Universal built an entire theme park for little kids — but is Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas actually worth planning a trip around?

In this episode of Real Family Fun, Lindsay shares her experience taking four-year-old Marcus to the brand-new Universal Kids Resort and gives her perspective as both a mom and a travel advisor.

We’re talking about the colorful new hotel, kid-friendly rides, incredible play areas, character experiences, water play, food, and what it was really like spending a day and a half there with a preschooler.

We also get into some of the things Universal Kids could improve — including hotel dining, poolside food and drinks, room service, and why the advertised 3–9 age range might not tell the whole story.

Plus, we compare Universal Kids Resort with Universal Studios Hollywood and the three theme parks at Universal Orlando to help families figure out which Universal experience makes the most sense for younger kids.

Our biggest takeaway? Universal Kids Resort is a fantastic add-on if you're already visiting Texas, live within driving distance, or have another reason to be in the Dallas area. But we wouldn't necessarily build an entire cross-country vacation around it just yet.

If you're considering Universal Kids Resort, Lindsay also explains why the day-and-a-half ticket may be the perfect amount of time to experience it.

Planning a Disney, Universal, or cruise vacation? Lindsay would love to help your family find the vacation that actually fits YOU.

Visit us at derricklindsaymgmt.com/realfamilyfun

or, email Lindsay with all of your travel needs at [email protected]

Thanks for listening to Real Family Fun with Lindsay & Derrick!

Is the Orlando Informer Meetup worth it? We think so! 🎢🍔🍺 

In this episode, we're sharing our full experience at the Orlando Informer Meetup at Universal Orlando Resort—one of the most unique ways to experience the parks after dark. 

From walk-on attractions to unlimited food and drinks (yes, even Butterbeer!), we're breaking down everything that made this event one of our favorite Universal experiences yet. 

We cover: 

•  What the Orlando Informer Meetup is and how it works 
•  Is it worth the price? 
•  Walk-on rides like Hulk, VelociCoaster, Gringotts, The Mummy, and more 
•  Our favorite food (and a few disappointing bites) 
•  Hidden gems like Comic Strip Cafe and Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream 
•  Construction updates around Universal Orlando 
•  Tips if you're thinking about attending a future meetup 
•  How it compares to a regular park day and a VIP Tour 

If you're a Universal fan—or you're looking for a completely different way to experience the parks—this episode is for you!
 
✨ Planning your next Universal Orlando vacation?
 
Visit us at:
 derricklindsaymgmt.com/realfamilyfun

Or reach out directly:
[email protected]

Thanks for listening to Real Family Fun with Lindsay & Derrick!
 

Please excuse some of the audio hiccups in this episode!

We had a very special guest in the studio today—our son Malcolm—and he was very interested in helping with the microphone. The result is a little extra background noise, but also a whole lot of fun.

In this episode, Malcolm joins us to rank his favorite rides, parks, restaurants, snacks, and experiences across Walt Disney World from the perspective of an almost 9-year-old Disney fan.

We discuss:

•  Malcolm's rankings of the four Walt Disney World theme parks 
•  His favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom 
•  Why he loves TRON Lightcycle / Run, Expedition Everest, and Test Track 
•  Character dining, favorite snacks, and must-visit restaurants 
•  Disney water parks and why Typhoon Lagoon wins his vote 
•  Tips for families visiting Walt Disney World with elementary-aged kids 

If you've ever wondered what Disney looks like through the eyes of a kid, this episode is full of honest opinions, surprising rankings, and plenty of laughs.

✨ Planning your own Walt Disney World vacation?

Visit us at:
 derricklindsaymgmt.com/realfamilyfun

Or reach out directly:
 [email protected]

Thanks for listening to Real Family Fun with Lindsay & Derrick

 #RealFamilyFunPodcast #DisneyPodcast #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelWithKids #MagicKingdom #EPCOT #HollywoodStudios #AnimalKingdom #TRONLightcycleRun #ExpeditionEverest #TestTrack #DisneyFoodie #TyphoonLagoon #FamilyVacation #DisneyMom #TravelAdvisor #DisneyTips #ThemeParkLife 

 Summer at Walt Disney World just got a whole lot cooler! ☀️🏰 

In this solo episode, Lindsay breaks down everything you need to know about Cool Kid Summer 2026 at Walt Disney World. 

From dance parties and character experiences to new entertainment and family-friendly activities, Disney is adding even more ways for kids to play, explore, and make magical memories—all included with your park admission. 

In this episode, Lindsay shares: 

•  Jessie's Roundup and the new Toy Story fun at Magic Kingdom 
•  GoofyCore at EPCOT and why EPCOT is one of the best parks for families 
•  The new Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse show at Hollywood Studios 
•  Bluey and Bingo's arrival at Animal Kingdom 
•  Why the free water park admission on check-in day is one of Disney's best current perks 
•  New experiences, snacks, entertainment, and summer offerings throughout Walt Disney World 
•  Tips from a local mom and travel advisor on how to avoid overwhelm and focus on what matters most 

Whether you're planning a summer vacation, a Disney Cruise pre-stay, or just curious about what's new at Walt Disney World, this episode will help you make the most of Cool Kid Summer.
 
✨ Planning your own Disney vacation?
 
Visit us at:
 derricklindsaymgmt.com/realfamilyfun

Or reach out directly at:
[email protected]
 
Thanks for listening to Real Family Fun with Lindsay & Derrick!
 

 #CoolKidSummer #WaltDisneyWorld #DisneyWorld #DisneyWithKids #FamilyTravel #TravelPodcast #DisneyVacation #DisneyPlanning #MagicKingdom #EPCOT #HollywoodStudios #AnimalKingdom #Bluey #DisneyTravelAdvisor #RealFamilyFunPodcast #DisneyMom #TravelWithKids #OrlandoFlorida #DisneyTips #FamilyVacation 

In this episode, we’re diving into Disney World’s two water parks: Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park — and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your family. 

We break down the theming, slides, wave pools, kids areas, lazy rivers, food, and overall vibe of each park after experiencing both with our own kids. 

We also talk about:
 • Which park is better for toddlers and younger kids
 • The most intense wave pool we’ve ever experienced 
 • Why Blizzard Beach feels easier to navigate
 • The best slides for families and thrill seekers
 • Tips for planning a Disney water park day during the Florida summer
 • Dining plans, lockers, transportation, and more 

And somehow… we also end up talking about abandoned Disney water parks, theme park etiquette, and why you definitely should not jump off the Kilimanjaro Safaris truck 

If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation and considering adding a water park day, this episode will help you figure out which park is right for your family. 

 Planning your own Disney vacation?
 Visit us at: Real Family Fun Podcast & Travel Planning 

#FamilyTravel  #TravelWithKids  #DisneyWithKids  #FamilyVacation  #realfamilyfunwithlandd #TravelAdvisor #DisneyWaterParks  #BlizzardBeach #TyphoonLagoon 

In this episode, we’re diving into one of the biggest parenting debates in theme parks: should you push your kids to go on the rides… or let them sit it out? 

We’re sharing our real experiences navigating rides with our own kids—from cautious toddlers to coaster-loving moments—and the mistakes we’ve made along the way. Including one ride choice that may have accidentally created a long-term fear.

We also break down:
 • Disney vs Universal for younger kids
 • Which parks work best by age group
 • How to introduce kids to thrill rides
 • When to encourage them through fear—and when not to
 • The difference between healthy pushing and pushing too far
 • Our honest thoughts on rides at Universal Epic Universe, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Magic Kingdom 

Whether your child is fearless, cautious, or somewhere in between, this episode is packed with honest stories, practical tips, and a reminder that every kid is different when it comes to rides and fear. 

#themeparks #familyrides #bigkidcoaster #themeparkplanning #takingkidsonrides

In this episode, we’re debating whether Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom is actually worth it—and if it makes sense for your trip.

From ticket prices and park strategy to past experiences (including a Halloween party we totally did wrong), we break down the real value behind this popular after-hours event.

We talk through:
 • Ticket pricing and how to make it worth the cost
 • Using the party as your Magic Kingdom day
 • Crowd levels, ride wait times, and overall experience
 • What makes this event different from regular park days
 • Special entertainment, characters, and Halloween extras
 • Who this is really for (and who should skip it)

If you’re planning a fall trip to Walt Disney World and wondering if this event is worth adding—you’ll want to hear this before you book.

Interested in booking your trip, message Lindsay at [email protected]

In this episode, we’re doing a real-life check-in after four months of living in Florida—what’s surprised us, what’s been harder than expected, and what’s actually been better than we imagined.

We talk through the biggest lifestyle shifts, including adjusting to the heat, navigating daily storms, and how living near the theme parks has changed the way we experience places like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

We also get into:
 • The real cost of living vs expectations
 • Building community from scratch (and why it’s harder than you think)
 • How our kids’ lives and routines have changed
 • The reality of Florida weather—from sunshine to storms
 • What we’d do differently if we moved again

If you’ve ever thought about moving to Florida—or just wondered what it’s really like once the “vacation feeling” wears off—this is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at life after the move.

#movingtoflorida #crosscounrtymove #realfamilyfun #floridians #movecheckin

 In this episode, we’re diving into our full experience with the VIP Tour at Universal Orlando Resort—and answering the big question: is it really worth it? 

We walk through our entire day, from early park access and guided touring to front-of-the-line rides on major attractions like Hagrid’s and VelociCoaster. We also break down what’s actually included—from meals and valet parking to express access after your tour—and how it compares to purchasing Express Pass on your own. 

We also share:
 • The biggest perks (and a few surprises)
 • How the tour is structured (private vs. non-private)
 • What kind of traveler this experience is best for
 • And whether we’d do it again 

If you’re planning a Universal trip and trying to decide how to maximize your time, this episode gives you a real, honest look at what the VIP experience is actually like. 

#realfamilyfunwithlandd #UniversalVIP #VIPtour #UniversalOrlando #letstravel #travelwithus

We’re breaking down all four EPCOT International Festivals and sharing our honest rankings—plus how to actually enjoy them without feeling overwhelmed.

We cover:
 • The differences between each festival (and our favorites)
 • How to prioritize food, entertainment, and must-dos
 • Tips for doing festivals with kids (without the meltdown)
 • Why your resort choice can make or break your experience

Whether you’re a foodie, a planner, or just trying to survive EPCOT with kids, this episode is packed with real-life tips to help you make the most of it. 

#TravelInspo #BucketListTravel  #VacationMode  #ExploreMore  #Wanderlust #DisneyCruiseLine #DisneyWish #DisneyCruise #DisneyAdults #DisneyWithoutKids #DisneyTravel  #DisneyVacatio #RealFamilyFunPodcast  #PodcastLife  #TravelPodcast  #FamilyTravelPodcast