Ports and Palaces

Theme Park Headlines: Disney, Universal & Royal Caribbean’s Biggest Announcements

Big news is dropping across the theme park and cruise world! On Ports & Palaces, we’re breaking down the latest updates from The Walt Disney Company, Universal Destinations & Experiences, and Royal Caribbean International. From exciting expansions and new entertainment offerings to cruise ship updates and guest experience changes, there’s a lot to cover. Tune in as we walk through what’s been announced, what it means for travelers, and how these updates could impact your next vacation. Whether you’re planning a theme park trip or setting sail, we’ll help you stay ahead of what’s new—and what’s worth the hype. Thanks so much for listening!  If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Wednesday for the podcast.  🔗 Follow us on all social platforms @Ports.and.Palaces🎧 Subscribe to Ports and Palaces on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube⭐️ Leave a 5-star review and we just might shout you out in our next episode! This episode is sponsored by Ports and Palaces Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney, Universal, and Royal Caribbean Vacations, email Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations [Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations]  Let’s Get Social! Join the conversation at any of the platforms below: Website - https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/ [https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/]  YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces] Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/ [https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/] Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431]  Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt [https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt]

Heroes, Assemble: Disney Magic and Marvel Day at Sea Trip Report

Disney Cruise Line brings the Multiverse to the high seas! On Ports & Palaces, we’re sitting down for a full client trip report to break down everything from a recent voyage on the Disney Magic. We’re covering the epic Marvel Day at Sea—from heroic character encounters and stunt-filled deck parties to themed dining and specialized youth activities. Tune in to hear firsthand highlights, itinerary tips, and our take on whether this action-packed sailing is the right choice for your family’s next Disney vacation. Thanks so much for listening!  If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Wednesday for the podcast.  🔗 Follow us on all social platforms @Ports.and.Palaces🎧 Subscribe to Ports and Palaces on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube⭐️ Leave a 5-star review and we just might shout you out in our next episode! This episode is sponsored by Ports and Palaces Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney, Universal, and Royal Caribbean Vacations, email Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations [Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations]  Let’s Get Social! Join the conversation at any of the platforms below: Website - https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/ [https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/]  YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces] Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/ [https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/] Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431]  Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt [https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt]

Let the Good Times Roll: Universal Studios Orlando Mardi Gras

Universal Studios Orlando brings the Big Easy to Florida with Mardi Gras! On Ports & Palaces, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Universal Orlando Mardi Gras—must-try food and drinks, parade floats, live concerts, bead-throwing fun, and insider planning tips.  Tune in to find out if this colorful, high-energy seasonal event is worth adding to your next Universal Studios Florida trip. Thanks so much for listening!  If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Wednesday for the podcast.  🔗 Follow us on all social platforms @Ports.and.Palaces🎧 Subscribe to Ports and Palaces on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube⭐️ Leave a 5-star review and we just might shout you out in our next episode! This episode is sponsored by Ports and Palaces Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney, Universal, and Royal Caribbean Vacations, email Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations [Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations]  Let’s Get Social! Join the conversation at any of the platforms below: Website - https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/ [https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/]  YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces] Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/ [https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/] Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431]  Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt [https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt]

EPCOT International Festival of the Arts 2026: Complete Guide to Food, Art & Entertainment

EPCOT’s most creative festival is back!From Broadway concerts and live art to Figment scavenger hunts and food studios that look too pretty to eat — the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is a can’t-miss. We’re breaking down what to eat, what to skip, and what you absolutely need to experience before it’s gone 🎭🍽️💜 Thanks so much for listening!  If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Wednesday for the podcast.  🔗 Follow us on all social platforms @Ports.and.Palaces🎧 Subscribe to Ports and Palaces on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube⭐️ Leave a 5-star review and we just might shout you out in our next episode! This episode is sponsored by Ports and Palaces Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney, Universal, and Royal Caribbean Vacations, email Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations [Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations]  Let’s Get Social! Join the conversation at any of the platforms below: Website - https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/ [https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/]  YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces] Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/ [https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/] Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431]  Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt [https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt]

Universal Kids Resort: Is This the Future of Family Theme Parks?

Universal Kids Resort is coming to Frisco, TX — and it’s not a “mini park.” We’re talking full themed lands inspired by Trolls, Shrek, Minions, Jurassic World, SpongeBob, and Puss in Boots, plus rides, splash zones, play areas, shows, character meet-and-greets… and a family-first hotel literally steps from the park. Bunk beds. Family suites. Sensory gardens. Kid-friendly thrills. This feels like Universal’s biggest swing yet at younger travelers — and families planning their first big theme park trip. 🎙️ We break down every land, attraction, dining spot, and hotel detail on the latest episode of Ports & Palaces. Thanks so much for listening!  If you like what you hear, please subscribe and catch us every Wednesday for the podcast.  🔗 Follow us on all social platforms @Ports.and.Palaces🎧 Subscribe to Ports and Palaces on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube⭐️ Leave a 5-star review and we just might shout you out in our next episode! This episode is sponsored by Ports and Palaces Vacations.  For free concierge vacation planning, specializing in Disney, Universal, and Royal Caribbean Vacations, email Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations [Kirstyn.Russell@portsandpalaces.vacations]  Let’s Get Social! Join the conversation at any of the platforms below: Website - https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/ [https://trips.portsandpalaces.vacations/]  YouTube –  https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.youtube.com/@ports.and.palaces] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces [https://www.tiktok.com/@ports.and.palaces] Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/ [https://www.instagram.com/ports.and.palaces.vacations/] Facebook –  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091915844431]  Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt [https://www.etsy.com/shop/portsandpalaces/?etsrc=sdt]