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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Christmas may still be months away, but Disney has already started sharing what's coming for the 2026 holiday season, and we're diving into all of it in this year's Halfway to the Holidays episode.

From Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney Jollywood Nights to EPCOT's Festival of the Holidays, festive resort decorations, Disney Springs, Disney Cruise Line Merrytime sailings, and Disneyland at Christmas, we're sharing what makes the holidays at Disney so special and why it's one of our favorite times of the year to visit.

Along the way, we're discussing what's new for 2026, our favorite holiday traditions, travel planning tips, and the experiences we'd prioritize if we could only choose one. Whether you're planning your very first Disney Christmas vacation or looking for the latest updates before you book your next holiday trip, this episode is packed with practical advice from two travel advisors who love helping families experience the magic of Disney during the most wonderful time of the year.

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Thinking about taking an Alaska cruise? In this special roundtable episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're joined by three of our friends and fellow travel advisors who recently returned from three different Alaska sailings. From cruise line comparisons and unforgettable excursions to wildlife encounters, glacier viewing, packing tips, and planning advice, we're sharing the real experiences that can help you decide if an Alaska cruise is right for you.

We compare what surprised them most, discuss the excursions they would book again, talk about what they would do differently next time, and separate common Alaska cruise myths from reality. Whether you're deciding between cruise lines, planning your first Alaska vacation, or simply dreaming about America's Last Frontier, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest opinions from travelers who have just experienced it firsthand.

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Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, but it's also one of the hottest. In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing our favorite tips for staying cool, hydrated, and comfortable while tackling long park days in the Florida heat.

From smart hydration strategies and electrolyte tips to the best places to cool off, when to take a midday break, and the summer gear that's actually worth packing, we're covering everything we've learned through our own park visits and helping clients plan successful vacations year after year.

Whether you're planning your first Disney vacation, heading to Universal Orlando, or visiting any theme park this summer, these practical tips will help you spend less time recovering from the heat and more time enjoying your vacation.

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Planning an Orlando vacation and trying to decide between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando? We're revisiting one of our most popular episodes with a completely updated 2026 comparison.

A lot has changed since we recorded this episode last year. Epic Universe has officially opened, Disney's Lightning Lane system has evolved, and new attractions and hotels have changed the conversation.

In this episode, we're comparing Disney and Universal across the categories that matter most, including rides, hotels, dining, entertainment, transportation, skip-the-line systems, value, and more. We also discuss which destination is the better fit for families with young kids, tweens, teens, adults-only trips, thrill seekers, first-time visitors, and budget-conscious travelers.

Whether you're planning your first Orlando vacation or deciding where to go next, this episode will help you choose the destination that's the best fit for your travel style.

Topics we cover include:
• Disney vs. Universal rides and attractions
• Epic Universe's impact on Universal Orlando
• Disney and Universal hotels
• Lightning Lane vs. Express Pass
• Best food and snacks
• Entertainment and nighttime spectaculars
• Which destination offers the best value in 2026
• Our updated category winners and final verdict

As always, we're sharing our honest opinions based on our own experiences and what we're seeing as travel advisors helping families plan Orlando vacations every day.

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With the addition of Epic Universe, many families are wondering if Universal Orlando is still an affordable vacation destination. In this episode, we're putting that question to the test.

Julie and Krystle each have a budget of $5,000 to plan a Universal Orlando vacation, but they're planning for very different families. Julie is building a trip for a family of four, while Krystle is stretching the same budget for a family of five. From hotels and park tickets to Express Passes, food, transportation, and souvenirs, we're breaking down exactly how we would spend our money and where we'd choose to save.

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This week on Wanderlust & Wishes, we're sharing a very special Walt Disney World trip report as we celebrate our daughter Ella's 13th birthday!

As part of a family tradition, Ella's grandparents take each grandchild on a trip of their choice for their 13th birthday, and for the final grandchild's big adventure, she chose Walt Disney World. Ella even brought her lifelong best friend Sofia along for the fun.

Join us as we recap our split stay at Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, discuss our Park Hopper strategy, and share the highlights (and frustrations) from Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom.

We'll talk about using Wait Magic for Lightning Lane planning, riding Tiana's Bayou Adventure twice, experiencing the newly reopened Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, discovering an unexpected new favorite restaurant at EPCOT's San Angel Inn, and surviving a challenging day at Hollywood Studios. Plus, hear the unbelievable story of how a brand-new Lightning McQueen popcorn bucket turned into a memorable and surprising moment of the trip.

Most importantly, Ella joins us to share her perspective on the vacation, her favorite rides, resorts, snacks, and memories from this milestone birthday celebration.

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