five with kids spanning ages 9 to 18 is headed to Universal Studios the week before Christmas, splitting up by interest — older kids hitting the roller coasters, younger kids getting their Harry Potter fix — thanks to park-to-park Express Pass access.

Next week: ways to elevate your next trip to Walt Disney World. Curious if train travel could change the way you see Europe? Hit play to find out — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you’re ready to start planning.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Not every cruise itinerary is available year-round — and picking the wrong season can mean missing the destination’s best version of itself entirely. This week, Ryan and Julie break down the best cruise for every season, with real itineraries to match.

Summer: Alaska
A Celebrity cruise tour pairing a 5-day Denali land tour with an Inside Passage sailing from Seward to Vancouver — the land portion most people skip, but shouldn’t.

Fall: Canada & New England
Royal Caribbean’s 9-night sailing from Cape Liberty, NJ, hitting Boston, Portland, Saint John, Halifax, and Sydney — peak fall foliage, lighthouses, and lobster included.

Winter: Christmas Markets
An AmaWaterways Danube river cruise from Nuremberg through Regensburg, Vienna, Salzburg, and Budapest, with a different Christmas market flavor in every town.

Spring: Mediterranean & Greek Isles
A 9-night Disney Wish sailing from Barcelona to Rome, stopping in Malta, Crete, Athens, Mykonos, and Naples — the Caribbean’s sweet-spot season too, for those staying closer to home.

Where in the World?
A true last-minute save: a Disney World trip booked and fully planned — dining, Lightning Lanes, touring plan — within a week of departure for past clients.

Next week: European train travel. 

Not sure which season fits the cruise you’re dreaming about? Hit play to find out — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you’re ready to start planning.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

Sharing a bathroom with your significant other for a week straight hits different by day four — which is exactly why bringing friends along can make a trip better, not more complicated. This week, Ryan and Julie break down why traveling with other couples or friends works so well, and how to plan one without it turning into a scheduling headache.

Why It Works
Built-in companionship and inside jokes, split costs and group rates (sometimes a villa or suite becomes affordable), safety in numbers, divided planning responsibilities, and a healthy break from being attached at the hip to your travel partner 24/7.

Best Trip Styles for Groups
A rented villa or beach house (Tuscany, Costa Rica, the Caribbean) for shared common space with private rooms, a city suite with apartment-style amenities (common in Europe), an adventure trip built around a shared activity like hiking or biking, or the classic group all-inclusive or cruise.

Planning It So Everyone’s Happy
Designate one point person for communication, build in both group time and couple/individual time, and assign planning tasks to different couples so the work — and the buy-in — is shared.

Where in the World?
A group of empty-nester couples is headed to Amsterdam this fall for a Rhine River cruise with AmaWaterways, pairing museum time in Amsterdam with new padel courts in Basel, Switzerland.

Next week: the best season to cruise, destination by destination. Thinking about planning a trip with friends or another couple? Hit play for the destination styles and planning tips that make it work — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you’re ready to start.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

"Disney is so expensive" is one of the most common reactions travel advisors hear — but is it actually true once you compare it to the alternatives? This week, Ryan and Julie run the real numbers on a Disney trip versus a cruise and an all-inclusive resort, for the exact same family of four.

What Actually Drives Disney Pricing
Resort level is the biggest lever — value resorts run $150–250/night, moderate $250–400, and deluxe well above $450 — followed by ticket days, dining plans, and travel dates. Traveling the week after Christmas costs more than late April or early May, when Disney tends to roll out promotions for a slower season.

The Side-by-Side Math
For the same family of four over similar dates: a moderate Disney package lands around $7,700, a deluxe resort upgrade pushes it to about $10,500, a 7-night Disney Cruise runs roughly $9,500, and a comparable all-inclusive resort comes in around $7,750. The takeaway: Disney isn't out of line with other premium vacation options — it's simply priced differently.

Why the "All-Inclusive Instead" Plan Doesn't Always Deliver
Julie makes the case that a beach or all-inclusive trip with young kids often means more active parenting, not less — while Disney's built-in structure means parents can relax into the day instead of constantly entertaining.

Where in the World?
Two families are headed to Walt Disney World on short, four-night deluxe-resort getaways this October — one at the Grand Floridian, one at Wilderness Lodge — proof that a Disney trip doesn't have to mean a full week.

Next week: why you should consider couples trips and traveling with friends. Curious how your own family's Disney trip stacks up against other vacations? Hit play to see the real math — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you're ready to start planning.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

A Different Way to Think About Hawaii
Hawaii is already on most people's bucket list — but the default plan of flying in, picking one island, and paying resort prices for a week leaves a lot on the table. Ryan and Julie make the case for cruising as a smarter alternative: multiple islands in one trip, no inter-island flights to juggle, and the cost of dining, drinks, and accommodations built in. This episode walks through three distinct cruise options for Hawaii, from a brand-new round-trip itinerary out of Los Angeles to the only inter-island cruise currently available, plus a bucket-list option that keeps going all the way to French Polynesia.

Why Cruise Hawaii at All?
For past cruisers especially, the appeal is clear: skip the long haul flight exhaustion, avoid the logistical headache of island-hopping by air, and see more of the archipelago in less time — all while sleeping between destinations. Hawaii is an expensive place to visit independently, and having dining, drinks, and onboard activities included makes a cruise a genuinely competitive option on price. Ryan and Julie note that comfort and familiarity on the ship is a real advantage too, especially for first-time visitors who don't yet know which resort on which island will suit them.

Option 1: Celebrity Cruises Round-Trip from Los Angeles (Brand New)
This newly released itinerary is getting attention for good reason. It departs and returns from Los Angeles — no international connections, no Vancouver routing — and includes a stop in San Francisco before heading out across four sea days to the islands. Once there, guests spend two days on the Big Island (Hilo and Kailua-Kona — the rainforest and volcano side, then the beach and surf side), followed by two days on Oahu. The return includes a stop in Ensenada, Mexico before arriving back in California. Ryan and Julie note the pricing surprised them — this itinerary is not significantly more expensive than a standard cruise, and concierge-level rooms are available at an accessible price point. One client was already booked before it officially released.

Option 2: Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America — Inter-Island Cruise
This is the only inter-island cruise currently available, and it's genuinely unique: a seven-night round trip departing from Honolulu on Oahu and returning to Honolulu. No sea days — every day is a port day, which means it's a go, go, go itinerary best suited to travelers who want maximum island time. Days two and three bring an overnight in Maui — Road to Hana on one day, beaches and water activities on the other. Days four and five cover both sides of the Big Island: Hilo for waterfalls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and rainbow falls, then Kona for beaches, surfing, kayaking, and deep sea fishing. Days six and seven bring an overnight in Kauai — Ryan's personal favorite island, known for dramatic landscapes, the Waimea Canyon (Hawaii's Grand Canyon), helicopter tours, and north shore kayaking and catamaran sailing. Julie's recommendation: add a few days in Honolulu before the cruise, not after. Get acclimated first, then let the ship be the relaxing finish.

Option 3: The Bucket-List Extension — Hawaii to French Polynesia
Julie's actual pick if the choice is wide open: the itineraries that continue past Hawaii into French Polynesia — Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahiti. More days at sea, more time to settle into the ship, and one of the most stunning combinations of destinations in the world. Ryan agrees that extended sea days are an underrated luxury, and this style of trip suits travelers who want to truly unwind between ports rather than sprint from island to island.

A Note on Kauai
Ryan extends his thoughts to Kauai, which was dealing with storm damage and infrastructure recovery at the time of recording. He's eager to return — and reminds listeners that the island will be ready to welcome visitors again when the time is right.

Where in the World? 🗺️
Julie spotlights a couple of her most loyal cruising clients — now seasoned enough to teach her things — who just returned from the smaller, older Vision of the Seas on a Bermuda run out of Baltimore, and are headed to Icon of the Seas for a Caribbean sailing in December, followed by Odyssey of the Seas a couple months after that. Three very different ships, three very different experiences. Julie's takeaway: even within the same type of vacation, there's always something new to discover.

Next week: Is Walt Disney World overpriced? Visit wonderandbeyondtravel.com to start planning your Hawaii trip.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

 Country Most Americans Have Only Seen From a Swim-Up Bar

The majority of US travelers who visit Mexico never leave the resort — and Ryan includes himself in that confession. But Mexico is one of the world's great cultural destinations: 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a food culture so significant it holds its own UNESCO designation, over 150 museums in Mexico City alone, and thousands of years of layered civilization across the country. Today's episode is a practical introduction to three cities that rival European capitals for depth of culture, history, and food — and are significantly easier to reach.

Why Mexico Deserves a Closer Look

Two to two-and-a-half hours from most US cities, often with nonstop options. Economical compared to comparable European destinations. Operating on Central Time, so jet lag isn't a factor. And a cultural richness — art, architecture, indigenous traditions, and cuisine — that most visitors never encounter because they don't know to look for it. Ryan and Julie make the case before diving into the destinations themselves.

Mexico City: A European-Scale Capital That Surprises Every First-Timer

Built on the ruins of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, Mexico City is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world — walkable, food-obsessed, and home to more museums than Paris. Highlights include the Zócalo, the National Palace with Diego Rivera's murals, and the Templo Mayor — the literal heart of the Aztec Empire, discovered beneath the city in 1978. A 45-minute ride outside the city brings you to the Pyramid of the Sun and Pyramid of the Moon. One practical note: the altitude is higher than Denver, so give yourself time to acclimate, stay hydrated, and take it easy on the tequila the first day or two. Uber works seamlessly throughout. And yes — there is a street taco stand in Mexico City that has earned a Michelin star.

Oaxaca: The Birthplace of Mole, Mezcal, and Mexico's Most Authentic Food Market

Smaller, slower-paced, and set in a temperate mountain valley at 5,000 feet, Oaxaca is celebrated globally for food and artisan culture. The most talked-about experience is the Mercado 20 de Noviembre — a famous smoke corridor where you choose your cut of meat and watch it grilled in front of you, one of the most hands-on food experiences in the country. Beyond the market, the Monte Albán ruins sit dramatically atop a flattened mountain with panoramic valley views and far smaller crowds than more famous Mayan sites. Day trips to surrounding villages offer handwoven rugs, black clay pottery, and painted wood carvings — each village known for a specific craft. Timing tip: the Día de los Muertos celebrations in late October and early November are extraordinary but draw crowds, so book early. Foodies should also look up the Netflix show Somebody Feed Phil — the Oaxaca episode covers all of it.

San Miguel de Allende: Colonial Beauty, Hot Springs, and a Disney Connection

A perfectly preserved colonial city consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world, San Miguel de Allende is known for its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the iconic pink spires of its central church. A well-established expat community means strong English accessibility throughout. The main plaza — set against that famous church — is the kind of place where sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by counts as a full morning. Just outside the city, La Gruta is a natural thermal hot spring built into a cave, popular with locals and visitors alike and extremely affordable. A day trip to Guanajuato — with its dramatically stacked colorful houses built into hillsides and underground roadways — is worth adding, and Disney fans will recognize it as the visual inspiration behind the Pixar film Coco. Getting there requires a connection through León or Mexico City, so factor that into planning.

A Note on Safety

Ryan and Julie close with a practical reminder: Mexico's safety profile varies significantly by destination and neighborhood, just like any major international city. Work with someone who knows the country — the same advice they'd give for Budapest or Barcelona.

Where in the World? 🗺️

Ryan shares a last-minute booking for a couple celebrating their 40th anniversary with the honeymoon they never had — a Las Vegas long weekend built around an Earth, Wind & Fire show at the Sphere, a visit to the Neon Museum, and a stay at the Park MGM.

Next week: cruising in Hawaii. Start planning your Mexico trip at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

From Vowing Never Again to Going Back in August
Last summer, Julie endured a Walt Disney World trip in July and declared she would never do summer Disney again. This August, she went back — this time with a plan, a one-bedroom villa at the Riviera Resort, and a whole lot of personal fans. This episode is her honest debrief: what worked, what she'd skip, what new attractions are worth the trip, and how to actually enjoy Disney World when Florida feels like the surface of the sun.

The Resort Switch That Changed Everything
The single biggest game-changer before the trip even started was switching from Saratoga Springs to Disney's Riviera Resort about a month out. Saratoga is sprawling, exterior-facing, and requires a lot of outdoor walking just to get from the room to the bus stop. Riviera is a tower — compact, walkable, with quick service that rivals table service in quality, two pools right outside the main building, a Skyliner stop just steps away, and the ability to stay in air conditioning almost all the way to park entry. Julie and her family stayed in a one-bedroom villa and spent the first few minutes just taking it all in.

The Gear That Helped
Five personal fans — one for every family member — with wristlet attachments so they could be worn in line and on rides. Three 24-packs of water ordered through Amazon Fresh before the trip, carefully rationed across the week. Insulated water bottles with shoulder straps for the parks. A triple stroller with UV-protective shades for the little ones. Two full changes of clothes per child per day. Cooling towels made the bag but never left it — Julie's honest take: great idea, didn't actually use them.

The Lightning Lane Upgrade Worth Talking About
For two of three park days — Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios — Julie upgraded to the Lightning Lane Premier Pass, which functions like Universal's Express Pass: walk up to any Lightning Lane entrance, any time, no scheduled return windows. It's not cheap, but with three kids under eight and a hard out-of-park deadline of 2 PM each day to beat the worst of the heat, the flexibility was worth every dollar. She didn't have to watch a ride's next available time slot be 4 PM and decide whether to chase it. She just went.

What Was New and Worth Seeing

Magic Kingdom: The updated Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin now has handheld blasters you can aim and move — a significant improvement. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is back after a long closure, smoother than ever with a few new scenes, and Julie's three- and five-year-old both rode it without hesitation.

Hollywood Studios: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster featuring The Muppets has a genuinely fun pre-show and a new guitar prop, but Julie felt the ride itself had room for more — a lot of the coaster runs through darkness without much Muppet scenery. The real standout was the updated Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live show, now tightly focused on Mickey and Minnie with an actual storyline, interactive moments, and choreography that genuinely surprised her. For families with young kids, this is a must-do. Also on the radar: World of Animation, the upcoming indoor attraction in Animation Courtyard, which wasn't open yet but looks to be a complete little land for little kids when it arrives.

Animal Kingdom: The draw here was Bluey's Wild World at Rafiki's Planet Watch. You take the train back, walk into the one main building, and find an interactive show featuring Bluey and Bingo that lasts about 10 minutes, incorporates games from the series, and had Julie completely won over. Not a sit-and-watch experience — the characters are moving through the space and the kids are actively participating. Worth the trip out.

The Heat Strategy That Actually Worked
Early entry every day to get the most done before the sun peaked. Two to three outdoor attractions, then one indoor one — deliberately alternating to stay out of the heat. Out of the park by 2 to 3 PM. Back to the villa for air conditioning, snacks, and a rest until about 5. Then down to the pool, followed by quick service dinner from Primo Piatto or Bar Riva right at the resort. It never rained during park hours the whole trip — but Julie brought ponchos every day anyway. That's the right call.

Where in the World? 🗺️
Julie spotlights an anniversary couple heading out on a Princess cruise through Northern Europe — Southampton to Falmouth, Cork, Liverpool, Belfast, the Orkney Islands, Invergordon, Queensferry, and a stop in France before returning. A mix of iconic stops and genuinely off-the-beaten-path ports, complete with custom port guides from Julie for each one.

Next week: traveling to Mexico beyond the cruise and all-inclusive resort. Start planning your Disney trip at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

More Than Most People Think
Universal Orlando Resort has a reputation built almost entirely on Harry Potter and a handful of classic rides. But with four theme parks, 11 hotels, and a full entertainment district, it's become a destination in its own right — one that Ryan has done as a multi-day vacation more than once, with plenty to fill every day. This episode is all about what gets overlooked: the Easter eggs, the hidden experiences, and the details that make a Universal visit genuinely memorable for first-timers and repeat guests alike.

Epic Universe: The New Park Everyone Underestimates
Most people hear "Epic Universe" and go straight to Super Nintendo World. Ryan and Julie want you to slow down. Dark Universe, the Ministry of Magic expansion of the Wizarding World, How to Train Your Dragon's Isle of Berk, and Celestial Park are each worth your time — and plenty of guests come back saying Super Mario wasn't even their favorite. A few things to watch for: the flux capacitors hidden inside the Stardust Racers vehicles (a nod to the original Back to the Future ride that closed in 2007), the windmill in Dark Universe that spontaneously bursts into flame at random intervals, and the glowing red well outside Das Steakhouse that signals the vampires have awoken after dark. Also tucked into Isle of Berk: look up in the queue for Hiccup's Wing Gliders and you'll spot a half-donkey, half-dragon perched in the rafters — a very cheeky Shrek crossover.

Islands of Adventure: Jurassic Park and a Hidden Dining Gem
Inside the Discovery Center at Jurassic Park, a paleontologist leads a live dinosaur hatching experience where your child could be chosen to name a baby raptor. It's completely free, included in your park admission, and easy to miss if no one tells you it's there. For dining, Confisco Grille at the park entrance is a solid sit-down option with global cuisine — especially worth knowing as Mythos prepares to close and sit-down choices get thinner.

Universal Studios Park: Dial This Number
In Diagon Alley, the red phone booth in front of King's Cross Station looks like a photo op — and it is — but pick up the receiver and dial 62442 (M-A-G-I-C) for a special message from the Ministry of Magic. Also back on the schedule: the Horror Makeup Show, closed as of May 2026 but reopening in winter 2026 with a revamp Ryan is genuinely looking forward to.

Resort-Wide Tips
Like Disney, most Universal quick-service locations will hand you a free cup of ice water if you ask. You can bring your own food and snacks into the parks, though locker requirements are worth checking in advance. Universal's on-site resorts are dramatically underrated — theming ranges from a 1950s motel with a bowling alley (Cabana Bay) to an Italian village to the Hard Rock Hotel, where you can actually rent a guitar delivered to your room. Most resorts offer walking paths or short boat rides to CityWalk and the parks.

CityWalk: Disney Springs With Later Hours and Dueling Pianos
CityWalk sits at the entrance to the parks and keeps going after they close around 6 or 7 PM. Highlights include a section of the actual Berlin Wall behind Hard Rock Cafe, Hollywood Drive-In Golf with haunted house and alien invasion themed courses, a karaoke bar with a full live band and backup singers, Pat O'Brien's with Cajun food and dueling pianos, and Cowfish — a sushi burger bar where Ryan and Julie once shared something called a Burgushi, which is exactly what it sounds like. For sweet treats: mobile-order Voodoo Doughnuts to skip the line, and find the over-the-top milkshakes at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium. Universal resort guests also get priority seating at CityWalk restaurants.

Where in the World? 🗺️
Ryan spotlights two couples heading out on a Viking Mediterranean cruise with a custom pre-cruise itinerary he built around it — several days in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens with Acropolis tickets and walking tours, a half-day in central Rome near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, an early-morning Vatican tour before the crowds arrive, then on to a cruise through Italy and France ending in Barcelona.

Next week: Julie recaps her family's August trip to Walt Disney World and how she survived the heat. Start planning your Universal adventure at wonderandbeyondtravel.com.

Support the show

Love the podcast? Help us continue to create great travel content by supporting the show. You can do that here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1197029/supporters/new

Ready to plan your vacation?  Most families are confused and overwhelmed when planning a vacation. We work with you to plan a trip perfect for your family. Saving you time, money, and stress! 

Visit our website www.allthingstravelpodcast.com and click on "Plan Your Next Vacation"

Join the travel conversations and the fun in our Facebook Page and Instagram Page!

• Please share the show with your travel buddies!!  Click this link and share the show!
• Never miss an episode and help us take you to the top with us by following and leaving a 5-Star review on your favorite podcasting app!

A road trip isn't what you do when flying doesn't work out — done right, it's its own kind of vacation. This week, Ryan and Julie break down who road trips are actually best for, and the planning habits that separate a great one from a stressful one.

Who Road Trips Are Best For
Families with young kids (within 5-6 hours), travelers with flight anxiety, pet owners, and anyone who wants to explore a region deeply rather than just hit the highlights.

Why It's Worth Considering
The financial argument (full control over lodging, food, and transportation costs), the flexibility argument (no change fees, no schedule but your own), and the experience argument — the unplanned stops and detours often become the stories people remember for years.

Planning It Right
Build the trip around the drive, not just the destination. Don't overplan every hour, book pet-friendly stops carefully (a "pet-friendly" listing isn't always current), and prep the car before you go — oil change, roadside assistance, and a stocked snack box included.

Tips for the Road
Drive the hard miles first thing in the morning, switch drivers every two hours, gas up before you think you need to, and make every stop purposeful — a meal, a landmark, a short hike — rather than just a leg-stretch.

Where in the World?
Two couples are headed to the Danube River this October with AmaWaterways, right in the middle of Oktoberfest — with a completely refreshed onboard experience Ryan can't wait to hear about.

Next week: things you didn't know were at Universal Orlando Resort. Thinking about your next road trip? Hit play for the planning tips that make all the difference — and head to wonderandbeyondtravel.com when you're ready to start.

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