Wanderlust & Wishes

Disney Cruise Line Specialty Cruises: Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime, Pixar & Marvel Day at Sea (Ep 107)

If you've ever wondered whether a Disney Cruise Line specialty sailing is worth planning your vacation around, this episode is for you! We're diving into Disney Cruise Line's themed cruises, including Halloween on the High Seas, Very Merrytime Cruises, Pixar Day at Sea, and Marvel Day at Sea. We break down what makes each sailing unique, when they're offered, which ships participate, and the exclusive entertainment, character experiences, decorations, parties, and activities that set them apart from a standard Disney cruise. We also compare all four specialty sailings to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your family, whether you're looking for festive holiday magic, superhero action, Pixar fun, or spooky Halloween celebrations at sea. Plus, we answer the big question: Would we actually change our cruise dates, itinerary, or departure port to sail on one of these specialty cruises? If you're planning a Disney cruise in 2026 or beyond, this episode will help you decide whether one of these unique themed sailings belongs on your vacation wish list. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Family All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun & Riviera Maya (Ep 106)

Thinking about booking your first family all-inclusive vacation in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres, or Playa Mujeres? In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we're answering one of the most common questions we get from clients: how do all-inclusive resorts actually work? Whether you're just starting your research or trying to narrow down hundreds of resort options, we're breaking down everything first-time visitors need to know before they book.  We'll discuss the differences between Cancun, Riviera Maya, Costa Mujeres, Playa Mujeres, and Isla Mujeres, explain what is typically included in an all-inclusive vacation, and help you understand how to choose the right resort based on your family's travel style. We also cover beach vacations versus pool vacations, dining options and food quality, allergies and special dietary needs, family room configurations, airport transportation, kids clubs, water parks, teen activities, and the extras that may or may not be worth the additional cost. Along the way, we'll share ten family-favorite all-inclusive resorts that consistently receive high marks from travel advisors, including Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Dreams Playa Mujeres, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, Moon Palace The Grand, Nickelodeon Riviera Maya, and more. We also dive into the biggest mistakes families make when booking their first all-inclusive vacation, from choosing a resort based on price alone to overlooking room occupancy limits, beach conditions, and the importance of matching a resort to your children's ages and interests. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Anniversary Episode: Our Biggest Travel Opinions After One More Year of Trips, Cruises & Theme Parks (Ep 105)

In this anniversary episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we’re looking back on another year of travel, vacations, cruising, theme parks, and all the opinions that changed along the way. From debating Epic Universe vs Magic Kingdom to choosing between cruise vacations and theme park trips, we’re sharing the experiences, surprises, trends, and travel hot takes we can’t stop talking about after a full year of adventures and podcast episodes. We’re also discussing our favorite rides, resorts, snacks, cruise moments, biggest disappointments, and the travel opinions we know listeners may disagree with. Plus, we’re reflecting on our favorite episodes from the past year, what surprised us most in the travel industry, and how vacation planning conversations have shifted recently. Whether you love Disney destinations, Universal Orlando, cruising, family travel, vacation planning, or just hearing honest travel conversations, this episode is a fun look back at the moments and debates that defined our year. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Magic Kingdom Hacks, Hidden Shortcuts & Rookie Mistakes (Ep 104)

Planning a day at Magic Kingdom can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we’re sharing the small Magic Kingdom tips and Disney World tricks that can completely change the flow of your day. These aren’t the big strategies everyone talks about nonstop. These are the underrated details, hidden shortcuts, transportation tips, ride strategies, food hacks, parade secrets, and survival tips that experienced Disney guests learn over time. We cover everything from rope drop strategy, Early Entry, Lightning Lane mistakes, and fireworks timing to stroller survival, the best midday break locations, mobile ordering tricks, hidden quiet spots, parade viewing hacks, rainy day strategies, and why the last hour of the night at Magic Kingdom is elite. We also talk through transportation from the TTC, ferry vs monorail, secret walkway shortcuts, underrated snacks, little kid survival tips, and veteran-level truths that can make your Walt Disney World vacation smoother and far less stressful. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7

Epic Universe Rope Drop Strategy 2026 (Ep 103)

This week on Wanderlust & Wishes, Julie and Krystle break down what rope drop at Universal Orlando’s newest theme park actually looks like right now, including what has changed since opening, whether Early Park Admission is really worth it, and how to decide between Super Nintendo World, Battle at the Ministry, Isle of Berk, Dark Universe, and more. We’re talking real strategy, realistic expectations, and the touring advice that is already outdated. From Mine-Cart Madness and Mario Kart to Stardust Racers and Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, we cover the rides that can make or break your day, plus hotel advantages, crowd flow,  and the biggest mistakes guests are making at Epic Universe. Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wanderlustandwishespodcast For interest in vacation planning email us at: wanderlustandwishespodcast@gmail.com Or fill out this quote request form: https://forms.gle/ZmN8C2akheQabF7B7