One Slice at a Time

It’s Stephanie’s birthday episode — so this week is all about her favorite trips, cruise picks, splurge choices, and smart travel tips for busy families.

We talk about:

• Dream beach days in Virgin Gorda
• Disney Cruise Line for both families and adults
• Concierge and suite upgrades
• Packing and time-saving systems
• Favorite snorkeling trips
• Why weekend cruises are the best short vacation
• A local St. Louis pizza review

If you want help pl...

Disney Cruise Line has a brand-new ship — and this one is bold, villain-packed, and seriously fun.

In this episode of One Slice at a Time, Ryan and Stephanie break down the Disney Destiny, including what makes it feel familiar (if you’ve sailed the Wish or Treasure) and what makes it totally different the second you step into the Grand Hall.

We’re talking:
 ✅ Short sailings out of Fort Lauderdale (3–5 nights)
✅ Why Destiny d...

In this episode of One Slice at a Time, Stephanie and Ryan play Would You Rather: Travel Edition — tackling the travel choices that actually shape your trip.

Nonstop flights or cheaper connections?
 Ship first or itinerary first?
 Location over price?
 Rides or energy at Disney?

These aren’t hypothetical questions. They’re decisions real travel advisors help clients make every day.

Expect honest answers, different prioriti...

It’s Ryan’s birthday, so this episode is all about his favorite things in travel.

From cruises and Disney parks to African safaris, island getaways, and river cruising, Ryan shares the trips he loves, the experiences he recommends, and what actually makes a vacation worth planning.

No debates. No arguing. Just real opinions from a travel advisor who’s done the trips and knows what works.

If any of these vacations sound good to you, em...

Disney World’s holiday parties are some of the most popular add-ons of the year — and also some of the most confusing.

In this episode of One Slice at a Time, we walk through the three major Disney World holiday parties:
• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
• Jollywood Nights

We break down the vibe, entertainment, characters, ride overlays, snacks, and pricing — plus how differe...

2026 travel is shaping up to look very different — and not just where people go, but how they experience it.

In Part 2 of our 2026 Travel Trends series, Ryan and Stephanie break down what travelers are already asking for and what’s coming next, including:

• Why luxury expedition travel is exploding (think Antarctica, Galapagos, and African safaris — without giving up comfort)
• The rise of small ships vs mega ships — and how “ship-wit...

Disney World or Disneyland — East Coast or West Coast?

In this episode of One Slice at a Time, travel agents Ryan and Stephanie finally tackle the debate that never dies: Disney World vs Disneyland.

We compare:

• Park size vs walkability
• Ride differences and exclusives
• Snacks vs sit-down dining
• Hotels, price ranges, and convenience
• Lightning Lane vs Premier Pass
• Halloween and Christmas events
• The Disney bubble, crowds, and overall vibe

Ryan returns from an Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition loaded with penguins, glaciers, wildlife, weather drama, and an unexpected act of kindness from a crew member. Stephanie digs into every detail — from Buenos Aires to the Falkland Islands to the Chilean fjords.

This week, Stephanie and Ryan break down Ryan’s full expedition with Atlas Ocean Voyages — and the stories are unreal.

You’ll hear about:
 • Buenos Aires with Kensington ...

Travel is changing again as we head into 2026, and the shift is clear from what our clients are booking right now. This episode looks at the five biggest trends shaping the new year — the trips people want, the trips people are planning years ahead, and the way travelers are thinking about time, money, and meaning.

1. Bigger Trips Are In

Clients are planning the kind of trips they used to save for “one day.”
 Antarctica, African ...

This week we break down Ireland with simple tips you can trust. From the Ring of Kerry route to the Cliffs, Galway, Cork, and Dublin, we talk through the stops that matter and the ones you can skip. You’ll hear stories, tips, and Meltvin’s usual nonsense.
 If Ireland is on your list, start here.

Show Notes:

• Why starting in Dublin and driving west works best
• The Ring of Kerry rule most folks don’t know
• Hidden stops that beat the...

A real talk episode on dream trips, Disney favorites, and the places that didn’t deliver. 

Stephanie and Ryan are sorting travel into three buckets:
 • Once was enough
 • Always on the calendar
 • Not worth a repeat

There’s real talk about Tahiti, Belize, Disney Cruise Line, Disney World, Punta Cana, and even a ski-trip confession. Plus, an eight-out-of-eight pizza spot in Dublin that you’ll want on your list.

Have a pick ...

This episode is all about weekend travel that actually feels worth it. Stephanie and Ryan break down destinations that are simple, fun, and easy to pull off in 3–4 days: Montreal, Charleston, and San Diego. They also talk about how to do Disneyland or Disney World without a full week, the ease of weekend cruises (Disney Wish, Utopia of the Seas, Celebrity), and a couple's escape at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Plus, Ryan gives a Cr...

Meltvin’s back with a slice of holiday cheer! 🍕 Stephanie and Ryan share three unforgettable trips you can wrap up this Christmas — from twinkling European markets to Disney magic at sea to all-inclusive Caribbean bliss.

Plus, Ryan serves up a Crusty Review of Giordano’s deep dish, and Stephanie drops ideas for surprise trip reveals (think scavenger hunts and Mickey ears). 

🎅 Subscribe and join the Pizza Pals community at ExtraChee...

This week, we talk about four river cruises that offer strong local culture and a slower, more meaningful pace. We get into what makes each river unique, how the onboard experience feels, and what kinds of travelers tend to love each one.

• Mekong — warm, colorful, daily life along the water
 • Nile — living history meets careful planning
 • Magdalena — music, flavor, and energy
 • Columbia & Snake — big landscapes w...

In this frosty slice of One Slice at a Time, Stephanie and Ryan debate the best way to experience Iceland. From puffin spotting and glacial rivers to black sand beaches and hot springs, they break down both styles—cruise versus road trip—so you can pick your perfect Iceland adventure.

🍕 Crusty Review: Pizza in Reykjavik—spoiler, the sign said “the worst pizza you’ll ever have.”

Mentioned This Episode:

• Windstar Cruises: Star Pride
• ...

 Bad travel advice is everywhere — and Stephanie and Ryan have heard it all. In this episode, they break down the most common myths that travelers keep repeating, from “just wing it” to “skip the tour guide.”

Find out which tips to ignore, which to keep, and how to plan a trip that’s extra cheese, not extra stress.

🎙 Hosted by: Stephanie Pakosta & Ryan Joy
 📰 Newsletter: ExtraCheese.fun
 🍕 Follow Us: @OneSlicePodcast o...

Stephanie and Ryan dive into what it really means to travel like a Disney adult—without the clichés. From Adventures by Disney’s exclusive adult itineraries in Europe and Japan to VIP park tours, hidden gems, and upscale dining at Disney resorts, this episode is packed with ways to experience Disney at a higher level.

🍷 Adult-only itineraries
 🎭 Behind-the-scenes tours
 🍽️ Upscale dining and lounges

They also share their t...

From vows to vacation — why a Sandals destination wedding might be the smartest (and most delicious) choice you’ll ever make.

Weddings at home are expensive, stressful, and often over before you can even taste the cake. In this slice, Stephanie and Ryan share how Sandals and Beaches Resorts flip the script by combining your wedding, honeymoon, and a family vacation into one unforgettable Caribbean experience.

They cover:

• Cost savi...