Wanderlust & Wishes
Planning your next Disney, Universal, cruise, or all-inclusive vacation and feeling overwhelmed? Welcome to Wanderlust & Wishes, the weekly travel podcast hosted by travel advisors Krystle and Julie. We help families, couples, and Disney-loving adults plan smarter vacations without stress. From Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Orlando to Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and all-inclusive resorts around the world, we share tips, honest reviews, hidden gems, and strategy you can actually use. Learn how to tackle rope drop, master Lightning Lanes, pack smart for cruises, and discover must-see experiences for every destination. Whether you’re planning your first Disney trip, an adults-only getaway, or your next big adventure, Wanderlust & Wishes helps you travel like a pro and make unforgettable memories along the way. New episodes every week- subscribe now and start planning your dream trip today!
Episodes
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. ...
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...
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!
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www....
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 experi...
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 ...
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 adventur...
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 s...
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...
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 y...
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 Gl...
We’re celebrating Episode 100 … by diving into one of the most immersive and magical experiences at Universal Orlando Resort.
In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, Krystle and Julie are breaking down all the things when it comes to wands inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
We’re talking through how the interactive wands actually work, where you can cast spells throughout the parks, and the spots that ...
This week, Krystle and Julie are breaking down what traveling to Disney with toddlers actually looks like, from stroller strategy and nap schedules to rope drop planning, packing essentials, and handling those inevitable meltdowns. If you’ve been wondering how to balance park time with rest, what you truly need to bring, or how to avoid common mistakes families make with little ones, we’re walking through it all.
This is...
On this episode, Krystle and Julie are breaking down exactly how rope dropping Magic Kingdom works in 2026. From the moment you scan into the park to those first critical decisions at park open, we’re walking you through a realistic strategy that helps you beat the crowds without feeling stressed or rushed.
We talk through which rides should be your top priority, how early you really need to arrive, and how rope drop compares ...
Trying to decide between a cruise and an all-inclusive resort for your next vacation? You’re not alone and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
In this episode, Krystle and Julie are breaking down cruise vs all-inclusive vacations in a way that actually helps you make a decision based on your travel style, your budget, and who you’re traveling with. Because while both options promise an “al...
In this episode of Wanderlust and Wishes, Krystle and Julie welcome back friend and fellow agent, Margie Reynold. We break down everything you need to know before sailing with Princess Cruises. From what makes Princess different from other cruise lines to what’s included, dining options, Medallion Class technology, and who this cruise line is really best for, we’re covering it all.
Whether you're a first-time cruiser, co...
Disneyland and Walt Disney World may share the same Disney name, but the experience can feel completely different and it’s easy to get caught off guard if you’re expecting them to be the same.
In this episode, Krystle and Julie are breaking down the key differences between Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
We’re covering everything from park s...
Spring break is one of the busiest times of the year at theme parks, but that does not mean your trip has to feel chaotic.
In this episode of Wanderlust & Wishes, we are sharing our best strategies for navigating Disney World and Universal Orlando during peak spring break crowds. From rope drop tactics and Lightning Lane/Express Pass planning to mobile ordering, smart park flow, and knowing when it is worth adding an extra park ...
On this episode, Krystle and Julie talk through rope drop strategies for Universal Studios. If you’ve ever walked out of Universal Studios in Orlando at 2PM wondering how the lines got so long so fast… this episode is for you.
Universal Studios is completely different from Islands of Adventure, and if you treat them the same, you’ll waste your best hour of the day. Studios is not about sprinting to one mega coaste...
This episode is all about the birthday boy and his adventures on the Disney Fantasy. Follow along from the surprise reveal to his thoughts on his very first cruise. We're certainly biased, but his genuine joy in all the things is absolutely precious. This cruise included a Pixar Day at Sea and visits to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Nassau, Bahamas.
Connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderlustandwis...
Krystle just returned from her very first Disney Cruise Line sailing and it was not just any cruise. It was a Pixar Day at Sea on the Disney Fantasy, and she surprised her 10 year old son with the entire trip.
In this episode, we break down everything from the surprise reveal and embarkation day emotions to rotational dining, Broadway style shows, kids club experiences, themed merchandise, and Krystle's honest review of whether a Di...
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