Disney just dropped one of the most aggressive summer promotions we’ve seen in years—and it’s a big one. In this special breaking-news episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John and Shawn unpack Disney’s brand-new summer offer that adds free nights and free park days to longer Walt Disney World stays, creating some of the strongest pricing families have seen since before COVID.

But this isn’t happening in a vacuum. With Universal’s Epic Universe looming large, this move feels like a clear shot across the bow. Disney is making it very clear: they want your entire vacation this summer. We break down what the promotion includes, who it’s best for, real pricing examples, how it stacks up against Universal right now, and why this deal could seriously shift where families choose to spend their theme park dollars in 2026.

If you’re considering Orlando this summer—or deciding between Disney and Universal—this is an episode you’ll want to hear before you book.

It’s the Season 2 finale of the Where We Roam Podcast 🎉 In this episode, John, Dayna, and Shawn break down the biggest 2026 travel trends, including cruising demand, Disney travel shifts, luxury and long-haul bookings, and where travelers are heading next.

We share real booking data, firsthand experiences, and expert predictions covering Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Europe, Japan, Alaska, river cruising, and all-inclusive resorts — plus what’s changing in how travelers plan and spend.

What are the best adult-only vacations for couples and friends in their 40s and beyond?

In this episode of the Where We Roam Podcast, John, Dayna, and Shawn share their favorite middle-aged, adult-only getaways — trips that balance relaxation, great food, adventure, and nightlife without feeling like a spring break rerun.

From adult-only cruises to luxury all-inclusive resorts, domestic escapes, and bucket-list international trips, this episode breaks down where to go — and why certain destinations work better at this stage of life.

Virgin Voyages & Celebrity Cruises for adults-only and no-kids cruising

All-inclusive resorts for couples (Atelier Playa Mujeres, Sandals South Coast, Xcaret Arte)

Napa Valley, Sedona, Yellowstone & Sage Lodge for elevated U.S. getaways

Hawaii as the ultimate anniversary or milestone trip

European river cruises as a surprisingly perfect option for travelers in their 40s

We also talk about:

Party vibe vs. peace and quiet (and how to choose the right fit)

Why some luxury resorts feel too quiet — and others are just right

How budget, time off, and energy level should shape your trip planning

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, friends trip, anniversary vacation, or your first adults-only escape in years, this episode will help you choose a destination that actually matches your lifestyle.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review the Where We Roam Podcast wherever you listen — and let us help you plan what’s next.

Disney Cruise Line’s Wish Class has sparked more debate than any fleet Disney has ever launched — and today, we’re breaking down the good, the bad, and the downright controversial. From elevator layouts and the infamous “bathtub pools” to the new rotational dining shows, immersive storytelling, elevated theming, and the real-world fixes Disney implemented between Wish → Treasure → Destiny… we cover it all.

We’re joined by friend of the pod Jess, fresh off the Disney Destiny preview sailing, to talk through what’s working, what still needs love, and whether this new era of Disney cruising truly delivers that old-school magic.

We dig into:

How the Wish Class layout really affects families with kids of different ages

The upgraded theming, art direction, and character moments — including why Destiny feels more “Disneyland” than “Disney World”

What changed (and what didn’t) on the pool decks, and why parents feel so strongly about it

World of Marvel, 1923, and the evolution of rotational dining

The stunning new Pride Lands dinner show — and where the menu still misses the mark

Hidden gems like Hero Zone, lounges, nightlife, and which ship currently balances it all best

Whether you’re booked on Wish, eyeing Treasure, or dying to experience Destiny after its big debut, this is your essential Wish Class Guide to help you plan smarter, set expectations, and maximize the magic.

Ever wonder which Universal Orlando rides truly stack up against Disney World’s biggest attractions?

We break down attraction matchups like:

Tron Lightcycle Run vs. Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure

Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster (Muppets Mayhem version!) vs. VelociCoaster

Tower of Terror vs… literally anything Universal has

Slinky Dog Dash vs. Hiccup’s Wing Gliders

Monsters Unchained vs. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Peter Pan’s Flight vs. E.T. Adventure (John and Dayna vs. Shawn… chaos)

Toy Story Midway Mania vs. Universal’s shooters

Plus:

Whether you're planning your next Orlando trip or just love ride debates, this episode delivers deep insight, unfiltered opinions, and tons of theme park laughs.

This week we’re embracing the chaos with what we lovingly call The Big Toe Episode — where the topics aren’t sexy, but they matter more than ever. We’re breaking down the travel insurance questions everyone is suddenly asking, the recent flight disruptions, and the reality behind those shiny Black Friday offers.

PLUS: four brand-new cruise ships launching in the same month (yes, four!), what that explosion in capacity means for pricing, and whether now is the moment to lock in a deal or hold tight.

It’s a fireside chat full of smart insights, quick takeaways, and the usual laughs — perfect for anyone cruising, flying, or planning 2025 / 2026 travel.

This week, it’s just John and Dayna holding down the fort while Shawn’s away — and there’s plenty to cover!

They start with heartfelt updates on Hurricane Melissa’s impact across Jamaica and the Bahamas, sharing what travelers need to know as airports reopen and relief efforts ramp up. Then, it’s over to the Greek Isles, where Royal Caribbean just announced its new Royal Beach Club in Santorini — a sustainable seaside retreat blending local culture with that signature Royal vibe.

From there, the duo dives into Norwegian Cruise Line’s big change to its drink packages at Great Stirrup Cay (spoiler: your island cocktails aren’t free anymore) — and why it might not be as bad as it sounds.

Finally, John and Dayna explore a surprising shift in the travel landscape: Q4 2025 is packed with last-minute deals. With excess inventory across cruises, Disney vacations, and even Universal Orlando, flexibility might just be the secret to saving big this holiday season.

Whether you’re dreaming of the Mediterranean, monitoring storm recovery, or hunting for a spontaneous getaway, this “news-lite” episode delivers a quick pulse on what’s happening in the travel world.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 delivers its scariest lineup yet — Terrifier, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and more! Dayna, Addison, John, and Shawn break down every house, rank the scares, and reveal what it’s really like to bring a teen to this over-the-top event. If you’re planning your own trip, don’t miss their insider tips, scare zone favorites, and Express Pass strategy to make the most of your night.

How heavy is too heavy when it comes to your Disney or Universal park bag?

They reveal what’s worth carrying (spoiler: not your MagSafe charger in Florida), what’s a total waste of space, and the weirdest things people actually pack for a day in the parks. Expect laughs, eye-rolls, and maybe a few personal confessions about sunscreen, snacks, and “strategic chafing prevention.”

🎢 Whether you’re a park pro or a first-timer, this episode will help you pack smarter—and save your back (and sanity) in the Florida heat.

Four months after its grand opening, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is already changing the theme-park game — and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, John, Dayna, and Shawn share honest reactions, hilarious moments, and insider travel tips from the newest and most immersive park in Orlando.

We kick things off with a “This or That” ride showdown — from Battle at the Ministry to Stardust Racers, Curse of the Werewolf, Hiccups Wing Gliders, and beyond — to find out which attraction truly reigns supreme. Then we dive into resort impressions (hello, Stella Nova, Terra Luna, and Helios Grand), express-pass updates, hidden details you might miss, and how Epic Universe compares to Disney’s parks.

You’ll hear firsthand ride reviews, meet-and-greet highlights (Toothless fans, this one’s for you 🐉), nighttime show recommendations, and even a few spicy takes about butterbeer and mac-and-cheese cones.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or your next one, this episode is packed with real-world insights from top travel advisors who’ve been there, done that, and still can’t stop talking about it.