Universal Orlando Wand Experience Explained - Spells, Locations, and Tips (Ep 100)

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

2026 EPCOT Rope Drop Plan | Front Entrance vs International Gateway (Ep 102)

Trying to figure out the best way to rope drop EPCOT in 2026? In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we’re breaking down exactly how to start your Disney day with the shortest waits, smartest route, and biggest time savings possible. We cover the best rope drop strategy for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Frozen Ever After, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, and Test Track, how your arrival method completely changes your morning plan, and the differences between entering through the front entrance and International Gateway. We also dive into Early Entry advantages for Disney Resort guests, real wait time patterns, and the biggest rope drop mistakes that can waste valuable park time. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney planner, this episode will help you maximize your morning at EPCOT with updated 2026 Walt Disney World planning tips and verified strategies designed to help you beat the crowds and ride more attractions with less stress.  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

Alaska Cruise 101: What You Need to Know Before You Book (Ep 101)

Planning an Alaska cruise can feel overwhelming, but in this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, Krystle and Julie break down everything you need to know before you book. From choosing between top cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line to understanding the difference between roundtrip and one-way Alaska itineraries, we cover it all. We dive into why Glacier Bay matters and how ports like Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan shape your experience. We also chat about the most popular Alaska cruise excursions like whale watching, dog sledding, and the White Pass Railway, plus what to expect when it comes to weather, pricing, and packing. If you’re deciding between sailing from Seattle or Vancouver, wondering if a balcony room is worth it, or trying to figure out the best time to cruise Alaska, this episode helps you get started. 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