Wanderlust & Wishes

Disney vs. Universal Orlando in 2026: Comparing Rides, Hotels, Food & Updates Since Adding Epic Universe (Ep 110)

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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2368118/support] 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

How Far Does $5,000 Go at Universal Orlando? Real Family Vacation Plans on a Budget for 2026 (Ep 109)

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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2368118/support] 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

Disney World Trip Report: Lightning Lane Wins, Resort Reviews & a 13th Birthday Adventure (Ep 108)

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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2368118/support] 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

On the Go Walt Disney World Birthday Trip June 2026

This episode is a bonus On-the-Go episode with real time reviews/comments on Julie's Walt Disney World trip. This trip was a birthday celebration trip for Julie's daughter, Ella. Ella brough her lifelong bestie, Sofia. This was Sofia's first trip to Walt Disney World. Listen in for their 13 year old point of view. There were both fun and frustrating moments with forever memories made!  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2368118/support] 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

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. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2368118/support] 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