Before You Book Podcast

The Best Disney Upgrades You Didn’t Know About

If you’ve ever wondered whether Disney’s “Enchanting Extras” are actually worth the splurge—this episode is for you. We’re breaking down some of the most popular (and not-so-well-known) upgrades at Walt Disney World—from a private fireworks cruise and the iconic Keys to the Kingdom tour to VIP tours, club level stays, and more. We’re sharing what we’ve personally experienced, what surprised us, and what we’d actually spend our own money on again—plus a few pro tips to help you decide what’s worth it for your family. Whether you’re planning your first trip or your fifth, this episode will help you upgrade your vacation without wasting money. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com [https://beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Tessa Went to a Disney Cruise Wedding… and Got Stuck on the AquaMouse

In this episode, Tessa shares the second half of her trip aboard the Disney Wish, where she and her family were invited to celebrate a friend’s wedding at sea. From a princess-style ceremony in the Grand Hall to a relaxing cabana day at Castaway Cay, the trip was full of magical moments. But it wouldn’t be a real vacation story without a few surprises… including getting stuck on the AquaMouse ride with a very nervous kid. We talk about: * What a Disney Cruise Line wedding actually looks like * The Disney Wish embarkation experience * Honest thoughts on the rotational dining restaurants * Why the Disney kids club is a game changer for parents * Whether a Castaway Cay cabana is worth the splurge * The chaos of cruise ship merchandise drops * And the AquaMouse breakdown that had us stuck mid-ride If you’re thinking about taking a Disney cruise—or you’re just curious what happens when a cruise wedding meets ride chaos—this episode is packed with real stories, helpful tips, and honest opinions to help you plan smarter before you book. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com [https://beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A Disney Mom at Epic Universe

Tessa is a tried-and-true Disney parks fan. She knows the snacks, the strategies, the Lightning Lanes — the whole thing. But this week, she crosses enemy lines. In this episode, Tessa visits Universal Epic Universe, the newest park from Universal Orlando Resort, to see if the hype is real. From immersive lands and next-level attractions to theming details and overall vibes, she shares her unfiltered reactions as a lifelong Disney loyalist stepping into unfamiliar territory. Meanwhile, Karla dives into the conversation, comparing her experience at Epic Universe before the park opened to the public to Tessa’s recent trip. Tessa and Karla discuss how Epic Universe compares to Disney Parks and Universal Orlando’s existing lineup. Together, they break down storytelling, innovation, guest experience, and what this new park means for the ongoing Disney vs. Universal debate. Does Epic Universe live up to the buzz?Is the storytelling on par with Disney magic?The biggest pros and cons of the park? Whether you’re Team Disney, Team Universal, or just here for the theme park tea, this episode is a fun, honest, and thoughtful discussion you won’t want to miss. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com [https://beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Packing and Prepping for a Disney Cruise

Tessa is in full packing mode—and this trip is stacked. In this episode of Before You Book, she’s getting ready for a brand-new theme park adventure at Universal’s Epic Universe and setting sail on the Disney Wish, while Karla shares her best tips for prepping and packing. From deciding what’s worth the suitcase space to planning outfits for park days vs. cruise days, Tessa breaks down what she’s bringing, what she’s debating, and what she’s definitely overthinking (because same). If you’re planning a theme park trip, a Disney cruise, or a combo vacation that does the most, this episode is packed with practical tips, smart packing strategy, and real-life travel prep chaos. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com [https://beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Top 5 Tips for Walt Disney World

Hear Karla and Tessa's top five tips each (10 total tips) for Walt Disney World. Some may be surprising. Let us know your favorite tip, too! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com [https://beforeyoubookpodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]